I found myself floating. It was pitch black. What kind of dream was I experiencing? I was floating. And then as if from nowhere, I saw a blinding bright light in the abyss. I shielded my eyes. The light dimmed a little and I gapped, seeing the face of an alicorn.

Welcome, young guardian.

I furrowed my brows.

“Lux.” I said. The alicorn nodded her head.

Our first meeting and yet you already know who I am. Not surprising considering what my sisters have told me.

I blinked and saw Din standing next to me. She looked stoically at the alicorn.

It has been too long, sister Din. Din nodded, to my surprise.

Likewise, mother.

I balked. 'Mother!?' Lux hummed happily before speaking.

Oh, please. Why do you all insist on using that title towards me? I am just as much a sister to you than a mother.

I gave Din a questioning look. Din smirked at me.

Lux. Or the motherly one. Her light is soothing and embraces those who are lost in the darkness.

I kinda felt a little bad about Acerbus then. But I shook my head and focused on the matter.

“So… now that everyone is awaken… what happens now?” I asked Din. Din snorted.

We will find out once we head into the place that is calling to me. Lux nodded.

I can hear it calling too. And to my guess, the rest as well. The bell has been rung, dear sister.

Din nodded. I was shocked. Din was actually calm around Lux? Now that I think about it, when Din stated her introduction, she almost made it sound like she was the likeable sister out of them. But then… what was so evil about light? Lux hummed amusedly at me, making me realize that they had just read my mind.

How amusing. You have definitely picked a better vessel than the last one, Din. Din seemed to narrow her eyes sourly at her. But she remained quiet. Yes, guardian. We are still the evil beings most ponies make us out to be.

I blinked in understanding. Wait… Lux is light… and now that I looked around, there was only emptiness. It wasn’t pitch black. How odd. There wasn’t even a single shadow I was giving off. Din smirked.

Darkness may be in our hearts, but her domain is darkness free. Din said. She plans on making the world into an angelic light filled world where everyone can embrace the light and not fear the darkness. I sighed.

“That seems a little unfair to Acerbus, don’t you think?” I said with a small teasing smirk. Din flapped her wings a bit.

The fool can’t deny the fact that she has to use a little bit of light to make herself known. She is the pure embodiment of shadow. As for Lux. Lux sighed.

I too have to resort to some bit of darkness to make myself known.

Light and dark. The basic example of balance. The elements definitely are in conflict. I frowned now.

“So…each of you are embodiments of elements to our world. Yet, you seem to be at constant conflict. Don’t you think there was a reason for doing that?” I asked. Din laughed.

Young guardian, our elements may bring balance to the world. But, we each are our own being. We have ideals. We have thoughts. We have action. It is why all of us are spiteful to each other.

“Because, even though you want to so badly claim the land and make it your own, you can’t because Oroboros has made it a dead set to make the balance permanent.” I said. Din seemed to clap her hooves together with a smile.

Well done. Yes, we so want to kill each other and be the dominant element. The damn snake makes it… difficult.

That had me worried. She said difficult. Not impossible.

“So… you guys have actually killed each other?” I asked. There was a moment of silence between the two before they nodded.

When we were discovered eons ago, we were constantly picking and choosing our vessels everytime the worlds align themselves. Once we did, it was an all-out war to see who can come out to the end. Practically, almost all of us has won at some point.

“So… when you die… if I recall… you go back to the stars? And then wait again?” I asked. The two nodded. I frowned. “That’s just… pointless!” I stated. I seemed to have made them both arch a brow at me. “I mean… if Oroboros made it difficult for all of you to attempt at the world, why does he keep doing it over and over again!?” I began pacing. “Sure, we can’t have one without the other. And every element has a scary aspect to them. But we need it to co-exist.” Din smirked amusedly at me.

Well, the old snake definitely finds it amusing when we kill each other. But he always seems to not care after words about much of the destruction we leave behind.

Din said. So, the balance of the world is forcing the sisters to duke it out in our world every blue moon. And I think I now know why.

“So… he just lets you all rampage in our world?” I asked. The two nodded. “Great. Not only is the balance of the world is amused by sisterly squabble, he is also bringing balance by using population control too.” I sighed. “Clearly at some point, Oroboros got fed up with us and decided to make our world your battle grounds. You each pick a champion to represent you. You torture them in order to fight for you. And when you do, you see who the top element of the world is before being sent back to the stars and repeat it all over again.” Lux seemed to shift a little as I spoke.

What is your vessel getting at, dear sister? Din snorted.

Fuck if I know. Lux seemed to be taken aback by the sudden laid back response. Din blinked and held a hoof to her mouth. She was stunned. She then looked at me and gritted her teeth. Tch, you are rubbing off on me more than I would care for you too.

I furrowed my brows.

“Aren’t you all tired of… you know… fighting each other over and over, only being picked the victor and not actually claiming the land to your own?” I asked. Din was about to retort when she closed her mouth and blinked in confusion.

I… beg your pardon? I shook my head.

“What do you do to a couple of no good ponies who are at constant conflict and don’t want to deal with them?” I asked. Lux shifted slightly.

