Cherry and I knelt on a small hill overlooking Junction Town. I was peeking through a set of binoculars, gazing over the town. The sun was just setting behind us, making us impossible to see, after all, no pony wanted to look right toward the sun. I panned around, seeing many ponies, tired from the day's work going this way and that, many going toward the local watering hole. I remained silent as I passed the binoculars to Cherry, letting her have a look. I had seen enough, even the scrappy youngster, Amity, as he flew around, teasing what must have been his youngest sister, because she looked just like her father. I narrowed my eyes a little, spotting Velvet walking through town, talking with Fluttershy. Luna knows I forgave her, but still seeing her made me squirm.

We remained like that until the sun disappeared entirely. Cherry and I remaining silent until we made our way back to our camp, an upturned sky wagon too damaged to be repaired."Do you think this'll work?" Cherry asks while removing the boots she had recovered from the dead bandit in Manehattan. I remain quiet for a time, taking a bite of a real apple for a change. "It has too, I don't know any other way to recover our gear." Cherry nods, before using a little of her magic to heat up a can of beans. "And if we fail?" She asks. Negativity wasn't normally part of her behavior, but after trotting for almost a week and a half for twenty hours a day, I couldn't blame her.

"What if she doesn’t want to listen?" Cherry asked after a minute, after taking a bite of her meal. I look to her with a small smile, before patting the shiny nine-millimeter pistol in its holster on my left foreleg. "She will." Came my short and curt reply.

A week and a half ago.

I trotted through the halls of Ten pony tower, my sprained hoof was feeling a lot better, I could at least trot now with a little discomfort. My ribs were also on the mend, and my bruises and cuts were all but gone. By now, I had two nubs starting to protrude from my back where my wings were growing. It was a weird feeling though, every time they brushed something I got chills down my back. A fact Cherry was quick to exploit.

Zakk and Cherry had also caught up on their rest, Zakk sleeping for three days straight. Cherry just needed a little time to recover, from what I had heard, using her magic the way she had against the scorpion had severely taxed her, and she found it hard to even levitate her fork the next day. I suppose you could compare it to having sore muscles after heavy lifting.

I sighed, finally glad we had a proper amount of rest, with very little going wrong. Note I said very little, there was the one incident where Zakk had "fallen down some stairs, and landed on Rogue the Alicorn. Both of them were fine, though Rogue had to be taken to see Life Bloom for a panic attack. Seriously, either Rogue was the worst guard in history, or Zakk was seriously that terrifying. Either way, I was beginning to feel like we had started to out stay our welcome.

In the last week, Cherry, Shady and myself had done what we could to help out around here. Homage had introduced us to several business ponies, and had talked a couple of them into granting us some work. Cherry worked at the general store, helping the elderly pony with the heavier lifting, and keeping track of the inventory. I had gotten a small job helping another pony in their weapons shop. After seeing that I could, in fact use a screwdriver, he had me taking some crappy weapons apart, and splicing together the better pieces. It was menial work, after figuring out how they worked, it was no trouble.

Shady though, given the fact that her leg was still recovering, left her with little to do. Luckily, Life Bloom needed some help keeping track of his finances. Despite being an awesome buck, and good Doctor, he seriously had trouble organizing his caps. I thought the job suited her well, her love of money, and the pleasure she took counting it was a good fit for my friend. And she was in the middle of doing just that when I entered the Doctor's office. She was sitting at his desk, going over paper work, and tapping commands into a terminal.

Her leg was up on a pillow, I noticed, but the bandages she had worn were gone now. There was a small, but noticeable scar where the Doctor had performed the surgery, removing the shards of bone from her muscle, and screwing a plate into the bone itself. After the surgery, Zakk had jokingly called her Metal Mare, and she took it with a laugh. "Hey Shady." I said casually as I made my way over, drawing her attention from her work. She looked up, a set of old reading glasses on her nose. Gotta say, they kind of gave her the whole "sexy secretary" look.

"Hey dumbass." She said, as she set the paper work aside. In the whole time we had been here, the relaxed vibe brought back her old nickname for me. I rolled my eyes though, before tossing a pen at her playfully." I see you got your bandages off." I said, making her fix me with her signature "no shit." Look. She then smiled, and set her glasses down. "Yup, Life Bloom said I am good to go, just need to take it easy for a few more days." I nod, happy to hear the news. To be honest the only reason we stuck around was because of her injury. None of us particularly enjoyed the pompous ponies here, and the whole ordeal left us feeling like we would be suffocated by all the stuffy ponies.

"So, you about ready? I don't think I could stand another two days here." I said honestly, and Shady nodded before sliding a pile of caps into a bag. "Yeah, I'm good, been itching to get back out there anyway." She says softly, apparently feeling the same way Cherry and I did. Let's go, Homage is waiting for us." I said, and waited for Shady to get to her hooves. Despite being able to walk, she still limped, and would probably do so for the rest of her life.

Together we made our way to Homage's studio, and entered without knocking. After all, I had been sent to get Shady any way. Cherry was inside, reading a magazine, and Zakk was doodling on some old paper with a purple crayon. I had no idea where he got it, but I had also given up on wondering how he did half of the things he did. Homage, who had recorded a few broadcasts earlier, was busy packing a few bags for us, full of the few supplies we had bought from our part time jobs. It wasn't much, but it was enough for now. As soon as we entered, every pony sat up, and looked to us. Shady took a seat nearby, and then every pony turned to look at me, this was after all my idea.

"Alright, so we are heading back to Hoofington, the General there not only has our stuff, but is keeping that place wound tight. Homage has been watching what's going on, and its actually, getting worse. Ponies are dropping left and right from the chems he is having them all use. But, before we can make a move for the dam, we have a few things here we need to take care of. Zakk, you are heading to Gutterville, the ponies we helped are all there, including the crew of the White Rose. Thank you, Homage, for spotting that by the way. Shady, you are going to secure the old a beached boat Homage also spotted. When Zakk shows up with the crew, you help them get the old tub sea worthy." They had all heard their roles before, but this was the final plan.

"Cherry and I will head to Junction town, if we are going after the General, we need Gawd to know. When we get what we need, we will head for the Dam. Homage, you volunteered to help us, so what we could use is your radio broadcast and the portable radios you procured." Homage nodded, happy to help. This would be a long process, but it was what we had. Then, I finished, revealing the part of the plan that no pony outside Cherry and I knew about. I nodded to the crimson mare, and she levitated out an old set of keys. Good thing she had decided to keep them.

The others had little clue what was going on, but Cherry moved over to Zakk, our newest companion. He watched on silently, his eyes as big as dinner plates, as Cherry used the keys, and unlocked the weights from his hooves. He had helped us get Shady back on her hooves, it seemed fitting that we free his. But, as Cherry unlocked the last one, Homage, who had been fine with Zakk so far, shouted, telling her to stop. But it was too late, and the last weight fell from his leg. As soon as it clattered on the floor, and Cherry stepped back in alarm at Homages shout, Zakk disappeared. Not as if he ran off, but literally vanished. There was nothing but empty air where he had been, and we all sat speechless. Even Homage was shocked.

And then it began.

It started as a flicker, but soon, several apparitions of Zakk appeared, flickering and fading. Each one doing a different act. One was laughing silently, advancing on Cherry with a menacing look. Another was tap dancing on the table top. One apparition was reading Cherry's magazine, and the last was curled up in a corner, bawling like a baby. Then the lights began to flicker on and off, giving the whole scene a creepy feel. The whole while, all four of us were mesmerized, and more than afraid at what we had unleashed upon Equestria.

Then, like it began, it was all over, and Zakk was back, pacing in front of Homage, and looking her dead in the eye with a sardonic little smile. We watched on, as Homages look of shock, was quickly replaced with horror. "No... You didn't..." She whispered, and Zakk remained silent, never taking his eyes from her. "No.. No way.." She said, before turning and hightailing to her library. The rest of us followed behind, a little slower due to our healing injuries.

By the time we had caught up, Homage had already pulled several books from her shelves, seemingly at random, before glancing into them and tossing them aside. Then she turned, and spotted Zakk, who was standing on his rear hooves, silently laughing with his forelegs around his middle. Right next to a chalk drawing of himself on one of the chalk boards. 'You... You monster, you did it to all of them!" She shouted. The rest of us, confused and startled asked in unison. 'What? What did he do?" To which she levitated out another book, and opened it for us to see. Every page had the top corner bent in, the way a pony would mark a page without a book mark. She then dropped the book, and sank to her knees before shouting to the ceiling. "You did it to. Every. Single. One!" She screamed.

A week and a half later.

That was how we left the tower, Homage fuming about her abused books, and swearing retribution on Zakk's soul. She of course, held no ill will toward the rest of us, but still, I knew her mood had been destroyed, just like her books. Cherry and I had made our way to Junction town, while the others set about doing their job. Cherry and I walked hoof in hoof into the town, none of the guard ponies even reacting to our presence. That made things easy for getting in, but I had a feeling getting out would be more difficult.

Together, Cherry and I made our way to the tavern, a rusted-out rain car named 'The Rusty Pegasus.' I silently wondered if that was a reference to Calamity, though I wasn't sure. Once inside the busy establishment, Cherry and I found a booth to sit at, sadly none of the corner booths were available, stopping us from enacting the whole "spy from a corner of the room." Cliché. Still, we were secretive enough to go un noticed by the rest of the ponies inside.

