I yawned loudly as we trotted down Route 2. Stableton came into view not too far away. I wonder how Sunny Springs is holding up? I blinked away the tears when Brick trotted up to me.

“I’ve been thinking, Courier.” He said. I replied with a grunt. “Well, after everything that has been happening, are you sure you want to go through with finding your father?” I looked at him and narrowed my eyes.

“Of course. Why do you ask?” I said. Goldenlee trotted up on the other side of me before speaking.

“Well dearie, we think that after what had happened recently, we are just worried that you might find out the hard way of what happened.” She said. I looked at the gorgeous mare before sighing.

“I know. Hell, my dad may not be my dad anymore. But I just want to know if he is okay.” I looked ahead. “He left me and my family when Bell was born. Bell doesn’t know dad. We have told her about him, but she never got to interact. She’s been relying on Post Box to take care of her until she could become a courier.” I looked at her, seeing the minor bruises I had left on her beautiful face. “Post Box has really been the only father figure she had to interact with. And Post Box is always caught up in work that he doesn’t really have time to look out for her. So whenever we got home, we would make sure Bell got handled before leaving.” Goldenlee smiled.

“You are such a great sister. I can’t hardly stand mine.” She said. I blinked.

“You have a sister?” I asked. She looked at me with a stern surprise.

“Why do you look so shocked?” she said with an arched brow. I flushed and pulled my hood down.

“I-I didn’t mean to…” I was about to continue when she just smiled and nudged me with her leg.

“I’m just teasing dear. Yes, I have a twin sister.” She said. “Me and her never could agree with each other. So one day when we were old enough to go venture out into the Wastes, she left for Tenpony tower and I stayed behind to work as a surgeon.” I rubbed the back of my head.

“Surgeon, huh.” She nodded. “Are you not worried at all that you left your clinic?” I asked. She smiled.

“I’m not the only surgeon in the town dear. I’m just the best one there is.” She said with a proud look. Comp nickered.

“Goldenlee, The Drama Queen of Surgery.” He said. She looked at him with a glare.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked. Comp shrugged coolly before speaking.

“Nothing. Just that you tend to be a total drama queen at times.” He said matter-of-factly. She balked.

“W-what? But, I… I don’t…” She groaned in frustration. “Why are you even talking!?” We chuckled as we continued on our way. When we reached Stableton, we gapped in awe as we saw that the number of tents had increased. We were then greeted by a couple of RCE agents that were standing watch.

“Need an escort through?” she asked. I shook my head before speaking.

“What’s going on?” I asked, motioning to the tents. The RCE sighed.

“They believe their ‘Maiden of Fire’ had left something here that belongs to them.” I blinked and rubbed my chin in thought. What did I leave behind here before? I darted my eyes and narrowed them as a thought came to mind. And a disturbing encounter with a drunken stallion. I winced.

“Do they know exactly what their ‘Maiden’ left?” Star asked. The RCE agent rubbed her chin before speaking.

“Can’t say. All they know is that the maiden had left something of theirs in the town and won’t leave until we cough it up.” She looked back to the tents. “So do you need an escort through or do you think you can make it?”

“You really think a bunch of zebra scare us?” Silver Iris said with a smirk. “We can handle ourselves.” I smiled at her before looking at the RCE agent.

“Thanks anyway. We will just be heading into town for a bit. Restock supplies and what not.” I said. The agent nodded.

“Alright then. But if they pull anything funny, you are on your own.” She said. She fired her carbine twice in the air, making me arch a brow. I heard a carbine fire twice in the town.

“What’s the point of wasting bullets for signaling?” I asked. Couldn’t they just glint a knife in a form of light or something? The agent looked at us.

“This isn’t a real rifle. It’s a cap gun.” She said. A cap gun? Interesting. We made our way down, following the road past the endless amount of tents around us. There were a lot more zebra than before. And just to think two days ago while hurrying towards Pleasant Town, they had all stood by the road and bowed as we passed by. I gulped and pulled my hood down lower. We had reached the gate when I was suddenly stopped by an old looking zebra mare.

“Maiden of Fire! You are here! Praise the glorious day! I ask that you please save us from this land! Let us bask in your ever glorious light!” she said, putting wrinkled hooves on me. I wanted to say something, but an RCE agent came up and shoved the mare to the ground.

“Quit scaring off the ponies.” He said sternly before waving us in. I narrowed my eyes at the agent before trotting in after my friends. Well that wasn’t very nice. I know that she wasn’t a pony, but she is old. And seeing an RCE shove her like that felt disrespectful. Whatever they wanted, I have to find that stallion with the package I had delivered a week and a half ago. I noticed the town had gotten quieter. Only a few ponies here and there, talking with themselves quietly and quickly buying products before hurrying off. I noticed some of the stores on the market street were closed. I felt relieved when I saw Sunny Spring’s store still open, but looking more dead than lively. I went over and looked around.

“Courier?” Comp asked. I said nothing as I knocked on the counter.

