Fallout: Equestria (IC)

[Lunas Legion]

The Phoenix Building

"What?" Elder Winery spluttered in a mix of rage and confusion as he sat back in his chair. "Those bloody traitors want to trade for the Eggs? I should have expected this..." He shook his head. "Blasted fools with their heads in the snow... I've had to make sacrifices to my codes, can't they do the same? Right, here's what we're going to do. I refuse to trade with them, so we're going to launch a full on offensive against them while you and some others sneak inside through the sewers and steal the Eggs. Only take three though, we don't want to be too greedy."

Utopia's safehouse, Moon Tower

"What the bloody hell do you mean the entire bloody Council got their fat asses cooked in laser fire?" Utopia swore loudly at Blackeye as the Minotaur shrugged.

"Sorry boss, those things are very sneaky." He blinked. "What does it mean though?"

"It means this Tower is mine!" Utopia almost shouted in joy. "These ponies have no leader; as long as I make sure to respect their ideals and stuff, they'll flock to me like Bloatsprites to a battlefield. Soon, Blackeye, the Seaddle Wastes will be mine, and then, all of Equestria!"

[Fantrum]

Marciline looked all around as she blushed hotly, "Uh-er-I, I would love to!" She hadn't been this excited in decades, and certainly didnt have a plan for the new future as she did now. She looked around, more out of realization that they had walked a long way than anything else. The tall monoliths of the dead city crowded around them, "Tell me, have you ever been to a city before?" She looked over the eerie buildings, soft creeks and groans escaping them as the over engineered towers fought gravity and wind in a fierce battle of attrition. A lone tear fell from her left eye as she stared into the heavens.

The heart of Thunder Flare leapt with joy when Marci told him "yes." So much so that the amber pegasus pony felt the sudden urge to spin 'round and 'round and express his joy. But, instead, he focused on Marci's question. Staring around at the surrounding skyscrapers as Marci did so, Thunder Flare realized how hard it must have been to construct all of the towers and buildings around him, especially for them to be apocalypse-resistant. Listening, he could hear the echoes of the wind as it blew between the husks of each tower. "No, I, uh, I can't say I have." Directing his gaze back at Marci, he noticed the single tear as it formed, ran shortly down her face, and dropped to the snow below where it was lost. Taking a step close to his compassion, he asked apprehensively, "are ya okay, Marci? Do… do ya wanna talk 'bout whatever's botherin' ya?"

Marciline lowered her head and shook it. "Its just... This world." She turned her head to look at Thunder, "Every time I see one of these ancient relics," waving a hoof at the massive gravestones, "I feel as though I am gazing upon what could have been, not what was." She shakes her head slowly, "So much death. I never understood why ponies need to maim and kill one another. And I've had more than a hundred years to think about it!" She didnt like walking through most cities, to her they felt like crypts. Great burial sites that would open up and swallow you if you didnt tread lightly. The thought made her shutter.

[The Flutterlands]

The Phoenix Building

"What?" Elder Winery spluttered in a mix of rage and confusion as he sat back in his chair. "Those bloody traitors want to trade for the Eggs? I should have expected this..." He shook his head. "Blasted fools with their heads in the snow... I've had to make sacrifices to my codes, can't they do the same? Right, here's what we're going to do. I refuse to trade with them, so we're going to launch a full on offensive against them while you and some others sneak inside through the sewers and steal the Eggs. Only take three though, we don't want to be too greedy."

"Very well" said Dark Heart, with mixed emotions, he didn't like the idea at all, even with theft being one of his fortes; treachery is not.
The griffin leader turned to his Clan, "Prepare for battle. Kleptos, see me for a moment."
A horde of Pegasi, griffins, and one or two Alicorns gathered around Dark Heart, listening intently as he explains to them, their Mission.

Once, he explained everything, he turned to the Elder.
"We're ready. Just say the word." he saluted to Winery.

[Lunas Legion]

The Phoenix Building

"What?" Elder Winery spluttered in a mix of rage and confusion as he sat back in his chair. "Those bloody traitors want to trade for the Eggs? I should have expected this..." He shook his head. "Blasted fools with their heads in the snow... I've had to make sacrifices to my codes, can't they do the same? Right, here's what we're going to do. I refuse to trade with them, so we're going to launch a full on offensive against them while you and some others sneak inside through the sewers and steal the Eggs. Only take three though, we don't want to be too greedy."

"Very well" said Dark Heart, with mixed emotions, he didn't like the idea at all, even with theft being one of his fortes; treachery is not.
The griffin leader turned to his Clan, "Prepare for battle. Kleptos, see me for a moment."
A horde of Pegasi, griffins, and one or two Alicorns gathered around Dark Heart, listening intently as he explains to them, their Mission.

Once, he explained everything, he turned to the Elder.
"We're ready. Just say the word." he saluted to Winery.

"It'll take some time before the Rangers are ready. As much as I'd like to move now, we should let them stew on us waiting and move out tomorrow night when we have the cover of darkness. They have a pair of B.E.Ls; if they manage to use them, we'll suffer heavy losses and lose the Eggs. Take two others with you-" The Elder reached down a brought up three black boxes with tattered straps. "Put these on when you sneak inside. They'll give you 10 to 20 minutes of invisibility, but don't get cocky. Grab the Eggs and fly out of there, you won't be able to win a firefight."

[The Flutterlands]

"Very well" said Dark Heart, with mixed emotions, he didn't like the idea at all, even with theft being one of his fortes; treachery is not.
The griffin leader turned to his Clan, "Prepare for battle. Kleptos, see me for a moment."
A horde of Pegasi, griffins, and one or two Alicorns gathered around Dark Heart, listening intently as he explains to them, their Mission.

Once, he explained everything, he turned to the Elder.
"We're ready. Just say the word." he saluted to Winery.

"It'll take some time before the Rangers are ready. As much as I'd like to move now, we should let them stew on us waiting and move out tomorrow night when we have the cover of darkness. They have a pair of B.E.Ls; if they manage to use them, we'll suffer heavy losses and lose the Eggs. Take two others with you-" The Elder reached down a brought up three black boxes with tattered straps. "Put these on when you sneak inside. They'll give you 10 to 20 minutes of invisibility, but don't get cocky. Grab the Eggs and fly out of there, you won't be able to win a firefight."

Dark Heart took the boxes, and keeping an eye on the kleptos, who where drooling at the sight of the mysterious black boxes, placed them in his sack.
"Alright; Men, you are dismissed. Don't get to comfortable though, it'll probably won't be long till we strike!."
The clan departed, heading to their quarters, each of them eager for combat.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

"Lady Crossfire!" A shout was heard from across the Courtyard, a pair of ponies running towards Crossfire, swerving around Tiger Lilly as they neared their unofficial leader. "W-we found something... H-hospital, I think..." One of them reported, out of breath from running.

"Really? Here? Well, let's see it." She said, taking a couple steps before looking over to Sulphur. "You want to come or will you be a while?" She asked, unaware her pistol was in need of some relatively minor maintenance, but still...

[New Willow]

"Lady Crossfire!" A shout was heard from across the Courtyard, a pair of ponies running towards Crossfire, swerving around Tiger Lilly as they neared their unofficial leader. "W-we found something... H-hospital, I think..." One of them reported, out of breath from running.

"Really? Here? Well, let's see it." She said, taking a couple steps before looking over to Sulphur. "You want to come or will you be a while?" She asked, unaware her pistol was in need of some relatively minor maintenance, but still...

She pointed a hoof back at the base; nowhere in particular, just generally.

"Oh... I was going to do as you asked and get working on every-ponies weapon... but I suppose I could go with you, if you want." She picked Crossfires handgun up in her mouth and slowly trotted over to her. "Where to?" She tried saying with a muffled voice over Crossfires handgun.

'It'd be nice to go somewhere, hopefully not as crowded anyway.' She thought; waiting for Crossfire to take her handgun back. Besides it was cold here, and it might be warmer wherever their destination might be. 'Would Bright be coming though?' she looked back to where he's been working, and at Crossfire.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Phoenix was entering a panic as well. He tried everything he could to save this mare. Now, another pony shall die because of his recklessness.
"I'm... sorry... I don't know why! This is good radiation, perfect for any Alicorn... unless..."
His eyes widened in fear; Aurora's wounds might have been... fatal.
"I'm sorry, but the radiation could only do so much. Her wounds must have been too fatal for the radiation to heal...I'm... sorry." Phoenix began to flare up again, lighting up the dark sewers, "Damnit! This is all my fault!! I should have never intervened!!"

Too hurt to be angry, Shademane replied sadly. "It's not your fault." Looking down with saddened eyes, Shademane felt helpless as he watched Aurora writhe in pain. He couldn't heal her. There was only one thing he could do to help. Turning his head to face the flaming unicorn, he ordered him with a soft voice, stricken with sorrow. "Pick her up. Get her out of there." He was not going to stand by and do nothing as his friend suffered in vain.

[American Anarchist Republic]

As Tide slowly regained his composure, he found himself in an entirely new are in Seaddle. He trotted arond for a bit, his stomach still hurting like hell but getting better. He walked into that skeletwl tower he was in earlier, and sat on a concrete block."Never..NEVER drink soda again!"

[Fantrum]

No Name followed along, trailing at the rear, levitating his Zebra Rifle at his side as he listened in on the conversation before him. His ears perked up as Katai began using a normal speech pattern and No Name continued to listen as she spoke of her Tribe. It was certainly interesting... a whole Tribe just disappearing. No Name thought back to the settlement, the scene of a massacre and he shook his head. He hoped it wasn't so, but feared it was that way. No Name kept quiet however and kept listening too. For a moment he stopped and glared at his Ministry of Peace first aid kit. His eyes smouldered for a moment until he stripped the box from his saddlebag, tossing it to the ground. With a decidedly brutish stomp, No Name crushed the little box and ran to catch up with the group. Hellborn scoffed, "What was that about bud?"

No Name sighed, slowly getting used to silently conversating with the little voice in his head, "I don't need it. Peace is just another one of life's big illusions. Like innocence."

Hellborn snickered, "Woah! When did you become a philosopher?"

No Name's face remained stony, "It's not philosophy, its the truth."

Hellborn chuckled before disappearing again. No Name looked up and looked from Ruby, to Katai, to Eris. "Your tribe went missing Miss Katai? Peculiar, very peculiar. Well, the only reason I'm here is because I have no where else to go, and Eris was kind enough to allow me to stay, had she not saved my life, I would probably be dead had it not been for Eris." No Name returned to looking at the ground.

Looking at No Name for his antics and his remark Katai said with a calculated tone. "Yes it is strange that my tribe had disappeared completely. If any of you would like to see what I have not found in clues and traces you are welcome to venture out. I for one am just glad to have company after so many years." Looking towards the group Katai once again drifted off into thought and managed to trip within five seconds of doing that. On an absolutely flat stretch of wasteland. Snorting and lifting herself up she exclaimed. For Caesar's sake this is why thinking should be done by the smart ones!"

Eris pranced back into line with the group, unintentionally taking the lead, "Oh you would have been just fine if I hadnt of done anything!" She turned her attention to Katai, "Dont worry, I'm not a smart pony, but I sure do lots of thinking!" She positively beams at the Zebra, "Now, what was this about your tribe? What happened?" She was genuinely interested in the Zebra, even if she hadn't shown any apparent interest before. Whereas Eris knew what had happened to her home, Katai didnt seem to, and that was something no one should endure. Not knowing if your loved ones are alive or dead, just... gone...

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Marciline lowered her head and shook it. "Its just... This world." She turned her head to look at Thunder, "Every time I see one of these ancient relics," waving a hoof at the massive gravestones, "I feel as though I am gazing upon what could have been, not what was." She shakes her head slowly, "So much death. I never understood why ponies need to maim and kill one another. And I've had more than a hundred years to think about it!" She didnt like walking through most cities, to her they felt like crypts. Great burial sites that would open up and swallow you if you didnt tread lightly. The thought made her shutter.

Nodding in solemn agreement, Thunder replied. "S'pose it's jus' one a' life's great mysteries. Maybe we'll never know why ponies do what we do. Maybe it's jus' our way. And, if it is, then, that means we'll jus' have t' work even harder t' change it. But, by golly, we can change it. It ain't gonna happen overnight, that's for sure." Taking a moment to look around at the grove of husks and gutted buildings, he continued. "But, it's possible. No—it's ain't jus' possible—it's direly necessary." Trotting next to Marci's side and nudging her with his body, he told her. "C'mon, let's head back to Moon Tower for some lunch or somethin'." He spread his wings in preparation of flight. But, remembered that it was not the best idea to do so, currently. So, he reluctantly folded his wind-and-air-longing appendages. Then, swiveling his head from one directions to the next, he started giggling at himself. "Hehe, to tell ya the truth, Marci. I think I've got us lost."

[Das Metro]

Looking at No Name for his antics and his remark Katai said with a calculated tone. "Yes it is strange that my tribe had disappeared completely. If any of you would like to see what I have not found in clues and traces you are welcome to venture out. I for one am just glad to have company after so many years." Looking towards the group Katai once again drifted off into thought and managed to trip within five seconds of doing that. On an absolutely flat stretch of wasteland. Snorting and lifting herself up she exclaimed. For Caesar's sake this is why thinking should be done by the smart ones!"

Eris pranced back into line with the group, unintentionally taking the lead, "Oh you would have been just fine if I hadnt of done anything!" She turned her attention to Katai, "Dont worry, I'm not a smart pony, but I sure do lots of thinking!" She positively beams at the Zebra, "Now, what was this about your tribe? What happened?" She was genuinely interested in the Zebra, even if she hadn't shown any apparent interest before. Whereas Eris knew what had happened to her home, Katai didnt seem to, and that was something no one should endure. Not knowing if your loved ones are alive or dead, just... gone...

No Name trotted up to Eris' side and brought the Zebra Rifle in front of him, entrapped in a neon blue glow. He turned to look at Katai as he walked, "I agree, your Tribe's disappearance is extremely interesting. It could've been a number if things, they could of just left... or it could of been Genocide at the hands of Raiders." No Name kept an even voice, though his eyes denoted a spark of interest.

[Fantrum]

Marciline lowered her head and shook it. "Its just... This world." She turned her head to look at Thunder, "Every time I see one of these ancient relics," waving a hoof at the massive gravestones, "I feel as though I am gazing upon what could have been, not what was." She shakes her head slowly, "So much death. I never understood why ponies need to maim and kill one another. And I've had more than a hundred years to think about it!" She didnt like walking through most cities, to her they felt like crypts. Great burial sites that would open up and swallow you if you didnt tread lightly. The thought made her shutter.

Nodding in solemn agreement, Thunder replied. "S'pose it's jus' one a' life's great mysteries. Maybe we'll never know why ponies do what we do. Maybe it's jus' our way. And, if it is, then, that means we'll jus' have t' work even harder t' change it. But, by golly, we can change it. It ain't gonna happen overnight, that's for sure." Taking a moment to look around at the grove of husks and gutted buildings, he continued. "But, it's possible. No—it's ain't jus' possible—it's direly necessary." Trotting next to Marci's side and nudging her with his body, he told her. "C'mon, let's head back to Moon Tower for some lunch or somethin'." He spread his wings in preparation of flight. But, remembered that it was not the best idea to do so, currently. So, he reluctantly folded his wind-and-air-longing appendages. Then, swiveling his head from one directions to the next, he started giggling at himself. "Hehe, to tell ya the truth, Marci. I think I've got us lost."

"Oh..." Marciline looked around, she had less of an idea of where they were then before. And considering that she had never really explored Seaddle, that idea wasnt very good. She was about to say something, when her ears perked. 'Couldnt be... There!' Her eyes went wide, "Thunder, I think we should get inside. Now." She didnt know how long they would have, the wind blowing between the sky line had garbled the sound. She ushered Thunder towards a building, it was just as decrepit as the others, with its paint seared off and whole sections collapsed, but it stood out because this one was at least 300 feet taller than its neighbors. Just as she blew down the door, the incident at the Moon Tower flashing in her mind, the lead Manticore sniffed his way around the street corner one block away. It took a particularly long breath through its nose before looking directly at them and letting out a blood chilling roar. It launched itself into the air, and soon, almost a dozen more had followed it around the building and joined it in its attack.

[American Anarchist Republic]

"Do doo do due..." Tide mumbled as he was making up a tune.He kicked an empty can across the floor as he looked upat a rotted poster on the wall. JOIN THE FORCE! It read, with a picture of the Princesses on it. Suddenly, he heard a blood curdling roar."WHAT THE FUCK!?" He said, startled. He flew into the air and saw manticores surrounding a building. He looked in a broken window and saw the ponies from earlier."HEY! KAKCHOO!" He yelled at the manticores, trying to draw their attention.

[The Flutterlands]

Phoenix was entering a panic as well. He tried everything he could to save this mare. Now, another pony shall die because of his recklessness.
"I'm... sorry... I don't know why! This is good radiation, perfect for any Alicorn... unless..."
His eyes widened in fear; Aurora's wounds might have been... fatal.
"I'm sorry, but the radiation could only do so much. Her wounds must have been too fatal for the radiation to heal...I'm... sorry." Phoenix began to flare up again, lighting up the dark sewers, "Damnit! This is all my fault!! I should have never intervened!!"

Too hurt to be angry, Shademane replied sadly. "It's not your fault." Looking down with saddened eyes, Shademane felt helpless as he watched Aurora writhe in pain. He couldn't heal her. There was only one thing he could do to help. Turning his head to face the flaming unicorn, he ordered him with a soft voice, stricken with sorrow. "Pick her up. Get her out of there." He was not going to stand by and do nothing as his friend suffered in vain.

Phoenix nodded. Despite the possibility that what Shademane was true, he still felt as if he failed him; he felt that he failed everything that his mentor taught him. Phoenix felt as if somepony took a sledgehammer and smashed his heart to pieces.

Phoenix got back into focus, gently levitated the dying mare out of the pit, and laid her down on the cold floor.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

"Lady Crossfire!" A shout was heard from across the Courtyard, a pair of ponies running towards Crossfire, swerving around Tiger Lilly as they neared their unofficial leader. "W-we found something... H-hospital, I think..." One of them reported, out of breath from running.

"Really? Here? Well, let's see it." She said, taking a couple steps before looking over to Sulphur. "You want to come or will you be a while?" She asked, unaware her pistol was in need of some relatively minor maintenance, but still...

She pointed a hoof back at the base; nowhere in particular, just generally.

"Oh... I was going to do as you asked and get working on every-ponies weapon... but I suppose I could go with you, if you want." She picked Crossfires handgun up in her mouth and slowly trotted over to her. "Where to?" She tried saying with a muffled voice over Crossfires handgun.

'It'd be nice to go somewhere, hopefully not as crowded anyway.' She thought; waiting for Crossfire to take her handgun back. Besides it was cold here, and it might be warmer wherever their destination might be. 'Would Bright be coming though?' she looked back to where he's been working, and at Crossfire.

The Pegasus Mare took her firearm back, looking over it carefully; admiring how well reconstructed it was. "Thank you, Sulphur." She said, looking to Bright Steel. "Bright, care to join us? Always handy to have an extra pair of hooves when it comes to these things."

Here she was; saying that as though some horrible pre-war experiments might have been going on in that Hospital. It was a silly notion, but then... Could there be some merit to it? Anything's possible; and the Pre-War government was growing very secretive and under-handed. Still; best deal with whatever they find as it's found, as there was no way of them knowing whether or not it was a simple hospital.

[Fralinia]

She pointed a hoof back at the base; nowhere in particular, just generally.

"Oh... I was going to do as you asked and get working on every-ponies weapon... but I suppose I could go with you, if you want." She picked Crossfires handgun up in her mouth and slowly trotted over to her. "Where to?" She tried saying with a muffled voice over Crossfires handgun.

'It'd be nice to go somewhere, hopefully not as crowded anyway.' She thought; waiting for Crossfire to take her handgun back. Besides it was cold here, and it might be warmer wherever their destination might be. 'Would Bright be coming though?' she looked back to where he's been working, and at Crossfire.

The Pegasus Mare took her firearm back, looking over it carefully; admiring how well reconstructed it was. "Thank you, Sulphur." She said, looking to Bright Steel. "Bright, care to join us? Always handy to have an extra pair of hooves when it comes to these things."

Here she was; saying that as though some horrible pre-war experiments might have been going on in that Hospital. It was a silly notion, but then... Could there be some merit to it? Anything's possible; and the Pre-War government was growing very secretive and under-handed. Still; best deal with whatever they find as it's found, as there was no way of them knowing whether or not it was a simple hospital.

Bright heard his name over the din. Turning from his work hauling a bundle of boards, he looked over to see Crossfire and Sulphur standing next to each other. He forked over his work o a nearby unicorn and flew over to the pair.
"What's this you're talking about? I heard something about "coming with" and before that, something about a hospital. What are you planning?"
Bright cocked his head and looked at Crossfire with an inquisitive frown.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

The Pegasus Mare took her firearm back, looking over it carefully; admiring how well reconstructed it was. "Thank you, Sulphur." She said, looking to Bright Steel. "Bright, care to join us? Always handy to have an extra pair of hooves when it comes to these things."

Here she was; saying that as though some horrible pre-war experiments might have been going on in that Hospital. It was a silly notion, but then... Could there be some merit to it? Anything's possible; and the Pre-War government was growing very secretive and under-handed. Still; best deal with whatever they find as it's found, as there was no way of them knowing whether or not it was a simple hospital.

Bright heard his name over the din. Turning from his work hauling a bundle of boards, he looked over to see Crossfire and Sulphur standing next to each other. He forked over his work o a nearby unicorn and flew over to the pair.
"What's this you're talking about? I heard something about "coming with" and before that, something about a hospital. What are you planning?"
Bright cocked his head and looked at Crossfire with an inquisitive frown.

"These two claimed to have found a pre-war Hospital." Crossfire explained, pointing to the Earth Pony Mare and Unicorn Stallion who had informed her of this place. "I figured it would be worth checking out, in the off chance it wasn't completely ransacked in the post-war days. Besides; having such a building to repair would mean less work than building one from scratch."

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Phoenix nodded. Despite the possibility that what Shademane was true, he still felt as if he failed him; he felt that he failed everything that his mentor taught him. Phoenix felt as if somepony took a sledgehammer and smashed his heart to pieces.

Phoenix got back into focus, gently levitated the dying mare out of the pit, and laid her down on the cold floor.

Shademane stood there, staring down at the mare who had, despite the fleeing moment of importance in his life, managed to find a spot in his heart and claim it as her own. And here she was, suffering needlessly from excruciating pain due to the worthless vengeance of a pony who was too much of a coward to face her on his own. 'It always ends like this. Everypony I have ever cared about has died. Do I just attract death to those around me?' Feeling a sudden ache in his chest, Shademane wondered why things never worked out well. A sudden anger welled inside of him, and he shouted at her, "why?! Damnit, why, Aurora?! It's not fair! You can't just leave me like everyone else!" As he was saying this, he buried his head into her mane. For the better part of a minute, he lay there nuzzling the one who had made him care, once again.

Standing up, he closed his eyes for a bit longer than the standard blink, reached to his side, and for the final time that day, withdrew his knife. Staring between the blade and Aurora, he shut his eyes and steadied himself. Grasping it tightly in his mouth, he brought the sharp blade down into the side of Aurora, piercing her heart. Just as she had pierced his own. The white alicorn's body went limp, the agonizing pain from the fires over. He lay there, next to her body, shaking with grief from the knowledge that her blood would forever stain his hooves. Whispering to himself, "why?"

Yanking the serrated blade from her lifeless body, Shademane's mind felt numb and worn. And, for the first time in many a year, a glistening of a pair of tears could be seen as they streaked down the face of the pony who had forgotten what it was like to cry.

[Fralinia]

Bright heard his name over the din. Turning from his work hauling a bundle of boards, he looked over to see Crossfire and Sulphur standing next to each other. He forked over his work o a nearby unicorn and flew over to the pair.
"What's this you're talking about? I heard something about "coming with" and before that, something about a hospital. What are you planning?"
Bright cocked his head and looked at Crossfire with an inquisitive frown.

"These two claimed to have found a pre-war Hospital." Crossfire explained, pointing to the Earth Pony Mare and Unicorn Stallion who had informed her of this place. "I figured it would be worth checking out, in the off chance it wasn't completely ransacked in the post-war days. Besides; having such a building to repair would mean less work than building one from scratch."

"I see. Yeah, I'll come along. Wouldn't want you two getting into any trouble without me, eh? Besides, I think that these ponies," he motioned to the ponies working on the buildings, "have it under control. Whatever is in that hospital, it'll be useful, anyway. Medical supplies, food, equipment and electronics that I and Sulphur could make all the manner of things out of... it's worth the danger." Bright turned around and grasped his rifle, then turned back to Crossfire.
"When do we leave?"

[The Flutterlands]

Phoenix nodded. Despite the possibility that what Shademane was true, he still felt as if he failed him; he felt that he failed everything that his mentor taught him. Phoenix felt as if somepony took a sledgehammer and smashed his heart to pieces.

Phoenix got back into focus, gently levitated the dying mare out of the pit, and laid her down on the cold floor.

Shademane stood there, staring down at the mare who had, despite the fleeing moment of importance in his life, managed to find a spot in his heart and claim it as her own. And here she was, suffering needlessly fromexcruciating pain due to the worthless vengeance of a pony who was too much of a coward to face her on his own. 'It always ends like this. Everypony I have ever cared about has died. Do I just attract death to me?' Feeling a sudden ache in his chest, Shademane wondered why things never worked out well. A sudden anger welled inside of him, and he shouted at her, "why?! Damnit, why, Aurora?! It's not fair! You can't just leave me like everyone else!" As he was saying this, he buried his head into her mane. For the better part of a minute, he lay there nuzzling the one who had made him care, once again.

Standing up, he closed his eyes for a bit longer than the standard blink, reached to his side, and for the final time that day, withdrew his knife. Staring between the blade and Aurora, he shut his eyes and steadied himself. Grasping it tightly in his mouth, he brought the sharp blade down into the side of Aurora, piercing her heart. Just as she had pierced his own. The white alicorn's body went limp, the agonizing pain from the fires over. He lay there, next to her body, shaking with grief from the knowledge that her blood would forever stain his hooves. Whispering to himself, "why?"

Yanking the serrated blade from her lifeless body, Shademane's mind felt numb and worn. And, for the first time in many a year, a glistening of a pair of tears could be seen as they streaked down the face of the pony who had forgotten what it was like to cry.

Sewers
Phoenix just watched in horror has he watched Shademane put the mare out of her misery; it was like adding insult to injury. Phoenix didn't know wither to feel angry or sad; Sadness seemed to have won that war, as he began to weep, tears streaking down his cheeks, extinguishing flames, leaving a thin trail of steamy pink skin visible on his face.

"How could you say that it's not my fault?" The pyropony whimpered, "I'm the one her shot those fire ball at that metallic monstrosity! I'm the reason why she got those burns in the first place! How could it not be my fault that she's dead?... I don't even know her name... Damn it! Why did I even bother helping out?! All I did only lead to... this! DAMNIT! IT'S NOT FAIR! I FIANLLY DID SOMETHING RIGHT AND I SCREWED UP ANYWAY!!"
Phoenix found that the war between rage and sadness had broke out once more; The two feelings were at each other's throats. At this point, he hated himself. He cursed himself and his pyrokinesis! What he wouldn't give to be rid of it and live like a normal pony for once!

---

Upper Class District
The trio overheard the commotion near the manor; They looked at each other.
"I'll go check it out." said Dustbowl, 'Can you cover for me?"
His Alicorn and Griffin friends nodded. Dustbowl fluttered towards the hospital.
"Need my help?" asked the Pegasus.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

Looking down at the mare who had, despite the fleeing moment of importance in his life, managed to make him care for her. And here she was, suffering needlessly from excruciating pain. Closing his eyes for a bit longer than the standard blink, he reached to his side, and for the final time that day, withdrew his knife. Grasping it tightly in his mouth, he brought the sharp blade down into the side of Aurora, piercing her heart. Just as she had pierced his own. The white alicorn's body went limp, the agonizing pain from the fires over. He late there, next to her body, nuzzling with the one who had forced him to care once again. Whispering to himself, "why?"

Standing up, he yanked the serrated blade free from her lifeless body. And, while he walked away, if one looked close enough, the would see the glistening of a pair of tears, as they streaked down the face that had forgotten what it was like to cry.

Sewers
Phoenix just watched in horror has he watched Shademane put the mare out of her misery; it was like adding insult to injury. Phoenix didn't know wither to feel angry or sad; Sadness seemed to have won that war, as he began to weep, tears streaking down his cheeks, extinguishing flames, leaving a thin trail of pink skin visible on his face.

"How could you say that it's not my fault?" The pyropony cried, "I'm the one her shot those fire ball at that metallic monstrosity! I'm the reason why she got those burns in the first place! How could it not be my fault that she's dead? I don't even know her name..."

---

Upper Class District
The trio overheard the commotion near the manor; They looked at each other.
"I'll go check it out." said Dustbowl, 'Can you cover for me?"
His Alicorn and Griffin friends nodded. Dustbowl fluttered towards the hospital.
"Need my help?" asked the Pegasus.

The Pegasus Mare looked back upon hearing the voice of another Pony; Dustbowl from the Clan, one of the three who swore allegiance to her new state. "Ah, Dustbowl." She said, dismissing one of the two ponies who had found the Hospital, so as to ensure too many ponies weren't taken away from the Reconstruction efforts. "Yes; we could. We were going to go check out an old hospital this one here claims she found." She said, pointing to the Earth Pony. "Pardon me, miss, but I'm afraid I haven't wuite gotten familiar with Everypony quite yet."

"It's alright; name's Tripwire." She said, her cutie mark and name suggesting she was skilled at trapping. "And the hospital's this way, so unless anypony else want's to tag along, can we get going?"

"Absolutely; lead the way." Crossfire said, following Tripwire, the two walking at a brisk pace further into the ruined district, namely where it had been hit harder by Zebra Agents during the Final Day, so as to prevent the old Nobility from getting a grip on the situation once Canterlot fell.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

"Oh..." Marciline looked around, she had less of an idea of where they were then before. And considering that she had never really explored Seaddle, that idea wasnt very good. She was about to say something, when her ears perked. 'Couldnt be... There!' Her eyes went wide, "Thunder, I think we should get inside. Now." She didnt know how long they would have, the wind blowing between the sky line had garbled the sound. She ushered Thunder towards a building, it was just as decrepit as the others, with its paint seared off and whole sections collapsed, but it stood out because this one was at least 300 feet taller than its neighbors. Just as she blew down the door, the incident at the Moon Tower flashing in her mind, the lead Manticore sniffed his way around the street corner one block away. It took a particularly long breath through its nose before looking directly at them and letting out a blood chilling roar. It launched itself into the air, and soon, almost a dozen more had followed it around the building and joined it in its attack.

Thunder had no idea why Marci was acting so odd. He though that, even though it was becoming a tad bit more chilly, the weather was decent and there was no reason to worry about anything. That is, until the pack of hungry, carnivourous manticores entered the scence. Eyes widening in fright at the sight of the monsters hurtling towards them, Thunder Flare took no hesitation in following Marciline into the crippled and aged building.

Running down the hallway, they turned through a doorway and searched for the stairs. Upon finding the stairs, they also unfortunately discovered that the passage was blocked by fallen debris and blocks of broken cement, with iron bars jutting out the sides. Looking at Marci, he asked frantically, "where do we go now?"

[The Flutterlands]

EDIT!

The Pegasus Mare looked back upon hearing the voice of another Pony; Dustbowl from the Clan, one of the three who swore allegiance to her new state. "Ah, Dustbowl." She said, dismissing one of the two ponies who had found the Hospital, so as to ensure too many ponies weren't taken away from the Reconstruction efforts. "Yes; we could. We were going to go check out an old hospital this one here claims she found." She said, pointing to the Earth Pony. "Pardon me, miss, but I'm afraid I haven't wuite gotten familiar with Everypony quite yet."

"It's alright; name's Tripwire." She said, her cutie mark and name suggesting she was skilled at trapping. "And the hospital's this way, so unless anypony else want's to tag along, can we get going?"

"Absolutely; lead the way." Crossfire said, following Tripwire, the two walking at a brisk pace further into the ruined district, namely where it had been hit harder by Zebra Agents during the Final Day, so as to prevent the old Nobility from getting a grip on the situation once Canterlot fell.

"Good;" said Dustbowl, 'Pleasure meeting you, Tripware."
The Pegasus stallion followed the pair. Interested in what secrets the hospital may be hiding in it's labs. He plans to introduce Tripwire to his friends later.

[New Willow]

The Pegasus Mare took her firearm back, looking over it carefully; admiring how well reconstructed it was. "Thank you, Sulphur." She said, looking to Bright Steel. "Bright, care to join us? Always handy to have an extra pair of hooves when it comes to these things."

Here she was; saying that as though some horrible pre-war experiments might have been going on in that Hospital. It was a silly notion, but then... Could there be some merit to it? Anything's possible; and the Pre-War government was growing very secretive and under-handed. Still; best deal with whatever they find as it's found, as there was no way of them knowing whether or not it was a simple hospital.

Sulphur went red faced at Crossfire's compliment. She looked towards Bright as he approached. Seeing him; and her already in a blushing state, caused her to shy her head away.

"S-so uh, let's get moving..." She said nervously.

She wasn't sure why she felt like hiding her face; it wasn't anything new to blush, but right now... it just felt a tad bit weird, perhaps it had something to do with her plan to tell him how she felt... at some point. It made her think though. 'will he love Crossfire more?' She wasn't sure, but it would do her no good to think of it now.