After selling some salvage that Silver Iris had on her. She sighed as she looked back into her bag to the sub-machine gun. She felt utterly ruined after realizing that the thing was practically useless. We were trotting down the street. I hummed happily as my barding was stuffed in my bag. The filly said she made minor adjustments. That’s the third pony that had fixed up my barding with a tweaks. I guess karma was giving me a break for now. I looked over at my new found companion and levitated the flask of whisky to her. She looked at it and blinked.

“Sorry, Courier. I don’t drink.” She said. Well, that was disappointing. Oh well.

“More for me.” I sang as I took a pull. Iris narrowed her eyes at me as I let out a sigh of relief. The warm feeling laying happily in my stomach.

“I didn’t take you as the drinking type.” She said. I rose the flask in the air.

“Then we need to hang out more. We just met after all.” I said, taking another pull. My vision was starting to become fuzzy. I stuffed the flask into my suit pocket and stopped in front of a night club. I figured I might as well celebrate a bit after what I have been through. I need it to be honest. Having a pretty looking mare that can kick ass is a perk. We entered the building and the music beat loudly in our ears. This was completely different music than the vintage you hear around the Strip. But that didn’t stop gangs and ponies from enjoying the fun. I walked over to the bar and Iris sat next to me.

“So, is this your time to be ‘hanging out’?” she asked furrowing her brows. I chuckled. The drink was finally getting to me.

“Oh relax! The drinks here are fantastic. And more importantly, the mares aren’t bad looking themselves.” I said, my eyes darting to the crowd and finally stopping to look at Silver Iris, who was scanning the crowd. My heart beat faster. Why was I feeling like this? I sighed and took another pull, only to realize that it was empty. Karma you bitch. I knocked my hoof on the counter to grab the attention of a pretty looking white mare with a black mane. “Tender! I’ll have the biggest bottle of Ranger Whisky you have.” I drawled a little. My vision was beginning to blur. I ignored the weird look from Silver Iris as the bartender pulled out shot glasses and a large bottle of Ranger Whisky. Before she could pop the top off, I took the bottle in my magic and took the caps from my winnings and put them on the table. The mare gave me a worried look before dumping them into the register.

“Geez, Courier. I think you may have problem.” Silver Iris said looking concerned as I popped the cap off against the table and took a pull from the bottle.

“Problems? I don’t have problems. I already fixed it when I was walking down the road.” I said, dipping my head a little. I felt funny. I took another pull and smiled as the warm feeling overcame me. My Goddesses it’s been a while since I had a decent drink. Fuck everything right now. I needed this. Silver Iris sighed and turned to the bartender.

“I’ll just have a bottle of Nuka-Cola.” She said putting the caps on the table. The mare took the caps and pulled out a cold bottle of Nuka-Cola. She did the exact same thing to open it as I had with the whisky and took a swig. I smiled at her and put a hoof on her shoulder, patting it.

“There. See? Good time.” I said. I must have slurred it because she gave me a questioning look. Then, I noticed her looking past me and I turned, squinting at the mare sitting next to me. She looked familiar. The mare had pale blue hide and had a red and blue striped mane. She was looking at me sourly. Then, I remembered who she was. “Hey, it’s you! Great game, huh?” I said before taking another pull. The mare growled.

“You fucking cheated those three games.” She said. I noticed Iris giving me a look. I patted her shoulder.

“It’s okay. I played a game of roulette. Bucky said I had beginner’s luck and cus’ I won three games on my first try.” I said.

“Well that can’t be good.” Silver Iris said with a cautious look. I turned and noticed a couple of other mares standing behind her, looking at me. I was about to take a pull of my whisky when the mare stood up and smacked it out of my magic’s grip. It shattered on the floor and a few ponies around us looked nervously to us. I felt a tear run down my cheek. I turned to her.

“Why would you do such a heartless thing?” I asked feeling hurt. I saw the mares form a half circle around me. I glanced over to Silver Iris who took a big chug of her Nuka-Cola and emptied it. She looked grim. I spun around on the stool and propped my hoof against the side of my face and crossed my left hindleg over my right and looked at the three. “Oh, I can see where this is going.” I said with a small smirk. Iris looked at me with a smirk of her own, but remained facing away from the mares. The mares growled at me. From the crowd, I heard a pony shout.

“Big brawl!” I arched a brow as the mare reared up and drew her hoof back. My horn glowed and before the mare could lash her hoof out to my face, I sent a stool from beside me swinging. The stool cracked and the mare spiraled over to another table, spilling the drinks of the stallions. One stallion laughed at his drenched companion, but was silenced as the stallion retorted with a hoof to the face. Then, all hell broke loose. I saw Silver Iris spin and smash the Nuka-Cola bottle over the head of one of the mares that had circled me. Shouts and cheers erupted as ponies began fighting amongst themselves. I hopped out of the stool and ducked just in time as the last mare that had circled me swung a hoof. I countered with two hoof smacks to her stomach and finished it with a shoulder bash that sent the mare stumbling into another table. Before she could retort, a stallion from the table swung a chair over her head that broke and sent the mare to the floor.

I laughed as a stallion came at me with a swing of a bottle. I hopped back, bent low, spun and delivered an applebuck to his chest. I saw Silver Iris ducked under two ponies that took a swing at her and she followed up her evasion by flapping her wings once to lift herself and spun with a hind leg outstretched, smacking one stallion on the side of the head that collided with the other stallion’s head and they both went spiraling out into the crowd of ponies fighting amongst themselves. I saw the smile from her face. She was enjoying this as much as I was. My heart beat excitedly as I watched Silver Iris bob and weave, countering with her own swings. She definitely knew how to kick ass. And looked cool doing it. And pretty. I blinked and shook my thought away, flushing. I was drunk and I was still feeling this way. I snapped out of my stupor just in time to rear back as a pony landed in front of me with a hoof print on his cheek. He tried to get up, but I laughed and stepped on his head as I raced over to take on the next rowdy pony. I was having fun. I looked over to Iris who returned my look with a smile. She was having fun. And I was enjoying it. I hopped away as a very drunken mare swung a pole cue at me. I bumped into somepony and looked back to see Sliver Iris with a challenging smirk.

“Well, I guess this is fun, huh?” she said not taking her eyes off of the group of ponies advancing on us. I smirked and looked back at the drunken mare.

