I had to admit, I was feeling nervous. The northern region is mapped out as far as the Equestrian Wastelands in the south, to the Everfree Forest to the east, to Route 10, a route caravans travel on towards The Hoof. Ending as far as the Empire. In the center was the regions capital, The Crystal Castle. Two centuries ago, the Empire had its own war. Indeed, balefire bombs were included in this war, but they were transported from Canterlot to the Castle. The Empire was ruled by Princess Cadence, an alicorn that specialized in love magic. She married to a stallion by the name of Shining Armor, who I found out from stories, that he was the older brother of one the Ministry Mares in Equestria. Shining Armor and Cadence had three children and over the years, their family heritage expanded as far from the Empire to The Hoof. Not much else is known about the family other than that the capital of the Empire fell when the balefire bombs hit.

Everypony assumed it was the stripes, since they planned the assault on Equestria. But a new study shows that it may have not just been the stripes, but some other group as well. Rumor had it that this group was full of insectoid looking ponies. Myth tells that they could mimic a pony by eating their victims love and can use it against them. Not much else has been stated. But not much else could be said that the Empire wasn’t fully mapped out. The pony who was in charge of mapping out the Empire was apparently killed by the stripes so they could use his maps to plan a full out assault on Equestria. At least, that’s what the architects and historians say. I never really thought much about the history of the Empire during the war.

I walked into my room and noticed my duster folded up neatly with my new (and somewhat stolen) shotgun. The ivory wood blended in with blue stripes. The barrel glimmered in the light that was my room. I levitated my duster up and noticed that it had a leather shoulder guard. Opening up the straps I saw my stable barding fully patched and clean. Turning over the duster, I saw a big painted number that read 16 and a big white square around the number. The hood was, thankfully, still a homey edition to my barding. I threw on my stable barding then strapped my duster around it, strapped my saddle bags on and slung the gun over my back. Checking to make sure that everything was in place, I saw something fall out of my pocket. I levitated up a white envelope and winced.

It was the letter from that one stallion. Bucky, I think was his name.

“I’ll see if I can run it by Post Box.”

That’s right. I did say that didn’t I? Well, another side delivery to take on. Finally, I’ve double checked to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Putting a hoof into my other pocket, I felt something. It felt spherical. I pulled it out and was startled to see a glassy white orb. I’ve read about these. These were called memory orbs. They were high in demand during the war and I’ve also heard that you can find some of these scattered out in the Wasteland. I sighed. Great, another thing that I had to keep track of. All though on the other hand… how did it end up in my pocket? I don’t remember picking up one. On my deliveries, I have delivered some memory orbs from one place to another to aristocrats. I looked around my room. No sign of anypony breaking and entering. Did Patches put it in? Patches is the town’s armor dealer. He handles all things armor wise and can patch up barding lickity split. I’ve only met him once, but he says that my father helped him out big time and thus he handles me and my siblings barding free of charge. I stared at the memory orb.

“Well, I still have time I guess.” I said to myself. I put my horn to the orb and tried to make a connection. Nothing. I arched a brow. Was it broken? I tapped the orb with my hoof. Doesn’t seem like it. I tried making the connection again. Still nothing. I sighed and put it back into my saddle bag. I trotted back out the door and made it to the front desk, only to stop and panic. There was that same stallion again. Brick, I think. He was standing by the desk, talking to the mare that handled all our deliveries orders. She was typing something into the terminal, looking bored as usual. I threw my hood over my head and made my way to the desk. Please don’t see me, please don’t see me!

“Ahh, Sixteen! So good to see you well!” the mare behind the desk perked up. I froze and opened my mouth, trying to say something. Brick looked over to me with an arched brow. I was starting to have mixed feelings. I was afraid to see Brick right there, but I was also confused to see the mare being so lively. She was never lively! I’ve always heard her complain about her job whenever I picked up my orders. But seeing her smiling at me, no longer looking bored made me shiver. In the back of my mind, I could swear that today was going to suck until I leave town.

“Err… yes. It’s uh… nice to see you too Tabletop.” I said, managing my best smile I could. Tabletop still smiled as she typed on her terminal and my PipBuck pinged. I looked down to see that tiny cartoon pegasus with a letter in her mouth.

“Those are your orders. Did I mention you look lovely today?” she said. I blinked.

