The tower seemed to be less welcoming than last time, I noted as I walk down a hall somebody told me to go to. Compared to the warmly lit areas I was used to in the tower, the hall I was walking in contained very dim lights, some flickering from time to time.

“I wonder if I’m going to encounter something here, like a...ghoul or something,” I said to myself, chuckling at the thought. “Might be a good thing I don’t have my gun with me.”

Suddenly, the sharp pain in my head returned once more, blurring my vision and threatening me to pass out. I took a deep breath and shook my head, leaning on the wall for support. At this point, I was considering seeing the Doc after whatever I was called in for.

The next thing I know, I got rammed into the wall and held there by something screaming. As I frantically tried to get myself out of the situation, a pulse of magic sent my attacker towards the opposite wall with a thud. Using the opportunity, I quickly pinned him on the wall and raised a forehoof, the mechanics inside whirring to life as I decided whether to end or spare whoever thought it was a good idea to just attack me in a dim area.

Slowly, my vision returned to normal and I can make out who is in front of me. It was griffin, though he seemed a lot less bigger than I thought, maybe just as big as me. He stared back at me angrily, trying to land a scratch on me or two but can’t due to how he is being pinned and his size.

“Go ahead,” he said with venom in his voice, “Kill me like the cold monster you are!”

I looked at him in confusion, “W-What?”

He narrowed his eyes, “Don’t act like you have a heart. I saw the way you looked as you attacked me, cold and murderous. Your stance even shows that you’re ready to kill me.”

“What in Equestria are you talking about?” I asked him, lowering my raised hoof but still keeping him pinned.

“Don’t act like you’re innocent!” The griffin yelled, doubling his efforts to injure me. “The citizens here might think you as a hero but that’s because they haven’t seen the horrors you can bring. But I...I know because I saw you kill my group without mercy!”

As he spoke that last sentence, I threw him down the floor. I could see blood at the tip of his claws (or talons) and felt a tingling sensation on my chest; he managed to land a hit before I threw him.

“Do you have a deathwish?!” I yelled at him, taking a few steps back. My breathing was unusually heavy and I can feel myself slightly shaking. “Look kid, I don’t want any trouble and I think it’s best that you just leave me be.”

He slowly stood up, “Why should I leave you when I can end you right now? If you can bleed, that means you can die!”

I continued to walk backwards as he advanced, claws ready. “Great, the biggest mistake I had is that I thought I can relax a bit,” I mumbled to myself.

Swipe one, swipe two, he wasted no time trying to close the distance between us and eager just to kill me for some unclear reason. The best I could do in such a small space and with no weapons was to simply dodge his claws, which was hard as he was faster than me. Seeing as how close his fourth attack was at my neck, I knew I had to do something quick. I crouched, avoiding his fifth strike, and lunged at him, hitting him squarely in the chest. Once more, I pinned him down on the ground with another forehoof on the air.

“Do it. Go ahead and kill me, you murderer,” the griffin sneered. At this point, I was close to doing just that. Instead, I shook my head and aimed for the head, intending to just knocking him out.

“That is enough, Eclipse. Hurt him no further and leave him be,” a voice from behind spoke out. “It was a wise you you haven’t murdered him in cold blood.”

I obliged, wanting no more part of whatever this was. I got off him and walked a few steps backward, my eyes still on him. He glared back at me as he got back up from the ground.

“I want an explanation,” I demanded, turning around to face a robed figure. “Is there already a plan to just kill me here? Or am I missing something?”

The robed figure shook his head and tapped twice on the wall beside him, opening a hidden door, “Proceed here, the council is waiting. I promise you this time no one will try to end your life.”

I looked at the door and then at the two beings with me. It seemed the wound I sustained wasn’t too serious to them as they haven’t offered any help for it. With a sigh, I walked through the door to another dim walkway.

After a few minutes of walking and checking my wound, I have exited into a dark room. I concluded it was a large one, as I haven’t seen a wall yet.

What is it with large rooms with little to no lighting?

“Hello?” I called, my voice echoing.

A light flashed on me, temporarily blinding me. As soon as my vision cleared, I could somewhat see the room. There were platforms and on the platforms were more robed figures. It was an unsettling sight to be honest.