Once a waiter came by, and took our order, did Cherry and I relax. She levitated out her cigarettes, and both of us shared the gold plated lighter she had given me. We refrained from using her magic, in the off chance it stood out enough to get us recognized. We sat like that for a time, smoking, and chatting idly about our trip. Then our drinks were delivered, and we began to relax further. Either this would work, or it wouldn't. Little point in worrying about it now.

Then, to my surprise, Velvet Remedy was announced to the crowd, who all cheered wildly and stomped their hooves. Soon after the Mare in question stepped out onto the stage, wearing an elegant black dress, which hid her baby bump quite nicely. Then in the corner, a green pony wearing round sunglasses began tapping out a simple rhythm on an old piano, and I immediately recognized the song.

"Mares and stallions!" Came a voice over the speaker system. "I present Velvet Remedy, performing Fly like you!" Said the disembodied voice, and I rolled my eyes. In my opinion, this song was way to popular, and I already grew tired of it.

Had a pegasister back in school,
Only filly flier for a mile or two
We was thick a thieves, two hairs in a tail
Even got invited to Cloudsdayle

A flock friends flew me up, held tight
The bass and the liquor were pounding till the daylight
Drunk hit my brain, like a media crescendo
Then they started chuckin’ ponies out the window

One by one were thrown off and flew back up doing tricks
It happened fast, but somehow I got thrown over in the mix
The ground came at me lighting quick. Got me I crying, screaming and kinda sick.
You were too drunk to notice, and too loud to listen, but I
Guess my broken limb, ain’t worth the falling’ distance

Well I, Guess I'll camp out here on the ground cuz my
My lack of fringes just seems to slow you down
They called out "Sorry!” and “Glad you didn't bite it!"
Well, glue your wings and jump and we'll see how you like it!

If there's a race in life you'll win
I'll be here below the stratosphere as long as you’re in it
Can’t flutter for nothin, but you still got a rise
I'd love to be flapping instead of just tapping, but that's just not happening.
I'll never be fly like you
Fly like you
Fly like you

This was when everything changed, apparently, Velvet had planned this, as her horn lit up brightly in a crimson glow, and the entire tempo of the song changed, and a ghostly apparition appeared beside her, it was a unicorn, with a wild mane, similar to mine and Homages. I recognized the voice almost instantly as that belonging to the original DJ-Pon3, her trade mark glasses perched over her horn. Even though I knew this was the work of Velvet's magic, I couldn't help but be taken aback at the fluidity of her motion.

"Hey! Sorry to blink in, but I heard you out in the street, and I had to give my side of it. I played that show, and sorry Dash was so Shitty, but don't worry, I put her in her place." To which Velvet responds. "What'd you do?"

"Spinnin' the sky, just doin mah set,

Then I saw you dive bomb, no feathers, no net,

I said hey dude you got wings you could spare?

The mother bucker just shurgged it off and said,

"She can grow a pair."

So I cussed her out, I don't give a shit.

Got enough shows, got enough bits

What was I gonna do, sit and bite my lip?

"Maybe you can clear your own clouds skip."

Stickin' my horn to the clouds like a weapon

And I busted the sky in about two seconds

Did it all without droppin' the beat

So how does it feel to be obsolete?

Velvet and her magically generated DJ began to sing through the chorus together, both of them shooting lyrics at a jaw dropping pace

Watch'n that jaw drop

Puttin' that attitude on full stop

Don't need wings to be on top

Pon three on the bass

And I beat your time by eight, so how's that technicolor hair taste.

I’ve been told to turn the other cheek and rise above it
The weather is perfect so all expect worship but
I think they can shove it!

I bite my tongue, choke, swallow and smile when I’m around her
But it’s tough to get manic, bout the aerodynamic when there’s
All these wiseguy, pegasii flyin' by screamin'
"Suck it grounder!"

Can't keep up, whatever, I tried
And I'll never crack your clique cuz I don't go Mach V
Countin’ down the days till you crash and witness
How gravity makes the rest of us it's dirty little mistress.

If there was a race in life you'd win
I'll be here below the stratosphere as long as you’re in it
Go and take a picture, it's the last time I'll be by

Flexing your wings all's you do, it's depressing

Pon-3 joins back in, singing back ground to Velvet, doing a little dance as she does so., before taking the lead once again.

Oh, and watch out for lightning and turbulence, when you splat it's really nasty

To hell with your flapping, all you need's a good wrapping
While we all die happy
Never be fly'n like you
I’ll never be fly'n like you

As Velvet wraps up the song, her Pon-3 apparition gives the audience a little wink, before winking out herself several times, and the stage grows still. Every pony in attendance was stunned into silence, all slack jawed and stunned at the display. Even I had to admit that it had captured my attention. Cherry was likewise gaping at the stage, before as one, every pony began to stomp, whistle, and shout their jubilations toward the charcoal mare, even I had to hoof it to her, and began stomping my hooves in applause. And for just a minute, my dislike for her faded like the flickering DJ earlier.

Velvet took a long and deep bow before her audience, smiling happily as she does so. It was a real shame we didn't have a recording of it to give to Homage, but I doubted this song would be hidden from her for long. After many minutes of resounding applause, the crowd finally settles down, and velvet begins yet another song, this one much tamer and gentler. Cherry and I sunk back into our chairs, not realizing we had both gotten up and danced to the hoof stomping beat.

I flopped back, taking a sip of the beer, I had ordered, while Cherry casually sipped on her whiskey. Both of us needing a moment to let ourselves relax and get our heart rates under control. "Can you believe that?" Cherry asked a minute later. I shook my head and looked back to the Velvet as she continued to sing 'Dare Master'. "I really can't, but now I get all the hype surrounding her shows." I said, then took another sip of beer. Cherry nodded, and then we fell silent, and just enjoyed the show.

Many more songs were sung, and through it all, Cherry and I really began to have some fun. Looking back on it, I suppose one could have classified this as a date. Still, we were on a job, and before long, it came time to work. Velvet had finished up her set, and with roaring applause, bowed, and left the stage for her dressing room. Cherry and I stood, and quietly followed behind. Making sure to remain one corner behind Velvet. When she finally did enter a room, Cherry and I followed to the door.

I looked to my friend, before reaching up and knocking softly. The door was pulled open, and Velvet, looking tired, already held a pen in her magic, and not paying attention, scrawled a signature across my forehead in permanent marker. I crossed my eyes and tried to look up while Cherry stifled a giggle at the look on my face. It was only now that velvet realized what she had done, and who she had done it to.

"Moonshine!" She screeched as she fell back in surprise. I rolled my eyes, and cherry moved to help the pregnant mare to her hooves. But through it all, she didn't take her eyes from mine, then, after a time, they fell to the nine-millimeter I had strapped to my leg. But I made no motion to take it. Instead I pushed into the room, and closed the door behind us.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She whispers, while Cherry guides her to a chair. I sit upon my haunches, and look her in the eye. "Cherry will you get Velvet some water please. Her and I need to have a conversation." I said kindly, giving the red mare a reassuring smile. Cherry, despite trusting me, still left with apprehension. Once she finally did, the smile fell from my face, and I faced Velvet.

To her credit, she hadn't stopped staring at me. Though her gaze inevitably fell to the pistol holstered on my leg. I made a slow gesture, making her look back up and into my eyes. "First, you put on a hell of a show Velvet. Congratulations." I said, and the compliment helped her to relax just a touch. "Umm thank you. But still, why are you here? Last I heard you and Shady were on your way to Hoofing..." She then paused, seeing the look in my eyes, and no doubt hearing what had happened there.

"You... You were there weren't you?" I nodded stiffly. Unsure how she would react right now. While she looked nervous, and more than a little twitchy, she didn’t run, or look at me condescendingly. Instead, she rubbed a hoof across her belly, and sighed. “What made you come here, from what we heard, those responsible were arrested by the NCR. If it was you, then you and your friends are fugitives.” She said, and I nodded. But both her and I knew we had faked our deaths.

“Velvet, we need your help.” I said quietly, none too pleased at having to ask her of all ponies, but I saw little choice at this moment. When she remained silent, waiting for me to continue I did. “I need to talk to Gawd. She need to know that the ponies at the dam are strung out on chems, and that the General there had dealings with a local bandit group.” I said, letting her know all that we had learned about the situation. Velvet’s eyes widened at the news, apparently her medical side displeased with the news. “If what you say is true, immediate action will need to be taken. You will have your meeting with Gawd.”

Velvet stood up, and quickly tapped a few commands into the golden pipbuck on her hoof. She then lifted it near her mouth, and spoke. “Gawdyna, when you get a chance, come to the bar. I have an urgent matter to speak with you about.” With that, she closed the open communication, and re took her seat across from me. A few moments later, Cherry re entered the room, a bottle of water levitating beside her. Velvet took it thankfully, and took a few sips. “So, who is your friend?” Velevet asked a few moments later, and Cherry looked to me, letting me know it was up to me to tell her.