“Err… are you alright? You are never this…. happy.” I said. She just chuckled.

“Oh, silly you. Can’t a friend say hi to another friend?” she said. I narrowed my eyes.

“Huh? Since when were we friends? We’ve never really talked.” I said. I felt itchy all over. Something was terribly off. Why was Tabletop suddenly being happy and trying to be my friend? I never saw her as a friend, more as an accountant. She was like any hard working mare. Just trying to make money and pay off debts. And the fact that she was trying to befriend me, was way too weird.

“Well, we just talked now. So, I guess that makes us friends.” She said with a smile. I shook my head.

“Look, I don’t have time for this… prank you are pulling. Here, I forgot to turn something in for process.” I said levitating out the envelope towards her. She took it in her own magic and looked it over.

“A request delivery?” she asked with an arched brow. I nodded as she typed something into the terminal. She gave it back to me and I stuffed it back in. “It went through. Also, you have one more request.” I looked over to Brick, narrowing my eyes to see if he would pull anything out and just shoot up the office. “This fine stallion has asked to accompany you while you make the delivery.” My jaw dropped.

“What!? What do you mean? I can’t have ponies go with me, let alone clients.” I protested. She suddenly sighed and went back to that oh so familiar look of being bored. She turned to the stallion.

“Case in point.” She said matter-of-factly before turning back to her terminal. So, they were in cahoots. I growled and looked at Brick who just calmly looked at me with that stoic expression.

“What’s the request?” I muttered, trying to hold back my sense to kill. Tabletop didn’t even take her eyes off her terminal as she spoke.

“He’s asked to supervise this request. You are taking him to Las Pegasus.” She said. I sighed and rubbed my face.

“Alright, I’ll do it. I have another delivery to make there anyway too.” I said. Brick smiled and nodded.

“Thank you kindly, Sixteen.” He said. I just snorted and looked at my PipBuck. Something to take my mind off of strangling the stallion. I scrolled through my orders.

Courier Sixteen, you have 5 new delivery requests:
1. Go to Stableton and deliver to a Mr. and Mrs. Marigold.
2. Deliver a letter to a pony by the name of Dusty in Hoofton.
3. Deliver a young pegasus to an uncharted area in the Empire.
4. Deliver the letter from Mr. Bucky to the Lucky 38 in Las Pegasus.
5. Accompany Brick to Las Pegasus.

I looked back at number three. I cocked my head in confusion. “Deliver a young pegasus to the uncharted area?” I looked up to Tabletop who seemed to furrow her brows.

“I know. An odd request. Don’t know why Post Box would allow such a thing.” She said, not taking her eyes off the terminal. Oh yeah. I just know it’s going to be a shitty day.

I realized I hadn’t gotten anything to eat at all yesterday. With all that has happened, I couldn’t help but stuff my tray with Daisy Sandwiches and Buck Cakes. I made my way over to where Stall and Bell sat. Heart had already departed for her own delivery, hoping to finish it quickly and successfully in time to have some free time to spend with us. Stall had his goggles on and was tinkering with his PipBuck. Bell had a small pilot helmet on. She was wearing her small junior courier duster. She beamed happily as she looked herself over again. Taking a big bite of the delicious sandwich, I looked over to see Brick patiently waiting for me by the door. I suddenly lost my appetite, but I still chewed.

“Aha! Got it!” Stall cheered. I looked over to his PipBuck.

“What were you doing?” I asked after swallowing. He scrolled through his inventory before speaking.

“I was putting in a broadcaster into my PipBuck.” He suddenly frowned. “Buuut, it seems I can only broadcast into the town. Dammit, I don’t want to just broadcast into the town, I want it everywhere!” he said. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, wouldn’t it give your position away? I assume that the Applejack Rangers, A few surviving Enclave and ghouls will be alerted to your position.” Bell said adjusting her pilot hat. He shook his head.

“Nope, not likely. I made sure to encrypt my PipBucks location every time I broadcast. Huh, I must have missed a node or something. Whoever was in charge of Stable-Tec long ago certainly made PipBucks a challenge to tinker with.” He said as he took out a screw driver and continued to fiddle with the compartment. I looked over to Bell.

“So what’s with the pilot hat?” I asked taking another bite of the sandwich. It fell over her face and she pushed it back up before speaking.