“Welcome!” The one in front of me boomed. “I see that you had no problems with your first test. Congratulations, you have been spared death!”

“Unfortunately…” I heard the griffin mumble behind me.

“But, that is one of the many tests we have for you!” With a blinding flash, my environment has been revealed. It was indeed as large as I thought, with panels of light running across the walls.

“Do you kill? Or will you risk your life in exchange for another?”

The way he spoke unnerved me, his tone cold and emotionless. I noticed the griffin fly up towards a much smaller platform and stayed there, keeping his eyes on me.

Suddenly, bullets whizzed by me. I quickly ducked at the closest cover to me, a large piece of concrete. The room surely was built for situations like this.

What the fuck?!

“What now, Lightbringer?!” An insane-sounding voiced yelled out. “Come out and fight me, you piece of shit!”

More gunshots filled the air. Once more, I was scared for my life. I had nothing to protect myself with against whoever was calling the shots.

I was back to square one.

“What now, hero? What are you going to do?” The griffin taunted me. I was confused, he was pretty far up from me but I can still hear him clearly. Even more confusing, it seems whoever is shooting doesn't notice the figures above him.

I looked up and my heart sank. I saw the clouds, the gray and angry clouds that block the sky. I was starting to think I was going insane.

What the fuck?!

I aimlessly stared in front of me, trying to calm myself down and snap back to reality. I had to do something; it’s do or die.

I cautiously peeked at the side, looking for the source of the gunshots. I see nobody and realized how quiet the place got. And it wasn’t the good, relieving silence, it was a tense and dreadful one.

“What’s happening…” I mumbled to myself. With a sigh, I looked back in front of me and got one of the worst shockers of my life. The face of a deranged stallion looked back at me, his eyes filled with madness and scars and festering wounds decorated his face.

“Look who we got here,” he spoke with childish glee. “The one proclaimed hero of the wasteland.”

I screamed and did what any sane pony would do; punch him in the face and hoof it. I could hear him running after me, his sickening laughter just behind me.

He has a gun, I kept on thinking, He has a gun and could shoot me at anytime.

I kept running. Run. Run. The laughter just behind me.

Then It stopped. I kept running but I couldn’t hear his footsteps anymore. Only his laughter remained but even that slowly faded away.

Suddenly, I was stopped by a metal wall. I was surprised, it seemed to come out of nowhere. I examined it and my blood ran cold as soon as my eyes landed on the middle of what I thought was a wall.

05

“Where did you come from?” A voice asked, “What is your past?”

Despite the thickness of the entrance, I could hear groans coming from the other side. I shuddered at the ghastly sounds and slowly backed away from the stable door.

Thud

My body froze as I looked at the entrance. The groans gave stopped, it being replaced by terrifying silence.

Thud

The door hissed, as it does when it opens. There was no blaring alarm though, just a hiss and the sound of moving gears.

Then the screech of two metals scraping against each other replaced the silence. The damned screech of the stable door opening. It was painful to my ears but I couldn’t do anything to dampen the noise. All I could do was stare at the door as it slowly moves back.

A deep laughter emanated from within the stable. I also noticed a small black mist snaking out of one of the cracks. The color seemed familiar to me.

And the door fully opened, black mist spilling around me, blotting out what’s left of the sun’s light. Somewhere within the mist, I could see a much darker silhouette shuffling towards me. The groans have returned, growing louder by the second.

A leg stepped out from the mist, a distinct blue clothing covering the upper half of it. The clothing was ripped and there was barely any fur on the leg.

A snarl came out from the owner of the leg.

“Please no…” I muttered, taking a step backward, eyes still plastered on the leg. And then I heard the laugh again. This time, I recognized who owns it.

“Welcome back, my little pony…” He laughed as he said that line. “Enjoying this so far?”

I scanned my surroundings, peering through the mist for any signs of it. Glowing eyes, a darker dark, anything to give away his position. Alas, I was met with nothing. Once more, my eyes rested on the leg which obviously belonged to a once-dead ghoul.

“Show yourself,” I growled at the figure in front of me. I was scared, terrified...but something compels me to be just a little bit aggressive.

