"This should be the place." Oso stepped up but grimaced at the pumping and bumping of the music within.

Lexi chewed her lip looking back at the camp, this had been the first time ever that Croce had ever willingly chosen not to go where she was going. "It probably is, let's just get in and finish this. I'm not too enthused about Croce's instructions."

Lexi was visibly worried, as was Oso and the still present Fobwatch. Fobwatch had been told he could leave at any time, with the previous warnings, but he seemed extremely enthused about finding the Crystal Empire. So, all together they started into the old building.

The music felt odd, booming loud but strangely pleasing noise. She of course recognized but despised it. Back before the war ended with the world, this music was rather popular. Popular for clubs and parties that is, clubs and parties she never went to for reasons she totally convinced herself that were her very own choices. Rarely was there any vocals or actual instruments, it was all magically and electronically created sounds with music that you felt more than you would hear.

The ponies not dancing were completely vegetated on different assortments of chems so Oso's questions did not get any useful answers. Everypony they talked to just wanted help trying to figure out if it was as possible to be freaked in as it was to be freaked out, or if knees could talk, what would they say? One did bring up the inevitable destruction of the universe through the war between the god of snuggles and the god of cuddles for the throne of kanoodles. Needless to say, Croce's tip was not paying off just yet.

“Well this was a complete waste of time. How are we going to find this guide?” Lexi just mumbled and scrunched her nose at the music. Oso seemed completely unaffected. Fobwatch however appeared to bob slowly with the beat but stopped rigid and turned the other direction when Lexicon gave him a quizzical glance. She figured it was possibly a guilty pleasure of his. Suddenly the music didn't seem so bad as the odd urge to see him embrace it and possibly dance took root in her mind. Whatever Lexi within who came up with it had to hide quickly as the other Lexi's glared. Honest Lexi would say that she didn't dislike the music, but rather she was making up for something by trying to prove to herself that she disliked it.

Honest Lexi was promptly bopped on the head and thrown in the time out closet.

All at once things changed. A tune turned on and almost everypony who could stood upright, those who could, left in a hurry. Even those who were close to wasted on chems ran leaving just a few asleep or oddly interested ponies alongside Lexi and her friends. The music was extra bouncy and flamboyant, the sort that usually got the crowds on the tips of their hooves ready to start bouncing with the beat.

Suddenly the music climaxed and from the curtain on stage bobbed and weaved a cherry red Pegasus. Her mane whipped about in a dazzling show of flare. Lexi’s eyes went wide as she corrected her brain after seeing what little clothes the Pegasi wore betrayed a sex. HIS mane whipped about. Luscious golden blonde with an electric blue stripe, then the words burned into the music as he danced perhaps a little too enthusiastically to the beat.

*when I trot on by… mares be like ‘damn he fly. I pay to the beat, trottin down the street in my new lafreak, yeah… This is how I roll… cheetah prints, pants out of control… it's the red fool with the big ass flow…*

The music continued as the sleek stallion on stage whipped about in surprisingly acrobatic displays on the stripper poles up on the stage. Lexicon couldn’t help but to just stare, her eyes tracing the excessive gyrations of the cherry colored hips. Though Fobwatch let out an uncomfortable sigh as Oso groaned.

“Lexi… I think we found our guide…” Oso spoke through his talons in which he buried his face.

Lexicon could only let out a soft "huh?"

Oso looked into her eyes and grumbled. “Remember what Croce said the name of our guide was? ‘Flaming Reaper'?” As if he spotted it just at that moment Fobwatch pointed a hoof and though it took a bit with the stallion dancing so thoroughly and grinding so hard on the stripper poles that they all half expected him to start a fire, Lexicon spotted it.

His cutie mark was a skull with red flames licking up on top and blood dribbling below. “Ohhhhh…. no….” Was her only response.