“Velvet, this is Cherry Wine. She is… well she’s a close friend. She is the reason Shady and I are still alive.” I offered. Secretly I didn’t know what Cherry was to me, I had never had these kind of thoughts or feelings before, and it was hard to articulate my thoughts. Thankfully Velvet figured it out, and after a small cough, pressed on. “So, it seems you all have stepped into a situation you were all ill equipped to handle.” She said somberly, and all Cherry and I could do was nod. “Would you like to tell me everything?” She asked, a genuine sound of kindness in her voice.I shook my head, and explained that I would rather tell the story only once.

Velvet nodded in understanding, and collected her thoughts for a time. Then her pip buck beeped, and a message began to play. “Velvet I swear to Celestia, if this is about letting alicorns into Junction town again, I will cut Calamity’s rations in half.” The voice of Gawd came from the computer. Velvet gave us a sheepish look for just a second, before the message continued on. “I will be there in a few minutes. I have a few things to take care of.” With the sound of static, the message ended, and Velvet turned to us. “You two, get behind the changing screen.” She commanded, and we did as we were told. Velvet had to have a reason for it, otherwise she wouldn’t sound so serious.

Cherry and I crouched behind the slider, and I quietly undid the clasp holding my pistol into the holster. If Velvet was now on edge, something was going down, and I wanted to be ready. I looked to Cherry, who took note of my nervousness, and gave me a quick kiss which served to calm me down a bit. I gave her a thankful look, and focused more on the moment.Luckily, we didn’t have to wait for long. A knock came at the door, and Velvet gave us a quick look to make sure we were ready. I nodded, and she went to the door.

As soon as it was open though, five armed guards swarmed in, followed by Gawd, who was decked out in combat armor, and her triple barrel shotgun slung across her back. There were two NCR Rangers, and three of Gawds Talons. I gaped, the show of force was impressive, and even more impressive was that it was meant for us. “Come out Moonshine, we know you’re here.” Seeing no alternative, I gave Cherry a reassuring hug, and moved from behind the screen, my pistol still holstered, and my heart beating with a staccato akin to a machine gun.

“So, you really are here.” Said Gawd, her triple barrel shotgun clutched in a talon, but not pointed in my direction. The same could not be said about her entourage. Five guns were pointed at me, and I knew they were loaded with lethal rounds. “So, what took you so long? I asked, keeping my cool, despite the situation. The Griffin just smirked, and adjusted her grip on the shotgun. “You’ve got a lot of balls to come here after what happened at the Dam. What did you hope to accomplish, killing me and hoping you would be forgotten?” She questioned, the whole time letting her goons hold me at gun point.

I shook my head, but never took my gaze from hers. “I came to talk. You need to know what’s going on at the Dam.” I said calmly, never once making a motion to the gun I wore. “So talk, if you think it will save you from going to Arbu, you would have to give me one hell of a reason.” She said, and her words sent a pang of panic through me. “The General there is feeding his troops chems, keeping them addicted and obedient.” I said, but Gawd shrugged, and aimed her gun at me. “You think I don’t already know all of that? What kind of leader would I be if I didn’t have informants at the dam.” She said, and my heart sank. This was not going the way I wanted, and it seemed Cherry and I would be shipped off to Arbu after all.

“Cuff him. And the red unicorn behind the changing screen as well.” She said, gesturing at the screen with her gun. Part of me was hoping she could at least get out of here, and not die in the process. But she was a lot smarter than I was, and with a sigh, she willingly gave herself up without a fight. I looked down sadly as my hooves were cuffed, and my gun removed from my holster. I then caught a motion from the corner of my eye, and when I turned to look, my sinking heart was lit with fires of rage.

Gawd had moved over to Velvet, and winked, before patting her on the shoulder. My eyes widen, and it only took as long as a rad roach takes to piss for me to realize what was going on. “YOU ROYAL CUNT!” I shouted at Velvet. She had sold us out to Gawd, and now we would have no chance in hell of meeting back up with our friends. “YOU ARE A FUCKING BITCH!” I screamed, spittle flying from my mouth, and landing on the charcoal unicorn’s face. She kept her poise however, and calmly wiped it away. “Let’s go.” Gawd ordered her goons, and Cherry and I were dragged from the bar. All the while I shouted at Velvet, calling her the worst names imaginable. I suppose, looking back on it, I was using it to distract myself from the fact that, after everything, I would still be going to Arbu. I still shouted at Velvet, channeling my inner Shady, and hitting her with all of the hurtful words I knew. “I CAN’T BELIEVE I WAS STARTING TO ACTUALLY LIKE YOU. EVEN TRUST YOU. ONCE AGAIN YOU ARE SHOWING YOUR TRUE COLORS YOU ARROGANT, CONIVING, SADISTIC, CALOUS, SMARMY, MANIPULATIVE FUCKING TWAT!” I screamed, making Silver Bell clamp her hooves over Amity’s ears to protect him from the language I chose to use. But I didn’t care. I was too worked up to care.

Velvet took it all stoically, but she was saved any further insults as a rag was shoved into my mouth, and my muzzle promptly tied shut. I resisted as best I could, but it was all in vain with multiple ponies dragging me behind them, and my hooves bound. I still sent Velvet the dirtiest looks I could manage the entire time we were dragged from town. Where I was a ball of hatred, Cherry was calm, and obedient as we left the light of Junction Town, and out into the night.

We continued like this for around twenty minutes, the lights of the town growing smaller. Finally, we were dropped onto the rough ground, and made to sit before Gawd. I knew what this was instantly. I had witnessed similar scenes in Respite and Arbu. When a dangerous criminal was deemed to deadly, they didn’t go to prison. They were executed and buried in a shallow grave somewhere outside of town. Even through it all, I held onto my anger, and if my looks could kill, the whole area would be a balefire crater right now.

Gawd moved before us, her shotgun leveled at my head. She said nothing, but gave me a sour look, before pulling the trigger.

Shady had been at the scene of the boats last landing. It had probably sat her for the last two centuries and the time had not been overly kind to the vessel. The wooden deck was rotten beyond saving, and the hull had rusted through in multiple spots. Luckily, she had more than enough scrap to repair it all. Scattered all around were dead trees and wrecked wagons. She sighed, and set her bags down inside, keeping her nine-millimeter holstered, and set to work. It had been a rough day since she had left TenPony, the walk really taxed her healing leg, but the pain made her focus even harder. It reminded her what she had gone through because of Eucalyptus Grunt, and she did not appreciate being played. Played with most certainly, but never played.

She removed a portable cutting torch from her bags, and quickly set about cutting and salvaging all the metal she could get. Satisfied a few hours later that she had enough, she then pulled a spark battery from her pack, and hooked up a cable to the positive and negative terminals, the negative end was clamped onto the hull of the ship, and the positive received a filament rod with metal inside. Satisfied at her rigging, she pulled a set of welding goggles over her eyes, and began laying out welds along the sheet steel. The only issues she ran into was the old paint or rust, but it was nothing she couldn’t handle.

This was where Shady Acres was truly in her element. Sweat pored from her body due to the proximity to the heated metal, and her leg ached dully from the exertion of holding the heavy steel up long enough to tack weld it in place. She went through packs of welding rods just on the first plate, luckily, she had more. For four days she labored on the old hull. Patching any holes, and making sure the rest of it wasn’t going to collapse under the water.

On the fifth day she rested up. The toll on her leg was just too much to do more than walk to relieve herself. After one such foray to empty her bladder, she couldn’t help but wonder how Moonshine and Cherry were fairing. They had the hardest part of the job by far. And the trick would be in not getting caught again. The plan rested on getting Gawd’s permission. And silently she hoped Moonshine could pull it off.

For the next eight days, she cut down any suitable trees she could using the provided axe, and then a saw the logs into useable planks to rebuild the decking. The hardest part of this job proved to be in removing the old wood. It was so rotten that most of it wouldn’t take her weight, and more than once she had fallen through. Luckily the only damage sustained were a few bruises, and jarring her injured leg. To make matters worse, more than a few of the lag bolts had seized to the frame from rust and age. Still, it was nothing the blow torch couldn’t handle.

Every nut and bolt were carefully organized according to her standards. In just a few days, the rotten wood was all but gone. She then measured the distances multiple times, and wrote down her findings in a small note pad. Every hole was painstakingly drilled with a hoof auger, and each hole was counter sunk so the bolts would sit flush with the decking. She then carefully placed and tightened each bolt with a salvaged torque wrench, and then took the bladed plane, and spent another few days smoothing and leveling the new decking.

After nearly two solid weeks of isolation and work, the ship was beginning to look like she would float, but that would mean very little if the ship didn’t run. With a light strapped to her head, and a new set of tools strapped to her, she moved into the bowels of the ship. She peeled and stripped any bare wires she found, and replaced any areas she deemed too damaged from age or careless looting. She spent nearly all day on the project, but only managed to repair the aft section of the ship.

The next day she made more progress, and by the time the sun began it’s decent, she had found herself in the wheel house, re-wiring the gauges, and throttle position senor.

As she finished setting her tools down in an orderly fashion, and sitting near her small cook fire, a noise startled her. It sounded like a group of nearly ten ponies were walking her way. She quickly doused the fire in sand, and withdrew her pistol. Nearly ten minutes passed, and then, finally, they appeared. But at the sight of them, she holstered her gun, and hailed the crew of the White Rose. Shady walked up and greeted Captain Salt Lick, meeting her like an old friend. Salt Lick was very impressed with the ship, happy to see the old girl getting a new life.

The rest of the crew was pleased as well. Complimenting Shady’s work so far. When Shady inquired as to the whereabouts of Zakk, the white pony rolled her eyes and pointed at the horizon. Shady had to squint to see, but there was a pony, clearly struggling with a heavy load of some sort. Shady rolled her eyes, and waited patiently for Zak to grow closer. What she saw startled her. Zakk was carrying, somehow, eight foldable lawn chairs, a shuffleboard deck, and assumedly the rest of the gear, and a hard case with a few martini glasses.

He stopped before Shady, holding out another box she hadn’t noticed, this one she took, and opened it suspiciously. What she saw inside surprised her, but in a good way. Inside there was what looked to be an un marked, and new welding helmet, probably hadn’t seen the light of day since it was manufactured. And written across the visor, in red lipstick was Shady’s name. She smiled, and gave Zakk a soft hug in thanks, before setting it down with her other gear.

Zakk started screwing around once again, acting like a foal with autism on dash. But Shady just giggled through it all, and moved back with the crew. The next day, work began again on the old boat, the crew fiddled with the steering mechanism, trying to get it working again, and using Shady’s blow torch to straighten the rudders that had been bent when the ship was land locked. As every pony worked on setting up the ship for travel, Zakk got busy set up the ship for fun. Well he tried to anyway, but every time he set up his chairs, one of the crew would come by and fold it back up and get it out of the way. Two more times this happened, before he grew annoyed and moved on to another project.

One of the crew ponies felt something bump against their hoof, and upon looking down discovered it was a small puck. Zakk had set up the shuffleboard game, and was trying to play while every pony else worked. The crew pony took exception to this, and crushed the puck into powder, all the while glaring daggers at Zakk. Zakk though, looked fed up as well, and told the crew pony that he owed him a new puck. After that he went to trotting around ship, not helping, but just wandering.

Shady and Captain Salt Lick worked together to finish the wiring and get the engine running. The remainder of the crew set about chopping more wood, and making sturdy bed frames and supports for cargo. At the end of the eighteenth day, every gathered around the aft of the ship, and celebrated as Salt Lick painted in large block letters, “White Rose II” and every pony, even Shady celebrated. This continued like this for a time, before Shady caught on to Zakk holding a torch, where he got it, she had no clue, but she had an inkling that he wanted to burn it down like the last one. He even had a bag of marshmallows near his hooves. She rolled her eyes, and asked to see his torch, before sticking the flaming end in the sand, and dragging Zakk to the camp fire, were every pony was enjoying their night. Shady even opened the bag of Marshmallows, and every pony sat around, roasting them, and enjoying themselves after a hard day of work.

Shady wouldn’t admit it to any pony, but she was secretly happy to have ponies to spend time with, and it made her realize how much she missed her friends, and hoping they were alright.

I cracked open my eyes again, after the echoing gunshot died down. I felt no pain, just a ringing in my ears. I was staring at the smoking barrels of Gawd’s shotgun, but confusion swept over me. Why wasn’t I dead? The look on Cherry’s face conveyed as much confusion as I felt When I looked back to Gawd, she was smiling, not a menacing smirk, but a genuine smile. She then lowered her weapon, and then helped me to my hooves. None of her guards even made a motion to lift one of their guns, and Velvet wore a genuine look of relief. Gawd then clapped me on the shoulder, and laughed. “You’ve got some serious resolve kid, I like that.” She said, before looking me in the eye, and giving Cherry a look, who was as surprised as I was.

“Look, things are more complicated than you know Moonshine, but I know you two did nothing wrong at the dam. You were dragged into a situation by Shady and Eucalyptus.” I narrowed my eyes, a look of anger at her assumption about my friend. All three of us had been played, and I didn’t like it. But right now I was more infuriated by the act I had been unknowingly used for.

“Release them.” Gawd ordered, and stood aside as one of her goons moved over and began taking off my hoof cuffs. But the second they were off, I leapt at Velvet, and pressed my face closer to hers, a look of rage behind my eyes. She backed off, falling on her haunches as I bore down on her. Gawd’s guards made a move to stop me, but Gawd stopped them with a command. But she was clearly worried I would hurt the mare, because her shotgun was leveled at me once more. And I knew these wouldn’t be blanks.

I rubbed my hoof across my muzzle, knocking away the rope and spitting out the nasty rag that had been stuffed into my mouth. I ignored the nasty taste on my tongue, and stared coldly at Velvet again. “I..I..” She tried to stammer out, but my slap to her face cut her off. She jerked, the looked back up at me, her hoof pressed to her cheek. “If this was just an act to keep the Generals idiots at bay, you easily could have told us before the fact.” I growled, my face inches from hers. She tried to back away from me further, but I didn’t let her. Instead I grabbed her forelegs, and pulled her to her hooves. “You owe my friend an apology.” I said softly, and moved over to Cherry to help her up as well. While she was being released from her restraints, and Velvet was apologizing to Cherry, I turned to Gawd. “Explain cat bird.” I said in a deep growl.

“It’s Gryphon, but Moonshine, you all stepped into the middle of a political war. Your actions at the Jacks camp were part of a much larger plan on the part of Grunt. I am already aware that he has been keeping the ponies under his command strung out on chems and exhausted. That way they wouldn’t be able to question his decisions because their mental states would be compromised.”

I nodded, following her logic so far, but wondering what this had to do with us. As if she had read my thoughts, she continued. “Your attack on the Jacks compound didn’t go the way it was supposed to. You all were meant to die at the camp. You may think that what Shady did was wrong, but she saved all of your lives.” I shared a look with Cherry. While it had been true that we forgave her for what she did, it turns out she indirectly kept our hides intact.

“So, we ruined his plans, and as a result he sent the bandits after us to finish us all off.” Cherry stated, drawing an affirmative nod from Gawd. “Yes, but his end goal wasn’t the death of a few civilians. Ever since you entered the camp, he had his eye on your power armor. Without it, he wouldn’t hope to take control of the NCR from me via combat.” She said. “Wait. All that we went through was because of my armor? The very armor that The General wore when we were taken to the boat?” I asked in shock, and Gawd nodded somberly.

I swore softly, my rage boiling over again, to the point that Cherry had to place a calm hoof on my shoulder to make me remember where I was right now. Even Gawd took notice, and gripped her shot gun just in case. I looked to Cherry thankfully, and Gawds next words sealed the fact that the last few weeks had changed me. “You aren’t the same pony I saw just a couple of weeks ago.” She said, and I scowled at her. Making it clear I didn’t appreciate her bringing it up. She shrugged, and looked back over at Velvet. “Is everything ready?” she asked the mare.

Velvet checked her PipBuck, and nodded. They are getting ready now, should be good to go in about twenty minutes.” The gryphon nodded, and turned to look back to Cherry and I. “Alright, we need to go a little way south.” She said, and started walking. Cherry gave me a confused look, but I kept my look cool. “Gawd does this cloak and dagger shit. Just go with it.” I said stoically and began walking with the rest of the team. “And some pony gimme back my gun!”

We walked for another fifteen minutes in near silence. Velvet and Cherry talking in hushed whispers, but I paid them no mind as I walked beside Gawd. “Ya know, you’ve changed since the last time I saw you.” She said, and I looked back to her coldly. “I suppose gunning down an entire camp with a minigun will harden any pony.” I said sarcastically. And mentally kicked myself for making light of something horrible I had done. Just how callous I had gotten between then and now? I sighed and looked straight ahead now. Trying to ignore the memories as they came.

Gawd saw the look that crossed my eyes and sighed. “Ya know, its not easy doing what you are doing. Many ponies have tried to change the wasteland, and more often than not, it breaks them, or corrupts them. It is not an easy life.” She said, but I bristled. “I am not trying to change the wasteland, I am just trying to survive, but ever since we took that damn job from you, it’s given us nothing but trouble.” I growled. “And now, we are going to go back to Hoofington, and lean up the mess we got dropped in, and get our shit back.” I said angrily, and said little more than that after words. But I did notice the two mares behind us fell eerily quiet.

Luck was on my side, so my emotions were not tested further by a scene unfolding before me. There was a very familiar sky wagon parked in some tall grass, and two likewise familiar pegasi were busy loading boxes into the rear hatch. DeadShot Calamity and Quick Shot both stopped what they were doing, Quick shot dropping his end of a heavy box, which, made calamity drop his end, and it landed heavily on his hoof.

Calamity swore and stomped around in a circle as he wiggled his hoof as if trying to shake the pain away. Velvet ran up to him to see if he was alright, and Quick Shot moved over to me. This time, he remembered our last discussion about personal space. Instead he held out a hoof for me to bump, but I ignored it, and looked him in the eye for a brief second, and then wrapped him in a hug. He froze for a second, and then returned it somberly. I then collected myself and let him go as Cherry moved up out of confusion. “Cherry, this is my friend Quick Shot, he is the pony who got me and Shady to Junction Town before I died.” I said making the introduction, and Cherry smiled, before Giving the Pegasus a hug of her own. “Thank you for saving Moonshine.” She said, and then released him. Quick Shot gave an awkward smile, and rubbed a hoof against the back of his head. But before he could say anything, Gawd chewed the Pegasus out.