“As you wish,” the cursed entity replied. With a sudden screech, the figure in front of me finally revealed itself as it pounced at me, snarling like some feral beast. Quick reactions or just fear and adrenaline, I punched it in the face as it got close enough, sending it back to the ground with a sickening crunch.

Stay calm, Eclipse.

I was shaking hard, my breathing ragged. I don’t know what’s going on but my mind is not handling anything very well. I felt vulnerable, just like the first time I entered the Wasteland.

And then the whole scenery changed once again. I was suddenly in a white room. It was clean and well-lit, a very different scenery than the ruined and dark environment I was somewhat used to. I also noticed I was sitting on what looked like a bed similar to the one in Doc’s place, except much cleaner and less springs poking out.

“Hey, hey, are you okay?” A feminine voice cut through my thoughts. I quickly shook my head and look to where the source came from.

A mare with white coat and pink mane looked back at me, a worried expression on her face. I noticed a small hat on her head, with a red cross on it. If I was confident enough, I would have assumed she was a nurse.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” She asked again, tilting her head to the side.

This time, I found my voice, “I...don’t know?”

She sighed, “You should really try not pushing yourself so hard on your job. You already do your job so well, you don't have to keep on overworking so much.”

I slowly nodded, unsure on what to say, and looked at my forelegs. The change in scenery to something much cleaner made me think that maybe the scenery isn’t the only thing that changed. And I was right, the metal braces or PipBuck was not on me.

I looked back at the mare and she raised an eyebrow at me. She seemed familiar, with her looks and such. A calm and peaceful aura seemed to radiate from her.

Cute

“You seem pretty interested in staring at me,” she told me with a smirk. “Do you think something is wrong with me?”

I shook my head, “N-No...that’s not it.” I stammered.

She leaned in closer, a questioning look on her face this time, “Then, what is it?”

I can only stare, my mind unable to think. She looked familiar, but at the same time, a stranger. Out of place, that’s what she also looked to me.

Out of time.

I opened my eyes and found myself back in the big room. Still standing in front of the robed figures. I felt exhausted, my mind filtering out information to determine whether I’m in some imagination of mine or in reality.

“You passed our last test, even with the confusing answers we have received,” the closest robe told me.

“Why…?” Was all I can say after what I went through. I wanted to be mad. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to strangle the damn griffin who kept his smug look as he continued to eye me. But all that came out was a weak "Why...?"

“You are not the first of your kind to come in here,” he answered. “He started with a pleasant personality. He helped the folks of this city and protected this place. But he slowly became aggressive. It was unnoticeable at first, a glare or an irritated grunt now and then. But it slowly increased as days pass, his actions becoming more dangerous to others.

“The first incident arrived. He hit someone with no reason, strong enough to knock them out. He smiled at the unconscious pony, a crazed smile. The security immediately arrested him and asked him questions. Then the second incident hit. He fought ferociously against the security. Lost two lives in the conflict, 3 more injured. It was at this point, they decided to bring him to us.”

He pointed to a dark mark on the wall behind me, “That was what’s left of him. We looked into his mind like what we did with yours a while ago. Unlike you, unfortunately, we found out he was what you may call a time-bomb disaster. He’s an experiment, made to slowly grow crazy as time passes. And he was close to exploding.”

“I...I see,” I observed the dark mark, coming to a conclusion that they have killed him where he stood. “So, what’s your judgement for me?”

“If you are wondering, it is not death,” the robe answered me. “But our judgement is not necessarily good for you.”

I gulped, not liking the last sentence, “What would it be then?”

“The council, after looking through your memories, have come to a final decision. You may be innocent and will not harm anyone in Lux but your actions have outside these walls require us to come to a final decision.”

He paused, probably for dramatic effects.

“Eclipse, you are to be exiled from Lux.”

I don’t know how many times I’ve thought I’d find peace in the chaotic world I am in now. I think twice? Thrice? But I do remember when that thought first popped in: Stable 05. The clean walls and floor, the comfortable beds, the stale yet lovely food preserved in high-tech refrigerators, and the thick and protective walls and entrance.

And then as soon as I thought of it, disaster struck and left me running once more in the wastes. Defending myself from the dangers the Wastes threw at me. Protecting my friends who were unfortunate to find me.