“See? Fun times.” I said. At the same time, the ponies lashed at us. Iris spun and lifted me up off the ground as the ponies collided with one another. I hadn’t laughed so hard in all my life. And I was laughing with a pony that I could call a friend. Some pony I can trust. Truly trust. Because I know she won’t hurt me like those other ponies. For the first time in my life, I was happy. Genuinely happy. It wasn’t the drink that made me happy. It wasn’t the fact that we joined a bar brawl in a night club. It was the fact that I could laugh with this pony and know she enjoys it as well. Iris flew us out of the club just in time when the Protect-a-pony bots came in to break up the fight. She flew us up to the top of the building and we both were laughing.

“Oh man. I haven’t seen a drunken bar fight before.” She said chuckling. “I didn’t know it was going to be so much fun!” I slumped a little but laughed with her. The drink was still in me.

“Okay, I can admit.” I said, wiping the tears from my eyes. “I do tend to start a lot of bar brawls.” Silver Iris smirked.

“See? You do have a problem.” I gave her a sheepish smile. “But damn, I haven’t had that much fun in my life!” I cocked my head at her.

“What do you mean?” I asked. Silver Iris sighed but smiled as she continued.

“In the Enclave, we were never having any fun. It was always get up, do drills, eat, do more drills, patrol, eat, more drills and then sleep. Rinse and repeat.” She looked at her armor. “It was fun at first. But then the drills became monotness. The patrols were boring. Hardly any action. Then the food tasted like crap.” I gave her a sly smirk.

“But you had fun?” I said. She smirked back.

“Yes. Yes I did. But not as much as this.” she lifted herself up from the ground and hovered in the same spot. “I mean, I haven’t felt like that in… well… before I joined the Enclave. I never felt like that while I was in the Enclave.” She said. I squinted as the drink still messed with my vision.

“You know you are very pretty mare.” I said. She blinked at me and arched a brow.

“Pretty? I’m not pretty! I’m cool.” She said as she crossed her hooves across her chest and gave me her best cool look. I giggled. I actually giggled. My Goddesses whatever was happening, please don’t make it stop. I was enjoying myself. This moment. Everything about this moment! I shot a hoof at her and looked stern at her.

“Yes you are. You are…” I darted my eyes for the right words. “Pretty cool! Yes, that’s it! You are pretty. And cool. Pretty cool.” I said. I hadn’t realized I exclaimed this by standing on my hind legs and had my fore legs up to my sides. Bad idea. I almost fell forward off the building when Iris zipped down and caught me with her back. I slumped as she sat me down and steadied me. I looked at her and smiled. “You know. I don’t know why I feel all funny around you.” I rubbed my chin at her. Silver Iris blinked.

“Funny? Aren’t you drunk already?” she asked with a smirk. I shook my head and slumped against her shoulder.

“No. My heart gets all thumpity. Like… crazy like.” I said making a motion with my hoof on my chest. “It’s weird. I don’t know what it is.” I looked at her. “Do you know what it is?” Iris rubbed the back of her head.

“Erm… the excitement of the brawl?” she asked with an arch brow. I laughed.

“That was fun. But I’m talking about you.” I said pointing a hoof lazily at her. “I mean, you’re pretty. And cool. Pretty cool. And the way you kicked that horn on Alicron. I don’t know why my heart goes all thumpity-thump around you.” I gasped and narrowed my eyes at her. I saw her flushing. She must have understood but I was so drunk I had no idea why she was looking at me like that.

“Whoa, whoa. I thought I told you already. I’m sticking with myself and only myself.” She rubbed the back of her head and smiled. “Don’t take it the wrong way. I had plenty of ponies coming after me. But I don’t want to deal with that right now.” I blinked and squinted my eyes.

“What are you talking about?” I drawled. “I was going to say you may have cursed me or something. Are you a unicorn in disguise?” I asked. I smiled as Silver Iris gave the most beautiful laugh I had heard. Beautiful laugh? I must be drunk. And I could feel the blackness catching up. “I only felt like that to one other mare.” I said grimly now. “And she just pinned me down while the colt had his way.” I slumped more now. Silver Iris looked at me worriedly. I perked up and smiled at her. I hopped up on the edge of the roof and puffed my chest out. “But I’m putting it behind me.” I said. I looked back at her with a smile. “I’m a new mare now. I will find out who Comp is. I will help Goldenlee with her troubles. I’ll ask Star, nicely, to take me to the reports. And I will help Brick find his friend!” I stood up on my hind legs and shouted as loudly as I could. “I’m the Savior of the Roads! It’s what I do!” my voice echoed back. I felt happy. I had laughed. I had fun. And now the drink had caught up with me. I fell forward with a smile. Nighty-night. The whole world faded to black as I saw a silver blur reached me.

I found myself standing in front of the Crystal Express building. I gulped nervously. I was in trouble. But for what, I had no idea. All I knew was that I was going to get it from Post Box. I opened the door with my magic and trotted in. I saw a young Tabletop looking bored over the screen. When she looked up, she smiled.

“Welcome back, Sixteen. Did you enjoy your stay in Las Pegasus?” she asked. I smiled and nodded. “Oh, but why were you there in the first place?” she asked. I blinked.

“Daddy said I could come with him.” I said with a squeak. I blinked and looked down at me. I was a filly again. But what was this dream? Is it a memory? I don’t recall this. I looked up at her and pouted. “Just because I’m not a courier yet doesn’t mean I can be treated like a baby!” Tabletop just smiled. Then looked sternly at me.

“Post Box has been asking for you.” She said. I gulped now and shivered. “You are in big trouble.” I bowed my head and drooped my ears. I sighed.

“Yes ma’am.” I said weakly. I trotted up the stairs. I turned the corner and blinked as I saw Comp sitting there looking blankly at me. I nervously looked at him, then to the door to where Post Box resided. I opened the door and was shocked to see Comp follow me in. Standing next to me, he focused his gaze ahead of him. I looked ahead as well and saw Post Box looking at us from over his desk.

“I assume you know why you are here.” He said to me. I drooped my ears and sighed in defeat.

“Yes.” I squeaked. He tapped his hooves together and arched a brow.

