Chapter 6-5: Open Air Irritation

It’s so fluffy! I’m gonna die!

Try as I might, I could not disengage myself from the entangling softness of the creature’s woollen fibers. They cocooned over and around me, pinning me to the ground. I could barely see through the fabric at the battle that was still ensuing between the trio of monsters and my two earth pony companions. What I could see, and feel, was that with every breath, in and out, my strong-but-flexible prison contracted around me. This meant there was less breathable air for me, and I was starting to feel it.

I’m on my back, and getting hotter, and I’m going to die...

Through the ever-decreasing gaps in my wool cage, I could see Bosco and Schwarz dancing around, trying to get a tranquiliser dart on our hybrid spider-sheep quarry. These three Tarantubaas, bearing natural wool armour in hues of pink, purple or blue, were almost as big as a pony and their eight fuzzy legs allowed them incredible flexibility of movement. They could turn on a bit and their curving horns could hook and gouge.

It was these same horns on that bastard pink one slashing across my thigh that slowed me enough that the other two, in a stunning display of pack cooperation, were able to swoop in and restrain me so.

Momentarily out of the fight, I could only watch as tranq after tranq lodged uselessly in the bushy coats of the bugs rather than penetrating. Schwarzwald’s narrow avoidance of a horn across the belly caused me to take deep breath... or try to. Panic set in as I realised just how poor the low the quality and quantity of air had dropped.

“H-Help! I can’t breathe!”

“We’re coming! Hold on!” The voice was muffled through the cocoon. I couldn’t tell who it was.

Each breath I took in felt emptier. I hammered my Power Hooves against the shrinking shell but the wool just contorted around them, bending but not breaking.

Schwarzwald! Bosco! Wings! Help me! I began to hyperventilate. My heart was thudding in my ears and black was creeping into the edges of my vision. I couldn’t tell what was going on outside anymore.

Not until Bosco’s knife plunged through the constricting cocoon an inch to the right of my eye. Fresh air flooded in behind it. I made good use of my newly-filled lungs by screaming my head off.

“SNOWFLAKE, SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF THERE! We need you!” Hauling me out of the trap, he dragged me towards where Schwarzwald was forcing the three beasts back with short bursts of rifle fire.

“Make it quick, dahlings, bullets are expensive!”

Bosco shook me by the shoulders. “Get it together! We need you to get in close and use your Power Hooves to stun them. We can tranq them after that.”

My lungs were still trying to take in as much air as possible, which interrupted my words. “B-but th-they’ll get me a-again!”

Without taking her eyes or guns off the creatures, Schwarz’s hoof whipped back and slapped me. “Adapt and survive, Snowflake!”

“DO IT!” Bosco shoved me forward past the mare.

“A-Aaahh!” I let panic propel me forward until I somehow slammed a charged Hoof into the forehead of the blue Tarantubaa, who instantly crumpled, curling its eight legs up above it.

Bosco was right there besides me with the tranq gun, pumping a round into the soft, non-fluffy underbelly of the bug. “Great Snow, just like that.”

Like what? Did I do that?

The baying of the purple Tarantubaa snapped us back to reality as it evaded the burstfire from Schwarzwald’s guns and rushed us. Panicked, I stuck my hooves out in front of me. The monster didn’t even slow down, the horns grinding against the weaponry. The fluffy purple thing’s bulk sent me flopping back but the brief contract of its horns had triggered the discharge of my Power Hooves, shunting the beast face-first into the dirt.

Another quick shot from Bosco and it stayed down. That just left the pink one...

...which Schwarzwald was currently riding, rodeo-style. “Nhaha! Such fun. I should keep you as a pet!” The Tarantubaa was apparently less than thrilled with this idea, as it was squealing and bucking, shifting and juking, doing whatever it could to force the pony off its back.

Now that my breathing had stabilised, and the other two were out for the count, I saw a ripe opportunity to end this quickly. “Schwarzwald, bring it over here!”

Grinning like a madpony, she grabbed hold of the left horn and yanked the creature around towards me. I had my fully charged Power Hoof wound back, apprehensively waiting for the hopping and bouncing bug to come closer.

I can finally find Wings and get some answers.

The moment the beast came into range I swung my hoof, uppercutting as hard as I could. The impact sent tremors along my foreleg, and caused 5 of the Tarantubaa’s 8 legs to leave the ground.

Before the balance was fully disrupted, Schwarzwald triple-tapped 3 darts into its neck, then hopped off and let it crash to the ground.

I dissipated the charge and removed my Power Hooves, then surveyed the battlefield. These nesting grounds were in a sheltered canyon, out of the wind, where the Tarantubaas could weave wool webs across the jagged outcroppings. The cocoon they had trapped me in was slashed in two and had shrunk to the size of my head.

Thanks for getting me out of there, Bosco. I’d be dead right now if you hadn’t.

“Can we fetch the poachers and get out of here? We do have a schedule to keep.” Bosco’s gruff request reminded me of Naiara and Breeze. I really wondered how I’d resolve things between Breeze and her sister.

“Then we certainly shan’t keep you.” The voice was feminine, refined and measured. Certainly not Schwarzwald’s voice. Standing at the top of the rock wall was a petite earth mare flanked by hulking, leathery-skinned unicorn and earth pony stallions. The mare’s elaborate, expensive-looking light-blue dress complimented her amber coat and sienna mane. The clothing also served to highlight her jade eyes. Her stallion companions were dressed in heavy cloth with body armour showing underneath. A far more sensible approach than the mare’s frankly unsuitable apparel.

If I were still in the Stable, I might have thought her dress was sky-blue, I glanced at the clouds overhead, not so much these days.

Schwarzwald waved jauntily. “Amber, my dear, you came to find us, and wearing such a pretty dress too. I knew you cared.”

Affecting an air of dignified disaproval, the upper-class pony wrinkled her nose at the mercenary. “Your overt, overly-friendly mannerisms are refreshing as always, Schwarzwald. Have you completed the task I assigned you?”

The scarred mare had flipped over the sedated pink Tarantubaa and was reclining on the soft wool covering its body, completely unconcerned with the fact that Amber was, for the moment, her employer. “I understand, Amber-dahling, you must be all-business in front of your boys. You can show me how much you appreciate me taking time from my busy schedule to assist you later when we are alone. Though how could I not help you, when you are so pretty and you ask so nicely?”

Amber was stone-faced, refusing to play Schwarzwald’s game. “I count three specimens. Very good. I shall have my staff prepare your payment. Of course I will provide a reward for the assistance of your two companions...”

She broke off expectantly. Schwarzwald said nothing and continued to recline, while Bosco and I just looked at her, unsure of how to respond.

Finally, after an increasingly-awkward silence, she spoke again. “Forgive me, I sometimes forget my education has been different from most ponies. I wish to know your names, though I shall introduce myself first,” she gave a quick curtsy, taking care to keep her clothing from touching the ground, “I am Lady Amber Bernstein, head of the Bernstein Conclave...”

“She loves to make it sound so impressive.” Schwarzwald drawled from her makeshift pillow.

“...and I thank you for your help in obtaining these creatures for me. Might I have your names?” Finished the mare, pointedly not responding to the interruption.

“Bosco.” Though he addressed Amber when he spoke, his attention was far more on her dozen stoic followers.

I found myself wondering why she would be out here in the wilderness dressed that like, but answered when her gaze fell on me. “I’m Snowflake. Nice to meet you.”

Amber inclined her head slightly. “A pleasure. Your assistance is greatly appreciated in this matter,” she turned to Bosco, “you were also on-hoof in the forest near Cefar, were you not?”

“Uh, yeah. Is that a problem?” He remained on guard, as if anticipating trouble from her entourage.

Amber, herself, made no indication of intent one way or another. Her tone seemed intentionally flat. “Not at all. I am simply surprised to see Schwarzwald use the same... subordinate more than once, even when the assignments are in such close proximity.”

Am I imagining it, or is she not happy about that?

Amber continued. “Schwarzwald is a... respected agent,”

“I won’t work for you full time, Amber-dahling, I have told you this.” Came the bored reply from within the Tarantubaa fluff.

Again, the minute drooping of the eyes gave the slightest hint of discontent, “...and I believe it would be beneficial to invite her assistants with our future endeavours. Our work here is not the only zoological enterprise we are concerned with.”

“Uh...what?” Bosco didn’t seem sure whether he was being praised or not.

“There is not much I can divulge at this time, but suffice it to say that the prize of my collection is a far rarer and more fascinating creature. I would need the most capable aid in capturing one, and perhaps more.” Amber’s eyes had strayed towards me and Schwarz during this speech before fixing back on Bosco. “Naturally Schwarzwald will be hired for this task. Would you be interested? I assure you that you will be thoroughly compensated.”

Even the prospect of a heap of bits didn’t put the charcoal colt at ease when being looked down upon by a baker’s dozen of ponies. “Sorry, Amber...”

“Lady Bernstein.” She interjected sharply, eliciting a chuckle from Schwarzwald.

“...Lady Bernstein, but I can’t be sure I’ll be available. If Schwarzwald wants me to come along she can come find me herself at the time.” Bosco’s tone was pretty blunt by the end.

“What do you need all these animals for, anyway?” It had been bugging me for a while. Who would actually want a Molar Bear, or these Tarantubaas?

‘Lady Bernstein’ only really seemed to notice my presence at this point. “Well... Snowflake, was it? My client has expressed interest in exotic lifeforms, and though they wish to remain nameless-”

“Red Eye.” Deadpanned Schwarzwald.

As I choked on my spit and Bosco did a double-take, Amber gaped at Schwarzwald. “How could you possibly know?”

Oh crap. These guys work for Red Eye. Oh no no no. I don’t want anything to do with slavers. I don’t care if they’re not from Plottawa. Red Eye’s probably pissed about the confusion of Red Ice attacking Peanut.

Scharzwald’s face emerged from the fluff, grinning wildly, but she held her tongue.

“Tell me!” There was no response. Amber began stomping the ground with her elegant shoes. “Tellmetellmetellmetellme!!”

“Lady Bernstein...” The other poachers were looking entirely uncomfortable at this point.

I, meanwhile, attempted to keep my own freakout underwraps, though I was trading worried glances with Bosco every few seconds.

Seeing their discomfort, the cultured Lady gathered herself, and within seconds was once again the refined, upper-class mare. “Yes, well, you are correct. Red Eye’s organisation has hired us to collect the creatures. I do not know what for, nor do I care to ask. They pay well and on time. So long as they continue to do so, I shall consider them a valuable business partner.”

“And what about Red Ice? Did they ask you about her?” I went cold. Schwarzwald was having entirely too much fun with the poachers, and going too far was going to get us all killed.

Amber’s brow crinkled in dignified confusion. “The rogue? Not in any great detail. Though it is no secret that Red Eye is uncomfortable with a dangerous reprobate using such a confusing moniker to trade on his name. All I have been asked to do in that regard is to send anypony seeking Red Eye in her direction, with a promise of riches paid on arrival. When they meet her, and find her unwilling to pay, it is expected that there will be violence.”

Oh come on! I don’t need this. I just wanted to find a couple of caravan guards and get my Memory Orb fixed.

“That’s... a pretty roundabout way to deal with the problem.” Bosco was trying to appear nonchalant, and utterly failing.

Amber’s gaze remained on Schwarzwald though. “I agree. However, Red Eye cannot be seen to devote any sense of effort to this matter.”

“Why not?” I had to ask, to see if there was any way I could get out of this situation. Latvi was probably in Plottawa right now. There was no way I would stay hidden for long.

“To acknowledge this criminal is to give her legitimacy. Red Eye’s organisation has no wish to increase the profile of some reprobate. It would do nothing but enhance her reputation.”

I think I had Bosco beat in how closely I was watching the poachers, but I still felt like I could breathe a sigh of relief at this point.

“Something of a pity, that...”

Assuming, of course, that Schwarzwald could keep her mouth shut.

Amber sniffed derisively. “And what do you mean by that?”

Taking her sweet time to stand up, Schwarz had a huge smile on her face. “Well, you see, dear Amber, I happen to know that Sn-”

“DON’T YOU DARE!!” I had my hooves clamped over the mare’s muzzle before any of the poachers could blink. I literally dragged my companion away, with Bosco following close behind. In moments, we were out of their sight.

“Uh…” We heard the poachers say together as they stared after us.

~~~~~~

“How long are you going to be mad at me, dahling?”

We were back at the outcropping where I’d first met Breeze and Cassie. After leaving Amber and her poachers with their prize, we headed for Lethbridle, where Schwarzwald visited a transmitter station and sent a message to Wings, asking her to meet. Nowhere in the message was it mentioned that myself or Bosco would be there. I couldn’t risk Wings not showing up. Neither could Bosco, it wasn’t yet noon but today was still the day when he was supposed to meet Naiara. This would have to work, and quickly.

After sending the message, we’d headed out. I chose the canyon-side location as it provided a hiding place for Bosco and I while Schwarzwald was still close enough that she couldn’t get away. We’d made sure to arrive an hour before the scheduled meeting time, giving us time to set up and look out for any problems.

So long as Cassie doesn’t spot us from a mile out. Her eyes are just crazy.

So here we were, the faint rumble of the water down in the canyon serving as a constant reminder of exactly how things went wrong the last time I was here. I kept finding myself rubbing the scar from Cassie’s rifle. At least I knew what she was capable of this time, Wings too. They wouldn’t surprise me again.

“I said I was sorry. Oh, come out and talk to me, Snowflake. It’s no fun waiting here in silence.”

I’m not sure SHE will ever stop surprising me.

“Schwarz, shut up, will you? You’ll give us away. It’s not exactly keeping your word if you blow the whole deal before we can get a chance!” Bosco was no happier about almost being outed in front of a dozen dangerous hunters. He’d been quietly fuming ever since.

I was touched by the support. I needed him here. I might get swept up into Schwarz’s pace if he wasn’t.

A less-than-anxious chuckle was the answer. “Oh please, you heard Amber. They would not have made a move against you. They had no reason to. Not to mention that, sweet girl though she is, Amber is not quick on the uptake. And even if one of her little colts had understood, she would not have paid attention. Dear Amber does not listen to others much.”

Funny, I thought she was hanging on your words. “I still don’t appreciate you taking the risk with MY secret, and certainly not when Bosco, and you, could have gotten hurt.”

“So you DO care! I’m so happy!”

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” Muttered my sane friend, before making sure the non-descript sheet we were hiding under was properly placed.

“Just please don’t ruin this for me. I don’t have any other way to find her. If this doesn’t work, I might never get my Pipbuck back,” I let the genuine sadness of those thoughts bleed into my words while at the same time I tried to think up a reason that would convince her, “if that happens... then I won’t... be... any fun for you anymore?”

The mare was silent for several minutes as she mulled this over. I was almost ready to come out from hiding for fear she’d somehow snuck away when she finally answered in a reflective tone. “Good point. Now I advise silent, dahlings, they will be here soon.”

I hunkered down a little deeper under the cover, my shoulder pressed up against Bosco. He didn’t appear to notice. The bed at Hoofshine Harlots this was not. Unlike Schwarzwald, he knew when to get serious.

“Snow?” The whisper broke my concentration.

“Yeah, Bosco?”

“I know this is tough, but you know I’ll do whatever it takes to help you out. Even... if things go badly.” He was being supportive but there was an edge there, “I really hope this works out but... you may have to face the thought of not going home. It’s not perfect, it’s not what you want, but it may be the best you can do.”

I know, Bosco. I’ve known since Whinniepeg. It’s always been there, in the back of my mind, waiting for quiet moments. I’m just... not ready to talk about it yet.

My lack of response forced him to continue. “If it comes to that, I dunno what I can really do for you, but I’ll do whatever I can. I owe you.”

No you don’t. You’d have seen the Orbs someday whether I was here or not. Now that you have, I’m still dragging you into dangerous situations. You’ll never owe me anything again. But, and I’m really really sorry about this, I’m going to be selfish and keep dragging for a little while longer. I’ll make it up to you if we survive, I promise.

I wondered if I should just go ahead and say all that, let him walk away now.

“Thanks, Bosco.” Instead, I proved my own pettiness.

Two thuds came from above us. Schwarz was stomping on the rock. That was the signal that she could see Wings. I let out the breath I didn’t realise I’d been holding, then stilled myself as much as possible. Beside me, Bosco did the same.

It was an eternity in two minutes before I heard the clackclack of two claws touching down. Her soft backpaws made no sound that I could hear, but the four thuds that followed after told me that Wings was not alone. Cassie was still with her.

Unless she picked up a different Pegasus along the way. I kinda doubt it though.

“You made good time, Wings. Who is this lovely you’ve brought with you?”

“Hey Schwarz, this is Cassio... Cassiopie... Cassiopei... this is Cassie.”

“Nice to meet you, miss Schwarzwald, I am Cassiopeia Venatici. Wings has mentioned you several times. I am glad I get to see the mare behind the name.”

“Oh?” Schwarzwald was already hiding her laughter, “And what has dear Wings told you about me, Cassie-dahling?”

“The term ‘scary but fun’ seemed to be the most common analysis.” Cassie was so very different from her sister. She was all politeness while Breeze was unfailingly direct, forsaking niceties entirely.

“Do I frighten you, dear Cassiopeia? I’m sure I could find a way to... ease your fears.”

Wings jumped in before Cassie could be drawn into innudendo-filled banter. “Ah, knock it off already, Schwarzwald. Tell me what’s up, why’d you call me?”

Now we get to see how well Schwarzwald can act.

“Oh, very well. Here is the situation. I have been hired to capture rare and unusual creatures for a powerful pony.” I could appreciate that opening. She could back that up with plenty without telling Wings about us.

“So?” ‘Polite interest’ best described how excited Wings sounded.

“This pony works for Red Eye. This pony also considers a Molar Bear one of the less-intriguing creatures on the list,”

Wait, is she selling out Amber to Wings? Why?

“I thought this sort of thing might be of interest to you, Blue Fire.”

I was momentarily incensed. Blue Fire? BLUE FIRE?! Wings stole my bit. That is such a rip-off of Re-wait, no... I remember now, there was something about a Blue Fire in the DJ’s broadcast, he said she was a Pegasus though. The wings must’ve fooled eyewitnesses.

“Somehow, I do not think that creatures of that caliber in Red Eye’s hooves would be a good idea. Perhaps you might wish to liberate them? After I collect them and get paid of course, I would not deprive dear Amber of my company.”

Wings cares about wildlife? Seriously? Or does she just not like Red Eye?

“Yeah, that sounds like something I can get behind. Anything else happen while I was away?”

“No, nothing important. I see that you made a new friend but what other trouble have you gotten up to while my eyes were elsewhere, young lady?”

“Nothing special, mom.” Good humour laced Wing’s words.

They infuriated me.

Nothing special?!

I tried to shrug off the sheet and rise but Bosco clamped down on my shoulder. “Snow, don’t!” He whispered urgently. I struggled against his grip but he held tight. Eventually, I realised he was right, I didn’t know anything more at this point and revealing myself would be meaningless, so I choked down my anger and remained still.

“Well then, how did you meet this cute Venatici girl?” Schwarzwald pressed.

“She... helped me out, and I owe her. That’s pretty much all I can say for now.” Wings was less jovial with this than she had been.

“Secrecy is not like you, dahling, what have you been up to, I wonder?”

Schwarzwald’s question went unanswered as Cassie piped up. “I am sorry, Miss Schwarzwald, but it is in your best interests to ask nothing more on the matter,” I almost chuckled at trying to warn Schwarzwald away from anything before she continued, this time addressing Wings, “I don’t mean to be rude but I’d like to get going as soon as possible, we have what we need from Red Ice.”

There it is. I nudged Bosco, who nodded back. Setting aside the camouflage, we quietly moved to the lip of the rock. Gazing over the rim, I could see the backs of the two flyers as they faced the mercenary. They were only a few meters away, we could rush them now and have a chance to take them!

Meanwhile, Schwarzwald attempted to keep up the charade. “You met Red Ice? How fun! Was she what you expected?”

Wings matched mirth with mirth. “Actually, you’ll never believe who it is...”

“She might!” I called as I ran out of patience. Springing up from our hiding place, Bosco and I formed a pincer with Schwarzwald on the other side, trapping Wings and Cassie in the middle.

“Snowflake!” The griffon’s head whipped around, eyes wide. Cassie matched her expression as she too faced me.

“Give me back my Pipbuck and Memory Orb, right now!” No more games. No more moping. I was going to get Stable 61 back, and I was going to do it myself! Learning to survive the life I led started with getting my old life back from these two thieves.

Cassie spoke first. “I am truly sorry, Red Ice, but I cannot relinquish those items to you yet. I still need them.” Her words were firm but, like in Whinniepeg, there was no enthusiasm there. What was happening here? What was her stake in all this? If she didn’t want this then what did she want that would drive her to this?

Wings was less ambivalent. “I don’t owe you any more favours, Snowflake. You might be my friend, but I won’t give up the Pipbuck.” Her eyes were blazing again, like in the snow with the Raiders and in Vanchoofer. The azure irises stood out sharply.

Blue Fire, I see it now.

“Explain why you did it, and give me back the Pipbuck and Orb, and we won’t have to fight you.” I still couldn’t completely hate them, either of them, yet. I didn’t hate Cassie mostly for Breeze’s sake, and Wings... well I didn’t have many friends.

Wings’ smile was confident, but sad. “Fight us? You? Bosco might be a fighter but you sure as hell aren’t!” She laid a claw on one of her holstered revolvers, “Back off, Snowflake, while you still can. There’s no way you two can take us three.”

Cassie’s briefly buoyed confidence soon turned to dismay as Schwarzwald strolled between the two and took up station in front of Bosco and I, facing Wings. “About that, Wings, I have heard much of what has gone on between you all, and it is so fascinating that I want to see what happens next. So, I shall be helping out dear Snowflake this time. I hope you don’t mind.”

The “oh hell” expression the chocolate-and-cream avian wore said more than words could.

“Bosco, take Cassie.” I spoke out of the corner of my mouth, not taking my eyes off Wings.

“Got it.” He was all business again, grey eyes hard and body ready for action. Seeing him squaring off with her, Cassie’s bracers opened and her weaponry emerged. Her wickedly sharp switchblade snapped out of the left armour, to which Bosco drew his own knife in response, and then a long black cord, last seen around my neck, poured from the right armlet.

Schwarzwald squealed in delight. “A whip! She has a whip! Oh, I will fight this one! Oh yesss...” Her manic glee unnerved all of us, except Wings who simply seemed to expect it, while the older mare skipped over to face the pegasus.

“Don’t kill her, you two,” I warned them, hoping that Schwarzwald would listen, “I still need to get my stuff back.”

“Of course not. Wouldn’t want a fight to be simple or anything...” Sighed Bosco wearily.

“You could not pay me enough to kill this one, not yet.”

“Don’t kill them either, Cassie,” Wings retorted, “if things look dicey just get out of here. I’ll follow.”

“I won’t let you.” I warned.

Cassie ignored me. “I understand. Are you sure you can take her, Wings?”

“She couldn’t take me even without holding off from killing. Oh yeah, this’ll be over quick.”

I didn’t respond but I was totally focused on her now. Cassie was a capable fighter but Bosco could hold his own just fine and Schwarzwald outclassed both of them. With the two of them, Cassie would not be interfering.

That left me with just Wings to worry about. She had the aerial superiority over me and was great with her pistols, especially while drunk, whereas I could not hit a damn thing and didn’t even carry a gun anymore. I would have to rely on my Power Hooves, with which I had only managed one successful strike, on a Hissyflit of all things, and my magic, which I was still less than confident of controlling properly. Things were not looking that good.

How was I going to beat Wings? She was still smirking at me, waiting for me to make the first move, though her eyes did flick to the side momentarily as Cassie’s whip cracked...

...followed by Schwarzwald’s moan. “Harder, dahling. Make me feel it!”

“S-stay away!” Poor Cassie had no idea what she was in for.

Wings’ confidence was worrying, though warranted. She’d been born in the Wasteland, Raiders and slavers and other threats were everyday occurrences. She’d grown strong enough to fight back. I’d seen firsthoof that she didn’t just rely on Schwarzwald for protection. She hadn’t yet drawn her pistols but her claws looked plenty sharp, and even with her small frame, I was sure she could throw plenty of strength at me.

So, to sum up; faster, stronger, a better fighter and she can fly. Did I miss anything out? Oh, yeah, she’s not above fighting dirty either. What do I do?

I had only fought one other griffon properly and that was McCoy. The childish shoving-and-scratching with bullies back in Stable 61 wasn’t likely to help me much here, so McCoy was really all I had to fall back on. There were, unfortunately, several big differences. I’d gotten the drop on McCoy, and he was fighting indoors, so his wings limited him as much as they aided him. I’d taken his gun away from him by sending my ice along the walls, and there were no walls here.

I needed to use my ice, even if I was at a loss as to how. It was the only edge I had on her. Back when I met her the first time, I’d frozen Raider guns through instinct, and the only time I’d tried it outside of battle, in the bath in Hoofshine, it had knocked me out cold. I couldn’t afford that here. I needed a new idea.

“You gonna stand there all day? Blue Fire’s waiting. Come at me, Red Ice!” Wings was in a combat stance, but her muscles were completely relaxed. Not a trace of tension was on show.

No great ideas were coming to mind, probably because I didn’t have years of experience in a hostile environment, not a violent one anyway. To win this fight, I was gonna have to hope for a miracle, a lucky hit or something. In the meantime...

I hopped forwards, igniting my Power Hooves. Rearing up in front of her, I jabbed as fast as I could, again and again. I was lucky that she was so compact, it meant she had no leverage when she dodged my strikes. I couldn’t hit her, but no counterattacks came at first.

Then I went for a double-hoof strike. Her wings spread and she shot upwards as my hooves went forwards. She raked her claws along my legs as she rose.

“TSAAH!” I hissed as the claws left long, thankfully shallow, scratches along my skin, the fur underneath immediately turning red as blood bubbled up from the cuts. Not wanting to give my opponent a chance for a headshot, I flung my hooves in a backwards arc over my head, the corner catching Wings’ heel as she kicked down at me. It wasn’t a full hit but it triggered enough of the Power Hoof’s charge to jolt her away.

Still midair, she shook the paw to dispel the shock. She wasn’t smiling now. I’d gotten in a lucky shot, but now she was going to get serious.

“Aigh!” Cassie’s pained yelp came from across the rock. I hopped back and risked a quick look, noting the blood trickling down her cheek. Bosco’s knife was also dripping.

I was about to remind him about wanting them alive when Schwarzwald, in her jovial fashion, beat me to it. “Bosco, how could you? You should know better than to hit a pretty girl in the face! For shame.”

“Oh go fu-”

I didn’t need to listen in any more. While relying on Schwarzwald to NOT kill somebody was risky at best, I was reasonably certain she would keep Cassie alive. I turned back to Wings, who had also taken the time to look. “One for me, Blue Fire.”

She grimaced. “The only one, Red Ice. It won’t happen again.”

Wings stayed in the air while I circled underneath. The pegasus was still battling the two earth ponies but I didn’t dare glance their way again. Things were getting serious. The griffon still hadn’t drawn her guns though, which was promising. Perhaps she didn’t want to kill me either?

It was a slim chance but I took it. “What do you want me to call you? Should I stay with Blue Fire?” She said nothing, so I continued, “For what it’s worth, I... still want you to be Wings, the griffon who called me her friend. I just wish you would tell me why you did what you did.”

I hadn’t even tried to hide my sadness, and it had an effect. The azure in her eyes faded a little and her eyebrows drooped, along with a sagging of her shoulders. She still hadn’t said anything, though she seemed to want to but was resisting the urge. After a few seconds of silent gliding, her expression hardened again and she came at me, talons poised.

The action caught me off guard and I couldn’t get out of the way on time, I could only half-flop backwards and make a clumsy swipe with a Power Hoof.

She made me pay for it. Both claws wrapped around my leg and hauled me onto my back. She kept flying, dragging me painfully along the hard rock and earth. Searing pain ran down my spine as the jagged ground tore at my back.

Blue Fire’s wings beat faster and faster as she towed me further from the others. I wriggled and struggled, twisting my leg this-way-and-that within her grasp, but I only succeeded in cutting my flesh open on her talons. Her claws bit deeper and deeper until I couldn’t stand it anymore and cried out. “IT HURTS! LET GO!”

So she did.

My momentum kept me rolling until I slammed agonisingly into something hard and unyielding. I felt something snap inside, and tried to curl up, causing flaming spikes to stab through my body. Something was very wrong.

My hoof suddenly felt lighter. I looked at it and saw that the blood from the claw wounds had slicked it enough for my Power Hoof to slide right off.

Useless. I didn’t make any more to recover it. I was having enough trouble just catching my breath.

The claw that wrapped itself around my throat did not help matters any. I tried feebly to bat it away with my bleeding hoof, but only succeeded in dripping blood from my horn to my chest, and onto her arm. As I coughed and spluttered, Blue Fire looked sadly down at me.

“W...Wings...help...” Was all I managed to gasp out.

She shook her head remorsefully. “I can’t, not right now. I wish I could, really I do, but it would cause more problems that it would solve.” She glanced around quickly before leaning in close, “Hold on just a little longer, Snowflake, and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

If she gets away, this will all be for nothing! Come one, Snowflake, get up! Stop her! You have to move now! Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes, Why can’t I even do this? Stupid horn, do something! Anything!

Desperately, I triggered my ice trail spell, hoping against hope that something would happen to salvage the situation. I was rapidly losing strength and let my head fall back to the dirt.

I felt cold lance across my face, then Wings’ arm shifted. “Wha-, Snowflake, knock it off!”

I barely heard her, all I could focus on now was the spell. That and the freezing sensation running down my face. I wasn’t even looking at her anymore.

Wings’ struggles continued. “Seriously, Snow, stop this! You can’t do this, not now. Snowflake? DAMMIT SNOWFLAKE UNFREEZE MY CLAW!!”

With exhausted detachment, I raised my head. The moment I did, I heard a sharp crack and a swift pain as the ice on my chin split. If I had the strength, I would have laughed at the situation. Wings was tugging fruitlessly at the trail of frozen blood, running from my horn to my neck, that was sticking her claw to my throat. She couldn’t even squeeze.

Not Snowflake... Red Ice.

I win.

I didn’t even need to do anything more except hang on. Schwarzwald and Bosco would come, and we would be victorious.

Wings came to the same conclusion. She raised her head and hollered at the unseen battle. “Cassie, I need you! Leave them!”

“No!” Schwarzwald chortled back, “Stay and play!”

“What did you do to Snow?” Demanded Bosco from beyond my vision.

If Cassie said anything, I didn’t hear it. I was having a little trouble focusing. The pain was still there, and my breathing was getting a little ragged. I felt rather than saw something appear beside Wings.

“I can’t get loose,” snapped the griffon, “help me with her and we’ll fix it later.”

Hooves wrapped around my hind legs, then the sound of wings beating reached my ears. We left the ground moments later, with my head lolling back, and the cloudscape shifting erratically as I was bounced around.

“Wait! Let Snowflake go!” Bosco was hollering at us from the ground.

“Wings, you bring her back here right now!” Schwarzwald was not happy either, though whether she was talking about me or her new playmate was up for debate.

Another griffon is carrying me through the air. I tried to smile at the thought but it turned into a cough as something stabbed my insides again.

This time I did hear Cassie. “Wings, she needs help. It was never the plan to hurt her. We have to give her something for her injuries.” She was surprisingly compassionate for a thief.

“I know, I know,” was the griffon’s distracted response, “let’s get ourselves a few minutes headstart, I’ve got some Med-X. That’ll keep her stable until we can get to the Rangers’ rendezvous.”

Steel Rangers again? Goodie gumdrops. I’m sure it would have carried more importance were I not so lightheaded.

Cassie wasn’t done though. Her tone carried elements of accusation, worry, anger, guilt and impatience. “Look at what’s happened here! This isn’t right!”

“I know that!” Wings wasn’t guiltless either, by the sound of things, “What else do you want to do? You know why we’re doing this! If you have another idea, I’m all ears.”

“No... not yet, but I will think of one. This... is wrong.” For some reason, the pegasus girl sounded near tears.

You idiots probably shouldn’t have done it then, should you?

I’d have laughed if I could. Instead I coughed up some blood.

~~~~~~

Level Up!

Perks gained: Not so Stable anymore - Wasteland life is rapidly eroding Snowflake’s naïveté, resulting in a slight increase in Perception.

~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

As always, a big thank you to KKat, Y1, Auramane, Cascadejackal (he did the original cover art, which is still on the Fallout Equestria wiki), Void Heart (he did the new cover art), Shunketsunoponi and you, the readers. Please read and comment, and pass the word along if you like the story. Finally, because I find it a really funny coincidence to have another fic with a Stable 61 that’s set in Equestrian Canada, go read Fallout Equestria: Pure Hearts.

That’s all for now, folks. Please keep reading, commenting, and spreading the word on Old Souls. I really appreciate your feedback.