Grizzled old Doc Scalpel is not the medical pony I hoped to wake up to... The elderly stallion noticed me shift on the uncomfortable cot and took his time getting up from the ancient desk across the room, stashing a bottle of clear alcohol of some kind after taking another swig.

"Ah, awake are ya? Good, can get outta my mane, other patients to take care of who pay. Go on, get up, let's see ya breathe."

I felt a stitch in my side gasping in when I moved, but I no longer felt like my lungs were stuffed with cotton candy, so that was better than my last memories. I slowly crawled off the cot to the dirty tiled floor, looking around the small back room of his clinic presumably. It was surprising it was just the two of us, I had kind of expected Jade to be taking care of me with Val and Glitter nearby. The old doctor and I didn't really get along but he was the one who was managing my recovery?

"T-thought you said you wouldn't help me if I needed it? Being a thief and all..."

Scalpel rolled his eyes and walked over to a small side door, opening it to stare at the dark room beyond with a scowl. "Ayup, what I said alright... reconsidered, thank yer mare, she begged an' yer wound was a tad above her skillset. Also figured anypony the Institute wants dead ain't all bad, hate them bastards more than you."

"You know about them?" I was sore moving around but this conversation was suddenly taking my mind off my body as I stretched out.

"Course I do, been 'round awhile ya know, think I don't know nothin'? Just cause I don't care 'bout much outside my little corner o' the Commonwealth don't mean I'm ignorant bout what they do to the rest of it... Seen shit that would turn yer mane white young'un, their... experiments... Evil bastards the lot of em."

And I thought Scalpel didn't like me, the seething fury in his voice totally adjusted the scale. "If you hate them maybe you can help me? Tell me what you know? I'm going to do something about them doctor, anything you can tell me..."

My attempt at prying for information was cut short by a snort as he shut the door and turned, narrowing his tired green eyes. "Seen ponies like you too in my years, why I didn't like ya soon as I saw ya, know yer kinda trouble. Think yer the first to say that?! Oh sure, we'll just join together our merry band o' fools an go fight the big, bad Institute! They been up to their nasty business 200 years but it'll be different now that you're here right? Horseapples!"

"Alright... maybe you have a point... But I still have to try. Things will never change if no one does anything and I have... reasons..." I replied through gritted teeth but got through it. This was the first time I wanted to extend conversation with the old medic, I wasn't going to lose my temper.

"Sure you do! You dimwits always got reasons! Followed one o' yer kind around when I was a buck myself, all fulla high minded ideas too. Makin' Hex better, bringin' folks together, improvin' the Commonwealth... I'm all that's left o' that nonsense an' ya see how I ended up don'cha?

"As a bitter old stallion pushing everypony away?! Yeah I got the idea." Alright... I tried not to lose my temper anyway...

"That's right, mean ol' Doc Scalpel! What's he know? Other than how to save yer ass, an' plenty other ponies since long 'fore you were in diapers!" I seriously doubted that as I had at least a century on the elderly doctor technically.

"You believed enough to follow somepony like me once, what would they think?"

Scalpel looked like I slapped him and the wind went out of his sails, a wet glimmer in his eye actually made me feel bad about that last exchange. Finally he sighed and answered without the fuming, combative tone, "Probably not much o' me now... He was a good pony, cared... made even me care. Went on adventures with em, always needed healin' he did, how you think I got so good? Savin' a damn fool what got skewered by a manticore tends ta sharpen yer skills." He actually chuckled wistfully lost in the memory of his old friend.

"S-sorry... Sounds like you two were good friends, you must miss him. What... what happened? If you don't mind me asking doctor."

"The Institute is what. Stayed with that idjit all the way to Diamond City... then they killed em."

That hard look on the old stallion's face returned but I had a good idea what was behind it, "The night of the broken mask?"

"Just so. Mare we all trusted, part o' our crew for years, she was with him at the meetin' and she tore his heart out, literally." The doctor walked up to me with his horn glowing and a stony expression. I felt his magic probe at my side painfully causing me to hiss before it stopped and he shoved me into walking a few steps.

"Ow... Sorry... you really cared about him a lot huh?"

He glowered at me, finally sighing and showing a hint of real emotion in there. "Damn fool. Toasty was the only one fer me and he gets himself killed by those fuckers... Anything to stick it to em now is worth it to me, even helpin' you out. Know yer just gonna repeat the whole damn tragedy again though, leave yer mare to turn into me. Ya survived this time, how bout you stop pokin' the dragon son?"

"I can't... they took my family, I want them back. Everything else I've found out about them is just more reason to hate them on top of that, including what they did to your friend Toasty. I'm going to find them and make them pay."

Scalpel grunted and waved a hoof dismissively, like he expected no less. "Gotta admit, they've gotten even better at makin' their damn synth copies since then. Lash's bitch is damn near a work o' art," he gestured to the room behind him absently.

"It's here?! You saw it?"

"Took a peek, yer griffon brought it in not long after you, said you'd want it. Back in my day they were just fake hide, plastic flesh under, looked right on top but not if you cut em. That thing though... bleeds, has muscle on top o' metal bones, real organics, be hard pressed to tell what it was even if I knew. Damn handy with that blade too, knew just where to hit ya, lucky you didn't drown on yer own blood fore they brought you in."

Real proof of the Institute... it hadn't melted away, it was right there in the other room... I started shuffling towards the doorway immediately, "I have to see it."