Do go on.

“You send them away to someplace and let them duke it out there. Leaving one to finish off the other. One would be claimed victor and then go about his everyday life.” I looked at them with a serious expression. “You aren’t gaining anything from these little wars you have going on with each other. Oroboros is letting you all vent your frustrations before calling you back. And when it gets fed up with your bickering, it repeats it.” Lux hummed.

An… interesting thought, but I still don’t see where this is going.

“What I’m trying to say is that all you are doing is just venting frustration at one another. You aren’t getting anywhere in claiming anything!” I said. The two sisters looked at each other. “Because, even though you are the balance that keeps this world going, Oroboros is the true balance of our universe!” I held up a hoof. “Universe. Not world.” Din gave me a stunned look.

I… but… that means…

“There are probably many other worlds out there that it can pick for you to duke it out on! So many places where you can, in fact, claim your land! Create your own civilization! But if you are fighting to claim the whole thing, Oroboros isn’t going to let that happen. That’s why it keeps repeating this process. It wants you all to vent those primal urges and go back to bringing peace.” I bowed my head. “It could care less of what goes on in the places you fight for. As long as it serves to keep the balance of the universe, then what point is there to even fighting?” Din flapped her wings in thought.

So… what exactly… are you suggesting? I shook my head.

“Well, not to take on Oroboros is one thing. But maybe… you all can do something even better.” I said. “I know it’s going to be a long shot but… we still have the problem of Sombra trying to gain your power and disrupting the balance.” I furrowed my brows. “Sombra is proving to be a real nuisance in your conquest to claim this world. He even caught the attention of Oroboros. So… if Oroboros sent you all here now in this time… then it is hoping that you all take out Sombra and keep the balance.” I held out a hoof to them. “Oroboros for once, wants you all to work together. To take out the real threat to your conquest. To your balance.” The two were quiet.

“Sombra is getting close to finding out how to gain your powers. LittlePip is doing everything she can to make sure he doesn’t acquire it.” I looked at Lux. “Watcher told me that she found one of your keys.” Lux shifted slightly. “She’s trying to find the keys so that way Sombra can’t use them.” I put a hoof to my chest. “But she can only do so much. So… I ask of you all… please… put aside your differences and actually help us defeat a very bad pony.”

Din snorted.

Again, your words have truth to them… But there is the problem. We hate each other. And some of us refuse to listen to reason.

I nodded.

“Exactly. Which is why I must ask Lux to send the word out.” Lux blinked.

I am to tell my sisters about the certain danger?

I smirked.

“Well, Din has stated that you are the motherly one. Even though they may be stubborn and spiteful to listen to me being the vessel of Din, they might ease up more around you.” I said. Lux hummed in thought before nodding.

But there is another problem. My sister, Acerbus.

“Right. Light and dark. But that’s the thing. You both stated you need some form of dark or light to make yourselves know. In fact, you two benefit more from each other than the rest.” Lux hummed again. Din eyed her sister judgingly. She then looked at me before speaking.

Very well. I will ask my vessel to get the word out to the rest. But I sense we aren’t all going to be… present? She looked at Din and Din replied with a snort.

“Din and I have some… loose ends to tie up before we meet you all.” I said. Lux hummed again.

Then, I wish you both good health and luck on your journey.

Din chuckled a bit and rolled her eyes sarcastically.

That’ll be the day. She then turned and walked past me. I was about to follow her when I felt something encase me gently in a wing. I looked to see Lux’s figure next to me.

You seem to have stricken a chord in my sister. She seems more… at ease when she is around you. All her life her vessels have always been spiteful and unbearable to her. I think she is glad that she finally found a vessel she can relate to and enjoy the company.

I smiled and watched the fiery alicorn walk a bit a ways ahead.

“Well… I was at first with her as well. But, I guess I did make her see some point of views she probably had gotten wrong and couldn’t correct. And… all in all. She isn’t really that bad to talk too.” I was scared of her yes. I have seen her powers in work. How they can hurt and destroy everything around me. But, then I remember her offering me her power in return I take her somewhere. She might just be being passive around me until this matter is handled. But I can see why Lux would think that.

Ever since I told Din about approaching her ideas in a different manner, she seemed to take it to heart. And to my surprise, she hasn’t been unbearable to be with. I turned to Lux.

“So… is my brother… well… has he finally gathered you all to the place we are needed at?” I asked. Lux nodded.

I am the last to be awakened. My sisters and our vessels are gathered at the place where it all began. All that is left is waiting for you. She hummed. I will tell Watcher and Lyon about the delay. And with that, I felt myself being lifted up into the air. Lux’s figure shrinking more and more.

I awoke to the sound of my silver love snoozing next to me.

I felt groggy. My body seemed to ache. But in a good way. The idea Iris had proposed made me satisfied in the end. And it wasn’t all that bad either. I got to experiment something new with my magic. And something I will keep in mind whenever I decide to mess with Iris. The tingly feeling came back and I looked to see Iris quietly snoozing with me laying my head on her chest. I stroked her mane and kissed her on the lips. It seemed to stir her awake.

