I’m alive! I’m alive and somepony is shining a light into my eyes. I went to push the light away but collided with somepony’s hoof.

“What are you doing?” I mumbled. My head throbbed, each throb felt like a stallion bucking me in the temple.

“Ah,” A unicorn with smoky grey eyes said. “Looks like you finally recovered from your concussion.”

“My what?!”

“His what!?” Nibble gasped. “Gale, what are you talking about?”

“Ohhh, did I forget to mention?” he chuckled. “Our newest member has been suffering from a concussion for the past two days.”

My eyes widened. Two days! I took note of my surroundings. I was riding on a caravan in the middle of nowhere. There was no lightly trod path, no scrap metal shacks, just patches of starving grass and miles of flat plains.

“Yes you did,” Nibble hissed through clenched teeth. “Is he okay?”

“Of course. He might be suffering from some memory loss.”

I placed a hoof on my temple, and was assaulted by fragmented memories. Somepony forcing me to drink a red concoction. Nibble asking me something. A robotic dog head sitting where my house should be. Shot Chaser waving me goodbye. Ponies donning me with weapons and armor. I looked down to confirm I was indeed adorned with studded leather armor and a battle saddle.

“So he doesn’t remember anything after agreeing to join us?” Nibble asked.

“Technically, he most likely won’t remember that either.” Gale’s smile widened into a devilish grin that revealed a mouth full of razor sharp teeth.

Nibble placed a comforting hoof on my shoulder. My mind went wild. I joined them? My house was gone? Shot Chaser let me leave with one of the most infamous groups in the wastes? My body lost feeling as my vision grew foggy.

“Oh look,” Gale whinnied, “he's going to faint.”

When I awoke I felt like a thin blanket was wrapped around me. I drifted in the air until the blanket vanished and I fell flat onto the ground. My eyes shot open, a pegasus with a dark brown coat and near black mane towered over me. He wore thick leather armor, a battle saddle equipped with laser rifles, and a device similar to the one Nibble had on her leg. His yellow eyes bore down on me.

“Stand!” he commanded. I got up and saw the same device on my leg. What the hell is this thing? Nibble and the others stood in a line with their eyes forward.

“State your name,” the pegasus demanded.

“Ardent Fable.” I rubbed at my temple as the throbbing returned.

The pegasus continued, “Now that Gale’s fun has run its course it’s time for a formal introduction. You are the newest member of the Elite and Legendary Ponies Instituting Survival, commonly referred to as Elpis”

“But-”

“You may speak when I am done!” the pegasus boomed. He glared at me until certain I would stay quiet. “We are a team finding the best the wasteland has to offer. The best support, equipment, and ponies.” He looked me over and scrunched his nose. “You were recommended, and your stand alone feat has been recognized.” He paced over to the white and blonde mare. “This is Mangle.” He pointed to sky blue unicorn with a grey mohawk. “That’s Gale Cutter, and the last one is Nibble” He stomped his hoof to the ground. “I am Jaded Clover. From now on Elpis is your life. Any questions?”

I fumbled with words until, “I didn’t earn any of this,” came out. Clover raised an eyebrow. I gestured to all the new things I wore.

He blinked. “Each member is fitted to be useful. You can’t earn your equipment if you can’t fight, consider it being paid in advance. Anything else?”

YES! The words caught in my throat.

“Good!” Clover said dismissively, “We head out in five minutes.” He glared at Gale then flew off. His barding stretched past his flank, concealing his cutie mark. He landed in the driver's seat of the caravan which was connected to a brahmin.

Gale and Nibble approached me as Mangle headed to the caravan. I caught a glimpse of her cutie mark, a sledgehammer.

“What is going on?” I asked nopony in particular.

“You,” Gale said, “are now part of one of the most infamous groups in Equestria.”

I checked Gale’s teeth to make sure I wasn’t crazy, they were indeed sharp. In fact everything about him appeared sharp, his ears, tail, and horn were all pointed, and a blood splattered scalpel gleamed off his flank. Wow these cutie marks totally don’t make this look like a raider group, I thought sarcastically.

“How did that happen? I never said I would join.”

“But you did. Nibble here got permission from Clover. She asked if you wanted to join and you said yes.”

“I don’t remember that,” I explained.

Gale laughed, “Irrelevant, you said yes.”

“How the fu-”

Nibble wrapped a hoof around me, “Oh come now Ardent, you need to stop sweating the small stuff.”

Joining Elpis was small stuff?! These ponies made it on the radio all the time, and DJ Pon3 rarely had good things to say.

I removed her hoof. “How did you miss the fact I was suffering from a concussion for two days?”

“I just thought you were a pony of few words. You were still responsive. Although, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure Clover knew.”