Scalpel shoved me back with no effort, I'm not the toughest pony around but it shouldn't be that easy should it? I must be weaker than I thought, I had to admit he was a good doctor since I didn't feel terrible. "Nope. It ain't goin' anywhere, yer marefriend seemed to think it would just get ya worked up an that's the last thing ya need. Go on, get, promised yer 'princess' out there I'd keep an eye on ya an I have. They're all waitin' on ya, she's handlin' my other patients while I wasted the last couple'a hours on you, makin' a big damn crowd too. Folks wanna party with the 'Princess o' Sanctuary' they can go do it further away from my damn clinic, plenty o' wounded to deal with. Do hafta admit not near as many as there coulda been though, s'pose you didn't do that bad a job, never liked Lash anyway. Now shoo! Out!"

With that the old medic opened the door to the rest of the clinic and shoved me out in a field of magic, dumping me in the main room with a crowd waiting and slamming the door behind me, drawing all the attention in the room...

"Fast!"

"Daddy!"

"Boss!"

Getting tackled by an alicorn, a foal and a griffon all at once threatened to take my hard won breath away again. The tight hug from Glitter and smothering kisses from Jade were kind of mitigated by Val repeatedly punching me in the shoulder though.

"Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again. Boss!" Each word got punctuated by another curled claw bashing me just enough to sting.

"Ow, ow, ow, ok Val... hadn't planned on it..."

Once they all backed off enough for me to see and breathe again I could take in the scene out here, Scalpel was right, there was a crowd. Jade was still in her princess costume, a beautiful sight despite her looking a bit frazzled. There were several ponies under her care out in the clinic's main room but they all looked healthy. Several were the mares from Lash's office who eyed Val warily but did look happy to see me out and about again.

Jade glanced at their smiling faces and turned a glare on them making them all wilt under its intensity. "You were very hurt Fast, we were all worried. You should not have allowed those... associates of the mayor's so close. I am most disappointed, you may not permit any other mares near you again. Do you understand me?"

"R-right... sorry Jade, got it." I certainly got the impression fear of attack wasn't her only motivation here. She may have been healing the former mayor's harem this whole time, but the scowl she sent their way threatened just the opposite.

Glitter was at least happy with me without any recriminations, since we had met while I was recovering from being blown up I supposed a simple stab wound wasn't enough to worry her that much. "It's about time pop! You're missin' the party! Everypony's been askin' bout you!"

Beyond the doors to the doctor's business a crowd indeed filled the streets, a fairly happy crowd in Hex for once which was an odd sight. Just from my vantage point I could see drinks being shared, food being cooked over fire barrels and handed out to ponies, ghouls and zebras alike. All three groups mingling and actually celebrating with their meager means in this town, hard to put on a real party with so little but somehow they were managing. I heard somepony outside shout I was ok over the music drifting in and a cheer ran through the crowd, rippling away from the clinic into the streets of Hex.

Before I could say more than a word to the only ones I really wanted to talk to a drunken crowd barged in and grabbed me, hoisting me on their backs and trotting outside over Jade's protests. Her medical opinion I should not be dragged out into the streets was ignored in favor of doing just that, to make the princess come out and celebrate as she had been promising while waiting for me, from what I gathered based on slurred shouts. Being roughly handled by a mob of happy ponies was pretty anxiety producing but it did what they wanted, Jade flew out after with Glitter following in her wake, but was cut short by Val slamming to the ground in front of us.

"Put 'im down, right now..." she had her pistol out... that got even the revelers attention.

"S-sure Miss... meant no harm..." the poor earth pony stallion in the lead slapped his fellows into dropping me gently to the ground.

"Val it's ok, they're just happy I think?"

I got dragged away from the group trying to apologize and offer drinks, "Lettin' random fools get all close like that is what got ya hurt boss. Any one of them could be one of those... things... Not happenin' again got it?" A determined frown was on her face while she hissed down at me, she was really upset at what happened in Lash's office.

Considering her point I had to admit she was right, the synth had been able to just walk right up to me and stab me with no resistance. Any of these happy looking ponies could be another alright, still... I pushed past her and apologized back to the worried looking party goers, taking one of the offered drinks and raising it to their health, only sipping it though as they cheered and returned to their celebrating.

"I know Val, it's a risk we have to take though. If we treat everypony like they're an enemy... like they could be one of them... If we're suspicious and try to stay apart because we're afraid, then the Institute wins. That's what they want."

"But!"

"Val there's a party going on and you're all grumpy, what's wrong?" I expected her to be out here enjoying herself.

The normally cheery griffon's face screwed up and she huffed angrily, "What's wrong? What's wrong is I'm 'posed ta guard ya and that thing just walked right up an... it coulda... I... I totally screwed up boss... Thought it was funny seein' ya squirm with those fillies huggin' on ya. Didn't even think... What kinda bodyguard am I if I let ya get skewered right in front of me?"

Watching her droop as she poured it all out was just wrong, she had been holding on to this the whole time I was out? "Val... It's not your fault ok? You're a great bodyguard, nobody could predict something like that, kinda the whole point to making synths far as I can tell. You took it down so fast it didn't even melt like that robot though, you got me out to a healer and saved me, you brought the body for me so I can look at it... when I'm allowed.... Don't blame yourself like this, celebrate a job well done! Have fun! Please?"

She looked like she was struggling with a retort but taking a page from Glitter's book and using the puppy eyes trick on her started breaking through. "S-stop it boss... quit with the cuteness... ya coulda died. Yer not funny..."