“Is it morning already?” she murmured. I smiled and kept stroking her mane. She sighed happily and pulled me in close to her. I giggled quietly and kissed her again. She returned it and we both ended up messing with each other a bit before I had to get up and walk over to the shower, stretching my body. I wobbled a bit. Wow, I wasn’t walking straight. I guess we did get a bit carried away during our moment. I thought about it more as I showered, rubbing myself to sate my lust. When I finished, I sighed happily and dried myself off before stepping out.

Iris seemed to have fallen back asleep. I then felt my heart ache a bit. My smile faltered. It was time. I looked over to my gear. I picked up my duster off of the ground that was next to Iris’s Shadowbolt barding. Strapping it on, I put my arsenal onto my duster in their proper places before trotting to the door. As I opened it quietly, I looked back at my sleeping love.

I felt a tear leave me and I wiped it before exiting the room.

“Good-bye for now.” I whispered as I closed the door. I quietly trotted out of the hotel and into the quiet snow fall.

I went to check the time on my PipBuck when I stopped and blinked. 'Oh right… I gave it up when I decided this.' I sighed and looked back at the clock that was planted on the face of the express. It read it being early morning 5:00 am. I sighed and looked around. The town was quiet. I walked over to the gate to Pleasant Town. I stopped when I saw a sprite bot playing vintage music by the gate.

The music fizzled out and Watcher spoke through.

“Courier… about yesterday.” He began I shook my head.

“No… it’s okay. I’m ready for this now.” I looked at him. “I do have a favor to ask of you though.” Watcher bobbed a little.

“Anything.” He said. I sighed.

“I know my brother is expecting me to be there. But tell him that I’ll be there once I handle our father.” I furrowed my brows. I looked behind me and felt myself alone again. I looked over to the hotel where my friends rested. Watcher spoke up.

“I’ll see to it that he knows. Everyone is waiting for you and Din. Valentine had stated Lux told the rest that they would be waiting on Din.” I blinked and looked at him.

“Nurse Valentine? She’s the vessel to Lux?” I asked. Watcher bobbed the sprite bot.

“The recent addition to the roster. So… are you truly ready? The road you will be walking on won’t be like any of the others.” I patted my chest with the small salute. I had plenty of potions, Rad-away and Rad-x just in case. Everything else was just ammunition for my weapons. I didn’t need anything else. I adjusted Compassion a bit before speaking.

“Take me to my dad.” I said. Watcher took a moment. Beeping sounds came and then he popped back.

“Follow me.” He said. And I did. I took one last look at my home before trotting after him.

We had gone around the edge of the gate of my home. I was soon traveling down a road that was behind my home. A road that I have rarely gone on. It lead away from the Empire and headed straight to Central Equestria. The place where the Light Bringer had resided in.

“So, where exactly is my dad?” I asked as we trotted up the road. It seemed to fade out and then but it was winding and long. Watcher bobbed a little.

“I have no idea. But, he told me that it would be facing the Gardens of Equestria.” He said. I frowned a little. Despite it being vague, I remember what LittlePip told me about the G.O.E. A project that Twilight had created in an attempt to end the war and let her friends be friends again. The very thing that will save this poisoned land from itself. It has already been activated once and it seemed to clear up most of the radiation scattered around the land. But even then, its influence didn’t reach north and south. They were still suffering from the war. I had a feeling it would take a bit more to clean the northern region.

As I thought about this, I didn’t realize that we were coming up to a town. I looked up and noticed that it was abandoned.

“A town? I didn’t realize there was a town this far out.” I said.

“That was because this belonged to crystal ponies long ago. It was a settlement they had. Basically, the farm of the Empire. They grew crops and such and imported them to the Empire.” I looked at Watcher now and arched a brow.

“Watcher… you seem to know a lot about the Empire.” I said. Watcher was quiet before he spoke.

“I guess, there really is no point in hiding it, is there?” Watcher turned to me. “Watcher is just what I want ponies to refer me to. My real name is Spike the Dragon.” I blinked.

“Dragon?” I asked.

“Yes… believe it or not. I’m an actual dragon behind this metal ball.” He said. I gapped a little. I thought the dragons had died years ago! Ever since the war, the dragons had seemed to vanish from existence. And here was a metal sprite bot with someone behind it claiming he is an actual dragon!? Spike chuckled.

“That’s the same look LittlePip gave me when she found out.” I blinked and shook away my shock. No way… there was an actual dragon still living here? So many questions were running through my head, but two ponies kicked my head to keep me focused.

“So… how old are you?” I asked. If I can recall, dragons that aged seemed to grow tremendously as they aged. Spike sighed.

“I’ve… honestly lost track. I know it’s been over 200 years after Twilight had created G.O.E.” I arched a brow.

“So, I take it you knew Twilight?” I asked. Spike was quiet. Too quiet for a long time. I thought I had struck a nerve or something. But then he spoke.