*ahhhh, mare look at that body! Ahhhh, mare look at that body! When I trot in the spot this is what I see! Everypony stops and is starin at me! I got passion in my pants and I ain't afraid to show it! Show it! Show it! Show it!!!..... I'm sexy and I know it!*

The beat exploded once more and the stallion on stage whipped about and what passed off for a pair of flankless elastic pants shot off of the Pegasus and flew across the room hitting Fobwatch in the face. With his reaction the pants might as well have been a swarm of flesh eating parasprites, oddly his crazed desperate flailing as he attempted to free himself of the stripper clothes stuck to his face, almost matched the new bassey beat that kicked up as both Fobwatch and the Stallion on stage bucked and heaved for very different reasons.

Lexicon now fully understood Croce’s reaction and reluctance to go searching for the guide. Apparently he was quite familiar with this pony’s style and decided to spend the least amount of time possible with the flashy stallion. But this was something she figured was a problem for Croce alone. A thick blush over her face, Lexi got more than an eyeful of what started as dancing and quickly turned to a very adult display.

Twirling and spinning like a top on stage had any of the group asked him a question, they were confident it would go unheard. Instead they collectively made their way to the only pony not strung out or cheering at the stage. A dull gray earth pony stallion with a scruffy black mane and grayish purple eyes. As if he felt the tap before Oso could manage the task, the pony turned about and looked up at the big Griffon. He smiled, almost purring, the hat topping his head read with a single word across it like he was wearing a billboard. The word was rather simple 'gay'

"Didja need something birdy?" He smirked and Oso did his best to politely shake his head.

Leveling a talon at the stage he cleared his throat and kept uncomfortably close so the pony could hear him over the booming bass. "Is that 'Flaming Reaper'?"

The pony laughed. "Yes, but there are better choices big birby..."

A sudden interruption broke the tension of the two to Oso's relief as the Pegasus on stage still riding the poles leaned so far back he came eye to eye with the Earth Pony. "Aye gaylord! You've been boasting a bit much, how about you get up here and put your money where your mouth is?" He leaned in and stuck his tongue out playfully.

"Bitch... don't even try me..." He grinned back, looking deep into the Pegasi's eyes with a playful rivalry. "Oh... and the big bird is here to see you..."

The Pegasus smiled and narrowed his eyes. "Oh mai...." He seemed to purr as he hopped down from the stage. "Does somegryff need a pony ride?"

Oso stepped back and to Lexi's great surprise he seized her by the shoulders and put her in front of him. "Go ahead Lexi, you give him the details, I'll secure us an exit." And with that, the enormous Griffon stepped out leaving only Lexi and Fobwatch with the Pegasus.

"Spoil sport...." He sighed and whipped his hair about before sitting down and looking over Lexicon. "Sorry, not really my type... you though..." He looked at Fobwatch. "What's your name?"

He coughed nervously but as if he wanted to prove himself useful to the group he stepped forward. "I'm Fobwatch... Just tryin to help the lass..."

"Mmmmm... Fabwatch..." He purred playfully.

"Fobwatch... 'Fob' watch..." Fobwatch corrected.

"Honey... I know what I said..." The Pegasus smiled and kicked back in his seat. "Well, you're not here for a pony ride... what do you need from the fabulous Reaper?"

Lexi cleared her throat. Still a touch red from seeing so very much of the flexible and showy stallion, she wet her lips and finally managed to speak. "I have a friend who recommended you. He said you know how to get to the Crystal Empire."

Reaper's eyes widened. "Not many know that story... and it's not an easy trip, not a cheap one either..." He looked up and to the left as if he was holding the idea in his gaze and playfully juggled it before turning back. "You know it's a wasteland right? Glowing snow, only the wraiths are out there... can you guys even pay?"

She recalled the library, the resources at the castle, she was 100% positive that the Griffons had more than enough to pay him. "I am certain of it... And it's very important, even if there's nothing there, we need to get to it."

He laughed. "I'm not kidding, it's literally just an empty nothing, a place where you can barely tell that a city once was. And still, all kinds of spooky... and dangerous... did I mention dangerous?"