“I don’t know what was going through Lone’s head. But taking his own daughter who hasn’t even gotten her cutie-mark yet to a place like Las Pegasus? It’s dangerous there.” He sighed and rubbed his temples. “I have to talk to him about this. Now, as for you, Comp.” The colt stared blankly but nodded.

“You haven’t gotten your cutie-mark yet, but you are old enough to be considered a junior cadet. So pack your things from your room in the stable and welcome to the Express.” Post Box said.

“Yes sir.” Comp said. He looked at me. “Good luck, Courier.” He trotted out the door and closed it behind him. I looked up at Post Box as he looked at me. He arched a brow.

“So, I hope you have learned your lesson.” He said. I could tell he was angry. He didn’t show it. But he was. I nodded. “Then head back to the stable. I already messaged your mom about this.” I winced. Oh boy, was I going to get it. I nodded weakly and slumped my way out of the building. The stable wasn’t that far away. I entered a rundown building’s basement and walking down the stairs, I saw more stairs that lead down into a cave. Following them, I came to a giant cog wheel door that had the yellow number ‘50’ on it. I pressed the lever and with a hiss and an alarm, I watched as the cog wheel door let out an ear screeching groan as the door was pulled back and rolled to the side. I was greeted by another pony in security barding.

“Welcome back, Courier.” The stallion said. It was night when I had arrived back in Pleasant Town. So most of the ponies would be asleep. I bowed my head as I walked straight to the family room. The door slid open with a reassuring hiss and I braced myself for the lecture mom was going to give me.

But it didn’t come. My ears twitched as I heard Stall crying. I went over to the crib and peeked over. I cocked my head as I noticed a letter next to him. I took it in my magic and unfolded it.

I can’t take this anymore… was all it said. I looked over to see my mother’s figure curled up in bed. Something was off.

“Momma?” I asked. Stall continued to cry as I dropped the note and climbed up the bed. I looked over her body. I hated being small. I climbed up her side to get a better look and saw her face covered with her hooves. I shook her. “Momma? What’s wrong? Why is Stall crying?” No response. My heart began beating. I was panicking. “Momma?” I shook her more. She jerked and I managed to roll her onto her back.

I screamed. Mother’s eyes were rolled up and she was foaming at the mouth. “Momma! Momma! Wake up! Momma!” I looked around desperately. “Help! Somepony! Anypony! Help!” I climbed over her and slipped. I fell to the floor with a thud. I shook away the daze and gasped as I saw syringes littering in the corner. Stall’s crying grew louder and louder. I couldn’t take it anymore. I raced out the door and screamed. “Help! Momma’s dying! Help! Help!” I turned the corner and bumped into Heart. She looked frightened.

“Curry? What’s wrong? Why are you screaming?” she asked. I sobbed.

“It’s momma! She’s dying!” I cried. Heart’s eyes widened and with her magic, threw me over onto her back and raced into the room. Stall was still crying, but Heart saw now. Mother twitched and gurgled.

“Curry. Go get Stall.” Heart said as she dug through her bag. I galloped over to the crib and reached in. I scooped up Stall and watched in horror as Heart drew out another syringe and with force, drove the needle into mother’s chest. Mother jerked and let out a gasp of air. I was crying now. Heart studied mother as she coughed and spluttered. Other ponies had woken up to see what was going on. Mother was crying. Heart was crying. I was crying. Stall was crying. A couple of the medic ponies rushed in with the security stallion who went over to us and asked if we were hurt. I just shook my head, sobbing. Heart had trotted over to me and wrapped a hoof around us. She was shushing us. Trying to sooth us as she sang quietly to us. We watched as mother was led out of the room. I couldn’t stop crying.

When I awoke, the first thing I did was jolt from the bed. The second thing I did was scream.

“Momma!! Don’t die!!” The next thing I did was thrash as a pair of hooves from both my sides locked around mine and pinned me down. Feeling the hooves pinning me, I thrashed even more. I won’t let it happen again! I was past it! Why was it happening again!? I then heard the shouting.

“Courier! Calm down! It’s okay!” I heard Goldenlee shout. I stopped and breathed heavily. I looked around the room and saw I was back in the suite. My friends were around me. Brick and Star had pinned me and I saw Silver Iris bleeding from the nose.

“Damn, she has a kick.” She said wiping her muzzle. Goldenlee stood next to Brick and looked down at me with worry. I couldn’t help it. I sobbed. I was relieved that it wasn’t what I thought was going to happen. But I sobbed for a different reason. Why is that coming back to me just now? That memory… That was the day we found out she suffered from severe depression and drug addiction. I just sobbed as Goldenlee wrapped me in her hooves. I just cried. A memory from so long ago. Why was it now just coming back? Goldenlee hummed quietly. Just like Heart would do when I was upset. She would sing more than hum. But it calmed me. Music is nice. I shivered as I let Goldenlee stroke my mane and hum softly in a sweet melody. My friends watched with clear concern. I finally calmed myself and wiped the tears away.

“It’s okay, Courier. It was just a dream.” Goldenlee said. I shook my head.

“No… it wasn’t.” I looked at them. “It was a memory. From long ago. One that I never wanted to remember.” I rubbed my head. It was killing me. Goldenlee moved back a little to give me space. “It was the day we found out mother suffered from severe depression and drug addiction.” Her image came back into my mind. I shuddered. “And Bell wasn’t even born yet.” I slid out of the bed and wobbled a little only to have Brick steady me.

“Easy now.” He said. “You are having a hangover at the moment.” I sighed but nodded. Slow and steady. One hoof step at a time. I looked over to Silver Iris who still had some blood from her mouth. I flushed.

“Sorry.” I said lamely. She rubbed her muzzle again and shrugged.

“Hey, no problems. Just make sure to kick the others and not me next time.” She grinned. “It hurt like hell.” I said nothing but looked sadly at her. She rubbed the back of her head. “So… fun night yesterday, huh?” I blinked at her. I tried recalling what had happened last night. All I could bring up was a silver blur and the blackness that followed after.

“I’m sorry. I don’t remember.” I said. Silver Iris smiled as I took a canteen of water that Brick gave to me. “Well, you were pretty drunk. But hey, I had fun.” I looked at my companions. I saw Comp looking at me with worry. I sighed.

“You were in the memory.” I said to him. He balked.

“What? I was?” he asked with shock. I nodded.