“Well, I thought I would be like you guys.” She replied. I blinked.

“What do you mean?” Stall asked as he squinted, moving his screw driver around.

“Well,” she taped her hooves together meekly. “Heart wears a muffler. You have goggles. Curry has a hood. I just thought, you know…” I smiled and ruffled her hat.

“Trying to be the anonymous courier huh? Well, if anything, we try to be unique amongst the other couriers.” I said with a smile. She peeked out from under her hat.

“Is that why you guys have them? To be anonymous?” she said.

“Well, it’s for a reason to be honest.” Stall said as he closed his compartment and put his screw driver away. “I think Heart told why before. We do our best to make sure we aren’t remembered by big shot recipients. Our family has a history of getting into big trouble with big shots over the Wasteland. Take an example of what happened on Route 15. Sis was just trying to make her way home when she was caught up in a gang war. She was forced to take action when Bull Horn realized that she was the same courier that delivered that bomb to one of his gang’s hideouts. Pretty much why we keep our faces hidden so we don’t let that happen.” He sighed and slumped, propping a hoof under his chin. “We don’t want to die before we could fulfill our goals. If our faces get known, it’ll be what grandpa told us what happened to him and his sister long ago.” He waved his hoof in the air. “Get hunted down because we are from a long line of couriers that began during the start of the Equestrian war two centuries ago.”

“So… our two century old grandfather did something big and our family is well known for it?” Bell squeaked. I nodded. Stall had it right. The first courier that started our long line of big time trouble was none other than our two century old grandfather. He apparently made a big change in the war, albeit unintentionally. When Princess Cadence took notice as well as the stripes about our grandfather’s daring heroics, both sides felt it was necessary to hunt him down and use his skills for their own sides. But they could never get him to agree with both stating that he was just a courier and didn’t know better. But he did something major in the war between the Empire and the Legion reach a certain peak in a stalemate. And before both sides could make a move, he vanished leaving both the Empire and the Legion in confusion. Then the balefire bombs hit. Because our grandfather vanished from the battlefield, The Empire and the Legion didn’t know how to act and thus the Wasteland was created and the Empire fell. The Legion reacted quickly enough, though and retreated back to New Roam. And for years to come, our grandfather’s lineage carried on between his offspring, and then his offspring’s offspring, and so on and so forth. And that leaves us. The five siblings struggling to make sure we keep his lineage going, but behind closed doors.

“But what about New Pegus? He mentioned Curry’s number.” She said. I stiffened. As much as it pains me to say, I have annoyingly smart siblings. Stall rubbed the back of his head. “And you said you wanted to get your name out there too. So do I. But if we are trying to avoid trouble, why are we doing the opposite?” Stall bit his lips.

“Well… I’m not sure really. I can tell you this though. Every courier has a number by rank. So with each successful delivery we make that does well for the business, our rank changes. Look at Heart. Her number used to be five. Then she made her way up to three. Lyon took dad’s place from second to first. Which makes him Courier One. I’m not too far behind as my number is Ten. I went up from Twenty Three. Since you’re a rookie, you don’t have a number yet. So in a way, couriers remain anonymous through rank.”

“But that still doesn’t explain why you want your name out there.” Bell murmured. Stall chuckled.

“Well, it’s like I said. I’m Courier Ten. If anything, I’m just getting my number out there more than my name. Heck, I’m sure by then that I’ll be Courier Four.”

“And what about the next Courier Ten?” Ooh, well played, Bell. Stall opened his mouth and closed it again, finally giving a sheepish smile.

“Oh yeah… I guess I haven’t thought this through yet.” He said.

“So, when I get big into the courier ranks, I’ll be more noticed?” she asked turning to me. I shook my head.

“That is the exact opposite of what we want.” I said. “We want to do the business good to help mom, but in order to do that, we have to get out there, but be like… you know… ninjas.” She smiled.

“Ninja couriers?” I nodded my head in reply. Stall’s PipBuck pinged.

“Welp, guess that’s my cue to head off now. Be safe you two.” He said before trotting off out the door. I saw him give Brick a look over and gave a concerned look before finally disappearing amongst the crowd of brown and blue dusters. Bell looked up at me nervously. I smiled.

