Fallout: Equestria (IC)

[Mooseolini]

"What they stole from me?!" Pitch cried, pretending to be surprised, he knew that there's still a lot more to his game, "Bottle Caps, food, all that I ever had and worked for was gone! Taken form me just like that!"
Pitch's hoof met his face, he sniffed, trying to relax.
"It's all... gone! And I want it all back. if you help me, I'll also give you half of my stolen possessions, in addition to paying you back! I believe that you are the ones to help me because I trust you. I would gladly seek help somewhere else, but I heard that Seaddel can be a very nasty place. So, please, will you help me? If not then... I'll just go and take on these brutes myself, besides the only things they didn't take from me, thank Celestia , is my black vest, and a range of small weapons I keep with me, at all time."
Pitch used his Unicorn magic, open an almost invisible pouch, perfectly blending in with his black coat, and took out a small, but, sharp knife, then place it back gently into its slot.

Bright thought about what the unicorn had said, then he tipped his helmet and chuckled under his breath.
"It seems that you've done an excellent job of dodging all my questions, stranger. Now, let me call your bluff and let's talk. You wouldn't take on the raiders alone unless you were dumber than a drunk radroach, so sit down," he slammed his hoof on the table "tell me your damn name and answer the questions, son. Else you can be off, and I've got several ponies more than willing to escort you from the premises." Now, tell me, exactly how much was stolen from you, and why in the name of all things holy do you think that we can help you? Speak!"
Bright leaned forward in his chair, staring at the pony in the doorway. I don't trust this bloody unicorn, he seems to be a terribly good liar. And that's my job.

"Hmm, let me see..." said Pitch, realizing that he may have to get his game up a notch, "All 1000 of my Caps and 10 pounds of my food. And the reason why I think you should help me is because, as fellow ponies, I think that we are required to help each other when in need."
'This pony is more clever than I thought.' thought Pitch Black, 'If I didn't know better, I'd say that this guy is just as much of a Con-artist as I am.'

[Fralinia]

Bright thought about what the unicorn had said, then he tipped his helmet and chuckled under his breath.
"It seems that you've done an excellent job of dodging all my questions, stranger. Now, let me call your bluff and let's talk. You wouldn't take on the raiders alone unless you were dumber than a drunk radroach, so sit down," he slammed his hoof on the table "tell me your damn name and answer the questions, son. Else you can be off, and I've got several ponies more than willing to escort you from the premises." Now, tell me, exactly how much was stolen from you, and why in the name of all things holy do you think that we can help you? Speak!"
Bright leaned forward in his chair, staring at the pony in the doorway. I don't trust this bloody unicorn, he seems to be a terribly good liar. And that's my job.

"Hmm, let me see..." said Pitch, realizing that he may have to get his game up a notch, "All 1000 of my Caps and 10 pounds of my food. And the reason why I think you should help me is because, as fellow ponies, I think that we are required to help each other when in need."
'This pony is more clever than I thought.' thought Pitch Black, 'If I didn't know better, I'd say that this guy is just as much of a Con-artist as I am.'

"Dammit! Just tell me your name!"
Bright was very worked up at this point. He could tell that something was aloof. This pony either wasn't telling the truth, or there was a lot more truth behind what was being told. And that was a problem.
"Look here. We haven't got any resources or time on our hands right now. This whole group is undercover from every faction at Moon Tower or the Octagon, and we don't really need to be getting our name around before we've really gotten ourselves together, you see? We can't afford to run off and help you. I'm sorry, stranger."

[Mooseolini]

"Hmm, let me see..." said Pitch, realizing that he may have to get his game up a notch, "All 1000 of my Caps and 10 pounds of my food. And the reason why I think you should help me is because, as fellow ponies, I think that we are required to help each other when in need."
'This pony is more clever than I thought.' thought Pitch Black, 'If I didn't know better, I'd say that this guy is just as much of a Con-artist as I am.'

"Dammit! Just tell me your name!"
Bright was very worked up at this point. He could tell that something was aloof. This pony either wasn't telling the truth, or there was a lot more truth behind what was being told. And that was a problem.
"Look here. We haven't got any resources or time on our hands right now. This whole group is undercover from every faction at Moon Tower or the Octagon, and we don't really need to be getting our name around before we've really gotten ourselves together, you see? We can't afford to run off and help you. I'm sorry, stranger."

"I thought I told you my name! Are you deaf?" cried Pitch, "Fine. You want to hear it again? It's Pitch Black, but you can just call me Pitch."
But, then something sparked in the black unicorn's mind.
'So, these ponies are creating a government then., Pitch thought, forcing himself not to smirk, 'Ooh. I just love a change in games.'
"Forgive me." Pitch said, apologetically, "I didn't know that you were busy. I'll see if I can find help somewhere else. Good night, thank you anyway."
And at that, the black unicorn took off, exiting the house and disappearing and blending into the darkness. Pitch's face formed a most devilish grin. Everything just got more interesting. Pitch can use his new found knowledge for his own gain. There are plenty ponies here who would fear the idea of a new monarchy, so Pitch thought it was it his "sworn duty" to warn them about what these ponies are planning. Who knows? He may get a lot more out of this new plan, then he would get out of his old. Pitch lifted his invisibility spell off his camp, he gathered his things and headed towards Moon Tower. There's some plotting to be done.
"Thank you, pal, thank you very much." Pitch thanked with a chuckle.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

Crossfire remained silent throughout the conversation; she and other Ponies in the room sitting silent and attentive as they watched the exchange between Bright and the Ghoul Pony. Some didn't seem all that fond of this newcomer; whether due to suspicion or bias against Ghouls; Crossfire couldn't tell, anything was possible.

"Should we really let him go?" One of the Ponies asked; figuring the Sharpshooters in their little entourage could easily silence this potential troublemaker.

"No; but we are not murderers, I do not wish for unnecessary bloodshed. We'll be heading back to Moon Tower soon, which brings me to the last and most important issue I wish to cover; the Council. I'm well aware that those currently in power may not take too kindly to our ideals. While our state will embrace certain concepts of Liberty in order to appease the Common Citizenry; the idea of one Absolute Ruler presiding over all with ultimate authority will not sit well with the Elected Officials of the Moon Tower council. Therefore; it is imperative we have a plan of action in the event they react to our bid for change in a manner that's less than desirable or honorable. Steel yourselves; Revolution's flames may very well sweep this settlement if those in power will not listen to the will of the Ponies." Crossfire said, rising upon finishing her speech. "In the meantime; let's return to Moon Tower. I would like a garrison of at least Seven to be left here to defend this; our Base of Operations."

It wasn't difficult for the Seven Volunteers to be chosen; led by a hunter and sharpshooter of fair renown. With those matters settled; the remaining Two-Dozen, (Give or take), prepared to leave for Moon Tower; to gather a larger following in the hopes that they could pressure the Council into retiring; or overwhelm the current Regime if things got ugly. With any luck; Crossfire's speech coupled with the dedication of those followers left behind would have led to a gathering of more Ponies under the banner of this new state developing under-the-radar, as it were. Still; only time would tell what fate had in store for them, and while many were unquestionably religious; Crossfire felt that the blessings of dead Goddess' wouldn't account for much when it all came down to a matter of success or failure, and as things stood now; there was no grey area. If they were too reckless, the movement would be destroyed utterly. Should they be too cautious; they'd likely never get a new state off the ground. It was a gamble, for sure; a gamble many would be putting all they had into. The Pegasus Mare was confident that the rewards would outweigh the risks, now she only hoped others saw it that way as well.

[Mooseolini]

When Pitch returned to Moon Tower, his despicable plan was set into motion, he got onto a boulder, the same boulder that he saw Crossfire jump onto, and he began his speech of deception.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts, Griffins and Zebras..." He began, his words almost hypnotic,"Don't let yourself be deceived. Yes, take a look around you; what do you see? The wastes, but who is responsible for the waste? Who did we put our trust into so long ago, only to be betrayed by?! A monarchy! A monarchy that we so blindly trusted, that we so blindly followed, abandoned and betrayed us to our own destruction! I, as a ghoul, remember the pre-war days, and yes, they were nice and all, but look where we are now? It was the Celestian Monarchy's responsibility to take care of us. It was the Celestian Monarchy's responsibility to protect us and keep things in order, and guess what? They failed us! When Celestia resigned from the throne, she betrayed and abandoned us! Then, centuries later, we put faith into a democracy, and how much of a better job did that do? Well, judging by the look of things, not a very good job at all. So, why should we, want another Monarchy or even another government, to lead us, only for it to fail us again? How do we not know, that the pony who spoke on this very rock that I stand on now, wouldn't lead us out of the frying pan and into the fire?! How do we not know, that the government she has in mind for us, would be no better than the previous one, or even worse? Do we really want a tyrant, like Sombra, on our backs?! I declare that we allow ourselves to make our own decisions and not have to be dependent upon one ruler, or any ruler. We are all the masters of our own fate! So why don't we act like it?!"

[Lunas Legion]

Moon Tower

"Shields?" The Griffin glanced around. "Gah. Bloody..." He broke into a fit of coughing and small drips of blood splattered on the floor. "Ministries and their security." Groaning in pain, the Griffin shoved himself off the control panel, swaying unsteadily before his talons began to unsteadily skitter over the terminal.

"Defences... Shields... There!" He hammered one final key stroke and the room's security measures deactivated. "That's everything down. Now..." The Griffin's eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the ground, a slow trickle of blood leaking from his mouth.

---

Seaddle Institute

"Not too sure." Gunner grunted as he idily stared the soup pot. "Never seen one, but I've heard rumours. Some say they're the final evolution of Ponykind, beyond Alicorns. Others say they're some Pre-war Super-Soldier project like the Alicorns but made by the Zebras. All I know is they have some wierd light manipulation spells and are bloody hard to kill. You need to rip their head clean off to down 'em properly."

---

The Octagon

"Alright, that is the last bloody time I ever listen to you, Zene. Ever!" Utopia snarled as he shoved himself upright, his vision slowly returning to normal as he cast his gaze across the ruins of what had once been his throne room.

There were no Silencer corpses; obviously the bastards took the corpses away once they'd dealt with his gang.

"It worked though boss." Zene yelled back as he pushed himself up, leaning back against a wall. The entire room was covered in a mix of rubble and small vials of what had once been the experimental combat drugs developed by Harmony Nanosystems. "We survived."

"By taking every drug ever invented by both ponies and zebras!"

"It worked."

"Bollocks. We still need to haul ass outta here."

Zene shrugged. "I need to sle-" Zene tumbled over sideways, dragged down into a drug-induced sleep before Utopia followed soon after.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Phoenix nodded, he began to feel devastated about this. He began to think that he shouldn't have interfered in the conflict. Once again, he has misused his devastating pyrokinesis and now another pony may die because of his curse.
"Oh, this my fault!" Phoenix cried out, taking the blame for everything that just happened, and also trying to keep his fiery coat cooled down, inorder to not make a bigger mess.
He felt that it was due to his devastating power, that things went from bad, to worse. Phoenix, however, did not know that it wasn't really his fault.
"I shouldn't have interfered in this! Damn me and this curse of mine! There must be something we can do."
Phoenix's fiery mane died down in shame as he trotted over towards Sterlng, but was still hot enough for combat. But then he fired up once got another idea that he may still be able help and fix things.
"Wait!" said Phoenix, turning back to the pony near Aurora, "If you're looking for a radiation pit, there's one near the south, but that one is to farway. Unless you want to take a shortcut and use the one down in the sewers, the pit itself is practically right below us, but that place would be dangerous to get to. Are you up for it?"
True, the closest pit that he knew about other than the one in the south, is right below them. But the sewers below, this area being worst of all, are highly infested with Darkfire, the most dangerous element in the wasteland.

Shademane was nudging himself against Aurora, staring at her seared skin and trying to comfort her with whispers of endearment. He wasn't sure that she heard him, though. She seemed to be talking to herself, or maybe some other pony. But, when the pyrokentic pony mentioned the radiation in the sewers, Shademane felt a hint at joy. Hoping to his hoofs, he told Pheonix "as long as it's radiation, it'll bloody do. Now, c'mon, old buildings like this one have a straight shot to sewers. I'd carry Aurora, but she's a bit larger than I am, and I don't want to drag her because of the burns. You'll have to levitate her." Shademane motioned for him to do so and waited for him at the 'down' staircase.

[The Flutterlands]

Phoenix nodded, he began to feel devastated about this. He began to think that he shouldn't have interfered in the conflict. Once again, he has misused his devastating pyrokinesis and now another pony may die because of his curse.
"Oh, this my fault!" Phoenix cried out, taking the blame for everything that just happened, and also trying to keep his fiery coat cooled down, inorder to not make a bigger mess.
He felt that it was due to his devastating power, that things went from bad, to worse. Phoenix, however, did not know that it wasn't really his fault.
"I shouldn't have interfered in this! Damn me and this curse of mine! There must be something we can do."
Phoenix's fiery mane died down in shame as he trotted over towards Sterlng, but was still hot enough for combat. But then he fired up once got another idea that he may still be able help and fix things.
"Wait!" said Phoenix, turning back to the pony near Aurora, "If you're looking for a radiation pit, there's one near the south, but that one is to farway. Unless you want to take a shortcut and use the one down in the sewers, the pit itself is practically right below us, but that place would be dangerous to get to. Are you up for it?"
True, the closest pit that he knew about other than the one in the south, is right below them. But the sewers below, this area being worst of all, are highly infested with Darkfire, the most dangerous element in the wasteland.

Shademane was nudging himself against Aurora, staring at her seared skin and trying to comfort her with whispers of endearment. He wasn't sure that she heard him, though. She seemed to be talking to herself, or maybe some other pony. But, when the pyrokentic pony mentioned the radiation in the sewers, Shademane felt a hint at joy. Hoping to his hoofs, he told Pheonix "as long as it's radiation, it'll bloody do. Now, c'mon, old buildings like this one have a straight shot to sewers. I'd carry Aurora, but she's a bit larger than I am, and I don't want to drag her because of the burns. You'll have to levitate her." Shademane motioned for him to do so and waited for him at the 'down' staircase.

"WHAT?!" cried Phoenix, his flames flared up, his orange coat turned into a blazing yellow, "you want ME, the pony who can CONRTOL and CREATE FIRE and is ON FIRE to do WHAT? But... what... If?"
Phoenix paused, he took a deep breath, allowing his flames to die down, having his coat, return to it's fiery orange.
"Look, I have the power of pyrokinesis, which I've already explained, and trust me, it's no gift. Most of the things I've tried to levitate would often burst into flames, because of that, I've always dreaded having to levitate a living being! No, I'm sorry but I can't risk it. Are you sure that there's not another way?"

[Fantrum]

Moon Tower

"Shields?" The Griffin glanced around. "Gah. Bloody..." He broke into a fit of coughing and small drips of blood splattered on the floor. "Ministries and their security." Groaning in pain, the Griffin shoved himself off the control panel, swaying unsteadily before his talons began to unsteadily skitter over the terminal.

"Defences... Shields... There!" He hammered one final key stroke and the room's security measures deactivated. "That's everything down. Now..." The Griffin's eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the ground, a slow trickle of blood leaking from his mouth.

Marciline's ears flicked as a faint humming died off. A much deeper rumbling began as the large blast proof door shuttered and began to slid upward, releasing a wave of wet coppery air that filled both rooms and flooded down the stairs. Marci was prepared and had her shield up, but it shimmered and died as she took in the scene that awaited her on the other side of the door. "By the Goddess..." She was transfixed by the huge about of blood everywhere, and snapped to when she spotted the Griffin, sides weakly moving up and down. She teleported to him, more out of not wanting to disturb the massive blood pools and streaks than urgency, and began to examine him. She knew there was no hope for him, so she did what she could and tied to talk to him before his expiration. She spoke using the voice of a real goddess, the one that she resorted to using on special occasions, "My child, take heart, it is almost over for you. What is your name?" She noted that his breathing was rapidly becoming shallow.

[Mooseolini]

As Pitch awaited the crowds response, a thought entered Pitch's brain.
'Wait..., the ghoul thought, 'Why would that pony back there, tell me all about their plan? Unless... touché, friend, touché. But you do realize, that all this is going to bite you in the plot, right?'
Pitch Black chuckled at the idea. After all, you can't con a con.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

"WHAT?!" cried Phoenix, his flames flared up, his orange coat turned into a blazing yellow, "you want ME, the pony who can CONRTOL and CREATE FIRE and is ON FIRE to do WHAT? But... what... If?"
Phoenix paused, he took a deep breath, allowing his flames to die down, having his coat, return to it's fiery orange.
"Look, I have the power of pyrokinesis, which I've already explained, and trust me, it's no gift. Most of the things I've tried to levitate would often burst into flames, because of that, I've always dreaded having to levitate a living being! No, I'm sorry but I can't risk it. Are you sure that there's not another way?"

Sighing with impatience, Shademane replied to the, seemingly, mentally hurting pony. "Well, it's not like we have much of a bloody choice. And have you ever wondered if maybe the reason you set things on fire is because you're scared? Maybe if you just buck up and bloody believe in yourself, ya won't set things alight." In truth, Shademane was frightened. Bloody fuck! This pony just had to tell him about burning everything he touched. Looking down at Aurora, though, he knew there was no other way. It was either take a chance at having this flame-pony levitate her, or she would die. Lightly stamping the ground with impatience and worry, Shademane told Phoenix, "c'mon, you can do it. Right now, as much as I hate to say it, you're the only one who can save her."

[The Flutterlands]

"WHAT?!" cried Phoenix, his flames flared up, his orange coat turned into a blazing yellow, "you want ME, the pony who can CONRTOL and CREATE FIRE and is ON FIRE to do WHAT? But... what... If?"
Phoenix paused, he took a deep breath, allowing his flames to die down, having his coat, return to it's fiery orange.
"Look, I have the power of pyrokinesis, which I've already explained, and trust me, it's no gift. Most of the things I've tried to levitate would often burst into flames, because of that, I've always dreaded having to levitate a living being! No, I'm sorry but I can't risk it. Are you sure that there's not another way?"

Sighing with impatience, Shademane replied to the, seemingly, mentally hurting pony. "Well, it's not like we have much of a bloody choice. And have you ever wondered if maybe the reason you set things on fire is because you're scared? Maybe if you just buck up and bloody believe in yourself, ya won't set things alight." In truth, Shademane was frightened. Bloody fuck! This pony just had to tell him about burning everything he touched. Looking down at Aurora, though, he knew there was no other way. It was either take a chance at having this flame-pony levitate her, or she would die. Lightly stamping the ground with impatience and worry, Shademane told Phoenix, "c'mon, you can do it. Right now, as much as I hate to say it, you're the only one who can save her."

Phoenix took a another deep breath, the pony's right, he has no choice.
"Alright, I'll do it." he said "In truth, I confess, over the past two years, I was taught, how to levitate non-living things without burning them, which required great focus. Hopefully, that'll all pay off with me saving this mare. Now, listen this is important, for me to do this, I'll need extreme focus. It is vital that I'm not disturbed in anyway or form, any slip up, and she's ashes. No second chance, got it?"

[The Grey Wolf]

The bridge was strongly knit, but Ruby was still cautious. The bridge could break at any moment, she thought paranoidly. And she would fall to her death. Death...

Suddenly, two griseled ponies appeared in front of her. "What are you doing, pretty lady?" they asked.

Ruby gulped, frightened. "Nothing," she replied, before mentally slapping herself.

"To cross this bridge, you have to pay a toll." one of them, an Earth Pony said. "Of course, you can pay in other ways..."

Ruby responded immediately by pulling out her revolver, and aiming it.

The Earth Pony's initial look of surprise changed to a laugh. "Haha, look at that!" he said, before stepping closer. Ruby kept her hoof to the trigger, sweating.

"You don't have the guts to shoot me," he said, stepping closer and closer. He held his hoof out and stroked her hair. "You're weak - "

The gun fired, hitting the Earth Pony in the neck. Ruby squeaked in surprise. She hadn't meant to press the trigger. The other pony, an Earth Pony as well, looked in shock, before running away.

Ruby started sobbing. She had never taken a life before. She sat on the bridge weeping, before realizing the bandits might send reinforcements. Frightened, she reached forward. She saw something that resembled a tower in the distance. I have to reach that Tower, she thought with determination. Or die trying.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Marciline's ears flicked as a faint humming died off. A much deeper rumbling began as the large blast proof door shuttered and began to slid upward, releasing a wave of wet coppery air that filled both rooms and flooded down the stairs. Marci was prepared and had her shield up, but it shimmered and died as she took in the scene that awaited her on the other side of the door. "By the Goddess..." She was transfixed by the huge about of blood everywhere, and snapped to when she spotted the Griffin, sides weakly moving up and down. She teleported to him, more out of not wanting to disturb the massive blood pools and streaks than urgency, and began to examine him. She knew there was no hope for him, so she did what she could and tied to talk to him before his expiration. She spoke using the voice of a real goddess, the one that she resorted to using on special occasions, "My child, take heart, it is almost over for you. What is your name?" She noted that his breathing was rapidly becoming shallow.

Nothing could have prepared Thunder Flare for what he saw. Turning away from the door and taking several paces, he threw up what little food was in his stomach. Thunder stood there for a few moments, retching. He could taste the rank acid and bile in his mouth. Gathering what of it he could, the amber pegasus expelled the majority in a single spit. Returning to the entrance to the Council's room, he had to fight the urge to heave nothingness. And that's when he heard it; a voice so heavenly that Thunder was instantly sent into a state of calmness had manifested itself inside the room. The magical voice Marci was speaking with him want to tell her his own name, even though he knew she knew it.

Avoiding the remainder of the room so stricken with gore that it reminded him of… reminded him of… something. He wasn't quite sure what the memory was. But, it kept trying to push itself into his vision. Yet, something else was keeping it locked in restraints—repressed. Ignoring the weird feeling it gave him, he walked to the dying creature in front of him. If there was one thing his old home was, isolated would sum it up. He had just arrived in Seaddle and already he had seen an alicorn and whatever this was. He decided to keep his mouth shut and let the severely injured bird-like being speak.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Phoenix took a another deep breath, the pony's right, he has no choice.
"Alright, I'll do it." he said "In truth, I confess, over the past two years, I was taught, how to levitate non-living things without burning them, which required great focus. Hopefully, that'll all pay off with me saving this mare. Now, listen this is important, for me to do this, I'll need extreme focus. It is vital that I'm not disturbed in anyway or form, any slip up, and she's ashes. No second chance, got it?"

Nodding to the walking embodiment of napalm, Shademane thought to himself, 'oh, Goddesses, don't let this ticking fire-bomb screw this up!' Adjusting the cloak so that it wouldn't fall off mid-levitation, Shademane signaled toward Phoenix. With a million worries scurrying through his mind, Shademane slowly walked down the stairs, making sure to give the pyropony enough distance. When they reached the lowest back room containing the pit in the center, a broken pair of steps leading to shallow, murky water below, and crisscrossed rows of rusted iron bars blocking further exploration into the dark, dank sewer tunnels, Shademane watched attentively as Phoenix floated Aurora thought the air.

[Lunas Legion]

Moon Tower

"Shields?" The Griffin glanced around. "Gah. Bloody..." He broke into a fit of coughing and small drips of blood splattered on the floor. "Ministries and their security." Groaning in pain, the Griffin shoved himself off the control panel, swaying unsteadily before his talons began to unsteadily skitter over the terminal.

"Defences... Shields... There!" He hammered one final key stroke and the room's security measures deactivated. "That's everything down. Now..." The Griffin's eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the ground, a slow trickle of blood leaking from his mouth.

Marciline's ears flicked as a faint humming died off. A much deeper rumbling began as the large blast proof door shuttered and began to slid upward, releasing a wave of wet coppery air that filled both rooms and flooded down the stairs. Marci was prepared and had her shield up, but it shimmered and died as she took in the scene that awaited her on the other side of the door. "By the Goddess..." She was transfixed by the huge about of blood everywhere, and snapped to when she spotted the Griffin, sides weakly moving up and down. She teleported to him, more out of not wanting to disturb the massive blood pools and streaks than urgency, and began to examine him. She knew there was no hope for him, so she did what she could and tied to talk to him before his expiration. She spoke using the voice of a real goddess, the one that she resorted to using on special occasions, "My child, take heart, it is almost over for you. What is your name?" She noted that his breathing was rapidly becoming shallow.

"Brasswing." The Griffin choked out. "Bloody ponies and their stupid bloody 'experiments'. Get Utopia; as much as I-" The Griffin coughed out a stream of blood. "Hate the guy, but he's the only person with the respect and forces to hold the Tower together. Just don't let the Rang-" Brasswing coughed up yet more blood before his eyes rolled downward and a final faint breath of air passed his lips.

---

The crowd wasn't really interested in anything vaguely resembling politics; they were guards, merceneries or traders, and like many other ponies, only looked to the near future. Most just grumbled and went on about their daily lives, occasionally talking about 'the crazy pony' who was talking about a Monarchy. Moon Tower had always been ruled by the Caravan Council; a group of the five wealthiest traders living in or operating out of the Tower.

It was a plutocracy; it had no reason to concern itself with the dealings of a bunch of idiots who might try to create a new 'Red State'- one like what Red Eye had created, or the New Caesar's Legion over in Zebrica. It was concerned with two things; the maximisation of profits and the protection of the tower. Nothing else mattered.

[The Flutterlands]

Phoenix took a another deep breath, the pony's right, he has no choice.
"Alright, I'll do it." he said "In truth, I confess, over the past two years, I was taught, how to levitate non-living things without burning them, which required great focus. Hopefully, that'll all pay off with me saving this mare. Now, listen this is important, for me to do this, I'll need extreme focus. It is vital that I'm not disturbed in anyway or form, any slip up, and she's ashes. No second chance, got it?"

Nodding to the walking embodiment of napalm, Shademane thought to himself, 'oh, Goddesses, don't let this ticking fire-bomb screw this up!' Adjusting the cloak so that it wouldn't fall off mid-levitation, Shademane signaled toward Phoenix. With a million worries scurrying through his mind, Shademane slowly walked down the stairs, making sure to give the pyropony enough distance. When they reached the lowest back room containing the pit in the center, a broken pair of steps leading to shallow, murky water below, and crisscrossed rows of rusted iron bars blocking further exploration into the dark, dank sewer tunnels, Shademane watched attentively as Phoenix floated Aurora thought the air.

Phoenix hesitated before starting the levitation spell. Should he cook something first, just to meditate for awhile? No. There's no time for that. It's now or never!
'Please, Celestia,' he prayed, 'don't let Zach's teachings fail me now. If I fail and she dies, I'll never forgive myself. I can't bear to loose another pony to this curse of mine.'
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and paused as he cleansed his mind of all worry and distraught. He was ready. Suddenly, a faint orange glow surrounded the dying mare as she slowly hovered in the air, without a flame in sight. When Phoenix opened his eye, he was relived to find the mare, not on fire. After following the pony to the sewer entrance, Phoenix used his fiery light to guide them through the dark tunnels. When Phoenix reached the pit, he carefully and gently lowered Aurora into the radiation pit. He waited in anticipation, as he watch the alicorn sink into the radiation.

[Mooseolini]

Pitch Black wasn't sure if his deception worked, or that these ponies had more apathy than the boulder he was sitting on. Ether way, there are two things that the ghoul unicorn is certain of, Crossfire's plan is bound to fail, and Bright Steel's betrayal will be his own undoing. In the end, Pitch is going to have the time of his life, and it'll all be worth it.

[The Grey Wolf]

Ruby rested in the forest. She had ran for hours, the fear of the bandits had kept her from slowing down. Her feet was sore, and so was her mind, the adrenaline having worn off.

She checked the sky, the hot air balloon floating above her. The hot air balloon was a source of hope for her. It was where she had gained her cutie mark after all.

The Tower was a little closer, Ruby did some calculations. If she used the hot air balloon, she might make it there in a few hours, if less. However, a strange pony arriving in their fort via balloon may result in being attacked. Ruby sighed. She would use the balloon for a short distance, to rest up, then she would arrive at the Tower, via foot.

[Das Metro]

No Name ignored her question for a moment as he finished engraving the second notch. Once the glass game free of the polished wooden stock, No Name looked admiringly at the new tallymark laid into the guns furniture. He looked up to Eris and sighed wearily, "Well, like I said, I was sold into slavery at birth. My buyer," No Name rasped the word with apparent distaste, "...Thought he could make a mercenary out of me, ridiculous and horrible idea. Training a little foal to fight... Anyways, this was what he gave me to defend myself. It's the one thing from my old life I cared enough about to hold onto."

Eris looked to the Moon Tower, now looming over them, as she spoke, "I know what you mean about that. Starting over I mean." She was thankful that her eyes were turned away from No Name, and she closed them against the tears that were forcing themselves out, "I only wish I could go back to my old life." Her voice was strangely even as she spoke through her sadness, "The ponies may have been mean sometimes, but at least Mom and Dad were there..." She trails off, finally giving in to her depression. This wasnt the first time she had dipped low in the morale department, but she knew that if you didnt shed a few tears now and again, you would likely go insane from all the pent up emotions.

No Name stared at Eris unblinking for a moment. This was the most unhappy he had ever seen her (which wasn't saying much considering he had only been in her company for a day). He bit his lip and sighed. Celestia damn it! Thus is why he normally avoided conversation with most Ponies. Spend too long a time with one Pony and soon things get difficult (which again, was not saying much). No Name adopted a calmer, more soothing voice with some difficulty. Not only did the pain of the shrapnel left in his chest bring him some discomfort, but shedding his stoic mask was difficult as well. "Hey, come on Eris, thats just life! Ponies will be well, mean. But there will always be somepony to help! Y'know, someponies shoulder to cry on. You know, growing up, I didn't exactly have a mother or father, and while the Ponies I knew weren't mean, they weren't necessarily kind either. The point is, life is just hard. Especially in the time we're in now."

He went quiet for a moment before resuming with more difficulty, "Y'know, I don't have anywhere to go. No one to meet. Nothing really. So maybe I could well... Stick with you for a bit, maybe?"

[Fantrum]

No Name stared at Eris unblinking for a moment. This was the most unhappy he had ever seen her (which wasn't saying much considering he had only been in her company for a day). He bit his lip and sighed. Celestia damn it! Thus is why he normally avoided conversation with most Ponies. Spend too long a time with one Pony and soon things get difficult (which again, was not saying much). No Name adopted a calmer, more soothing voice with some difficulty. Not only did the pain of the shrapnel left in his chest bring him some discomfort, but shedding his stoic mask was difficult as well. "Hey, come on Eris, thats just life! Ponies will be well, mean. But there will always be somepony to help! Y'know, someponies shoulder to cry on. You know, growing up, I didn't exactly have a mother or father, and while the Ponies I knew weren't mean, they weren't necessarily kind either. The point is, life is just hard. Especially in the time we're in now."

He went quiet for a moment before resuming with more difficulty, "Y'know, I don't have anywhere to go. No one to meet. Nothing really. So maybe I could well... Stick with you for a bit, maybe?"

Eris perked back up, her hair poofing out of her face, "Its ok! They died fast, I think..." She thought for a second before continuing on, "I think that would be awesome! Easily 20% cooler than going off on your own!" Somewhere in her head, she felt that pink earth pony roll her eyes in exasperation. She turned the corner and stopped, "Well that isnt good." She stood facing the melted gate to the Moon Tower and the ensuing carnage inside that was only just tidied up. She limbered up the cart once more and headed for the gate, which was still just about a mile down the deserted street.

[The Grey Wolf]

Ruby could see the city of Seaddle, and the large tower. She felt like her bones were going to break. Her throat was parched. The rope keeping her hot air balloon tethered was still tightly around her, but she was too tired to pull it down. She should have done so when she first fled the bridge, but the adrenaline had got in the way of her thinking.

"Hello," Ruby called out into the city, before cursing. Stupid, stupid, stupid, she told herself. Stupid, she added for good measure. It was idiotic, calling out into a city.

She continued forward, eying her surroundings carefully.

[Fantrum]

Marciline's ears flicked as a faint humming died off. A much deeper rumbling began as the large blast proof door shuttered and began to slid upward, releasing a wave of wet coppery air that filled both rooms and flooded down the stairs. Marci was prepared and had her shield up, but it shimmered and died as she took in the scene that awaited her on the other side of the door. "By the Goddess..." She was transfixed by the huge about of blood everywhere, and snapped to when she spotted the Griffin, sides weakly moving up and down. She teleported to him, more out of not wanting to disturb the massive blood pools and streaks than urgency, and began to examine him. She knew there was no hope for him, so she did what she could and tied to talk to him before his expiration. She spoke using the voice of a real goddess, the one that she resorted to using on special occasions, "My child, take heart, it is almost over for you. What is your name?" She noted that his breathing was rapidly becoming shallow.

"Brasswing." The Griffin choked out. "Bloody ponies and their stupid bloody 'experiments'. Get Utopia; as much as I-" The Griffin coughed out a stream of blood. "Hate the guy, but he's the only person with the respect and forces to hold the Tower together. Just don't let the Rang-" Brasswing coughed up yet more blood before his eyes rolled downward and a final faint breath of air passed his lips.

A frown crossed Marci's face as she heard Brasswing's final words. They unsettled her, 'Who is Utopia? What experiments?' she wanted to ask him so much, but alas, he was now just a quickly cooling corpse. She closed his eyes with a hoof, "May Celestia light your path, and Luna be your shield." She turned to Thunder, "Lets get out of here, this place is nothing but a crypt." Her face was cold as steel as she flew to the doorway and took one last look over the scene of death and slaughter before turning away from it.

[The Flutterlands]

Warren

As Hope lead her team through the seemingly never-ending maze, Spot was getting tired and cold, and Hope knew it. She only hoped that they would be out of the Warren, soon enough.
'Hang in there kid,' she told her cousin in her thoughts, 'we're almost near the end, I hope.'
Soon, however, Hope began to get the feeling that they were being... watched.
"Stay on your guard." the ghoul earth pony ordered, "My gut is telling me that trouble is ahead."

[Lunas Legion]

Warren

As Hope lead her team through the seemingly never-ending maze, Spot was getting tired and cold, and Hope knew it. She only hoped that they would be out of the Warren, soon enough.
'Hang in there kid,' she told her cousin in her thoughts, 'we're almost near the end, I hope.'
Soon, however, Hope began to get the feeling that they were being... watched.
"Stay on your guard." the ghoul earth pony ordered, "My gut is telling me that trouble is ahead."

As the group edged further forwards, the murmmering on the edge of their hearing grew louder. It could just have been the acoustics of the Warren; strange things happened within the maze of cranes, crates and tunnels.

But the murmmering wasn't just strange acoustics; that was made abundantly clear when a half-visible, faintly glowing magical shield slammed down over the group and a lone Alicorn with a deep purple, almost black, mane teleported in front of the group, immedately throwing up a magical shield as a precaution.

"The Warren should not be trod by those who do not know the way." The Alicorn rasped. "They might not come out otherwise." A bright blue glow enveloped the Alicorn's horn as she floated a strange looking gun out from a bench. The Silence will not silence our New Voice."