Having the true master of the ploy I was using come up and join me side by side was almost unfair. Glitter took up the role perfectly adding her own glistening stare up to the mercenary trying desperately not to burst out laughing. "Please Auntie Val... I don't like ya grouchy either, dad's right! You're great!"

"Pfffft! A-alright! Stop! Jeez... embarassin' me both of ya, cut it out! I'm still keepin' a close eye on ya boss, but fine you win, knock it off!" Hearing her snicker through her protestations was much better. Rolling her eyes she turned back to the poor group she had scared half to death and took up the largest offered drink, downing it in one long gulp to laughter and cheers.

"Alright! Lemme show you little ponies how drinkin's done!"

Jade had to push her way through the well wishers and politely decline all the drinks a princess warranted to nuzzle me as we walked, floating my cloak out and around my shoulders to keep back the chill. "That was good Fast, I was a bit concerned for her. She didn't move from the doctors door this whole time. I much prefer the Valkyrie I have grown accustomed to, crude as she may be."

Anything that got me Jade's praise made me grin, plus the happy atmosphere was infectious. These were folks who had lived under a cloud for a long time and just now saw a light peeking through. If the metaphor held true I wondered what it was like when the actual Lightbringer cleared the skies and brought back the sun and moon for real. I sipped at the drink I had shoved in my muzzle slowly despite her slightly annoyed tsks, it would be rude not to join in at all right? The fact I just had to hold up under her watchful eye instead of having it taken from me must mean she agreed.

As we made our slow way through the crowd I spotted Oblige Heart near the steps to the town hall where some tables had been set up, waving to us. This had to be the least overworked and burnt out I had ever seen the mare, she really was pretty without the weight of a town on her shoulders. She had several guards near her along with a few more of the mares from the mayor's office, including the grey unicorn in red whose concern had been for her friends in the middle of a gunfight. The pink earth pony I had met previously was there too and came trotting over, a lot more clear eyed than I had seen her.

"Sweetie! You're ok! The gals and I were worried, shame to not get to celebrate with you, deserve a heroes reward don't ya?"

Her playful flirting was immediately cut off by a big blue wall of alicorn standing between us, furling one wing over me. "Fast is fine now, I am caring for him, he should not overexert himself Miss Satin."

Jade must have treated her too, I never got her name in our limited... interactions. Satin eyed the two of us coyly, "Ooooh, so the good doctor is your special somepony sweetie? Well, well, she taking care of you right? Better be careful doc, tempting to snatch a cutie like this away..."

Watching her sputter and blush was cute but I should cut this off now before Jade blew a gasket, "Sorry, not up for grabs Miss Satin, this is the only mare for me. Glad you're ok, you seem better than the last couple times I saw you."

Satin rubbed the healing marks on her forelegs and shuffled, "Yeah... your kindly filly there and Oblige gave a lot of us a good talking too about our... lifestyle. Being off the Med-X is like waking up from a long dream but least thanks to the doctor here I'm not crawling up the walls from withdrawal. Lot of us were worried bout what we'd do now but Oblige over there has been talking up working for her now. Always thought she was an uptight little bookworm but... well she's a good pony huh? Says there's lots of real work to do and she could use our help to run this place, ain't that something sweetie? Me helping run this place with the mayor.. er- council... instead of just being... you know."

"That sounds great Satin, I'm really happy for you all. I knew Oblige cared about everypony here, with some actual help who knows what you can accomplish now. It sounds like much better work, I'm sure you'll do great!" Putting the mares to real work and giving them purpose sounded like a brilliant idea to me, I had never even thought about what would come next for them but Oblige already had.

The former pleasure mare gave a genuine smile and nodded, not the falsely seductive ones I had seen before, it looked much better. "Thank you sweetie! Be less fun work but more rewarding that's for sure. We owe you both a lot. You know... if your filly friend is as innocent as you are we could have a little fun as a last hurrah... have to make sure she knows how to keep her honey happy right?"

Her stifled giggles along with the guffaws of the nearby crowd made both of us turn red, though Jade tightened her wing around me and moved back stammering at her. "T-t-that is n-not n-necessary!"

Wiping a tear from her eye Satin managed to stop nickering, "Sorry doc, just kidding! Mostly... Why don't you two go talk to the new boss mare? She's been waiting on you, the gals and I will be around if you change your mind!"

Jade groused at her teasing, keeping herself between us as we walked on to Oblige waiting for us eagerly, with Jade continuing to shoot glances back to make sure the pink mare hadn't followed. We greeted one of the new rulers of Hexington gratefully as she gestured to empty seats at a nearby table. We had to wait a few moments as Obige kept giving instructions or greeting her new constituents, but eventually she got a free moment and gave me a warm hug.

"Mr. Times! Excellent to see you're alright, the other council members and I were quite concerned. Horrible to have all you worked for tainted by you not being here to see it."

"Thanks Miss Obige, looks even better than I hoped. Satin told us you offered all of her friends work, that's really smart. Knew you were the mare for the job." Bringing a flushed smile to the formerly harried face felt good, she really was a lot better than her old boss at this, in only a few hours on the job no less.

"Yes well, we will see. Hardly fair to judge based on tonight's festivities, the real test will be the days to come. If all you said about help from the Minutemares and your... forgive me, the Princess' kingdom of Sanctuary, is true then I am hopeful. The ladies have taken to the idea of a new line of work, why young Misty Breeze here has already been proving herself a wonderful assistant. Have to see about getting her more proper attire though.

The lacy red outfit seemed fine for the festivities but the grey unicorn flushed a bit, remembering her concern for the mare who turned out to be a synth I had a couple questions for her despite her sudden shyness. Jade and Oblige had found aspects of the running of Hexington related to her hopes of spreading the Followers of the Apocalypse through the Commonwealth, giving me a chance to talk to the unicorn filly quietly.

"Misty, I'm glad you're doing so well, er... sorry about all that up in the mayor's office, is your leg ok?"

She turned to show the limb in question and I could barely tell where the wound had been, "Oh yes! T-thank you Mr. Times, if you hadn't thrown us all down..."

"Don't worry about it, and it's Fast please. I kinda caused all the shooting to begin with so I can't take credit for sparing you more than just the one wound, shouldn't have gotten that much. Umm... if you don't mind I was hoping to ask you some questions, you asked me to go after the two in Lash's office by name, did you know them well?"

Comprehension lit her eyes and she edged away from the others a bit closer to me, leaning over to whisper fearfully. "Y-you mean Tart... the... the s-synth? She really was one?"

Judging by her hushed tone it was like I was asking her to talk about Nightmare Moon, in a graveyard, at midnight, on Nightmare Night... "Yes I'm sorry. We did save her from Lash but then she tried to kill me, there wasn't any doubt she really was a synth. Knowing that is there anything you can tell me about her? Anything strange or that stands out?"

"N-not really, she was nice. I was new and she was like a big sister, showed me the ropes. She spent all her time with the mayor exclusively, had a lot of special privileges, she seemed really smart. Always had suggestions and the mayor's ear, n-never told him what to do or anything! She'd just say things to make him think I guess? Had a way of putting things so he thought they were his idea, used it to help all of us out more than once."

I patted the frightened mare's shoulder drawing a distracted glance from Jade still deep in conversation. "Thanks, that helps Misty. I really am sorry, she sounds like she was nice to you. Don't let this sour you on making friends like her, there's no way you could have known right?"

She gave a shaky nod back but looked reassured, that was good. The Institute seemed to thrive on sowing fear and driving ponies apart, making this mare afraid to make friends on the unlikely chance they could be another synth was just what they'd want. I didn't expect much from my questioning but she did confirm what I had been thinking and that was plenty. Oblige calling for her drove the last of her self doubt away as she trotted over to get back to work.

"Glitter why don't you go find Fast something to eat? He should try to regain his strength, we will sit right here and wait for you alright?" Jade pointed the foal towards a makeshift cooking area shared by a gaggle of ponies, zebras and ghouls. The little filly took no further encouragement, sprinting off through the crowd towards the smells of interesting foods. With her gone I got a blue eyed stare that made me sweat for a few moments, "You seem quite popular with those mares Fast..."

"Huh?! N-no! I was just asking her a couple questions."

"What kind of questions...."

"About the synth that attacked me, that's all! Really, Misty there knew her, asked me to save her. I thought she may know her pretty well, wanted to see if there was ever any clue about what she was."

That satisfied the watchful look I was getting and she scooted closer happily, she was still drawing a lot of attention from all the passing revelers but having a moment to ourselves was nice. "And did she know anything helpful? I had a passing look at the remains Valkyrie brought to the doctor's, such a perfect mimic is quite disturbing."

"Not so much as far as figuring out it was a synth no. But unless I miss my guess I'd bet that synth was... like a bug in Lash's ear? Feeding him ideas, stroking his ego, helping to keep things the way they were here. Something like that can't be easy to make, you'd want to use them the best ways possible, places they wouldn't be discovered. It wouldn't be the primary target if things went wrong and could keep going even if Lash was taken down. I really want to examine it..."

"Yes I am sure you do Fast. You were seriously injured though, you need food and rest. Things having to do with the Institute get you too upset, it will wait until the morning. You just lectured Valkyrie about enjoying herself, take your own lesson and try to relax please. If not for yourself then for me? There are more pleasant things to do than just throw yourself right back at fresh problems." A nervous glance around the busy square was followed by her throwing her wings up, hiding a passionate kiss to reinforce her point from the gathering.

Why yes, turns out she did have a good point and I suddenly felt much less focused on the Institute and their shenanigans. The sight of her blushing in the carefully crafted princess costume, the gentle curls of her styled mane hiding her blue eyes in shadow as she cringed at the whistles and hoots from those nearby. That reminded me there were much better things to think about than a bunch of evil ponies out there.

There were way too many prying eyes for more than just the quick reminder but sitting together was plenty, Glitter returned with food to share between us and Val stayed close by, stopping in for a bite here and there before finding some fresh amusement. The bright griffon seemed more herself now but true to her word she was keeping a close eye on me. Her violet gaze locking on anyone who got too close, which had to be tiring considering the traffic flowing up to our table. The shadowy blur of AssaultJack lurking nearby helped give her a bit of a break anyway.

Ponies brought drinks that had to be declined regretfully, food cooked with pride to be sampled and praised, gifts that were mostly turned away tactfully since the residents of Hex had so little they should keep what they could. Setting Jade up as a real princess had worked to bring a little hope to the dark town and get them to take a chance for something better, almost too well now though. Everypony wanted to speak with the princess making her visibly nervous at each interaction.

A spontaneous looking band at the Applejack statue made up of a ghoul hoofing at a piano wheeled out from the Dreary Inn, a zebra playing an odd looking stringed instrument of some kind, and a talented unicorn filly making magical music from her horn and singing upbeat tunes made an interesting show nearby while we ate.

The long line of stallions and more than a few mares trying every possible approach to get Jade to come and dance was pretty annoying though. Having a big blue alicorn curled next to me seemed to keep a few fillies shuffling nearby from asking me I guessed, though the same didn't hold true in reverse. She politely let each down gently while I scowled at them all when her attention was diverted, making sure they got the idea this was my princess first.

As much as I disliked the public spectacle of dancing in general the beauty beside me made me actually want to for the first time now that I thought about it. If anypony got to dance with Jade it was going to be me, maybe the repeated attempts would cut off if I made that clear. I hopped from my seat with only a small wince, ruffling Glitter's mane while she munched her favorite food and knelt before Jade, snatching her hoof with an eyebrow cocked up to her.

"May I have this dance Princess?"

Her flustered look held a sweet smile when I gestured out to the street near the band, "T-that would be lovely Fast thank you. I... I have never done so before though..."

"Don't worry, the only times I ever have were when I got forced to by Sunset, I never wanted to before right now." The unthinking mention of my foalhood friend seemed to decide her and she fluttered up, dragging me along to the rest of the dancers.

"I would do so too then, teach me."

That determined little furrow to her brow was so cute I blanked trying to remember the awkward moves I had been forced through last for such lively music. Just as I was starting to recall enough to work with however the music changed on us. The quick tune shifted to a slow melody and all the other couples near us drew close for the now slow, romantic dance.

Noticing the crowd quieting and a few looks we now had focused on us had Jade and I both darting glances around in embarrassment. "Umm... t-this kinda bit me in the rump... sorry Jade..."

Despite her unease her blue gaze softened as she watched the couples nearby moving together, "That is alright Fast, I think I can manage this much easier than the other kind of dancing I saw. It seems more enjoyable."

It certainly was for me, having her nuzzle close and move gracefully with me took my mind off the looks and quiet ooohs and aaahs distracting us. Her billowing white dress swished around her as she gained confidence, her clean mane and tarnished tiara sparkled in the moonlight and I could understand the attention she had focused on her easily.

"This is the first time I ever liked doing this, they can keep playing forever as far as I'm concerned."

Jade whinnied and murmured back softly, "Yes... this is very nice. It is better than your... previous experiences?"

"Worlds apart, doing it cause you got dragged out to a Stable party is nothing like dancing with the mare you love. You make everything infinitely better Jade."

The long, breathless kiss I got for that went on long minutes before the music ended with resounding cheers, hoots, whistles and catcalls from the crowd I had totally forgotten about. Everyone wanted to see the princess dance apparently, an island of space had opened up around us, further reinforcing the feeling I had gotten during the music that we were the only two ponies in the wasteland. Both of us were shocked out of our reverie and shuffled under all the attention, we gave a nervous bow and curtsy before beating a hasty retreat to Glitter watching with wide eyes from her seat.

"WOW! You was really pretty Miss Jade! That was great poppa! Everypony was watchin' an' sayin all kinds of nice stuff!" The foal slurped at her brahmim milk and clapped her hooves together beaming at us, making us slump lower in our seats at her report of just how much attention that got we were unaware of.

The ghoulish couple of Rusty and Copper making their way from the dance just piled it on too, grinning at the two of us and applauding. Rusty chortled in his gravelly voice as they took the offered seats across from us, "That was good as seein' the Canterlot Ball you two, mighty fine hoofin! Put on quite a show don'cha there Fast!"

His wife at least knocked his nudging elbow from my sore ribs and admonished him with a kiss to his leathery cheek, "Quit your teasing Rusty! Seeing such an adorable young couple reminds me of our own courtship before the war. Don't you listen either of you, Rusty stepped all over my hooves tryin' to dance and soaked his suit right through sweatin' up a storm before we did a thing Fast. And I only wish I wore that dress near as well Miss Jade, you keep it for me, brought a tear to my eye seeing it twirlin' out there!"

"T-thank you Copper, if you are sure I will accept gratefully. Fast seems to like it and I fear he may make me play this role again..."

Scratching my mane I had to concede that, "Ummm maybe... though I think I'd come up with reasons to see you in it again regardless. Thanks for giving me the chance to come up with excuses later Copper."

The ghoul mare smiled and nodded primly to her husband, "See there dear, your partner can be that sweet you can remember a bit more often as well can't you?"

"Aww I do all the time love, hardly fair to compare an old stallion like me to a lovestruck young buck! Makin' me look bad there Fast, get me in dutch with the missus an' our business together suffers. Already gonna be plenty busy doin' some real repair work around Hex." Rusty nickered giving me a playful shove and nuzzled his wife, staying together 200 years seemed a better accomplishment to me than some easy compliments.

"Really? I had thought of offering my skills, there's a lot around here that doesn't seem that hard to get in better shape, running power to Little Roam for example?"

"Aye, that's on top o' the list alright. Lot of stuff like that the former mayor was just against, nothin' stoppin' me now that I'm one o' the bosses in town an' we got more parts than we can shake a stick at. Right interested in those holotapes Miss Jade showed us too, a generator what runs on radiation, who would'a thought o' such a thing! Practically unlimited power round here, even if'n it takes a couple years to cobble together." Rusty had been as interested as I was at those blueprints.

Jade nodded to the both of us confirming one more time they really did work, "Yes, they have become less useful in Equestria since radioactive fuel for them has gotten much scarcer, with a balefire crater next door you should have no problems here though. The more good that comes from them the better, anything to balance where they came from."