“Don’t worry about it, Bell. Just do the delivery and make it back home. Do a good job and I’m sure Post Box will finally make you a full blown courier.” She gave me a small smile in return before hoping off the stool and trotting out the door. I sighed and looked at my half eaten daisy sandwich and untouched Buck Cake.

“Ahh, young courier Sixteen. So good to meet you in person.” A voice said making my ears twitch. I looked up to see a white grinning mask staring back at me. I winced. Great, first I have to deal with Brick, now I have the town’s own clown as a courier staring down at me.

“Cheesy Chester.” I said narrowing my eyes. The white mask grinned down at me before finally jumping unto the table and pointing a hoof at me, making me back up off the stool.

“You know my name!? Oh glorious day! To think I would be noticed by the one and only hero of Route 15 and to have her say my name?” he gasped before bowing to me. “Tis truly an honor.” Okay, why the hell is Karma deciding to throw one crazy courier with the mask at me? What the hell did I do to deserve this?

Cheesy Chester. Or the “Clown of the Wasteland” is one of the freakiest couriers ever to work the Express. Ever since his childhood, he made it his everyday goal to make ponies laugh and grin. Surprisingly enough, he would succeed every time. He eventually grew tired of having to just entertain the town, so he decided, why not bring the entire freak show to the Wasteland? In Pleasant Town, you couldn’t just up and leave unless you were a courier on duty or a caravan trader. Deciding not to go the way of a trader because he thinks it’s a “mundane task” to handle, he decided to become a courier. And let me tell you, when I first heard of him, I imagined it was just a joke. Then one day, while checking the rank terminal, I couldn’t help but balk as I saw Chester’s name as courier Five. Eventually, he succeeded his dream in bringing entertainment to the Wasteland, donning the identity “Clown of the Wasteland.” I couldn’t tell if he was a badass underneath or just really a lucky son of mule and his one trick pony show was an actual success.

I’m glad he hasn’t noticed me at all for years. But why is he taking interest now? Karma is really screwing me over. Being the courier I am, his crazy versus my seriousness, doesn’t go well. And here I was, coming face to face with the Wasteland’s clown himself. His green mane spiked back and under his red duster, a custom made one, lay his emerald hide. The mask he wore is the major part of his identity. No pony has ever seen him without it. I groaned.

“Please tell me things can’t go worse?” I muttered. He quickly laid flat on his belly and propped his hooves under his chin and cocked his head.

“Worse? Is someone under the weather? How about an umbrella?” he said. I blinked and looked up noticing an umbrella covering me from a cloud that I had no idea how it got there. Then it struck me.

“You know illusion spells? Go figure.” I snorted. He cocked his head again and the spell vanished.

“Ah yes. I am never the clown without my tricks.” He said tossing his hooves up. I saw doves fly out of his sleeves. He quickly sat opposite of me and a chess board appeared in front of us. “How about a little chat before you go? Courier to courier? Illusionist to illusionist?” I narrowed my eyes as I watched him move a pawn forward.

“I really don’t have time for this.” I said moving a pawn ahead. Why was I just casually playing chess with a freak? Oh Goddess, please don’t tell me he put an enchantment on me to play this stupid game! He moved another piece forward before continuing.

“Really now? But we have all the time in the world. You see, time doesn’t stop for no one, Sixteen. It continues to move forward.” He said.

“So you’re a philosopher also? You really are a freak.” I said moving a piece. I could feel eyes on us.

“I’ve really mean to come to warn your pretty little head. By the way, how is your sister doing? I hear she’s been all over the place.” I looked up at him with a frown.

“What are you talking about?” I said. He moved a piece. I moved a piece.

“Oh right, you haven’t heard? Well, let’s just say I saw her in Settlement doing some “funny things” as you might say.” He said. Horse moved.

“Please, we do all sorts of things. And you aren’t one to even try to pry into my family’s business.” I said. My bishop took down the horse. His knight took down my bishop.

“Well, I guess you’re right. I was hoping to confront her earlier about it, but she was already off on her merrily way.” He said. Pawn to knight. Queen to rook.

“So, why the sudden interest?” I asked. King moves back. Queen takes out pawn. Move other bishop.

“Your family’s history is… intriguing some might say. But I find it fascinating.” Pawn takes pawn. Another pawn takes pawn. Knight away from queen. Queen takes other bishop. “But that is not why I am merely chatting with you. It’s a warning. And I kid you not. I would know if I was kidding.” He chuckled. My queen moves to take knight. Pawn moves forward. Knight to square. Check.