“Just a sec.” I heard a voice from inside say. I blinked when Sunny Springs came to the window, looking slightly frustrated. She blinked at me, narrowing her eyes before beaming. “Oh, it’s you! How have you’ve been?” She looked me over. “I see you took the liberty of enhancing your barding. I assume the fire proof material went well?”

“More than you can imagine.” I said, little more annoyed than I should have. She arched a brow.

“So, what brings you by?” she asked. I looked back at the dead market street.

“Are the zebra scaring off traders?” I asked. Sunny Springs sighed and nodded.

“Them stripes have been scaring off caravans for the past week. Some of the residents moved or are not coming out because they think Stableton is being planned for an attack. The RCE have their hooves full trying to scare off the zebra and that leaves filthy scavengers to do as they please.” She motioned to some of the closed stores. “Nearly half of market street got robbed because of it.”

“And you are still in business?” Goldenlee asked. Sunny Spring nodded.

“Not sure how. Only my local customers have been dropping by. Most of them being mercenaries and wanderers.” She groaned. “But I think most of them are planning on getting out of town. Soon, Stableton will be a ghost town.” Brick and Comp looked at me. I scrunched my face up.

“You think they want that package?” Comp asked. I nodded.

“What do you mean?” Sunny Spring asked. I sighed.

“They believe I’m their ‘Maiden of Fire’.” I said. She arched a brow. “I know, it’s stupid, but in a way they may be right. If they see me as their Maiden of Fire, then I’ll see if I can try to get them to leave Stableton alone.” The armor dealer mare balked.

“Y-you would do that? For the town?” she blinked. I smirked and nodded.

“All I need to do is find a certain buck. If I can convince him to hand over what I had delivered and give it to the zebra, I can talk them into leaving Stableton. No violence. Just simple reasoning.” I was suddenly pulled into a hug by Sunny Springs and nuzzled my mane as she spoke.

“Kid, you would make me the happiest mare alive!” she said. I saw a sly smile from Silver Iris. I flushed and pulled away.

“Err… right. I mean, they are here because of me. So I’m going to fix the problem.” I said. Sunny Spring nodded with a smile and looked at me.

“Tell ya’ what, kid. You do that and Stableton will be in your debt. And I will give you a discount on your barding if ya’ ever need it fixed.” She said. I nodded and smiled, adjusting my hood before turning. When we left market street, I noticed Silver Iris still looking at me with that cool smile. I flushed and pulled my hood down more. Why is she giving me that look? Did I do something funny? My nether region was beginning to tingle, but I pressed on as we stood outside of the apartment complex from my delivery. I prayed that he wouldn’t be having it hang out again as I pressed the buzzer. A gruff voice replied.

“Sorry, we are closed.” The ghoul’s voice said. I pressed the intercom.

“Courier Sixteen with the Crystal Express. I’m looking for a Mr. Marigold.” I said. There was a slight pause. Then a buzzer sounded and the door swung open. We entered and the ghoul behind the desk suddenly stiffened when he saw Rex.

“What in the hell is a timberwolf doing here!?” he said backing away a bit. I blinked and looked back at Rex, who cocked his head with a whine. Comp petted his head before speaking.

“It’s alright. He’s a friend. He won’t bite.” Then he arched a brow. “Unless he’s provoked.” The ghoul growled.

“I-I’m sorry, but mystical creatures are not allowed into the building. I’m going to have to ask that he stays outside.” He said. Rex whined and I smiled at him. Silver Iris smiled at us.

“Don’t worry, I’ll watch him. Just get the package and let’s go.” She said. I nodded and trotted up the stairs. We reached the same dingy hall. Brick and Comp trotted beside me with Star and Goldenlee from behind. We stood in front of the door labled 302. I prayed deeply that I won’t have to experience that again. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. There was a silent pause when the door opened and a tan colored mare and a black straight mane looked at us from the door way.

“You ain’t the one we asked for.” She said. I blinked. What?

“Is it our third yet?” a stallion in the back of the room asked. The mare groaned.

“It’s not our threesome partner, ya’ idgit.” I shuddered and pulled my hood down. I could tell my companions were also feeling uncomfortable. “So what the hell do you kids want?” I cleared my throat before speaking.

“Ah, yes. I’m the courier that had delivered a package to Mr. and Mrs. Marigold. I was wondering if you still have it?” I gave her my best smile. She arched a brow.

“You want it? You can have it.” She said. I blinked. I was hoping I had to convince them to hand it over, but this works too I guess. She trotted back in and I scrunched my face up from the awful smell coming from their room. Have they been going at it for ages? That is disgusting! It also looks like they don’t clean up after themselves either. No wonder their threesome partner hasn’t bothered to show up. When Mrs. Marigold came back, she tossed us a crumpled package that I didn’t even bother to catch with my magic. I remember the vomit and it looked like it was still stained too. Most disgusting ponies ever. However, I did hear a clunk when she did. Weird.

“Err… thank you.” I said, giving her my best smile. She just grunted before shutting the door on my face.

“Charming.” Goldenlee said disgustedly and sarcastically. I removed the vomit stained wrapper with my magic, much to my chagrin, and lifted out a small amber box. I blinked and narrowed my eyes as I turned the box in my magic. Nothing unique about it other than the color.

“What do you suppose it is?” Comp asked as he tapped it with a hoof, making it bob. I shook my head.

“No idea. But if this is what the zebra were after, then why the hell did those ponies want it in the first place?” I said as I stuffed it into my bag. “Either way, we got what we needed. Now to talk to the zebra.” We made our way out of the apartment and saw that the ghoul wasn’t there anymore. I acted like I wasn’t at all surprised, other than to just pull my hood down. Something definitely wasn’t right here. When we opened the door, we found Silver Iris kicking back on top of Rex, who seemed to be sniffing the air.

“Did you get it?” she asked, stretching. I nodded. She flew up and grinned. “Great! Now let’s get-.”

“You ain’t going anywhere.” a gruff voice said. We looked to see the ghoul stand in front of us with two RCE agents behind him. “She’s the one. She attacked me with that mutt of hers.” He said. I narrowed my eyes and heard Rex growl. Silver Iris narrowed her eyes.

“Bull shit he did. I was out here the whole time with him.” She said. The ghoul growled.

“Honestly, don’t you think it’s funny that they have a timberwolf with them? Those things are wild.” The ghoul glared at Iris. Iris stuck a tongue out at him.

“Rex isn’t just any timberwolf.” I said. “He’s a friend. He won’t hurt you.” I smirked. “Unless provoked.” The ghoul stiffened as Rex took a small step forward, snarling. The RCE agents looked at each other before turning their concerns to us.

“I’m afraid that even if you do have a timberwolf tamed, we will have to ask that you keep an eye on that creature.” One said. “Those things are indeed wild.” The ghoul looked shocked.

“What are you talking about? That thing attacked me! Kill it!” he hissed. That was the wrong thing to say. Silver Iris galloped towards him, rearing back when she got close and planted a hoof into the ghoul’s face, spiraling him a few feet away. The RCE agents looked surprised. I said nothing but let Iris have her say.

“Don’t talk to Rex like he is just another stray.” Silver Iris said coldly. “He’s not a crazy animal! I’ve known him longer than anypony. You have no right to judge him.” The ghoul growled at her.

“What are you fools doing!? I’m a citizen! You are just going to let me be assaulted by these savages!?” The RCE agents looked at each other again before turning to look at a heavy breathing Iris. I looked at the agents and narrowed my eyes. Something wasn’t right about this at all. Suddenly, one took aim and fired at the ghoul, blowing his rotting brains out into the street. I gritted my teeth, gun drawn as I galloped and slammed the butt of the gun to the back of one RCE agent. The other turned and aimed a gun at me, but Rex bolted forward and landed beside the agent. The agent took aim, but it was Silver Iris that retaliated. She quickly flew into the agent. They rolled and stopped with Iris pinning the agent and wailing on him with hoof plant after hoof plant.

“Don’t you fucking hurt Rex!” she screamed as she delivered two more good hoof plants. I saw the helmet dent from the blows and the last blow sent it flying. She was about to bring another hoof down when I reached with my magic and halted her. She struggled against it, bringing her other hoof up, but I stopped her as well.

I know how much she cares for Rex. And I hated seeing her like this. But I had to do something to keep her from committing murder. I love her. And I didn’t want her to be hunted down by the RCE. She’s already being hunted by the Enclave. I trotted over to her, looking stern as she looked at me with pure hate. Her eyes suddenly widened and her face displayed a look of guilt. I looked my love squarely in the eye. I wanted to tell her everything is okay. Rex is still fine. And I want her to understand without me saying it. If she trusted me, then she would know what I was trying to tell her. She eased more and bowed her head, her bangs hiding her eyes.

“I… I’m sorry.” She shuddered. I eased a little. I felt relieved that she had trusted me. My magic released her and she shakily stood up off of the agent. I looked down and narrowed my eyes. It wasn’t an RCE agent. There was an insignia on the mare’s head. But one I haven’t seen before.

“A ganger.” I said without a hint of surprise.

“Gangers.” Star corrected as he pulled the helmet off of the other one I had knocked out. “And from the looks of it, the insignia is one I have not seen.” I nodded to him. The insignia was shaped like a square maze with a dot in the middle. Small triangular shapes spread out from above the square. It almost looked like a polygonal eye. I narrowed my eyes, taking in the insignia before turning to see Silver Iris go over to Rex and pet the timberwolf. She looked awfully upset. And I don’t blame her one bit. A ghoul had just accused Rex of attacking him only to get shot in the process by gangers. Even if the ghoul was being a heartless jerk, he didn’t deserve to be killed. I’m sure Iris wanted to just teach him a lesson not to mess with our friend. I said nothing as I bowed my head and bit into the ganger’s mane and dragged him down into the alley.

“Courier? What are you doing?” Goldenlee asked as Star did the same thing.

“They are still dressed like RCE. And they shot an innocent.” I said.

“I doubt that ghoul was going to be innocent after what he had said about Rex.” Comp said as he looked over to the duo in concern. “I wouldn’t have hold Iris back. She was just protecting a friend.” I sighed and nodded.

“I know. But I’ve seen Iris when she gets ruffed up. The way she handled the Reaper back at the border. Her physical ability is beyond that of decent.” I looked worriedly as Iris continued to pet the timberwolf in silence. “She must have gone through extreme body conditioning if she was able to dent his armor.” I levitated up the RCE helmet, showing them the dents and holes that littered it.

“Poor dear.” Goldenlee said with a small sad look. I did the same. Silver Iris must have been through a lot more than emotional pain. Her body must be stronger than it looks. She has the figure of any normal pony, but her strength is just beyond scary. It was downright terrifying. And I am worried about her. My heart is crying for her. But I had to stay being Courier. If I was a different mare, I’m sure Silver Iris would be all the more different to me as well. I had to be her Courier. I trotted back over to the body of the dead ghoul, hearing my PipBuck click a little of the radiation he gave off. I sighed and pulled my hood down.

“Come on. We got zebra to handle.” I said, not looking at them. I had to be strong. I am their friend. I had to repay their help with mine. And I can’t do that if I’m different. I have to be their Courier. We walked to the gate in silence.

We trotted to the gates and an RCE agent come to greet us.

“Need escort?” she asked. I shook my head and pulled out the amber box.

“I’m here to give them what they want.” I said. The agent probably narrowed her eyes at me through that helmet.

“You mean they want that thing?” there was a pause. “What is that thing anyway?” I shook my head.

“No clue. But I’m going to find out.” I said. The RCE agent rubbed the helmets dome head before nodding and the gate opened. To all of our surprise, the zebra had gathered not too far away but enough that they formed a semi-circle. And they were all looking at me. I took a deep breath and walked forward. I noticed the RCE agents have taken positions in case anything went hairy. I levitated the amber box next to me and without thinking, I threw my hood off of me with a flick of my head, my fiery mane exposed to them.

There were murmurs and whispers in zebra that I couldn’t understand. But I stood straight, feeling the determination flow threw me. I have to be my friend’s Courier. I don’t know what I was thinking. When I lifted the amber box above my head with my magic, the zebra began bowing in waves. I had no idea what to do next. So I winged it.

“Attention everyone!” I said in a clear and calm voice. I felt the sweat beginning to form. My legs shaking slightly. I gulped as the silence around me began to be looks of anticipation. “As your Maiden of Fire, I have come to bear you a gift that I have left here that was once yours.” I floated the box in front of me. “But you must promise me one thing in exchange for this gift. You must leave this town and its inhabitants alone. No harm will come to anyone. So I please beg of you. Accept this gift. All I ask is that you leave this place and return home.” More silence. I gulped. Did I fuck up? Did I say something wrong? Then, they bowed again as they stepped aside and a zebra mare next to the old wrinkled zebra mare from before walked towards me. They stopped as I held the box out in front of us.

“Maiden of Fire.” The zebra mare spoke. “We humbly accept your gift and will honor your request. And we ask that you bless us with the fires of your embrace.” She looked at the box and then to me. Fires of my embrace? I began to panic, but I didn’t show it. I felt more sweat. Oh Goddesses. They want me to do magic. I don’t know arcane magic. My brother does. I’m just an illusionist. I took a deep breath and nodded. I levitated the box to me and narrowed my eyes. What exactly is this thing? What was so special about… the box flipped open and I was instantly blown off my hooves, sliding into the snow and back into the gates. I shook away the daze and gapped in horror as the box hovered overhead and small streams of fire began pouring out. The zebra mare smiled and the older one cried and kneeled.

“She has embraced us with her flames! She has embraced us!” she shouted. Then, a stream from the box shot out and set them both on fire. I was utterly frozen in shock. Oh Goddesses, what have I done? I just watched as the tents slowly caught fire and the zebra began chanting as they too were set on fire. Males and females. Colts and fillies. Even the new born foals were set ablaze. And I just stood there in shock. The fire now burning brightly ever so. Soon the entire road and the zebra were now fully engulfed. I heard somepony call my name. But I couldn’t react. I had done the unthinkable. I had just set zebras on fire. And not just any zebras. I had set children and new born foals on fire too. And I just stood. Stood as the flames rose higher and the zebra chanting grew. I blinked and looked ahead, seeing Din’s evil grin looking at me.

“So naïve. So childish. What did you expect to accomplish out of this?” she chuckled and turned her back on me, walking into the flames. Then, without warning, the fire I have caused streamed back into the box. And as quickly as it had happened. They vanished. Not a single trace of any zebra. Just gone. No children playing. No foals crying. Just silence. The last of the fire finally streamed in and the box closed before floating down to the snow in front of me. I looked at the box, feeling my heart beat faster and my breath heaving. Then everything went black.

I blinked and looked around. I was in pitch blackness. I was also floating. Where am I? I found myself flying forward. Where was I going? Then, I heard the chanting. The zebra chanting was low at first. Then it began to get louder. I heard tribal drum beats. But I said nothing. I wasn’t reacting. I just let myself be carried away. The chanting was now in my ears and the tribal music grew louder. Then, I began seeing glyphs. Strange glowing green symbols shot past me.

Then, I found myself surrounded by stars. Billons and billons of stars. Shining bright into the night sky. I felt calm. I felt at ease. But the chanting was still going with the music. Suddenly, the glyphs that had shot past me came back and encircled me. They spun quickly before coming to a stop and just hovered there. Then, there was a silence. Utter silence.

“H-hello?” I asked, now feeling more scared than before.

“She has awoken.” A voice boomed. I flinched and looked up, seeing a spectral disembodied head of a…

“A lion?” I balked. The lion’s head nodded.

“I am not just any lion. I am a guardian of the stars. I watch over each and every speck you see around you.” I looked around, seeing the billons of stars so far away.

“You watch over the stars?” I asked. Why am I being so casual about this!? What the hell is going on!? The lion smiled and looked me straight into the eyes.

“You have awoken as the Maiden of Fire. One of the Seven Maidens of the Stars. And the only one who has been awoken.” The lion said. I rubbed my head.

“Wait. So this is just a dream?” I asked. Please, please, please let it be a dream! The lion looked at me.

“That is solely for you to decide. I only watch the stars. Not your choices.” He said. Well bummer. Wait, why am I being so damned casual!? Fucking freak out already!!! But I didn’t. I just remained calm. Because I had told myself that I would be a friend of my friends. I would be their Courier. I blinked when the glyphs began suddenly spinning. I felt my eye throb and I hissed in pain, putting a hoof to it.

“What’s going on!?” I asked. Okay, better. But you still aren’t freaking the actual fuck out, Courier! Are you even listening!? I ignored the winged pony and the horned pony as I kept my concentration on the spinning glyphs. I could see little figures. They were moving. As if they were telling me a story. Then, they stopped and I blinked again as the glyphs stopped on a symbol that looked like the number sixteen. Ironic as hell, huh?

“You are being decided if you are worthy of being a vessel of the Maiden of Fire.” The lion said. I looked at him and narrowed my eyes.

“But I thought I am the Maiden of Fire?” I said.

“No child. You are just a creature. Born into the world to carry out your duties. But you have been chosen when the stars have aligned on your birth. And Din has chosen you to be her vessel.” I looked cross at the lion.

“Well, I don’t want to be. She nearly destroyed my home. I’m not me when she takes over! I want to be Courier! I want to be my friend’s Courier! Not a freaking spirit vessel!” I said. The lion chuckled deeply.

“Ah yes. Din is the vilest of the Maidens. But she is a Maiden none other. As much as her personality is… hot-headed as you say, she is still carrying out her duties as a spirit of fire.” The lion said. I snorted. Great. Not only is he a spectral head. But he knows puns. Good job, universe. Again, why was I being so casual about this? I shook away the thought before speaking.

“So, where exactly are we?” I asked. The lion looked up into the stars.

“You are in the Great Beyond. The place where the Maidens sleep and guardians such as I watch over the stars.” He looked at me now. “You should be honored to see such a place. For you are the second one who has come here.” I blinked. I’m not the first?

“So… who was the first?” I asked. He chuckled.

“An energetic wise stallion named Starswirl the Bearded.” He said. I rubbed the back of my head. Starwirl the Bearded. Where have I heard that name before? The lion chuckled again. “I see you are having trouble remembering. Starswirl the Bearded is your world’s finest creature to possess such infinite knowledge of magic. Being the first of his world to see this place.” The lion seemed to smirk a little. “The old buck had so many questions.” I arched a brow.

“So, why am I here then? I don’t possess knowledge of magic as Starswirl. I’m just a courier.” I said.

“Indeed you are. Born into the world to carry out your duties. All the while being a vessel to bear one of the Maidens. However, you are not the first to bear a maiden in your world. The rest are inside certain ponies. Waiting for the day they finally awaken.” He looked at the sixteen glyph. “Take this. Keep it in your heart. If you truly wish to be yourself. Then sound the bell.” I gapped. The warning! With a lion’s roar and a true virtue found… Wait, is this my virtue? The lion chuckled again. I flushed now. Was he hearing what I was thinking? “I can hear your exact thoughts, child.” He then looked sternly at me.

Heed my words, my little pony, for your ear is all I require.
Soon it will be your heart, the Wasteland desires.
Mark my words, tis the name of the devil you hear.
For you shall know true fear.
You must stall the beast, to prevail.
And when you do, make sure to ring the bell.
For it is these that bind you together.
With the lion’s roar and a true virtue found, only then will you live happily ever after.

I gapped. The same warning that Chester and Sukuj-err Mother Dandy had spoken. I looked at him.

“Do you know Cheesy Chester?” I asked. The lion blinked.

“I haven’t the slightest clue of what you mean.” He said. I blinked, opened my mouth to say something and then closed it. That wasn’t a question. What in the actual fuck is going on!? I kept quiet when I suddenly found the glyphs grow small and smaller. Then, they quickly shot at me and my eye began stinging and throbbing. I screamed at the pain. Goddesses, this hurt so much! Make it stop! The lion looked at me. “I am afraid that as soon as you leave the Great Beyond, you will have no recollection of what has transpired. So I must tell you to bear in mind. Find your virtue. Ring the bell.” And with that, he gave a loud booming roar and I screamed as I felt myself fly farther and farther away from the lion head.

I woke up, screaming for some odd reason. I felt ponies trying to pin me down. I thrashed and felt my hind hooves hit something.

“Sedate her!” a pony cried out.

“Hold the fuck still!” I lashed a hoof out, hitting whoever said it as I continued to scream. Why was I screaming? Then I remembered the box. I remembered the zebra chanting. The flames rising higher and higher. I needed to save them! I have to help them! Where are my friends? Who are these ponies? Then, I remembered Silver Iris’s anger. Her pure hate towards the gangers. When she looked at me, she looked like she wanted to kill me too. But I wanted to help her. I had to reach out to her! I’m her Courier! I’m their Courier! I screamed and thrashed more as more ponies came in and pinned me. I felt something being stuck into my right foreleg. I lashed out more of my hooves.

“Where are my friends!!?” I screamed. “Where are they!!? What did you do to them!!?” I screamed more and more and suddenly began to feel very light headed. What was happening to me? Where are my friends? Who are these ponies? Oh Goddesses! I have to get out! I have to find them! I felt very tired. I kept thrashing. I had to keep going. I had to move! But I couldn’t. I felt myself go limp.

“I think she’s calming down.” A pony said.

“Shit that hurts!” another pony said. I finally tired out. I wasn’t sleeping. I was just tired. So very tired. I stared up at the ceiling. Ceiling? Wasn’t I outside before?

“Goldenlee. I think you got it.” A voice said. Goldenlee? Where is she? I have to know if she is okay.

“I’m not so sure I have, dear.” I heard Goldenlee’s voice. It sounded stricken with pain. Was she crying? “I’ve done all I could to maintain her heart. She’s lucky it is still beating after that.” Her breath shuddered. “Everypony out. She needs rest.” I then saw Goldenlee. I tried speaking to her. Move to her. But I was just so damn tired. She looked at me sadly. “You are very lucky to be alive.” She said. Tears were forming. Alive? Was I dead then? But the feeling of death wasn’t there. When Sombra had inflicted it, I felt it. I didn’t feel anything if I had just died. Or… did I even die? I don’t even know what’s going on anymore. I was just tired. I wanted to sleep, but I couldn’t. She sighed, wiping her tears before trotting away. Where was she going? Was she okay? She looked hurt. But what about the others? Are they okay as well? All I know was there was a lot fire. And watching in horror as the zebra burned before my very eyes. Then, I heard the door open.

I saw the familiar Mr. Marigold, looking more serious than before. He sighed.

“There is a reason why I had it.” He said to me. I said nothing. Whatever they had put in me, it certainly made it very hard to move. He had it for a reason? But he lived a life of lust! Why is he being like this now? Then he held up the amber box. “Don’t come looking for it again. Unless you want what had happened again.” He growled. “My wife can be a bitch. She doesn’t understand what was at stake when she had given it to you.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Get lost, kid. You shouldn’t wander into a god’s domain.” With that, he turned and vanished. I heard the door closed. What the hell? He had it for a reason!? What is going on!!? But I couldn’t. The sheer thought of me burning the lives of thousands before my eyes kept flooding back.

I had lost track of time. All I did was lay there. Motionless. Not sleeping. Not moving. Just tired. I listened intently to the white noise in my ears. I had hoped it would put me to sleep. But it hadn’t. I listened to my heart beat. It sounded weak, but it was there. Goldenlee said something that had happened to my heart. What did happen? Then I heard a noise. I wanted to react, but I couldn’t move. I saw something move in the corner of my eye. A cloaked figure. Whoever it was, the sound of cabinets and drawers being opened followed. There was a small hiss of frustration before becoming quiet.

“I should have guessed that Marigold took it with him. Well this was a waste of time.” I heard the quick shuffle and saw the hooded head of a dark looking pony. But I couldn’t see. There was a small hiss as the pony spoke. “You’re time will come soon enough.” And with that, the door closed and I was once again left to wait through the endless minutes of being paralyzed, only allowed to blink and breath.

By the time I felt the feeling vanish, the first thing I did was check my PipBuck. Two hours had passed. I felt my entire body shudder. The next thing I did was slide out of the… hospital bed? I was in a hospital? When I took a step forward, I nearly fell forward. My hooves shook underneath me. Why was I feeling like this? I slowly made my way to the mirror that was above a sink. I looked at my reflection. Still the same old Courier. But my heart felt weak. What happened to me after that? I tried thinking back to what had happen. But all I could remember was a lion’s roar and being told to ring a bell or something. Nothing else other than me burning thousands of innocents before my eyes. I felt my heart beat faster now. The pain welling in my chest. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. Steadying my heart rate, I sighed with relief.

The next thing I did was look over to a chair and see that my barding had been stripped off of me. I walked over to the chair and lifted it up. No signs of me being shot at. No signs of scorched fire. So what did happen to me? I put a hoof to my chest and felt my heart beat normally now. I looked over to the door. Who were all those ponies? I noticed some blood spots on the floor. Not too much, but enough that it was visible. Did something happen? I sighed. I’ll probably ask Goldenlee. She was there. She might clue me in. I threw my stable barding on before putting on my duster snuggly around me and strapped the buckles in. I found Compassion and my shotgun next to each other against the wall. Slinging them on my back, I threw my hood over me and turned to walk to the door, only to stop and see that Goldnelee with Star and Brick standing in front of the door.

“Are you sure you are feeling better to move around?” Goldenlee asked. I looked at her and smirked, waving a small hoof wiggle at her.

“I can move now.” I said. Their worried looks made me falter now. “So… what happened?” Shining Star looked at me.

“You went under cardiac arrest.” He said. Cardiac arrest? I put a hoof to my chest, feeling my heart beat normally. “Whatever happened to you and the zebra sent you under cardiac arrest.” I blinked. What do they mean what happened to the zebra? They were there! I burned families! Burned children! Burned foals! I felt myself bristle a little. Then my heart beat faster.

“Dear, take a deep breath.” Goldenlee said sternly. I felt my breath heaving. I took a deep breath. “And another.” She said. I did. “Again.” I did. I felt my heart beat normally now and sighed. “Now take your time. And tell us what had happened.” She said.

I looked at them with a worried look.

“Y-you guys know what happened. You were there! You saw me burn those zebra!” I said, raising my voice a little. My friends looked baffled at me. It was Brick that spoke for them.

“Courier. The zebra just vanished into thin air.” He said. I blinked at him. He continued. “You touched that funny looking box and you suddenly went flying back to us. Then, you just stood and seemed horrified.” I looked at Shining Star.

“He’s right. Whatever you saw, we didn’t see it.” He said. I… they didn’t? But… they were there! They saw me burn those zebra!

“B-but… I killed them… I watched them burn… I… killed parents… children… all of them…” I sat down and held a hoof to my eye that was throbbing. “I burned them… burned them all…” I saw my friends exchange glances before Goldenlee put a hoof around me.

“Dear… I don’t know what to say. What you saw was definitely what we didn’t see. There was a bright light from the box that shone so brilliantly that we could only see your silhouette. When the light vanished after a minute, the zebra were gone and then you…” She shuddered. “You suddenly passed out.” I blinked at them in confusion. They hadn’t witnessed me burning them? What did that mean?

“Goldenlee… I burned thousands of zebra alive…” I rasped. “I. Burned. Them.” She bit her lip. How was she not getting it? I began pacing. “When they told me that they would go home, they asked me to embrace them in my light. I touched the box and I watched them, Goldenlee. I watched them burn.” I shook my head, still pacing. “I burned parents. I burned elderly. I burned children.” I looked at them with an exasperated expression. “I burned new born foals.” They said nothing. Why did I have to see it? Why only me!? Why not the entire town!? I had just burned thousands of living beings. I burned them all. And all I did was watch. I sat down on my haunches and put a hoof to my chest. I cried.

Why was I the only one that had to witness such a horrible act? I felt Goldenlee put a hoof around me and began rocking me, humming softly. I just cried. I had murdered thousands. And I was the only one to see their gruesome deaths. I just thought I would give them the box and they would go on their way. And then they asked me to embrace them with my light. I didn’t think that light was fire. Fire that had instantly burned thousands. And then silence. Nothing.

It took me half an hour before I finally quieted. Goldenlee hummed softly to me. Music is nice. I felt at ease when I hear it. Goldenlee’s motherly personality helped. I eased. I sniffled and wiped my tears away. She looked at me and smiled softly.

“Better?” she asked. I said nothing but nodded. “Listen dear. I know you won’t forget what you saw. And I know we won’t be able to help you with it. But we are your friends. We help one another.” She smiled more now. “We won’t understand the pain you went through. So just cry, Courier. It won’t stop the pain, but I know it will help.” I looked at her and gave her a soft smile. Then, I furrowed my brows in worry.

“Where’s Iris? Where’s Comp?” I asked. Goldenlee looked to the two stallions by the door. Brick spoke.

“Comp wanted to come with, but he’s keeping an eye on Iris.” He said. What did he mean by that?

“Is Iris okay?” I asked. Star looked grim as he spoke.

“Iris almost lost it when you passed out. She was the first to reach you and feel your heart not beating.” He said. I gave him a sad look. Oh Goddesses. Silver Iris thought I had died. My heart felt saddened. Silver Iris had just watched me go under cardiac arrest. She almost had lost me. I wanted to help her. I had to find her. I need too! I have to tell her everything is okay. I now looked determined.

“Do you at least know where you left Iris?” I asked. Brick rubbed his chin.

“We left them down in the lobby. But, when we went to check up on you, they were gone.” He said. I said nothing as I bolted past them.

“Courier! Wait! You’re not fit to be moving!” Goldenlee called out. I just ignored her. I had to find Silver Iris. I had to tell her things are okay. I had to tell her that I am here for her.

I bolted out of the hospital and took off in a gallop. My hood flew off of my head as I galloped down the streets. It had gone night now by the time I reached back to the hospital. I had looked everywhere. The market street. The center. The alleys. I even scanned the sides of town.

No sign of them. I gasped quietly for breath. I hadn’t galloped so much in my life. I swallowed before continuing my search. I would search the whole damn town again. Whatever it took to make sure she knows that I’m okay. I stopped when I reached the center of the town. I looked up and squinted my eyes. I swear I saw something move at the top of that building. Without another thought, I galloped toward that building. I ignored the shouts of ponies that I pushed by as I galloped as fast as I could.

I reached the door that led to the roof, only to find it locked. I swore and quickly pulled out a bobby pin and screwdriver and amaturedly fumbled at the lock. I went through four bobby pins before I finally opened the door. I bashed it open and looked to my left. There, on the edge of the roof was Silver Iris. She had her eyes closed in contemplation. No. No! Iris don’t do it! I’m here now! I galloped after her and watched in slow motion as she let herself fall forward. I couldn’t hear anything. I had to save her. I had to go after her! She needs me. She needs her Courier!

Without a second thought, I jumped. Time had slowed as I shouted her name. I watched as she opened her eyes in confusion and then looked at me with surprise. I smiled. I’m right here, Iris! I’m not dead! I’m okay! Everything is going to be okay! I won’t hurt you! I won’t leave you alone! I’ve been alone, but after I had found you, I was happy. No, I am happy! She made me the happiest mare alive! I wanted to live for my friends. I wanted to live for her. She suddenly expanded her wings and quickly turned, her forehooves out stretched to me as she gritted her teeth. But I could see it. I saw her eyes beam with joy. I extended my forehooves out to her and felt her embrace. I closed my eyes, not letting her go as I felt the wind rush past me. I kept them closed until I had realized that we were safely back on the roof.

But I just cried. I cried into her chest. You see, Iris? I’m okay now. I’m right here. I won’t leave you. I won’t hurt you ever again! I looked at her and she smiled at me. I pressed my lips to hers and she returned my kiss. We stayed like that in each other’s embrace. I felt my own tears fall again. But I just held her. Felt her soft lips against mine. And when she pulled away, she looked me in the eyes. I smiled. Then she chuckled, wiping the tears from my eyes.

“You certainly know how to impress a girl.” She said. I said nothing and kissed her again. I know the pain she suffered from having her heart broken. I understood her. And she understood me. We may be unique in our own way, but our hearts were the same.

I later felt embarrassed as I walked next to Silver Iris. She had a wing around me as we walked. She had told me she was just going to stretch her wings. I flushed more when I told her that she was jumping off the building and she replied.

“Well, duh. I’m a pegasus.” She wiggled the tips of her wings. “I was going to do some aerial maneuvers.” She smiled. “And right as I was about to start another part of my training, you suddenly dove after me.” She kissed my cheek. “Honestly, I don’t know why you thought I was going to kill myself.” She smirked. “Whenever I die, I want to go out the cool way. But that won’t happen anytime soon.” She looked at me with a worried look. “And are you sure you should be moving around? I mean… you know…” I shook my head.

“I’m a tough mare. A heart attack can’t stop me.” I still flushed and pulled my hood down further. “I’m a courier. I have friends and family to protect and ends to meet.” Silver Iris suddenly laughed. I flushed more. I must be making myself look like an idiot. She finally stopped laughing and wiped a tear from her eye with a wing.

“You are such a corny mare.” She smirked. I flushed even brighter now.

“I-I’m not corny… I’m poetic…” Then I blinked and looked at her with a confused look. “Am I corny?” Silver Iris shook her head, chuckling, before planting another good kiss on my lips.

“Yes. Yes you are. But you’re my corny Courier.” She winked at me. I smiled now. “But you know. The next time you try looking for me, don’t go jumping after me. I’m a pegasus. I have wings. And I’m also not suicidal.” I flushed again. “I was going to head back to the clinic after I was done. I told Comp the exact same thing before he went off to sell off salvage from the Pass.” I bowed my head now.

“I’m sorry.” I said. Iris blinked at me. “You almost lost me. I hurt you. I didn’t want to die right then and there. It was unexpected. So, I’m sorry.” I noticed Iris give me a look of concern before smiling and nickered.

“Yup. Definitely corny.” She said. I gave her a small nudge and a glare. She just laughed. I laughed with her. I was her Courier. No, I am her Courier. We had both lived heartbroken lives. And I won’t die. I won’t let some health condition take me. I want to stay by my friend’s sides. I want to stay by Silver Iris’s side. I am their Courier.

And damn me if I do die this day.

Footnote Level Up!

Author's Notes:

Honestly, when I first started this chapter, I wasn't really sure where I should go after this. I wanted to make sure that I kept to the original Fallout lore but throw in some universal stuff to mix it up a bit, as it is relevant to the story as well. I also wanted to find some way to make Courier realize the lives she will affect.

Unfortunately, despite the constant revision of this chapter years ago, this was the best I could come up with. I promise that the next chapter won't be as strangely corny.