And then I found Lux. It was a promising place, for me and those with me. At that point, I realized how much risk I am to be with for the others. I feared that if they continue to travel with me, they’d end up killed. It’s only luck they haven’t yet.

But I will not wait for death to catch up to them.

I made it my goal to complete my group and at least find a place that we can go to from time to time to rest. I can even leave Raindrops with someone(most likely Selena) while I go “adventure”, meaning she would not have to face rains of bullets and near-death experience at such an early age and maybe, she might find peace here. Maybe some other friends too.

But I would need to find Raindrops first.

Of course, I planned to look for her as soon as I checked on the others, but it seemed a wrench has been thrown at my plans, whatever that means.

And now, I worry how I’ll get Raindrops a nice place to stay.

I was too stunned to make a response, other than letting my jaw slacken. Exile. For what?

“Come on, what did I do this time?” I yelled at them with frustration. “Cut your cryptic mumbo-jumbo and get straight to the point!”

The robe leader took a step back in surprise, before composing himself and replying, “Your presence here has disrupted the peace we had with the raiders outside these walls, unfortunately. The attack a few days ago would be the first of many should you continue to stay here, especially after your encounter with the biggest raider boss in Land 35.”

“W-What…?” I managed to stammer out, confused at the reply. “Peace? Between you and the raiders?”

“Yes, peace…” He nodded, “We have made a deal with most of them some time ago. Do not attack our city and we will allow them to trade with us with a discount.”

“That must be one of the most unbelievable things I’ve heard today…” I mumbled to myself, “And how I did I ruin this so called peace?”

“You have attracted the attention of the biggest raider boss of 35, the stallion who had killed several abominations on his own. Knowing him, he will keep an eye on you, and if what your friends say is accurate, he will be hunting you down. And I cannot allow that. If he finds you here, he will show no mercy to the citizens of Lux. Everything we have done throughout the years can all crash down in just a few destructive hours.”

The griffin smirked at me and nodded. I had a feeling he somehow made this whole meeting happen.

“So, the majority of the council has decided to exile you from Lux,” the robed figure boomed. “We regret to make this choice but there is no other alternatives possible. We cannot risk the safety of Lux for just one pony.”

At that point, I...had the thought of killing the griffin. A hint of blue mist was around his neck for a moment but it quickly dissipated. Suffice to say, I was pretty pissed at that guy.

“What’s going on here?!” Somebody yelled from the darkness. I instantly recognized the voice.

Selena walked out from one of the doors shrouded in darkness, along with Fortis and Doc. She looked furious, and so was the other two. The griffin flew down towards them and huffed.

“This is none of your business, Selena,” the griffin told her. “The council has decided and there’s nothing you or your friends can do about it.”

“How many times I told you he isn’t the same pony that attacked your group?!” Fortis yelled at him.

The griffin’s wing opened and he puffed his chest in a threatening matter, poking a claw on Fortis’ chest, “Don’t think that your opinions matter here, traitor. Most may have accepted your return already but that doesn’t mean that they forgave you.”

“Enough!” The robed figure boomed as both griffin and pony were forcefully separated. “I will not tolerate a petty argument that could be the start of a pointless fight.”

He then looked at Selena, “We are sorry that we have not included you in this decision but your emotions could impair your judgement on what’s good for the city and its inhabitants! You have to understand why we did this-”

“Because a griffin with a grudge told you so?” Selena interrupted him.

“Because he might as well lead this city to its demise!” He replied, “He has attracted the eyes of one of the strongest groups in this land, a group we have no chance in winning with or without him.”

“What makes you think that they’ll leave us alone if we let him go?” She questioned, “He also has done a fair good amount for us! We can’t simply let him go out and die there.”

I stood there in silence as they continue to argue about me. It’s amazing how much can happen in a few days. Yesterday, I enjoyed a healthy amount of cider, wishing that we can do it every night. Today, it looks like I have to pack up and leave, due to the increasing danger the city is facing because of me.

But even so, I knew life wouldn’t give me a break. So I made the choice that would lead to a better life for others.

“Selena, it’s okay,” I finally spoke up. “You don’t have to fight for my place here.”

She looked at me, shocked and confused, “What do you mean it’s okay? Don’t you know how many lives have been lost whenever they were made to leave this place? I refuse to make the same mistake and lose another one!”