“A warning? You’re the last pony I expect to give me a warning.” I said. King moves back. Move knight in front of queen. Other queen takes rook. Check. I winced.

“Oh yes. Most would agree. But I’ve been around the Wasteland long enough to know certain… propositions and danger. And yours is a very big proposition.” Move last night to take queen. Rook moves. Knight moves. King goes forward. Safe.

“So what’s in it for you?” I asked.

“Nothing my dear girl. Can’t a friend help a friend in need?” he asked. I glared at him. Take queen. Move knight. King moves. Pawn moves.

“You? A friend?” I arched a brow then smirked. Chester shifted his position.

Checkmate. “Sorry, but I’m fine without them. And you would be the last pony I would even think about becoming friends with.” I said. With that I trotted toward the door, but didn’t get far when Chester’s floating head stopped me.

“Ah yes. We are just couriers, are we not? I mean, what’s a courier who doesn’t have friends? We aren’t meant to make friends. But then again, what are we without them. I’m asking you, Sixteen. That you would at least heed this warning. Not as a friend then, but a concerned acquaintance?” I sighed and shook my head at the floating mask.

“Fine, if it will get you to not bother me anymore, I’ll remember your warning.” The head popped like a bubble and I was pulled into a hug by Chester himself. I flailed my hooves, trying to break free.

“Oh, you have just made this clown’s day even better! You know I was under the weather too. But you are such a great friend for cheering me up!” He laughed. I finally pulled myself away and dusted myself.

“We are not friends. Just tell me the warning and let me be. I got work to do.” I growled. He rubbed his chin before pointing 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 blinked at him. “Now you’re a poet too? Great, just great.” I said with a sigh. I turned, throwing my hood over and motioning for a baffled Brick to follow.

“Are couriers always so strange?” Brick asked me as we waited outside Post Box’s office. My “package” was apparently a young pegasus I haven’t seen yet. Why in the world do I need to deliver a colt to uncharted territory? It’s dangerous enough in the Wasteland as is. And more importantly, it’s a life. If a courier delivers a ruined package, we get paid half the amount we receive. If we arrive late, we only loose a little bit. But a life? That can’t be bought and I’m smart enough to know that lives aren’t merchandise. But then… what if it was a robot? Robots have been more passive lately ever since the Stable Dweller saved the Equestrian Wasteland. But then again, not all of the land was saved. Sure, radiation and taint were minor now, but raiders and monsters still roamed the land. Taking a moment to think this through I finally spoke without looking at him.

“Yes. Yes they are. Chester being one of the many.” And one I would really like to avoid now. I didn’t show it, but his cryptic riddle was still nagging at me.

“Seems you are well known now. That stunt you pulled on the Route has got other ponies talking.” He said with a smile. I finally glanced up at him before focusing back at the ground. I pulled my hood down more.

“Is that why Tabletop was being weird? You asking about me?” In the corner in my eye, I saw him shift a little.

“Sorry. I know it was rude, but I have never come across somepony who was able to take me by surprise, let alone heave me halfway across the street into a stack of crates.” I flushed a little.

“Okay, so maybe it was uncalled for. But we just met. So now I’m wondering. Why are you asking about me?” I said maintaining my posture. You pull a stunt and I have a little toy that will show you not to fuck with me.

“Well, it was kinda unavoidable. As soon as you left me there, ponies started telling me about you.” He said. Karma, why me? What have I done to deserve something like this? Is it because I somewhat stole the gun? I’ll give it back, just make it stop! I said nothing as I waited for Post Box to finish up. What was taking him so long to get my package ready?

“I saw your sister before she left.” He said. I stiffened. “Nice mare. I could see the goodness in her eyes. Everyone calls her a gem. What do you think about her?” he asked. This has went from screwing me to fuck you in a heartbeat.

“She’s my sister. I look out for her, she looks out for me. We both do the same with Stall and Bell. Nothing to it.” Of course, both Lyon and Heart were gems of the town. Pleasant Town looked up to them. Praised them. They have done the town good just like father. My PipBuck pinged. I saw the cartoon pegasus and opened the message.