"Yes, I'm sure of that..." She still wasn't exactly clear on what was what, she didn't want to promise something the Griffons weren't willing to surrender, but if this is what needed to be done, she would strike the deal. If it was too much, the Griffons would only have their lack of trust in her to blame. "We are convinced of the danger, I myself have already come pretty darn close to it within the past few weeks. If you can get us there, you're hired."

Reaper smiled. "Alright cherry pone..."

"Lexi... My name is Lexi." She corrected him a little unsure why he was calling her that, but he did not at all seem fazed by her momentary confidence.

"Sure Cherry pone..." He grinned and leaned in close to the gray Earth Pony. "Octave? Get my stuff, and don't you go redecorating until you see a damned corpse, not one damned thing better be out of place when I get back! Even if I come back as a bag of ash."

The Earth Pony laughed and made his way out. Reaper in turn looked to Lexi. "How many and are we expecting any troubles?"

Lexi slumped a little. "Well, it's at least me and two Griffons, Fobwatch wants to join too. And there might be a very angry third Griffon who comes as well. I'll have to ask. Troubles... I'm not sure."

As if fate itself was just trying to shaft her, there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see something she swore was more alien to her than anything she had ever seen. It was a mask, an armored mask. It clearly wasn't power armor, but it was fully sealed armor, from ears to tail, this pony was not showing a single hair. "Come with us..."

Lexi blinked, not quite sure what was going on. She couldn't even guess what this was, a prank, a message, or...

The shotgun in her face answered it quickly. "...Now!

The voice was hauntingly familiar, but not in a way that she knew, but in a way that felt like she should know. Fobwatch stepped forward as if to tug on the newcomer's shoulder and let him know how many guards were present in the corners of the little post apocalyptic club. But he didn't even get a single syllable out before the disturbingly amazing acrobatics of the armored pony whirling in the air ended with a very solid kick to Fobwatch's chest sending him tearing through the air.

The shotgun came to a stop on course for Lexi's face again to reiterate the point he was making on the abduction, but a simple red hoof and confident grin kept the weapon from making it full circle. "You're starting shit in my house... you don't want to start shit in my house, especially with my clients..."

The armored pony glared, he did not course correct the shotgun he wanted in Lexi's face. "Move aside, I have no quarrel with you."

"Bitch... you do now... But I'll let you leave before I work your ass over." The growl coming from the Pegasus was something between seductive and aggressive.

Lexi didn't see what happened next as she went tumbling back over Reaper's shoulder and onto the stage as he and the newcomer flew into a blur of melee combat. Lexi barely managed to get her hooves under her and the overdrive to her armor flipped on when Reaper took to the air. Seeing him clear out of the way, she entered SATS. If she could move at normal speed, she would have gawked at the very low percentage chances of hitting the armored pony. She toggled half a dozen low caliber shots with a 14% chance to hit center mass. Certainly not surprising herself, she missed them all. But a good surprise, SATS didn't end with her shots. Just as quick as her shots rattled off, a flurry of broken shards of debris flew from Fobwatch as he telekinetically threw everything he could at the Pony. Unlike Lexi, Fobwatch's attacks hit, but did little to nothing against the heavy armor.

The locals took cover and started popping off shots which just like the previous attacks simply bounced off of the armor. But the bouncers ducked low and lowered the weapons when a red streak plowed into the armored foe. Lexi couldn't follow it. She could barely even keep up what was going on, she just managed to pop off the opposite side of the stage and listen to the thrashing and occasional blasting. She nearly jumped away when Fobwatch faded into existence next to her. Breathing hard he pulled open his jacket to look at a heavily dented steel plate. "Stay down! I think that's the guy who came lookin fer yeh."

Despite the warning she poked a nose around the corner to see the two engaged in vicious , scary acrobatic combat. Locking in close Reaper leaned in with a grin. "You're good... hot damn you must be an animal in the sack..."

This only earned an angry growl as he redoubled his zeal and pushed against Reaper.

