Fallout: Equestria (IC)

[Das Metro]

No Name gazed into Pitch's eyes with a vengeance. It was as if his pupils were hot coals fresh from Tartarus, burning with the rage of a Manticore. However, No Name smiled, "Ready to die? I've been ready since I was born! I'm just unlucky, thats all. Unlucky like you are wicked." No Name continued to covertly maneuver Timberwolf about with his telekinesis as he continued his monolouge, "But who made me? Vile degenerates like you did. It takes a monster to make one." Timberwolf floated behind the hindlegs of Pitch and No Name grinned as his eyes smouldered. "Get styled upon!" called Hellborn in No Name's head as he pulled the trigger at the hooves of Pitch.

Pitch howled in anguish. The pain of being shot infested his body, as he dropped everything; kinves and colt.
"Why you little son of a bitch!" the ghoul roared, "I'm going to teach you to respect your elders."
The evil ghoul levitated his knives once more. He dematerialized again, and rematerialized a certain distance away from Judge.
"You, judge?! HA! Is that even your real name? I don't think so. I don't even believe that you have a name. Not that it matters, everypony will be calling you dead! Now, DIE!"
Pitch lauched all his knives at No Name. The knives speeding towards the colt, like bullets, screaming for his blood!

No Name turned suddenly and his eyes widened as he watched the wave of knives barrel towards him like a raging bull. Thinking quickly, he rolled to the side, but not far enough not to catch on in the hindleg. Another jammed into his Barding, the tip of the knife making it through the armor just enough to open a wound. No Name collapsed and glared at the knife that had found its way though his leg. He crawled away from Pitch, panicked for the moment. Automatically he ripped the knife jammed into his barding free. and ground his teeth. No Name just glared at the knife in his leg. It had gone through and blood ran like a stream. No Name's breathing ran wild again and he grabbed Timberwolf in his magic and pointed it at Pitch. "My name is not Judge, my is Executioner. Now leave while you have my clemency, or I will do my job!"

[Mooseolini]

Pitch howled in anguish. The pain of being shot infested his body, as he dropped everything; kinves and colt.
"Why you little son of a bitch!" the ghoul roared, "I'm going to teach you to respect your elders."
The evil ghoul levitated his knives once more. He dematerialized again, and rematerialized a certain distance away from Judge.
"You, judge?! HA! Is that even your real name? I don't think so. I don't even believe that you have a name. Not that it matters, everypony will be calling you dead! Now, DIE!"
Pitch lauched all his knives at No Name. The knives speeding towards the colt, like bullets, screaming for his blood!

No Name turned suddenly and his eyes widened as he watched the wave of knives barrel towards him like a raging bull. Thinking quickly, he rolled to the side, but not far enough not to catch on in the hindleg. Another jammed into his Barding, the tip of the knife making it through the armor just enough to open a wound. No Name collapsed and glared at the knife that had found its way though his leg. He crawled away from Pitch, panicked for the moment. Automatically he ripped the knife jammed into his barding free. and ground his teeth. No Name just glared at the knife in his leg. It had gone through and blood ran like a stream. No Name's breathing ran wild again and he grabbed Timberwolf in his magic and pointed it at Pitch. "My name is not Judge, my is Executioner. Now leave while you have my clemency, or I will do my job!"

"Sorry, Pal." Pitch said, "I'm being a pony of my word, for once. I've said that you'll pay with your head if you refused my offer, and now I've come to collect. But it's funny. It's funny because even if you did my job, you would have still paid with your head."
Pitch used his telekinesis to tug No Name's Timberwolf away from his sphere of magical influence. Rather than using it on it's owner, Pitch snapped the Timberwolf in two. Then, Pitch levitated one of the sharp blades, and trotted towards No Name.
"Now, I'm executioner, your executioner." Pitch said, joyfully, egare to taste the Unicorn Colt's blood.
Pitch pinned No Name onto the ground, and raised his knife, swinging it down onto the doomed colt's neck.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Marciline went ridged, she didnt know how to respond to this! She felt emotions she never knew she had flutter up in her heart, this feeling was new to her, and it scared her. She attempted to hide her blush as she lifted the woozy Pegasus onto her back, they would need a place to stay the night. Thunder was clearly not in any shape to travel, let alone adventuring, so Marciline began to trudge for the door; leaving the ruined courtyard behind. She walked up to a clerk, who was lazily reading something at her station with her hooves kicked up. Marci only had a few caps on her, so she put on a big bad alicorn look and addressed the clerk, "I need to rent a room for the night. How much money is required?"

"Glad to see that you're better now." Said Butch, hovering above Thunder and Marci, pretending not to notice the love growing relationship between them.
He hoped to stay out of it.
"Say," the griffin said, following the pair, "tell me more about this rotten unicorn. 'Cause he sounds like a real nasty piece of work, if you ask me."

Unsteadily placing his front hoof forward, Thunder Flare was surprised when he found it didn't touch ground. Confused, he looked at his hooves and found that he was being levitated through the air onto Marci's back. "Whohoo!" The azure maned pony said with glee. A few nearby ponies looked on in condescending glares. Others with confused, perplexed, or even muddled faces. Thunder Flare didn't care, though; who didn't enjoy getting free horsey-back rides? Looking up at the strange bird-creature to answer him, Thunder said lazily, "eh, all I know is that he seems a lil' wrong in the head. That an' he has very bad taste in fun. Ya could ask one a' the monarchists; they prolly' know more 'bout him than I do." Bumping up and down as Marci trekked through the snow, Thunder did wonder, however, where his friend was bringing him. Glancing up to see them standing at an entrance of what appeared to be a hotel, his guess was confirmed when Marci demanded lodging for the night. Jokingly gasping, he asked, "Marci! What kind a' pony do ya think I am? Haha, 'least buy me a sugar cube, first", he finished with a wink.

[Das Metro]

No Name turned suddenly and his eyes widened as he watched the wave of knives barrel towards him like a raging bull. Thinking quickly, he rolled to the side, but not far enough not to catch on in the hindleg. Another jammed into his Barding, the tip of the knife making it through the armor just enough to open a wound. No Name collapsed and glared at the knife that had found its way though his leg. He crawled away from Pitch, panicked for the moment. Automatically he ripped the knife jammed into his barding free. and ground his teeth. No Name just glared at the knife in his leg. It had gone through and blood ran like a stream. No Name's breathing ran wild again and he grabbed Timberwolf in his magic and pointed it at Pitch. "My name is not Judge, my is Executioner. Now leave while you have my clemency, or I will do my job!"

"Sorry, Pal." Pitch said, "I'm being a pony of my word, for once. I've said that you'll pay with your head if you refused my offer, and now I've come to collect. But it's funny. It's funny because even if you did my job, you would have still paid with your head."
Pitch used his telekinesis to tug No Name's Timberwolf away from his sphere of magical influence. Rather than using it on it's owner, Pitch snapped the Timberwolf in two. Then, Pitch levitated one of the sharp blades, and trotted towards No Name.
"Now, I'm executioner, your executioner." Pitch said, joyfully, egare to taste the Unicorn Colt's blood.
Pitch pinned No Name onto the ground, and raised his knife, swinging it down onto the doomed colt's neck.

No Name watched Timberwolf snap in half, and he felt his heart break. His one connection to his past self. Hellborn cackled and egged No Name on, "You sed that! He just destroyed your one heirloom! FLAY HIS MOTHERBUCKING SCALP!" No Name felt a rush of adrenaline and his vision narrowed as Pitch brought the knife down. On pure adrenaline, No Name shot the knife from his barding up like a dart into the arm Pitch was holding the knife in. Like a true madpony No Name began thrashing and shouted in a very familiar voice that sounded of a knife on chalkboard, "CAN YOU FEEL IT ALL? LOOK ME IN MY EYE WHEN I STARE INTO YOUR SOUL!"

[Mooseolini]

"Sorry, Pal." Pitch said, "I'm being a pony of my word, for once. I've said that you'll pay with your head if you refused my offer, and now I've come to collect. But it's funny. It's funny because even if you did my job, you would have still paid with your head."
Pitch used his telekinesis to tug No Name's Timberwolf away from his sphere of magical influence. Rather than using it on it's owner, Pitch snapped the Timberwolf in two. Then, Pitch levitated one of the sharp blades, and trotted towards No Name.
"Now, I'm executioner, your executioner." Pitch said, joyfully, egare to taste the Unicorn Colt's blood.
Pitch pinned No Name onto the ground, and raised his knife, swinging it down onto the doomed colt's neck.

No Name watched Timberwolf snap in half, and he felt his heart break. His one connection to his past self. Hellborn cackled and egged No Name on, "You sed that! He just destroyed your one heirloom! FLAY HIS MOTHERBUCKING SCALP!" No Name felt a rush of adrenaline and his vision narrowed as Pitch brought the knife down. On pure adrenaline, No Name shot the knife from his barding up like a dart into the arm Pitch was holding the knife in. Like a true madpony No Name began thrashing and shouted in a very familiar voice that sounded of a knife on chalkboard, "CAN YOU FEEL IT ALL? LOOK ME IN MY EYE WHEN I STARE INTO YOUR SOUL!"

Pitch screamed in ungodly pain, as the knife dug into his arm. His blood squirted out of his bleeding arm. He dematerialized away from the mad unicorn.
"You're good." Pitch said, weakly, breathing heavily, and signaling his defeat, "But, your not worthy to take my life. I have only one executioner, and her name's Crossfire. We are destined to meet in combat. But trust me, you too, will meet the same end as your toy. Now, be a good little pony, and go do what I asked of you."
And with that Pitch, with an unholy crackle, dematerialized for the last time, taking his knives with him.
Pitch returned to his house, crashing into a draw of knives. The ghoul unicorn, unwittingly dodged the falling blades of sharp steel from his draw, as well, as the ones that fell out of his magical influence. Pitch tried to get back up onto his hooves, his body filled with rage, and pain. He was tired and exhausted from the fight, he wasted a lot of energy, in a short period of time. Still, he felt victorious, he broke that colt's favorite toy, and that made the conflict more worth it.
'The list just keeps growing, doesn't it.' he thought as he healed his wounds with his magic, knowing that his enemies have grown in Seaddel. But, soon, things will change, he will gather his own allies, he will recruit the raiders to his goal, and bring this unholy city to it's knees. But for now, he must rest until he has regained his strength. Pitch limped to his bed. Feeling his consciousness slipping away from him, he collapsed in to the bed, and blacked out, once more.

[Fantrum]

Eris let the pony loosen a flurry of water into her shoulder before pulling away slowly. She levitated over to her Screwball and holstered it, so then gestured for the pony to follow her as she walked back to the cart where No Name seemed to be in the middle of a fierce internal battle. She waved a hoof in his face, "No Name, are you alright?" She didnt want the trigger happy colt to go giving ponies paper-cuts with his deadly book, so she didnt mention the incident, at least not yet.

Ruby noticed the gesture and followed her, although she didn't know if the gesture was meant for her. It felt good, to let go of all that tension and suppression. To be able to let it all out.
"Are you a merchant?" she asked Eris, reluctantly. It seemed odd, to be asking such a question after you tried to beat, mutilate, and shoot someone to death. But her stomach was growling.

Eris struggled with the answer, her speech was sluggish, possibly from her slip earlier, "I- Uh, I, Yeah! I guess you could say that..." She felt a sudden darkness collapse over her vision, surrendering to it, she felt her world fall away.

The next morning
Eris woke up with a start, she jumped from the wagon and looked around. No Name was gone! He hadnt come back last night, Eris forgot about Ruby and began following a set of hoof-prints in the snow. After some time, she came upon the scene. Taking only a moment to look at the surroundings, Eris spotted No Name panting and with several new cuts and holes. Running to him, Eris' eyes widened and she began to talk extremely fast, "No Name!? Are you ok? What happened to you? Why didnt you come back last night? Dont ever do that to me again! Im so glad you're alive!" She said in a gush, and brought out the last of her healing bandages, with the intent of wrapping No Name up.

[Das Metro]

Ruby noticed the gesture and followed her, although she didn't know if the gesture was meant for her. It felt good, to let go of all that tension and suppression. To be able to let it all out.
"Are you a merchant?" she asked Eris, reluctantly. It seemed odd, to be asking such a question after you tried to beat, mutilate, and shoot someone to death. But her stomach was growling.

Eris struggled with the answer, her speech was sluggish, possibly from her slip earlier, "I- Uh, I, Yeah! I guess you could say that..." She felt a sudden darkness collapse over her vision, surrendering to it, she felt her world fall away.

The next morning
Eris woke up with a start, she jumped from the wagon and looked around. No Name was gone! He hadnt come back last night, Eris forgot about Ruby and began following a set of hoof-prints in the snow. After some time, she came upon the scene. Taking only a moment to look at the surroundings, Eris spotted No Name panting and with several new cuts and holes. Running to him, Eris' eyes widened and she began to talk extremely fast, "No Name!? Are you ok? What happened to you? Why didnt you come back last night? Dont ever do that to me again! Im so glad you're alive!" She said in a gush, and brought out the last of her healing bandages, with the intent of wrapping No Name up.

No Name, or rather at the moment, Hellborn, was galloping in circles, cackling. The thoughtful glint in his eye was replaced with an evil and vile glare, full of joy and happiness. No Name stopped and started shouting. "Pitch! Pitch Black! Come back here and finish me! See what I am, for I am Hellbiorn! I can taste the gore and smell the weeping! And I want more! I want to bathe in your flesh, Pitch! And savour your fear! I want to live in a castle of your agony and CRUMBLE IT WITH AN AXE TO YOUR CAROTID!" Hellborn stopped and slunk back into the mind of No Name. The thoughtful glow returned and No Name looked to Eris back to his self.

No Name looked at Eris and shook his head, feeling the cut on the side of his head. He looked up to Eris and grunted, "I apologize. I was walking when I found this town." He gestured to the hanging stallion, "And had an altercation in which I received my Cutiemark," No Name turned, showing Eris the symbol upon his flank. "I then got into another fight with a Ghoul pony. A lowly bastard named Pitch Black..." No Name dropped onto his haunches and looked to the knife jammed into his leg. "I need your help."

[Fantrum]

Eris struggled with the answer, her speech was sluggish, possibly from her slip earlier, "I- Uh, I, Yeah! I guess you could say that..." She felt a sudden darkness collapse over her vision, surrendering to it, she felt her world fall away.

The next morning
Eris woke up with a start, she jumped from the wagon and looked around. No Name was gone! He hadnt come back last night, Eris forgot about Ruby and began following a set of hoof-prints in the snow. After some time, she came upon the scene. Taking only a moment to look at the surroundings, Eris spotted No Name panting and with several new cuts and holes. Running to him, Eris' eyes widened and she began to talk extremely fast, "No Name!? Are you ok? What happened to you? Why didnt you come back last night? Dont ever do that to me again! Im so glad you're alive!" She said in a gush, and brought out the last of her healing bandages, with the intent of wrapping No Name up.

No Name, or rather at the moment, Hellborn, was galloping in circles, cackling. The thoughtful glint in his eye was replaced with an evil and vile glare, full of joy and happiness. No Name stopped and started shouting. "Pitch! Pitch Black! Come back here and finish me! See what I am, for I am Hellbiorn! I can taste the gore and smell the weeping! And I want more! I want to bathe in your flesh, Pitch! And savour your fear! I want to live in a castle of your agony and CRUMBLE IT WITH AN AXE TO YOUR CAROTID!" Hellborn stopped and slunk back into the mind of No Name. The thoughtful glow returned and No Name looked to Eris back to his self.

No Name looked at Eris and shook his head, feeling the cut on the side of his head. He looked up to Eris and grunted, "I apologize. I was walking when I found this town." He gestured to the hanging stallion, "And had an altercation in which I received my Cutiemark," No Name turned, showing Eris the symbol upon his flank. "I then got into another fight with a Ghoul pony. A lowly bastard named Pitch Black..." No Name dropped onto his haunches and looked to the knife jammed into his leg. "I need your help."

Eris was absolutely horrified, "Wha- What was that?" She hadn't seen this side of No Name, and she didnt like it, not one bit. "No Name, what in Luna's name were you saying?" There was an obvious battle between fear and concern raging in her voice and on her face. She finished dressing his wounds and faced him, "No Name," she started, but stopped dead as she spied his coveted shotgun lying in the snow, "Oh! I have just the thing for this!" She floated the two pieces of gun into her saddle bags.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

Crossfire looked worried as Sulphur collapsed; fearing the worst... Alas; it seemed Bright Steel, who obviously still had feelings for the bat-pony, had laid her fears to rest. She breathed a sigh of relief as Sulphur was alive; unconscious, but still alive. The day was drawin to a close; the matter of shelter a big problem once more. The hospital was cramped enough as it was; with the rich buying their way in for the night while the poor suffered. How typical of a society such as this, Crossfire thought to herself; searching for a solution.

It seemed the ponies of Moon Tower had already taken care of the issue, however; those with families taken into the loving embrace of a warm home and caring relatives, for the most part. Crossfire, Bright, and Sulphur, meanwhile, found themselves inside vastly less comfortable tents established shortly after the Silence's attack, if only to keep the impoverished and travelers out of the wind.

"You should rest well tonight, Bright; there is much work to be done tomorrow." The Pegasus Mare stated, heading for a tent; curling up alongside other Ponies in a manner similar to the courtyard the night after the Silence had attacked, albeit this time the harsh nip of the wind was somewhat allieviated by the cloth walls around them.

[The Flutterlands]

Night

Moon Tower
As the night passed on, Butch, Dustbowl and Red Dawn, volunteered in aiding the wounded, giving medical attention to those who could not afford it. When their work was done, they decided to make camp for the night, the trio discussed the events that happened at Moon Tower; Particularly, the Unicorn. They decided to inform Crossfire of the perpetrator in the morning, but first, they slept.

Warren
Meanwhile, down below the Warren, where the gang made camp, Spot dreamed that he was in a dark abyss, surrounded by nothingness. But, suddenly, two particular pones, A Mare and a Stallion, appeared out of nowhere. They looked... familiar... The two ponies simply gazed upon Spot, looking, happy. Spot knew exactly who they were.
"Mom?" said Pitch, in his dream, "Dad?"
The couple said nothing, they only stared at their son, with compassionate eyes. Then, to Spot's dismay, the faded out of existence.
"Mom!" cried Spot, "Dad! Come back!"
But they didn't. Spot found himself alone in the dark void once more, but, then, out of the darkness, came a door; A big Door; A big, well secured, door, labelled, 132. Spot watched it open before him, in horror, as monstrous creatures came swarming out. They were big, insect-like creatures. Yet, they looked almost like ponies, but, not quite. Among them was an even larger creature, more monstrous than any of the smaller ones. The monsters surrounded Spot. But suddenly, he began to hear a faint lullaby. Soon, it louder, and louder, and louder. Spot then noticed the creatures disappearing, fading out of existence, like his parents. Finally, Spot woke up. He looked around the dark tunnel. He saw Hope and the other gang members, they seemed to be... talking about something. Spot felt sleep trying to take him once more, so he closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep.

---

Morning

Moon Tower
The next morning, the trio didn't waste anytime. They had their breakfast and rushed to Crossfire's tent. Finding her still sleeping, they respectfully waited for her to wake up, before telling the pegasus mare about the mad unicorn.

Warren

Spot was woken up by a shake on the shoulders. He jolted to find Hope right in his face.
"Good morning, Spot." she greeted, "I hope you slept well. I've found breakfest for ya."
Hope revealed a plate of mice. Saying that she found breakfast, made it sound less appetizing, but, he knew that beggars can't be choosers. So, he reluctantly took the plate, with a thank you, and started eating.
Suddenly, Hope remembered something.
"Shit!" she cried, "I hope the boss is okay! I must contact him. I can only hope that communications is still up."
Hope activated her communication device, hoping that she may even get a signal where she is, and desperately tried to contact the Octogon.
"Utopia!" she spoke into her device, "Utopia! Come in! Do you copy? Utopia! Come in! Utopia..."

Phoenix Building

The Clan gathered together for their morning activites, they awaited Dark Heart, who was awaiting the Elder for the day's assignment.

[New Willow]

Sulphur's eyes cracked open; feeling mildly rested she looked around the slightly cramped tent. The first thing she noticed was Bright laying right beside her; her cheeks flared a crimson colour, as her eyes grew wide. She immediately turned her gaze to elsewhere in the tent and tried thinking of other things. Not that there was anything wrong with thinking of Bright... in a less then appropriate manner. She face hoofed, trying not to think of anything inappropriate. After three or so seconds she buried her face in the blanket she was placed on during unconsciousness. 'Okay, don't think of it... don't think... don't think.' She tried to suppress those thoughts, with less then stellar success.

She pressed her face harder against the blanket and let out a slow, long groan. 'Think of something else... like the new government, the new government is something else right? Yeah!... What about it? Well it...it's uh... new?... Uhg, I'm getting no where,' She let out a more audible groan. 'What about the pony who attacked? He tossed those bombs... which could of killed Bright... and possibly killed Crossfire...' She scowled, remembering the pieces of shrapnel she took from said explosions. She looked around the tent, and noticed Crossfire curled up not to far from Bright and herself. She smiled, happy to see that all her friends lived through the attack. However worrying about her friends reminded her of the sleeping Bright laying right beside her. She sighed, giving up on trying to halt her thoughts. '...damnit...'

[Ozzy]

Opium laughed pompously and trotted inside with another upturn of his nose. He looked around with a broad grin and empty stare. All this technology! It made Opium feel dizzy and insecure about his own equipment. Damnit, he always hated technology... Despite his raging hate for all things magical (except Horns) Opium pranced up to pour himself some soup. Nonchalantly, he brushed off his cloak and stuffed ot into his saddlebags. Opium shot an admiring gaze at his Slaver Barding. He poured himself a bowl of soup and trotted over to a corner to eat alone. Between a mouthful he added a comment, "Just like home! A cold, impassive place full of impassive ponies, but lukewarm soup... I miss home."

Thistle decided to pour herself a bowl of soup after Opium has sat in the corner, accidently pouring some into the floor as she stared at his apparel, she seen that armor somewhere. Thistle voraciously downed the soup without problem and clumsily sat the bowl back on the table, wiping some broth off her muzzle and slowly approached Opium, each leg shaking with anticipation as the filly walked liked she had taken her first steps. A few deep breaths later, she found herself sitting next to the pony with legs tucked in her black dress, she found him less intimidating than the scary Steel Rangers...

[Mooseolini]

-snip-

[The Moon States]

Katai upon closer inspection of Moon Tower saw that there was a significant amount of turmoil happening and so snuck in the camps to steal basic necessities like food and water. Walking again onto the road heading nowhere in particular she thought solemnly to herself what she would do now that one shot for getting any help was as good as dead with the turmoil within the large encampment. Once again pulling the hood and mask over her face so that only her hooves showed through her attire she continued onward onto the cold and lonely road.

[Lunas Legion]

The Octogon

"We knew it would happen someday, boss." Zene broke the awkward silence that surrounded the trio as they stared down at a lifeless pony clad in lime green Enclave power armour. "It was just a matter of who first..."

Flashbang nodded agreement. "I may have only been 13th, but her death is one that will hurt us all."

"Damnit." Utopia silently swore. "Of all the ponies to lead a rearguard action against the bloody things, it just had to be you Dusty, didn't it?" He stared down at the corpse, a dead look in his eyes. "I always expected the Fourteen to go down in one last phyrric blaze of glory, not being picked off one by one by the bloody Wasteland." He spat on a Sliencer that lay dead next to Dusty, sides blasted open from energy weapon shots. "But the Fourteen do not forget and will continue onwards." He glanced up. "And the Fourteen avenge their fallen."

"You're damn right about that boss."

"I would expect nothing less." Flashbang added.

---

It was a few minutes later when the trio ended up in the Octogon's communications room that had once acted as Seaddle's main radio station. The transmitters were long gone, but it could still send and recieve transmissions from the outposts of Utopia's Gang. When there had been a gang.

One of the many aged radios was shedding sparks from half-exposed electronics, but Hope's message made it through the static to the group.

"This is Utopia." Utopia barked. "Haul ass to Moon Tower, and keep the Gang with you. Any of them die and your head will be on Flashbang's trophy wall tomorrow. We'll meet you there. Utopia out."

---

The Phoenix Building

"Right." Elder Winery began. "We've retaken the Phoenix Building and have sealed off most of the access tunnels, but the Silencers remain a problem. If my infomation is correct, they've all but wiped out Utopia and have left Moon Tower leaderless. Only we remain standing as a force of organized resistance, although I may be repeating this. The memory isn't what it once was."

"They appear to have already beaten off the vast majority of the Blackhounds, if they were able to push this far along the sewers to attack us, and the Tolltakers are a bunch of walking death-prophets. Our list of help grows shorter by the day. Normally I wouldn't even consider such a measure, but we need to warn the Outcasts and gain their Balefire Eggs so you are to go to the Seaddle Institute and secure those eggs by any means, at any cost." The Elder made it abundantly clear what the Clan would have to do if the Eggs weren't handed over.

---

Moon Tower

"Hmmm?" The clerk glanced up. "15 caps a night or goods to the same value. It's clean, at least by the Wasteland, and the toilets work most of the time."

[The Flutterlands]

The Octogon

"We knew it would happen someday, boss." Zene broke the awkward silence that surrounded the trio as they stared down at a lifeless pony clad in lime green Enclave power armour. "It was just a matter of who first..."

Flashbang nodded agreement. "I may have only been 13th, but her death is one that will hurt us all."

"Damnit." Utopia silently swore. "Of all the ponies to lead a rearguard action against the bloody things, it just had to be you Dusty, didn't it?" He stared down at the corpse, a dead look in his eyes. "I always expected the Fourteen to go down in one last phyrric blaze of glory, not being picked off one by one by the bloody Wasteland." He spat on a Sliencer that lay dead next to Dusty, sides blasted open from energy weapon shots. "But the Fourteen do not forget and will continue onwards." He glanced up. "And the Fourteen avenge their fallen."

"You're damn right about that boss."

"I would expect nothing less." Flashbang added.

---

It was a few minutes later when the trio ended up in the Octogon's communications room that had once acted as Seaddle's main radio station. The transmitters were long gone, but it could still send and recieve transmissions from the outposts of Utopia's Gang. When there had been a gang.

One of the many aged radios was shedding sparks from half-exposed electronics, but Hope's message made it through the static to the group.

"This is Utopia." Utopia barked. "Haul ass to Moon Tower, and keep the Gang with you. Any of them die and your head will be on Flashbang's trophy wall tomorrow. We'll meet you there. Utopia out."

"Understood." Hope replied through her communication device, "Sorry for bailing out on ya back there, I had a more important matter to attend to, you know? The new kid. Meet you there. Hope out."
"New Kid?" Spot asked quizzically.
He just finished eating his plate of mice, he kinda gotten use to them.
"Yep," answered Hope, "because you're my responsibility, you're one of us. Welcome to the team."
Hope got the gang's attention, the members listened with great interest on what their boss had in store for them.
"We're heading for Moon Tower," said Hope, "Utopia will meet us there. Try not to get killed, or it'll be my own ass to pay."
The members all nodded. They gathered their campsite and continued their journey down the dark tunnels.

The Phoenix Building

"Right." Elder Winery began. "We've retaken the Phoenix Building and have sealed off most of the access tunnels, but the Silencers remain a problem. If my infomation is correct, they've all but wiped out Utopia and have left Moon Tower leaderless. Only we remain standing as a force of organized resistance, although I may be repeating this. The memory isn't what it once was."

"They appear to have already beaten off the vast majority of the Blackhounds, if they were able to push this far along the sewers to attack us, and the Tolltakers are a bunch of walking death-prophets. Our list of help grows shorter by the day. Normally I wouldn't even consider such a measure, but we need to warn the Outcasts and gain their Balefire Eggs so you are to go to the Seaddle Institute and secure those eggs by any means, at any cost." The Elder made it abundantly clear what the Clan would have to do if the Eggs weren't handed over.

Dark Heart nodded, his mouth drooled with the thirst for the blood of silencers. But, knowing that there won't be any silencers to be dying by his talons today, he announced the Clan.
"All right," barked Dark Heart, "Going to be meeting with the AJ rangers, let's hope that they would be more forgiven for our last encounter with them. (Don't ask). If not, well, things may get ugly. Now, TAKE FLIGHT!"
With that, the Clan sprouted their wings and hovered into the air. They swarmed out of the phoenix building, with Dark Heart taking the lead, and headed to the Seaddel Institute.

[Neo Byzantine Empire]

Crossfire's rest was disturbed by less-than-pleasant dreams; dark dreams of a winding and difficult road ahead of her. She stood alone amid flaming ruins of a city; fire raining down from the sky itself while walls and the buildings protected by the ancient structures crumbled into dust.

Throughout all this; the sun rose behind her, breaking the cloud cover and shining its glorious light down on the landscape to reveal she had not been alone this entire time; those she called friends stepped forth to stand alongside her, while those who followed her waited patiently for her orders. She turned her attention back to the chaos around them; the rising sun at their backs blinding their enemies; various creatures, abominations, and ponies whom posed a threat to the wastes and the people as a whole. At her side were her trusty pistols; restored to near-excellent condition. She drew one, looking down at it, then turning her gaze upon the chaos descending upon herself and those around her.

"For Equestria! Charge!" she shouted, kicking up off the ground with other Pegasi; while ground forces below advanced at full gallop towards the enemy.

Just as they had all come within range; Crossfire was pulled away from the strange dream-world; shooting up rather suddenly, looking all around the tent. Those she had been sleeping close to grumbled in protest, some settling back into a comfortable spot, while others reluctantly rose to begin another day in hell.

Crossfire herself rose to her hooves and waved at Sulphur and Bright; showing no apparent reaction to their being so close to each other. Carefully stepping over the sleeping forms of other Ponies; the refreshed and revitalized Pegasus Mare stepped out into the courtyard; enjoying the relative peace of the morning, biding her time till everypony had awoken.

Her companions from Dark Heart's clan had found her leaning on an old tree; informing her of their suspicions as to who the assailant from before was.

"I honestly wouldn't be surprised." She replied, not at all phased, at least not outwardly showing so; though the idea of such a ruthless enemy... "Still; we'll be long gone from here should be ever decide to make another move."

[The Flutterlands]

Crossfire's rest was disturbed by less-than-pleasant dreams; dark dreams of a winding and difficult road ahead of her. She stood alone amid flaming ruins of a city; fire raining down from the sky itself while walls and the buildings protected by the ancient structures crumbled into dust.

Throughout all this; the sun rose behind her, breaking the cloud cover and shining its glorious light down on the landscape to reveal she had not been alone this entire time; those she called friends stepped forth to stand alongside her, while those who followed her waited patiently for her orders. She turned her attention back to the chaos around them; the rising sun at their backs blinding their enemies; various creatures, abominations, and ponies whom posed a threat to the wastes and the people as a whole. At her side were her trusty pistols; restored to near-excellent condition. She drew one, looking down at it, then turning her gaze upon the chaos descending upon herself and those around her.

"For Equestria! Charge!" she shouted, kicking up off the ground with other Pegasi; while ground forces below advanced at full gallop towards the enemy.

Just as they had all come within range; Crossfire was pulled away from the strange dream-world; shooting up rather suddenly, looking all around the tent. Those she had been sleeping close to grumbled in protest, some settling back into a comfortable spot, while others reluctantly rose to begin another day in hell.

Crossfire herself rose to her hooves and waved at Sulphur and Bright; showing no apparent reaction to their being so close to each other. Carefully stepping over the sleeping forms of other Ponies; the refreshed and revitalized Pegasus Mare stepped out into the courtyard; enjoying the relative peace of the morning, biding her time till everypony had awoken.

Her companions from Dark Heart's clan had found her leaning on an old tree; informing her of their suspicions as to who the assailant from before was.

"I honestly wouldn't be surprised." She replied, not at all phased, at least not outwardly showing so; though the idea of such a ruthless enemy... "Still; we'll be long gone from here should be ever decide to make another move."

"Then our services are yours." said Red Dawn, bowing her head, "We were planning on supporting your monarchy."
"Want us to hunt down this no-good unicorn and deliver you his head?" asked Butch, darkly, taking out two long swords from the dual scabbard on his back, "Before he decides to cause anymore trouble?"
Butch was eager to taste the blood of this filthy terrorist, before the latter could taste anymore blood.
"Yeah," said Dustbowl, hovering above Crossfire, "Parasprites are one thing; Annoying, but, harmless; But, Putting innocent ponies at risk with grenades. Well, somepony must be delt with, before he can do more harm. So, want us to do you the favor?"

[Fantrum]

Moon Tower

"Hmmm?" The clerk glanced up. "15 caps a night or goods to the same value. It's clean, at least by the Wasteland, and the toilets work most of the time."

Marci was thankful for the low price, and quickly emptied 15 caps onto the counter and took the liberty of levitating a key from a large board. 'Room 590' the key read. She ignored Thunder's obscene comment and made her way up to the room. Gently closing the door behind her, Marci turned on the lights and revealed a dapper two bed room. It had a desk and terminal, the latter still glowing green, a few chairs, and a large wall window that looked out over the ruined cityscape. She locked the door and layed Thunder down on one of the beds, swirling the covers around the stallion before collapsing onto her own bed. She let the soft embrace of the cushy mattress take her and she soon drifted off into a realm of dreams.

[The Grey Wolf]

No Name, or rather at the moment, Hellborn, was galloping in circles, cackling. The thoughtful glint in his eye was replaced with an evil and vile glare, full of joy and happiness. No Name stopped and started shouting. "Pitch! Pitch Black! Come back here and finish me! See what I am, for I am Hellbiorn! I can taste the gore and smell the weeping! And I want more! I want to bathe in your flesh, Pitch! And savour your fear! I want to live in a castle of your agony and CRUMBLE IT WITH AN AXE TO YOUR CAROTID!" Hellborn stopped and slunk back into the mind of No Name. The thoughtful glow returned and No Name looked to Eris back to his self.

No Name looked at Eris and shook his head, feeling the cut on the side of his head. He looked up to Eris and grunted, "I apologize. I was walking when I found this town." He gestured to the hanging stallion, "And had an altercation in which I received my Cutiemark," No Name turned, showing Eris the symbol upon his flank. "I then got into another fight with a Ghoul pony. A lowly bastard named Pitch Black..." No Name dropped onto his haunches and looked to the knife jammed into his leg. "I need your help."

Eris was absolutely horrified, "Wha- What was that?" She hadn't seen this side of No Name, and she didnt like it, not one bit. "No Name, what in Luna's name were you saying?" There was an obvious battle between fear and concern raging in her voice and on her face. She finished dressing his wounds and faced him, "No Name," she started, but stopped dead as she spied his coveted shotgun lying in the snow, "Oh! I have just the thing for this!" She floated the two pieces of gun into her saddle bags.

"You okay?" Ruby asked Eris, having followed her to make sure she was okay. She saw the cut on No Name. "Oh sweet Celestia, are you okay?" she asked, fumbling to go get some first aid.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Marci was thankful for the low price, and quickly emptied 15 caps onto the counter and took the liberty of levitating a key from a large board. 'Room 590' the key read. She ignored Thunder's obscene comment and made her way up to the room. Gently closing the door behind her, Marci turned on the lights and revealed a dapper two bed room. It had a desk and terminal, the latter still glowing green, a few chairs, and a large wall window that looked out over the ruined cityscape. She locked the door and layed Thunder down on one of the beds, swirling the covers around the stallion before collapsing onto her own bed. She let the soft embrace of the cushy mattress take her and she soon drifted off into a realm of dreams.

Sinking comfortably into the warmth and softness of the bed and covers, Thunder Flare let escape a large audible yawn. Immediately upon touching down, he began slipping into a much needed rest. Thunder let the activities of the day take over his body and pull his complying mind into the embracing arms of the darkness. "Mmh, g'night, Marci." He said with a cozy, little smile. And with those final words, the tired pegasus succumbed to the rejuvenating domain of sleep.

[The Moon States]

Walking in the cloak of nigh Katai was wondering how far she had gone in the last few hours. Although with heavy eyes since moving into the shadow of the Moon Tower she has only been moving slowly out wards radiating from the tower in small circles. Rising up above a small burn of a ruined building and squinted out into the distance and caught a glimpse of a wagon and light radiant from somewhere in the vicinity of it. With a muddled thought process Katai headed towards it with heavy hooves and drooping eyes until she collapsed from exhaustion several hundred feet from the wagon partially hidden by debris.

[Fantrum]

Marci was thankful for the low price, and quickly emptied 15 caps onto the counter and took the liberty of levitating a key from a large board. 'Room 590' the key read. She ignored Thunder's obscene comment and made her way up to the room. Gently closing the door behind her, Marci turned on the lights and revealed a dapper two bed room. It had a desk and terminal, the latter still glowing green, a few chairs, and a large wall window that looked out over the ruined cityscape. She locked the door and layed Thunder down on one of the beds, swirling the covers around the stallion before collapsing onto her own bed. She let the soft embrace of the cushy mattress take her and she soon drifted off into a realm of dreams.

Sinking comfortably into the warmth and softness of the bed and covers, Thunder Flare let escape a large audible yawn. Immediately upon touching down, he began slipping into a much needed rest. Thunder let the activities of the day take over his body and pull his complying mind into the embracing arms of the darkness. "Mmh, g'night, Marci." He said with a cozy, little smile. And with those final words, the tired pegasus succumbed to the rejuvenating domain of sleep.

Marciline opened her eyes, she was standing on a cliff, over looking a vast empty expanse, save for the lone squat building that stood a vigilant watch over a massive crater. Her dark blue mane flowing like water and sparkling like the night sky, she looked down at her nearly black midnight blue coat.A discussion was brewing in her head, none of the voices were hers of course, but she paid it no attention. She was now looking at the massive armada that had descended on the building, relaying it to Unity for them to debate. The flow of frantic speaking was interrupted by a bright flash and a scream that pierced her very bones. She felt herself echo the scream, a searing pain gripped her brain, like something vital was being torn from her. And then it was done, there was nothing. An all encompassing silence filled her mind, she stood up straight, and whispered into the blackness in her mind, 'Hello?' She felt a pang of sudden loneliness as no one answered her. It was her voice alone. Once more, she felt something jabbing at her mind. This wasnt the gentle soothing of the Goddess herself, but the brute force of memories being crammed into her. She collapsed, clawing at her head with her fore-hooves in an attempt to make the pain go away. A full throat scream escaped her and she began to thrash about. She woke up screaming and kicking, tears stained her pillow and sparkled in her eyes.

[Socialist Shadow Republic]

Marciline opened her eyes, she was standing on a cliff, over looking a vast empty expanse, save for the lone squat building that stood a vigilant watch over a massive crater. Her dark blue mane flowing like water and sparkling like the night sky, she looked down at her nearly black midnight blue coat.A discussion was brewing in her head, none of the voices were hers of course, but she paid it no attention. She was now looking at the massive armada that had descended on the building, relaying it to Unity for them to debate. The flow of frantic speaking was interrupted by a bright flash and a scream that pierced her very bones. She felt herself echo the scream, a searing pain gripped her brain, like something vital was being torn from her. And then it was done, there was nothing. An all encompassing silence filled her mind, she stood up straight, and whispered into the blackness in her mind, 'Hello?' She felt a pang of sudden loneliness as no one answered her. It was her voice alone. Once more, she felt something jabbing at her mind. This wasnt the gentle soothing of the Goddess herself, but the brute force of memories being crammed into her. She collapsed, clawing at her head with her fore-hooves in an attempt to make the pain go away. A full throat scream escaped her and she began to thrash about. She woke up screaming and kicking, tears stained her pillow and sparkled in her eyes.

The amber pony had been occupying a snug dream filled with cake and inanimate objects bearing obscenely large smiley faces. That is, until the shriek woke him up. Startled and dazed from the suddenness of the scream, Thunder Flare nearly fell off his mattress. 'What the heck was that?!' He thought. Immediately looking to Marci to ensure she was okay, Thunder saw that the alicorn was flailing about. "Ma–Marci, what's wrong?" Throwing the covers off and jumping ungracefully out of bed, once he was at her side saw the tears streaming from her face and onto her pillow sheet. He may not like to ever see another cry, for some reason Thunder's heart began to ache at the sight of Marci experiencing such anguish.

Carefully climbing onto the bed and laying down next to the sobbing alicorn, he wrapped a hoof around her and pulled her close to his body. "There, there, Marci. I'm here fer ya; ain't anythin' gonna hurt ya." He cooed into her ear in his attempt to soothe her. 'She must a' had a nightmare, Thunder thought to himself with a mental sigh. Speaking softly in a caring voice, he asked Marci, "c'mon, Marci, please tell me what happened."

[Fantrum]

Marciline opened her eyes, she was standing on a cliff, over looking a vast empty expanse, save for the lone squat building that stood a vigilant watch over a massive crater. Her dark blue mane flowing like water and sparkling like the night sky, she looked down at her nearly black midnight blue coat.A discussion was brewing in her head, none of the voices were hers of course, but she paid it no attention. She was now looking at the massive armada that had descended on the building, relaying it to Unity for them to debate. The flow of frantic speaking was interrupted by a bright flash and a scream that pierced her very bones. She felt herself echo the scream, a searing pain gripped her brain, like something vital was being torn from her. And then it was done, there was nothing. An all encompassing silence filled her mind, she stood up straight, and whispered into the blackness in her mind, 'Hello?' She felt a pang of sudden loneliness as no one answered her. It was her voice alone. Once more, she felt something jabbing at her mind. This wasnt the gentle soothing of the Goddess herself, but the brute force of memories being crammed into her. She collapsed, clawing at her head with her fore-hooves in an attempt to make the pain go away. A full throat scream escaped her and she began to thrash about. She woke up screaming and kicking, tears stained her pillow and sparkled in her eyes.

The amber pony had been occupying a snug dream filled with cake and inanimate objects bearing obscenely large smiley faces. That is, until the shriek woke him up. Startled and dazed from the suddenness of the scream, Thunder Flare nearly fell off his mattress. 'What the heck was that?!' He thought. Immediately looking to Marci to ensure she was okay, Thunder saw that the alicorn was flailing about. "Ma–Marci, what's wrong?" Throwing the covers off and jumping ungracefully out of bed, once he was at her side saw the tears streaming from her face and onto her pillow sheet. He may not like to ever see another cry, for some reason Thunder's heart began to ache at the sight of Marci experiencing such anguish.


Carefully climbing onto the bed and laying down next to the sobbing alicorn, he wrapped a hoof around her and pulled her close to his body. "There, there, Marci. I'm here fer ya; ain't anythin' gonna hurt ya." He cooed into her ear in his attempt to soothe her. 'She must a' had a nightmare, Thunder thought to himself with a mental sigh. Speaking softly in a caring voice, he asked Marci, "c'mon, Marci, please tell me what happened."

Marci looked at the Stallion, she was hysterical, she grabbed Thunder and held on, whispering in a truly anguished voice, "Please, please make it stop! I never asked for this!" In her waking nightmare, Thunder wore the face of the Goddess, "Why did you have to die mother?" She buried her face in Thunder's shoulder and continued to cry her eyes out. She slowly began to come back to reality, slowing her breathing and drying her eyes.