“I did… as well as the rest of her friends… AppleJack… Pinkie Pie… Rainbow Dash… Fluttershy…” he seemed to falter a
little. “Rarity…” I said nothing and listened. “I’ve been there… with them through all those dark times. When Big Macintosh was killed. When they created the ministries. I saw them slowly fall apart…” he choked a little. “I… I miss them so much…” I bowed my head sadly. Poor Spike. Once again, I felt the loneliness creep back into me.

“So… that’s why you went with that name. You watched them as they fell apart. How your world was ripped away from you. You saw good and bad ponies rise to power, manipulating what they can. You watched as technology was developed to try to aid in the war effort.” I faltered a bit. “I… I’m sure you had made a lot of friends before they ended up being sent to war.” Spike was quiet again. But then he spoke.

“I had.” I found we had walked quite a bit a ways from the abandoned settlement. The snow continued to fall as me and Spike continued to talk. He told me how it all started. How Twilight and her friends did everything they could to make the war stop. That is why she founded the ministries. She was hoping that they would make the war stop with the aid of her friends. But then, it all went to shit when the zebra invaded. It took them all by surprise. And in the confusion, they had lost a friend. He was dubbed a hero for his efforts. But after that, things feel apart.

The ministry mares went their separate ways, attending to their ministries to the best of their abilities. And what little moment they could spend whenever they gathered was short lived. Almost similar to what I have with my family. And I’m sure Twilight had given her entire life up to try and make this world a better place. She wanted to see her friends… she wanted to be their friend again. She wanted no pony else to lose any one else. But other ponies had made it impossible. And she ended up vanishing along with her friends. Then, the balefire bombs fell. And everything that she had worked for was all for naught.

I furrowed my brows and shook my head.

“No... it wasn’t all for naught.” I said. Spike was quiet as I continued. “Twilight had given it her all. She was willing to put her life on the line to save this land. And even though she can’t see that come to reality, we are slowly but surely getting better!” I smiled. “The war may be over, but that doesn’t mean that other ponies wouldn’t start something else. But despite all that, I know that somewhere, ponies are making a difference. Good or bad, they are playing their part in making this land great again. And I know this. Because with the efforts of other ponies, this land can be what it once was. A land we can call home.” Spike said nothing and we continued on our way.

“Courier?” he spoke up, startling me a bit. “Umm… if you don’t mind… I have to apologize again…” I arched a brow. “Homage… err… she wanted an update on you. So… I just recorded what you said and given it to her… she’s going to air it to the world.” I blinked. Strange… I would be livid about that type of thing. But what’s the point? I tried so hard to make it stop, but I ended up letting it go in the end. Spike then popped into vintage music and I listened to it for a good long while. We must have walked at least two miles down the road.

After Velvet Remedy ended her song with a high note. DJ Pon3’s voice broke through.

“Hello, all my children of the Wastelands! It’s your DJ Pon3 here to keep bringing you the new and news of the on goings of ponies. Let’s kick things off with a certain new player to this fight in the northern region. Now, most of you all know Security as the mare to take on anything without so much as a blink. Well, you’ve guessed it. Our own Security is wandering the northern Wastelands, bringing the good fight to those in need. And what’s more, The Light Bringer is also hard at work on the north.”

“Let’s take a moment and pray for their well being. As they continue to fight the good fight.” There was silence. Then, after a moment, DJ Pon3 flipped some papers. “Now then, with the aid of the Light Bringer and Security underway, you must be wondering, what has happened to our Savior of the Roads? What has this lone mare been doing? Well, I’m here to tell you to put your worries at ease. She is still kicking and fighting the good fight.” I frowned a little. But not so much now.

“Our own Courier Sixteen has recently been seen fighting a giant spider in a barren castle that had once belonged to the changelings. Apparently, the ones responsible for the attack on the wedding had taken refuge inside. It was then that our own Savior of the Roads took it upon herself to take care of the matter. In an epic attempt to try and reason with the enemies, almost succeeding when the big bad spider decided to end it. It was then that our own Savior was flying through the air in a brilliant ball of fire and ended the threat.”

I sighed. There was more to it than that. But I let it go again.

“So what is going on with our Savior now? Where has she been? Well, let me tell you that she is on her way to face her destiny. Keep that in mind, my children. Destiny maybe something out of your control, but you can do your best to make it a happy ending for you. And that is just what we should follow. With the words our Savior has left us with last time.” I blinked in confusion when she had played an audio file of me talking to Chryxal. 'War never changes. Ponies do… No… People do.' She played the whole audio and I couldn’t help but flush in embarrassment. “Do you understand now, children? The Light Bringer, Security, the Savior. They are each following this example. They are leading the efforts to clean up this land. To make it a better place for all of us. People that have lost faith long ago.”

Then, I heard DJ Pon3 sigh.

“I… I think it is safe to say that… I have too lost my faith long ago. But, I know now. That if I keep losing that faith, nothing would change. Just like war has. War never changes, children. But that doesn’t mean we can’t. Good and dark times are upon us. And it is up to us to take it into our own matters.” He took a moment. “We all must turn to the real threat. The one that is causing so much heart ache. So much delay in trying to make this land better. The one they call Sombra. The corrupted tyrant 200 years ago during the Empire. It was with the aid of the ministry mares and their friends were they able to combat this being.”

