Trotting down the stairs, I peeked over the railing having to hear voices earlier. I saw Comp and Brick sitting in front of a fire place. Comp looked scared and Brick looked grim. I saw that Shining Star was also there with them. Drinking what appeared to be some steamy drink. I leaned in to hear better.

“…I’m not so sure what to think of it. Has she always been like… you know… a monster?” Comp asked nervously. I felt saddened.

“Now hold up.” Brick said. “I don’t think Sixteen would be a monster.”

“Then explain to me why she went ballistic on those slavers? Oh, did I forget to mention she had a freaking horn coming out of her face?” Comp retorted.

“Well, I’m sure there is a reasonable explanation for what has happened.” Shining Star said.

“Okay then egghead, why don’t you tell me what happened?” Comp growled. Shining Start took a sip before explaining.

“Well, I can’t say particularly what happened to her. But I have a small theory that when I showed her that report from Courier One on that terminal, she was very upset. Was it probably a mutation that she had?” Brick rubbed his chin.

“I don’t know. It’s been only two days since I’ve known her. But I could tell she ain’t the one to be around radiation for long.” He said. Shining Star nodded.

“Yes, quite right. A courier goes through thick and thin for their job. Most just up and quit when they can’t handle the stress.” Shining Star said. Comp rubbed the back of his head.

“Err… I guess. Well, Post Box did tell me that I was going to be in the hooves of one of his best couriers.” He sighed. “He neglected to mention that she was a monster.”

“Maybe for a reason.” Brick said. Comp arched a brow at him. “Think about it. If he had told you she was, you would have reacted exactly as you are now.” Comp snorted.

“I guess…” he rubbed his forelegs. “But it doesn’t help her cause that she always wears her hood around. It’s like she’s hiding something from us underneath it.”

“Could be.” Shining Star said. “Or she may have never told us that her family is trying their best to keep their family lineage hidden from dark pasts from two centuries ago.” He took another sip of his drink. “One report in Tipson mentioned something about covering up their two century old grandfather’s tracks. But from what, I can’t say. I haven’t heard enough reports or recordings yet.”

“Then when we get the time, you are going to show me every single one.” I said, not caring for their startled reactions. I trotted fully down the stairs and looked at them all with my blank calm look.

“So that’s what she looks like under that hood.” Comp said looking a bit disappointed. I narrowed my eyes at him and he winced.

“You certainly recover quickly.” Shining Star said taking a sip of his drink.

“The doc said nothing was wrong.” I said flatly.

“You sure? Because what we say, something was definitely off.” Comp said.

“Do you have a problem with the way I look?” I retorted.

“Pssh, no. I’m more disappointed in the fact we are looking at a mare and not some murderous monster.” He said.

“So you prefer me a monster than a normal mare?” I arched a brow with a smirk. His eyes widened and he shrunk back.

“N-no… I’m perfectly fine with normal.” He stammered. I sighed. Brick cleared his throat. I knew where this was heading.

“So… not to be rude or anything… but mind telling us how long you had that mutation?” he asked. I shook my head.

“Probably recently. Though I’m pretty sure it’s not a mutation. I never stick around in irradiated places for long.” I said.

“Maybe one time you have gotten careless?” Shining Star asked.

“The one time I gotten careless was when I had a synchronized collar on me and almost got my head blown up along with a few slaves because I fucked up.” I said flatly. “And…” I shuddered. “I don’t like what I did at all…” The three exchanged glances before pressing.

“So what happened?” Brick asked. I took a moment to figure the words I needed before speaking.

“It’s like I wasn’t… me. I mean, I was me, but not in control of my own body.” My ears drooped as I bowed my head. “I was able to see what I looked like from my copies. I know I can create them, but I can’t create a dozen of them. I can only manage three before I feel on the verge of burn out.” Shining Star rubbed his chin.

“Perhaps it was something triggered by the report you read. You weren’t feeling yourself and somehow tapped into some source of magic you didn’t know you had? Most unicorns don’t know the amount of magic they can possess and some have special sources that they can tap into.” I blinked at the stallion.

“I’ve mastered illusion spells. I can make mirages and what not. But when I create my copies, I took years to perfect that. I’m still trying to complete the spell without having to suffer burnout.” I sighed. “But being a courier, I have no time to myself and most of my free time is busting out of slave cages or drinking to a job well done.” I really needed a drink. If I can say and admit that I am a minor alcoholic, then I definitely have been sober for a while. “Not to mention the amount of stress I get from Post Box himself.” I blew my bangs from my eyes before walking over to the fire. I stared into the flames watching them dance. I felt envious of the flames. The ambers could dance for as long as they want if need be. Fire. I perked up.

“Oh! That’s right!” I turned to Brick. “You’re big into the paranormal, right?”

“In my free time, I am.” He said with a nod.

“Well, what if I were to say, and this is a metaphorical question, you come across a pony with a spirit inside them?” Brick rubbed his chin in thought.

“Well, I could say that it is possession of most things. But that’s more along with ghosts. And ghosts usually don’t have the amount of power to possess. Unless they are demon, poltergeist or a damned spirit with nothing better to do than to torture.” He said.

“Okay, let me reiterate. How about a pony that has a spirit inside them. Like for example, Din.” I said wiggling a hoof at him.

“Well, then I say you must be slightly crazy. Because Din is just a legend. Legends don’t really exists.” Brick said.