“I’d rather give my life for the safety of everyone else in this wonderful town,” I calmly told her. “He’s right, that robe, I might have brought too much trouble with me.”

“N-No…” Selena stuttered, a tear streaking down her face. She slowly walked towards me, “No, you...you don’t have to do this. W-We can think of a compromise!”

Doc stepped forward, “I hate to admit this but...I agree with him. And it’s his choice if he wants to leave, Sel.”

Selena let out a shaky sigh before wiping her tears away, “I...You’re right…”

Finally, the magic barriers holding Fortis and the griffin dissipated. The griffin grumbled something under his breath and walked away from us while Fortis glared at him.

I looked at the robed figure and spoke, “Would it be unfair to ask for a favor?”

He tapped his chin for a moment and shook his head, “Our words may be harsh but we are not unjust. We have acknowledged the good deeds you have done for Lux and it’s citizens. So, do tell, what is your favor?”

“There’s a place called Ghost town, for some reason,” I started. “It’s not too far from here and that’s where I found Fortis and the ponies he was protecting. If it was possible, could you try to fortify that place?”

“Hmmm, why so?” He asked.

“I can’t stay here and I doubt the friends that came here with me will stay here,” I replied. “You don’t have to fortify the whole place, maybe just an area big enough for a few ponies and maybe some passing travellers.”

He didn’t reply for a while, seemingly in deep thought, “That is possible, but there is a problem. There is group there, we fear it to be raiders. If you can clear them out, then you request shall be granted.”

“Then I’ll take care of them,” I bowed, out of respect. “Thank you, that’s all I’m asking for.”

The Wasteland grows darker.

I inspected my faithful revolver, seeing if there was anything different about it. It seemed to be in the same condition as when I found it in Ponyville, despite the amount of troubles it had to go through for me. With a nod, I holstered it and set my eyes on the Wasteland.

A tumbleweed drifts by.

“Looks like we can’t have a break with Eclipse around leading us,” Autumn mused as he gave his wings a flapped or two.

“Aiyup,” Jewel agreed, gently cleaning her beloved double-barreled shotgun. “Looks like we three are in another world o’ pain.”

“Hey, you guys can leave anytime you want,” I retorted, fixing my saddlebag. “I never threatened you two to stay with me.”

A chuckle arose from the two and I merely shook my head. They were going to stick with me for good, for the better or the worse. I sighed and turned around, facing the walls of Lux. Being made of concrete, they would stand for a long time to defend those that want to destroy the life within.

Since I was the only one being targeted, Peridot and Chara could stay. It would be up to them if they want to join us once we cleared up the place I chose.

Outside the walls with the me and my companions are Doc and Larynx. Selena had already said her goodbyes and Fortis was busy reassuring her I’ll be fine.

“Hey, if you need something, feel free to come back here,” Larynx told me. “The council decided that you can have short visits to Lux, one whole day max.”

“And don’t forget to check any clinics around the Wasteland,” Doc reminded me. “But make sure they won’t try to kill you. Most clinics always have a ‘Doctor Feelgood’ name on them.”

“Won’t forget about it,” I nodded, “Thanks for all the things you’ve done for me and my friends. If you guys need help, just look where trouble is.”

Larynx smirked, “You betcha! I’ll be listening for any ruckus you make out there.”

BONG

The sound of a large bell being struck once emanated from the town, echoing out into the outside world.

“Well, looks like we have to get inside now,” Doc pointed at the gate. “Every time the bell rings, the gates close until the break of dawn. You can get in during that time but you have to leave most of your possessions.”

“Well, see you guys sooner or later,” I told them. With a nod, both of them head for the gates.

“Let’s go.”

We started to walk towards our next destination, a not-so-abandoned town not too far from Lux. It seemed to always contain raiders, scavengers, or barely-surviving wastelanders. And I had the pleasure to meet all three.

“Who do you think will we meet this time?” I asked my companions.

“Probably justa bunch of raiders. That town seems t’be a hotspot for ‘em,” Autumn answered with a light chuckle.

We barely walked 5 meters away from the walls when we started hearing shouting from within. I stopped and looked back, curious to what’s happening. I was aware of how much Two-Face wants to get me but to arrive here in such a short notice?