“Save the reunion for later. We gotta get out of here.” She scolded, and Quick Shot gave us one final look, and then ran off to begin strapping himself to the wagon. As he did so, I gave him an apologetic look. My ears then flicked to the side as Velvet and Calamity’s conversation grew in volume. Velvet had easily lifted the heavy box and slid it where it needed to be, all the while arguing with her husband. “It doesn’t matter dear, I’m going to help the ponies at the dam, whether they are NCR, or NLC doesn’t matter, every pony deserves kindness.” She said, and gave Calamity another look telling him that he would have no chance of changing her mind. Calamity though didn’t back down without a fight. “Velvet, ya’ are too far along, our child will be due any day now, an’ you wanna go traipsin’ around Equestria. Hun, you’re sticking you’re nose in a rad hog’s nest.” He said somberly, worry evident on his features.

Velvet’s look softened as she placed a gentle hoof on his cheek. “I know how you feel dear, but I cannot sit by when, so many ponies are being hurt the way they are.You know how I handled LittlePip with her addiction, you know I am going to try helping these ponies too.” She said gently, but a rough look crossed Calamity’s eyes. “Ya mean shoot ‘em with guns they give ya?” He said sarcastically, and Velvet bristled. “That is not how it happened, and you know it.” She scolded, and Calamity sighed. “Yer right, but we got two kids at home, and I just don’t know what I would do if somethin’ happened to ya.” He said letting his fears show for the first time. Velvet softened her look too, and pulled her husband into a loving hug. “I know sweetie, but you need to keep an eye on our son, he keeps trying to drop water balloons on ponies from the air. Just keep him out of trouble ok.” She said before kissing him lightly.

I watched the scene unfold for a moment, but decided that it was none of my business, and that I should leave the couple alone. I moved to Gawd who was stripping off the rest off her gear, and giving it to another Gryphon. That is except for her gun. Said guard was pulling on the armor, and adopting Gawds haughty demeanor. I watched on curiously, when Velvet walked past and faced the guard. Calamity stepped up next to me, watching the scene unfold with me. Velvet began casting her crimson magic, making a few alterations to the armor. “Take care of mah wife.” Calamity said cooly, watching her like it would be the last time he saw her. I didn’t need to look at him to understand his feelings. “You are trusting your wife’s fate to some pony who hates her.” I said, before giving him a look. He turned to say something, but I cut him off. I meant what I said last time we met. I will not kill her as long as she has children to look after. But no pony else has the right to kill her other than me. So I suppose that makes me the logical choice to protect her.” I said.

Calamity's eyes hardened at my words, but once he did make sense of them, he nodded. “Yeah, I suppose it does.” He said. I nodded and re focused on what Velvet was up too. What I saw surprised me though. The Gryphon before her looked just like Gawd. But Gawd herself was standing there giving approving looks. I was very confused, but Calamity wasn’t. ‘An illusion spell, can’t have Gawd not return, ponies would no somethin’ was up then.” I nodded, following his logic. It did make sense after all. People would wonder where Gawd went, not one of her guards. Satisfied, Velvet moved away, and went to the sky wagon before giving Calamity a small kiss, and boarding. I gave Calamity a look of subtle thanks, and likewise moved to the door with Gawd. Together we climbed aboard the wagon. Cherry though, hesitated, but I didn’t give her time to freak out before shoving her inside.

I felt bad for doing it, but we had to get moving, and I was sure she would forgive me. A minute later, the wagon lurched, and we slid along the ground as Quick Shot built up speed. Before long, we were skimming the ground, and headed into the night. Gawd took a seat across from me, and crossed her talons over her shotgun. I looked out of the window, watching the terrain pass by quickly, Velvet was content to lay beside Gawd, and have a light nap. I suppose it was normal considering her pregnancy. And Cherry… poor Cherry was retching and hurling out of the window. I gently patted her back, feeling bad for her, and any camping ponies beneath us. Gawd watched us quizzically, curious about the red unicorn. “So, I’m sorry I didn’t ask, but who is this?” She asked, pointing at Cherry. I face hoofed and quickly made the proper introductions. “Cherry this is Gawdyna Grimfeathers, leader of the NCR. Gawd, this is Cherry Wine. A mare who joined us from the Sea Horse, and was with us during the… well fight against the Jacks.” Gawd held up a talon to stop me, looking intensely at my friend. “You must be the rumored unicorn who was responsible for burning down the Jack’s camp. Hard to imagine you are supposedly the same unicorn who just puked her guts out.”

“Cherry waved her off as she barfed once more, not quite making it to the window. Chunks of… well, you know, were blown back from the wind entering the cabin, Gawd and Velvet got covered. I gagged now, and coughed, my eyes watering. Of all the horrible things I’ve seen, this was what had put me close to puke central. I wiped my eyes, and looked at the pair. Gawd was wiping her face clean of the mess, and glaring daggers at my friend, and Velvet used her magic to clean off the mess nonchalantly. I suppose being thrown up on was normal for a medical pony. I coughed again, despite the gross factor, I was struggling not to laugh if only to avoid throwing up myself.

We had to deal with the smell for a few hours, and by the time we had to land, Cherry had passed out by now, and was resting with her head on my lap. Thankfully she had rinsed her mouth before it happened. Once we touched down, Gawd jumped out and stripped off her uniform and rinsed her face off with a bottle of water. Quick Shot had unlashed himself from the wagon, and flopped onto the ground to rest for a bit. I gently lifted Cherry’s head, and moved from under her, before laying her back down and heading outside. Velvet stirred, and looked around before giving a small yawn. Gawd was vigorously rubbing her face, trying to clean it.

I move over to the Pegasus, and offer him a hoof up. He smiles and takes it, and I pull him upright. He then wraps a hoof around me in a hug, and I pat his shoulder then then surprised me by stopping, and poking the spot between my shoulder blades, which elicited a shiver down my spine. I pulled away, and squirmed, still not liking that sensation. Quick Shot stared at me curiously. “You… You were a Pegasus? No that’s not right, you didn’t have wings or scars when you went down in respite. So that means…”

He stopped and looked at me then, finally putting two and two together. “You… you’re a Pegasus now?” he asked, drawing the sudden attention of Gawd. I fidgeted, unsure how to proceed with all this attention. Gawd was looking closer at my back now, trying to see for herself what Quick Shot was talking about. I rolled my eyes, and shrugged of the padded leather vest I was wearing and exposing… well I wouldn’t call them wings just yet. Each protrusion was now about two hooves long, and curving along my side, and already sprouting small fluffy feathers along the bones. I kept it mostly too myself, but they occasionally itched like crazy, and it made sleeping on my back nearly impossible. What’s more, they twitched randomly, and had a habit of scaring me when they bumped against my side.

“How are you growing wings Moonshine, are you part Alicorn?” Gawd asked, apparently having more experience with the magical creatures. I shook my head, then paused as I remembered LittlePip’s story. She too had been exposed to taint, and it had made her regrow a leg. And Cherry apparently had the magical powers, well at least the flames, of an Alicorn. It then bugged me that I shared something else in common LittlePip. I then shrugged, unsure if I was or wasn’t. Either way I was changing, and it was already taking some adjustment.

“I haven’t heard of a non Pegasi growing wings before.” Said Quick Shot, and Gawd agreed. I sighed, and quickly ran down why I was developing into a Pegasi. “I got exposed to taint, which reacted just right with my Genes, and triggered a mutation that I was supposed to have been born with. Instead a birth defect due to the inbreeding in Arbu suppressed it. The taint just triggered it. That is why they are growing in now, and I am nearly twenty.” I say quickly. It takes them both a few minutes to digest what they had heard, but then asked the question I knew they would.

“Where did you get taint in the time between when we met, and now?” Gawd asked, trying to put the time frame together. I paused to think of the right words, I didn’t want to incriminate Cherry, but that plan was shot to hell, when Cherry herself left the sky wagon with Velvet, who had heard the conversation and came to investigate, and just plainly stated. “From me.” Gawd and Quick Shot snapped their heads to her, and I sighed and hung my head. Gawd put it together first, and she glanced back and forth between me and Cherry. “You mean… you two… wow...” Gawd fumbled for words, which surprised me because she was privy to LittlePip and Homages shenanigans. Quick Shot was a little slow on the uptake though. ‘Wait what, isn’t taint passed by swapping DNA? The only way that would happen is if…” He trailed off, and Cherry rolled her eyes before finishing for him. “We fucked! Jeez why do ponies get so shy about sex?” She exclaimed. I then looked at her and spoke up. “Because no pony has the appetite you do.” I quip. And Velvet blushed deeply and coughed into her foreleg.

I then get a thought that was too funny to let go. “Wait, now I understand it. You’re a Unicorn, therefore, always horny.” I say, looking between Velvet and Cherry, and the response was a series of groans and even a solid “Boo.” From Quick Shot. “Oh Luna, first he has sex, now he has dad jokes!” Gawd exclaimed before re-boarding the sky wagon with a still blushing Velvet. I chuckled softly, and followed behind, and Cherry with me while Quick Shot hooked back up to the wagon.

Cherry was silent, and hollow eyed throughout our take off, and I knew her panic attack was coming next. To my relief, she swiftly fell back asleep, and it left Gawd, Velvet and I alone in silence. And it finally occurred to me at that point that I had no idea where we were going. So, I asked the Gryphon, and she responded. “An NCR cache. We have armor and weapons stored there. We are going to suit you and your friends up, and take that boat you all are working on down to the Dam. Then you we will face Eucalyptus.” I balk, it surprised me that she knew so much about our plans. I mean I knew she was good, but not that good. “How...” was all I got out, before Velvet interrupted me with a reply. “Homage.” I nodded, not surprised in the least.

After that we fell into silence for the rest of our flight, which I spent trying to either stretch my growing wings, or write in my new journal. Gawd was rather surprised I had kept up my writing, but when I told her why I did it, she understood. Velvet asked if she could read up on our previous journey, and I saw no harm in it so I turned the book over to her. After that we fell back into silence, and finished our journey to the cache. Quick Shot landed gently, and we all left the wagon happily. From what I knew, we had stumbled upon a cabin smack dab in the middle of nowhere. There were old work benches, and tarps everywhere. “Where are we?” I asked, not familiar with the terrain. Cherry and I had not walked near here on our way to Junction town.

Gawd remained silent for a few more seconds, weighing her options on whether to tell us. And Velvet wore a sad look mixed with more emotions than I was used to seeing. Finally, Velvet answered for Gawd, and looked me in the eye with a serious and grim expression. “Steel Hooves shack.” She whispered, before pushing her way into the building. Cherry and Quick Shot entered the building with her and Gawd, but I stood frozen in place. I had mixed feeling on the old steel ranger. He was part of the attack on Arbu, like the rest of LittlePip’s friends. But he also never stopped loving Applejack. I moved away from the building, and out into the field. I finally stopped, and looked to the sky. The stars were twinkling softly, and there was a crescent moon to my left. The whole evening was calm, but in a foreboding sort of way. Maybe because of the feelings I had about Steel Hooves, and the fact that I was traveling with a pony who I had once wanted to kill. I sighed and looked down, with my eyes closed, but when I opened them up again, I was staring into the empty eye sockets of a dead Alicorn with a bullet hole in her head.

I recognized her, being the very Alicorn LittlePip tricked with a memory orb. Despite the terror they caused the wasteland in years past, I still couldn’t help wondering what the last thing that went through her brain was. I mean besides a bullet. I hope it was a peaceful thought. But somehow, I doubted it. “Moonshine!” Cherry called out from the door, and I called back. “I’m coming!” I then looked at the skull once more, and then turned my back and went to the shed.

I entered the building, basically just focusing on the fact that now it was a glorified storage unit. Gawd and Quick Shot were busy lighting oil lamps, and Cherry was looking around the stock of supplies with Velvet. I too joined them in looking around. And as the lights grew brighter, I began to appreciate what this place had been used for. There were racks of weapons, and shelves of armor pieces. I was rather surprised at the entire selection. What’s more, there were sewing machines, and armor benches. This place not only held armor and weapons, but held the equipment to work on it.

Gawd walked over, and gave me an oil lamp. Feel free to take what you want. You can also work on it to make it fit as you want. There used to be ponies here who would do it for you, but I think you would prefer to personalize it to your liking after seeing what you did with that power armor.” I nod, thinking we could make something useful here. “How long do we have?” I ask, hoping it was more than a few hours. “Two days. We will stay here for two days, so you two better start working.” I nod, and strip off my nine-millimeter and holster, the only thing I was wearing. Cherry, despite not knowing much about mechanics, seemed eager to learn. And I had a fleeting thought that this must have been how Shady felt when she was going to teach me. I felt a little excitement at the prospect, and eager for the bonding we would have. So far it was mostly some sex, and hanging around each other, or working a job. This would give us a chance to grow together.

She smiled at me, clearly sharing the same thought. With that, we went hunting through the rows of equipment, even Gawd and Quick Shot joined in, helping us find what we would need while Velvet fell silent and took up a guard position. One of the things we found, were a series of hoof lockers. “These were the belongings of many NCR soldiers who died over the last few years. But had no next of kin.” I felt my heart sink at the prospect, about ready to leave their belongings alone out of respect. But then Gawd said something that made me no longer care. “Luckily, these were the belongings of the ponies who were responsible for the attack against Respite.”

I glared at the chests, hoping my rage directed at them would transfer to the souls of those ponies. At that point I didn’t hesitate, and broke off every lock in my anger with a crow bar. I hammered at them, the muscles in my neck tense with anger. Cherry had to pull the crow bar from me and hug me until I cooled off. Velvet spared me a sad look as all four of us began searching through the crates. Most of the stuff was junk we didn’t need, but there were a few healing potions, and a few bits of armor. I was busy checking out an old set of metal shoulder pads, when Quick Shot called out for my attention. I looked over, and he was holding a revolver out to me. It was the same type of revolver I had given to Shady, but this one lacked any of the blood I had stained it with.

I carefully took the revolver in my hooves, and looked at it closely. I felt a great weight coming from it, as if the one I had lost was somehow still connected with me. I sighed and decided to keep the revolver, my fighting style required the use of such a weapon to be complete, and I couldn’t rely on the nine-millimeter Cherry had given me. I slid the weapon back into it’s holster, and thanked Quick Shot for finding it. Cherry had some luck of her own. She had found and discovered a roll of deep crimson leather, and matching thread. Whatever she decided to make out of it, I was sure it would compliment her color scheme nicely. But so far, I was having a tough time finding any armor that was light enough for me to still be maneuverable. But then Gawd caught my attention, and pulled me to a far corner of the shack. There, standing almost as high as the ceiling was a dark black crate.

“Moonshine, do you remember how you called yourself an honorary ranger when I gave you that pistol?” I nodded, unable to forget her words. “Well how about we make that title mean something.” She said, and then pulled open a door on the box. Inside was a tattered and well-worn suit of ranger armor. There were dents and scrapes all over the suit, and the helmet bore a few heavy dents, and a recognizable hole through one of the visors. Shakily I lifted the helmet, and turned it around to see the golf ball sized hole through the back, and I immediately recognized the damage. This was the suit of the very ranger I had killed, and the one who had shot me.

I dropped the helmet to the floor and backed away breathing hard. It was one thing to carry their gun, especially since I had earned it. But seeing this suit here and now really let it sink in just what I had done on that fateful night. “I know it’s a lot to take in. And I know it brings up a lot of unwanted feelings. But if any pony deserves this suit, it’s you.” With that, she left me alone to collect my thoughts. And honestly, I had mixed feelings about it. But I had a sneaking suspicion that I would be fighting my own set of power armor, and there was little else I could wear that would offer enough protection to go hoof to hoof with it. I sighed, and pulled the armor from the case, and laid it upon a table to get a better look at it. Luckily there were a few replacement parts laying around, but the helmet was far too gone to be of any use.

I stood there, my heart thundering in my chest as I looked at the suit. Shady had dented the interlocking panels quite heavily, but it was nothing I couldn’t fix. The question I was struggling with though, was if I even wanted to. I knew I would need it, but there had not only been a dead pony inside, but a pony I had killed. Velvet moved over then, a bottle of water floating beside her. “I heard what Gawd said, but seeing your reaction tells me there is more to this suit than she knows.” I nodded at her assumption, and I began talking. It hadn’t bothered me before, but seeing it now I finally felt the weight of what I had done.

“This is the very same suit of the pony who shot me the night Respite fell.” I said as I traded the tip of my hoof along the dented armor. Velvet gasped, and set down her water bottle. “Sweet Celestia…” She said, and I nodded. Velvet got my attention further by tapping my shoulder, so I would look at her. “Moonshine, you and I share a lot in common.” I bristled and glared at her getting ready to correct that statement, but she continued. “Neither of us take pleasure in death. I can tell by looking at you now that it still bothers you.” I couldn’t argue there, she did have a point. Velvet adopted a distant look and began speaking.

“I know you read LittlePip’s book, do you remember our time in the Everfree forest?” She asked, and I nodded. “Well, I had discovered some raiders were holed up in Fluttershy’s cottage, and were using it as a pit where they forced captured children to fight to the death.” She paused to take a sip of water, but I waited patiently for her to continue. I had gone back to staring at the armor, and noticed the blood from the pony’s head had leaked around the neck. “Well I killed a raider there. Not like any of the others. I was pure rage Moonshine. I wanted to kill him, needed to. And I did. But it tore my heart in two. Even to this day I wake up with nightmares about what I did to that raider, but you know what? I would do it again. Sometimes there is a time where you need to kill. “She said, and her words took me by surprise. Velvet was the most passive pony I knew. “I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before any one even at the cost of your life.” I raised my head, her words sounding strangely wise to me, but they did not sound like something Velvet would say. “Wh…Where did you learn that?” I asked, and Velvet adopted a small smile. “Fluttershy said it to Luna just after she took the throne when Celestia abdicated. Fluttershy was telling the princess that while she did not agree with the war, that no pony should idly sit by, not when so many lives were at stake.”