“Quite the contrary.” Shining Star said. “Legends are created from other ponies. They are told by those ponies and shaped into being. Legends are real through stories because the ponies tell them. A legend isn’t some spiritual being that can be manifested right away. They have to do something unique. Something extraordinary that ponies can mention from time to time and create a story from the being they have created. That is how a legend is created.”

“So you’re saying Din and Shiva were once real?” Brick gapped. I could tell he was very excited.

“No.” Shining Star said bluntly. Brick deflated.

“But didn’t you just explain the whole ‘how a legend is made’ thing?” Comp said confusedly.

“The legend of Din and Shiva is more of a story made up by somepony who was inspired by the battle between Celestia and Luna.” Comp ruffled his mane with a groan.

“But… you… wha? You just said-“ he began.

“I know what I said. But you must understand, when I explained how a legend is made, I was talking about living breathing ponies. Not some story inspired by a battle twelve thousand years ago.”

“Okay, I kind of get it.” I said with a smile. Shining Star arched a brow.

“Oh?”

“You explained how a legend is made through the actions of a certain pony that was alive or is dead. Celestia and Luna were legends themselves but in the form of celestial beings and were real.” I looked back into the fire. “The legend of Din and Shiva was inspired by their battle that banished Luna into the moon. But there was a twist to this story.” I looked at them with a smile. “They realized how futile their efforts were and were brought together in harmony at the end.” I looked a Brick. “So in a way, Din and Shiva live on as the legends of Celestia and Luna.”

Shining Star clapped his hoof. “It’s great to have an intellectual of my standards.” He said. I nickered.

“Don’t get too comfy, egghead. While we both have the brains, I have the physical capabilities to fight.” Shining Star nodded.

“Quite true.” He said matter-of-factly and took a sip of his drink.

“Well then!” a voice said making us jump in surprise. The mare that had done surgery on my eye stood with a pink scarf around her neck. “As pleasant as your chatter was, I am going to go run a few things. Sixteen, was it?” I sighed but gave her a nod. I really hated that nickname. “Well, when you are ready to take a look around, I left your barding on my dresser upstairs. You could say I did some minor tweaks when I patched it up.” She giggled. “I think you would be quite happy with what I have done.” With that, she trotted out the door into the cold wind outside. I frowned.

“What did she mean take a look around? I rather we head over to Hoofton now and get it over with and head straight to Las Pegasus after.” I said.

“Well, we figured you needed a break.” Shining Star said. “With everything that has happened and all.” I stomped my hoof in protest.

“I’m perfectly fine.” I said.

“Says the pony that had a horn come out of her head.” Comp said smugly, tapping his hoof to his head. I glared at the colt who shook it off and trotted up the stairs. “Besides, I wanna see the town!” I shook my head.

“We are not here to sight see. We must get going and the sooner the better.” I said. Brick put a hoof on my shoulder.

“I hate to say it, but you do need to relax a little, Sixteen.” He said.

“Don’t call me that.” I retorted.

“Then what am I supposed to call you?” he asked arching a brow.

“Courier. My name is Courier.” Brick and Shining Star exchanged glances.

“I prefer Sixteen.” Shining Star said. “It’s much better than being called what your job is.” I flushed.

“W-what? You think I was named because of my job?” I gave a weak grin as they looked at me. “Oookay, maybe my parents thought it would be funny to name me that.” I narrowed my eyes at the stallion. “But how is calling my courier number any different?” Shining Star trotted pass me to the stairs before speaking.

“It has a nice ring to it. Don’t you think?” he said before trotting up the stairs. I opened my mouth to say something, but thought better of it. Brick nodded to me before heading upstairs. I groaned. I hope this place has a bar for me to drink.

I looked at myself in the mirror on the dresser. The same charcoal coated unicorn with the messy brown mane and golden eyes looked back at me. I looked specifically at my right eye. Having seen my eye on one of my copies, I had to check again to see if my mind was playing tricks on me. I looked closely, but saw no sign of any damage. I could faintly see a small scar where the mare had done the surgery. I winced as I noticed something black hanging out the side. It was so small that it blended in well with my coat. I reached with my magic and found it was easy to pull out whatever it was. I felt sick when I saw it was stiches. I panicked, thinking I had done something to my face. I looked closely at the scar and saw that it was healing.

‘Freaky.’ I thought to myself. I glanced at my PipBuck and saw the cartoon pegasus on the corner of my screen. I noticed I had four unread messages. I scrolled through them.

Message 1: Curry! I made the delivery! I’m now a full-fledged courier! – Bell

Message 2: Hello, dear sister, just checking up on you. I heard about your daring heroics about the farm ponies. Please be more careful next time. – Heart

Message 3: Hey sis, I’m here in Las Pegasus for my next delivery. Wanna know how I got here before you? I helped a caravan out and they offered me a ride. Will be staying here for a while until my next delivery goes through. – Stall

I smiled. I felt so happy that Bell would now be able to be a courier and follow after us. It almost felt like yesterday that she was being accepted into Courier Lessons 101 in Stable 50. But what caught me by surprise was the last message. My eyes widened and I felt my heart beat faster than I could count.

Message 4: I am waiting for you. – Courier One

I began to hyperventilate. It took me a good while to calm myself. Courier One… Was it Lyon? No, it couldn’t be. My identification spell knows exactly who Lyon is. When it said Courier One. It must mean… I looked back at the message and read the name over.

