The learning curve

POV Lance.Corporal Ben Beal

Considering he was the only Human in Equestria right now, the day was going pretty well. He had made powerful allies and a few friends. The walk through ponyville's centre was somewhat of a nightmare. Again facing the unending questioning from the locals;

'What are you?' 'Who are you?', that sort of thing. They had also encountered a curtain Lime pony called Lyra, who seemed to have a somewhat disturbing finger fetish. She spent ten minutes fiddling with his hands and he could swear she almost had an orgasm when he removed his gloves to show her what hands really looked like. The situation was further worsened when twilight started making move my hands and fingers in different ways, with her studying bone and Tendon movement like some sort of over obsessed scholar who just found a new species of life...

Wait, that is what she was doing though.

Put it this way, he was more than happy to get moving out of town faster, and by the time they had reached their destination of Sweet Apple Acres, it was close to sundown. The sun was hanging low in the westerly sky like an amber jewel, casting its golden aura onto the land beautifully. In an hour or two it would be dark. And then he would be by himself with only the stars for company alongside his thoughts. As they reached the crest of a hill, four figures materialised in overpowering light. The silhouettes stood out against the orange toned surroundings that seemed to glimmer in the lowering sun. Three of them where ponies, probably the rest of the elements. While the fourth was lizard-like in stature and only about two foot tall. As they neared, his hunches about the figure were correct. He had gotten good at judging a ponies name by their appearance and natural tattoo which he now knew to be called a 'Cutie Mark'. The small lizard was in fact a baby dragon called Spike. Spike was apparently Twilights assistant, and had been spending the day out with Rarity when they found AppleJack and Rainbow Dash in conversation, and joined in. Everyone had been formally introduced to Ben by this point, and he had developed at rivalry with Rainbow Dash after he said he was a soldier in training. Just like Dash was training to be a Wonderbolt. The wonder bolts were apparently a sort of stunt squadron of Pegusi who were also a 'hoof-picked' selection of some of the best flyers in Equestria. He had also become a source of jokes for AppleJack as he had refused to make an attempt in Apple-tree bucking on the grounds of 'self esteem'. As he explained that Humans were meant to be quick thinkers and dexterous rather than being efficient at intense physical labour. Plus, he managed to get into a conversation about Human and Pony fashion with Rarity. Who seemed to think his hat was 'appalling', and whoever designed it should seriously reconsider their career as clothing designer. He tried to explain that his hat was created simply for comfortability purposes without being to heavy or inconspicuous, but she still thought it looked stupid. He also met Spike who seemed pretty down to earth for his age. He told me about how he served as a link between Celestia and Twilight by sending and recovering letters. Somehow, burning letters in dragon fire sends letters.

What?

He would have to research that one.

It had been a long day, and everyone was going home. Fluttershy had agreed to let me stay with her in her cottage for the night and Twilight said that he would be going to Equestria's capital city of Canterlot to meet Princess Celestia and Pricess Luna. As well as sort me out with a job, working for Twilight as a

personal guard. On the way back to the cottage, Ben and Fluttershy had started a friendly conversation about animals.

"What's your favourite animal?"

"Back on my world, we had a breed of dog called a German Shepard. They are basically just like wolves, except they are a little smaller, have black and brown coats on their sides and top with white fur on their underside and chest. They also don't attempt to eat you on sight, which is nice. We had one as a family pet called Jess. She was such a pretty lass. She died in her sleep two years ago...

Ben started to she'd tears as memories of the old girl came back.

"...I had known her my entire life. At least as long as I can remember. Eleven years and four months old is okay for a German Shepard. I just wish I could have been there for her when she... When she passed away."

"That sounds terrible. I- I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. She had a good life. She went peacefully. That's what any of us could ask for when our lives end."

He began to think of the soldiers he had killed back in the compound. The lives he cut short... He had not thought about this until now.

"I'm such a fucking selfish bastard..."

Ben broke down into hysterical crying. All his life he had been downtrodden and put second rate. His life had been crappy and he had taken it out on other people. They had not deserved to die, he had just killed them because it was what he had to do to survive in his adrenalised state at the time.

Im a psychopath...

Fluttershy calmed and comforted him as he sat down against a tree crying his eyes out. He had not cried in such a long time. He had learned to take what life have to him without thought of what it may mean for others around him. And as result of his selfishness, four human soldiers just doing their job had been killed for no greater purpose.it was all his fault, THIS was all his fault.

But maybe, just maybe, this new land, these new people. Maybe this is my second chance.

Ben managed to find a hole in his sobbing to fill with words.

"Fluttershy?"

"Yes?"

"If you had been bad in a previous life, and you had been given a chance to set things right, would you take it? Or would you just use it to your own selfish ends?"

"I-I don't know how to answer that question. I'm sorry."

"It's okay Fluttershy."

"Come on. We're close to the cottage."

Ben picked himself up and took a deep breath. He composed himself and rubbed his eyes. After five or so minutes, they arrived at the front door. Unlocking it and walking inside, Fluttershy immediately proceeded to check upon Angel, while Ben had his own things to check up on. His stuff was untouched and in the same condition in which he left them.

Sitting on the couch for a while, Ben watched the sun finally dissipate below the horizon and the moon rise up to take its place. Fluttershy came through to wish him goodnight when he stood up with all his equipment attached to him in military fashion.

"I'm going out for a few hours Fluttershy. I'll be back to get some sleep later. I have things on my mind which need thinking about."

Fluttershy smiled and nodded.

"I'll leave the front door key under the mat, outside."

"Thanks Fluttershy."

"Take care Ben, and goodnight."

"Goodnight."