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Story : [ Prototype ] Towards the Light
Prologue
Author : Fire Bolt
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Prologue
4
days after the incident on the USS Raegan, Alex Mercer is on the hunt for the remaining infected and Black-watch. The city is slowly going back to normal and the virus seems to be dying out.
In one of the residential area on the outskirts of Manhattan stood a house, a house like any other. Inside on the computer stood a man 20 years, closing to 21. Michael Santiago, or Mike for friends just finished watching the latest episode of My little pony : Friendship is Magic. After everything that happened it was one of the few things that brought some joy to his life, he was a closet brony and while he loved the show he would never admit it. His grandparents left him this when they decided to retire and spend the rest of their life at a retirement center. He had already installed himself in the house so this was just a formality, sadly his happiness was short lived. His parents were so happy they decided to come along, at the time he was hearing rumors about a viral outbreak that was plaguing the city, but he dismissed it as gossip. Mike left immediately after everything was done, and went back home. How he wished to stay maybe he could have helped his parents, maybe he could have made a difference. It seemed that soon after he left there was a fire and no one that was inside survived. The news crushed him, ad guilt was still clinging to him. How was it possible that no one escaped? His father practiced mix martial arts and his mother was an athlete. He would have pursued with his questions but he was wrecked and trying to forget, the insurance and everything his parents left him, set him up for the next couple of years. By that time Mike hoped he would be better, two and a half weeks after the incident and he was still in pain.
He ran a hand trough his black hair sighing, his brown eyes fell upon the wall clock. '10:30 still early! He thought to himself as he went back trough browsing the Internet for ponies. A few minutes later and his phone rang, he looked at the id *Joshua* one of his best friends, he was always trying to cheer him up. He sighed deeply and answered.
''Yeah?''
''Hi Mike, how are you man?''
''I feel like crap, you?''
''Ouch don't be like that man you know I worry bout your sorry ass.''
''I'm still kinda out of it. Sorry bout that, what did you want?''
''Listen man, I know your going trough a hard time, and I'm thinking some time at the Irish Pound will do you good.''
''Don't think I can drink my problems away.''
''Don't be like that man, you don't have to drink, we can just you know talk...''
''Ha yeah right.''
''You got me there, so you comin or not?''
''Sure be there in 20 minutes.''
''Cool, see you there.''
Joshua hung and Mike stared at the phone for a few moments. He grabbed his keys, his wallet,his headphones and shut down his computer. He got dressed, grabbed his coat and went out after closing the door. Outside and in the sky the clouds completely blocked the moon, the street lights being the only thing to provide light. As he walked towards his destination, he noticed that no one was in the streets, no cars were passing by not even the usual city noises could be heard. There was just silence as he finally saw the bar, 'The Irish Pound' , it wasn't as bad as most thought, quite a cheerful place really. He entered the bar and looked around for his friend. Surely enough Joshua was sitting alone on a table near the window a large beer in his hand. He walked towards him and he noticed.
''Mikey, glad you could make it, come take a sit. HEY 2 more beers here.'' He shouted towards one of the girls who nodded and went to get their drinks.
''Very smooth Josh, now did you want to talk?''
''Yeah man, you've been kinda down lately and I understand why but you've been avoiding people its not healthy. Not even Emily could cheer you and that ain't good.''
A waitress walked with two large beers and set them on the table'' Would you like anything else?''
Before Mike could respond Josh cut him off'' Bring another two in about 10 minutes ok ?''
She nodded and went back to business. Mike raised an eyebrow.
''What?''
''*sigh* never mind just give me the beer. I'm gonna need it.''
The two friends talked for a while, and after too much alcohol Mike decided to call it a night, he paid his share and went on his way, he was more that a bit drunk and it was showing.
''Damn it this is the last god damn time I drink so much, and it barely helped, last time I try Josh's methods. This city is going to hell and drinking my problems doesn't work. Its the middle of the freaking night and here I am stumbling home, drunk off my ass and... talking to myself, great just great.''
My vision begins to blur a bit and without noticing I'm taking a different route home, its trough a bad neighborhood but I'm too tired to care. I continued walking, bracing myself on the walls from time to time. Shouldn't have drank so much, as I turn a corner I notice a large black vehicle parked on the sidewalk in front of an alley, looked like an armored Rover.' What morons park on the sidewalk?' I think to myself as I walk towards it, not in the mood to detour around it. I take a few steps forward and what happened next almost gave me a heart attack. I heard screams and gunfire, and worst a body flew out of the alley with enough force to dent the side of the vehicle.
My condition plus that sickening crack made my stomach churn and everything I drank in the past 2 hours now lay on the side-walk. I manage to get back on my feet and shakily walk towards the body hoping against all odds that he or she might be alive. I hear some angry shouts and the fighting sounds continued, someone might be hurt, but I can't do much. I turn back to the body on the floor to get a better look, looked like black leather armor, who wears that kind of uniform? And what is he wearing on his face? Night vision goggles ? The hell is going on. Damn, wait what is that on his belt? Holy crap its a pistol. Shit what do I do? I'm gonna need it but... Guns are terrible, there are some things in this world that shouldn't even exist. But someone might be hurt or worst, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if didn't do something.
I hesitantly pick it up, and fumble with it albeit a bit drunkenly, but manage to check the mag and pull the safety off. Guess I will have to thank Jericho after this is over. Seems it ain't so bad having a redneck uncle. I hesitantly proceed down the alley, leaning on a wall for support, pistol in my other hand, damn this place looks like hell, what happened here? As I go deeper the sound of fighting intensifies, my vision a bit blurry and my sense are a bit off, which might be a good thing. I think I can hear something in the distance, like a helicopter, but I'm sure thats just my imagination. I walk some more nearing a branching path on my left. I instantly regret it as something massive slams into the brick wall, almost going trough.
Why did I come here? What was I thinking ? WHAT IS THAT THING? My mind was screaming, and I almost fell on my ass, it looked like something from a nightmare. The sudden surge of fear clears my vision and I take a look at my surroundings. Oh god, bodies, broken, crushed bodies, mangled and deformed. The thing looked at me and growled, I was paralyzed with fear, but before it could do anything else something or someone crashed into the thing. I was thankful and at the same time terrified, after the dust cleared a bit I see a guy with a hoodie holding the thing like it was nothing and then slammed it into the ground. I get a look at his face and the color drains from mine, those eyes, so much rage and hate, whoever this was, he was mad, and ready to kill anything in his way.
He snapped that things neck like a twig and what happened next almost made my stomach turn again. Weird tentacles spawned from his back and seemed to consume the body, then they retracted, the body now looking completely drained. That is when a realization hit me, whoever this was, he was strong, he was mad and he definitely wasn't human. He looks at me and grits his teeth, his left arm seemed to be changing, Jesus Christ that blade looks like it came from a nightmare. I don't know how but I manage to lift the weapon and aim. I emptied the mag, I hit most of the time even with my shaky aim, I think I just made him angrier. He opens his mouth and my blood turns to ice.
''Don't you Black-Watch morons EVER LEARN?''
Hate and malice dripped from every word and I freeze again. He jumped and grabbed me by the throat, slamming me into a nearby wall. I couldn't do anything, I was trapped and I knew I wouldn't make it out alive. He plunged his blade trough my stomach it went trough me and pierced the wall effectively pinning me. I could feel myself getting cold, slipping out. I could hear sounds in the distance, a helicopter maybe? Not exactly important seeing as I was going to die. Those tentacle things came out once again and into my body. I felt connected like he was making my mind his own, my entire life flashed and I wasn't the only one who saw it. The tentacles, no, tendrils withdrew and I was no longer being absorbed. I take a look at his face, blood dripping from my mouth, I no longer saw hate and malice in his eyes, they now bore sorrow and regret. He opens to speak again, and I do my best to listen.
''I promised her... Promised her things would change... That I would stop this before it took more innocent lives. I'm so sorry Dana.'' His voice was filled with regret and looked like he wanted to speak again but a light from above cut him off. I think it was the helicopter I heard earlier. He turned to me and spoke once more.