I nodded and looked back at the armor, not happy about what I had done, but knowing it had to be. Shady was alive because of that act. I was stronger for what I had done, I was still breathing, despite their efforts. And now I had a chance to right the wrongs done to me and so many others by those ponies who had destroyed my home. “Thank you, Velvet. I’m sorry I called you a royal cunt.” I said honestly, my heart beat had fallen back to regular levels after our talk. “What about all the other stuff?” She asked, just a note of curiosity in her voice. “Oh no, I meant all of that.” I said with the beginnings of a wry smile coming to my lips. Velvet Just rolled her eyes, and smiled herself. “Well I suppose I can live with that.” She said chuckling. “You better, you will soon have three kids to take care of. Actually, make that four, I don’t think Calamity ever grew up.” I said feeling a lot better. “You don’t know the half of it. She said laughing dryly, before taking her leave, and going back to her post.

That was when Gawd called for me again, and had me open another box. Inside was a newer helmet for the Ranger armor. It was a little sleeker, and the respirator was removable. One thing that really stood out to me though, was the visor. Where the old one was large and red. This one was sleek, and both eyes were a bright blue. I picked it up, and turned it around, it was lighter than the older model. I carried it over to the table, and set it near the armor. I also picked up the original leather duster, and after finding it unsuitable, I tossed it aside, leaving only the torso. I sighed again, and pulled my mane behind my ear, as I set about removing the damaged panels.

I spent hours coming to terms with the inner workings of the suit. Each panel was lead lined, and also had layers of ballistic weaving. There was also wires running this way and that, but none of the parts looked damaged. So, I just focused on repairing and lightening the armor. While it did offer amazing protection, it also lacked maneuverability. I stripped all the needless plating from it, fitting it with scraps of fiberglass where I could. Also, luck was on my side, because the back had areas indicated for cutting to allow a pair of Pegasus wings to poke through it comfortably. Once I had it about where I wanted it, Cherry helped me into the outfit, and Velvet helped me adjust it to my size.

The whole suit fit me like a glove now. And there was even a light set of ballistic plating along the back of my neck with a connector. It used to be a full neck, but I had found it needless. I pulled on a cloth hood, witch held my mane at bay, and then slid the helmet over my head. I felt it grab the connector on my neck, and then, with the circuit complete, power surged through the entire system, and I felt several small pokes in my hide. “Relax Moonshine, that’s normal. It is just the BioMap sticking probes into your hide to read your vitals.” I nodded, and let the armor do it’s thing. Then the inner visor flashed, and lines of code ran across my vision, then a series of clicks and beeps went through the inner sound system, filling my ears with it’s computing noises. Then the NCR logo came up, followed by a small bar that was slowly filling in the corner of my eye.

“What does the little bar in the corner of my vision mean?” I asked, hoping it wouldn’t stay there forever. “The suit is getting used to the new owner. It is reading your bio’s and updating the software to match the new helmet.” I winced, Velvet’s voice was very loud, and it hurt my ears. Though I could tell she hadn’t spoken any louder than normal. Gawd saw my reaction, and told me it was normal. And that the helmet had a built-in audio receiver. She also instructed me in lowering the volume. I did as she told me, and immediately felt better. Cherry walked around me, looking the armor over. “Ya know, this looks pretty good on you, but I think we can do a little better.” She said and moved over to one of the crates she had seen earlier, and removed a light leather jacket that was meant for a pony larger than me. She had me try it on, and I admit, it felt good. There was soft wool at the cuffs, and the overly large collar. She helped me zip it over the armor, leaving it completely covered except for the helmet. “Hmm, looks good on you, but it needs some work too. Like flaps for your wings to come through, and it’s missing something else too.” I nodded, and then an idea hit, I turned and picked up the metal shoulder pads, and held them out to Cherry. She levitated one up, and held it against my left shoulder. “Perfect.” She whispered, and helped me out of the coat so she could make the necessary changes.

By the time Cherry and Velvet had finished the coat, the sun had fully eased into the sky, and all of us were bordering on exhaustion. But we pressed on. Velvet even decided to sing a few up beat songs, and took requests. I asked her to do a cover of one of my favorite songs, Pony B. Goode. It took her a few minutes to remember the lyrics, but when se did, she began belting it out, even using her magic to create the beat for the song. Gawd also provided some help. She had gone outside an hour before, but now brought in five cups of piping hot coffee. It was a beverage I had never had before, and while I found that it had a bitter taste, I really didn’t mind.

Cherry had also found a fresh unopened box of cigarettes, and lit one for any who wanted one, which turned out to only be for Cherry, Gawd and myself. Velvet found them repulsive, which explained why Calamity probably snuck a few puffs when Velvet wasn’t around. Finally, around lunch, Cherry and I took a little break. Sitting by a camp fire, and sipping on more coffee. We didn’t say much, both of us so exhausted. She placed her head on my shoulder, sighing contentedly, before closing her eyes. It was probably a mistake, but I didn’t blame her. I was so tired, but I knew I could sleep on the sky wagon. I smiled despite my exhaustion, and lay my head on hers. I figured it couldn’t hurt to close my yes for a few minutes.

I suddenly jerked awake, it was dark out now, and judging by the temperature and the stars, it was past midnight. Cherry was laying on the ground, and I had a hoof draped across her side. Cherry stirred, apparently I had woken her up when I jerked awake suddenly. “Shhh go back to sleep.” I said quietly, and gently moved away from her. She mumbled something and flopped her head back down and did just that. I pulled off the leather jacket from my armor, and gently lay it over her before returning to the shed.

Velvet was propped up on a small pallet over a few of the crates we had looted. Quickshot was sitting in a chair, his rear hooves on a crate, and he was softly snoring. Gawd was actually still awake, a bench light on over her head as she sat tinkering on something. When I walked over, making just enough noise to alert her to my presence, but quiet enough not to disturb those sleeping. “What are you working on?” I asked. The gryphon sat down her tools and looked to me. “I’m upgrading my weapon.” She said, and I looked over her shoulder to see there were now four barrels instead of three, but this one looked smaller than the others. “Is it a rifle barrel?” I asked and she nodded. “Yeah, .308 caliber, armor piercing rounds.” I whistled lowly in appreciation. If we were going against my power armor, better safe than sorry.

“What about you, what are your plans for weaponry?” She asked, eyeing me. I shrug softly, thinking I would figure something out. I didn’t want to carry any heavy guns. When I told Gawd this, she cocked her head. “Are you a hoof to hoof fighter?” She asked, and I nodded. “Hmm, hold tight, I have an idea.” She said before standing and moving over to one crate, then another. When she returned, clutched in her talons were two double barrel shotguns, and a set of old power hooves. At my confused glance, she smiled and lay out the weapons. “These” She said while pointing at the power hooves. “Are bad, they cannot be repaired to work again.” I frowned, wondering just what she was getting at.

She then rolled her eyes, and lifted one of the guns, and held it to the front of the power hoof, and I figured out what she was thinking. “Wait, shotguns attached to power hooves? How will I pull the trigger?” I ask and Gawd smiles. “You wont.” She said cryptically, before turning, and with her talons quickly and effortlessly stripped down both guns, and went to work. In a few minutes, she turned and looked back to me. “You know how to use a smeltery?” She asked, and I nodded. Shady and I had often done that when we needed to make our own parts. “Good, there is one over there, see if you can get it running.”

I nodded and went to work quietly. It took about an hour in the silence to get it working again. It had a large set of bare, coiled wires running through old brick. It had a panel that lit up when I fixed a few burned-out wires, and soon the coils were glowing a bright orange. Gawd then had me search for a graphite Crucible, I was at a serious loss for what she wanted the smeltery for, I mean couldn’t we duct tape the guns to the power hooves, and use the bit of a battle saddle to fire them? Still I did as I was asked, and after another hour of searching, I finally found the crucible. It was a round tube with one end sealed off, and the other end open. I returned to Gawd, who smiled, and eased it into the smeltery with a set of tongs. She then took any metal parts from the work we had done earlier, and dropped them into the crucible. “Keep an eye on this, and let me know when the metal is completely molten.” I nodded, and Gawd went to lean against the wall, and take a small nap.

I tended the smeltery, adding more metal pieces to fill the crucible. Gawd woke up a couple of hours later, and made more coffee, and set about taking Styrofoam, and carving it to her desired shapes. What she was making made little since, but soon I had an explanation in the form of Gawd surrounding the foam form in wet sand, but leaving a spout at the top. She carried over the cast iron bucket she had put the form in, and had me stand back as used a set of tongs to pour the molten steel into the mold. “As soon as the metal hits the Styrofoam, it vaporizes, and the metal instantly takes its place.” She explained, before a loud hiss of steam pored from the mold, as the steel did its job.

We both took a smoke break as we waited for the steel to cool. By now, the sky was lightening into a dark blue, and growing brighter. This marked the second day, and we had to get everything done today. So Gawd and I returned to work, this time she made the rest of her molds, while I took guns apart for the hard steel, and melted it in the crucible. By now, the others had woken up. Cherry had decided to set about finishing her barding, with help from Velvet. Quick Shot set about scavenging all ammo we would need, and armor for Shady’s muscled frame. He had to use Gawds proportions to get close enough, much to the Gryphons chagrin and my amusement.

We labored the rest of the day, al of the steel forms had finished cooling, and we set about grinding away any imperfections. Before long, we had all of the pieces we needed. Springs, clips, wires, and G-force sensors, I have no idea how they worked but Gawd did. She set about combining all of the metal pieces with a welder, and had me using a soldering iron to combine the electrical system. I finished before the Gryphon, I had gotten pretty used to soldering wire. Gawd was heating up a couple of bands of brass, and forming them around the barrels to support them. It was at this point I was seeing her vision for the weapons. Each hoof would utilize the G-force sensors to activate the firing mechanism. The shells would fire, then be removed via a rotating collar around the top that would eject the spent shells, and reload fresh ones. By my quick guess, each hoof would hold twelve shells.

There was a small switch on each side that Gawd had told me would allow me to select if each punch fired one barrel or both. I was impressed with the set up. It was much more complete than the power hooves Shady had made, but they didn’t feel as special to me. Still, I liked them, but only one thing bothered me about them. “Uhh Gawd, you know I don’t want to kill right?” I asked, and she snapped her head up. “Yeah, I figured after seeing how you talked about what you did at the dam. But don’t fret. I have a solution.” She said, before finishing her work and attaching the electrical system to the chassis. I sat by, letting my gaze wander, falling on Velvet who was using a tape measure, and writing down notes about Cherry’s frame. I couldn’t help smiling, seeing Cherry grow nervous about her shape. Velvet paid her no mind as she wrapped the tape measure around Cherry’s flank, causing her to yelp in surprise.

We continued on like this well past mid-day, each of us tinkering on our individual projects. Gawd had finally finished what she had decided to name ballistic hooves. She had me try them on, and adjusted them accordingly to my hooves. They were heavy, but nothing I couldn’t get used to with time. Then Gawd pulled open a box of shotgun shells, and dumped them on a reloading bench. I sat nearby, flexing and getting used to the weight of my new weapons. Gawd peeled apart the Shells, and removed the buckshot or slugs she came across. Even the wadding, all that was left was the gun powder, which she used a thin amount of paper to keep it in place. She then instructed me in loading the weapons, and how they functioned.

She then took me outside, and had me run through a few of the practice drills Shady had taught me. I stood up on my rear hooves, well I tried, but the whole suit had upset my balance, and I struggled to keep myself upright. I ended up having to stagger my stance, and felt more comfortable. Then I lashed out with my right hoof in a right cross. As soon as my hoof reached as far as it could, the weapon fired both barrels, which sent me spinning left. My balance failed, and I fell to all four hooves. I went with the motion, and spun around fully, before lashing out with my left hoof, and firing one barrel on that leg. The recoil was much more tolerable, but it still sent me flailing onto my ass.

Gawd chuckled, and helped me to my hooves, smiling all the while. “Those things kick like a mule, make sure to keep them on single shot until you can handle it.” I nodded, then blushed as Cherry and the others appeared in the door way, all interested in seeing what was going on. Cherry was stomping her hooves enthusiastically at the show and Quick Shot looked impressed. I paid him no mind though, and focused solely on Cherry. She was wearing a leather suit, I was correct in the assumption that it fit her form nicely. It wasn’t done yet, but I could see what she was going for. The leather clung to her body, accenting her curves nicely. There was even a heavy corset with ballistic weave hidden behind it which would protect her middle.

Cherry noticed my look, and then figured out why I was blushing so much. The suit was gorgeous, if a little on the dominatrix side, not that I minded though. “Oh my, I think he likes it.” Velvet said, poking Cherry playfully in the ribs. But her focus was intense and focused on my face. I knew she was hoping I liked it, and I had to smile to reassure her that I really did. In fact, I was having a hard time not getting too excited. “Oh yeah, he likes it. I think he would prefer if Cherry had a whip or some rope.” Gawd Joked, making both Cherry and I blush brightly, and Velvet grow uncomfortable. I felt I had to salvage the situation before Cherry burst into flames from embarrassment, and given her abilities, I was sure it could happen. “Actually, rope wouldn’t be a bad idea, if only so you could restrain enemies in a fight, or at least trip them up.” I said, hoping to see a function other than what Gawd was hinting at. “Yeah sure, and so she can tie you up on occasion.” Quick Shot chided, and I chuckled. “That wouldn’t be so bad.” I said, turning the tables on my compatriots. It worked too, as both Gawd and Quick Shot immediately developed that mental image, making them turn into blushing wrecks. I chuckled and moved back to Cherry, and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back inside.

“No time to sit there blubbering, we have work to do.” I said, making them jump and move back into action. “Y…yeah, lets wind this up.” Gawd said, then face palmed at the unintentional pun. I laughed softly, as we went back to work. Cherry and Velvet went back to work, finalizing her suit, and Quickshot and I set about working on the revolver he had found for me. It was in great shape, but it needed some TLC. I stripped it down, and cleaned it, and oiled all the moving parts. Quick Shot actually went off to do something, picking up one of the grips, and then finding a block of ivory. I watched for a second as he set about making a set of ivory grips for the weapon. I smiled as we worked, and Gawd was converting more shotgun shells into blanks.

I was busy putting the gun back together, when a thought struck me, where would I carry the pistol. I couldn’t use my mouth with the helmet on, so what would I do? I sat and thought about it for a few minutes, when my wings randomly twitched and flopped on my side. Admittedly I didn’t work them out as much as I should, but I saw no reason not to try now. I focused on flexing one on the developing bones, and with some serious effort, I managed to move it before me, and with the weak muscles I had, I managed to pick up a screw driver between the leading edge and a few of the primary feathers that were growing in. I struggled with it, it had taken most of my concentration to make the wing move at will. But I felt a sense of elation at the fact that I had managed some control.

Once I finished putting the gun back together I had to wait a little while for Quick Shot to finish carving the ebony grips. Then Gawd stole the revolver from me, and disappeared with a laugh. I just slumped, confused for a while, but I still had more to do, so I went about finishing the blank shells Gawd was working on. By now, the sun was beginning it’s decent toward the horizon, and our second day was coming to an end. When Gawd did return, she had a surprise for me, the revolver she had taken had a new bit attached to it, a polished brass bit, and a recoil compensator at the end of the barrel than matched the new bit. I was pleasantly surprised, and a little in awe. This weapon not only looked deadly, but now it looked like art. Then Quick Shot returned, and Gawd added the ebony mouth grips to the bit. It made the whole gun look elegant in its design.

I smiled, and gingerly took the weapon back, and slid it into it’s holster. I had Quick Shot help in adding it to my flank, strapping the holster to my thigh. It felt weird hanging there, but it was once again nothing I couldn’t get used to. When I pulled my jacket back over the armor, and finished the outfit, I finally took a look at myself in a mirror Velvet had found. Even without the helmet I looked much more dangerous than I had in my whole life. I smiled softly at the look, and then Cherry moved up beside me, her suit was complete, and she had added four knee high boots made of the same leather as her suit. She looked beautiful and elegant, while I looked rough and brutish. The contrast between her and I was more apparent than ever, but the contrast was complimentary. She exuded an aura of warmth and openness, while my outfit was reserved, sealed up from any who I didn’t want to get close. I found it strange, yet also poetic in nature. “A beauty and a beast if ever there was one.” Quick Shot added from the side, a small grin on his face. When Cherry and I turned to look at him, he added, “The question is, which is the beauty, and which is the beast.” He said before winking and trotting off.

Cherry and I shared a look, before shrugging, and going about packing away everything we didn’t need at this moment. All of my ammo went into my saddle bag with my journal, and the healing items we had found. Cherry took the cigarettes, and a long strand of rope she tried to sneak it into her bag to avoid any further embarrassment from more jokes. Gawd packed the Olive drab combat armor into a bag for Shady, and a replacement combat shotgun. ‘Gawd had said it would be smart to carry weapons that used the same ammo to avoid it getting mixed up with the wrong type when we needed it. I nodded, seeing no fault in her logic, and carrying the bags to the wagon. I opened the rear hatch, and saw the crates I had forgotten Quick Shot and Calamity had loaded. I asked the minty Pegasus what was inside, and he smiled.” Supplies for the boat. Food, mattresses, spare spark batteries, and more ammo and weapons to outfit the crew.”

I smiled and nodded, glad they had all thought that far ahead where I hadn’t. Then a thought hit me, and I ran back into the shack, and found a large cowboy hat what was beige in color. It was the closest I could find to white, and it would be a gift for Salt Lick. While Gawd and Quick Shot loaded the Wagon, I took a little more time to take a piece of paper from my journal, and cut out a stencil of a word. Then I had Cherry and Velvet help in positioning it, as Gawd spray painted in white the word on the side of my helmet. Respite.

It had been a total of fifteen days since Cherry and I left Tenpony tower, and we still had a couple of days to get to where the boat was sitting. I hoped Shady could get the old barge working again, otherwise our plan would be derailed. But I had faith in Shady, and if there was any one pony who could get that tub floating, it would be her.

Author's Notes:

the song in this chapter belongs to the Wasteland Wailers, credit to Brittany Church and NoWacking for amazing vocals. link to the sfm animation is as follows. and as always, keep calm and pony on my friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YgqXCoEVqw