Lexi paused for just a moment as she swore she heard fighting other than in here. As if there was also a scuffle just outside, and her eyes widened with fear as she remembered the armored pony's words. 'Come with us'. Us implied multiple, and if they'd been following the group the whole time then it would make sense to attack the moment Oso was not present, but they'd need to keep him busy. It all drove panic into her, she always loved a well thought out plan, it was the ultimate weapon to her, and the thought of a perfect plan against her scared her a lot more than she wanted to admit.

Her heart leaped into her throat as the armored pony finally took Reaper's hooves out from under him and with a touch too much force held him down with a hoof to his throat. Straining in effort he looked down at the Pegasus and uttered sternly. "You can live, just step aside."

Despite the hoof to the throat, Reaper gurgled and waved, gesturing as if he was desperate to say something. The armored pony hesitated and as if playing with the idea of just snuffing him out slowly relented and let Reaper speak.

"Harder daddy!" Was all that escaped Reaper's lips. The Armored foe almost fell over, there was simply a pure second of confusion as the figure remained motionless. And it was this very moment that Reaper broke into a death roll. Blasting the foe off of him and coming to a stop in the air, his eyes swept the area and his hoof came out, just in time for an odd object like a red case with swiss cheese pattern carvings peppered about it fly out to meet the outstretched hoof. He grinned and messed about in his mane before pulling out a small pen like object and jabbing it into his shoulder before hissing sharply through clenched teeth.

The armored pony looked up and his stance made it clear that he would no longer pursue Lexi for the moment. But that didn't stop Reaper.

"Stampede...." The word was almost gurgled as the Pegasus whipped the red case he had been thrown out like a toy, spinning and whirling in his hooves. It was roughly two and a half feet long and quickly unfolded and clicked loudly to a full five feet, then another much more recognizable shape began to form as another piece of it folded out and clicked loudly into place.

"Ah... this is probably why he's called the Reaper..." Fobwatch noted from his hiding spot beside Lexi.

Reaper hefted the scythe and blasted forward ten times as fast, froth building at his lips as he swung the weapon gouging heavy furrows into the impossibly dense armor and sending the pony toppling. Sparks flew the armor just barely held as Reaper tossed the poor soul about like a toy. Into and even through walls. Everypony in the bar was hiding, it was very clear that they trusted Reaper to take care of this, or more likely, they were simply afraid to move while Reaper was doing his thing with what Lexi was very confident was extremely potent chems.

"You fucked up my bar! I will wreck your shit you little bitch!" Reaper's words seemed rather collected for somepony on extreme combat stimulants. But whether by design or luck, Reaper's next golf swing with the scythe both managed to draw blood and send the armored pony through a window. Reaper glared down at the ponies who miraculously survived what felt like a clash of titans just before he tore off through the window after the armored pony.

There was an odd eerie silence as even the fighting outside sounded like it stopped. "Don't worry, he's ok... why don't you tell me what happened?" Lexi looked up at the Gray Earth pony from before, she was pretty sure she had heard Reaper call him Octave. Fobwatch beside her struggled to stand up, rubbing his chest and rummaging about in his bags for a potion. The whole bar looked to be slowly piecing itself back together.

"I'm sure it's not your fault, but Imma need some answers and very soon..." Octave hefted his little sawed off shotgun as he looked down at Lexi and Fobwatch.

There was a touch of worry when Oso came back in, he looked like he was ready to just kill everything. Thankfully he listened before he acted and by the time the local ponies started cleaning up Reaper came back. But he said nothing as he stormed angrily past everypony and locked himself in his own room behind the stage.

"Is... is he going to be ok?" Lexi looked over to the Earth Pony Octave, she wanted to do something, anything but she was in a strange place full of strangers. There was very little she would likely be asked to do even if she offered.

Octave shook his head with a laugh. "He'll be fine. He's top bitch around here... You don't get to his level without being resilient. He's just grumpy that they tore up the bar... but this gives me a chance to redecorate!" Octave giggled rubbing his hooves together near fiendishly.

"I will straight up gnaw off your balls!" Both Octave and Lexi turned about to see Reaper glaring down at Octave. "I told you... not one damned thing!"