''I'm sorry I cannot undo my mistake, but I can try to make up for it. This will at least give you a fighting chance.'' I couldn't hear his last words, I was already falling into unconsciousness, I feel something snapping like someone broke an iron pipe, and then darkness.
Mercer broke his blade, leaving the first half pinning Mike's body to the wall, the second hand reverting to normal before changing both hi arms into claws. Alex jumped on top of the block to get a look at the helicopter and noticed a single pilot in the cockpit, the helicopter looked a bit more advanced than the usual one. Alex decides to finish it off as quickly as possible, as a weird feeling loomed in the air.
This thing was faster than it looked, but it was like it didn't try to fight back. Like it was stalling for time. Mercer threw a nearby antenna at it and it seemed to disorient the pilot. Alex jumped as high as he could and pile dived trough the helicopter. The thing fell in half, its rear half landing on the roof, its other half landing next to Mike
a green light emanating from inside. Alex jumped again and looked at the debris, he noticed the glowing light and a green liquid seeping from it.
Alex eyes widened, this wasn't an attack, it was a suicide mission. And that was a nuclear core, a very unstable one that could vaporize anything within a mile. It hadn't exploded yet maybe they couldn't activate it. The way it was 'bleeding' showed he had only moments but before he could move, core exploded. It lasted mere seconds and in its wake was just a small crater. It looked like the thing imploded on itself since it couldn't detonate. As Alex looked at the missing piece of land, he's face turned into a scowl and spoke:
''I will make them pay.I promise.
Chapter 1 : Aftermath
Ponyville 13:00 pm
Celestias's was shining bright in the sky, a gentle breeze blowing trough the air, it was was a perfect day.As nothing seemed to disturb the tranquility of the small town, ponies went about doing their business and everything felt just right.
That is until an explosion occurred, while it wasn't loud by any means it was strong and the wave of energy it sent, created
a small earthquake, that shook the town for a few moments. Ponies were on the verge of panicking until they noticed it came from the Everfree forest. It was a peculiar place, most unnatural and very dangerous, horrible things took residence in there but never came close to the edge. After the commotion settled, the ponies went back to what they were doing as if nothing happened. And while it did raise a fewquestions nopony was brave enough to enter the Everfree. But one pony , with a curious personality and concern for her friends, was a bit shaken.
At the library - Twilight's home moments after the earth-quake
Up the stair of the town library on the bed, reading a book about advanced unicorn magic, sat a purple coated unicorn with a lust for knowledge. In a basket nearby taking a nap was a baby dragon. However the peace would not last as a muffled explosion followed by a short-lived yet powerful earth-quake shook the entire town including the library. The shake made Twilight fall out of bed and on top of Spike causing the small dragon to yelp in pain and wake up.
''Oof, oh sorry Spike.'' Twilight said after getting off the small dragon.
''Huh, oh my head. Twilight what happened?'' Spike shook of his dizziness and asked confused.
''I don't know Spike, but I think I heard an explosion of sorts followed by an earth-quake.'' She said.
''Do you think its something dangerous?'' Spike scratched his head.
''I'm sure it is nothing, but I better make sure the others are alright, maybe they know something.''She answered.
''Sounds good, *yawn* I don't have to come do I ?'' Spike asked tiredly.
''I guess not, you can go back to bed while I take care of things.'' Twilight assured as she walked towards the door.
''Ok, tell me how it went.'' Spike waved and went back to sleep.
Twilight exited the library and and closed the door,the warmth of the sun hit her purple coat and she closed her eyes briefly.She contemplated who to see first, and ultimately decided to see Pinkie Pie as she and her senses might provide insight on what had happened. She walked trough the peaceful town, seeing ponies going about their business like nothing happened, that might be the case but she still wanted to check on her friends. She reached Sugarcube Corner and as she was about to open the door, a pink blur tackled her to the ground with a loud thump. She was about to question her friends behavior, but dismissed it as Pinkie being Pinkie, that and before she could voice her opinion she was barraged with an onslaught of incorrigible words. She got back to her hooves and stuck a hoof into her friends mouth.
''Pinkie!'' Twilight screamed''Calm down, I came here to see if you are alright.'' She explained.
''Oh Twilight of course I am fine, why wouldn't I be? Oh did something bad happened? Did the library catch fire? Ohmygosh are you hurt, is Spike ok? Do you want some cake to cheer you up?'' The party pony said in one breath.
''PINKIE.'' Twilight screamed frustrated, the pink pony smiled and cocked her head. '' Did you or did you not hear that weird explosion and for that matter, do you know anything about it?''
''Nope not a clue.'' She cheerfully said.'' Can I interest you in a cupcake?''
''No Pinkie, maybe later, I need to go check on the others, maybe they know something.'' Twilight sighed and thought about her next destination.
''Okie dokie loky.'' She bounced back into the store.
'Well Pinkie is definitely fine. Now, where to go next?' She pondered a few moments. 'I better check on Rarity, she probably needs help.'
With that she was off, new destination in mind. Though determined she kept a relaxed pace, the walk was peaceful and she reached Carousel Boutique in a few minutes. The store seemed unaffected, so she walked to the front and knocked before entering. Everything seemed fine though it was cleaned recently, before she could inquire about what happened a worn out unicorn stepped in looking like she just ran a marathon.
''W-welcome to *huff* Carousel Bouti... Oh hello Twilight.'' Rarity said trough pants.
''Oh my gosh Rarity are you alright?'' Twilight asked, concerned for her friend.
''Oh, I'm fine darling, but that little earth-quake from earlier leaved my wonderful shop in a complete mess and I guess I pushed myself too hard.'' Rarity said.
''Oh, I'm glad you are alright. I think you need to rest though, but if you say you're fine than I guess I can go check up on the others.'' Twilight wondered for a moment who to visit next, she would have volunteered to help Rarity out but the shop was spotless.
''Oh I will be fine darling, nothing a long bubble bath can't handle.'' Rarity then walked upstairs to take said bath, while Twilight showed herself out.
'Hmmm I guess I should go visit Applejack.' And so Twilight went to Sweet Apple Acres to search for her hard-working friend.
Upon reaching the farm, she noticed a familiar red stallion pulling a cart full of apples into the barn so she began trotting in his direction. Half way there she was met by a small filly with light yellow coat and an adorable accent.
'' Oh hey Twilight, whatcha doing?'' Applebloom asked.
''Oh hello Applebloom, can you tell me where your sister is I want to ask her something.'' Twilight replied.
''Applejack is in the orchard.'' She said pointing a hoof in the direction of her sister.
''Thank you Applebloom.'' Twilight went straight to her location and sure enough Applejack was expertly bucking trees getting all the apples to fall in the buckets from under them. She went to her friend and spoke.
''Applejack.''
''Howdy Twilight what brings you here?'' Applejack asked in her southern accent.
''Oh hey Applejack I just came by to make sure everything is fine, with that earth-quake from earlier today I thought I'd see if you girls are alright.'' Twilight explained.
''Thats mighty nice of you Twilight, we're fine and so is Rainbow, she slept trough the whole thing in of the trees.'' Applejack still find it hard to believe that she managed that.
''Thats weird, but before the earth-quake did you see or hear anything? I could swear I heard an explosion of sorts.'' She added.
''Now that you mention it, ah remember a strange green light comin from the Everfree, like anything that comes from that place, it sure wasn't natural. Do you think it might be anything dangerous?'' Applejack asked.
''I do not think so, but it is certainly weird. Just in case I will go and see if Fluttershy is alright, she lives closer to the forest than anypony else.''
''Sounds like a plan Twi, we dealt with things way more threatening than a small earth-quake. Ah reckon she will need help with the animals though.''
''That sounds about right, I best be going now, bye.'' And with that she left once more towards her pegasus friend's house.
***
Half an hour after the explosion from the Everfree. In a cottage on the outskirts of the forest a butter-yellow pegasus was preparing to head out.
Fluttershy had just gotten the supplies she might need for any injured animals she might encounter. Though brief, the light which emanated from the explosion gave her a very good idea where to begin searching, After calming down the animals residing in her home, she gathered what she needed and decided to head out. As she couldn't stand the idea of an animal being hurt and not be able to help, so she decided to brave the dangerous forest to help those poor animals in need.
***
In a clearing in the Everfree forest a being materialized dry blood staining its white shirt where the bleeding occurred. As time went by, it woke up.
Darkness everywhere, no sound, no feeling just darkness. What happened to me? Did I die? Is this what its like to be dead?Its not so bad... Moments after that I felt a burning pain go trough my entire body, like someone changed my blood to acid. I was definitely not dead, but why was I hurting so much? I gasped for air a few times, before I found the strength to open my eyes. I instantly regretted it as the sunlight hit my eyes adding to my discomfort. ''God damn sunlight.'' I felt like I was run over by a truck, I decide to play it smart and just lay there a few minutes before trying to get up. What the hell happened to me? I couldn't remember anything. I waited one more minute and tried to get up, surprisingly the wave of pain never showed, I instead just felt a bit of discomfort. ''The hell?'' I ask no one in particular, but best not look a gift horse in the mouth.
I open my eyes and after a few moments they adjust to the light. I was in a forest and that confused me even more, if I did go camping where is the camp? And what happened was I attacked by a bear or something? Why can't I remember? I hope this isn't permanent. Now... what should I do? I better check for my belongings. Lets see, a half eaten energy baton, my keys, wallet, my headphones and my... phone. I can call for help, but theres no signal and the emergency line doesn't work. I looked at the last call received and saw the caller ID : Joshua. That moment something clicked in my brain, and last night's events come crashing down like a ton of bricks. The bar, Joshua, me getting drunk off my ass, stumbling on a different route home, the alley. Oh Jesus H Christ, THAT ALLEY, THAT GUY. My eyes shot opened and I looked at my stomach, sure enough, there was dry blood on my shirt and there was a barely visible scar from just under my neck and all the way to my belly button.
''HOLY SHIT!'' I screamed, how in God's name did I survive getting impaled by a blade that size? And for that matter why the hell don't I feel pain anymore? This is all happening too fast, and I think I'm loosing it. Ok, I need to calm down, deep breaths, deep breaths. First things first, I need to find civilization, then I can freak out! I get up and chose the direction I hope will lead me to some people.
Fluttershy slowly trotted towards a clearing in the forest where the green light seemed to have came. As she made her way trough some bushes, she saw something heading deeper into the forest. It disappeared before she could get a good look, she was to afraid to head deeper but she did notice the small spots of blood on the green grass as she got closer. She turned to head back to town albeit reluctantly. She reached her home and met Twilight there, they talked about what happened and they were glad nopony was hurt. After a while Twilight went home, to catch up on her reading. The day went by uneventful after that and everypony was happy.
***
'Gah, stupid goddamn forest.' Needless to say, I hated the forest, while there was some sort of path, it was narrow and frustrating as I was hit from time to time by stray branches. Trough some trees I notice a patch of blue plants, I swear those things look like the poison joke from MLP. And this was probably a sign that I was hallucinating, but bright colored things in the middle of a forest usually meant poison. Listen to this music while reading!The brighter the colors, the deadlier it must be so I steered clear from those things. But as faith would have it I bump into something, something with...'' Ah BEAR, run run run run, I'm sorry I didn't mean to bump into you. Oh pissing blimey I'm gonna get eaten by a bear.'' I sprint in a random direction as fast as I could, I can't possibly outrun a bear but I can try damn it ! I run and don't turn back, considering I am not dead yet maybe the bear got stuck in some branches or something. I'm not going to question good fortune right now, there is something a bit further trough the trees I notice some sort of building, a tower maybe. It didn't matter, buildings meant people, people meant safety and they could help me to not be eaten.
I keep my direction as steady as I can, its very hard to run trough the forest-line, but it cleared and I could finally see my destination, an abandoned castle. It looked familiar somehow but I had more pressing matters at hand, as I was sure the bear would catch me at any given moment. To make matters worst there was a huge pit between me and relative safety, combined with the fact that I was still running I now had 2 choices: 1. Stay and get eaten by the bear or 2. Jump and risk certain death. Since the bear option was out of the question I decide to try my luck, if I died then at least it would be quick.
So I ran as fast as I could... and jumped. By some miracle I actually made it and rolled away from pit that spelled certain death. While I stood there trying to catch my breath and calm my heart the bear finally came out of the woods and looked at me. I smiled triumphantly and gave it the middle finger, the bear walked around the pit and my heart sank as I saw a bridge.
The bear ran and I was frozen in fear.
But as luck would have it, the bear didn't get five feet before the bridge collapsed under his weight and he fell to his death. I started laughing like a maniac, and after calming down the realization that I would need an alternate exit hit me like a freight train. I get up and dust myself off, I was still pretty much in shock and wondered how I managed to make such a jump, but the last thing I wanted was to jinx my luck, so I concentrated on what I needed to survive the night. I had a roof over my head and any animals that would want to eat me would have to go over that pit. As I work my way trough the castle, looking for a place to make camp, my thoughts wonder to the person I met that faithful night. His words becoming clearer and clearer as I gather necessary materials. At first I was angry, but very slowly I tried to understand his situation. Pursued, hunted, hated and wanted by the military, he didn't want to hurt an innocent I'm living proof. So a mutant that shapes his limbs into dangerous weapons was at large in the city, no not mutant more like shape-shifter. So the military kept it hidden, that means that I would be executed if they found out I was there.
He chose to give me my life back, but what did he mean by giving me a fighting chance? I think he knew I would also be hunted, so WHAT did he give me? I guess I can find out in the morning. Still can't believe he stabbed me, I should give him a piece of my mind if I ever meet him again 'Yeah, great idea, anger the guy with a giant blade arm! I got so absorbed by my thoughts that I didn't notice I set up a small camp already. Looks decent, makeshift leaf bed, small fire pit which I need to light. After a lot of trial and error I get the fire going and search for some wood. Outside were a few trees but they weren't usable, so I search a bit in hopes of finding wood. And as I reached two giant double doors, my jaw dropped and I fell to my knees, painted on the doors were two alicorns circling each other. My brain took forever to process the information, and after it finished I screamed in a mixture of panic, delight, happiness and anxiety it came of as a shriek of sorts.
''Christ in a hand basket I'm in EQUESTRIA. Holy mother of GOD if I ever meet that guy again, I'm buying him a beer.'' I squealed and pranced like an idiot for half an hour before finally returning with some wood from an old table. A huge grin plastered on my face as I still couldn't believe where I was. Thankfully the fire kept going and I had enough to last me the night. As I stared into the bright flame and as my mind cleared, I began to feel panic going trough my body. Not because I couldn't return home mind you, it was because of the way I arrived. If Twilight had made a mishap and getting here was an accident then I would get positive reactions. And I can guarantee this was going to end bad no matter what. I began piecing scenarios and so far the best, which was downright impossible, was me becoming best friends with the main cast and everything sorted itself out. Too bad life doesn't work that way, so the worst case scenario, that didn't ended in death for me was the most plausible. I began thinking out loud.
''Argh, this is not going to end well. I can say with utmost certainty that Celestia will jump to conclusions and try something like killing me or imprison for no god damn reason and then expect me to forgive her without any sort of payback. Luna, yeah it depends, I can't truly guess how she would react, though I doubt it would be too different from her sister's. As for the elements : I know Fluttershy wouldn't do anything against me, and if she was alone, I could work something out. But if her friends are there and I retaliate she would use the 'Stare', so annoyingly predictable and then I would need to forgive her but I would still feel the need to choke something to death. Twilight, oh dear God I'm going to end up on the dissecting table faster than you can say Cthulhu fasigyn, I can only imagine she would also jump to conclusions. Pinkie Pie... Jesus Christ NO ! I value my sanity too much to try and guess her actions, I can only realize that she will drive me insane, and the last thing I want is to go on of her parties, beyond the fact that I would not fit, the music would be horrible.'' I needed to get this stuff off my chest, I knew I was just thinking of the worst possible outcome, but if I expected less then it would end even worst. I took a breath and continued.