“You weren’t a big part of it. But you were in it. I was a filly on that day. And I remember that I had just came back from Las Pegasus with my father. He left me in front of the Express because he needed to take care of something. I knew I was in trouble. When I entered and stood in front of Post Box’s office, I saw you.” Comp seemed even more shocked. But now he showed a small hint of hope. “Post Box said that you were old enough to be a cadet courier, but you didn’t have a cutie-mark yet.” Comp blinked and looked back at his bare flanks. Then he looked back at me.

“I was… going to be a courier?” I shrugged.

“I’m sorry. I wish I could say more. But that was all I remembered. The rest was seeing mother trying to kill herself by overdosing on drugs.” I watched as the colt seemed to ponder this. Then he spoke.

“Why on that day? And why were you a filly too? Wouldn't I be the same age as you by then?” he said to himself. I groaned as my head began pounding more. As much as Ranger Whisky made me cut loose. It would always attack me with the hangover. I gave the canteen back to Brick who stuffed it in his saddlebag. I looked myself in the mirror. I was no longer wearing the suit, but I definitely looked like hell.

“Well, if you need anything. We will be right in the other room.” Goldenlee said with a smile. I smiled back and closed the door. I turned on the shower and stepped in, feeling the water pelt my hide and my mane. I felt relaxed now. The shower made my hangover stop and I could think clearly. I thought back to what had happened to me. I tried to remember what else happened other than those two bad memories. I had conquered myself to trust others. But it seems like I still have a road to walk. What was Karma trying to do to me? Haven’t I suffered enough? Karma is a bitch after all. I nodded in agreement with the horned pony. I finally stopped thinking about why this was happening to me and sat there in the shower, listening to the water rushing out and pelting me. The white noise made me blur in and out of focus. I looked at my PipBuck.

I’ll say it again. Whoever designed these sure knew what the hell they were doing. This thing could keep track of the stuff you have. The value of a particular item. You could listen to the radio. You have a map of the entire region. It even marks a certain place and it stays on your map. The damn thing was even water proof! I saw the small cartoon pegasus. I scrolled over to the message board. It was a message from Post Box.

A reminder to all couriers. Do not engage in conversation with the zebras around the towns. RCE states that a group had planned an attack on Tipson. Thank you. – P. Box

I sighed. If only he knew. Well, yeah the zebras slaughtered the ponies, but I was the one who destroyed the town. I stiffened as I heard the window open and close. Thank Goddesses I had remembered to close the curtains. I frowned. I heard the soft clipping of hoof steps coming over towards the shower tub. I turned the hot water on and hummed to myself. The steam began rising and I felt the water becoming hot. I took a bar of soap that was on the tub and lathered myself. Then, I waited. I heard the hoof steps get closer. I could see in the corner of my eye a figure of a mare. She didn’t look like Goldenlee nor Silver Iris. I waited, humming. I saw something in her hoof. The mare quickly pulled back the curtains only to get a face full of hot water. I had grabbed the nozzle of the shower head with my magic and turned it as the unfamiliar mare screamed. She dropped the knife she had in her hoof and backed away. Without a second thought, I grabbed the knife with my magic and leapt at her. The mare wrapped her hooves around me, only to have me slip from her grasp. I gave a good hoof plant to the face. I must have done it too hard as the wall gave wave and she crashed out into the room. I jumped in after her and pinned her to the floor. I brought the knife under her neck and glared coldly at her.

“Who the hell are you?” I asked with venom. The mare glared at me. I blinked. Something was familiar about her. She spat at my face.

“Fucking cheater.” She growled. I arched a brow. I may not remember much of last night, but I definitely remember this mare.

“You’re from that roulette table.” I said narrowing my eyes. She tried moving, but I reminded her who had the knife.

“You think you can get away with cheating from a Powder Keg? You got another thing coming, bitch.” She spat. Powder Keg?

“You’re with the Powder Keg gang? What the hell were you doing in Omareta turf?” I asked. She glared at me as she spoke.

“Just because The Family owns casinos doesn’t mean it’s not open to the public.” I still held the knife at her throat. I heard the sound of hoof steps rushing to the door. My companions broke through and Silver Iris looked like she was ready for a fight. My companions blinked at me and then to the mare.

“Huh. Guess we were worried for nothing.” She said with a grin. I kept my focus on the mare.

“Why are you after me? Were you set up by Father Pride?” I asked coldly. The mare growled as she spoke.

“That old coot can go die for all I care. I just wanted to end your ‘beginner’s luck’ myself.” She said. My cold glare turned to annoyance.

“For Goddesses sake! Why are you so upset over clay chips?” I said, making my annoyance clear.

“Uh, Courier?” Shining Star spoke up. I looked over to him. “Those clay chips were actual caps.” I blinked at him. So that’s why I had gotten caps out of it. The more you know.

“Yeah. The thousand she cheated from me!” the mare tried moving again, but I shoved her back and held the knife closer to her throat.

“Try it. You won’t be walking out here anyway.” I said. She flinched and looked away with disgust. Goldenlee looked impressed.

“Are you saying Courier won a thousand caps on her first game?” The mare hissed as she said it.

“No, she fucking cheated! If it weren’t for Bucky being there, you would have been whacked!” I cocked my head. Whacked as in a Cheerilee whack? Or something else? Gangers were so confusing. Another reason I don’t deal with them.

“Well, too bad.” I said. “Now quit being a sore loser and go home.” The mare growled and I released her. She stomped her way out slowly.

“You’ll regret this you cheating bitch.” She hissed as she left the room. I sighed and face hoofed.

“Do you ponies see why I don’t want to be affiliated with gangs of any kind?” I rubbed my face. “They are worse than a Ranger Whisky hangover.” My companions nickered at my joke. A joke? Did I pull a funny? It didn’t feel like it. My companions left, swearing that they will check the rooms to see how the mare had gotten in and left me to clean myself up. After washing away the soap I had used as an advantage, I dried myself and trotted over to my bags. I pulled out my stable barding and threw it on. Then, I levitated out my duster. I remember the filly telling me she made some minor adjustments. I looked over my duster. Nothing seemed to have changed. I put it on and clipped on the buckles. I felt strangely lighter. I clipped on my bags and levitated up my enchanted shotgun and Compassion. I looked at Compassion. This sword was given to Kingpin so he can give it to me. And as I was on my way to go back to my body, this sword had saved me. I held it to my chest and smiled. “Thank you.” I said silently to the sheathed sword. Finally slinging the sheath over the plate and feeling the magnet work, I slung my shotgun over the sword. I adjusted their position so I can have easy access to both weapons. I heard the door to the room open and saw Comp walk in.