'Dad?’ I thought to myself. Oh boy, now we got to deal with ol’ pops. I glared at the horned pony. Well, you can’t deny it. After leaving you and your family behind all those years, I would assume you want some answers. And what happened to not filling the plate with unwanted questions? I agreed with the winged pony. The horned pony groaned before popping like a bubble. Do what you must, Courier. But remember, your family and friends comes first. I nodded.

“Friends, Sixteen. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“I know, Watcher. I know exactly but… I don’t know if I can fully trust them yet.” I said to myself. I looked down in front of me. There, laid my barding neatly folded. I levitated up my stable barding and threw it on before examining my duster. It looked so brand new. I noticed the small tweaks the mare made. My duster now had stitched in gun holsters. Two small holsters were stitched onto my sleeves of my duster. I saw the shoulder guard was no longer attached to the duster, but as a separate accessory that was connected to a chest belt that fit snugly across my torso. I looked down to see a small sheath that looked like if I had a dagger, I could put it there and have easy access to it. I looked on my back to see a metal plate that was connected to the belt that ended with my shoulder guard. Strapping in the duster, I looked over to see my Shining Armor enchanted shotgun still looking brand new as the day I had seen it. I slung it across my back only to be startled as it shot to the metal plate with a faint clang. I realized now that the metal plate was a magnet. And from the looks of it, it too was also enchanted with magic. I smiled and looked myself in the mirror again. I looked good. Stylish even. I squeed as I found that the hood was still the homey edition to my duster.

I threw my hood over my head and adjusted it slightly before turning to the door, only to stop and see Comp leaning against the door way, staring grimly at me.

“What are we, Courier?” he said. I blinked at him.

“Huh?” I wanted to understand, but I felt as if this was going somewhere that I was going to regret later.

“I’m asking you. What are we, Courier? You are a monster and I’m a colt with no memories of my past.” He sighed. “Okay, you might understand your ordeal yourself. But what about me?”

“Well, what do you want me to think about you?” I asked keeping calm. He snorted and glared at me.

“Don’t avoid the question.” He said.

“I didn’t. I’m asking you. What do you want me to think of you?” He rubbed the back of his head.

“Well, I know you just see me as a package. I know how badly you want me out of your mane. And I know you want to ditch Brick and Shining Star once the job is done.” His expression changed to a sad look. “I have no memories of who I am. I, for some reason, know the basics of survival in the Wasteland. I know exactly what a Raider is and what they are capable of. I know exactly how slavers work. But you want to know the funny thing? I can only remember up to Post Box telling me to go with you.” There was a long pause.

“Well, I can't tell you that you aren’t truly wrong in a sense.” I said. Comp looked at me with a concerned look. “But I can tell you this. I’m not stupid. You are a living breathing pony. And being asked to deliver you to uncharted territory can’t be a good thing.” I sighed. I was going to hate myself for this. “I don’t know what Post Box was thinking about this or what he was offered to have me take on this delivery. But I am going to see it to the end. On one condition though.” I looked to the colt and smiled. “I’m going to find out who you are before I make a decision.” Comp’s eyes widened.

“You’re… not just saying that?” he asked. I shook my head.

“I may not ask questions about my deliveries, but this seems too farfetched. And if something big is going down, then I want to find out what it is and who’s behind it.” I stomped my hoof. “And they will regret for ever messing with a courier.” I was startled when Comp rushed over to me and wrapped his forelegs around my right foreleg in a hug. I smiled and stroked his mane.

“I’m going to hold you onto that.” He said with a sniffle. I nodded. He then looked up at me with a sheepish smile. “So… can we look around town?” I sighed.

“Alright, I guess a little R&R never hurt no pony before.” Comp beamed and trotted out the door leaving me to chuckle. I think I could give them a chance. In the short amount of time I know them, I could tell they aren’t really bad ponies I had thought them to be. I would have to find some way to apologize to them.

When we stepped out of the building, I was instantly greeted with the freakiest pony I know. Chester, balancing himself on top of a mail box with one hoof. I could tell he had been there for a while as random wandering ponies stopped to stare at him. I glared at the grinning white mask.

“How the hell did you find me?” I asked. Without making the slightest movement, Chester spoke.

“Find you? Oh no, Sixteen. I am not trying to find you. In fact, it is mere coincidence that we keep meeting.” I arched a brow.

“Quit stalking me, Five.” I said flatly. The grinning masked pony chuckled.

“Stalking? Now that is a funny word. Don’t you find it funny?” He cocked his head at my companions who seemed to shutter as he did.

“What do you want?” I said. I stepped back as he shifted his weight on the mail box, bending it before stepping off of it and the mail box sprang back up comically.

“Tis not what I want, but what others want. I do hope you are keeping in mind my warning?” he said. I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Yeah, about that. I met a zebra about two days ago that repeated your warning. Wanna tell me what that is about?” I arched a brow. Chester rubbed his chin before shrugging.

“I haven’t gotten the slightest clue. But then again, I’m a clown. I’m not supposed to be smart.” He stopped and ruffled his green mane slightly. “Unless I can be smart and leave such a warning in the hooves of a smart pony! Oh yes! I really am clever! I should be ‘The Cleverest Clown of the Wasteland.’ Yes, I do quite like that indeed.” I rubbed my face in annoyance.

“Would you quite goofing off and tell me why you are here?” I said, raising my voice a little. Chester cocked his head at me.

“Why, I am merely on a delivery, dear Sixteen. Can’t a courier do his job while also maintaining a reputation? By the way, I must say I am impressed with the fame you have been given. I’m sure you’re great, great, great, great, ever etcetera grandfather would be so proud of you.” I hissed at him.

“So, you’re also going through my family history?” Chester chuckled.

“Perish the thought, dear Sixteen. Everypony that is a residence of Pleasant Town knows your families lineage. There is no secret to it.” He then wrapped a foreleg around my neck and brought me in. “In fact, it is safe within the archives of the Crystal Express under a restricted file that Post Box himself set up.” I pulled away and glared at the grinning white mask.

“Stay out of my family’s business.” I hissed. Chester twirled continuously on one hoof.

“Yes, I guess I will. Besides, I think it’s best if you look at it. I mean, every family has its’ secrets. But yours.” He stopped and bowed weirdly while standing on his hind legs. “Oh dear Sixteen, yours is most secret.” I took a moment to realize what he was trying to say. With my look, he nodded.

“But, I have no right to press any further. Farewell, dear Sixteen!” he said spinning on his hoof again. To my surprise he was moving while doing that weird spin. “If we meet next time, let’s have a civilized chat, hmm?” before he could say anything else, we stiffened when Chester, in his own spin, was crushed by a passing caravan. He twitched as the caravan bounced over him and the trader panicked at what he had done. Chester waved a twitchy forehoof. “I’m okay.” He rasped. I shook my head. This was going to drive me insane. Not only am I learning that my father is going around on terminals and talking about us, but now Courier Five is giving me hints as to what I should do when I have the time.

“Like I said.” Brick said as we began walking away from Chester’s pain. “Couriers are nothing but trouble.”

Wheatfield Acres was once a small settlement ten years ago. But after the events of the clouds clearing and the war of the Enclave, it had begun to accept trade from the southern and central regions. With the resources given to them, they had built the town within two years. When we rounded the corner to enter the market area of the town, we were suddenly surrounded by ponies, all of them talking and chatting amongst themselves. As I listened closely to the conversations, I heard all of them talking about me. What in Celestia’s name was going on?

“Hey, isn’t that Sixteen? The one who freed all them ponies that were taken from this town?” one pony in the crowd said. “Yeah, I think that is! Look at the number on her barding. So she is real!” another said from behind us. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. I found out long ago that I am a claustrophobic, having to be stuck literally in the town’s well after trying to catch one of Stall’s scratchy drawings. Being stuck in there for a few hours felt like ages and the small space began getting smaller as I stayed longer in there. I was eventually lifted out and was shaking in the arms of Heart. But I had succeeded. I had saved the drawing in the end.

“Uhh… what’s going on?” I asked, feeling a little sick as the ponies crowded around us.

“I think they know that you’re the one who freed the farmers that do trade with them.” Brick said. I groaned.

“Great, exactly what I wanted to avoid.” My stomach lurched as the space around us began to shrink ever so.

“Courier, you know illusion magic. Why don’t you do something to distract them?” Shining Star whispered to me. Of course! I’m an illusionist. How could I forget? Well, there’s the claustrophobia setting in. So, I got nothing. I ignored the horned pony as I readied myself. My horn glowed and the snow began rising from the ground. I concentrated as I focused on each flake. I then began imagining a swirling motion with the flake. Then, I spread the motion to the other flakes. I felt my magic web out to the tiny flakes as they began swirling around us. I had created a small blizzard. I could see the silhouettes of the ponies that were surrounding us backed away. I looked back to my companions as they beamed at my performance. Now for the grand finale. I conjured three of my copies. I nodded to my copies and they nodded back. My copies leaped at the same time through the small blizzard.

“There she is! She’s going that way!” I heard one pony shout.

“There! There! That way!” I heard another.

“There she goes! Come on!” I smirked as I saw the silhouettes vanish. I watched as Comp took a Stealthbuck from his bag and attach it to my PipBuck. Where he had gotten it, I was going to ask later. Activating it, I released my magic on the flakes and the blizzard I had created died down. I smirked in triumph as the ponies who thought weren’t going to be fooled by copies looked baffled as they realized I wasn’t there. My companions avoided their gaze as I crept along with them to a building.

“Ahh, welcome! Welcome to Swashington Tail’s Armory! Where you won’t find quality guns that would certainly have those bigots in Ironshod galloping for their bits!” a mare greeted my companions.

“Err… thanks.” Shining Star said. “Mind if we look around?” The mare smiled.

“By all means.” She said. She wore a pre-war business suite. She had a pink hide with yellow mane. “Can I offer some assistance? Perhaps to the one very strong and silent type.” She purred as she looked at Brick. He gave a small smile.

“Ma’am.” He said. I rolled my eyes and crept over to the corner and waited for my Stealthbuck to dissipate. Three minutes have passed before a familiar mare trotted into the store.

“Aha, there you are.” The surgeon mare said. She looked around. “Were has that cute mare gone to?” Cute? I flushed a little. I’ve never once been called cute. I’ve always been told I was a tomboy in a sense. Never really fancied any dresses or girlie things most fillies would be interested in. And I had to admit, the mare wasn’t all that bad looking either. I thought that she was the most beautiful mare I had come across in a long time. Of course I met other cute or pretty looking mares, but to have been called cute myself? I felt… weird. I cleared my throat, startling the business mare a little.

“I’m currently in a Stealthbuck.” I said from the corner. The mare smiled before turning to my companions.

“I must say, that was quite a spectacular performance you all put on.” She looked over to my corner. “I had never seen that type of magic before. Are you one of the lucky few who know illusion magic?” I nodded. Then, realized I was still invisible.

“Yes. I, unfortunately, know another pony who I can say is better with illusion than me.” I said trying to suppress a groan. The mare seemed pleased by this thought. I felt the Stealthbuck dissipate and I stepped out from the shadows of the corner, making the business mare more nervous.

“I-I would ask you to please warn me next time before you come in with a… err… Stealthbuck.” I looked at the mare and couldn’t help but tease her with a smirk. The surgeon mare was picking through the shelves with apparent disgust.

“Eck! These are just ghastly. I mean, look at this.” she said as she held up an assault rifle that was in perfect condition. It looked completely modified with a sweet scope and extended mag. She looked around and suddenly beamed as she trotted over to a cabinet where rifles were being held. She levitated up a .50 Cal Anti-Material rifle with, to my amazement, so much ease. And when she cocked the ball point lever and took aim, I noticed that her magic had split. I saw the glow around the trigger and a small one holding the muzzle. I cocked my head.

“Interesting. Most unicorns need a battle saddle for heavy guns like that.” Shining Star said with apparent praise. The mare smirked and looked up from the scope to the mare.

“Do you have a firing range, perhaps?” she asked. I hadn’t noticed the business mare giving me a suspicious look. Realizing she was being addressed, she smiled and nodded.

“Right this way, madam.” She said. All this formality was starting to give me a headache. I guess when you travel places all over the Waste you kind of have to pick up slangs and their meanings. But having to hear these two speak so formally to one another, I couldn’t help but question: Why even bother? We followed the mare to the back of the store and stopped behind a broken and rotted fence. Not too far away was a makeshift shooting range. I saw empty Wild Pegasus and Ranger Whisky bottles stacked up on small wooden fence posts. The surgeon mare didn’t bother to prop the rifle on the fence post. She held it exactly as she had during her balance trial. She loaded a mag and cocked the ball point before taking aim. Without missing a beat, she blew each and every bottle, stopping only to reload the mag before firing again. As she took aim at a very far off bottle, she smiled before firing. The bottle was blasted into oblivion. She held up the rifle and blew the smoking muzzle before looking back at us. She arched a brow at our awe struck expressions.

“W-wow…” Shining Star said, flushing a little.

“I have never seen some pony fire a gun like that without the aid of a battle saddle.” Brick marveled.

“That was so awesome!” Comp said scrunching his face in with his hooves. I said nothing but kept a dropped jaw. The mare flushed and fidgeted.

“Really now, it’s rude to stare at a lady like that.” She said. She turned to the mare who seemed to beam with joy. “Your rifle is in very mint condition. I am surprised, most owners of such weapons never bother to take care of their own.” The mare smiled.

“Think nothing of it. Which is why we are better than those bigots at Ironshod. Unlike them, we take care of our guns.” She said with apparent pride.

“Yes, well, as I agree, however, there were some small problems I have with this rifle.” The surgeon mare said. The business mare arched a brow. The surgeon mare took a deep breath before speaking.

“How shall I put this, dear. While you’re weapons are better cared for, you neglect to mention that this was a borrowed rifle that was spruced up and put into a cabinet. Therefore, it is not a Swashington product, but a borrowed Ironshod rifle.” She held up the rifle for us to see and flipped it over to the handle. There, perfectly branded but faded a little, were the initials of the Ironshod R&D company logo on it. Now, I may not have the best knowledge in guns, but I know enough that taking from a competitor was downright cheating out of their own caps worth. I looked back at my Shining Armor enchanted shotgun magnetized to the plate and remembered the dirty trick of having to frame an innocent pony out of her caps. The business mare maintained her pose but seemed to waver a bit.

“Non-sense. Those bigots at Ironshod don’t know how to handle their guns unlike Swashington. We sell them at a perfectly reasonable price in better condition than the expensive poor conditioned products of Ironshod.” The mare said. The surgeon mare narrowed her eyes, but it was Shining Star that sealed the deal.

“If I recall, Ironshod was founded by one of Applejack’s cousins, Braeburn. While the company has been around for two centuries, the remaining Ironshod factories that are still running today are struggling to keep their factory in working order. And without the proper caps, they have no choice but to send out poorly maintained weapons at expensive prices because they don’t have the caps to gather the resources they need to make guns to even doable standards.” He trotted over to the rifle and looked at the faded brand. “So, you are pretty much stealing their products for your own gain. Stealing from them and their caps.” The surgeon mare smiled at the stallion who flushed before turning to the business mare. “And judging that even though the rifle is in perfect condition-“

“I will buy it at half price then what it is.” The surgeon mare finished for him. The mare scoffed.

“You must be out of your mind. I will not have some filthy scavengers barter me out of my own caps.” She said. I smirked to the mare, making her flinch.

“Why not? After all, it isn’t a Swashington product.” I said. “So I think half price is reasonable enough.” The mare looked at me with that suspicious look.

“Never! Twelve hundred caps is what I will sell it at.”

“Tut tut. It is not a Swashington product.” The surgeon mare said. Then she smirked. “Unless you want me to expose you for the thief you are.” The mare seemed offended by the remark. “I counted at least over fifty Ironshod products and only a handful of Swashington products. Perhaps I should get the Empire’s own Ironshod CEO that is still running the factory.”

“Pssh, they are all bigots! They won’t listen to you.” The mare smirked. The surgeon mare challenged her smirk.

“Really? Because Dusty is a dear friend of mine.” The mare arched a brow at her.

“You honestly expect me to believe you are friends with the Empire’s own Dusty Trail?” she said. Dusty…

“Well, then maybe we should go talk to him.” I said making the mares turn their attention to me. I levitated out a small brown box up to them from my bag. “I have a delivery for one Dusty in Hoofton. And Hoofton is only at least an hour trot from here.” The surgeon mare gave me a relieved smile before turning to the mare.

“Yes, I agree with the courier. We go to Ironshod in Hoofton and speak with Dusty Road.” She slung the rifle over her shoulder. “And I am keeping this with me until we can get the matter handled.” The mare balked.

“B-but… you can’t do that!” she stammered.

“I can and will. Now come along. We can make it to Hoofton if we leave right away.” Comp groaned.

“I guess no R&R then…” he said. I smiled at him and ruffled his mane.

“Sorry, kid. But a jobs a job.” I teased.

We left Wheatfield Acres and made our way to a split in the road that connected with Route 2. The business mare trailing behind us was feeling very grumpy. The surgeon mare, who told us her name is Goldenlee, braved the winter weather with only a pink scarf. She didn’t seemed fazed at all by the minor blizzard we were having. Comp was curled up on Brick’s back, with part of Brick’s own scarf wrapped around his neck. Shining Star had ditched the slave clothing when we arrived at Wheatfield and into a cruiser outfit that I see only on some lone Wasteland wanderers. I adjusted my hood as we reached a hill of the road that snaked down into a smaller town that only had scrap metal houses. Not too far away on top of another hill was a running Ironshod R&D factory. The smoke coming from the furnace pipes wisped into the cloudy sky. I looked back at the mare who seemed to shiver not because of the cold, but the sight of the working Ironshod factory that outsized her small Swashington building.

“We are almost there, everypony. Come along now. We haven’t a moment to lose.” Goldenlee said with a motion of her hoof. As we made our way down the road, my ears twitched as I heard faint upbeat vintage music. I looked up and spotted a Spritebot bobbing its’ way towards us. My companions stopped and stared in confusion as the Spritebot bobbed closer to us. I took a step forward and stood in front of the bot. I narrowed my eyes at it as it bobbed by me.

“Watcher.” I said. To my companion’s surprise, the music ended abruptly with a pop and the Spritebot hovered over to me.

“Yes, Sixteen? Have you thought about what I said?” the metallic voice said. I nodded.

“I have. I just want to let you know…” I stopped myself and bit my lip. I have only ever said this truly to my siblings when I done something wrong. With others it was feigned. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for how I acted.” There was a moment pause before Watcher spoke.

“I’m glad to hear it. And I can tell you have been hard at work already.” I smiled and looked back at the ponies behind me (excluding the business pony) who seemed to give me a questioning look.

“Also.” I said turning back to the bot. “I discovered that my father may be leaving behind reports about me and my family. I want you to tell my siblings, when you see them, tell them be careful. I can’t really tell them over my PipBuck’s message spell. The character limit is too short. Lastly, I want to tell you to warn the Stable Dweller.” I heard a faint gasp from my companions.

“What did you want me to tell her?” Watcher asked. I sighed before giving him a concerned look.

“Watcher, you ever hear the name Sombra?” There was a pause. A long pause. Then, Watcher sighed before speaking.

“Unfortunately, yes.” The bot said with apparent disgust. “You met him, haven’t you?” I shook my head.

“I don’t think so physically. I know he appeared to me when I was knocked out back in Wheatfield. But I have a feeling something is not right at all. Whatever is going on, it is definitely stirring up something evil that we have to be cautious about. Which is why I want you to tell the Stable Dweller to be careful.” I looked at the spritebot, waiting for a reply. The bot took a moment before speaking.

“You’re right. If Sombra is back, then the Empire is in grave danger. I will pass it on to her the next time I see her.” I smiled at the bot before the bot popped with a crackle of static and went back to playing the vintage music and bobbed away down the road past us. I pulled my hood down before trotting down the road, the baffled ponies following me trying to keep up.

We finally reached Hoofton and was instantly getting strange looks from the settlers here. We ignored them as we trotted up to the gates of Ironshod R&D. A stationed mercenary trotted over to us.

“State your business.” He said aiming an assault rifle at us. I stepped forward.

“Courier. I am here on business. These ponies here are with me.” I said nodding to my companions. The mercenary arched a brow.

“I have to apologize, but you’re clients need to stay out here. You are free to go in and do your business. But they have to remain here.” The earth pony said. I shook my head.

“They are with my orders to be accompanied by me at all times. And if you question the orders of a courier, I’ll see to it personally that the Express will take it up with Dusty himself about you disrespecting the delivery regulations.” I said giving him a serious blank look. The mercenary snarled at me before speaking.

“Alright, fine. But do anything funny and I’ll see to it personally that you are removed from the place.” He nodded back to the gate and the metal doors slid open. Without a glance at the mercenary, we trotted up to the doors where a metallic rusted TV screen with the face of a well groomed cartoon stallion wheeled over to us.

“Welcome to Ironshod R&D. May I please ask that you keep all personal belongings with you at all times. Thank you for your cooperation. Mr. Trail will be with you in just a moment.” Comp gapped at the robot.

“Why is it standing like that?” he asked.

“That is a Protect-a-pony Mk V. Personally designed and produce through Mr. House himself.” Shining Star said. He rubbed his chin before continuing. “I haven’t seen so many of them out in the north. I don’t even recall Mr. House distributing them to major business heads in the Empire. I do know we would find a lot of them in the Strip.” I smiled. Leave it to the egg head to give us a brief summary of unknown technology. As we waited, I flipped on the radio to listen to some music, only to hear the voice of DJ Pon3.

“Hello, children! This is your host, DJ Pon3 taking over for my good friend New Pegas for today. But don’t worry, he made sure to tell me his reports for all of his lovely listeners. Now first off, it appears that Mr. House, owner of the Lucky 38 hotel and casino, had declared that the responsible gang of the Strip who took a certain Protect-a-pony model will be brought to justice. Now, on to the update of our Empire’s own Savior of the Roads.” There was the sound of papers being flipped. “You all know that couriers do their damnedest to make a delivery. And that is why, we have a special guest with us who is from all the way from Pleasant Town out in the northwest who happens to be a sibling to the Empire’s Savior of the Road. Why don’t you introduce yourself, kid?” My ears shot up in surprise by the familiar voice that followed next.

“Hiyah, sis! I’m finally on the radio!” Stall’s voice said. I began tapping my hooves in sheer panic. What is that boy doing?

“Yes you are and you are live through the Empire and the Strip. So tell us a little about yourself.” DJ Pon3 said.

“Well, not much really. I can say that I am a courier just like my siblings.” Stall said. “I can also tell you I’m the middle youngest.”

“Interesting. So I hear that couriers go through so much. Can you tell the lovely children of the Strip and Empire what couriers go through?” DJ Pon3 asked. I bit my lower lip, my hoof tapping increasing in speed.

“Well, I haven’t really done much unlike my two older sisters. Now they have true courier stories to tell. Although I think one won’t even bother to tell her story.” Stall said. You’re right, dear brother. But I won’t be embarrassed to ground you in front of the whole Wasteland.

“So you’re sisters. What do they do that makes it dangerous for them?” DJ Pon3 asked. Stall, don’t fuck it up anymore than you have. Oh, his butt is so grounded when he gets home.

“I’m not really inclined to say. One, because I’m a courier and we don’t talk much about our deliveries, but we can openly express our interest to the job. And two, well, they are my sisters. I can’t really say otherwise. It’s for their own safety.” Stall said. I could tell he had to wing it at the second part. But I was relieved that he hadn’t mention me and Heart’s past dealings with big time gang heads.

“I see. Well can you at least tell us what’s it like to be a courier then?” DJ Pon3 asked.

“Well that’s easy Hom- err... Pon3. Being a courier, we go through irradiated fields that are still around. We do get caught up with slavers and raiders and sometimes the occasional ganger encounter, but they leave pretty much some of us alone. Also, you get to eat for free at the Express!” DJ Pon3 chuckled.

“Well, there you have it children. The Savior’s own sibling telling you what it means to be a courier live. Now before I go, I have to tell you children a little something about gangs. Sure, some may look like they are just like any civilized pony out on the Strip, but you better take heed, children. Most gangers don’t play around. Thanks for listening, children! This has been DJ Pon3 live from the Las Pegasus Station tower in the heart of the glorious vice city, bringing you the truth, no matter how bad it hurts. Now for some of those classical strings by the one Octavia.” I switched it off as the door opened and out stepped a beige pegasus in a white business suite. His black mane was gelled into a cow lick. He beamed at Goldenlee.

“Goldie! Long time no see. How have you’ve been?” he asked as Goldenlee hugged the stallion.

“Oh you know, this and that. And how are you, Dusty?” she asked. Dusty suddenly looked very tired and sighed.

“Not well. Mr. House is threatening to close down our business.” He said. The business mare perked up and smiled.

“Really? Permenately?” she asked. Dusty narrowed his eyes at the mare.

“Ain’t you a Swashington gal?” he asked. The mare shrunk back a bit.

“She is. She is here with us on a matter that must be brought to your attention.” Goldenlee said. Dusty looked back at the now nervous mare before turning and smiling at me.

“And you must be a courier.” He said. I nodded. He clapped his hooves together. “Excellent! I’ve been waiting for hours as it finally falls into my hooves. Come in! I’ll show you to my office and we will handle the matter at hoof.” As we stepped into the factory, I gapped as to how clean the lobby was. We entered through double doors that led to a cat walk that had stairs going up. Over the railing, we saw ponies in dusty work clothes as they were stationed a few feet from each other at a conveyor belt and were assembling the gun pieces that were being trailed along the belt. Dusty lead us up to the second floor catwalk before opening a door that lead to the offices. I was surprised to see that they were only a few employees in stalls and some had massive stack of papers and were furiously going through them with clear frustration.

“Whoa. I don’t think I ever seen that tall of paper work before.” Goldenlee said. “Is it really that bad?” Dusty sighed and nodded.

“Mr. House had made it clear that he wants us to shut down the factory or be removed from the area. We don’t have the caps to even hire new workers that are willing to work full time. And to those that remained. Well…” he looked over to a mare who cursed as she scribbled furiously at a paper before tossing it aside without care and going to the next one. Her mane tufted up in all directions. “Anyway, right this way.” He lead us to a pair of double doors that when he opened one side, the hinge snapped and the door swung loosely from the molding. He sighed before trotting behind his desk and sitting down on his chair. “Now, what was it you wanted to bring to my attention?” Goldenlee nodded and unslung the rifle from her back and showed him.