Oso noticed the red Pegasus and scooted up. His stress was clear on his face, but his face portrayed duty more than aggravation. "I hear that you agreed to work for us? I do hope you still plan on it?"

Reaper's sour expression turned to an almost flirty condescending look. "Oh... big boy... Reaper never quits... no matter what it takes... I finish... satisfaction guaranteed." He leaned in close but quickly met Oso's extended talon pressing against his snout.

"I just need a guide... not a blowjob..." Oso's frown matched his scolding voice.

Reaper smiled his rear giving a soft playful wiggle. "Can't it be both?"

Oso groaned but Lexi saved the day with a question. "What is your price exactly? I mean... I'm confident we can pay it. But you never told us."

Fobwatch's ear twitched, he also seemed to want to know. "Oh... normally that's a 2k job... half now, half when we get back. But I'll take off 20% due to the big boy's fight outside... in my bar's defense... and because my guards seem to have forgotten how to do their jobs!" He glared and the various bouncer ponies either shrugged or stepped back. "If you were high as a damned kite maybe you would have noticed them... hrmmm? You listening? Brushes?" He glared particularly hard at one guard who seemed to just slink back and sit down out of sight behind the bar.

"That's still a lot... a whole lot...." Oso grumbled loudly as he looked through his bags.

"Well, tell you what... This place you want to go to is empty... completely dead... literally nothing but radiation and blizzards... well.. and wraiths... Buuuut..." Reaper smiled looking them over. "I'm a sucker for adventure... and a sucker for big strong birbs..." He purred and rubbed up against Oso who quickly took a step back letting Reaper plop onto the ground. But instead of standing back up he rolled over playfully. "If you show me something awesome down that way... I'll waive the return fee... But it's gotta be awesome!"

Reaper groaned and reached into his pack. "Does it have to be caps?"

The Pegasus smiled from his spot on the floor. "No.. of course not.. weapons, medicine, chems, food... or ... favors..." He purred the last word playfully sticking out his tongue at Oso. But Oso simply pulled out a small brick of solid gold and dropped it on the floor in front of him.

Reaper blinked and picked it up before hefting it to Octave he gave it a soft bite and close look. "It's real... and pure... very pure..."

Reaper smiled. "This is more than enough... consider me fully and properly hired... I mean... wow... hee ... ok then... it's a bit late... would you like to stay the night? Leave immediately? Or perhaps I'll just meet you in the morning? Regardless, I will lead you all to your location and protect your booties and this sweet cinnamon roll!" He hugged up Lexi before dropping her near carelessly on the ground.

Oso cleared his throat and gestured to Lexi and Fobwatch. "You two head back to camp... Tell Croce what happened and make sure he's ok. I'll be here to give him the lowdown on what to expect then meet you out there." He turned back to Reaper who batted his eyelashes happily, putting on a dreamy 'lost in each other's eyes' look.

Lexi and Fobwatch stepped out, but Lexi was nearly 100% certain Oso was still glaring untrustingly at Fobwatch as they left.

They found Croce in a tree glaring down at them. He seemed to scan the skyline before finally coming down. "Did you find him?"

Fobwatch nodded with a twitching eye. "Yes... and we got attacked... I'm going to need my revolver back..."

Croce scoffed but looked at him as if expecting he was joking, then he looked to Lexi who looked up at the Griffon. "It's true... we were in deep trouble... it would have been a LOT better if he was armed... Can you just give the gun back?"

Croce grumbled and hesitantly tossed the heavy revolver to the ground in front of them, but it didn't hit the ground. Floating in Fobwatch's magic he holstered it with a sigh and Croce looked to Lexi. "So what's this about an attack?"

"Oh... We found your guy, hired him, and... well this armored pony came out and attacked us. It looked like he was going specifically for me." Lexi pawed at the dirt but when she looked back up Croce had a look that she didn't expect. He looked almost ashamed.

"Aye... But you're alright?" Croce's beak clenched and he breathed a little easier as Lexi nodded. "Alright, but from now on stay close ok? I can't have my record being stained by you running off and getting yourself killed."