"That's long term stuff though, don't ya worry Fast ain't forgotten our more pressin' concerns. Got yer list o' stuff you want from Watt's an' have ghouls lining up to help move it out o' there and back to Sanctuary for ya. Once the bridge is open be all set to head up to Diamond City with ya too. Not zactly welcome in the gates myself but have good contacts there to introduce ya to, convinced Dusty's caravan to hold off a day too hopin' fer the shortcut home. Sure ya can get the bridge cleared again tomorrow?"

"Compared to Watt's and all this it should be a piece of cake right Rusty?" Really what was a bridge of raiders next to a robot death factory...

His rough chuckle agreed, "True, true, jus' interested how you'll pull yer next trick off now. Oh! Have a present fer the princess 'fore I ferget again. Asked a couple scavver friends out that way to poke around that blasted church out at the crater, er... what's left of it rather. Them Children o' Balefire done cleared out already but a little diggin' where ya said turned this up fer ya Miss Jade."

Grinning to her Rusty pulled Jade's yellow and pink medical box saddlebags from his coat and set them before her on the table, eliciting a happy gasp from Jade who assumed them gone forever. "Mr. Clank thank you! Fast asked you to? I thought they were lost, I hadn't even dared to go look!"

Copper smirked at her husband being crushed by an alicorn sized hug and nodded to her when she let him go, "Can't imagine you wanted to go back to that place either, weren't sure if they were still about or not but glad to be rid of them myself. Fast just mentioned it, afraid your old coat was ripped to tatters somehow though, odd hmm?" The old mare nickered at Jade's discomfort but patted her hoof soothingly.

Sipping my drink I caught Rusty's eye and nodded out to the Sentinel-bot standing guard in the street, "Have a gift in return for that Rusty, he's out of ammo right now but was thinking of leaving it here to help protect Hex, put him under control of you council members equally. Little loud to go out and stir up the zombies but should help you all keep the peace in town right?"

The old ghoul's shocked look was slowly overtaken by a beaming, gap toothed smile as he grabbed my hoof and practically shook me out of my chair. "Think that would discourage any rougher types who might feel a bit froggy yeah Fast. Hate seein' ya leave here partner, really hit the jackpot runnin' into you, yer a good friend to everybody here in Hex, me an' the missus especially!"

"Thanks partner, feel the same way here. I'm glad you're the first ghoul I met, it was a shock but it being you made all the difference." Seeing his milky eyes mist up was gratefully covered by Val barging over and grabbing me from the table by my cloak, letting Copper hug her touched husband.

"C'mon boss! Blue got a dance, I want one! Pay me!" I didn't get the chance to answer one way or the other, just flown out and tossed around by an enthusiatic, tipsy griffon to the fast music and cheering dancers for awhile.

Thankfully this didn't require any real skill on my part, I just got spun and flipped through the air as the frenetic dance changed to involve everyone, swinging and changing partners and drawing more in. Rusty and Copper dragged Jade along with an excited Glitter in as most of the town got in on the act. When the music finally reached a climax and everyone cheered I escaped again, wheezing and sweating back to my seat.

It was good what had been such a depressing town was having a grand old time but I could only take so much and saw Jade doing the same. Val snatched Glitter up and had a partner to match her energy levels for the next song as I collapsed back to my chair and took a much needed drink.

Elder Zin and Zed eventually made their way over and sat with us, Zed must be carved of granite to show no visible enjoyment in the middle of the party, but the elder looked fairly happy. One of those few areas where Pinkie Pie's Ministry made sense, a good party did wonders to bring ponies together and was helping to bury old prejudices between the zebras and the rest of Hexington as I watched. There'd still be a long road ahead once everypony was sober, but seeing them all celebrate together was heartening.

"It is good to see you recovering little pony. I have been asking for you, we were so busy with your plans we never got to discuss things we had intended before. Recent events have just added more questions, if now is acceptable?" Zin's rumbling voice drifted across the table and I nodded, Glitter said they had wanted to talk to me before but we had gotten a bit distracted.

"Sure Elder, things have been a little busy but I hadn't totally forgotten. Everything ok?"

"In regards to the changes here? Yes certainly, Zed was correct, you are a trustworthy pony. The other council members and I have already been working to improve things for the zebras here, we are hopeful for the future now thank you. We had wished to discuss other things with you however, about the Children of Balefire..."

The zebras had helped me deal with the cult and rescue Jade, anything they had to say was worth listening to. "Of course, about Zed's brother? They said he was taken to some Cathedral or somewhere? Can I help with anything?"

"That is part of the issue yes. When Xelo went to the Children he took something to them as well. Something dangerous that has been in my keeping for a long time. Zed went to retrieve both along with your mare, but you know the result." The elderly zebra shrugged, we got one out of three apparently, I did remember Zed yelling at Virescent about stealing something now that I thought of it.

"Sorry, what was it they stole? Maybe I can try to get it back somehow? I... don't think I'm quite done with them yet." That made Jade look anxious but it was the truth, even if I wanted to let it go I was pretty sure they wouldn't.

Elder Zin and Zed exchanged a loaded look before turning back, "It is... something dark, not something I would speak of. We wished to speak to you concerning it mainly since you seem likely to have more dealings with this Church? Their priestess was like the doctor?"

"She was one of my sisters yes Elder Zin... I apologize..." Jade shrank in her seat at the thought but held the old zebra's quiet gaze.

He at least waved her concerns off and smiled to her, "The sins of ones sibling are not your own, do not worry. We do not blame you nor think you the same."