“I do believe this is a product of your company. One of the many I have found in the Swashington’s building.” She flipped the gun to show Dusty the faded brand. Dusty narrowed his eyes and looked up to the mare who was now trying to put on her most convincing smile.

“I see. And would you care to explain why a product of Ironshod is in the hand of Swashington?” he asked arching a brow.

“W-well, sir. Ah… a trader came by and had the rifle on him and err… sold it to me.” The mare said. Goldenlee frowned. Dusty remained calm as he looked between Goldenlee and the mare.

“I see. And how much did this trader sell you for it?” he asked. I saw the mare gulp before speaking.

“Err… I offered him three hundred caps for it.” She said. Goldenlee snorted and turned to Dusty.

“She offered me twelve hundred for it. But when I noticed it was your product, I asked she give it to me by half that. But being the stubborn mare, as with most Swashington employees, she refused.” Goldenlee explained. Dusty nodded and turned to the mare.

“Now, I know you were just doing your job and wanting to make the best money you could make. I want to do the same. But you must remember that selling a gun that is not Swashington is to be under half the price that it was sold to.” Dusty said. The mare gapped.

“Two hundred and fifty caps!? That’s outrageous!” the mare balked. But Dusty remained calm.

“On the contrary. You were pretty much cheating me out of our company’s caps and reselling a gun to a dear friend of mine at such a price you had it at. It is a wonder why so many Ironshod factories shut down.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do.” Goldenlee looked at him with utter shock and the mare cocked her head with slight interest.

“B-but, Dusty! Swashington is cheating you out of your caps!” Goldenlee said with a stomp of her hoof.

“I know. But at this rate, it won’t even matter. For quite some time, Mr. House has said that our company is to be bought by Swashington or be shut down permenately and removed from the area.” The pegasus pulled out a drawer and brought out a bag of caps. “Here is the twelve hundred. Take it.” Goldenlee seemed at a loss for words as the mare smirked and happily took the bag.

“A pleasure doing business with you folks.” She said. With that, she turned and trotted on out of the room.

“B-but, Dusty!” Goldenlee began.

“No buts, Goldie. I know you mean well and you are trying your best to help me under such a circumstance. But at this rate, we will have to shut down. I’m sorry. But there is nothing you can do to help me. We must start planning on retirement.” Dusty said. Goldenlee’s eyes darted in thought. Then, with a determined look, she puffed her chest out and put her hoof to it.

“No. There is a way I can help! I will go to Las Pegasus and convince Mr. House to spare the company!” she said. Dusty gave a sad and concerned look.

“I know you mean well, Goldie. But let’s just face facts. We don’t have employees willing to work. Any remaining employees are on the verge of quitting. And we are starting to run out of options.” He said.

“Then give me time to save the company! I swear to you, I will convince Mr. House one way or another.” She said. She turned and trotted past us. Dusty sighed.

“I’ll go talk to her.” Shining Star said. “I’m sure I can try to convince her choice to something different.” Dusty nodded to the stallion.

“Please, make sure Goldenlee doesn’t do anything rash. She means well, but she can be so stubborn when she puts her mind to things.” He slumped as he looked at a small portrait of him and Goldenlee as happy playful foals. I looked back to where Shining Star and Goldenlee had exited. If I was going to give these ponies a chance, I was going to have to try and be better. I looked back at Dusty and levitated the box to him. He smiled as I laid it carefully on the desk.

“Keep the pay. I’ll try and convince my boss to pay me for it later.” I said. He nodded at me before looking tired again and looking back at the portrait. We left the room and exited the factory to find Shining Star patting an upset Goldenlee on the shoulder. They looked at me as I trotted over to them.

“Want to come with us?” I asked, hesitant at first. Goldenlee gave me a small smile. “We are heading to Las Pegasus next. I have business there anyway. And I also have a certain sibling I need to tell off before he gets us into trouble.” I stepped back in surprise as Goldenlee lunged at me, only to wrap her hooves around me.

“That would mean the world to me.” She said with a shaky breath. I didn’t know how to react. I mean, having my sister hug me was one thing, but a complete stranger? Well, I guess she isn’t at all bad. She seemed to be the mare that would go through thick and thin to get what she wants for the right cause. And right now, her cause is helping out a childhood friend. I patted her shoulder before she pulled away. I adjusted my hood and looked over to the mountains. I could see the Lucky 38 and the tip of the radio tower nearby just over the mountain. Looking ahead at the snaking road, I could faintly see where the biomes cut off. I felt myself shudder a bit. I looked back at Comp who gave me a small smile. We both knew what was going to happen after Las Pegasus. But this time, I’ll be a better pony in the situation. I will do what is best for not just a pony. But a friend. Friends…

I looked at the ponies who gave me looks of encouragement. Brick nodded his head to me with a smile. Shining Star waved bashfully, Comp beamed and Goldenlee gave me a hopeful smile. Friends. These are ponies I can call friends. These are ponies I can trust other than family. No matter how I looked at it, they were going to be there for me. I smiled at them before turning ahead.

“Next stop. Las Pegasus.” I said.

Footnote: Level Up!
Perk Added: Companion Loyalty: When near death or crippled, your companions get an increase in DMG and DT.