Strangers in a Strange Land
7:00 AM, 15 of July, 2045
London, England
"No! NO! NOOO-"
Logan Valla's cry was cut short as the icy spear cut through him, killing him instantly.
-GAME OVER-
The man sighed, closing out the game's window and standing up from his chair. 'I've spent hours on that dungeon... stupid Arimfax...' He turned, walking out of his bedroom and down the stairs for some bacon. His stomach rumbled in agreement. 'Bacon it is.' He opened up his fridge, pulling out some of the pork morsels and slapped them on the counter. Grumbling quietly to himself, he set a pan on the stove, hitting the switch and heating up the element. Soon the salty smell of bacon filled the small kitchen. As the bacon sizzled and popped, Logan called up his boss.
“Hey, am I working night shift again?” He asked quickly. " I want to avoid more sudden changes in my plans.”
“Nah, you have tonight off.” His boss' deep voice answered. With a smile on his face, Logan said his thanks and hung-up. Working at a Computer developing agency was hard. And not many 19 year olds could say they did that. But Logan was different.
Ever since he was little, Logan could hack nearly anything. As he aged, his skills with computers only grew. Now, Logan worked for one of the top computer agencies in Great Britain: Enoch Enterprises. He worked in programming, usually writing code faster than the handcrafted machines were made, definitely no small feat. An avid gamer as well, he was also the leader of one of the best DOTA 4 teams in the world.
Not bad for a kid practically fresh out of high school.
Logan stopped his wistful recollection: something was wrong. A putrid odor filled his nose. 'What's that smell?’ He thought, suddenly looking at his frying pan. ‘Well, there goes breakfast.’
As he threw the burnt offerings away, Logan walked to the window. ‘What a beautiful day’ He thought as he looked outside. ‘I’ll go for a walk. Get some air. Then to destroy Arimfax!’
At least, that was Logan's plan before realizing his boss had only let him off the night shift, his regular hours were still on.
"Shit!" He yelled, running towards the front door, keys in one hand, keyboard in the other. His somewhat impressive speed paid off, getting him to his workplace just before the official work day started. ‘Whew, nailed it!”
The rest of the day went on it’s normal path. Code was being written, coworkers were acting nicely, and it was a productive Friday.
So why did something seem... off?
Logan certainly didn't know, and honestly, didn't care much anyway. All he could think about was his trip to America tonight for the latest Gamescom, where he'd be giving a speech on DOTA tactics. That, and his underground semi-convention of people who like the thirty year old show My Little Pony, Which he found while surfing some older websites, including his favorite, Fimfiction. He was planning on showing his idea for his latest fic at the Fimfiction section, as he was a well-known and liked author on the site.
A few hours later, Logan found himself on the plane to America. As the flight progressed, Logan pulled out his laptop and started delving through the dungeon he played through earlier. However, he found himself slain once again by the demonic Arimfax. With a groan, he shut his laptop and closed his eyes.
Logan’s eyes shot open when he heard a strange chuckling. Sounds familiar... Too familiar... The youth's eyes darted around the plane, spotting the pilot's door closing as he looked at it. He quietly rose from his seat, careful not to be seen by any flight attendants that might pass by. He quickly reached the door, and was terrified of what he saw behind it.
There was a figure, humanoid in build, but taller and more muscular - and with crimson skin. He (Can I calll it a he?) was garbed in dark purple armor, the deep, royal color seeming to swallow light from wherever it came. There was a cloak wrapped around his broad shoulders, rumored to be made of dead souls he had claimed in his long, long life. His helmet was forged from the bones of the legendary - Fake! - Mæonian Drakon, and was designed to strike fear into the hearts of his opponents. He carried twin sabers in his greaved hands, swords seemingly crafted from stone, but was really a ethereal mineral called Θthara. The blades themselves, each four feet long, were the blades Excalibur and Clarent - Swords of the elements.
How did Logan know this? He had seen this particular being multiple times throughout his life, and had already met him today.
"Arimfax."
The demon lord smiled, baring sharp insicors where other teeth should have been.
You will make a fine host, child of Gaia! With that, he drove his swords into the floor, blowing the cabin apart in a flash of fire, sending Logan plummeting towards the ocean, destined for death.
“Nooo!” Logan screamed, waking from his sleep, much to the annoyance of the other passengers around him. Muttering an apology, Logan made his way to the cabin, only to find the pilots dead, and the console fried. ‘What the ---” Was the last thing going through his mind as the plane hit the ocean.
~*~
Logan woke up in a forest, gasping for breath. He opened his eyes, only to screw them shut again. ‘Too bright’ He thought to himself as his eyes slowly adjusted.
When Logan could see clearly, he found himself in a clearing. ‘This doesn’t make any sense. Where’s the ocean?’ He thought as he looked around some more. He didn’t look long before his eyes hit a plant. One particular plant that he believed to exist in only one dimension
"No..."