“And why didn’t you do anything about it?” I pointed at Gale.

He smiled the same devilish grin as before “I wanted to see your reaction. It was well worth it by the way, never seen a pony faint quite the way you did. Nibble’s ignorance was just a bonus, and I don't think the others cared.” He glanced over to the caravan “Best not keep Clover waiting.” He trotted away.

Nibble pushed me along. “So, can you do magic?”

I sighed, that had to be one of the most annoying questions of my life. I understood her curiosity, an earth pony with a large sparkling tome for a cutie mark was rather strange, and to be fair, I did know magic tricks. However, I decided to take the question literally.

“No,” and before she could press the issue I asked, “what is this thing on my leg?”

“That’s a Stable Tec Pip-Buck.” We reached the caravan and hopped in the back. “It does a whole bunch of amazing things that would take forever to explain. Luckily there is a manual built into it.“ She grabbed my hoof and navigated to the manual screen. “Start with the guides on S.A.T.S. and E.F.S. Now, if you need me I will be tinkering with my toys.” She winked.

The caravan’s floorspace matched the size of my house, which was more of an insult to my living condition than a complement to the caravan. Its wood planks varied from new to mainly tape. Bullet holes riddled one of the sides. I found comfortable place to sit and watched as we moved through the expanse of cracked earth and dying plants.

I always wanted to travel the wasteland to gather a few interesting stories, but I originally thought it would be as a delivery pony for Shot Chaser, not as a member of one of the most feared groups in Equestria. This had to be a mistake, Shot Chaser would never let me leave with Elpis. They must have pressured him, somehow. I need to find a way back when we arrive at… I have no idea where we’re going.

I turned to ask Nibble but had to shield my eyes from a bright light. Sparks showered around her as she welded two pieces of metal together. Nibble had thrown on a cloak to protect her hair from the sparks and a heavy black helmet that allowed her to stare directly into radiant fire.

“Don't worry,” Gale said while he cleaned his surgical tools, “The fire rarely spreads to the caravan.”

“Rarely?” I took a step back which caused Gale to smirk. I sighed, I'm making it way too easy for him.

“Where are we headed?” I asked.

“New Appleloosa,” Gale said, “Only a few hours away, I think.”

I can figure a way home when I got there, no point in jumping ship now. With nothing else to do I brought up the manual for S.A.T.S.

"Welcome to the Stable Tec’s Furthering Information Manual. You have chosen to further your knowledge on the Stable Tec Arcane Targeting Spell, otherwise known as S.A.T.S. Inside your Pip-Buck there is a spell matrix that slows down time and allows you to take aim at a variety of targets. This includes, but is not limited to invading zebras, weapons held by the enemies, rabid animals, haywire machines, and traitorous ponies. When entering S.A.T.S. it will target the closest hostile and the body part with the highest percentage to hit. Other parts of the body can be targeted and the chances will be shown to you. If you do not like the chances you are allowed to cancel the spell at that point with almost no consequence. You can queue multiple shots or swings to multiple targets. S.A.T.S. is limited, the smaller and easier the weapon is to handle the more shots/swings the targeting part of the spell can handle. After the targets are selected the next part of the spell kicks in. This spell guides and moves your body following the instructions from the targeting spell. One of the greatest breakthroughs with this spell is that you do not need to be able to aim weapons to have excellent accuracy. The spell has saved stances and guiding movements so you will shoot like a pro. After the queue fires the spell matrix will deplete and will take some time to recharge. You will be able to use S.A.T.S. again as soon as even a single shot or swing can be queued up. Mild variability has been found between ponies when it comes to accuracy and queue limit. The causes are still unknown. Further research is being done. Thank you for choosing to further your education on S.A.T.S."

I can’t believe it, I have never used a real gun in my life, yet this thing on my leg claims that won’t be a problem. If it’s true, a Pip-Buck must be worth a fortune, and that is only the tip of the iceberg.

I scrolled through the endless manuals and flipped through a few of the screens. The device kept track of my vitals, inventory, weapons, and ammo. I had a battle saddle equipped with two hunting rifles. One screen showed an overview map of Equestria with my location. I went back to the manual screen to learn about Eyes Forward Sparkle when the caravan came to a stop.

“Ardent,” Clover called back,” there are a few bloatsprites up head. Go take care of them.”

“M-me?” I pointed to myself.

He raised an eyebrow. I grew suddenly aware that everypony was staring at me. No doubt any member of Elpis can take care of a few bloatsprites, this must be a test, or because I’m the newest member I have to do the dirty work.

“Psst,” Nibble whispered. “Try out E.F.S.”

I nodded, hopped out of the caravan, and activated E.F.S. Multiple indicators appeared at the bottom of my vision, along with a compass that rotated with my movements. I turned to face the road ahead, and three red marks rotated onto on the compass. This is strange. I waved a hoof in front of my face but the images were still there. It was like they were on my eyes.

I spotted three flying bloated balls up ahead. I had seen bloatsprites before because they tended to wander near Dust often. I’d never heard of them killing anypony since they only shot thin needles. Nonetheless, I started to shake knowing the others were watching me, judging me. I went into S.A.T.S. and time slowed. A hit chance below fifty percent appeared on the nearest bloatsprite so I canceled the spell and inched closer. I crept on the uneven earth until I stepped on a withered plant. The bloatsprites heard the crunching noise and moved in.

Shit, shit, shit! I went into S.A.T.S. and queued one shot for each creature. I let the next part of the spell take over as it adjusted my body and fired the battle saddle. The first two bloatsprites exploded into mucus covered chunks as bullets ripped through them. The last shot missed and disappeared into the horizon.

Two thoughts ran through my head. Holy Luna, Pip-Bucks can truly do miracles, and fucking Celestia this needle that just shot through my cheek hurts! I fired the battle saddle without the aid of S.A.T.S. The barbed needle pricked at my tongue with each shot, and the taste of iron flooded my taste buds. The shots were sporadic and none of them came close to hitting the bloatsprite.

Thankfully the bloatsprite’s aim reflected my own, and the rest of its needles ricocheted off my armor or missed completely. I went to fire the battle saddle again, Click-Click. I think that noise means I’m out of ammo. I froze. How do you reload?!

Two needles found a home in my leg. From the corner of my eye I saw Mangle lunge forward. She launched herself at the bloatsprite, and crushed it under her metallic hoof.

She landed and locked her blue eyes on me. “That was fucking pathetic.” She trotted back to the caravan.

I limped back and glanced at Clover, but before our eyes could meet he looked away. I hopped into the caravan and was confronted by Nibble and Gale’s hysterical grins.

“Those look like they hurt.” Gale motioned me over to him. “It will hurt more when I have to take them out.” I drudged over and sat next to him, my body still shaking.

“What's that phrase Clover uses to describe Elpis?” Gale mused, “‘Alone we are legendary, together we stand above the gods.’ It might need revision.”

“It still applies to most of us,” Nibble giggled. They don’t need to worry, I won't hold them back for long. Nibble saw the defeat in my eyes and tried to encourage me “We’re only joking. Looks like you picked up on S.A.T.S. pretty fast.” I rolled my eyes. She leaned in and whispered, “To reload you just need to buck, the battle saddle does the rest.”

I facehoofed.

“Open.” Gale levitated a medical instrument to my muzzle. I obeyed. He grasped the stinger on the inside of my mouth and pulled it through.

“That wasn’t too bad.” I rubbed my cheek. The bleeding had already stopped.

“That one was easy. When I pull the others from your leg I will need to dig for any barbs that break off.”

I shuddered, Shit, this is going to hurt.

"Welcome to the Stable Techs Furthering Information Manual. You have chosen to further your knowledge on Eyes Forward Sparkle otherwise known as E.F.S. When you activate E.F.S. a spell will activate and alter your vision. Your vision will then display a heads up display, HUD, at the bottom of your peripherals showing any nearby locations. Most importantly it will show indicators for other sentient beings. These indicators will be one of two colors. Red for hostile, and blue for neutral or friendly targets. The color of the friendly indicator is adjustable in your Pipbuck color settings. This spell is limited, but not stopped, by walls and ceilings. The indicator will not be able to distinguish if a target is above or below you. If there is no movement for a prolonged period of time E.F.S. will turn off automatically. It should be noted the range of E.F.S. has varied from pony to pony. Studies have not yet been conclusive. Thank you for choosing to further your knowledge on E.F.S."

The hud was still on from my fight with the bloatsprites. I attempted to look at the interface directly but it was always at the bottom of my vision. This is going take some getting use to. Suddenly in the upper area of my vision words appeared.

New Appleloosa, like Dust, lacked any fortifications around the town. Instead a single guard pony greeted us. He shifted in place at our approach and stiffened when we stopped at his command.

“Y’all got business n’ town?” he asked

“What’s it to you?” Clover shot back.

“I’m-” The guard visibly swallowed. “I’m just doin’ my job.”

Clover’s expression lightened and he nodded. “Just passing through.”

The guard relaxed and waved us on.

Clover brought the caravan over to a brahmin feed. He opened the back of the caravan, and addressed us, “Same plan as usual. I am going to go have a chat with some ponies of interest. Meet back here in an hour.” He flew off, leaving us to our own devices. This might be my chance to get out of here. Mangle got out with Gale close behind her. I left when they were out of sight.

My pace picked up when I saw the trading district. More ponies than I had ever seen crowded near the storefronts. Ponies haggled, gossiped, and shouted over each other to form a indistinguishable din. I bit down on a smile.

I’m out of Dust, exploring the world, seeing new things, adventuring. Maybe I was being too hasty about leaving Elpis. I wandered into a general store where a hoofful of ponies were shopping. I walked the length of the shelves to compare their wares to Dust’s measly selection.

When I finished the shopkeeper spoke up, “Can- can I help ya?”

“Me?” I asked. She flinched when I turned to face her. I glanced around and noticed the store was empty. The mare started to sweat and shifted in place. Why is she scared? I couldn't explain it until I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the window. My armor was studded with small metal spikes, and the guns attached to my battle saddle aimed wherever I faced. She… she’s scared of me. Is that why the other ponies left? I laughed at the thought of ponies being intimidated by me, which only added to the shopkeeper's distress.

“Sorry.” I apologized to the mare and took my leave.

I decided to wander away from the main parts of town. The town must have been built on a pre war train junction, because I ended up in a rail yard full of train cars with a massive crane in the center. Nibble followed me, and made no attempt to hide as she trotted up to my side.

“They should find a use for all of these.” She waved a hoof over the train cars. “Like build a wall or something.”

“How would they move them?” I asked.

“With the crane, obviously.”

“Probably doesn't work. I'm sure somepony has tried.”

“I could get it working,” She mumbled. We walked silently for awhile. “You aren’t planning on doing a disappearing act... are you?” Her eyebrows drew together in an uneasy look. She was worried about me, not something I saw often.

I stopped and stared at the ground. “Shouldn’t I? You saw me back there. I don’t add anything. I’m just going to get killed.”

“You may be a bad shot, but at least you are good with technology.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Sure you are you built PM3… the rocket launcher. Don’t doubt yourself.”

I sighed, “I copied you.” Based on her expression she needed more explanation, “I don’t know anything about electronics. Since I saw you make it, I remembered how you set it up. All I did was copy your movements.” I lowered my head, and felt as if I lied to her.

“Oh.” She frowned. There was a pause before she perked back up. “You have a pretty amazing memory. I bet you can do all sorts of things with it.”

I smiled. “Not really, anypony can remember.”

“Clover will find a use for it, he is great at using ponies. You should stick with us, no offense but you don’t really have anyplace to go back to.”

Oh shit, that’s right, my house was destroyed. I bit my lip. “I could stay with Shot Chaser.”

Nibble tilted her head. “I doubt your dad wants you to come back, he encouraged you to leave after all.”

“He’s not-” A heavy weight filled in my chest. “He wanted me gone?” Why? Wasn't I useful to him, didn't I do everything he wanted. Why would he want to be rid of me?

“Well I don't know about wanted. What was it he said?” Nibble stood taller and lowered her voice. “‘I look forward to hearing your stories.’ Some cheesy stuff like that. He seemed to trust us, so you should stick with us.”

I felt my eyes start to burn. Maybe I should stay with them. “That thing Clover said about Elpis, how it’s my life, does… did he really mean it?”

“Why, worried you’ll have to spend the rest of you days with us?” Nibble joked.

The opposite.

A loud grumble escaped my stomach making me realize I was starving after the day’s ordeals. Happy for the distraction I responded,“I’ll think about it. Tell me I brought my caps?”

She giggled and pointed at my Pip-Buck. “I forgot you were concus-ified when we explained this to you. We all get basic supplies just in case something happens. I’m sure you noticed the canteen around your neck.” She got intimately close and flicked it. “If you look at your inventory tab you can see what’s in your saddle bag.” She grabbed my hoof and navigated to the inventory screen. “You should have food and other basic necessities.”

Who just gives somepony all these supplies? Turns out I had food and caps on me, although not enough to pay for anything useful, like a ride home. I opened the canteen and took a drink. My Pip-Buck clicked and I glanced down to see the geiger counter waver slightly, indicating I was taking in small amounts of radiation. Seriously, what can’t this thing do?! If this is an advanced payment, I’ll never be payed again.

When Nibble and I arrived back at the caravan Clover gestured with a wing for us to line up with the others. When we assembled he began, “We have a mission. One of the town's merchants was captured by slavers while coming back from a delivery. We are going to get her back.”

My eyes widened. There was only one pony I knew that delivered from New Appleloosa. I had to ask “Do we know her name?”

Clover’s eyes drifted up. “Her shop name is Absolutely Everything, and I believe her name is-”

“Ditzy Doo.”

Footnote: Level up New Perk: Friend of the Night. Your eyes adjust quickly to low light conditions.

Author's Notes: