Heros Vitae

by Stark Trist

Rating: mature
Tags: Adventure, Human, Dark
Length: 6394

I awoke to the soft sand grazing me over as the world I had known was taken away. No more computers, massive competitions, fans, or friends awaited me here. I walk alone, the only of my kind in this terrible place.

I awoke to the soft sand grazing me over as the world I had known was taken away. No more computers, massive competitions, fans, or friends awaited me here. I walk alone, the only of my kind in this terrible place. The question is why I continue to walk at all? Why go on, and why am I here? I don’t know. All I can say is that I must move forward because going back is impossible, and death is unacceptable.

Warning: This story includes lots of language, violence, gore, explicit content, and hopefully laughter.

Reader's Note: Please feel free to leave comments about how you liked or disliked the story or in how my story is failing. Be aware that some of the subjects brought up will be brutal and ugly if you are uncomfortable you shouldn't read this story.

P.S. I am looking for a proof reader if anyone is interested please give me a PM.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-02-12 08:25:35 UTC

Sand

Sand Part 1

I awoke to sand shifting across my face my body prone as the sun rose into the sky. I grinned, I must have gotten really high before going to sleep. Chuckling to myself I stood up started walking up nearest sand hill.

“Shit,” As far as the eye could see it was sand a yellow haze as continued to wake up.

This is amazing I haven’t ever been to a desert before but this is amazing.

Looking back down the hill I saw a where I woke up a small outlining of my resting place.

I may as well start this acid trip, I wonder if I can count the rainbows this time.

I walked down the hill heading west? I wasn’t even sure if it mattered. I walked and walked, sweat forming after the second hill. My mouth quickly drying up and breath quickening.

Damn brain, these are supposed to be fun, you know trippy, not hard.

After the next hill I decided to take a break, the sun glaring at me as I tried to rest. Finally fully awake, I took note of my surroundings. A desert, yes, but not just that, to the north, or was it south, I saw some clouds far off. In the direction I was heading a massive sand mountain with a spot of green on top which from where I sat must have been massive in size. For a moment, I was worried that this wasn’t a dream or hallucination. With my breath caught I continued, there was no way a sand hill that massive wouldn’t be considered a wonder of the world.

I continued for a long time, moving slower but without getting as tired, I made my way across the desert. I reached the crest of the next hill to be greeted by a blast of cold wind which sent shivers down my back. My Major League Gaming T-shirt and blue genes doing little to stop the cold. I could get a better view of the sand mountain. I made out an old deserted town and beyond a beautiful jungle with trees from the looks of it. My hopes sored as I continued walking.

I began to wonder if I would wake up before reaching the mountain. My dreams, although vivid, tended to only last a few dozen minutes and if the sun wasn’t lying I had been walking for at least an hour or two. But with little to do but sit and burn in the sun, I continued walking.

It felt like hours but I finally made it to edge of the mountain, and with the jungle in full view I increased my pace, looking forward to the beginning of an enjoyable dream. It was strange, when I started my ascent I thought it would be difficult to go up such a steep incline, but a strong wind from behind made the journey very short.

Reaching the plateau I spotted the deserted town a mile off course from the edge of the jungle. From the looks of it, this town had sustained a massive fir. The side of the town near the jungle was now a field of ash pieces of the structures still standing like grave markers.

Wow, I guess my mind is just that good at making shit up.

It was the off season in the competitive world at the moment. Maybe this was normal for gamers, coming off an 80 hour gamming schedule after winning the World Championship was really stressful. Whatever the reason I continued toward the jungle, my dry throat and aching feet making the decision for me.

I entered the jungle, the near perfect edge of vegetation now out of sight. It was strange, I felt even more energetic now, it might have been the plants, but when I heard the sound of water I began to run. As I got closer to the water sound, a light mist formed. The vegetation was now thick, making it difficult to get through. With one final push, I exited the jungle, stumbling onto a sandy brown shore.

I stood there for a long time, wonder overtaking me as I took in the sight. Before me was a massive pillar of black stone surging into the sky spraying out water another dozen feet before it feel down to the lake below.

Momentarily taken aback by the vista, I moved to the lake’s edge viewing the crystal clear water as I approached to take a drink. Throwing off my shoes I waded into the water scooping up a handful of water. I can’t remember any water in all my life that tasted as good as this, it was crisp but not earthy like I had expected.