The heavy thud behind them had them all whip around with wide eyes and nearly drawn weapons. But as Oso towered over them they slowly relaxed. "Yes... we were careless, Fobwatch even told us we were being followed, and we still spread out giving them a very clear method of attacking."

Croce looked behind Oso then again scanned the skies. "He's not... here is he?"

Oso rolled his eyes. "No, he's going to meet us in a predetermined location once we pass on information to Tyrin. And you!" He glared at Croce. "Next time you tell us EXACTLY what we are looking for and you're coming with us!"

"Hey!" The smaller Griffon growled. "Isn't it enough we have to take him along? I mean, If there was literally any other way..."

"Can you guys really not find it on your own?" Lexi started to unplug from her armor as she spoke, but Oso stopped her with a firm grip.

"Well... 'I' can't... and I don't know how to get you guys there alive... But I think Tyrin and Yin can find it."

"Then why don't we go with them?!" Croce's voice strained in anger. He very clearly did not want to spend time with Reaper.

"Because, not even they can get me there alive. They... they're special, I can't really describe it. But as tough as I am, Tyrin is way above me in combat, and Yin... goodness... Yin is..." He looked down at the bright curious eyes of Lexi and shook his head as he patted her and chuckled. "They're just special... we need a way for us specifically."

"Well..." Croce pushed himself between Fobwatch and Lexi. "Let's get back to base... I'm eager to get all this crap done."

Fobwatch stepped back and nodded. "Indeed, the sooner this part of yer mission is done, the sooner I might get a bit of reading done on a book our fine lass here might be able to provide fer me."

"Aye... Pack it up.. we're heading out immediately." Oso gestured to Croce who with some eyeing at Fobwatch moved to pack up camp.

It was a short few minutes before they were off back towards their little base where Tyrin was no doubt drinking his angry self to sleep. Oso paused for a moment and looked back at Fobwatch. There was some frustration in his voice as he slowed a little to come along side the Unicorn.

"Thank you... for keeping her safe. I'm still not sure I can fully trust you, but I feel at least I can trust you with her. But if you betray that trust... I'll give you to Tyrin, and he will likely kill you very VERY slowly... ok?" Oso's words were calm and cold, but to Lexi's surprise Fobwatch simply nodded, he didn't seem concerned at all, he just patiently listened even as Oso continued. "... and on that subject. Stay out of Tyrin's way. If he asks anything, don't make eye contact and just tell him that you're with Lexi, apologize and get out of the way. He's not the safest to be around."

Fobwatch nodded. "Understood. I'll keep to me’self."

The rest of the trip was relatively silent, and eventually as they came close to the basecamp, they ran into someone familiar. Or rather, Oso did. It took a few moments for Lexi to overcome the familiar trance before she could tell he had stopped and started talking with Yin. The perception masking magic was something she recognized so quickly but it still felt utterly alien to her.

She grumbled at the odd magical command Yin seemed to have over her perception. She looked to Croce who looked drunk with the perception blocking magic gunking up his senses and leaving him nearly docile and helpless. But unlike Croce, Fobwatch looked far more aware and squinted at Yin as if he was fighting against the magic. But the biggest thing on her mind was that the magic wasn't just blocking Lexi's ability to see him clearly, she also couldn't hear either Yin or Oso. In fact, she was still not entirely sure it was actually Yin. She felt safe assuming it but as she couldn't actually see or properly hear him, she only guessed it was the odd wooden pony and his strange magic.

She blinked and noticed that it was night. It had been a few hours away from Reaper's bar, but there was at least another hour or so of sunlight left. The inability to see through the magic infuriated her. "What's up? Where is Tyrin and Yin?"

Oso shook his head and sighed. "They're already on their way. Tyrin was in a very bad mood so... we decided to skip introducing him to Fobwatch or telling him about Reaper."

Fobwatch raised a hoof and waited patiently. It brought about an odd silence before Oso nodded to him and he pointed at Yin with a squint. "Yeah... what the hell is that?"

Yin chuckled finally letting himself be heard. "We have another sharp one... Don't worry... I'm just a tree..."