"We'll probably have to do something about them eventually yes sir, besides Virescent being an alicorn like Jade they have a connection to the Institute too. They're... experimenting on the members of the church, hurting everyone they get their hooves on, meddling around with things for their own amusement. I can't leave it be, so I may have a chance to find Zed's brother and this... whatever it is they took? Whatever it is I can keep a secret, I'll try to help if I can." It was hard to promise to get something back if I didn't know what I was looking for.

Stroking his chin the elder considered a moment before continuing, "Your trustworthiness is not really the issue and we would offer help, not ask for it. We zebra know of this Institute as well as others, some of the darkness they play with is of particular concern to us. The knowledge it is them behind the church makes sense and only strengthens our resolve. Zed has asked to join you to seek out his brother and our property, I would ask you do us the favor of allowing him."

"You want... wha? Zed? Er... I don't know, it could be a long time or maybe never... I say I want to go after the Institute but plenty of folks keep telling me that doesn't mean it'll actually happen."

Zed himself surprised me by bowing his head and holding his hooves up together, "Please. Allow me to do this, I am aware of the chances and risks."

"Umm... s-sure Zed I guess, I appreciate the help and all... just letting you know, kinda playing it by ear really so... If you want it's fine with me I mean." The last time he joined us he just said that's what he was doing and did it, seeing the stony zebra actually ask permission was... odd.

As soon as he was sure I acquiesced he turned to the elder and bowed, "I will prepare, do not worry grandfather I will succeed."

Zed nodded to us and left, weaving his way gracefully through the cramped streets leaving me to look to the elder questioningly. "Grandfather? Zed and his brother are yours?"

"Yes, I ask you take care of my grandson little pony. He is strong and very brave, the things you have accomplished here remind me of the areas he has yet to grow before becoming a good leader however. Traveling with you will be good for him, try to be a friend to him please."

"Of course Zin, I'll er... do my best. Thank you for the vote of confidence." Satisfied, the old zebra bowed and left to rejoin the festivities, leaving Jade and I alone at the table.

"That was interesting... I suppose we have a new companion then Fast. Perhaps we should tell the others and retire for the evening? Tomorrow looks to be a busy day yes?"

Pulling Val and Glitter away from their prancing at the band didn't look easy but Jade was right, yawning at the thought I got up and started working towards the pair. Getting their attention once we pushed our way there was difficult, especially when they both seemed to get suddenly hard of hearing at the mention of bed.

"Awwww, c'mon dad, everypony else is stayin' up! I'm not tired! Don't wanna go back to the dark ol' hotel room!" Glitter kept dancing happily before realizing she was floating up in Jade's magic already.

"It is already past time for one so young to go to bed Glitter, you will tire once removed from all this excitement and it is only one last night here. Tomorrow we will go to Diamond City, the accommodations are sure to be more to your liking." The foal struggled madly in the field of blue-white magic but wasn't going anywhere.

The ghoul playing the piano nearby looked up from the keys to chuckle at her predicament, now that I got a better look at him it was the distinctive melty looking stallion from the Dreary Inn himself... "Er... sorry... didn't mean to complain, the rooms have been... fine, r-really!"

"Bah! Don't gimme that, I know they're crap, why ya think I went down to 20 caps? Course won't do to have a princess an' big damn heroes stayin' in my worst rat traps now will it?" A droopy grin stretched across the ghoul's twisted face at my stammering, he was honest about his hotel at least. "Squall Surge at yer service young uns. Tell ya what, in the spirit of all the fun I'll upgrade yer rooms to make up for it. Free o' charge, provided I get to advertise 'Princess o' Sanctuary stays at the Dreary Inn when in Hex'"

Val had started paying attention at 'Free of charge' and joined us, "Free!? What's free, gimme!"

Without even slowing at his playing the innkeeper pulled a couple fancier keys than we had gotten before from his suit jacket in his mouth, dropping one to Val's waiting claw and giving me the other with a wink. "Was just waitin' on you lot to look tuckered out, my own thanks fer the town. Enjoy an' stay again, promise to be a bit friendlier to start with next time."

"Wooo, better digs, sweet boss. Here Blue, I got her, c'mon kiddo bet they gots real beds to jump on!" Val knew how to appease the pouting foal floating nearby, snatching her from Jade's magic with a squeal and soaring off to the hotel ahead of us.

The two of us had to struggle our way through a minefield of well wishers trying to get us to stay for just one more dance, one more drink, one more local taste treat. Despite their protests I really doubted the celebration would end just because we left, but they certainly tried their best to convince us that was the case. The Dreary Inn itself was totally empty, the bar had no reason to stay open with everyone drinking it up outside, most of the bottles behind the check in counter had disappeared to fuel the party as well.

Heading up the stairs I floated the new key out to see where to go, 301... the room better be worth going up an extra flight... Jade could simply fly up if she wanted, but she kept pace with me which always made me happy. Though those long legs gave her an advantage over me even on the ground.

I turned the key over in my magic marveling at how much nicer just it was over the crude tin keys for the rooms on the second floor we just passed were. This was gold and looked to date back to before the war when this was probably a pretty fancy place, the end even had a little red crystal and was heart shaped, snazzy.

Walking down the hall following the descending door numbers I held it up for Jade as we came to a stop, "Look, pretty spiffy huh? Wonder if the room's half as nice as the key, why you think it's shaped like that?"

"Umm... I... h-have an idea Fast..." Eh? Why'd she have that funny look on her face? This was it right? I checked for the number, yep there was 301 in polished gilt numbers, right over "Honeymoon Suite" Oh...