Taking a moment to undress completely, I took a dive in to wash out all of the sand that had been collecting in my hair.

I told you so, just a dream that took some time to start. I told the skeptical side of my brain as I continued to relax hoping this dream would last forever, err… Until my next tournament, Grand Masters Championship in a week.

Dang, I can’t remember what I did before sleeping but this water is out of this world. And the view! Holy fuck, that view is amazing! It’s a miracle this place is deserted and considering that town only probably a half mile away…

[Grrrrr… ]

I whirled around immediately to the sound, the jungle’s edge now far more threatening than I remembered.

Great, paradise to nightmare in less than a second, stupid brain. Can’t you see this is a good thing, why do you have to go adding enemies? Heck why not make this a Real-Time Strategy game where I control some plant life their epic conquest to conquer the coast.

[Chk!]

Ok, so defiantly not my imagination. And I am naked in a lake…

Great going bud. The skeptical side of my brain added.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and started walking to my cloths. “Hello, I am sorry about this I didn’t know this was anyone’s property. I am just going to grab my cloths and leave now.” I got my genes on, hearing the bushes rustle again. “Ok, leaving now, please don’t set lose your dog on me. I am sure they are very friendly, no need to tire them out on a nerd like me.”

Quickly, I walked down the shore away from the sound before heading into the jungle again.

Ok, about time to wake up, I can’t see shit in here. And they are defiantly following me.

I picked up my tense as a bow string, I picked up the pace weaving in and out of the brush as ever increasing speeds. The act of sliding, jumping, and sprinting felt quite gammy now except instead of effortlessly swiping a touch screen and picking up coins, my heart raced and I my breathing rapid as I moved through the underbrush and trees.

Ok this feel more like a dream, good old temple run. I wonder if I’ll ever escape the jungle or if it’s going to be unlimited mode?

I could see the outside now, a leap of joy and comfort overtook me. In that moment, I miss-step crashing into a tree and falling to the ground.

Fuck that hurt!

I felt my side rip open in the fall, a harsh laceration across my side. Not caring enough to check the wound, I got back up and continued sprinting out of the jungle. With one final jump I was out.

Turning I looked into the forest, the dark recesses now eerily quiet. I continued to back away, my eyes locked on the jungle as I moved. A hundred feet out I felt much safer, although if they really had dogs I knew I wouldn’t be safe until I was off the mountain.

I bumped into something, I screamed and turned in surprise. A black stake several inches in diameter stood in my way.

Chucking at myself, I recognizing the ‘deserted’ town from earlier.

Well that worked out well, I guess…

I had planned to visit this town after my bath, so this actually wasn’t so bad. I stood up, my side aching in pain.

Ok, so probably not a dream.

I let out a long sigh, this was defiantly worse than the last time I got lost in China. Not the most pleasant of places, and I couldn’t really understand anything people were saying but at least there were people. I let out another sign, remembering what my team coordinator said if I got lost.

“Now if you’re stupid enough to get separated and can’t find your way back. Start by asking for directions? If they ask for money, walk away, if they see your wallet they will probably mug you so don’t reach for it if they ask. Also you should be able to call us at office number if you can’t speak the language and we’ll get you back.” Robert was always a bit of a sucker for being prepared, but I guess considering I was only 15 when I started going to national championships I guess that is to be expected. Having a star player miss out on a match because they couldn’t get a cab or use most adult facilities causes a lot of problems.

Ok, step one, find the people. Step two, get directions. Step three… profit!

The walk into the town wasn't far, the entire place no longer than a soccer field. As I walked there were lots of little noises, I jumped at the first one but realized I was probably quite a sight.

White man walking down the street in the middle of a desert town. This is going to be quite a story when this is over…

I decided to stop in the middle of the remaining structures, waiting for the inhabitants to come out, a handful of distinct whispers now penetrating the buildings.

“Hello, I don’t mean any harm. I am just lost, if you could direct me to the nearest phone that would be great.” I waited again, a new wave of whispers, louder still.