“I’ve been thinking.” He said. “Why was I there on that day you discovered about your mother’s condition?” I smiled.

“I don’t know, Comp. But you were there. And like I said, I won’t give you away until I find out who you are.” I said. He nodded but still looked at me sadly.

“I know… But… what if I was the cause for your mother’s depression? What if I tried to kill her?” he seemed ready to cry. I just smiled and scooped him up in a hug.

“It’s not your fault. Like I said, it was the day we found out mother suffered from severe depression. She’s had it since she was a filly.” I said stroking his mane. He sniffled and looked up at me.

“A-are you sure?” he asked. I nodded. I felt the colt ease a little and he smiled. “I’m sorry about being a brat to you. I was… just scared. You were going to die. If you had died, I wouldn’t figure out who I am. What I was. So promise me. Promise me you won’t get yourself killed?” I looked at the colt. Not to get myself killed? I practically live in danger. Almost every day is death. But I smiled.

“Promise.” I said. With that, me and Comp trotted out of the room and into the suite. My friends were gathered around a familiar stallion in a checkered suite and white fedora. He smiled at me.

“Hey, how you holding up. Heard about what happened. Getting shanked in the shower. You usually hear that in prison.” He said. I looked at him.

“She was a Powder Keg member.” I said throwing my hood over my head. Bucky rubbed his chin.

“A Powder Keg huh? So Kingpin was right.” He looked grim. I adjusted my hood.

“Thanks for everything Bucky. But I have things to take care of. I still haven’t delivered your letter to Mr. House yet. And Goldenlee still hasn’t made the problem at Ironshod either.” I said. Bucky smiled.

“No problem, doll. Take care, ya’ dig?” he said. I turned to Silver Iris.

“Well, guess you really are stuck with us till I pay you back, huh?” Silver Iris smirked at me.

“Yup. You ain’t getting rid of me till I get my fifty thousand.” She said. I turned to Brick.

“Brick. I’m sure she is alive and well. And we will do everything we can to find her.” I said. Brick smiled.

“Apology accepted.” He said. I turned to Shining Star.

“When the next opportunity comes up that deals with my family.” I said. Star nodded.

“No worries. I plan to stick around and help you figure out why your father is doing this.” he smiled. “Also, things get interesting around you.” With that, I turned and Bucky lead us out of the casino.

When we left the casino, I groaned as I saw a familiar mare that had tried to kill me in the shower stand in front of the hotel. She had back up. Bucky’s boys were standing in front with other Omareta members.

“Fucking Omaretas! Think they are the shit.” A stallion from the Powder Keg shouted. Bucky sighed and tipped his hat.

“This could get ugly.” He turned and motioned for us back into the casino. He led us to a side door on the far side of the casino. “Just follow the path and it will take you out back.” He smiled and tipped his hat at us. “Come back again when you need some down time. The Omaretas will be happy to cater to your needs.” I smiled.

“Thanks Bucky.” I said. He winked before shutting the door on us. Silver Iris smirked.

“Geez. You certainly know how to impress ponies.” She said. I pulled my hood down.

“I try not to. I’m just a courier anyway. What’s so interesting about me?” I had answered my own question as we followed the path and exited the hotel only to be greeted by a familiar grinning mask. I rolled my eyes. “What now, Five?” I asked. I noticed it wasn’t Chester himself, but his mask floating in the air. An illusion.

“Just checking up on the Savior of the Roads. I hope you got my message?” he said, the mask turning to its’ side. Still freakiest pony ever.

“I have.” I said. I heard the pony squee in delight.

“You truly are a good friend! Why in fact, I think we are best of friends now! Oh we can text each other all night, do our mane and even gossip.” The mask said bobbing. I arched a brow.

“Do our mane?” I asked. The mask circled us.

“Of course! Manes must be brushed on a regular bases. And trust me girl.” The mask floated to me. “You really need a professional cosmetologist.” I flushed and pulled my hood down. I know my mane was messy. But was it really that bad?

“It’s not bad…” I muttered. “It’s genetics.” I remember mother telling me that my mane acts exactly like my father’s. The mask hovered above me.

“I hear you are making quite an impression in Las Pegasus. Your dear sister is constantly fretting about you these days.” He said. I looked at him.

“Is my sister okay?” I asked. The mask bobbed vertically.

“She’s quite alright. Major worry wart. Also, your brother has returned as well. And sweet little Bell is on another delivery. This time to Stableton.” I gapped.

“She’s not in trouble is she?” The mask bobbed horizontally.

“We all know she’s terrible with a gun. She is safe however. Post Box assigned another courier to protect her.” I cocked my head.

“Another courier?” I asked. The mask circled me as he spoke.

“Yes, a recent recruit. The mare knows what she’s doing though. Pretty reliable she is. Well, that is all I wanted was to say hi. It was great talking to you. Call me!” there was a sound of a beep and a voice of a mare spoke.

“This is an automated voice message. Message repeats.” There was a beep. We looked at it as we waited. Finally, after a minute.

“Just checking up on the Savior of the Roads. Did you get my message?” I groaned and with a hoof, popped the mask. It deflated as it flew around us like a balloon with the mare voice speaking. “Message deleted.”

“The hell was that about?” Silver Iris asked as the deflated mask flopped to the ground in front of her. I shook my head.

“Just the Clown of the Wasteland giving me hell and annoying me.” I said. It did feel strange however. A new recruit is with Bell. Why a new recruit? I looked at my PipBuck and typed in a message.

Is everything okay? Please becareful, Bell. – Curry

I sent the message and when I looked up, I was greeted by a figure. It was big. It had leaves sticking out of it. And it was growling. I backed away as my companions did the same.

“Umm… Star. What is this thing?” I said as the creature growled more. Shining Star stammered.

“Th-that is a T-T-Timberwolf.” He said, ducking behind Brick who was giving the creature a challenging look. I saw Silver Iris land next to me and crouched low. A small black contraption in her teeth. My magic hovered over my shotgun as the creature growled intimidatingly at us. Then, I saw past the timberwolf and saw three insectiod armored pegasi. I looked at Silver Iris who saw them as well. She was not happy.

“Dammit. How?” she muttered to herself. The pegasi landed, the middle one’s helmet retracted back and a grim looking stallion’s face appeared. His features were handsome. His light blue color mixed in well with a white mane that curved at the back into a spike.

“We finally found you!” the pegasus on his left said. The helmet retracted revealing a purple mare with a straight mint striped mane. Her bangs covered one red colored eye. She looked pissed. “Do you even realize the shit we took to get our asses moving? Not only that, we were the ones sent to find you, Silver Iris.” She said. I looked at Iris who smirked.

“What’s the matter Viper Strike? That time of the month again?” She taunted. Viper growled and took a step forward only to have the stallion stick a hoof out in front of her. Silver Iris narrowed her eyes at the stallion. They gave each other the same looks. Silver Iris finally sighed. “Why are you still following me? I made it clear didn’t I?” The stallion nodded.

“I know.” He said. “But I just couldn’t bear it. After you left, all hell broke loose. I need to know now. Why did you leave?” Silver Iris spat out the black contraption into a holster before speaking.

“You know why, Cloudwing.” She said. “And you can’t take me back. None of you can. I found a life here. A better life. I don’t need the Enclave to be my family. I’m a free mare. I can go where ever I want now.” She looked at me with a smile. “I can finally see the world as it is.” I said nothing as she went over to the timberwolf and stroked the head with a hoof. The timberwolf whined. What the hell was going on? Viper Strike looked at us.

“Psh. These are sorry excuses for friends I have ever seen.” She snorted. Silver Iris remained calm and cool as she retorted.

“They are probably better friends than you ever been, Viper.” She said, still stroking the head of the timberwolf. The wolf whined again. Cloudwing sighed.

“Then you leave us no choice. If you don’t come back, we will bring you back with force.” He said. Iris glared at him.

“You think you can take us?” she said. Cloudwing nodded to the other pegasus. The pegasus held up a detonator and pressed the button. We readied ourselves for an explosion, but none came. I cocked my head. I could have sworn I could hear the beeping. Then, I looked toward the timberwolf and gasped. The timberwolf slowly raised its’ head and opened its’ mouth. Right over Silver Iris, who was still focusing on the pegasi. Be a better pony! I nodded to the winged pony and bolted. I dove, pushing Iris out of the way and screamed in pain as the timberwolf’s teeth dug into my barding and my flesh. I heard the cries of my companions as I was shaken roughly to the sides and tossed to the side like a ragdoll. I landed with a thud in front of the hooves of Viper, who grinned evilly down at me. My body ached as I stood up, only to be kicked by Viper. I fell to the floor in pain.

“Pathetic! You always knew how to pick the wrong friends.” She said. There was the sound of a rifle being fired. I looked dazedly over to Goldenlee who aimed the rifle at Viper. Viper stiffened.

“You better not touch another hair on her.” She said coldly. I saw Silver Iris staring down the timberwolf.

“What did you do to him?” she growled as she turned to Cloudwing. Cloudwing looked at me and then back at Silver Iris.

“Like I said, Iris. We are here to bring you back. By force if we have to.” I tried to move, but now my entire body felt numb. I looked up to see Viper grin at me.

“How does it feel to be paralyzed? A timberwolf’s breath can be very deadly. Like a snakes bite. Only instead of poison, its’ a paralysis.” She said. I reached with my magic and quickly aimed the shotgun to her head. She blinked and ducked in panic as the slugs flew over her head. They hit the pegasus still hovering. He fell to the ground in a bloody heap. I entered S.A.T.S. and took aim at the pegasus that was falling. I have never tried this, but what the hell. Might as well. With the S.A.T.S. spell, I focused my magic on the detonator. I gritted my teeth, trying to reach out. I saw it hover in the air. I quickly flipped the switch on the detonator as S.A.T.S. ended. I had a throbbing headache after words. To make my headache worse, Viper stomped hard on my head. I groaned as she twisted her hoof into my face. “Bitch!” I returned her insult with a smirk.

“Viper! Look out!” I heard Cloudwing shout. In the blink of an eye she was gone. I blinked. Another sound of rifle fire followed by a thump and an ear screeching sound. I tried moving again, but the paralysis was still in me. It sucked not having to move. I heard a howl and felt myself scooped up in the jaws of the timberwolf again. But I wasn’t being bitten. I could feel the fangs tightening around me but it wasn’t digging in. The timberwolf leapt up to the side of the hotel and began climbing. I wanted to turn to see if my friends were alright. The timberwolf flinched as something hit the back of the creature, but the timberwolf pressed on. I could see beams pass us by and the sound of a rifle shot that made the wolf flinch again. It was climbing faster now and had finally reached the top. I felt the creature breath on me and I felt my limbs again. I groggily stood up and winced. I looked over to the timberwolf and blinked.

“Did you… reverse the paralysis?” I asked. The timberwolf whined. I looked into its glowing yellow eyes. What was it trying to tell me? It looked sorry. But it also looked hurt.

“Well, isn’t this touching?” a voice said. I turned to see Viper Strike land a couple yards away from us. She trotted over and grinned wickedly. “That subject was always the rebellious. Always disobeying orders. No wonder you and Silver Iris get along so well.” I felt the blood trickle down my body, but I ignored it as I stood and looked at her.

“You know Silver Iris?” I asked keeping a blank cold look at her. Viper looked bored as she spoke.

“As a matter of fact I do. It’s really amusing. Her ex-coltfriend and her are duking it out as we speak.” She said. I felt my heart skip a beat. Ex-coltfriend? They were in a relationship? I felt saddened by this thought. Then I asked myself. Why am I upset about it? The hell was wrong with me? I need to focus on important matters. I have three Enclave pegasi here for Silver Iris. This timberwolf next to me knows Iris as well. And even though he paralyzed me, I did something that made the creature… like me? I couldn’t tell. Whatever the case, the wolf was now growling at Viper Strike. Viper gave it a glare. “Oh shut up, you reject. A failed FEV like you no longer needs to be around. So go die already.” She said. FEV? The timberwolf is a mutant? I looked at the timberwolf who continued to growl at the pegasus.

“Are you saying this wolf is a mutant?” I asked. Viper Strike snorted.

“Not like you need to worry about it.” She grinned and raised her scorpion tail, revealing another detonator. When she pressed it, I looked at the timberwolf. No beeping. My ears twitched as I heard the beeping from the other side. I looked and gapped as another timberwolf growled as it climbed up onto the roof. It was bigger than the timberwolf next to me. The pegasus leapt up with a flap of her wings and sat on the neck of the timberwolf. She cackled. “Well, these things are still in development. No harm in testing them. Now…” she pressed another switch on the detonator. “Sick ‘em.” The timberwolf’s eyes flashed and it crouched low, ready to pounce. I backed away with the timberwolf. I looked at the creature. It whined at me.

“You want us to work together?” I guessed. The timberwolf whined. I hesitantly stroked the head and noticed a handle on the neck of the wolf. I locked my hoof around it and leapt up onto the neck. I found the other handle and locked my other hoof around it. My EFS suddenly changed. It displayed a bar at the top. Words that read: FEV Condition underneath. I looked over to see the pegasus in the same position as me on the neck of her timberwolf. I patted the head of the timberwolf. “Okay then. We will work together.” I said. The wolf stood up and crouched low. I suddenly lurched back as my timberwolf and Viper’s timberwolf bolted at each other. They growled and bit as they reared up and locked into scratches. I noticed the bar above my EFS slowly deplete. We needed to break away. I didn’t know how to do that. I looked down at the handles and pressed back with my forelegs. The timberwolf I was on leapt back.

‘Okay, so it’s like a battle saddle almost.’ I thought to myself. I have never used a battle saddle, but I have seen them in action. In fact, I know a certain red colored earth pony that is somewhere below us. So, if I do this... then WHOA! My timberwolf leapt to the side. I must have over corrected as I pulled in the other direction and the timberwolf stumbled. I heard Viper laughing.

“Oh this is perfect! It’s like watching a cadet try to figure out the end of a laser rifle.” She laughed. The wolf growled in annoyance at me.

“Sorry, sorry!” I said to it. “Just, getting the hang of the controls.” Pressure sensitive. I adjusted my hooves at different pressures and smirked as my timberwolf stood correctly. Okay, I think I got it. Viper was still laughing. Then stopped and her eyes widened as I moved my timberwolf forward and reared back. I twisted my body, adjusting the pressure of the handle and the wolf’s claw landed square in the face of Viper’s timberwolf. Her and the wolf stumbled and went over the edge of the roof. I smiled a little. “Good boy.” I said stroking his head. He panted and wagged his tail. But our victory was short lived. Before I knew it, Viper’s wolf had leapt up from the roof and tackled us. I saw the bar deplete dramatically. I adjusted my hoofs on the handles and my wolf delivered another claw to Viper’s timberwolf’s chest. She retaliated with the same idea and we both locked their claws together. I grit my teeth as I adjusted my hooves and felt my timberwolf push. Again, Viper had the same idea.

“Little bitch!” she shouted. She pushed. But I pushed back more. I felt an overwhelming surge of energy. I don’t know where it had come from, but I’ll take it! Viper forced us to break and both wolves leapt back. I watched as the bar depleted again. It was at the half mark. I noticed her wolf more battered than mine. We had the advantage. I twisted my hooves. She twisted hers and both wolves collided again, but this time, I forced mine to duck, spin and give a good applebuck. Or applepaw. I don’t know, but the blow landed and Viper’s wolf reared back more. I entered S.A.T.S., to my surprise. I aimed at the neck and my timberwolf went for just that. The wolf bit deep into the neck and growled as Viper’s wolf howled.

“No way! You fucking cheated!” Viper hissed. I smirked at her.

“Don’t be a sore loser.” I said. On the word ‘loser’ I pulled back and the wolf ripped a chunk of neck. Wood particles and splinters flew and the timberwolf backed away.

“No, you stupid mutt! Go forward. Forward!!” Viper yelled. But the timberwolf ignored her and slipped at the edge of the roof. The wolf scrapped the roof, trying to get back over. I walked my timberwolf over and looked down to see the street of Las Pegasus. Viper gritted her teeth, trying to let go of the handles. As I got a closer look, I noticed they weren’t handles, but hoof locks. I smirked in triumph. She glared up at me.

“My name is Courier Road.” I said. Why was I boasting? No. I wanted to boast. I felt good. Really good! “I am a courier of the Crystal Express. You are interfering with my orders. My orders are to make sure they remain happy. And I won’t let you take my friend away.” I said. I shifted my hooves and my timberwolf clamped down on the other wolf’s paws. “And tell whoever is in charge of the Enclave that if they come after me or my friends again, I’ll see to it personally that the matter is handled.” With that, I commanded my timberwolf to throw them off of the roof. Viper screamed and her wolf howled as they plummeted to the street. I sat up, only to grab hold of the handles for dear life as the timberwolf hopped on top of the neon sign of the hotel. I looked down and then to the wolf. The wolf then let out a triumphant howl into the sky. I smiled as the wolf turned with me on its back and made its way over to the other end of the roof. I peeked over and saw my friends looking up at me, waving. I saw Silver Iris fly up to us and landed next to me.

“Wow, I didn’t think you were going to live. A timberwolf’s breath can be deadly.” She said. I smiled and stroked the head of the wolf. The wolf wagged his tail. I looked up to the pegasus and smirked. She blinked at me. The rubbed the back of her head with a slight flush. “N-not that I was worried or anything. I’m cool.” She said. I was beginning to feel light headed.

“Yup.” I said weakly. “Pretty cool.” I laid my head down on the wolf. “I feel fine too. Light headed, but fine.” I must have said something wrong as Silver Iris gave me a surprised gasp. “Nighty-night.” I said as the world faded to black.

When I came to, I found myself inside the suite again. I groaned. My body ached. I looked down to see bandages and empty health potions next to me. I gapped as I saw the timbewolf laying curled up with Silver Iris who was snoozing silently against the wolf. Looking at myself now, I saw that said bandages were wrapped around my entire torso. I saw Goldenlee in the bathroom, washing her hooves in the sink. I panicked as I looked over to see gauzes and, to my horror, a scalpel and forceps. Oh Goddesses, if there was another thing I knew I hated, were knives that had been dug into me. Imagining the blade cutting through my hide, I shuddered and pushed the tray with disgust. I blinked as the entire table tipped over and clattered to the floor. I heard the timberwolf growl and Silver Iris perk up.