My other two companions waited for a sign that it is indeed another raider attack while I was ready to unholster my weapon and shoot. Straining to hear something, I surveyed the surroundings for any sign of the familiar shape of crudely-made armor.

Suddenly, we spotted someone running out from the gate, quickly followed by a bunch more. The first thing I thought that it could be just a troublemaker. When I saw flash of purple and said pony was suddenly was suddenly much farther than their pursuers was when I recognized the pony.

“Amethyst!” I yelled out, waving my leg with a PipBuck to show her where I am.

She looked at me and started galloping towards me, with the other ponies following her too. I walked a few steps forward, expecting her to slow down once she gets close enough to me. Instead, she continued full force and tackled me to the ground with her infamous death hug.

While I lay down on the ground with a mare on top of me, I could hear the sounds of shouting getting closer. I heard a gasp as a magic shield covered both of us, interestingly enough.

“Amethyst, why can’t you greet me like a normal pony?” I jokingly asked her, tapping her shoulder.

“I-I’m so sorry!” She stuttered, quickly getting off me and helping me back up on my feet. Her face was red, probably from embarrassment. “I-I didn’t me to tackle you down to the ground.”

“Yes, you did,” I shook my head and smiled at her. “It’s okay though, I forgive you. What are you doing out here anyways?”

She looked like she was about to tear up, “I...I heard you were exiled from this place…”

I mentally hit myself, I have forgotten to tell her! I gave her a quick hug, “Sorry that I forgot to tell you, but I’ll be fine, don’t worry about it.”

She looked at me with glossy eyes, “Will I see you again?”

“Don’t be like that, Amethyst,” I hugged her tighter. “We struck up a deal, I can visit but only once every two days.”

“I...I think I should tell you something,” she told me, letting me go.

“Hmm, what is it?” I asked, curious to what she has to say.

She took a deep breath and started speaking quickly, “Larynx told me that I can tell you since he believes we might need your help one day. There’s a secret entrance to the radio tower, a tunnel underneath the city. Nobody but the me and Larynx- and you now I guess- know about it. Not even the council. Look for a nearby shack, there should be a mark on it. A cloud with lightning. That should be your way in.”

Once she was done, she did a quick inhale before placing her head on my chest. I sighed and gently patted her head before noticing once more the shield surrounding us. It became much more solid that I could not properly see what’s outside of the shield. There seemed to be no sound coming from outside too, though any that did manage to go through is just muffled. I safely concluded anything Amethyst said to me would not be heard by anyone else but me. Lucky her.

“So, Amethyst, what now?” I asked her after a while. She looked up to me, a shy smile on her face.

“I...I guess I could...go back…” She mumbled dejectedly before her eyes lit up, “O-Or maybe…”

“You have to go back,” I sighed. “Coming with us is out of the question. It’s too dangerous.”

“B-But...I promise I won’t get in the way!” She insisted, looking at me with puppy eyes.

“Amethyst, please, I can’t promise that I can fully protect you if you do come with us,” I sternly told her. “If anything happens to you under my watch, Larynx won’t forgive me. I won’t forgive myself. Do you understand?”

She placed her head on my chest again and mumbles a “yes” before sobbing again. Once more, I hugged her.

“This has been a weird two or three days meeting for both of us, huh?” I asked her, a dry chuckle coming out from me. “So much has happened. Come on now, it’s okay to cry but you still have to get home.”

“Promise you’ll visit me?” She lifted her head up and looked up at me.

“I’ll do you a better one,” I leaned closer to her and kissed her forehead. For that brief moment, she froze.

“I-I-Wasthatreallynecessary” she squeaked out. I gently smiled at her.

“It could be the last time I have a chance to do that”

“Don’t say that…”

I looked at the shield surrounding us, “Well, I guess you have to go now, before the folks outside find a way to break through.”

“I guess so…” She sighed and gives me a sad smile. “Stay out of danger, will you? And please come back and visit when you have the chance, I won’t be the only one missing you.”

I gave her a nod and watched as her horn glowed brighter before a bright flash blinded me for a moment. When I could see again, she was gone and so was the shield. A crowd of curious onlookers looked at me, a question look on their faces.

“Go home folks! Nothing to see here.”