Aleksandr

Chapter 3: I need a drink...

When I returned to the library, I pulled the door open, but was interrupted by the sound of hooves. Turning, I expect Shining Armor, but instead a slightly angry Twilight. Continuing inside, I begin to walk toward the basement, in hopes of being alone. Twilight wasn't having any of it.

"Look, I didn't like how you practically threatened him back there. While he may have been a jerk, he's still my brother!" She said, glaring at me.

"Well, he needs to learn to hold his tongue, especially in front of the motherfucking Princess! He may be the Guard Captain, but that was just disrespectful."

"Whatever. Later tonight, I'm going to call the girls here, and we'll get to know each other better. How does that sound?"

"Да."

'What does that even mean?"

"It's Russian for 'yes'." I said, opening the door to the basement. Walking down stairs, I began to look for a better place to hide my weapons, in order to deter that overly-curious pony. Finding an old wardrobe, I opened it. I found a large spool of thick cloth, dark grey, almost black in color. Deciding to keep it, I set it aside, and propped my rifles against the back of the large wardrobe, and closed the door.

Wow, I thought. She's got a lot of shit down here. Whatever, this is my room for now, so this stuff is mine for the time being.

Checking my clothing in the mirror, I adjusted my ushanka, fixed my belt, and holstered my pistol. Maybe I'll take a walk around town, get a better feel for the area. Maybe buy something, if the shopkeepers don't shit bricks when they see me. Seeing that I was ready, I walked up the stairs, opened the door, and approached Twilight.

"Hey," I began. "Not to sound ungrateful, but could I maybe have some spending money?"

"Yeah, sure. Just let me go and get some for you." Waiting patiently, I wondered what I should do. Most of the ponies had probably seen me already from the whole 'burning research' fiasco, so other than a few stares, I should be fine. I was pull from my thoughts by the sound of jingling coins.

"Here you are.  decided to be extremely generous and give you 75 bits." Dropping a brown bag of coins into my hand, I thanked her.

"I have no knowledge of Equestrian currency, so is this a lot or a little?" I asked

"Well, purchasing necessities for yourself should take up about a third of that, leaving the rest for you to spend as you see fit. Our currency system works to where different coins have different values. Copper bits are worth one, gold bits are worth five, silver are worth ten, and platinum are worth fifty." She explained. Nodding, I continued on my way out the door, and began to stroll about the town. As expected, I got many stares, in addition to mothers keeping their children as far from me as possible. Like I cared. Some of the patrolling guards sized me up, others just ignored me. I continued to admire the quaint little hamlet, until I felt something tugging at my belt. Whipping around, I found a pegasus with my coin pouch in its' mouth. It's eyes widened, and it ran, pissed, I gave chase, until it flew. Then I was REALLY pissed. I drew my pistol, and with expert marksmanship, shot it in the flank. I heard it scream in pain, and fall to the ground. I walked up to the pony, looking as threatening as possible.

"D-don't hurt me anymore! Please!" The pony, who was obviously female pleaded, tears streaming from her eyes.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"P-Pad Hoof."

"Listen, Pad Hoof. Unless you want me to aim for your head, I suggest you never touch me agai--" I was interrupted by a few guardsponies, all pointing pikes at me.

"Stop! You have committed crimes against Equestria and its' ponies! What say you in your defence?!" The middle one asked.

"She attempted to steal my money, so I shot her. She'll be fine, you just need to have a doctor dig out the bullet, and treat it like an arrow wound."

"I-I have a filly at home! Please, I just need money to feed her!"

"Look, you could have just asked. I would have gladly given you a good bit of money. You don't have to steal. I'll even pay for the doctor's bill!" I said, feeling bad for the mare.

"You still committed assault, ape!" One of the guards shouted at me.

"Me? Assault?! How is that assault if she made the first move? It's called self defense, look it up!"

"Look, we'll let you off the hook, but we'll keep an eye in you." They replied, reluctantly.

"Just get her to a doctor, this should cover the bill. Let her keep what's left." Handing the guardspony 50 bits, they carried her off, to the nearest doctor.

I visited the shops, walked about the town, and eventually reached the library. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by six ponies, all enjoying some quality time.

"Ah! Aleksandr! Perfect timing!" Twilight said cheerfully.

"Evening, ladies." I said, smiling.

"Anyway, we'll begin in a few minutes. Is there anything I can get you?"

"Got any booze?" I asked, hoping for vodka.

"Umm... No. You would have to go to the bar for that."

"Damn!"

"Anyway, Let's begin, shall we? Let's have a proper introduction. I'm Twilight, She's Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and she's Pinkie Pie. I'll go first. You said you were a soldier, correct?"

"Да."

"Of what army? What was your role?"

"I was a Sniper of the Red Army, under the rank of Sergeant."

"What's a sniper?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"A sniper is a soldier who uses a sniper rifle, similar to the long one I use. They usually lie in wait, using said rifle to take accurate shots from long range, in order to pick off enemy soldiers."

"What is that hat you were wearing?" Rarity asked.

"That is my Ushanka."

"DO YOU LIKE PARTIES?!?!?!?!?" Pinkie Pie screamed at me.

"Нет!"

"I have no idea what that means, so I'm gonna take that as a yes!"

"No other questions?" The other two hook their heads.

"Alright, goodnight then." Returning to my quarters, I sighed.

Oh, I really need a drink.