Just saw mom. She’s been asking about you. You should check on her. – Stall

Of course I will. Ever since father left, mom had done everything she could to take care of us. But after going under suicide watch, Heart was left taking care of us. Then we were picked up by Post Box as our new guardian and treated us as just normal ponies looking for work and making money. The door finally opened and I looked to see Post Box leading a small white pegasus colt. His mane was spiked back and he appeared to not have a cutie mark yet. But what I saw after that was that familiar look. His eyes were half closed and he stared blankly up at me. Our eyes met and I could feel that same vibe I got when looking into Lyon’s eyes. My eye started throbbing and I hissed in pain.

“You alright, Sixteen?” Post Box asked as I rubbed my eye.

“Yeah… I’m fine… just something in my eye is all.” I lied. I don’t want anyone to worry. Especially those closest to me. I looked back at the pegasus. He cocked his head. I had to know now. Why a colt?

“Uh… sir?” I began. Then I stopped. You idiot! You’re a courier. You don’t ask questions about your packages. That’s what you always do. But… this is a colt we are talking about. No younger than Bell. This is a life we are delivering. Yeah right. Just another package. Nothing more. Just do the damn job and get on with your life. I sighed and shook my two conflicting selves aside. “Never mind.” Post Box nodded.

“Yes, a strange order. I don’t approve of it myself. But we are couriers. We make sure the package gets to its’ destination, no matter if living or not.” He said. I adjusted my hood.

“Alright sir. I guess I’m off.” I said standing on my hooves. I looked at the pegasus and gave my best smile. “Ready to go?” The colt said nothing. I waited for an answer. Nothing. “Okay then! Well, time to go then.” I said. Post Box walked us out the door and we were on our way towards the gate. But before we got any further… I turned to them. “Wait here, it won’t be long.” I said. Brick nodded and looked at the colt, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me. I turned and trotted into a run down four story building.

I trotted over to the desk and cleared my throat for the mare behind the counter to take her eyes off a dirty mag and at me. She flushed and quickly hid the mag under her desk. I couldn’t help but smirk. She was a rather cute looking mare. She had a pale blue hide and blonde mane tied into a bun. She wore a white lab coat. She adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat.

“A-ah… uhm… can I help you?” she asked softly. Her eyes widened when she saw my eyes under my hood giving her that mischievous look. “O-oh Ms. Road! I-I’m sorry, I-I-I didn’t recognize you.” Yes. A definitely cute mare. I almost wanted to ask her what kind of mare she was looking for and maybe I could help. Okay, time for perverted mind to go away and get to business. “A-are you here for Mrs. Golden Road?” I said nothing but nodded. She nodded and made her way around the counter and motioned for me to follow. My eyes landed at that cute flank of hers. I snickered and followed her. We made our way up a flight of steps. When we reached the fourth floor, she stopped and turned to me flushing ever so cutely. “A-ahm, Ms. Road?” she asked.

“Yes?” I replied with a smile and an arch of my brow. She flinched when I spoke. I just wanted to cuddle her!

“P-please don’t tell anypony about what you saw.” She finally said. I looked her over once and gave a wink.

“Don’t worry. It’s safe with me. Unless, I could help you find what you are looking for.” I said. She looked at me confusedly.

“W-what do you mean?” she asked.

“You know what I mean.” I winked and gave her my best seductive look I could give. She flushed even more and fumbled with the door knob.

“Sh-she’s right this way.” She squeaked. She hurried down the hall. I rolled my eyes and chuckled. We finally reached a door at the end and she turned to me. “I have to warn you though. She hasn’t been herself lately.”

“What do you mean?” I asked

“We’ve run some tests and she’s suffering from a severe case of dementia. Your brother came by earlier and spoke with her. But be careful. She almost went off on him.” She gave me a sad look. “I’m sorry we couldn’t do much.” I sighed and nodded to her. She opened the door and trotted in.

The room was small. A painted picture of one of Palettes works hung on the wall. A small round carpet was placed neatly in the middle of the room. My eyes landed on a sickly looking mare under green blankets. The cute mare went over and changed the flower vase that stood next to her bedside. I threw my hood back and smiled at the mare.

“Hi mom.” I said. The mare opened her tired eyes. She turned her head slightly and smiled at me.

“Curry? Is that you?” she rasped. I went over and locked my foreleg with hers.

“Yes mom. It’s me.” She looked awful. It almost looked like she hadn’t been getting any sleep at all. She smiled weakly at me.