Gulping I slid the ornate key home and opened the door, goggling at the room beyond. This had to be one of the best kept up rooms in the building, I supposed there'd always be ponies willing to pay to use it for a night. It wasn't what I'd think of as four star or anything but I remembered things from before the war, even 200 years hadn't dimmed this place that much though. Shaggy pink carpet covered the floor beyond the threshold except in a decently sized room to the side, a bathroom in the room itself, that was a step up over the other rooms. The centerpiece was most certainly the large heart shaped bed with threadbare silken sheets though.

The two of us stood peering into the room together, wide eyed and unmoving, no wonder Mr. Surge had the sly grin and wink... I managed to peek over to Jade staring at the big, comfy looking bed with a flustered smile. Seeing her there, still radiant in her costume, all done up to really look like the princess I saw all the time... that was a roomy bed in there. The white dress along with the word 'Honeymoon' was a little nerve wracking, though actually a pleasant thought after the initial panic.

"Er... Don't think I can carry you over the threshold Jade. I'll figure something out if it's umm... f-for real someday though..."

Her eyes got wide and sparkly and she shook nervously on the spot, fluffing her wings before beaming at me and floating me up in her magic, "Then I will simply have to do the honors for now yes? You really should not overexert yourself with your recent injuries... but I believe I will allow an e-exception when you say such sweet things Fast..."

Her magic yanked me in the room behind her and locked the door with a click. The huge bed may not have been designed with large alicorns in mind but it was perfect for the job, a lot softer than a concrete warehouse floor too...

The late morning sun made the lone cart squeaking its' way towards the raised drawbridge easy to spot at a distance. The rough looking ponies had plenty of time to take up their positions, pointing a variety of weapons towards the pony in the ragged coat and hat pulling to a stop before them. A scarred orange stallion wearing a combat shotgun / assault rifle battle saddle strolled forward menacingly, shouting over to the silent mare.

"Toll bridge honey, gotta pay to cross or move on!" A few mean chuckles followed his thinly veiled threat but a couple of his crew were less enthusiastic.

"Boss... what if this is... er.. you know, it's posed ta be today..."

"Aw are you scaredy foals still goin' on about that!? Shut up! It ain't real!"

"Y-yeah but... somethin' ain't right..."

"QUIET! So come on, what's it gonna be sweetness? Payin caps? Can take a share off the cart if yer short, or maybe you wanna work out other arrangements eh? Gotta pay to play." The toll master was trying to get back on track, his normally fearless crew had been giving him shit all morning. Scared of some nut making vague threats, really...

"Ain't got no caps ta pay, only gots a load o' scrap fer Diamond City. Cain't ya'll just lemme by? Need ta try ta barter fer medicine, sick folk waitin' back home fer help..." The mare at the cart answered pitiably but wasn't going to find any sympathy here. A few of the raider crew had already ran off scared of some ghost story, the ones left had it beat into them there was no such thing as divine retribution.

"Poor you, well no caps and nothin' we want in the cart, guess you still got one way to pay, or you can just..." The leader's refusal was suddenly cut short by an earsplitting screech and squall of gears grinding beneath them as the bridge started lowering to span the river. "WHAT THE FUCK! Did I tell you to lower the goddess damned bridge Nails!"

"N-No! It ain't me boss!! Damn thing just started up on its own!!!" The sallow yellow mare in the bridge control booth looked terrified, bashing the disobedient controls with a rusty hammer but not getting any cooperation.

"Boss this is all wrong... h-how bout we just let this one go fer free?"

"Cause that ain't how fuckin' toll bridges work!! She pays or she don't go! Let one cross then we'll be swarmed with cheapskates wantin' a free ride too, you gonna pay fer all of them!? Nails fix that shit, bridge don't just go down on its' own!!!" Actually it wasn't, the frantic mare in the booth just didn't know there was a override control system down by the mechanisms that made it work below...

The pony at the cart pointed a hoof across the now open bridge and interrupted the increasingly angry raider, "Ya'll sure ah cain't just go ahead an cross? It bein' down an all already... Why, ah prayed ta Celestia fer uh safe trip 'fore ah left an' that there seems almost like uh blessin' from the goddesses don't it?"

"S-she's right boss... t-that's it, I'm out!"

"Me too! This is gettin' too crazy fer me. Hear that Celestia! I'm not stoppin' her! I'm done bein a bad pony, honest!"

The leader raged at the pair turning tail and galloping away down the bridge, all this from some lunatic!? It was all a coincidence! Fuming he tromped up to the mare causing all this nonsense, rearing back and slamming a hoof to her face. Knocking this bitch down would establish some order around here!

CLANG!

"OW! What the fuck!?!" Hissing and holding his stinging hoof out the raider barely noticed the strange mare shrugging out of the harness holding her to the cart.

"Welp! That there was yer last chance ah reckon! S'ok to get rid'a them now right Master Fast?!"

At least a couple raiders took the warning to heart, I did give them a chance... I stood up from my vantage point on top of an abandoned apartment building overlooking the bridge, bundling my dark cloak around me in the cool morning breeze off the river and shouted down to the raiders following her gaze.

"Yeah go ahead AssaultJack! I did warn you all didn't I?! Told you, it wouldn't be me!"

Letting her coat fall to the ground away from her gleaming metal hide, AssaultJack tipped her hat at the stammering leader before fading away to surprised shouts up and down the bridge.

Then the screaming started...

New Perk Added!----------------------

Party Colt!--------------
-----Nopony has a good time like you! It may hit smaller ponies like you faster but there's no chance you will become addicted to alcohol. You also gain +2 luck while under the effects of alcohol.