''Applejack, oh sweet dear Applejack I can only imagine how fast she is going to go for my family jewels. Such a quick temper. The first thing they're going to do is associate me with Discord or some other annoying evil. *sigh* I wonder in what time line I am. Thanks to the last episode I now know how to disable a unicorns concentration. If I live long enough to get to said horn. But I'm going off topic, Rarity, oh god why? Beyond the fact that she will complain about fashion, and annoy me to no end about things I could care if my life depended on it, she has that annoying voice like the snobiest of snobs. God its like nails on a chalkboard. Beyond that, Spike annoys me to no end, its disgusting how he clings to her every word, its pathetic and makes my stomach do back flips. And finally Rainbow Dash, Christ almighty, the first thing she will do is attack me aiming for my nuts and say something stupid and annoying, not necessarily in that order. I won't be able to stand her annoying boasting and self centered attitude. Just like Rarity but maybe worst, I swear to God if she asks if I'm a spy I will kick her head in!''
I let out everything I had, my mind racing and I didn't mean most of those things, I tried keeping a positive attitude, maybe these were the ponies I loved and cherished. Maybe I was the idiot here and simply working myself over nothing. But, I better play it safe, tomorrow I need to find out what that guy meant by ' fighting chance', some sort of physical augmentation maybe? Its too late to think about it now and I need to clear my head tomorrow I'm making a plan. Tonight I'm playing some music to clear my head and then sleep. I decided on one song that always cleared my head, I plucked my earphones and chose Monster - By Skillet, and closed my eyes. After the song ended I felt tons better and decided to go to sleep. I used my jacket as a blanket and drifted into sleep tomorrow was going to be interesting to say the least!
End chapter 1
A/N:Special thanks to my preproof reader!
Chapter 2 Flash-back
Chapter 2
'Ugh where am I?'
I asked no one in particular, it felt weird and I didn't remember much, I opened my eyes and I was in a dark room, everything felt wrong like an out of body experience, I couldn't feel, I couldn't smell, I couldn't breathe. Before panic started to set in I noticed that I was floating, something I obviously was not capable of, as I flailed my arms aimlessly memories of past events started coming back. Everything that happened so far came back to me and a sudden realization hit...'I was dreaming.'
Considering I am not a shrimk or anyone of strong mental prowes it was pretty shocking to be able to control 'myself' as I did, what was even more shocking is that I wasn't waking up. I don't know much about dreams and such but what I do know is that when you realize you are dreaming, you usually wake up. Not that my situation was normal in anyway, I get stabbed in the stomach with a blade the size of a small child, survive, end up in Equestria, outrun a bear and go to sleep as if nothing happened, man am I going to freak out once I wake up... That is IF I wake up.
I sigh, or was it a mental sigh? I don't know and I don't really care at this point, fat load of good it does me to be in Equestria if I'm stuck forever in 'Wonderland', maybe I should go deeper. 'Too bad there isn't anywhere to go' I say as I spun again in mid-air looking around the empty room for the umpteenth time, good thing I can't get dizzy here, that would suck. 'What I would give for a way out, I bet even that door is locked... Wait what?'
That definitely was not there a moment ago, and going in a random door inside your mind always ends so well in the movies. What was I thinking when I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street ,but still floating around in my head until my body dies due to lack of sustenance doesn't sound appealing either, might as well wing it and see where it leads me. I 'swim' my way to the door and brace myself , 'Probably some cliché blinding light and then I will probably wake up... I hope.' Famous last words, as I violently open the door I close my eyes so I would not be blinded.
Surprisingly it never came, must have lucked out there, as cautiously open one of my eyes and I was definitely not prepared for what I saw. I was back in New York City, but it looked off somehow, I took a look at myself and I noticed was still floating, this was one messed up dream, especially since I seemed to be closing in on someone, talk about a third person view. Wait, I recognized that guy with the hood and everything, he seemed to be looking down on something or someone from the edge of the building. Now my only concern is why the buck am I dreaming about him, I hope I get to wake up soon.
'My name is Alex Mercer.' 'Holy crap he's talking, better listen in and hear what he says' 'I'm the reason for all of this. They call me a killer, a monster, a terrorist. I'm all of this things.' 'So his name is Alex...HOLY MOTHER OF...' He jumped off the building, dragging me with him and landed on the ground making a crater, sending debris and a car flying, and he doesn't even have a scratch, I reminded myself that this is a dream and I was safe, just watching a flashback that isn't mine. This was very important, that I could tell, and it probably holds some useful information.
Not one minute after landing he started sprinting down the street, he jumped over a car and further down the street there was a large concrete wall, I didn't even had time to think as he jumped on a car, crushed the top and jumped over the wired fence and the entire wall with ease. This guy was free running expert, and even though I wasn't near him or his mouth moving I could still hear his voice.
'Three weeks ago someone released a lethal virus in Pen station. I woke up at the morgue, now I hunt, I kill, I consume, I become. I'm gonna find out who did this to me... And I'm gonna make em pay.' It looked like I stopped 'chasing' him and thus took my time letting his words sink in, a bit hard because him running up a building and jumping 30 or so feet in the air kinda got my attention and was pretty damn impressive. Time seemed to accelerate as I found myself in a different street, with some of those weird uniform guys patrolling a street in the middle of the night.
They were talking about a target, but before I could theorize on who or what they were referring to a scream of help came from a nearby alley, she looked pretty bad and after falling into one of the soldier's arms screams were heard from the alley, along with them I stood at the entrance and saw these mutated freaks that make the ones Left 4 Dead look like fashion models, they opened fire and the bodies started falling like bricks. Only one remained after the whole thing and a single bullet from an m16 was enough to bring it down. I probably shouldn't have found that hilarious but it was and I found myself saying 'Hehe head-shot.' Maybe these guys were heroes or something.
Two of them stayed behind as the rest went into the alley, they walked to the weeping woman 'Wait what are they...' 'Her too.' one of them took out a pistol and shot the woman mercilessly in the head. I balled my fist and took a swing at the bastard, sadly it went through meaning that I was indeed just a simple observant, I took a few steps back and glared angrily at the guy. 'That's him' One of them screamed and I jerked my head, surely enough Alex was standing there and the soldiers had their weapons up.
He morphed his hands into claws and shredded some of the soldiers, with one of them being sliced in half while in mid-air, If I wasn't terrified, I would have thought it was pretty awesome. A soldier from the far side launched a grenade at him which he blocked with his right hand that turned into a blade, after blocking it he ran towards the guy and sliced him in half. I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. He turned his attention to me and I looked besides me, noticing a soldier with what looked like a rocket launcher. The resulting explosion moved several cars out of the way, I knew he survived or I wouldn't have been stabbed that night, or get to Equestria, so many conflicting emotions.
While I'm busy figuring out whats right and whats wrong, I see this guy running to a fallen comrade, weird I'm pretty sure they were all dead. And sure enough the 'wounded' soldier spawns a claw and impales the sorry bastard, I know that feel all too well. He begins walking and then disappears God knows where and I'm left alone with my thoughts. Come to think of it my life was pretty shit at the moment, my family dead, with my depression I would have probably attempted suicide a few times before actually getting help. I was seeking death anyway and I guess I'm pretty lucky considering my situation, I did end up in Equestria and the military pricks won't be able to find me here.
I still don't know what he meant by 'fighting chance' but the bonus is I don't really need it anymore, but I should still find out what he meant. My friends, yeah the military would probably use them against me and then kill them once they weren't useful anymore, my family are all but dead, my inheritance would be useless and this is better than running or fighting for the rest of my life. And who knows maybe he did give me something important and I just need to find out what.
As I finish my self-revelation, the skies begin to darken and I can feel myself slipping into unconsciousness.