It was a small plant. It laid on the ground and sprouted many blue flowers. Logan knew the name of the plant. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not say it. Poison Joke. Native to. . .
“Equestria?”
‘Ok... calm... stay calm… deep breath...'
He glanced around, spotting a large spire off in the distance. The old castle of the princesses? I must be in the Everfree... better start moving, it'll be dark soon enough.
And as he walked towards the olden castle of equines, he paid no attention to the shadows at his feet, seemingly dissapearing into the unaware youth.
Author's Note
Ta-da!
Paradox did the original morning, backstory, and plane parts, and I edited and filled in the gaps.
If you happen to follow one of us because of this, be kind enough to follow the other writer, this was a two-man job.
~Wywint
-Paradox_Theory
Strangers in a Strange Land
Hannah
7:00 PM, 15th of July, 2045
El Paso, Texas, U.S.N.A
"Ah, Shit!"
The girl cried out as crimson liquid trailed down her thumb.
"You alright Hannah?"
"Ah'm fine, Jed. Just a bug bite."
The short, stocky farm boy turned to his sister. "You should head back to th' house. This is the third time you've been bit by them bugs today, and you've worked yer ass off anyway. Go relax! I'll finish up here."
Hannah glanced at the full basket of cabbage she held. "Ah suppose I could go... Ya shouldn't be orderin' yer big sister around, though. Ah'm only listening to what ya said 'cause I really am beat." She sat her basket down and turned to their home.
Jedediah grinned, the rising moon shining off his glasses. As Hannah took off for the house, Jed wiped the sweat off his brow as he continued to till.
Reaching the house, Hannah noticed her bike. “I should go ridin’ Tomorrow” She thought to herself as a wave of fatigue hit her. Before she knew it, she was…
Inside he house, and on her bed. A note next to her read: Found you passed out near the house, brought you in. ~Jed.Hannah then glanced at her clock- it was 8:00.
“That's not so bad. only been an hour-”
Until the sun's shining rays nearly blinded her.
"AH!"
It was going to be a long day.
After a quick shower, Hannah started donning her bike riding gear. After getting the last kneepad on, she turned to her map.
Most days, she had a route picked out through the hills near her home. Hannah loved to ride, and had a goal to do so every day. But today was different. Later tonight, she would be attending the secret brony convention in the city with a friend who invited her. The city was actually rather far away, she'd bike to a nearby town and kill time with her friend before taking a bus.
Grabbing her bike Hannah made for the path that would lead her to her new route. As she rode, Hannah noticed someone on the trail ahead of her. Curiosity getting the best of her, Hannah pedaled faster, trying to catch up to the mystery person.
After rounding a bend, Hannah couldn’t see the person on the trail anymore. She did, however, notice an old cave nearby. “Maybe whoever that was went in there.” Hannah thought to herself.
Without wasting another minute, Hannah rushed into the cave, only to find her best friend, Fiora.
"Hey, Fi," she called as she jogged towards her "Thought ya didn't like biking. Or spelunking. Or anything five miles outside the City- why exactly are ya here?”
The redhead blinked in surprise. "I just wanted to get you for the convention! But, this biking stuff was really tiring, so I just pulled over here, and you come strolling up!"
"Ya don't have to sound so surprised, Ah just woke up, hell, you can see the sunrise over there!" She pointed to the horizon, the crimson orb was only half-visible but still moving upwards to gift the earth with warmth and-
"You dummy! It's 7:45! In the AFTERNOON! Girl, you have to get yourself a watch."
Hannah deadpanned. "For real?" Fiora nodded. "Crap... did I miss the... you know..."
Fiora smiled. "No, the convention starts at 8:30, we've got plenty of time!" she started to get her bike from its resting place on the wall when Hannah grabbed her shoulder.
She sighed. "Listen, Fi, Ah know I said I'd try this out, but Ah'm seriously starting to doubt that talking technicolor Equines are something worth my time… Ah mean, I know I saw it as a kid, but that was like, ages ago! Ah guess Ah'm just nervous... or something..." She trailed off, her voice now echoing into the cave entrance as she slowly rose in volume.
Fiora paused for a second, taking this in. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, she gave another smile. "That's fine.. your trip to Equestria-on-earth can wait, I suppose. Whaddaya wanna do now?"
Hannah pretended to think while silently cheering that she didn't freak out But hey, that's classic Fi- always a spaz.
"Well, since we're already here, why don't we poke around here for a bit?" After all, Hannah loved a bit of exploring.
Her friend's eyes lit up, "Sounds fun- let me get a light first!" She walked over to her survivalist pack, (as usual, she brings it. thought Hannah.) and pulled out a white bar with a short black rubber grip on the end. Clicking the button on the bottom of the handle, the bar lit up, revealing the path forward.
Fiora ran ahead into the cave, before turning back to shout at Hannah, "Hey, get my pack, will ya? Thanks!"
"Get your own-" too late, she was gone. Hannah sighed, pulling out the other light in the pack, and slung it over her shoulder as she walked in after her friend.
As the minutes ticked by, Hannah still couldn’t see Fiora anywhere. “Fi? Fi, ya there?” She called out. No response was heard. Grumbling to herself, Hannah continued on.
Suddenly, she heard a shriek not far from her. Running as fast as she could, Hannah finally came into a room where she saw Fiora looking at a wall full of sparkling crystals and jewels.
“Aren’t they beautiful?” Fiora asked her.
“Y-yeah they are Fi, but please don’t scream like that! Ya’ll had me plumb worried!” Hannah rebuked her friend.
“Fine.” Fiora sighed, “But I think you’re just jumpy.”
As Hannah rolled her eyes, the flashlights started to flicker. “Um Fi? Do you have spare batteries?”
“Yeah, they’re in my pack.” Fiora answered without turning around.
Hannah flicked off her flashlight before opening Fiora’s pack. As she rummaged, Fiora’s light flickered off.
“Fi, could ya turn yer light on?” Hannah asked without turning around. Suddenly there was a small gasp and a loud snap.
“Fi?” Hannah whispered, turning around. At first, Hannah thought she was seeing things but as her eyes adjusted to the dark cave, she saw her friends still body on the ground. Neck snapped.
"Oh no..."Her blood ran cold. Quickly closing her eyes, Hannah whispered, “Yer, dreamin. That’s all. It’s just a dream.” Hannah then opened her eyes to find Fiora’s body was gone. Hannah sighed, “Thank goodness it was just a dream.”
Some would say it was an illusion.
Hannah jumped at the new voice. It sounded feminine, but rather gravelly as well.
Time to feast, child of Gaia!
Hannah turned around to face a woman with red skin, patterned with what looked like black tattoos. From her head protruded two black horns. She carried no weapons, but the large obsidian gauntlets on her arms made her look just as dangerous as if she held a gun.
Giving one good scream, Hannah turned and ran. After about five minutes, she tripped and fell. "Damn backpack!"
“I’m dead!” She thought, “I’m dead! And I’m going to die all alone in a forest!” A forest?
Opening her eyes, Hannah found herself lying on her back, the tops of bright green trees were above her. "What the actual hell just happened."
Poke Poke
Hannah felt something hard poke her side.
“What a strange situation, that occurs while I’m away from my station.” A deep voice spoke.
“Was that a. . . rhyme?” Hannah thought to herself.
“Excuse me, dear friend or foe, but tell me who you are so that I may know.” the deep feminine voice asked.
“Ah’m Hannaaaaaa...” Hannah trailed off, slowly standing up and looking around for the owner of the voice. But the only thing there besides her was a zebra wearing some strange gold bracelets.
“Hannah you are called, but pony you are not, for you are bald.” The zebra said.
Two things ran through Hannah’s mind, the zebra can talk, and it called her bald.
"How hard did I hit my head when I fell?"
“Excuse me?” Hannah asked looking down at the Zebra.
“Because a pony you do not seem, tell me what it is you’re meant to be.” The Zebra asked.
“Ah’m a human, and Ah’d like to know where I am.” Hannah demanded.
“Perhaps I should send you to Celestia, for this place is called ‘Equestria’”. The Zebra answered.
Before Hannah could ask if this was a joke, two things happened at once. Hannah remembered a rhyming zebra on My Little Pony. And a man screamed as he fell.
“AHHHHHHH!!!” Thud.
Instinct kicking in, Hannah ran towards the sound, seeing a man in the distance. He had gotten up, and was starting to walk away, with some flower in his hand. Hannah re-slung her pack over her shoulder and called out to him.
“Hey, you alive?” She shouted.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” an english accented voice replied, “Where am I?”
Hannah finally got close enough to see him, and he was definitely a human. Looking at that flower he had. Which was all the proof Hannah needed.
“Never thought I’d see logic again round these parts!” Hannah replied, “Welcome to Equestria!”
The man -Logan, was his name- muttered something under his breath, before glancing to the Zebra, about to ask her a question-
Then both of them froze when a deep russian voice asked, “Is that what this place is called?”
Hannah and Logan turned around to find a man crouched on a tree limb, his face covered in dirt. He wore jeans, combat boots, a dark blue jacket underneath riot gear chest armor, and a baseball cap. However, his attire was not what scared them. He had two rifles slung over his back, dual revolvers at his hips, and handgun and knife holsters on his thighs.
“Who are ya?” Hannah managed to ask through her fear.
“Call me Ace.” The man replied, drawing a magnum and pointing it at the Zebra. “Now who are you?”
Author's Note
U.S.N.A: United Sovereign North America. The USA annexed Canada and Mexico by 2045.
Probably should have looked over this more, but I had to do something for this story.
Paradox did the farm sence, the caves, and the end, and I filled in the gaps and polished it up.
~Wywint
_Paradox Theory