“Just stun him already.” A loud voice came from a window. I turned and faced the structure waving my hand at the window as I backed away slowly. It was mid-day now so the building were dark on the inside with the sun making it impossible to see inside. A small glow appeared in the window. I quirked an eyebrow preparing to run as my heart began to race.

Shit, I just had to walk into the town with Tasers. But not just any Tasers, these fucking glowed just to make you regret all the more that you pissed someone off.

In a split second, a ball of lightning shot out of the window it moving at an abysmal pace. I had at least than a half a second to react and get out of the way. I smiled as the bolt hit the ground to my side completely missing me before it disappeared as lighting arced outward.

What the fuck was that?

This was the last thing I thought before another bolt shot out this time much larger and faster. My eyes went wide as it pummeled me my limbs shaking in revolt as I crumbled to the ground. After a few second of excruciating pain, my body went numb the view of the jungle now filling my vision. The sound of horses approached.

“See, I told you so!” a gruff voice said far off. “A little bit of zap and he’s out like a light”

Fuck this! Get chased by dogs. Then I get tased by a ball of fucking lightning and a guy on a horse comes over. When am I going to wake up?

“Horse, I understand that he isn’t a Blood Dog, but that doesn’t mean we should go zapping anypony we see as a threat.” A feminine voice said.

I heard a smirk, “In my book, saf-

“Is that really all they taught you in The Guard!” the female yelled, “How to be safe? How about dealing with the situation properly. Maybe listen when an unarmed target says they mean no harm. Seriously, I know you would rather have everypony on a leash, but there are times when you can’t be in perfect control.”

My body felt numb but my lips and lungs still worked. “I am going to have to agree with the miss. That hurt”

The clopping sounds stopped. “He’s awake? Silver!” A buzzing sound started.

“NO! Stop! I won’t let you zap him again!” The voice sounded like it was right on top of me. Praying the house wasn’t going to step on me I tried to roll over. It took some effort but I was able to roll over.

… I chucked at first, a cute pink pony with massive eyes stared down at me, concern written across her face. The chuckle stuck in my throat as dozens more moved out of the buildings my eyes going wide at the multitude of colors.

To preface this, I would like to say I was a sane person. But at this moment I lost it, I don’t think I have ever recovered either. I have been on the internet long enough to see some truly random and crazy of things, but this… I just, just couldn’t see. Yet I was seeing it. It was real. Devoid of reality, I lay there cursing the today.

Really… WHAT. THE. FUCK! I wake up in the middle of the desert travel around like I am playing Journey! Run though a jungle being chased and now multi-colored ponies…

As my consternation grew they backed away, I stood up staring at the assembled group.

“You’re not real” I finally said, “You can’t be.” I turned away and started walking wondering how long this would last before I awoke. This wasn’t reality my rational mind forced me to accept it felt real, but there was the world wouldn’t know about multi-colored ponies of they existed.

The ground in front of me exploded, rock and dust blasting me back “The buck I am not real!” A burning-red Pegasus immerged from the dust, her mane shift through the air unnaturally like a blaze. Two massive wing protruded out her sides fully erect reaching a dozen feet in length. Her blue eyes contained a rage, so fierce that I cowered back from her glare. “And if you think I am going to let you go back to the Blood Dogs, you’re dead wrong!” The feathers flexing to reveal a pair blades, each a foot long and in range based on the wingspan.

The entire town went silent. What I saw in those eyes was either real or the best acting I had ever seen. At first I wanted to run, but reason reasserted itself as I decided on a course of action. “Are you going to stop me?” I raised my hands to gesture to the town, “Because obviously there is some disagreement.”

She glared at me, her mane bristling fiercely. “You will not leave this Sandville until I say so, this is my town and you are now under my wing until I say otherwise.”

“Bullshit!” I yelled.

Time to call this fucker’s shit. I am not going to stand for this when I have a crowd backing me. Especially when I get that kind of explanation.

“You think I am going to just lie down and wait until you say I can leave. I am a person you know! I have rights! I have millions of fans. I am a fucking world champion! I could buy your town and the next ten with my money! And you think you’re in control?!”

The only response was a slight smirk on her face her eyes becoming softer as I spoke.

“Now get the fuck out of my way!” I yelled, this was a bit of a gambit but heck I had won thousands at poker. It didn’t matter if I had nothing to back up what I said now as long as I made them feel it.

Looking back momentarily I say a worried face on the pink pony. I turned now noticing the height difference between the Pegasus and unicorn. I took a step forward only to hear the swish of a wing.

The Pegasus started to walk away chuckling sarcastically to herself. “War Horse you really are terrible at handling anything but fighting. You could have just invited him in for tea or maybe a piece of bread but instead you had to do something stupid. Sorry lad, he’s an idiot.” The mare looked back over her soldier before heading into the town. “Soothing be sure to use the supplies in the south shed and I’ll want to see him after he wakes up. “

“Certainly Mayor Sand, but was that really necessary?” she replied her face twisted in what looked like disgust.

“Yes.” She turn turned to me, a pleasant smile now on her face “See you around kid.”

“Good, I’ll…” my chest erupted in pain, blood soaking my T-shirt in an instant as I screamed and fell to the ground in agony.

Soothing was on me in a moment, “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, just stop moving!”

It hurt so much, like a burn which no matter how hard I tried couldn’t be stopped. I grabbed at my chest, the pain doubling over causing me to thrash which then multiplied the further as I screamed sand flying into my eyes and mouth as tried to find some comfort. Blackness started to fill my vision, like the sheets on my bed it polluted my vision until all went black and numb.

The worst part was that I was still conscious, my brain span like a windmill in a tornado. My brain finally crashed, every thought eventually stopping to meet the same topic.

Am I dying?

Such a simple question, one I didn’t often think about often to be sure. But now with only blackness I couldn’t stop and wonder.

Am I dying?

War

War

I can’t say I exactly woke up. That would imply that I hadn’t spent hours on end wondering if I was going to meet god while I waited. When light finally reaching my eyes again, I felt relieved. It didn’t last long as my numb body began to feel again.

Ok, so not dead, just fucked up.

I tried to move roll over only to realize I was tied down. I sighed, “So when does the gang raping begin?” I said sarcastically.

“Assuming I understand you, never.” The voice of Soothing came from around the bend. “Sorry about that”, she said walking into the room to look over my bandages. “Sand is a bit rash, but you didn’t really give her any other choice. For her you were either going to die or come here. Considering what happens to those which are taken I would consider thanking her.”

“Thank her?” the words, “That bitch slit me open like a can!” I yelled back. Searing pain erupted from my chest causing me to wince and bite my lip.

“No yelling! The stitches are still fresh and you’ll bleed out if you move around too much. That is also the reason you’re restrained, no rapes on my watch.” She said with a slight smile, “Also, any time you move your arms or neck you’re aggravating the wound so don’t try moving.”

“Fine… “, a long silence pervading us as she finished her investigation of my chest.

“Looks like I am going to have to refresh the bandages again, do you have any record of Hemophilia?” I shook my head, “Odd, usually a cut this deep would heal up much quicker, especially for one bound to the earth magic such as yourself”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“ohh. Nothing, just the rambling of a unicorn medic who has a new species to heal.” She smiled, “It’s not every day you get to talk with an alien. So, tell me about yourself?”

“What do you want to know..? I am 23 years old, born in the United States. Colorado specifically. At the age of 12 I started pursing my dream to become the world’s greatest gamer.”

“Gamer? As in like sports?” she asked.

“Not quite, I do enjoy some sports like table tennis but I spend almost all my time playing video games.”

“Video Games? I am not sure I know what you mean?” she asked again.

“You know, video games. Shooters, brawlers, strategy, rhythm games…? Crappy indie platfomers?” I said with a pleading half smile. She shook her head. I let out a sigh as she became more and more confused as I went on. “Ok, where in the world did I end up that you don’t even know what video games are?”

“You are on the southern tip of Equestria below the badlands. We are in the desert as you might guess, but specifically we are on top of Mount Hades.”

I let out a smirk at the irony, “Mount Hades… “, I would have face palmed but couldn’t “Really, “And where are you from, Unicorncipia?”

“Actually, I am from Manehatten. I am 32 years old and would appreciate it if you stopped laughing I don’t want a bloody mess when I take off that bandage.”

“Sorry,” I whimpered the pain causing tear to enter my eyes and I tried to contain my laughter. “That is truly amazing“, I said trying to shake the tears out of my eyes.

“Ok, that is enough questions for now. I am going to take off your bandage now stay still.”

“Ok, just...” my eyes went wide as I was enveloped by a pink glow floating in air as my bandages smoothly unwrapping around my chest.

“Hold still now, don’t move or I won’t be able to get the dressing on without blood going everywhere.” A small container of medicine levitated up the contents flowing, devoid of gravity, to coat my chest. Then in an instant new bandages wrapped themselves around me before softly letting my body back down.

I stared at for probably a minute eyes wide and mouth open. “You… what?” My breathing increasing as the implications crossed my mind, “What is going on? How are you able to do that? I was floating! And…”

She smirked, “You don’t’ get a name like Soothing Touch and a bandage cutie mark for no reason you know.” She said gesturing to a picture of a bandage on her ass. “That reminds me. What’s your name?”

I looked at her the alien pink and tan hair churning my stomach as the strangeness of everything hit me. She was just like a normal person, but yet she… And a tattoo, and…

Fuck! She’s naked.

With that thought, my sanity came into question again as tried to un-think that. Suddenly feeling very strange I looked away. “Uhhhh… A name?” I said trying to get my breathing back in check. “Just call me…” My name eluded me I’d been so long since I last used it, always going by my gamer tag since I was 15.

“Daunted, or Daunt for short” I decided, if I was going to be recognized it would be by that name if any. Although, I was really starting to question whether I was still on earth.

“Well, nice to meet you Daunt, I’ll just be down the hall. Be sure to give me a haler if you need anything. Also, just to be clear Sand will do that again if you try and leave without her permission. She can a bit of a jerk at times, but she means well so try not to get in her way or cause her trouble.”

Soothing Touch left me, laying on the bed as my brain declared civil war. I wasn’t going to be sleeping any time soon.

A day passed, Soothing changing my bandages again before the sun went down. She unstrapped me from the bed, telling me that if I moved around too much the wound would re-open. I complied, I wasn’t really in any position to do much more than sit up and look around.

Soothing was now looking me over, inspecting my body. Her horn glowed every now and then moving my limbs so she could examine them. Every so often she would pause and rub her chin with a hoof, a pencil nearby scribbling down notes as she went.

“Could you move your feet for me please?”

I complied rolling my ankle in circles, grinning as she inspected the limb in wonder like a child at with a new toy. I smiled at the cute site, I wish I had my phone for a picture, this would totally crash Reddit.

“Hmm, fascinating. And you usually wear these shoes?”

“Yes”

“Can I take them off?” she asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

There was no way I could resist, “Sure thing, go ahead just be warned my feet probably stink.”

“I would imagine, these look similar to a medical cast for broken limbs.”

I laughed, “Not that bad, do you guys have the same tradition of signing them?”

“Indeed, one moment let me get some scissors,” she started to walk off.

“What, wait? Just un-tie them.” She turned and looked at me skeptically. “Ok, guess you guys have not concept of shoes.”

Spending the next few minutes explaining how to untie and take of shoes was awkward to say the least, and not being able to reach my feet made it worse as I forgot the sayings my Mom told me growing up.

“Ok, now for the sock…” I stopping thinking of the best way for someone with hooves to take them off.

“Oh don’t worry,” she said going a shade red, “I have seen even more crazy stuff than this, just not so white.”

I quirked an eyebrow, deciding to not pursue the topic causing her obvious discomfort.

She bit down on the sock, I winced as I felt her teeth round my toes pulling the sock off. I felt really awkward at this point her soft fuzzy hooves inspecting my foot making me feel very warm.

“Interesting, your feet are similar your hands like our front and back hooves, yet have a distinctly different structure.”

“Soothing! You in here?” A voice called.

“Yes, I’ll be there in a second. Is it urgent?”

“No, but I need to talk with our new guest.”

“Then come on back!” She stopped looking over my feet, hiding the sock under her notes, “Now please don’t freak out, that was War Horse, he is a bit stupid, but he means well. Please give him another chance.” She pleaded.

“So, what have we got here?” War Horse, stallion if I ever saw one, stood in the door. A bulky build, with a mud brown fur and black hair. He had a mark, similar to Soothing’s in size, except it was a pair of crossed blades. He tried to smile, the gesture awkwardly forced, as he moved into the room.

I decided a dull glaring was the best route, “Why didn’t you believe me? Who walks into town announcing their presence if they intend to hurt anyone? I mean seriously?” I continued raising my voice, “What the crap did I do?”

He looked away, walking to the small window.

“Nothing…” I finished.

“Boy,” his tone notably darker and more tired, “When you’re fighting a battle sometimes you forget things. Sometimes it doesn’t matter: a shower, a meal, a night’s sleep. But then other things, not so much.

“Who you’re fighting, why you’re fighting, and who needs to be protected. When you get as old as I am ponies think you get wiser with age. I wouldn’t say that’s true we are just take longer make decisions and stick with them till the end.

“My apologies for the friendly fire. You look a lot like our enemy with the most notable differences being your lack of fur, height, and intelligence. Since you came into town from the jungle we assumed you to be an enemy, spy, or bomb.”

“Excuse me?” I quirked an eye brow “You thought I was a Bomb…?”

“Yes, although only one recorded case. We found records from back in the 60s about a mare coming into town covered in cloths only to explode killing a half dozen ponies. If the diary is to be believed, this event was the start of the last evacuation of Sandville. So when you came walking into town covered head to tail, err… hoof in cloths we assumed the worst. Planning to take you out with a stun bolt and investigate from a distance.”

I bit my lip at the explanation, remembering the horror stories on the news about the middle-east. Things were bad her, and for all I knew I just stepped into a war-zone.

“So, now that I know the jungle is dangerous. When can I leave?”

“That is going to depend on a few things,” the stallion mused, “Soothing how long till you think he’ll be able to move around?”

“Based on how long it’s taking him to heal. I’d say no more than another a day until moving won’t be dangerous. He can probably help out the growers as long as he gets frequent breaks and enough water until the caravan is ready.”

“Thank you,” Horse turned to me, “So the only thing you’re missing is Sand’s approval. Otherwise we should have the caravan ready by the end of next week. If you didn’t already guess we are getting everyone out of here. The Guard can’t remain here forever and there is no way we can reach a peaceful solution with the Blood Dog clan. Sand would argue with me, but I won’t stand by and let an entire town get slaughtered. Anyone with half a mind is coming with us back to the heartland.”

“Next week, sounds good,” I said, “Hopefully I won’t explode before then, alright” I let out a small smile.

“Her name was, Shadow Sleeper,” A voice came from outside, “She and my mother were best friends back then.” Sand walked into the room, a neutral expression on her face as I tried to cut her with my glare. “To answer the other question… You are free to leave Sandville after you defeat War Horse in a practice duel, he is getting quite old so it shouldn’t be too hard. I don’t want you leaving without at least a little training. Be sure to ask others to a few rounds before challenging War, he is quite old fashion.”

“Ok, I get it! I am a bit old, you don’t think I know? I plan to retire when we get back to Canterlot. But if I am going to train this boy than I expect your respect until we leave. “ War said glaring at Sand.

“Sure thing, General War Horse. If he doesn’t beat you by the time you leave he will stay.” Sand turned to walk away.

“WHAT!?” both War and Soothing yelled.

“General, this is my town. Outside of Equestria proper there is no laws, nor does he qualify as a citizen to have any international rights. I don’t want him leaving.” She continued walking out of the room, “and, general, you go easy on him, I will keep him regardless.”

“Bitch!” I yelled after her, wincing as my chest turned a darker shade of red.

The next day, I was ready. Ready and pissed. After a quick release evaluation, Soothing lead me to the growing houses to help out. With the move taking place in the next dozen days they were short on workers but still needed to have enough food to go around so she wanted me to help. We walked into the largest building that remained standing. The massive building was wide and deep, and its roof had been taken off to let the sun in. All around us were plants, some flowing others with fruit and vegetables which looked very familiar.

Across the vegetation a group of ‘earth ponies’, as I had been informed, stood around a small tree arguing. “No, you don’t understand if we push this tree anymore it’s going to die and then we won’t every have apples in Sandville ever again!”

“I disagree, I this tree is bread for concentrated and repetitive growth cycles. We brought it from Canterlot, we would know, so stop your gabbing and get back to work. It will be fine.”

“Am I interrupting?” Soothing interjected.

“Not at all. Thanks again for helping Brush Crasher last week he is feeling much better and will be starting up again tomorrow.  How can I help you today Soothing?”

“Well I was actually going to drop off our guest to help you here today. He doesn’t seem to have any aptitude for earth magic, but his can life, reach, and move things much easier and with a higher level of dexterity than an earthpony. He isn’t bad at talking either and I am sure some of his stories will interest you.”

“Well,” the stallion looked me over, “He’s tall, and how much do you think you can lift sir?”

“Probably about fifty or so pounds at most, I don’t exercise very often.” I replied.

The stallion quirked an eyebrow, “Let me rephrase that. From lifting a bucket of water, he pointed to a bucket, to uprooting a small tree how strong are you?”

The steel bucket he pointed to was probably no more than five gallons, so I gave it a lift. Straining, I raised the bucket raised to my waist before putting it down again. “Going to say the bucket or lower, Sorry.” The stallion’s face showing disappointment.

“Well, watering and picking food are what we do most. Don’t worry Soothing we’ll take care of him.” He said, bowing his head like a gentleman?

“Thanks, Earth Bound.” She turned a touch of concern on her face, “And I’ll come to pick you up at sunset.” She said before walking off a smile on her face. “Have fun!”

“Ok, Well first off, I am Earth Bound, nice to meet you. Yourself?” he said putting a hoof out for me to shake.

“You can call me Daunt,” I said noting how quickly he withdrew his hoof.

“Well, for now we have most everything under control, but if you want to just wait right here for about an hour. Then we will start watering the plants for the mid-day cycling. We are going to need lots of water and extra buckets for the produce. Until then make yourself comfortable.”

Perfect. I smiled, I had planned to sneak away and find War to try and get some training in.

There’s no way I am going to stay here with Sand. That mare’s a psychopath, two steps from a murdering rampage.

No more than a minute later Earth Bound, walked off to talk to another pony. I slipped out the way I can, trying to stay in the shadows as best I could as to not attract suspicion. I made my way through town, if our conversation about the town’s layout was accurate the command center was in the last building the west side of town. I walked in trying to be as casual as possible.

Everyone in the room instantly stopped what they were doing to look at me.

Damn, can’t be casual without a shirt and half of my body wrapped in white cloth.

“Hey War Horse,” I said casually, “I am here to start training.”

“Ohh, I wasn’t expecting you so soon…”

“Yea, Soothing was surprised how quickly I healed and sent me over, no dueling today but basic training and what not.” The lie sliding off my lips like glass, the opposite was actually true as Soothing was on the fence about me going to work with the growers.

He looked me over, inspecting my bandages.

“To be honest General, I can’t wait to start. And there is no way I plan to stay behind with Sand when everyone else rolls out to leave this shithole.” I got a few grunts of agreement from the others with that sentiment.

“Ok, anypony particularly interested in training…” he turned to me, “what’s your name again?”

“You can call me Daunted, Sir”

“Righto, anypony interested in training Daunted?

“Come on, no one wants to send a new recruit through basic again? I thought you all would jump at the opportunity to train a rocky to beat me” In an instant a few hooves were raised.

“That’s more like it, as long as you aren’t needed elsewhere you are free to help Daunted prepare for our practice duel. He needs to win so be sure to help him out as much as possible.”

“Good luck, Cadet!” he before returning to his desk.

A group of four volunteers were formed in the front of the room. “Ok, so we got thirteen days I say we break his training up into four sections, three days each. With the duel being the day we leave. Depending on how good he gets I say we make it a parting event to those who are going to stay behind.”

“Seems reasonable,” another said, “I am the best dueler here so I’ll take the last section to get him up to speed on how to beat an uncle War Horse.”

“I’ll handle the introduction, I don’t have to clear the west side of town till Friday, and I have been meaning to try out a few new exercise routines as well so I’m game.” Another said.

The ‘leader’ join in again, “I’ll take him off your hooves for basic combat theory and conditioning. Steel you ok with handling combat training?”

The pony gave a grunt in response.

“Great, Enjoy Mist, and be sure to tighten up that tongue of his while you’re at it. Although I am sure our Griffin would love it, I don’t want to see him swearing up a storm when he fights the general on the last day. Especially if he comes back with us,”