open Fallout Equestria: Ground Zero [RP]

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

@@TheLineTrotter,

 

(He is wearing a radiation suit)

Hazmat looked at the griffin, ED-E made a beeping noise. "Ha ha very fun, ED-E" Hazmat said sarcastically as he looked up at ED-E. ED-E made a beeping noise that resembled laughing. Hazmat then looked back down at the griffin and said "so it's none of my damn business..." The griffin was starting to act like him "...Let me guess, someone close to you died and now you are pissed off and giving up on life..." Hazmat said. ED-E made a beeping noise. Hazmat nodded, and ED-E began patrolling around the griffin and Hazmat. Hazmat took out his revolver and loaded it with hollow point rounds.

[TheLineTrotter 100]

@, 

Vincent was quiet for a moment. "...Close, huh...?" he muttered, seeming to be thinking. "...I don't even fucking know anymore..." he muttered. Could he really say he and Ana were close anymore...? Had they ever really been? Part of him had always been worried that she was just using him... pretending to be close... He'd seen her use her charm to do the very same thing a thousand times, it wasn't that hard for him to believe. To top it all off, they hadn't spoken in years, and last time they did, it'd ended with him a hair's length away from tearing her throat out. He heard the stallion loading the pistol, noticing the soft-glow wrapped around the gun. "Look, if you're gonna shoot me and take my stuff, go ahead. Just... leave the revolver. Please."

[Defender of Tomorrow 323]

(As Kayle)

 

Everypony at the shack was ready to leave, everyone had their guns out, and I, well always had my guns out, they were attached to my armor, but I checked them anyways, full of bullets, just how I like them. I glanced at Noble, then at Steam, who was already coating the wall with something, and by the sound of it she was going to burn the place down."SodiumAluminosilicate"

I was glad I knew my science stuff, because as soon as I saw Steam running at us I knew it was time to bail, I kicked the shitty shack down down and ran outside after every-pony was out, My armor got some scorching done to it, but no harm to me. Guns drawn we followed Noble to wherever he was taking us, we looked like a bunch of lunatics backing away from the inferno that was once a shack, I pulled out my helmet, it was in ruins but it still had the most important function, targeting and tracking (A.K.A EFS). 

 

As I put it on the world around me changed, and so did I. Notifications flooded the inside interface: Slight Wing Damage, Helmet Integrity Compromised, Medical Supplies Low, Intruders Detected! Everypony around me was red to me, and my helmet already had targeted vital spots on them for kill shots, I set new parameters for friend, foe, neutral. Noble changed to green, but Steam and Steady to yellow, with non-lethal shorts pre-targeted for me. I knew I couldn't exactly trust those two just yet, and this was just insurance, right?

 

We made some distance from the inferno, but a fear stirred inside me as my visor flooded with another notification: Hostiles detected x10! And just as my visor had notified me, ten ponies came into view, gazing at the inferno, I hoped they didn't see us.

 

(As Shinon)

 

I didn't realize how exhausted I was until the ranger threw a bag of caps at me, I quickly stored them in my bags, and then everything went to a blur. I felt lighter than before as someone carried me towards...a camp? The continuous movement of whoever was carrying me continued for a short while before I was placed inside a dim room filled with ponies and machines, I didn't know what was going on, but a loud hissing sound began and I fell into a sleep.

 

"Ahhh!!" I screamed as I awoke sitting up in a hot sweat. I looked around the room and saw my saddlebags on a table, auto-docs lined up at beds, and an absence of ponies. I stepped out of bed and a ringing sound filled my ears, causing me to fall to the floor. I must have been in some sort of surgery to feel this way, looking to my sides I saw no sign of anything though, these auto-docs must have done it, a traditional doctor would have stitched me up. Regaining my composure I walked to the table and checked my bags, everything was in check, energy-sabre, shitty pistol, bandages, food, caps, all of it was there, except my sniper. Fucking merc probably took it and sold it...by the way where the hell was that damn flying half-breed?!

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

@@TheLineTrotter, 

 

"No... I an't gonna kill ya, These bullets are for somepony... special." Hazmat said as he pulled out one of the bullets. On the casing was written 'Vengeance'. "Listen, if you want to kill yourself, do it." Hazmat secretly removed all the bullets from the chamber of his revolver and loaded in one normal round into the chamber before setting it next to the griffin. "If you did lose somepony close to you... killing yourself an't gonna bring 'em back. I just want you to know that... I learned that the hard way." He said before turning his head and lifting part of his mask/hood, on the back of his neck was a scar. ED-E made a beeping noise before Hazmat stepped away from the griffin. ED-E flew up to the griffin and made a beeping noise, Hazmat decided not to translate.

Edited September 2, 2014 by ED-E

[MasterCombine 316]

@@Defender of Tomorrow

@

 

The clinic reeked of sterility: traces of potion and disinfectant underscored by a hint of something sharp and coppery. Ragnar’s nose crinkled, his stomach burbling as he fought back the urge to retch. He’d been patched up in places like this more times than he could remember, but he never got used to the smell.

 

The place was crawling with Steel Rangers already. Knights and paladins hustled about, setting up banks of equipment and barricading windows. A doctor stood by, looking none too pleased as he surveyed the scene through squinted eyes. Just how big of an attack were they expecting?

 

The big ranger strode forward, carrying the stable-dweller over one shoulder. He set her down next to a large metallic booth flanked by two scribes: an autodoc. Ragnar hadn’t seen too many in his life, but he knew one by sight. When the underlings had scurried away, the ranger punched a few buttons and the door slid open with a hiss, revealing a space just wide enough for a single person and a dizzying array of shiny medical instruments. Before the mare had time to react, he tossed her inside and punched another button. The door clanged shut again, the machine buzzing as it set to work.

 

Ragnar cringed. He knew it was safe, but imagining all those blades and needles doing what they did twisted his guts into a knot.

 

The ranger turned back to face him. “So,” he said, “what do you think of the weather this morning?”  

 

Ragnar stared at him flatly. Was that a serious question? Regardless of his imposing stature, Ragnar had seen tumbleweeds with more personality than this guy. Then again, rangers never struck him as the most personable of ponies. They preferred their own company, sticking to their isolated little communities and venturing out only at the promise of finding more tech. Or stealing it.

 

“It’s shit,” Ragnar said, smirking. “But where’s the news in that?” Before the ranger could respond, he wheeled about and set off in the direction of the reception desk. “I’ll be around, if you need me,” he called back. He found a nurse, a mare with a reddish coat that was flitting about between the rangers like she was worried they would burn the place down. “Your showers,” he said. “Where are they?” He made no attempt to be charming. The pain in his leg and the dried blood in his fur weren’t doing much to improve his mood.

 

The nurse spun around, eyes wide like she couldn’t process his request. “Showers,” Ragnar repeated, letting a bit more edge into his tone. “Where?”

 

“Th-The back,” she stammered. “Past the lockers.”

 

Ragnar nodded in thanks and pushed past her. When he had broken free of the crowd in the lobby, he found himself in a quiet hallway through a door behind the reception desk. For the first time in what felt like hours, he was alone. There were doors and other short hallways branching off to the left and right, but if anyone else was back here, he couldn’t hear them. Ragnar allowed himself a moment to lean against the wall, breathing deeply. The whole place looked like what he thought a prewar doctor’s office might be. Vibrantly-colored paper was peeling off the walls, happy images of birds and smiling sunflowers worn away to reveal dull grey plaster beneath. He could imagine children running back to their parents with lollipops in their mouths, foals crying as they were about to get their shots.

 

Ragnar steadied himself and shook the images out of his head. He realized with some amusement that he was still carrying the stable-dweller’s rifle. He’d get it back to her later. Right now he needed to get clean.

 

Get clean. Ragnar chuckled at the poor phrasing, but it wasn’t funny. Images of Dash inhalers and pill bottles danced around inside his head. He pushed them aside. If it’s not one thing it’s a goddamned other. The more he thought about chems, the more the cravings would set in, and he didn’t want to have to deal with that right now. Not yet. Just give me a couple more fucking hours.

 

Two doors at the end of the hallway led to locker rooms for mares and stallions alike. Ragnar shrugged and stepped into the one for stallions. It’s not like anyone was around to enforce the rules, but he wasn’t feeling particularly rebellious. The room was large and quiet, rows of wooden benches surrounded by banks of rusted metal lockers. He could hear the faint, rhythmic sound of dripping water coming from somewhere in the back.

 

Ragnar stepped over to a bench near the center of the room and took a seat. The old wood creaked and bowed under his weight. He set the heavy sniper rifle up against a locker and shrugged off his rucksack. He peeled off his combat vest, folded it up in his pack, and stood, naked save for the bandages around his leg.

 

He hobbled back towards the shower stalls, stopping to stare into a cloudy mirror on his way. Even through the cracks in the glass, he could tell he looked awful. There were dark circles under his eyes, owing either to the chems or a lack of sleep. He couldn’t tell which. His coat was spattered in blood, caked with dirt and grime. A small, wayward splinter of wood still hung between his crest feathers. Ragnar reached up and picked it out, tossing it to the floor.

 

When he’d had enough, he clambered into a stall and drew back the curtains. The tile was more yellow than white, the grout blackened by dirt and mildew. But Ragnar wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Each of the working stalls had been jury-rigged, the piping shifted around so that the showerhead connected to a big plastic tub hanging overhead. He reached forward and cranked the valve to ‘hot’, hoping that he wasn’t about to take a blast of radioactive waste to the face.

 

The showerhead juddered and came to life. Ragnar flinched as the water hit his coat. It was lukewarm, not hot like he had hoped, but it would have to do. Settling in, he relaxed his muscles and placed both hands against the wall, closing his eyes as the water ran through his fur, sifting away the filth.

 

It was at times like this, when he didn’t have anything else to think about, that Ragnar felt something stir in the darkness of his mind’s eye. He felt like he was running from something. He felt that way a lot. He just wasn’t entirely sure what he was running from. Or who. There were flashes of people, their faces obscured like he was viewing them through a smoky lens. He caught glimpses of places, of twisted monstrous things that felt both familiar and utterly alien at the same time. And all at once, the chems were back, whispering to him, promising him escape. Escape from the pain, escape from the shadows. They could help him not only run, but hide.

 

Ragnar’s eyes flew open. His head swam, and he became aware that he was biting back tears. Anger swelled in his chest. Why in the name of fuck-all am I crying? Ragnar lashed out, punching the wall with a balled-up fist. There was a crunch, and the tile cracked. The pain snapped him back to the here and now, and Ragnar was alone again with the water. He finished cleaning himself, closed the valve, and threw back the curtain.

 

There was a small stack of folded towels outside. Ragnar dried himself off, brushing back his coat and smoothing his crest feathers with a flick of his hand. He tried not to think any more about the drugs, or the shadows, or the tears. Gathering up his things, Ragnar opted to keep his clothes off. If there was going to be trouble, he needed some rest. He slung his pack over one shoulder, snatched up the sniper rifle, and went back the way he came.

 

He stopped short of the door to the lobby. It was quieter outside. Maybe some of the rangers had left the building. Part of him wondered where the stable-dweller was, and if she was okay. Which was odd. It wasn’t normal of him to care about a stranger’s well-being, but...this girl had earned his respect, at least. Maybe he’d been wrong about judging her.

 

Turning down a side hallway, Ragnar picked a door labeled ‘Lounge’ and threw it open. The room was nearly dark, lit only by the soft glow of a few scattered lamps. If it had been much of a lounge before, it wasn’t now. Most of the tables and chairs had been replaced by beds and a couple autodocs. And- Speak of the Goddess. Ragnar smirked.

 

There was a lone figure at the other end of the room, standing by a low table. She turned at the noise, and Ragnar was able to pick out the ruby specks of her eyes in the dim light. The stable-dweller had a frown on her pretty face, and she was staring at Ragnar expectantly.

 

“Well, the autodoc fixed you up nicely,” Ragnar said, his voice perhaps more suggestive than he had intended. But it was true. The mare had been stripped out of her armor and stable barding, and there was no evidence on her clean white coat that she had ever been injured. She was at least several years younger than he was, but she was beautiful. Ragnar felt weird, like he was acknowledging that for the first time.

 

He crossed over to the table and hefted her sniper rifle up onto it. “Lookin’ for this? Don’t worry, I took good care of it,” Ragnar said. He grinned at her, then limped back over to a bed against the wall. He flopped onto the linens, fishing around in his pack with one hand. Dammit. The reminder hit him like a brick. He had dropped his smokes in the dirt outside his tent.

 

Sighing, Ragnar set his pack on the floor, leaned back on the bed, and interlaced his fingers behind his head. For several seconds he just stared at the ceiling. He became aware of the stable-dweller still standing there, looking at him. Ragnar chewed his tongue. “Hey, ki-” He checked himself. He had seen the way she looked at him the first few times he had called her ‘kid’. Back then it was just funny. But now...now he felt kinda bad.

 

“Hey.” He started again, trying to project as much sincerity as he could. “I’m sorry if we got off on the wrong hoof.” He was quiet for another few seconds, still staring at the ceiling. Finally, Ragnar pulled himself up into a sitting position and looked at her. “Might be easier if I knew what to call you, ya know? You got a name?”

Edited September 2, 2014 by MasterCombine

[TheLineTrotter 100]

@,

"Heh... somepony special, huh? Lucky them...." he said, sitting up ever so slightly, only to lay himself back on the broken and cracked path that use to be a road. The gun was placed by him and he looked at it. He picked it up in one talon, examineng it as he sat up. He tossed it to the side... grabbing his own revolver, the one that had been handed to him by the stallion that had shown him more kindness that he could have expected in the world... if he was going to kill himself, he wanted it to be by this gun...

 

He remembered the last time he'd been in this position... blood soaked... surrounded by raider corpses. Then, he had tried. He'd attempted to end it all. The gun was against his head and he'd pulled the trigger, intent on dieing... if the cylinder hadn't been empty, he'd be gone from this world. He'd sat in that schoolhouse for hours, pulling the trigger over and over again, each time hearing that clicking sound...

 

He was distracted by a sudden beeping noise, staring at the little robot. He paused, before a smirk spread across his beak, although the sadness and anger still filled his eyes. "Heh, I can't tell if your little friend here is encourageing me, or trying to stop me..." he muttered, sitting there another moment before sighing. "Fuck it..." he muttered darkly, standing up slowly, looking down at the street. 

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

@@TheLineTrotter,

 

"ED-E is trying to stop you, He was telling you the same thing he told me... when I tried the first 3 times...." Hazmat said before noticing the griffin stand up. Hazmat grabbed his revolver off the ground and looked at the scope, making sure there wasn't a crack in it. ED-E made a beeping noise and flew back to Hazmat. "So I'm guessing you aren't going to kill yourself..." Hazmat said to the griffin before holstering his revolver. A red blip came on ED-E's sensors and turned around, but there was nothing in sight. ED-E kept staring backwards and charged his zapper, ready to shoot anything that came in sight. Hazmat looked at ED-E "Whats wrong..." ED-E replied with a beeping noise.  "alright..." Hazmat said before turning back to the griffin.

[Defender of Tomorrow 323]

@MasterCombine

 

“Well, the autodoc fixed you up nicely,” I turned to see the suggestive voice of Ragnar, the Half-breed was looking me up and down, and I the same to him, he looked much different when he was clean, and I mean that in both aspects. He wobbled over to the table near the bed of his choice and placed MY sniper rifle on it, thank celestia he had an idea what property was! "You know you look better when you're not on it." I remarked as Ragy rummaged through his bag and placed it down on the floor with a sigh. 

 

“Hey, ki-” Wait, did he just stop himself from calling me kid? "Hey.. I’m sorry if we got off on the wrong hoof.” Well I could give him points for trying to be nice and sincere, but he just wasn't really that kind of pony. “Might be easier if I knew what to call you, ya know? You got a name?” he said as he got into an upright position. 

 

"What? Kid isn't good enough for you? And since when did you care?" I stared at the bird for a good while, particularly in his eyes, I felt bad for lashing out at him, he was really trying to be nice. "Shinon..is my name."  I sighed deeply. what use was it? He was still probably going to call me kid anyways. Turning away I took my spot at the bed to the right of the bird and got comfortable on the covers. "Soo..now that we've been paid...does this mean we part ways now?" I really did not know what to do at this point, I had no leads for finding any communications towers, and even if I did, I didn't know how to fix most of the things that were probably broken inside the building.

 

"I mean...I'd rather not die because these stupid rangers like picking fights with crazed raiders, and with the caps we've earned we can like...buy a house or something, y'know someplace safe?" What the hell was I saying!? A house, with this guy!? He was a junkie, and who knew what he was capable of when he was high!

 

I sat in the bed, staring at Rags, I mean, he wasn't so bad, ugh!! I didn't know what to do, but anywhere but here seemed better, especially if it was safe and more homey. 

[Ranger22 179]

Before I could say anything the griffon was gone, probably off to do his own thing I guess. It was going to be a while before the stable dweller gets out, I might as well heal myself up too. Pushing the buttons on one of the other auto-docs I do my best to squeeze in. The doors shut encasing me in total darkness the noise of the machinery inside was all my senses could pick up, I simply closed my eyes and waited for the operation to finish. My eyes opened to a blank white room again with the same couch with blood laying down smugly. Her armor seemed to have clean up with no damage on it what so ever, her face was still the same though.

 

 "Good thing you came around I worked super hard to keep this place tidy," the not so bloody mare remarked." Oh yeah one more very important thing you might of forgot...your anniversary!" the mare happily yelled at me.

 

 Oh fuck...how in the hell did I forget! This is not good, I panicked and mumbled a bit before finally focusing on blood. " Hey umm blood can you uh send me back like right now I need to go hurry and get something for maple before she blows my ass to hell or get drunk off her ass and umm cry-pretty please."

 

 "Yeah yeah i'm on it," blood said rolling her eyes as she did. The red eyed mare in front of me then stabbed my head with her scorpion tail.

 

 I awoke on the floor of the medical house gasping for air. After getting some control over myself I stood up feeling my head as I did, great no giant hole. Looking around a bit I noticed the griffon was still gone and the stable dweller still inside her auto-doc, sorta understandable. I noticed that the scribes and the one grouchy looking doctor were gone, must of left or something. Walking outside I heard the distinct sound of a grenade machine gun firing and the sound of a sniper going off every know and then. Running over to the front barricade wondering what was all the noise about I saw my rangers firing burst at a group of ponies I could barely see hiding behind some rocks.

 

 The white griffoness I saw when I first entered town was in her little perch with a shiny new sniper rifle firing at the so called attackers. I went up to one of the soldiers eyeing the field to ask questions." Hey there soldier what's happening so far did I miss anything?"

 

 "Well some of those berry family sent some scouts, they barely got a shot off before we started to gun them down. Now we got them cowering behind some cover while the griffoness over there is picking them off one by one." The knight said as the sniper went off again, some cheers and whoops from my soldiers rang out in response." Were just about finished with these idiots, we can go loot them when there dead. Oh yes one more thing sir, Maple had a package for you with a little tag on it. It's right behind that little barricade sir," the knight said pointing to the big box.

 

 Walking up to the big box I eyed the tag, it had a little heart on it. I felt like a huge jerk, how did I let my job get in the way of my wedding anniversary aargh! Flipping open the box a sense of nostalgia and regret flooded my mind. My original steel ranger set...I couldn't remember how many ponies I killed with this gear. I grabbed the note flipping it open wondering what Maple had in mind to give me a gift like this. Dear Hazel it's been five years since we first got married back in dragon ridge, time goes by doesn't it? Either way your probably wondering why I got you your old gear back. Well the reason for it was to make sure your still the same enthusiastic buck I met in basic training. Nothing seemed to drag you down back then, I don't know about now. You don't need to get me anything just make sure you stay safe and sane for me alright and if you can use that equipment from the past you are, love Maple.

 

"I didn't know you were married inquisitor and with Maple at that," the knight from earlier said with surprise in his voice." You never talked about it or seemed like you were in a relationship at all sir I mean what's up with that?" 

 

 "Well me and senior paladin Maple have some of the highest ranks in the steel rangers, work gets in the way a lot. If we acted lovey dovey it would have distracted us from doing our jobs to lead you. Wait uh were is Maple right now anyway?" I questioned the curious knight as I replaced my EOD suit with my original power armor set. Glad to be wearing the same gear as everyone else I happily thought to myself.

 

"Well last time I checked she went to the bar to quote on quote wash away some problems. My opinion sir, hurry your ass up and make sure she doesn't pass out from binge drinking...again." The knight said before turning around to check on the barricade. The loot team came back with an assortment of combat armor and energy weapons.

 

 The find was great but what really caught my eye was a celestia damned plasma cannon! Walking up to the loot team to acquire the prize, all it took was a little whisper to get them packing the weapon in a box with a fancy red ribbon. This was perfect, Maple was probably drunk off her ass and I got the perfect gift for her. I said my byes and strapped the box to my back, rather heavy but I would endure it for maple. Making my way to the bar I sung a rather happy tune. For some reason I was rather happy I shot up that place even if I really shouldn't have.

 

 Opening the doors to the establishment probably felt the exact same as I did earlier. This time however I saw a rather woozy looking Maple out of her power armor, her short blonde mane a bit more messy then usual. "Maple your drunk lets get out of here and get you some rest," I said calmly to the drunken mare I called a wife. She suddenly turned around and stared at me with her mouth wide open. " Damn how many drinks did you have?" my answer was given as I eyed around twelve bottles of whisky and beer with one wine bottle still in her hooves. Before I could say anything she ran up and dug her face in to my armor crying as she did. " Maple...I'm so sorry," was all I could muster out before she turned to look up at me.

 

 "Whaaaaat, you ain't got no...nothing to be sorry aaabout!" she said slapping the back of my helmet laughing as she did. "I..I'm fine ya heear, like *hic* I'm toooootally fine." She said letting all the wine from her bottle pour out hanging on my neck with one arm as she did. Dropping the bottle she grabbed my face and brought it close to hers. "You knooow what day it is," she said rather sharply. "Our celestia damned anniversary wooooh!" she loudly declared releasing me to wave her hooves in the air. "But I...don't neeeed to tell you that, ya won't forget you always remembered for the past five years! Your even wearing the gift I got ya hooray!" Maple said rather happily as she slumped to the floor.

 

 "There's no point in talking to you dear your too drunk to remember," I said booping her nose. I let out a hearty sigh before picking her off from the floor and placing her on my back, arms around my neck. The weight of both maple and he box was a bit strenuous but nothing too bad. It took me a while to get back to the clinic mainly because of Maple constantly falling off my back. After finally getting to the clinic I made my way to the former lounge with the beds and autodocs. I placed Maple on one of the beds tucking her in and making sure she slept side ways, patting her head when I was done. Placing down Maples gift I noticed my two companions from earlier having a conversation. " So what ya two talking about?"

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@Defender of Tomorrow,

@@NinjaCPU,

@,

 

As soon as Kayle kicked the door down, they bolted out with their supplies and weapons. Noble shouted something about ‘Grab the cart!’ in the panic, fairly sure the hostiles wouldn’t hear them over the sound of the shack igniting. He smelled burning hair and felt something hot, noticing that his tail had caught fire on the way out. With quick thinking and a dose of panic, he drew his knife and cut half of his tail off.

 

Just when he thought they could relax, Noble turned to Kayle and looked in the direction she was looking. Ten ponies heading towards the bonfire that used to be a shack. He almost froze up, weighing up the odds of survival in the current conditions. That is to say, not in their favour. ‘Nothing new there. Well, no sense sticking around.’ He thought, moving away from their line of sight.

 

“Go, go.” He urged, pointing in an eastward direction and sheathing his knife. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was the right direction, considering that if they had a map, Anaphora or Baryon would’ve had it. And just their luck, Anaphora had been captured and Baryon was nowhere to be found. There was nothing for it. Next chance he got, Noble needed his Pipbuck repaired.

Edited September 6, 2014 by Windbreaker

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

@@TheLineTrotter, 

"Well, I got to get to Stalliongrad before that, somepony gets away. I have tracked him for months, and I don't plan on losing him." Hazmat said as he pulled out his revolver and loaded the bullets that said 'VENGEANCE' on them into it. He looked threw the scope, the lenses were cracked, he needed to replace them. ED-E kept an eye on the red blip. The blip disappeared and ED-E turned to Hazmat. He made a beeping noise. Hazmat nodded "It was probably a Gecko..." he said before looking north. "ED-E go scout ahead... " ED-E made a beeping noise and went to scout ahead on the road. Hazmat holstered his revolver and looked at the Griffin, and said "well, happy trails I guess..." Hazmat looked forward. ED-E flew back to them and made a beeping noise to at the Griffin. Hazmat rolled his eyes under his mask and gave out an annoyed sigh.

[MasterCombine 316]

@@Defender of Tomorrow

@

 

The stable-dweller’s eyes narrowed, glinting dangerously in the lamplight. “What? Kid isn’t good enough for you?” she snapped. Her voice was indignant and harsh. “And since when did you care?” Her gaze met Ragnar’s and held it for a few intense moments, neither one of them speaking.

 

Ragnar let his face settle into the slightest hint of a frown. She had every right to be mad at him, in truth. Save for the shootout, he’d been a pretty piss-poor companion. But what was new? He ground his teeth slowly, staring back at her and thinking. Getting too close to people only meant more pain when they died. And out here, there was enough pain in just staying alive. Besides, where did he get off considering her a companion? They were just temporary partners, thrust into the same shitty situation due to a chance encounter with a Steel Ranger, of all fucking things. The best they could hope for was to squeeze a few more caps out of it and to keep on keepin’ on. For a merc, that was life.

 

The continued silence seemed to irritate the stable-dweller. Finally she snorted, tossed her mane, and looked away, staring down at the table next to her.

 

Ragnar laid back again, wiggling his rump to get comfortable. The bed springs whined in protest. He had pretty much conceded that his attempt to make nice had failed when the stable-dweller suddenly heaved a deep sigh from across the room, as if in resignation. Ragnar cocked his head slightly to the left and found that she was staring at him again. Her expression had softened considerably.

 

“Shinon...is my name,” she said.

 

Shinon. Ragnar turned the name over in his head like he was testing its quality. It was nice, if not unusual. He wouldn’t have expected that to be her name. Most ponies seemed to love a combination of nouns and descriptives that hovered somewhere between obvious and pretentious. “Shinon,” he repeated, this time softly but aloud.

 

A series of slow, deliberate hoofsteps carried Shinon across the room and onto a bed directly next to Ragnar’s. He tracked her movement with his eyes, watching as she clambered up onto the mattress and messed about with the sheets until she had achieved something approaching comfort. There was silence once more. Ragnar noticed Shinon’s gaze wandering, tracing across his arms and lingering on his scarred, muscular torso.

 

“Sooo...now that we’ve been paid...does this mean we part ways?” The mare’s question was hesitant, and...was that a hint of disappointment that Ragnar detected? “I mean, I’d rather not die because these stupid rangers like picking fights with crazed raiders, and with all the caps we’ve earned we can like...buy a house or something. Y’know, someplace safe.” The last part was spoken quickly, like Shinon had gotten embarrassed with what she was saying as she said it.

 

We. Ragnar grinned sardonically, staring up into the shadows that blanketed the ceiling. Was she kidding him? “Yeah,” he said, “we’ll buy a house. You and me.” Ragnar extended his hands in front of his face, framing in his mind the scene of a rusted old shack on a barren hill. “I’m thinkin’ maybe a nice little corrugated metal number, how about you?” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Plenty o’ room for the kids. Maybe even a dog if we can find one.” He chuckled. It might actually be funny if it wasn’t so damned sad. There may have been a point in years past where that kind of life wouldn’t have seemed so ridiculous, but for Ragnar, that point had passed.

 

He let his hands fall back to the bed. “Nah. I don’t think that’s in the cards for me, kid.” He let the slip go. He’d get used to her real name soon enough.

 

There was a crack of sniper fire from somewhere off in the distance. Ragnar’s ears twitched. Either one of the townsfolk had taken issue with the Ranger’s sudden occupation of Junction, or the Berry Family had been quick to react to Big Money’s death. If there was ever a time to leave and not look back, now would be it. But what would the fun be in that?

 

“I’m stickin’ around,” Ragnar said definitively. “At least for a little longer. I mean, you heard that bastard, right? Berry Family’s gonna be hitting this place in force. He’s willin’ to pay for a few extra guns to fight ‘em off. And killing people? Well. That’s what I do.” He turned back to face her across the small gap between their beds. Those ruby eyes met his, more magnetic than the way her curves were draped across the sheets. Ragnar remembered the way Shinon had taken those guards at the brothel. How fearlessly she had charged into that hail of bullets. “I imagine they’d pay you for the trouble, too, if you’re willin’ to risk it.” He smirked.

 

The door swung open, crashing against the wall. A massive shape stood just beyond the threshold. Ragnar turned his head, squinting his eyes, and opened his beak in confusion. It was the ranger, this time clad in a stock-standard suit of power armor. And he wasn’t alone. There was a half-unconscious mare draped across his back, a bottle of whisky hanging loosely from one of her hooves. The ranger stomped across the room to an empty bed, pried the bottle from her grasp, and set the mare down gently. He tucked her under the covers, positioning her on her side with a remarkable amount of tenderness for someone that size. Well wasn’t this day just full of surprises? This big, weird ranger was a gentle giant at heart. Adorable.

 

The ranger stood and turned. He blinked, eyes darting between Ragnar and Shinon as if he was noticing them for the first time. “So, whatcha two talking about?” he drawled.

 

Ragnar looked back to the ceiling. “Stuff,” he said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just stuff.” There was another crack of sniper fire from outside, followed by the thumping explosions of what sounded like a grenade machinegun. “What’s the situation out there?” Ragnar asked.

Edited September 9, 2014 by MasterCombine

[Lil' Lovebug 1,041]

We ran out of the shack as quickly as possible. While Amber grabbed the cart, I started throwing everything we'd left outside into the bag. As we took off I hopped in the back and started making room. I yeeled for everyone to hop in the back and moved to the front.

 

"What do you think about our current plans??" I asked Amber while setting up Silence. Once set up, I looked back at the group who'd come to get us out of the shack. About ten ponies were ath the shack's door while a few more held back. All in all aroung 15-20 ponies had come to liberate the shack from us. I hoped the liked Steams surprise.

 

"I don't care. I just need to keep buying and selling, and that's what I'll do. A bit of looting here and there would help too, but for now, let's worry about living."

 

I nodded and turned back to the group. Shooting at them wouldn't be the best idea, but if they came after us, I could pick most of them off before the got here. I settled down and waited for them to make a move, or just not move at all.

 

(When i color my text, I feel like I'm playing portal)

[Ranger22 179]

Yeah the phrase "just stuff" wasn't what I would use. "Well I went out to find my forces engaging berry family scouts. They had some pretty nifty stuff, combat armor and plasma weapons you know fancy shit they shouldn't have. We pretty much have kept pinning them down while the sheriff picks them off with a sniper we gave her. I switched  to my standard since I expect a big fight to come along and a minigun would be very helpful. Afterwards I left to go look for my wife since it's our anniversary found her drunk off her ass at the local bar and all that stuff you wouldn't care about. Just know that if you help us fight off the main force you'll get your pay."

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

[backfire]

A Steel Ranger walks towards Junction town, her power armor; damaged to the point that most of its system/spells were beginning to fail. Her right back leg was crippled and she had 3 broken ribs. Her armor was painted in dry blood and burns. She had a minigun and what used to be a rocket launcher.

 

Backfire took a step into Junction Town. She put a hoof on her chest plate of her power armor. There were 3 bullet holes, .308 Rounds, Armor piercing. She looked at her hooves, the paint reminding her of the pony she had searched the entire wasteland for. A constant reminder of who had made her keep going, to keep getting up, no matter how many times she had been knocked down, who had motivated her to keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. Who had taught her everything she knew about surviving in the wasteland. The truth was, They had kept each other moving, When he felt like giving up, she reminded him what he was fighting for.

Once she finds him, All the wounds, Mental and Physical, will be worth it. 

 

She began walking, Her muscles and hooves began to strain. She felt like she was being stabbed by millions of needles. She couldn't walk any farther and she finally collapsed. She pulled out a holotape, the only thing that kept her motivated, and the only thing that he had left to her before disappearing. She played it:

 

Hazmat's voice came out:

"Eddie, are you recording -Beeping noises- Alright.... -clears throat- Backfire, I'm not going to be around for a long time... I am going down a road, a road that I must walk alone. I just wanted you to know that... I don't want you to come and try to find me, why? because I don't want you getting hurt. Also, don't tell Sketch, he's too young to understand, after losing his mother, He... wouldn't be able to handle losing me... Just tell him that I'm on one of my adventures... I just wanted you to know that... I'm not going to be gone forever... hopefully. Goodbye for now"

A different voice came out and a guitar track played along with it, it was a song:

"From this wasteland they say you are going, We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile, For they say you are taking the sunshine, that has brightened our road for a while. So come sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu, Just remember the New Pegas valley, and the drifter that loved you so true. For a long time my darling I've waited, for the sweet words you never would say, Now at last all my fond hopes have vanished, for they say that you're going away. So come sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu, Just remember the New Pegas valley, and the drifter that loved you so true..."

Edited September 17, 2014 by ED-E

[Defender of Tomorrow 323]

(As Shinon)

 

Well that was one stupid suggestion to buy a house, that was a past-time Equestria could no longer afford. I would have to fight for a really long time, or at least until somepony takes charge and actually has respectable authority.

 

Gunfire and Sniper Exchange could be heard from the room, looks like the Ranger's have quite a fight on their hands. The ranger had came in with a frantic look on his face, whoever they were fighting were well equip when he said 'combat armor' and 'plasma rifle' in the same sentence. "Hey before you go running off Ranger, you promised me a gun repair, that sniper of mine could use one." I commanded pointing a hoof to the sniper on the stand. "And I suppose I might as well give supporting cover when you are done with that, If I get something." I didn't have much Sniper Experience, how hard could it be anyways?

 

(As Kayle)

 

Fuck, who were these ponies? Twenty decently-armed ponies just off in the horizon waiting for Steam? Who was this pony, I thought as I looked at her. "We should just keep moving, if we get shot at we just keep running, and then start shooting as we run. Standing here is death, Noble lead the way, you're the one that knows where we can resupply, right?" I really hoped Noble knew where to go, because if he didn't we would surely die, without food and medical supplies we couldn't last in the wasteland, she's a bitch for exploiting the ill-prepared. 

[EcstaticWind 572]

@@Defender of Tomorrow,

@,

@@NinjaCPU,

 

“Yeah. I’m not 100% sure without a map, but I have a fair idea of where to go. We can make it if we’re smart and careful.” Noble said. From 10 to 15, then 20…these odds were not looking good and they had the ponies to cover a lot of ground looking for the ones who burned the shack down. Trying not to think about the worst that could happen with those twenty ponies, Noble turned away only to notice that the cart was leaving. His cool persona broke again at the thought of being left behind and his face fell, but his reaction didn’t seem as serious as before. “Crap! The cart’s leaving! Amber, wait for us!” He said, bolting after the cart.

[NinjaCPU 270]

@,

@@Defender of Tomorrow, 

@@Windbreaker,  

 

Did not take any chance and just galloped right out of the shack, pushed right through feeling the warmth just pull out as the shack started to turn ablaze, galloping right out with others where distance would become improbable for anypony to see from the shack. It didn't take long for the goons to arrive...

 

Steam could not help, but respond with a whistle at the sight of twenty ponies near the burning shack. She must've pissed him off real good. Though, this was not a time to admire her craftsmanship of burning down a house and pissing off ponies, it was time to leave. Others already eager to move forward to the cart. She glance over at Kayle who had looked right at her, though she did not push anything from it. Being proactive will do, "I'll be holding the six down here." she takes out the rifle from out of her back. They'll be spreading out soon and it might be best to take out any of them coming from here. Maybe having to use a mine or two, but for now. Steam was to wait, her mind trying to contemplate plans now.

[Ranger22 179]

Before I could walk out of the clinic the stable unicorn mentioned something I almost forgot about. Her sniper rifle, one of the large and powerful rifles infamous among the denizens of the wasteland. I sighed as I put my helmet back on, giving a quick hissing sound followed by a click as it sealed up with the rest of the suit. "Don't worry about your gun I'll get the scribes to fix it up. Your pay will be given as due and make sure you hit something, you look a little green with that thing." Slinging the rifle on my back I made sure to check on maple one more time before I headed back out, in all honestly I really shouldn't worry.

 

 I no longer heard the firing of grenade machineguns or LMGs, must of been another scouting party wiped out. Finally making my way to the frontal barricade I scanned the area finding plasma marks and bullet casings all over the place. "Paladin statues report!," I barked at one of the soldiers .

 

" One more wave of berry merc scouts sent to hell, they were looted by the way so no need to worry about that. I'm actually quite glad were fighting these guys, you know more plasma rifles for the order. Either way the more important news is that we found an injured ranger right outside the front of town. We know not which contingent she hails from however. She is currently being treated for bullet wounds and exhaustion at one one of the scribe tents we set up not far from here."

 

 Injured ranger from a foreign contingent all by herself, injured but all of her wounds were from bullets not energy weapons. This was rather interesting I'll make sure to make a mental sticky note for that. By the looks of my fellow bucket heads it seemed we were doing fine, only a couple of minor injuries. " Paladin I'll take over from here you will now guard the clinic, also take this sniper rifle to be fixed by a scribe post haste!" Handing over the rifle the paladin quickly ran back the direction I came from. Staring off into the horizon all I had on my mind was on how the berry family will make it's next move.

[Nameless Knight 1,001]

[backfire]

 

Backfire tried to get back to her hooves. Her entire body was screaming with pain. She began to make mental notes 'Most of my power armor's systems are offline, and I am... I'm going to try and avoid the Steel Ranger chapters... I mean Contingents here. I was told that we cut communication with them... and I don't want to find out why. I hope its just because they call Chapters, Contingents, and not because they went rouge or something like that.'  She tried walking a little further, looking at her hooves. She heard her front right leg crack when she lowered it. "AH!" She yelled as she almost passed out from the pain. She made another mental note 'Buy Med-X to numb the pain' She took a deep breath and continued to try and walk, not paying attention to her surroundings.

 

[Hazmat]

Hazmat left the Griffon behind and continued to make his way to Stalliongrad. "Lets hope we don't have any more interruptions, or we won't catch him in time. That Bastard has to pay... for what he did to me and every other pony he has murdered." Hazmat began to grind his teeth, and ED-E heard it. ED-E made a beeping noise. "Oh... thanks" Hazmat said as he stopped grinding his teeth. He Began to think about what led up to this moment, The Sierra Madre, Zion, the Big Empty, and the Divide... all of it lead to this moment....  'I walked through hell to find you... and its about time you do the same' Hazmat thought.

Edited October 5, 2014 by Sabertooth the Puppy