“But now he is back. And this time, he is out to obtain a power that dwells within our Savior. He threatens our very existence. So, I ask of you children… there are times were you feel helpless and you don’t know what to do. But you have always known that you could make a difference. In your own ways, you made this world a better place. And you can still keep it going. You can aid the three who are trying to set us an example. They will go to the ends of the earth to see this through.”

DJ Pon3 flipped some papers again.

“LittlePip… Blackjack… Courier… You have all given us the paths to take. You have shown us the errors of our ways. You have all risen and fallen in your lives. But you keep going. No matter how it affects you all, you always put us in mind when you do. So, I think I speak for us all when I say…” I balked a little. The voice of Homage spoke through. “Thank you. Thank you for being the ponies you strove to be. To better yourselves and show us that we as people can change. We will continue to fight the good fight. But this time… it is our turn to return the favor to you three.” She sighed with relief. “This has been DJ Pon3 with your today knowings of the good fight. So… please you three… come home safe… that is as much as we can ask for…”

I remained quiet. I felt my chest tighten a bit. Homage… There was static for a bit and then vintage music popped back on. I sighed. I’m such a total wreck. Homage had dropped her disguise on air to get a point across. I guess things really were changing. Not just me, but the others as well. I then put on my game face. I had to keep going. There is still so much that needs to be done. And it’ll still be a while before we can truly call this place home.

But we are working there, slowly but surely. I then had a thought. How long has it been?

“Hey, Spike?” I asked. The vintage music stopped.

“Yes, Courier?” he asked.

“What day is it?” I asked. He was quiet for a while before speaking.

“It is December 25th. The day Equestria was founded.” He said. I nodded.

“So… I’m finally twenty years old now…” I said. Spike seemed to bob a bit in surprise.

“It’s… your birthday?” he asked. I nodded.

“It’s funny. They say you come of age around eighteen. But so far, nothing has changed much when I was.” I faltered a bit. “It actually almost feels like my true coming of age.” I sourly looked ahead. “And my dad is planning a big birthday surprise party.” Spike was quiet again before speaking.

“Courier… I’m so sorry… I had no idea.” He said. I shook my head and smiled.

“It’s fine… I’m just… things change I guess. We’ve all heard it before. And besides.” I tapped my head. “I was starting to get a little old for birthday parties anyway.” Spike seemed to chuckle.

“Yeah? Well, I used to know somepony who would just love to throw you birthday bash.” I nodded. Pinkie Pie probably would have done it without my consent anyway. No matter if I liked it or not. I could just imagine being there. Pinkie Pie planned my birthday party. I was walking back from a delivery. I had noticed the town quiet. I was about to call out when I noticed the birthday cake in the middle of the town. In my curiosity, I walked towards it. Then, as if from nowhere, the cake explodes and a pink smiling curly maned earth pony would shout “Surprise!” and then my friends and family would come out of hiding exclaiming. “Happy Birthday Courier!” I smiled at the thought and felt a tear leave me when I watched as my friends and I mingled happily without a care in the world.

“Courier?” Spike asked, breaking my train of thought. I must have been out of it for a while. I had noticed that we were now standing on the road still. However, I noticed something off in the distance. There was a road bridge that seemed to connect over the frozen lake. It lead away and I could see turned over chariots and holes in the road. I felt my nervousness rise.

“I guess… this is the road my father has for me.” I said. Spike bobbed a little.

“Courier… you don’t have to go in alone. I can aid you if you want. I may not be the best when it comes to combat, but I can at least support you.” He said. I was about to tell him otherwise when I suddenly stopped and thought about it. What was I really going to face on this road? Was I really prepared for the consequences of this? But I had too. I made my choice long ago. I looked at Spike and nodded.

“I would… actually like that.” I said. I felt the loneliness fade a little. Together, we walked down the road and stepped onto the bridge. I was ready. Ready to face my dad.

It was time to walk the road to redemption.

The road was quiet. Perhaps too quiet. Me and Spike trotted past the remains of rotted wagons and destroyed chariots. It was a path meant for those who didn’t want to travel on hoof. But it wasn’t just transportation. I also noticed some industrial wagons. The rust developed and covered them. These wagons were meant for bulk carrying.

I moved around two wagons that were connected before I gapped and noticed that the road was partially missing. I peeked over the edge and saw the freezing lake below. I gulped. I darted my eyes to see a way through. Fortunately, I did. Unfortunately, I have to balance myself on thin support beams and little patches of road.

“Courier, maybe you can just fly over?” Spike suggested. I blinked and looked at him. Fly? But I’m not… oh… I furrowed my brows and blinked. Din was laying down. She studied me.

The pinball thinks he can just ask for me? Vessel… Do not even think to use me for this. I gapped a little in shock.

“M-may I ask why?” I said. Din hummed.

You stated that this is something you have to do. You were going to follow through. So let me reiterate my proposal. You can have access to a fraction of my powers. Flying isn’t one of them. Those times were only occasions. I sighed and blinked again before staring back at Spike.

“Sorry, Spike. But Din is saying I have to follow through with this. She’s basically refusing to let me get through this quicker.” I said. I waited for Spike to respond. When nothing was sounding through the static, I waved my hoof in front of the eyes. “Err… Spike? You there?” What popped through the static wasn’t Spike. But a raspy voice. He coughed a little before speaking.

“This is a road only meant for you… Courier.” The raspy deep voice said. I narrowed my eyes. “I have specifically asked Din to refuse you certain… advantages.” I frowned.

“So, how long were you planning on not telling me about her?” I asked. I was speaking of Din. However, the question was directed to the voice coming through the spritebot.

“Couriers put themselves in the heat of danger to deliver a package with nothing in them. They sometimes go through the poisoned land and never return. The Wasteland is a cruel mistress. You have said so yourself.” He said. I remained stoic, keeping my all too familiar blank look.

“And how long have you told Spike to watch me?” I asked. Without skipping a beat, the voice replied.

“Since the day you underwent your conditioning. On your 6th birthday, on this very day. I have trained you. Taught you the ways of this land. How to live off of it. How to respect it. And you have showed no signs of thinking otherwise. You proved to be a force to be reckoned with.” I snorted and arched a sarcastic eyebrow.

“Lucky me.” I said. The voice coughed again. He took a moment to gather himself before continuing.

“It is time for Equestria to pull back the veil. She will see what has been done to her. And she will watch as her fate is being judged. Walk further on, Courier. You cannot die. I have conditioned you otherwise.” And with that, the bot popped and there was static. It wasn’t long before Spike popped back in.

“Courier? Are you okay? I seemed to have been cut off.” He said. I nodded and pulled my hood down before speaking.

“We have to keep going. I can’t use Din’s help. This is… something I have to do.” And with that, I took a deep breath. I put one hoof forward onto the support beam. It creaked and swayed a little. I felt vertigo as the frozen lake rested beneath me. It was a loooong way down. I then carefully and slowly put one hoof in front of the other, balancing myself over the ominous bridge. Spike floated alongside me as I did. I managed to reach one patch of road that I used as a breather. Calming my beating heart, I took another deep breath and continued on. This time, the support beam seemed to have broken off. I gulped a little and calmed myself.

‘Okay, Courier. You can do this… it’s just a hop, skip and a jump.’ I repeated this in my mind as I braced myself. With one bound, I heaved myself over and landed on the other side of the bridge, quickly regaining my balance on the support beam. I moved carefully over it before reaching the end of the broken patch of road. However, as I looked, I gave a small groan of annoyance. I still had a long way to go. Again, we moved through the abandoned and destroyed wagons.

Eventually, curiosity took me. I peeked into one of the wagons and scanned its’ contents. There were crates and boxes. I unsheathed Compassion and propped opened a crate. I noticed neatly placed weapons and ammo crates. I dug through the ammo crates and beamed when I found some ammunition for my weapons. I kept searching. When nothing else of interest was around, I sighed quietly and carried on up the road.

I asked how long we had been traveling on the road. Spike had stated for a good hour and a half. We had just reached an abandoned checkpoint. It seemed that the RCE long ago were stationed here. The abandoned building was covered in rust and partially destroyed. While the cement barricades and the checkpoint were disgruntled piles of scrap and debris. I furrowed my brows and decided to explore the abandoned building.

I was about to activate my PipBuck lamp spell in the dark building when I blinked and sighed. I still felt naked without my PipBuck. 'This was going to be a little more difficult then I imagined.' I heard the sound of a click and looked to see Spike with a lamp on the sprite bot’s head. I smiled and looked ahead, taking in my surrounding. Just as you would expect any other abandoned ruin in the Wasteland. Rotted and burnt papers scattered everywhere on the ground. Rustic terminals and shelves with posters on the walls reading:

It showed a picture of ponies in some sort of heavy swat armor and saluting to the flag of the Empire. I moved down the hall and peeked into the rooms. There were skeletal ponies lying about. One was on the bed in a sleeping position while another was hunched over a destroyed terminal. I spotted a duffle bag at the bottom of the bed. I opened it with my magic and shifted though the contents. Only one health potion and two Rad-away. I put them in my bags before moving over to the desk. Opening the drawers, I frowned, finding nothing of interest. That’s when I heard the sound of shuffling.

I immediately crouched low and crept over to the edge of the doorway. I could hear grunting coming from the next room. Based on the sound of it, it was probably a ghoul. I pulled out Sinful and readied myself. I then moved quietly across the hall. Peeking into the room, I spotted a figure, hunched over a bloodied corpse. Whatever poor pony had died was being casually eaten by a ghoul. 'Tis the sad tale of the Wasteland.' But what I found strange was the fact this ghoul was wearing RCE combat armor. And not only that… it wasn’t wrinkly as most ghouls were. It was red. I narrowed my eyes a little to get a better look.

It then turned and seemed to lick it’s lips. Or… it had lips. I balked a little when I noticed that this ghoul wasn’t skin. But pure muscle. It was as if it’s skin had been shredded and it was walking around as a muscle corpse. I almost felt sick at the site. I then heard something clattering loudly behind me. I looked to see that Spike had accidentally bumped a magazine rack.

“Whoops.” He stated in what sounded like embarrassment. But it was enough. The ghoul had turned around and growled. I backed away out into the lobby as it rushed out and howled at me. I was expecting it to charge when all of a sudden, I noticed it reaching behind itself. It then pulled out a carbine.

“Oh, fuck me!” I stated as I bolted behind the counter as the ghoul opened fire. I flattened myself against the counter as I pulled out Malice. 'Well… this is new.' You would usually see ghouls with guns that had kept their sanity. But this one… it was feral. But it seemed to know how to use a gun. I blinked when I felt something touch my hind leg. I looked to see a similar ghoul that was just a torso crawling towards me, howling.

“Courier!” I heard Spike call out as he was being dinged with bullets. The sprite bot was zapping back at the ghoul. I planted Malice on the face of the ghoul at my hind leg and pulled the trigger. Its’ head exploded and I shot out of cover, firing Sinful twice into the ghoul with the gun. A hole in the foreleg caused the ghoul to tip forward right into the second bullet that blew a hole in its’ head. The body twitched and spun before crumpling to the ground. I took a moment to calm my beating heart. I was not expecting a feral ghoul to know how to use a gun.

I trotted over to the ghoul with the gun and poked it with Malice.

“It was a feral that knew how to use a gun?” I asked. I was waiting for Spike to say something on the matter as well when the sprite bot popped and the raspy, coughing voice spoke.

“The lost souls that had once inhabited this road. The Wasteland was cruel to them. They remember their equianity all the while falling into insanity.” I furrowed my brows.

“But… it’s an RCE ghoul. I thought ghouls that went feral were no more than zombies.” I said. The voice seemed to chuckle a bit.

“Their brains have been rotted to nothing. However, that doesn’t truly mean they are lost. They can think and act like we do. Which is why you see the soul in front of you. It claimed you a threat.” I arched a brow at the voice behind the sprite bot. “You have to keep moving forward. Both the RCE and the Remnant are ahead. They are walking in an endless dream. Will you be their Savior? Or Destroyer?” The bot popped and Spike came through.

“Courier… I think someone is interfering with my signal.” He said. I nodded.

“My dad tends to do that.” I sighed.

“Your dad?” Spike was quiet for a moment before continuing. “What has he been saying?” I snorted.

“Being the caring father he is, apparently these ghouls aren’t entirely feral.” I said, sarcastically saying before being serious. “But… he did say that both RCE and Remnant are waiting ahead.” I heard Spike growl a little.

“What is Lone Road planning?” he asked. I shook my head.

“We will see once we find him.” I said. I scavenged the ghouls, finding some caps that I knew I wasn’t going to use but pocketed it anyway before picking up the carbine. I examined and saw that it was still in good condition. I decided I might as well save up my own ammo and “borrow” from the rest. Holding the carbine in my magic, we exited the building and made our way past the check point. I scanned the long winding path. Still a ways to go.

My dad wasn’t kidding when he said Remnant and RCE. When I encountered a Remnant ghoul, it was dressed in Roam armor almost similar to the Legion. But it was still dangerous with a gun. In fact, I had ran into a group of them as I was passing through what looked like a makeshift encampment. I had to take cover behind a terribly constructed wall as I fired back out of cover with the carbine. I felt myself being nicked a few times by stray bullets. I then conjured two copies and had them cover me while I bolted out of cover and flanked them.

I fired onto one of the Remnant as it tried to block my path. It fell to the floor in a bloodied heap. I galloped over the makeshift bridge, firing down on the Remnant ghouls. I managed to kill three of them before having to duck behind a wall and reloading. I peeked out of cover and gapped when I saw a heavily armored Remnant with an RPG. It howled as it took aim and fired down. It didn’t seem to care if the rest were caught in the explosion. But the force sent me into the other side of the wall. My cover completely blown, I had to quickly scramble to move out of the way as it fired the RPG. It must have been a modified RPG. If I recall correctly in history class, RPG’s don’t fire multiple times.

I heaved myself off of the makeshift bridge and rolled to cover as the place where I once was had exploded into shrapmetal. I hadn’t realized an RCE ghoul that was firing on the Remnant was next to me. It didn’t seem to notice me rolling up to it. I planted Courage against its’ head and fired. As I did, I noticed the heavily armored Remnant had finished reloading the RPG before taking aim again. This time, it fired onto a group of advancing RCE ghouls. This was so surreal.

It was as if they were replaying the war. I looked over to see Spike flying through the battlefield and over to me, zapping a few RCE and Remnant ghouls along the way.

“This is way too much heat for us to take!” Spike said. I nodded
.

“There is no reasoning with these guys it seems.” I said. The words my dad told me came back to my mind.

Will you be their Savior? Or Destroyer?

I frowned. I wasn’t going to like this. But enough is enough.

“Err… Courier?” Spike began. But I ignored him and conjured more of my copies. Six to be exact. Time to even the odds. We split up over the battlefield, quickly taking out any of the Remnants and RCE that were too busy focusing on each other. I was rushing towards where the armored Remnant was when it took aim and fired onto one of my copies. I saw her look of surprise before being blown up along with two RCE and three Remnant. The copy vanished, but not before I saw the gore from them. While the rest were keeping the fight going, I snuck up behind the armored Remnant. He was being flanked by two snipers on his side as they fired down on the battle. I conjured two more copies and had them execute the snipers while I unsheathed Compassion and was about to decapitate the armored ghoul, when it turned and swung the RPG.

With quick instincts, I ducked as the missile hissed past my head and exploded onto the cliff behind us. The rocks that broke off into chunks began to fall around us. I stepped aside as one fell where I once was and suddenly felt myself being hit hard in the side. My copies were about to come to my aid when the rocks that were falling had landed on top of them. I looked over with grit teeth as the armored Remnant howled and held the RPG like a club. I winced as I stumbled and stood. I pulled out Courage and took aim, firing on the Remnant. It seemed to only dent its’ armor. It then rushed me and swung down the RPG.

I side stepped it and brought Courage around and aimed at the head. I blasted the helmet off and I gapped when I saw glowing green eyes of a zebra ghoul. It’s muscles pulsed and formed into a look of frustration and pain. It hissed at me as it brought the RPG up and smacked me across the cheek. I grunted in pain as I spiraled away to the ground. I was seeing stars. It howled again as it rushed me. Then, the unexpected happen.

A big white metallic piece with a red tip suddenly fell on top of the armored Remnant. As it did, the metal and the ghoul rolled out onto the battlefield. The ghoul was pinned underneath the metal bulk. I gapped when I realized what the metal piece was. A bale fire head. I bit my lip. This was probably not going to be one of my brighter ideas. But I mean… its’ just the head, right? So it shouldn’t be devastating. I took aim with the carbine and fired on it. The bullets pelted it and I was suddenly blasted off of my hooves and crashed into the cliff. I bounced off the wall and landed flat on my belly.

I shook away the daze and stared in awe as I saw the green mushroom cloud, albeit small, suddenly leave a small crater where the fighting was. Then, there was silence. I stood up and limped over to the edge of the overlook. I spotted Spike floating over the charred corpses and over to me.

“Courier… what did you do?” he asked. I shook my head.

“I… I’m not really sure. I just thought to end the fighting quickly.” I said as I stared at the devastation I had caused. I heard the sprite bot click a little. Radiation. I furrowed my brows and took a rad away and popped a rad-x before drinking a health potion. I felt my body tingle a bit as my wounds mended. Spike bobbed a little as he spoke.

“That was a bale fire bomb, wasn’t it?” he asked, his voice taking on a concerned tone. I sighed and nodded.

“Well, it was just the head it seemed.” I then chuckled weakly. “How funny. Karma has once again given me a break.” I frowned, seeing that our only way ahead is to go through the camp. And that meant heading into the ground zero of the explosion. I took a deep breath and trotted forward, Spike following close behind me. I heard him click wildly as we went through the destroyed area. Once we made it through and back onto the road, I took another rad away and continued on. I felt depressed. It was like history for me was repeating itself. I had once again left devastation in my wake and I walked off like nothing happened.

As we walked more and out of the cliff passage, I found myself standing in front of a tunnel. I winced when I saw signs and graffiti spelling out the obvious.

'Well… my dad must not be the best when it comes to greeting guests.' But I didn’t want to disappoint dear old dad with the invitation.

“Not much of a Picasso, is he?” Spike asked. I arched a brow and smirked.

“I doubt he has taste in design.” I said. Spike chuckled a bit.

“Maybe he needs to find a different hobby to impress his daughter.” He said. I giggled a little and felt myself feeling… happy. I wasn’t alone in this. I mean, I may be walking this road without so much help from my companions, but Spike was as much company as I needed. And I didn’t feel lonely. I sighed and took the gate with my magic.

“Well… no time like the present.” I said. I heaved open the gates and stepped through the tunnel. It was a small tunnel, but upon entering, I gapped.

I saw the road connect to another bridge. I trotted over and looked over the cement railing. It was the ocean. Ocean as far as I could see. And not only that, I noticed the snow wasn’t falling. Despite the road being icy, I stared in awe as the sun rose over the horizon.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Spike asked as he floated next to me. I felt the warmth of the sun course through me. And not only that… the landscape was beautiful. The ocean sparkled in the sun’s light and I could see in the distance what looked like cargo boats. I then noticed far into the distance. Tenpony Tower. The smell of salt water and the ocean breeze felt nice. I looked over to the other side of the ocean and down the road I was traveling. I could see a flag pole in the distance and missile silo further in. I frowned.

“How much you wanna bet my dad is holed up in there?” I asked as I pointed at the silo. Spike was quiet as he looked over and scanned the area.

“Maybe. We will just have to find out, won’t we?” he stated. I smiled at him and nodded. I looked ahead down the road. Still a ways to go.

Footnote: Max Level Reached!

Quest Perk Added: Rad Mare: You have experienced the harshness of the Wasteland and its’ poison. You gain an additional 25% of Rad Resistance.