“Oh look at you. You certainly have my looks. So young, so curious and brash. But you have his eyes. His gorgeous eyes.” She stroked my mane. “How are you? How is Bell? Heart?”

“They are fine mom. Bell is on her way of being a full-fledged courier soon. Heart didn’t come by?” I said. My mother smiled.

“Oh no. Heart came by. Such a sweet young mare. I hope she has kids soon.” Her eyes showed she was on the verge of crying. I nuzzled her mane.

“I’m sure she will one day.” I told her.

“And what about Lyon? Have you seen him?” I froze. I could hear my heart beat as I tried to find the words to say.

“Yes mom, he’s fine.” I lied. No… I can’t let her know. She was there when Lyon vanished on that day. He was the reason she was in here. My heart beat faster as I suddenly realized, it wasn’t dad’s fault that she was like this. No, it wasn’t, but neither was its Lyon’s. How can that be true? You saw the state she was in when he left. It was all Lyon’s fault! But, it couldn’t have. We know she loves all of us. She’s been dealing with depression since she was a filly! Dad told us that. I looked at my mother when her eyes suddenly widened.

“Curry? Where are you? You are not my Curry.” She quickly reached out her hooves and hooked the front of my duster. “Where is she!?Where is my daughter?” she screamed. The mare panicked and quickly threw her hooves across mother’s chest. My eye started to throb and I hissed.

“Turn back, Courier.” Lyon’s voice said in my head.

“I need some assistance!” the mare cried out, trying her best to keep her down on the bed. My mother swung her hoof square into the mare’s cheek and lunged at me. I backed up only to trip over the rug. My mother pinned me and I gaped at her as she started screaming.

“You are the devil! What have you done to my daughter!? Give her back to me!? Where is my son!? What have you done with my children!?”

“B-but mom. It’s me!” I cried. She put her hooves to my neck and pushed, causing me to choke. “Mom… it’s me… Curry!” I gasped.

“You are the devil! I won’t be toyed with the likes of you! What have you done with my children!?” she screamed. The mare tackled her as the door flew open and three more mares came in and together threw her back on the bed.

“Sedate her! Get the doctor!” one mare cried. I coughed as I stood up, rubbing my neck. I watched in horror as my mother screamed and thrashed as a green mare brought out a needle and injected clear liquid in the side of my mother. I was being pulled back out the door by a vanilla colored stallion with a combed brown mane.

“Ms. Road, you must leave the room at once.” He said pulling me along. I said nothing as I allowed myself to be lead towards the door and they closed it, leaving me out in the hall. I could still here mom’s screams through the walls. After five minutes of screaming, she finally quieted. I put my hoof to my neck and felt the water works began to fall. I sobbed quietly as my heart ached for my mother. After taking a moment to finally dry my tears. I threw my hood back over my head and made my way out the door.

I glanced up at Brick as soon as I stepped outside. Both him and the pegasus were both sitting with those stoic expression. I could almost think they were alike. I pulled my hood down, hiding my tears.

“Let’s go.” I said shakily. I didn’t give time for Brick to express his concern. I didn’t even want to hear it. I just wanted to be left alone. But I couldn’t ditch these ponies. They were my packages after all. And I’m a courier. I don’t stop until my job is done.

We made our way along Route 2. We quietly passed camps along the road. Some traders that passed by greeted us with a friendly smile. I never returned the favor. Brick already handled that. Route 2 expanded for at least 10 miles before ending at Stableton. Then from Stableton, it was a good few days trot from there to Las Pegasus. After my job in Las Pegasus, I would be on my way to drop off the pegasus and go home to live my everyday life of adventure as a courier. We were passing Settlement when the pegasus stopped and looked over to the town. I groaned and turned.

“Come on, the quicker we get to Stableton, the better you can be out of my mane.” I said. But the colt said nothing and continued to look stoic. Brick nudged my side and motioned with his head. I followed his gaze and my jaw dropped. There was a camp. But not just any camp. These weren’t scavenger camps let alone caravan camps. No, these were zebra camps. We watched as the zebra moved about between tent to tent. Little foals ran around screaming and playing. The females were either watching their children play, chatting or working over boiling pots. I could make out a few males. And boy, taking one look at them, I could tell that the males were not meant to be messed with. Some stood up on their hind legs and swiping hoof after hoof against one another in some crazy dance. Others were holding anti-material rifles and pointing towards the mountains.

“Is little pony worried?” a voice asked making me jump back. My magic hovered over my combat shotgun as I saw a tall zebra sitting on the road next to me. How had I not heard her? She wasn’t there the first time. I maintained my pose, barely low, hooves spread out in case I need to move to the side for a quick dodge and my magic still hovering over my shotgun. The striped zebra smiled at me. “Do not fret, little pony. We are not here to fight. I am Sukuji. I am from a tribe of warriors dedicated to the Legion.” She said. I arched a brow.

“You’re affiliated with the Legion? I thought the Ceaser was the only one walking the Wasteland.” I said. Sukuji gave me a cool smile.

“We are not affiliated with the Ceaser. We are, in fact, a covert clan that is dedicated to the Legion and only the Legion.” She said.

“So you are basically rebels to the Ceaser?” Brick asked. Sukuji smiled.

“Clever you are.” I relaxed a little. Okay, so they weren’t ruthless killers. But still, they were part of the Legion.

“So why are you wandering around trying to take trade routes?” I asked. Sukuji chuckled.

“Ah, that is where I stop and you begin your story, hooded one.” She said. Wow, some rumors were actually true. Zebra know how to speak cryptically. I thought about it and—Really? You are wasting your time thinking about some zebra mumbo jumbo? Hurry up so we can go home! But, she could mean just to tell me why I was on this road. She seems trustworthy enough. Nonsense, she’s a no good stripe! Hello, the ones who caused the war two centuries ago? But that was two centuries ago. People can change. Can’t they? I shrugged and sighed.

“Sorry, I don’t have time to really chat. I’m kinda busy at the moment.” I said. Sukuji chuckled.

“I see you are conflicted on matters, are you not?” she said. I froze. Oh shit. See? This is why zebras are no good. Well, at least give her a chance. I turned to her.

“What do you want?” I said narrowing my eyes.

“Ah, but is it you who wants something? You want answers, but you can’t find which door holds the right one. You must trust yourself to know the answer.” She said. Karma, if this is some kind of joke, I will seriously come kick your ass after I’m dead. I pulled my hood down further over my head.

“What I’m trying to do is my job. I’m a courier. I have loose ends to handle. Now if you’ll excuse us, we must go.” I motioned for Brick and the pegasus to follow. As they stood up and turned around, I felt my eye throb. Hissing quietly, I rubbed my eye.

“I see. Well that is a shame.” Sukuji stood up and began walking over to the camp.

Heed my words, my little pony, for your ear is all I require.

I froze in my tracks. I turned to the zebra who had her back to me.

“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.”

My eye started throbbing more. I could hear my heart beat. What was she doing? I felt my chest start to cramp.

“With the lion’s roar and a true virtue found, only then will you live happily ever after.”

The zebra turned to face me and smirked.

“Who are you?” I rasped.

“Who are you, Maiden of the Stars?” she said gently before trotting off back towards the camp. I felt it hard to breath.

“You alright, Sixteen?” Brick asked with a concerned look. I don’t know what to say. I’ve heard stories about zebra being all cryptic and what not. But to actually find one who spoke Equestrian so fluidly and be able to repeat the same warning that Chester said back at the Express was just down right freaky. Who are these zebras? Why are they here? Karma must have sent them after me. I’m starting to not like this one bit. First, Route 15, then a riddle that is supposedly a warning, now a zebra replaying that same warning? And why had she called me Maiden of the Stars? This had bad all over it. I adjusted my hood and turned my attention back down the road.

“I’m fine.” I said finally, trotting away. I didn’t want to look back. I just wanted to put the zebras behind me as far as I can. They were nothing but trouble.

“Are you sure?”

“I said I’m fin-“ I turned to look at Brick. He shook his head and looked at the pegasus. He no longer looked serious or blank. He was looking up at me with concerned eyes.

“Well alright, if you say so.” The colt said. I gaped at him. He looked at the both of us. “What? Never heard a pony talk before?” Oh hardy-har-har. My eye twitched slightly. Great, now he decides to talk.

“I need a drink…” I groaned.

Footnote: Level Up!
Perk Added: Karmic Balance: The minor choices you make will not affect your karma.