“What? An attack? Where are they!?” she said hopping to her hooves. The timberwolf yelped as she leapt up, banging the roof. Silver Iris blinked and looked down, noticing she was stepping on the wolf’s tail branch. She quickly let go and the wolf growled in annoyance at her. She gave a sheepish smile. “Ehehe. Sorry boy.” She said. She stroked the head of the wolf, who now waged his tail, and then looked at me. “So… no attack?” she asked.

“I certainly hope not.” Goldenlee said as she trotted out of the bathroom and levitated up her surgery equipment. “Courier is really in no condition to move at all.” She looked at me and gave a stern look. “You should really be more careful. You lost a lot of blood. And it is amazing the breath didn’t kill you first.” I looked down bashfully.

“S-sorry.” I said. I looked up to Silver Iris. She smiled at me.

“Rex here says he is sorry.” She said. The timberwolf whined. Rex?

“You named a timberwolf?” I asked. Silver Iris nodded and continued to pet the wolf.

“He and I go way back. He was assigned to me as a FEV.” She looked sadly at Rex who whined. “I saw how they treated them. How they tested him. I was the pony who tested the trial run with him. I’m sure you saw why he was different from the other FEVs.” I nodded, not really sure what she meant. But Rex seemed docile enough when he carried me to the top. I cocked my head.

“Why did he carry me up to the roof?” I asked. Rex whined as Silver Iris spoke.

“He wanted to get you away from the fight. More Enclave appeared when you destroyed Rex’s collar control. We took cover. The Omaretas heard the commotion and came to help us. The Enclave fled when Viper and a working FEV fell from the roof.” She nickered. “Your boasting seemed to tick them off more.” I flushed.

“Y-you heard that?” I stammered. I didn’t think I said it so loud. Just enough so Viper could hear.

“We all heard it, dear.” Goldenlee said with a small smile. Iris nodded.

“Rex felt bad for having to do that to you against his will. He came to us to give us a warning, but the Enclave had trailed close behind him. They meant for him to kill me, but you got in the way. I could have sworn, I’ve never seen Commander Turbo looked so pissed off.” I groaned and rubbed my face. Great, not only was I making an impression in all of the Strip, I was also being villianified by the Enclave. “And uh… I just wanted to say thanks.” She said. I felt my heart beat in excitement. I looked up with a surprised look at the pegasus.

“Wha?” I said lamely. Silver Iris flushed and rubbed the back of her head.

“The way you boasted. You… called me a friend. And you said you won’t let them take me. So… thanks.” I nodded, my heart beating excitedly. Then it faltered as Viper’s words came back.

“Her ex-coltfriend and her are duking it out as we speak.”

“So… you and Cloudwing. You were a thing?” I asked. A boy and a girl. I felt my hopes vanish at the thought. Silver Iris with a boy? Goddesses what was wrong with me. How could I be so stupid? My ears drooped as Iris nodded.

“It was a long time ago. He and I met during graduation. We both were stationed in the same squad. We both aced higher than any other cadets. We both challenged each other to races and see who could snag the most flags. Then it just kind of happened.” She said. She made it sound so casually. “We fell in love. And from there it went for a while.” I felt my heart ache even more. Why was I feeling like this? She sighed. “He was my first for everything. My kiss. My virginity. Everything.” I wanted to cry now. “Then, something happened one day.” She pet Rex’s head. “I caught him in bed with another mare. We fought. Argued. Then it all went downhill.” I darted my eyes in thought. She was cheated on? A stallion like that, cheated on a pretty and cool mare like Iris? How unforgivable! I felt angry now. Then the question came to mind.

“Is that why you left the Enclave?” I asked. Silver Iris sighed.

“One of the reasons.” She said. “When he said he was to bring me back, I didn’t want to go. Being stuck with the Enclave was pretty much the M.o.M. for me. Being constantly monitored. No freedom. The tests. It was just too much. I learned everything I knew years ago and they continued to do the same damn thing. Then I got sick and tired of the same thing and took all my knowledge with me down into the Wastes.” She looked at me. “It was there that I met the mercenary group called the Black Talons. They were led by a griffin named Gawd. I became a mercenary ever since.” She frowned. “But now, mercenary business is beginning to be dull. I should just sign my retirement and go on with my life. I wanted to see the world.” So that’s why she told me that.

“What happens, happens.” I muttered. Silver Iris nodded. She told me that to cheer me up. She said it through personal experience. She’s been living a dull life with a stallion that had cheated on her and left because of it. I narrowed my eyes. “So that’s why they came after you.” Iris blinked.

“Huh?” she said. I looked at her, a serious expression played across me.

“You left the Enclave with the knowledge of their personal secrets and skills. You took them with you into the Wasteland. They feared you were going to expose them.” I looked down to my cutie-mark. I remember a Dashite long ago. He visited Pleasant Town for a while. He told me how he had gotten it, out of my curiosity. “If you had gone back to them, they would have branded you Dashite.” I studied my two white die with one on the face of 1 and the second on 6 cutie-mark. Having it burned off you. It was like burning your identity away. I couldn’t imagine the thought of having to walk around with a branded cutie-mark. Silver Iris looked at my cutie-mark and rubbed the back of her head.

“Well, I wasn’t planning on going back anyway. I certainly don’t want to be branded Dashite either. I just wanted to be a free mare. Live the life I want. Not have to worry about anything. But then I met you.” She said. I cocked my head in confusion. “When I saw you and your friends emerge from the burning Tipson, I was with the Black Talons. They said they would pay us to help you get to Las Pegasus. We agreed. I thought you had a twin. Brick had put you both next to each other. And then when Mother Dandy began the thing with your soul…” she shuddered. Goldenlee seemed grim too.

“Dear, there is something we have to tell you.” Goldenlee said. I bit my lip. Oh great, now what? Her and Silver Iris exchanged a glance before speaking. “We caught glimpses of your past in the room.”

Footnote Level Up!
Perk Added: Swift Learner: Your abilities at quick thinking and split second decisions makes you have increased AP.