Fobwatch inched forward still squinting, obviously focusing very hard to try and see through the perception magic. But before he got too close, suddenly the magic and Yin were gone. Fobwatch grumbled and came to the ground where Yin was and looked about frustrated as if he expected to find the tree pony creature just hiding somewhere in plain sight.

"Don't bother, he's not someone you can just find." Oso gestured up north and started walking. It didn't take long before Lexi scurried along to catch up and was followed by Fobwatch and Croce.

"What exactly is that guy?" Croce mumbled as they continued along.

Oso smiled and shrugged. "Honestly... even I don't know..."

Lexi's mind churned, she really wondered too. But she was pretty sure that Oso was intentionally misleading them all when it came to Yin, and possibly when it came to himself and the others. It certainly bothered her, but like with the MoM before the bombs, and like the world now, there was nothing she could do about it. So, with her armor powering her up the path, she caught up to Oso, and soon the pattering noise of Croce and Fobwatch caught up as well.

The trip was surprisingly silent, a few glances back at Croce and Fobwatch made Lexi's stomach sink. She knew that Fobwatch clearly didn't like Reaper fawning over him and making advances, but she knew Croce was very prideful, and he had outright refused to go with them when they had gone to see Reaper the first time. It was his idea to begin with, and he was opposed to it.

She grimaced hoping deep inside that fights wouldn't break out, she didn't want to see it and she figured that Oso would have no patience for it. He always seemed very orderly and calm, but she had seen his reaction to violence. He was extremely efficient, but not gentle. She could easily see Reaper getting konked a few times a day.

She sighed, the whole ordeal was still so surreal. It hadn't been all that long since she last saw the world full of ponies with deep blue skies in old Equestria. So much had changed so very quickly, and more than just the world ending. She could feel the muscles in her legs burn, despite the armor doing most of the work. She had honestly never felt such strain before and she was almost certain that if it was before the world ended she would have given up ten times before noon today alone.

She flustered, not sure whether to be concerned about how much she had changed even if it was for the better or to be happy that she had survived so far. If she was being honest with herself, she was extremely surprised she was alive, but she attributed it almost entirely to her new friends. The whole thing made her stomach sink, thinking about her own death and her minuscule chances of survival without her friends. She shook her head and fussed more.

"Ye alright love?" She felt a hoof on her armored shoulder and she flinched. Looking to Fobwatch who smiled warmly.

She couldn't help but to smile warmly right back, but flustered and nearly fell off balance as she was about to answer, only to have Croce stand up between them glaring Fobwatch down.

But Fobwatch stood back and blinked before remarking with a soft gesture. "Yer hittin that?"

Lexi went beat red and Croce sputtered nearly grabbing his gun before to Fobwatch's surprise, a massive set of talons gripped over his shoulders and physically placed him on the other side of Oso.

"I'm not your mom... but I will separate you two if you don't play nice..." Oso glared ahead flaring his wings to keep them from even looking at each other.

"I'm not an enemy, at the very least, until I can read the book at least once, I'm along for the ride and I'll help in every way I can." Fobwatch's tone was soft despite having been so forcefully been moved so quickly.

"I'm her bodyguard, I keep creeps away from her!" Croce spat angrily, but instantly jumped back as a set of oversized talons reached for him too only just barely missing him.

"Go scout ahead if you have that much energy." Oso's talons shifted to a commanding finger as he gestured ahead. But Croce didn't get to answer before he nearly dove under Oso at the sound of the singsong voice.

"Oh BIRRRRRRBYYYYY" A red form dove from above and Oso caught Reaper with an open grasp. Why the Pegasus had chosen trust fall from so high to someone he had only just met hours before was a mystery, but as he made kissy faces to Oso, he was promptly dropped.

"I see you made it... You couldn't have waited where we agreed?" Oso looked down at the red form prone on the ground.

"I went to the meeting place... but I got bored and there was other things I needed to do. I had a few supplies to gather and I really wanted to see.... oh!... OH!... Birby boy..." Reaper's eyes shifted from Oso to Croce who cringed and staggered back as if the Pegasus was a hellhound that vomited acid and lava. "It WAS you... Oh, I'm so happy..."

Croce slowly started to backpedal. "Don't you say a damned thing! We didn't have a choice, we needed guide... that's ALL we needed..."

Reaper smirked and fluttered his wings. "But you remembered me... and methinks you should remember your debt..."

"I don't owe you shit you little fruit..." Croce was now backpedaling hard as Reaper pounced playfully forward in the chilly air.

"Oh... you lost the brawl fair and square, you owe me a kiss..." Reaper began each playful pounce forward with a cat like wiggle of his rear.

"It was 50 caps not a fucking kiss!" On the next pounce Croce finally broke into a half run half flying break for some cover.

"You said some mean things and you never gave me the caps... so with interest... it's now a kiss..." Reaper simply gave a loose glide with occasional leaps to follow Croce.

"FUCK YOU!" Croce started a full retreat.

"Oh? If you insist!" Reaper spoke with a loud purr as he started after the fleeing Griffon

But like lighting Oso snatched Reaper out of the air, his talons gripping at a metal harness he seemed to be wearing along with his folded scythe. "You can get that nonsense later.... you're our guide, how do we get into the glowing sea during winter without dying?"

Reaper fussed and made his best pouting face before he answered, not objecting at Oso simply manhandling him off the ground. "It's a special chem I made... literally just antifreeze safe to drink... but it will only protect you from the cold, it won't save you from the wraiths..."

"Ok... Probably one of those questions that sound obvious... but what's a wraith?" Lexi's question seemed to break some of the tension.

Oso set Reaper down and introduced his talon to his snout to keep him from trying to kiss. "I don't really know, I don't think anyone knows exactly. To my knowledge, they're some sort of Ghouls, but they are likely caught forever between sentient and feral. They are very clearly highly intelligent, very resourceful and almost always wearing advanced pre war gear. But they attack on sight, at least within proximity. And they are absolutely relentless. High levels of strength and speed, crazy high regeneration. And it's just a rumor, but they're all supposed to be the remains of various royal guard special forces."

Reaper nodded. "They are unique to the Glowing Tundra. And they are the LAST thing you want to fight. I've seen one tear a pony in half... power armor and all. And that was AFTER I cut two of its legs off." He paused before fluttering his eyes at Fobwatch who uncomfortably stepped back. Oso however planted a hand on his back to keep the flirtatious pony still. He grumbled and sat. "We never do what I want to do."

"Did you bring the chems with you?" Oso spoke very straight forward and Reaper nodded.

"I have enough for myself and five others for a complete round trip plus five extra days... it's some potent stuff. The only thing you need is extra water... this stuff's kinda hard on your kidneys." Reaper smiled and hefted a small bag full of inhalers.

Oso nodded and sighed. Closing his eyes he seemed to focus for a moment before finally opening his eyes and leveling his gaze at Reaper. "Ok... how do we start?"

Reaper giggled and grinned near maniacally. "That's the fun part... we're using that!" He pointed over Oso's shoulder and everyone present turned to look. "I wasn't here ONLY because I was waiting for you..."

Croce looked uneasy, Fobwatch almost looked like he was rethinking following them at all, and Oso just sighed. "If it works..."

Footnote: Level 7 Achieved.

Perk added: Duck and cover. You are now more well versed in the simple act of taking cover, you gain +5 damage threshold when you have full cover.

Perk evolved: Mysterious stranger has evolved. Every time you activate SATS, Fobwatch enters with you.

You may now travel with Fobwatch and Reaper.

This fanfiction is based on Fallout Equestria by Kkat, Fallout Equestria Pink Eyes by Mimezinga and Fallout Equestria Project Horizons by Somber; a familiarity with the source material may aid your understanding.

Author - Sanguine Eyes

Chapter editor - Currently N/A

Earl: Concept artist, Proof reader.

Nick Valentine: Artist

Crimmharmony: Artist

Author's Notes: