Chapters

1
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter One: Location location location...

A dull throbbing in my head told me that I was awake, groaning I opened my eyes only to immediatly shut them having the suns rays beat down on me. Grudgingly I opened my eyes and began to take in my surroundings. I was in a forest clearing, it was early morning and the sun was just begining to rise, yet it was far brighter than I had expected. For some strange reason I was dressed in what appeared to be matte black combat armour, beside me lay a heavily customized M4A1 carbine...wait how do I know this? I thought to myself, and why am I here? Wait where is here?!

I stood up and noticed there were trees in all directions with no discernible trace of civilisation anywhere. Glancing around I noticed there was a backpack lying next to a boulder at the clearing edge. I picked up the rifle (Which had a considerable amount of attatchments) and checked it magazine instinctively, it was full I then reloaded it and walked over to the backpack.

It was a large pack with a sleeping bag strapped to the top, after unzipping it I browsed through its contents and layed it out on the boulder. 5 magazines for the M4, 3 clips for the Sigma 9mm handgun strapped to my leg and some food and bottled water and a black 6 inch AUS stainless steel combat knife along with some basic survival gear compass etc. again not exactly what I was expecting sitting down I reviewed my situation.

One I was in some forest somewhere with no sign of a town or city anywhere, Two I'm dressed in what is obviously military clothi- eh armour, three I have two loaded guns and alot of ammunition and was clearly dressed in some form of military apparel, and four who am I? Seriously I can't even remember my goddamn name!

Thinking I might find some clues to my predicament, I proceeded to empty my pockets hoping to come across some form of identification. Unfortunatly all I came across was a pack of gum and a small swiss army knife and (You guessed it) more ammo for the guns strapped to my vest. After briefly sorting my gear I set out in the hopes of finding a town, strangely the forest I was in seemed very dark and foreboding, so I set out while suns rays still provided light.

After gathering my, ah, "equipment" I took out the compass from the bag and began to head north hoping to run into a river or something that I could follow that might lead to a town. I quickly became lost in the dense forest around me and began to worry about what I could do for shelter, aswell as the incredibly strange growling emanating from the forest itself, after several hours of wandering I eventually came to a large hill and started to climb in the hope of to getting some sort of vantage point, to see where any sort of town in the area might be.

After reaching the top of the hill, I spotted small puff of smoke drifting over the tops of the the trees a few miles off in the distance and for the first time in the last few hours a spark of hope ignited inside me...well until I spotted a giant goddamn lizard off in the distance sporting several heads. Dropping to the ground I prayed one of its massive heads didn't spot me, glancing over the hill I saw its huge body lumber off the other direction, giving out an audible sigh of relief I thanked my lucky stars and continued toward the smoke after making sure I checked the direction on the compass, north by north west.

Walking down the hill I began making my way towards the smoke but with dusk rapidly approaching, and I didn't feel exaclty confident in my sense of dierection. Stopping in a small clearing after about an hour of walking I was still quite a few miles away from the village and decided againt testing my luck in the dark, instead I began to gather up some dry twigs and wood off the ground and began lighting a fire using a lighter from the bag then surrounding the small fire in the cirlce of stones.

It was dark a half an hour later, so I briefly continued to gather up wood and then sat back and tried and attempted to get some rest. I began to lightly dose when I heard a cracking of twigs just beyond the fires light, it was quiet and stealthy...thats when I knew I was in trouble I quickly fumbled to my feet a shouldered my rifle, thats when all hell broke loose.

*******

As I raised the rifle, a large feline creature, easily bigger than a normal car (A lion!?) jumped from the shadows, I quickly dodged to the side, barely avoiding a strike from a large stinger like apendage jutting from its back, I brought up my rifle and fired two shots into its side making it flair it wings (Oh come on what the hell!?!) before I could do anything else it managed to swing towards me and wrenched the rifle from my grip, before it could take another swing at me I dived under its body while also drawing my pistol it seemed confused for a moment as I slid underneath it, I then aimed the weapon at its throat and fired five rounds off causing the creature to rear back and let out and ear piercing howl before collapsing to the ground clutching its throat.

Lying on the ground the only thing that kept coursing through my mind was WHAT just happened?!? What was that thing and again, what the FUCK is this place!?! And how the FUCK did I know how to fight like this?!?!?

After calming down I walked over to examine the body of the lio- scorp- ughh, whatever it was and looked over it. It clearly had the body of a lion but the tail of a scropion and long black leathery wings attatched to its back, I then proceeded to retrieve my rifle from the bushes it was in and then quickly looked over it luckily it was undamaged.

I quickly began making my toward the town, this forest was clearly much more dangerous than I had originally anticipated. Picking up the pace I began to quickly make my way toward the small town deciding it would be safer to get there sooner rather than later.

Thankfully a gigantic full moon provided a lot of natural light once I began to move but as I began jogging a sudden movement caught my eye but moved to fast for me to react leaving me wondering what was that multi-coloured blur that just took off? But disregarded it as stress from my current situation.

**********

In a particularly beautiful cloud above Ponyville a certain cyan pegasis with a rainbow main was suddenly awoken from her heavy sleep by what she thought was the sound of distant thunder which she knew couldn't be right, being the leader of the Ponyville weather team Rainbow Dash knew there were no showers or storms planned for the next few days.
Quickly getting up and going to the window of her home which faced out towards the Everfree Forest she listened intently for the sound.

She stood the for a few moments before five strange bangs rang out in the distance though not as lously as the first sounds, followed by an howl of pain a howl that could only belong to a manticore Huh what could possibly make a manticore howl in pain? Rainbow thought before her curiousity got the better of her, she quickly took to the sky reasoning that she could easily outrun anything that was dangerous.

After about ten minutes of flying Dash arrived at a small clearing and circled before stealthily landing in the trees at the rim of the clearing what she saw was an incredibly strange site. In the center of the clearing there was a small campfire lighting and an odd looking saddlebag resting beside a tree but what truly caught her attention was a strange two legged creature cradling and fussing over a piece of metal in its arms.

Only a few feet away lay the body of a full grown manticore that was recently killed judging from the blood running down its body and neck from several holes, one thing was for sure this strange black coloured creature was definetly dangerous and it was heading towards Ponyville! Before doing anything else Rainbow took off towards Ponyville as fast as possible with one thought racing through her head I gotta tell Twilight, she'll know what to do!

*************

After another hour of ducking and weaving my way through the dense forest I arrived on something I had been hoping to stumble across since waking up, a small dirt path. It didn't look like it was used very often but considering how hostile this place had been to me so far I could understand the locals hesitating before going near here.

Checking my direction on the compass I began to follow the correct way on the path towards the town and without the need to constantly climb over obstacles or find other ways around things I began to make good time. Sure enough as the sun began to rise I could see the edge of the forest, at this point I was incredibly grateful because I had used the last of my food and water shortly after reaching the path.

After exiting the forest I began to notice some things, that even in my tired disorientated state stood out, like the clouds here weren't moving, even though when I glanced back to the forest the clouds were gently rolling by. Ignoring that for the moment I followed the path down to the town and saw something I certainly didn't expect. Standing there in the middle of the path into town was a purple pony. Now this in my state I could accept this, but when it began to speak then I questioned exactly how tired or high I was...?

*************

Since Twilight Sparkle had moved to Ponyville she had seen alot of strange things, she had seen Nightmare Moon attempt to conquer Equestria only to be stopped by her and her friends, she had seen an Ursa come to town which she dealt with with her magical abilities, she had seen Parasprites almost devour the town itself, she had even seen the god of chaos, Discord rule equestria for a short time, but except with an encounter with a dragon, she had NEVER seen Rainbow Dash scared.

The cyan pegasis had come to her through her usual method: crash landing through her window. This happened regularly but when Rainbow wasn't her usual cocky self Twilight knew there was a problem
"Dash are you OK? You look like you've just seen a dragon!" Rainbow quickly gathered her bearings and said
"Sorry for waking you so early Twi but I needed to tell you something. I heard some sort of thunder comming from the Everfree Forest and when I went to check it out I came across a weird looking creature! It killed a manticore and began to head towards town so I thought I'd go to you and see if you knew what this thing is!" Twilight quickly began to float books from their shelves on the library's walls
"Now Dash calm down, can you tell me what this thing looked like?" Rainbow Dash pondered for a minute before shrugging and saying
"Well it was standing on two legs, it was coloured as though it was wearing clothes but it could be its skin I guess. Oh
yeah! It also had a strange looking metal pole with it that I think it used on the manticore!"

Twilight listened intently, she had never heard of something like this and scanning through her books it didn't appear to be a creature native to Equestria. "Well its not in any of my books. One moment," Twilight turned towards the upper floor of the library and called out the name "Spike come here please!" A few moments later the small purple dragon appeared from her bedroom wearily rubbing his eyes and wondering why he was being woken up so late at night.
"Geez Twi relax, now what do you need?" Twilight rolled her eyes before saying
"Spike, Dash has spotted a strange creature in the Everfree forest and I need the book on "Ancients myths and Legends" to see if it has anything on this thing."

Spike snapped to attention saying he knew where the book was before quickly running into the main hall to begin his search. Dash turned to Twilight "So what are we going to do? That thing will arrive in town soon." The lavender unicorn thought for a moment before saying "We don't know what it wants so I think that we should see why its here before writing to Princess Celestia." Rainbow nodded in agreement "So whats your plan exactly?" Twilight glanced out her window towards the forest and then proceeded towards the door. "I'll wait on the trail from the Forest it has to come by that way."

Rainbow immediatly objected "Twilight think for a second! And that comming from me! This thing killed a manticore with no trouble and you want to wait for it to come to you!?" Twilight nodded but said,
"You should tell the girls about this I'll be waiting for you, OK?" Rainbow Dash didn't move,
"Swear you won't do anything dangerous." Twilight smiled and then said,
"Cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye." Whilst making the appropriate gestures, Rainbow nodded before giving a quick salute and flying out to gather their friends.

**************

2
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter Two: First Impressions

I continued down that path till I was standing about ten meters away from that lavender coloured pony...Wait pony's don't have horns do they? What has a the body of a horse and the ho- "Your a unicorn!" I blurted out. To which the pony replied "Yes, hello my name is Twilight Sparkle and I would like to welcome you to Ponyville." She said with a large smile. I actually went light headed, thinking to myself OK, ok calm down just try and figure whats going on.
"He-hello..." It was all I could think of to say!

The purple pony then said to me "Hello, now if you don't mind me asking I was curious as to what your business might be in our town?" her smile never wavered. I was still stunned, I was talking to a unicorn!
"I'm ah I mean, ahh I'm lost." She cautiously looked over me for a moment before asking,
"Where are you from?" wracking my brain in an attempt to remember something, ANYTHING I ended up only remaining quiet before answering.
"I don't know..." She continued her chain by asking,
"What is your name?"

I lightly kicked my foot at the ground, while staring off into the sky before answering, I then returned my gaze to her saying "I don't know." At this she seemed to be confused, before asking more questions which all arrived at the same conclusion. I.Don't.Know.

Twilight thought to herself while looking over the strange two legged creature and was becoming increasingly frustrated, it appeared this thing knew less about itself than she did. She carefully thought before asking her next question
"What are you? I mean no offense but I have never seen something like you before" this wasn't exactly true, he did resemble an ape, but at this the creature seemed to finally brighten up, answering one of her questions at last! Saying
"I'm a human being." This also relieved Twilight a small amount, now she had somewhere to start from on her research.

Before she could ask anymore questions the sound of distant galloping could be heard and only a moment later her friends came into view. Each pony slid to stop beside Twilight and though she was relieved to see them the creature took a few steps back raising the "Weapon" that Rainbow had described earlier.

As if things weren't crazy enough! I thought as five more ponies came into view sliding to a stop beside the purple unicorn, for some reason I took a step back and raised my rifle defensively, I had no idea what to expect from these new arrivals.

"Are you OK?" Twilight asked the human as he stepped back.
"Eh, yes I'm fine." I said lowering my weapon then looking back over the assembled group, I spotted a familiar colour in the group, a rainbow coloured pony with wings. I pointed at the pony before quizically asking,
"Have I seen you before?" to which the pegasus responded
"I doubt it but I've seen you!" thinking back I remembered the blur from the other night.
"Wait I did see you just after I was attacked by a...ahem lion thing."

"You mean after you killed the manticore?" She said glaring at me for some reason.
"Its not my fault it attacked me!" I retorted.
"Everypony calm down!" Twilight said standing in front of a still glaring Rainbow Dash "We don't need to be fighting, and from what I have gathered thats not why your here is it?" She said pointing a hoof at me. I shook my head before saying "No, thats not why I'm here, I was just looking for somewhere that was safer than that forest I was in."

**************

Everyone/pony went silent before a light orange colour coated pony said "I dunno 'bout this Twi he seems might suspicious..." I felt my blood run cold, if I couldn't enter the town I'd shortly be killed wandering through that forest. Before I could say anything a yellow coated pegasus with a pink mane mumbled something causing everyone to turn toward her and listened intently, though I couldn't hear what she said at this distance, it appeared to be more positive.They then turned their backs to me having a hushed discussion before turning back to me and smiling in unison, except for the rainbow maned pegasus who, grudgingly, seemed to go along with the others.

"We've come to an agreement." Twilight said gesturing towards the assembled ponies. "You can stay so long as you agree to disarm yourself while in town." I gave a sigh of relief, at least the conditions were reasonable! I nodded towards them smiling before saying,
"OK, that seems fair enough." I quickly unloaded my weapons and then layed my rifle along with my handgun on the ground, I then returned my attention to the group before me. I began to walk towards them, when I noticed my weapons floating along beside me, I jumped a little at seeing this before they flew by me over to where Twilight stood.

I began to walk into the town at the center of my "Escort" and had little trouble as we entered, it was still very early morning and the sun wasn't even visible, but and it appeared as though no other members of the community were awake yet. As we continued through the town we came across no other ponies, after about five minutes of walking we came to a large tree near the center of the town and the lavender pony entered while gesturing for us to wait. "Spike will want to know before he comes in or else he might panic." She entered, leaving me with the other five ponies.

"Ah, nice town you have here." I said with the hopes that I could get off on the right foot. They were silent for a moment before the orange pony said,
"Thank ya kindly, mister?" flinching I quickly said,
"I don't know." soon regretting speaking at all. The ponies around me all gave me confused looks except for one, a bright pink coloured pony who's hair very closely resembled cotton candy, who never seemed to stop smiling. A few moments later Twilight reappeared telling us to come in.

As I entered the building I was fascinated, it appeared to be a house comepletely carved out of the inside of a tree but the tree itself was blooming and had leaves. But this didn't last long as when I entered the room, a strange looking purple lizard with green spines gave me a unimpressed look "So this is the mighty manticore slayer, eh? You don't look so tough." I really didn't know how to respond, so I simply said
"Who are you?" to which he responded,
"The names Spike." I don't know why but the name echoed inside my head for a few moments.
"Pleasure to meet you." He shrugged before going over to the stairs and dissapearing up them.

Soon enough we were all seated on the living area, which was just pillows on the main floor. "So do you remember anything?" Twilight asked me.
"Not yet...but I'd like to thank you, all of you for helping me." Everyone seemed to ease up at this. I silently observed my hosts. From what I had gathered Twilight was the leader of the group and possibly the most intelligent, the rainbow maned pony never took her eyes off me though, which made me incredibly uncomfortable, the orange coated pony with a hat and golden mane from earlier was now quietly talking to a snow white coated unicorn with a mane of deep rich purple hair, done up in an extravegant curl giving her a sense of elegance, after that only the bright pink pony with the puffed up mane (Who was still smiling) and a yellowish cream coloured pegasus with a light pink mane, who was hiding behind her remained.

As I began to think of what to say next, the snow white pony turned to me and cautiously ask "So where will you be staying while in town?" she sounded very posh but not in a snooty way.
"I didn't actually think that far ahead. I was just hoping that I could find somewhere safe sleep." and it was at this I realised just how tired I was, having not slept nor stopped moving since yesterday morning,
"Honestly anywhere outside where I wouldn't be in the way would be fine." at this the pony raised her hoof to her forehead theatrically, "Darling that simply won't do! You must have proper lodgings while you are staying in town."
At this the orange coated pony from before said "Ya could stay'n mah barn if that would be alright wit' you?"

I smiled "Thats very generous of you-" I stopped with the realisation that I only knew Twilight and Spikes name, I glanced around awkwardly before saying "Ah, sorry I think I forgot to ask your names back on the road." I said looking at each of them in turn.
The first to answer was the up until now silent pink pony "Hi I'm Pinkie Pie!" Followed quickly by the hospitable orange mare "And I'm Applejack pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"And I am miss Rarity." Said the snow white unicorn. The yellow pegasus behind Pinky gave out a squeak but I just assumed she was too shy to talk to me.
Applejack then said "And thats Rainbow Dash." pointing a hoof at the rainbow maned pegasus she simply shrugged before saying, "Well I gotta go clear the skies, bye guys." She said before flying out the door.
"Whats wrong with her?" Applejack asked.

"I think its because of me..." I said without really talking to anyone, again noticing my fatigue, I asked "So would you mind showing me where this barn is? I haven't slept in...ah I don't know, two days?"
"Sure thing sugarcube, just grab your gear and lets hustle." I picked back up my backpack and slid it onto my back then looked around for my weapon, before remembering I had given up my rifle and pistol to Twilight,
"Hey um, Miss Sparkle, could I ask where you put my weapon?" She simply nodded before saying,
"I'll keep them here with me until your ready to leave town."
"OK I guess, just be careful with them." I was silently grateful I unloaded them before handing them over, at least now if she studied them they wouldn't kill something.

Applejack was waiting by the door, so I quickly said goodbye to everyone and followed her out, we walked on the outskirts of town to avoid the chance that my presence would cause a panic, but even when moving out of sight we made good time and were strolling up the dirt path to her orchard less than fifteen minutes later. As we passed rows of apple tree's that led to the barn, I saw a large maroon coloured pony casually bucking apple tree's, causing every apple on the tree to fall down into waiting baskets, safe to say I was impressed, albeit slightly intimidated.

As we drew closer the red buck glanced at us and for a moment looked fine, before quickly frowning having spotted me. "Mornin' sis, who's this following ya?" he said eyeing me curiously, Applejack then said,
"He's just someone who needs a place ta stay for a while." he seemed even more confused at this,
"Pardon?"
"I offered to let him stay in the barn till he can figure out what he's doin' with himself." I gave the colt a smile,
"Pleased to meet you, sir." I said, and at this he chuckled a bit and gave me a friendly smile
"No need tah call me sir, just Macintosh or big Mac will do."
"Pleased to meet you, Mac." I said, while silently thinking This at least appeared to be going well.

Soon after this we arrived at a large, rust coloured barn that had obviously seen better days, but was much more preferable to a manticore infested forest. "Sorry 'bout the mess, we don't really use it much now, 'cept for storage." As we entered I noticed that there was virtually nothing inside,
"Storage?" I asked in a questioning tone.
"Well not right now, we're still filling the cellar, if it wasn't fer that dang swarm of parasprites, this would be full right now." she looked sad as she glanced around the barn.
"Sorry to hear that." I said, even though I didn't know what a parasprite was.

I went in and quickly unpacked my sleeping bag, (Finally it has a purpose) then turning to Applejack and saying "I really do appreciate this, thank you." She just gave a friendly smile, saying
"No problem, we've got lotsa room here, may as well use it, just holler when your ready I'll be out helping my big bro." at this she turned and went out of the room, I stared at the door for a moment before dropping on top of my sleeping bag, and quickly falling asleep, my last thought being, Well this ain't so bad...

3
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter 3: Fitting in

**************

I jolted awake, my body coated in a cold sweat, looking around I noticed I was still in the barn, I collapsed back onto my sleeping bag, taking in what I just saw. My dreams were plagued by visions of war, death, destruction...

I got up slowly, I knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep again after seeing that. I considered everything that happened the past two days, thinking Alright their not hostile but they did feel the need to disarm me so they may be planning something...I'll be ready. I quickly made my way over to my backpack and withdrew the knife, I strapped it to my belt, I then proceeded to the barn door to the barn door and opened it, outside the sun was still in the sky and burning bright, I walked slowly out into the apple orchard in search of the orange mare. "Applejack?" I called out and a few moments later came the response, "Over here!" from further into the orchard.

I quickly made my way towards her voice and soon spotter her, she was bucking a tree, same as Big Mac had earlier "How're you?" she asked, I could only sigh and shake my head before answering,
"I'm fine, you wouldn't know the time would you?" She stopped just before going to another tree and said,
"Its 'bout four I reckon, but I ain't got a watch so I dunno fer sure." I thought for a moment,
"So how long was I asleep?" She considered the question,
"Hmm...I'd say almost eight or so hours." I considered this for a moment, then shrugged figuring I had nothing to do.
"Hey Applejack need any help around here?"

She glanced at me and raised an eyebrow, before saying "Now I ain't ever turned down a hard worker before but I don't think you could really help with the bucking." I nodded but then pointed at the base of the tree,
"Thats true, but I can carry those." She followed my finger which was pointed directly at a now full basket of apples. She turned to me and smiled,
"Well that'd be mighty helpful, just bring'em to the front of the house and load'em on the cart in front of it." I nodded and peeled off my balistic vest and jacket, they would only hinder me here.

As I did Applejack looked at me strangely, before saying "Thats an awefully strange cutie mark ya got there." I turned to her, after hanging them both on a tree branch,
"Cutie mark?" She raised a hoof and pointed at my arm, where there was a small tattoo on my upper arm.
"Whats it mean?" She asked me curiously. I touched the mark, it was was a cirle with strange spiral like markings swirling around each other, I returned my gaze to her "I have no idea..." We then began to work.

We made good time and quickly fell into routine, I would pick up a basket and load it onto the cart at the front of her home and when I came back there would be more waiting. It took only an hour to fill the cart in front of her home and but the sun was begining to dip in the sky "Thats the last of them." I said heaving a large basket of apples onto the cart, I was panting heavily and sweating hard, but feeling much better after the work.
"Woohoo!" she said enthusiastically "That was way faster than usual! I think if you keep helping like this we're gonna 'ave ta keep ya!" She said giving me a playful tap on the leg, I smiled down at her,
"Its the least I can do, since I'm pretty much mooching off you at the moment." I said laughing a bit.

A few moments later, we saw Big Mac heading towards us, I waved my hand in greeting before saying "Evening Mac." He stopped before us,
"Evening, I see you two were busy." he said and examined me for a few seconds before going to his sisters side and whispering something to her, she chuckled and Big Mac turned to leave, continuing his leisurly pace towards the house. "Care to fill me in?" I said nudging AJ in the side, she turned to me a smirk on her face,
"He just warned me not ta break ya." I laughed,
"I don't look that bad do I?" I said, she shook her head "Nah but ya probably do need ta change yer clothes." I looked down at myself, I was covered in dust and dirt from working with AJ I only loaded baskets... I couldn't help but think,
"Yeah but where can I get new gear?"

She thought for a moment "Well Rarity could fix ya right up, but its a bit late to be goin' anywhere t'day. I need ta bring the cart to the market tomorrow, if ya wanna check with her then?" I nodded before saying,
"Sounds good to me." We turned and began to head up to the house, the smell of fresh apple and baking hung in the air outside.
"Looks like grubs already bein' served." She said opening the door and leading me into the kitchen.

I sat at the far end of the table next to AJ, across from her sat Big mac and at the head of the table sat and elderly looking green pony who seemed completely oblivious to my presence. We ate silence and I was suddenly very grateful I had no allergies to apples, everything was or had apples in it, I stayed quiet until I saw a picture hanging on the wall showing Applejack, Big Mac and a smaller pony with a cream coat and a crimson mane, I gestured to the picture "Who's that?" I said, "Thats me Big Mac and my sis' Applebloom, she's stayin' at her friends house t'night." Applejack stated, I nodded, shortly after this I excused myself from the table and went back to the barn, it was dark out but thankfully the moon illuminated my surrounding enough for me to find my way there with no trouble. I lay down on my sleeping bag and was out in minutes.

*********************

Twilights house, immediatly after departure

The door closed as the pair departed, slowly the purple unicorn turned back to her remaining friends "So...what do you think of him?" Twilight asked the first to respond was Rarity,
"Darling I must say I am not entirely sure it was a good idea to leave him with Applejack, he may still be dangerous." she said in her normal formal tone.
"Yes but if he meant to harm us, then why would he give me his weapons?" she said as she floated out the two strange looking items,
"Well who knows if these even are weapons, the certainly look nothing like the royal guards swords." Twilight thought for a moment,
"Regardless he hasn't done anything wrong yet." Rarity seemed like she was going to say something but thought better of it.

A few moments later Spike came back down the stairs hefting a large ornate book, with the title "Ancient Myths and Legends" elaboratly portrayed on its front and with a triumphant grin held it up to Twilight,
"Found it Twi." She smiled,
"Thank you Spike." But her words were lost on the small dragon once he noticed Rarity, he became captivated by her presence,
"Hi Rarity." he said in a lovestruck tone.
"Good morning Spike." she said to him, apparently oblivious of his affections for her.

Twilight quickly opened the book and skimmed through its contents, it had everything from ponies to dragons, but not a single mention of a "Human" she scanned through the book again but this time when she came to the section on monsters and demons she noticed a picture, it looked very similar to a human but larger and more menacing looking than the person she had just met. she read aloud "The Julkriid translates from dragon tongue to Slayer or Demon, these fierce creatures were at war with dragon kind since the time of Discord, it is even said that Discord himself created the abominations, they feel no remorse or pity towards the opponents and no loyalty toward anyone except their high lord. They were last seen shortly after the fall of Discord at the hooves of Princess Celestia and Luna. For nine hundred years not a single member of their race has been spotted, it is said the dragons hunted down and exterminated the last of their kind."

When she glanced up from the book she noticed everyone in the room had fell silent, the only one who seemed to fully comprehend what was said was the small, purple dragon "He's a dr-dragon sl-layer?!?" he stammered out, Twilights mind raced I have to tell princess Celestia, she needs to know that these creatures are not extinct! she picked her quill and began to write furiously while Rarity tried her best to keep Spike calm, Twilight soon had everything that had happened since she met the creature written down and had Spike calmed down enough to send the letter. They anxiously awaited the response.

4
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter 4: Dreams and chaos

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Canterlot Castle, dining hall

Celestia had been feeling stressed since Discords second defeat, something just felt wrong, when Discord was defeated by Luna and herself, a resounding peace had settled across the land and though she tried her best to hide it, Luna too felt un-easy since his second banishment, as though they were still traces of him left in the land. But everyday since his defeat, Celestia check on his statue and everyday it was still in the castle grounds, frozen in a look of pure shock.

"Another restless night, dear sister?" Said Luna as she sat across from Celestia, it was early morning and she had just commanded the sun to rise, she faced her sister,
"Yes, although I cannot fathom why I feel so tense, this year alone you have been returned to me, my most prized student has made a collection of good friends and Discord has been defeated yet again." she shook her head, her mane waving behind her "I just don't understand, this has been the best year I've had in over one thousand years."

Luna stared at her sister, concern clear on her face "Perhaps you just nee-" but she was cut off by a green puff of smoke flying in the window and dissapating in front of Celestia, dropping a small letter on the table, she grasped it with her magic and opened it, as she read her face seemed to harden, before going back to its usual passive unreadable expression, she stood up, turning to leave,
"Sister what is the matter?" Celestia froze then faced Luna again,
"An old enemy of the kingdom has returned" she floated the letter over to Luna "and this situation must be resolved immediatly."

Luna brielfy scanned the contents of the letter and was shocked at what she read, The Julkriid have returned? even though Luna was banished as the remains of the demonic creatures the dragons waged war with were vanquished, she still knew enough about them to know they were directly linked to Discord, she began to trot after her sister. "What are you planning, sister?" Celestia stopped, looking Luna dead in the eye,
"This creature must be destroyed, aswell as any of the remnants of Discord." Luna was shocked, she had never seen her sister so accepting that she had to destroy something.

"Think Celestia! What if this isn't the only of its kind out there?!" Celestia froze, she was so certain that this creature was the cause of her anxiety that she didn't stop to consider if there was more than one.
"Your right," She sighed "but what do we do? These creatures have proven themselves capable of fighting the dragons in full scale war, do you really believe that this creature will just stay neutral and for that matter, how would the dragons react if they discover their mortal enemies have started showing up in Equestria?"

Luna though intently, before saying "We are not entirely sure what the correct course of action is, but I would recommend one of subtly." Celestia nodded, know your enemy,
"So what do you suggest Luna?" a sly smile appeared on Luna's muzzle as she formulated a plan,
"Give me your most trusted Royal Guards..."

************************

Inside my head

Where am I now? I was standing in what looked like a castles grounds, a large maze in front of me, I turned away from the maze and noticed there were statues scattered in the garden before me, all performing different tasks, singing, dancing, everything was so peaceful and happy looking...except one statue, I didn't know what it was, it looked like it was a bunch of animals crudely fused togeather, but there was something profoundly unsettling about this statue...

A deep laugh began to emenate from it followed by "Ahh, your finally here!" I looked around, suspecting a trick of some kind "Don't be so worried my friend, I need your help." it was definetly comming from the statue, I moved forward to examine it, but as I drew to a stop before it, it began to crack, I backed up and got ready, I may not know what this thing is but it certainly looked dangerous, in a bright flash of light the last of the fragments of stone were shead from the creatures body, it began to stretch theatrically and I suddenly wished I had my gear, the creature began laughing again as it casually began to stroll towards me.
"You don't look very happy to see me!" The creature said in its strangely dramatic voice, I took up a defensive stance before saying "What the hell are you?"

The thing began laughing manically again "Oh, little o'll me? Well I'm Discord of course! God of chaos, deceit and disharmony, at your service!" it then dissapeared in a flash of light only to appear next to me, grasping my shoulders, I let out a grunt of pain, this thing had lion claws and eagles talons for hands! I tried to move but its calws/talons had sank into me and held me in place like a vice,
"What do you want?!" I shouted out, he chuckled "Oh not much, just eternal chaos, unfortunately that was cut short, but at least I got YOU to play with, your kind was always so much fun!" he threw me to the ground and then casually began to stroll around the other statues "You see I brought you here, simple really, but there was an tiny little side effect from the teleportation, different dimensions always caused such a problem for me" he laughed again "thats why I love them, anyway it appears that you lost your memories on that fateful little trip." I got back to my feet,
"What the fuck are you talking about?" I said as I clenched the wounds on my shoulders.

"Well you see when I plucked you from your world a lil' bit of my power got absorbed by you, now since Twilight Sparkle and company petrified me again I need to borrow you for a while, well not you exactly, your my hmm, whats the word? Ahh yes nexus, your my little connection to the outside world." it turned around to face me, grinning as it did "But I don't need you, I need what you used to be, so here's my gift to you!" he said as he snapped his claws togeather, I collapsed to my knees clutching my head, screaming, I could remember, it was like a fucking dam just broke in my head, the memories were rushing past so fast I couldn't focus on any long enough for them to be coherent, it all just went by like a blur, I couldn't focus on any of them long enough to make sense of them, when I regained control enough to look up, Discord was standing in front of me a small smirk on his face, "Welcome back, Spike!"

I shakily got to my feet and faced him "Wha-What did" my head began to feel like it was being crushed in a vice "AGHH WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!?!" I yelled, he laughed at me,
"I just gave you back what you lost, no need to thank me really." I lashed out at him, he slid back like a snake "Well that certainly wasn't what I was expecting." his dramatic voice going almost monotone as he stared at me, his eyes contracting as he stared at me, he tutted "Well this just won't do, where's my vicious little killer?" he said turning casually and begining to wander again, I kept my eyes trained on him, though I was still reeling from what had just happened, this was no time to drop my guard.

He turned to face me again "Well Spike, I can see you'll be no fun for a little while..." it laughed again "But I have a feeling that'll change soon, so until then ta-ta." and with that the creature dissapeared and the world dissolved around me.

I woke up.

*********************

The Ponyville Library, the next day

Twilight had spent the day in the library, researching anything she could on these creatures and comforting a distraught Spike and though they wanted to stay her frineds were forced to depart, Fluttershy had animals to care for, Rarity has her business to run and Pinkie Pie was in charge of Sugar Cube corner for the week and after saying their drawn out good byes they regretfully departed, this left Twilight with much more time to check for details on these creatures though, but despite her vast collection of books, she could not find anything more than what she had already found in "Ancient Myths and Legends" book, this unsettled her deeply, not even her history books had reference to them, it was as though they were completely exterminated, every last trace destroyed...completely removed from history.

The sun was begining to set by the time she had finished the last of her history books, this is when she heard the tell-tale sound of a dragon receiving mail and sure enough a moment later Spike rushed into her room, holding a letter with the royal seal emblazoned on the outside. This letter was different though, not the normal red seal which Celestia used, this seal was a deep purple, almost black, she broke the seal and scanned the letters contents.

She broke the letters seal and read it inside her mind.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

This letter is to inform you that the situation with the Julkriid or human as you stated in your letter is being dealt with accordingly, it would be best if continued on as though nothing is amiss and try to avoid future contact with this creature,

Yours faithfully, Princess Luna

Twilight was shocked, she had expected to at least be included in their plans, but realised that this is a problem that threatened all of Equestria, she then put away the letter and told Spike the situation, it was then that her mind returned to Applejack, she was with this thing for almost two days!
She knew that she always had her apple stall opened on the market day tomorrow, so she decided the first thing she would do in the morning is check on her, for now though she would continue her research, surely one book in here must have some information on these things...

5
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter 5: Friction

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You ever hear that saying "Memory is the key" well if thats the case then this is the key you can throw away forever, my mind was a mess, I could remember so much...but focus on so little, from what I could gleam from my own memories of my life was...well it wasn't something I could be proud of, I had memories of fighting in battles around the world, assasinations, even acts of terrorism...but thats the life I lived, a gun for hire, a soldier of fortune...a mercenary. Why couldn't I remember anything else though, it was like I could only remember the past four years...and what the hell did that thing say my name was? Spike? Bull shit, no ones named Spike...

I sat outside the Apple families home after the dream, I didn't know the time but it was early, the sun hadn't even begun to rise, but I didn't care I couldn't go back and face another nightmare, so I sat there in front of the house and although I could feel a bitter chill beginning to run through my body, I didn't go into the orchard to retrieve my jacket from where it hung on the branch from yesterday. I just sat there...attempting to make sense of my own memories, but every damn time one was about to come into focus, it slipped away, I couldn't understand why though, it was like my mind was trying to forget what it had just had returned but, still the most unnerving thing in this entire situation was still the fact that my memories were so screwed I didn't even remember my name.

I didn't even notice anything else until a large red figure opened the door to the house and stepped outside, he had yet to notice me leaning against the cart, I thought for a moment before speaking,
"Morning Mac." his head swung toward me, his eyes not even opening fully nor his voice changing in the slightest "Morning." if he was surprised I was awake this early he kept it well, he began to lumber over towards me
"Ya commin' in fer breakfast?" he asked me, I shook my head in response before saying "Not hungry." one of his eyes seemed to close slightly more than usual giving him a dissaproving appearance, though he promptly dropped it and returned to his usual, bored expression.

"We're not headin' ta town fer a while, ya should come inside." I stopped leaning against the cart and walked towards him, not saying anything as he lead me back into the house.

About an hour and a half later, the sun had risen and Applejack was preparing to head into town, I helped by ensuring that the apple baskets were all properly tied down, before walking up to the front of it and helping Big Mac harness himself to the cart, soon after this we were off, Applejack double checking we had everything and Big Mac pulling the cart alone with ease.

It wasn't long before we reached that cobblestone path that lead into town, this is when I realised something, Applejack stopped when she noticed I was no longer at her side "Problem?" she asked, I shrugged
"I dunno, how do you think the rest of town will react to me?"
She thought for a moment "Well all the ponies in these parts are real friendly, so long as your hospitable, so you should be just fine." She said smiling at me.
"OK then." I said feeling surprisingly reassured.

A few moments later we entered into what appeared to be the market district of the town, as we set up I noticed something exceptionally odd "Hey AJ this is a town right?"
"It sure is sugar." She said not even batting a glance in my direction, focusing her efforts on unloading the cart.
"OK then...so where are the other people?" I said scanning the surrounding buildings.
Applejack slowly looked around, before turning back to me a concerned look in her eye "I don't know..."

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Cantelot Castle, Throne Room

Princess Celestia had immediatly sent for her three most accoplished Royal guards, and although they were all within the cities perimeter, it still took almost an hour for them to arrive at the throne room, Celestia didn't know what Luna was planning and she was curious as to why she had requested her guards, especially when Luna had requested her own personal guards and commander to attend, but she could not coax any answers out of her sister, when the third and final of the Celestia's guards assembled the doors sealed and the guardsmen stood rigidly to attention in front of the two princesses.

Luna then stood up from her throne and walked across to where the three Royal guards stood, inspecting each in turn before going back to her throne and speaking "You three have been hoof picked for this assignment by Celestia, for your loyalty." she turned to face her commander, who was clad in the standard dark purple armour of Luna's personal guard, giving no apparent indication of rank "Commander Night Gale here will brief you." The commander turned to the six Royal guards, his cat like eyes contracting as he inspected them, one of the Royal guards even flinched when he noticed the commanders gaze settle upon him.

"Strip." The guards all looked at there commanding officer , before quickly pulling off their gold plated armour and once the final piece of armour was off so was the enchantment to alter the coats, the commander walked up to each of the now coloured group before him "This mission requires stealth and subtly, we are going to be performing a reconnaissance mission in town Ponyville," all the guards shuffled uneasily, their body language clear, If something is in Ponyville then they're with striking distance of Canterlot. The commander took notice "the subject we will be watching is not yet considered hostile." the guards let out a collective sigh, obviously relieved.

The commander walked over to his three chosen guards, who had also removed their dark armour, "Form up, all of you." and a moment later the six soldiers were standing side by side, all impressive in their own right.
"You will be watching a creature which has not been seen in Equestria or any other nation for the past eight hundred years..."

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Ponyville, early morning

I asked Applejack for directions on where Rarity's house was located, she said it was only a five minute trot toward the center of town saying her shops name was Carousel Boutique and also told me to be careful, apparently the town is only this quiet when they were hiding, she also told me this happened when another of their friends first came to the town, a zebra named Zecora but said that it would be OK once situation was explained to the town.

I was almost at the center of the town when something fluttered to the ground in front of me, I bent down to examine it A letter? Why would a letter just fall fro- I couldn't hold on to that thought as something slammed heavily into my back forcing me to the ground, I rolled away from what ever struck me getting into a low crouch and on instinct began drawing my combat knife, but quickly pressed it back into its sheath when I realised what had hit into me.

There sprawled out in front of me was a very, very confused looking grey pegasus, her blond mane dangling over her eyes which were looking very dazed and seemed to be wandering, I got up and walked over to her "Are you OK?"
She got to her hooves and stared at me her eyes focusing momentarily before contracting in fear.
"I'm so sorry! P-please don't hurt m-me!" She squeked out as she cowered at my feet, I bent down to her.
"Calm down I won't hurt you, I promise." She glanced up to me her eyes going cross eyed again, unfortunatly the fear still obvious in her eyes, sighing I handed her the letter "I assume this belongs to you, good bye." I turned away from her and continued walking toward the center of the town.

My mind was slowly processing what had just happened, why did they fear me so much? I mean I probably look intimidating but I haven't done anything have I? I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn't even notice a small group of stallion approaching me until I was less that ten feet away from them. I stopped and waited, they approached me yet they did nothing just stood there blocking me, but similar to the gray pegasus I could see the fear in them and the shaking in their legs and after what seemed like hours but couldn't have been more than minutes a sapphire blue coloured earth pony with a red mane spoke up "We're not a afraid of you you know so don't try anything!"

Credit to this pony he didn't stutter during his speech nor did he shake like his comrades, I raised my hands in a gesture of peace "I don't understand why you would be a afraid of me and I'm not going to try anything."
The blue pony relaxed considerably "Good keep it that way." he then turned and walked away, his friends hot on his tail.
I scratched the back of my head What the hell is going on here? I thought to myself, but I ignored it for now and continued towards Rarity's shop, if I looked less intimidating everyone might not feel so thretened by my presence and she might be able to explain why everyone in towen seemed so...panicked.

After a few minutes of wandering the still empty town I found the shop in question, a large building with a very stylish exterior compared to the surround buildings, I walked up to the door and noticed an Open sign facing out of the glass on the door, I gently pushed the door in and heard a bell ring above my head quickly followed by the words "One moment please." from across the room. I entered the room and noticed there were many dresses and mannequins in this room , I was examining a group of six dresses that were on display in a window when I heard the tell tale clip clop of hooves walking behind me, I turned around.

As expected there in front of me was the pristine white pony I had seen earlier, though she had bags under her eyes which made he look as though she hadn't rested much lately, as she trotted into the room she said "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and magnifique." she then opened her eyes and froze as she spotted me.
"Ah, hello Rarity." I said shifting awkwardly, at first I was afraid she was scared of me too, but I then realised her eyes weren't focused on me so much as my clothes...she looked horrified.

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Canterlot Castle, Throne room

"...I expect you to be prepped and ready by 08:00 tomorrow,your all dismissed." Said the commander.
"Sir, Yes Sir!" the six soldiers responded.

The six soldiers donned their armour and left the throne room, quickly dividing into their own groups and heading towards seperate barracks, all of them appeared at relative ease except for one of Celestia's chosen royal guards who was tense and afraid, the other two quickly noticed this but it wasn't until they reached the barracks that one of them spoke "Hey Dusk, you OK?" Dusk was a pegasus pony, under his gold armours enchantments he really had a very dark orange with a coat with a dark mane, he inclined his head towards his comrade "I'm fine I just don't like this mission..."

"Well its not the worse we've had now is it? I mean recon always been a trot in the park for us!" his friend laughed smacking him on his spaulders, he shrugged him off
"No one has ever gotten this close before feather brain, excluding gods and goddesses, even the creatures of Everfree wouldn't dare challenge our borders, yet this creature just freely wandered in? I don't buy it." he continued walking breaking off from the group and heading towards his bunk.
"Man whats his issue?" said Thunderhooves another pegasus, to the remaining pony in the group, a unicorn named Azure Haze who then then smacked him in the back of his helmet almost knocking over Thunderhooves "Scratch that, what the hay is your problem?!" he said regaining his balance.

Azure pulled him closer, almost whispering to him "His family lives in Ponyville you foal."
"Oh..." he glanced at Dusk, who had already gotten into his bunk and was clearly feigning sleeping, Thunder turned back towards Azure "soooo wanna go patrol the gardens?" Azure face-hoofed before turning and walking away, the only thing flowing through his thoughs Can anypony really be this stupid?...

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6
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Chapter 6: Homecomming...

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Hmm, how did I end up in this situation? I couldn't help but wonder to myself as I stood arms outstretched, posing so Rarity could measure me, everytime I tried to interrupt her to explain I couldn't pay for what she was doing, I was abruptly cut off by a statement about fashion or simply dismissed by a wave of her hoof, so I stood there waiting like a damn statue...
After what seemed like an eternity, the fashionista finally seemed content with taking measurements and let me move about freely, I took the opportunity to collapse into the nearest chair and relieve my cramped legs.

Rarity approached me, levitating a cushioned couch behind her and then placing it across from me before sitting down herself, "Now dear, do tell me why you decided to stop in to visit me?"
I couldn't help but laugh, much to her confusion when I had stopped I proceeded by saying "Actually I stopped by to see if you could help me with this" I said gesturing to my soiled apparel, "but you took the initiative and beat me to it." I said chuckling slightly before frowning "The one thing that remains the same is this, I have no money so I don't know how I ca-"
"Its free." She said cutting me off, I stared at her blankly, before giving off a rather surprised "Huh?"

To which she responded with a enthusiastic nod, "When your ensemble is complete, you may have it for free, consider it my gift to you." I gave her a confused, yet grateful glance before asking,
"If I may ask, why would you make an outfit for me for free? I haven't done anything have I?" she shook her head, her beautiful indigo mane swaying behind her, "No, no you haven't done anything, it just isn't everyday that one is given the chance to design for something as unusual as you."

"Thanks...I think." I said almost whispering the last part, it was then that I noticed a large, ornate looking mirror hanging on the wall of the back room and I had to admit my curiosity was peaked, what did I look like? I got up and asked Rarity if it she would mind me going into the back room to check it out, she got up off the sofa and indicated for me to follow.
I walked up to the mirror to examine myself, I was fairly tall, easily in the six foot catagory with a well built and maintained body, I then moved on to my face and almost immediatly staggered back, shocked by what I saw, Rarity too seemed alarmed and asked me what was wrong several times, but I didn't respond, I just stood back up and stared at my reflection in the mirror What the hell is wrong with me...?

***************************

Market District, Ponyville

"You let him what??" Twilight said in a flustered manner, she was tired and inceredibly irritated that her research had yielded no more results.
"Ah already told ya, I sent 'im ta visit Rarity." Applejack repeated to her clearly tired friend, before saying "What's the problem anyhow?" Twilight switched her attention to her saddlebags momentarily before levitating out a book that seemed relatively new, and proceeded to hover it in front of Applejack muttering the words as she read the title:
Modern Warfare

She looked back to Twilight, with a look of total confusion plastered on her face, before responding in an equally confused tone "Ah don't get it." Twilight rolled her eyes before saying "Since I couldn't find anything else out ab-" Applejack cut her off.
"Ya found somethin'? That's great news!" she said enthusiastically, "I can't wait to te-" Twilight cut her off by pushing her hoof into AJ's mouth, "SHH!" Applejacks face took on a total confusion while Twilight in hushed tones told her what she had discovered about their "guest" and was quiet shocked by the revelation.

"So he's a dragon slayer?" Twilight shook her head,
"I don't know...none of my other books had anything about his species what so ever, and he showed no aggression towards Spike, so I honestly don't know, its best just to let the princess' handle its." Applejack nodded her head,
"So what 'bout the other book?" AJ said pointing a hoof toward Twilight's saddle bags.
Twilight once again took the book out and flicked through its pages, before stopping on a section and turning it back to Applejack, she stared blankly at the page, "Can't ya just tell me what ya want me tah kno'?
Twilight rolled her eyes "OK, since I couldn't find anything more about him I decided to look into his weapons and boy are those a doozy!", she gestured back to the book "According to this, they are a form of 'musket' only from what Dash said, they are far more advanced than anything we are working on, I mean it would take a cannon to hurt a manticore!"

Applejack didn't know what to think, on the one hoof this creature had helped her over the past few days, yet on the other its species had a record of being, for all intents and purposes...monsters.
"Alright, Ah reckon we should go n' check up on Rarity," AJ said, turning to Big Macintosh "can you take care of the stall Mac?"
He nodded giving his usual response "Eeyup." Applejack and Twilight then turned and began making their way towards Rarity's home.

********************************

Ponyville, Main Road

As Dusk and the other entered Ponyville off the main road he couldn't deny, it felt awesome to be back home, even under the current circumstances he felt completely relaxed as he entered the town. The rest of the guys were just as hyped, sure they were on a mission but Ponyville was a great spot to slip in some fun, hell they already looked like they were tourists, they're disguise was flawless, although their happiness was short lived when they realised they hadn't met another pony since leaving the main road to Canterlot.

"Hey, eh, Dusk is it?" Said one of Luna's chosen, Dusk turned to face him before responding, "Yeah?"
the earthpony shuffled uncomfortably. "Your from here right?" Dusk nodded "Soo is the town usually this...deserted?"
Dusk shook his head, mane flailing wildy behind him without his armour to bind it, "No, espacially not today, the markets on so everypony should be out..."

Dusk's curiousity was peeked, so were his fears I swear to Celestia if that bastards touched my family I'm gonna buck its head off. He did a three-sixty just to take in his surrounding properly before facing the group again.
"Alright, lets split up, Azure with me we'll check the town center, meet back here in a few hours." Azure walked up beside him and Thunder just let out a sigh, exactly the same thing happened with Luna's guards and Dusk couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for Thunder, which he quickly lost as he and his partner took to the air.

Dusk smiled as he lightly shook his head, Rookie...

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Ponyville, Carouselle Boutique

I stood there, staring at my reflection, I could hear Rarity asking me what was wrong in a concerned tone but I couldn't respond...I just stood there staring at my eyes, they weren't human...the iris had turned a bright yellow and the pupils had become red, but he had seen these eyes before. Guess they weren't just nightmares...
"I need to go." I said, my voice strangely calm considering what I was doing, Rarity looked at me seeming very confused,
"Go, where? Why?" she said, a nervous tone in her voice. I turned to face her then I remembered something from my encounters with that thing, ...until Twilight and company petrified me again... "Your one of Twilights friends aren't you?" she nodded,

"Of course darling but I don't see h..." I couldn't hear her beyond that point, another memory breaching the surface of my mind ...I don't need you, I need what you used to be... I sifted through my restored memories, especially the contracts...the assasinations.
Its words reverberated through my skull I need what you used to be... "Oh no." I turned toward the exit only to be blocked by Rarity, who clearly had no intention of letting me leave without an explanation, I groaned How the hell do I get out of this? I followed this trail of thought for a moment before saying, "Personal reasons, I just really gotta go." She didn't budge. "OK the hard way it is..." I said quickly pushing my way by her, and taking a surprising amount of effort I got to the door, only to be followed outside.

I turned backwards to face her still backing up into the street "Listen Rarity I just need to sort som-" *Slam* I went tumbling to the ground face down in the dirt, I heard Rarity sceam and I couldn't help but wonder, Is this world trying to kill me?

******************

Memories

*Smack*
I shot up straight, well attempted to but only succeeded in slamming my head, I looked around only to see a group of people laughing at me, each dressed in military apparel, I could hear music playing in the background one of them tapped me on my helmet before speaking to the group, "Well gentlemen, turns out getting piss drunk the night before your shift begins ain't such a bright idea." I just smiled and lay back, as another wave of laughter assaulted my ears.
"So guys what ya all doin' once we get back to the base?" said the soldier opposite me, the guy beside me spoke up "Well I know me and Rich are hittin' our bunks, ain't that right Rich?" he said inclining his head towards me,
"Hell yeah man, hell yeah." I said, thats when I realised I wasn't in control of this...Just another dream

I heard a radio talking in the front of the jeep, before the guy in the passenger seat leaned back, "Turn the music off and saddle up gentlemen we're, entering down town." everyone picked up their guns and double checked them, the song came to an end, everyone stopped talking as the humvee turned into the narrow streets of the town we had enetered, Where is this place? I couldn't help but think feeling a sudden surge of recongnition, accompanied by a sinking feeling in my gut, I looked out the window we were pulling into a main street, high buildings on both sides and when we were half-way down it when I heard the tell tale sound of a rocket firing "AMBUSH OUT OF THE FUC-" Was all we heard on the radio before the jeep in ahead of us exploded.

We came to a sudden stop, everyone clambering to get out of the jeep. I cleared the exit along with three of the others when I heard it. A deafening sound as the vehicle in front of me exploded, time seemed to slow down as I saw the panic stricken soldiers within before the shock wave hit me.
*Crack*
I couldn't see, I couldn't hear, just darkness...

"Alpha!" Aghh I opened my eyes, only to immediatly clench them in pain, I could hear something in my ear and I could feel myself trying to focus on it, "Alpha?! Goddamn it come in Alpha!" I looked around and was disgusted by the sight, I was lying behind the smoldering wreck of a humvee, surrounded by dead soldiers and I could hear the distinct sound of an MG firing in the back ground, I groggily sat up, hearing another squak of chatter come through my comm, "Richard that you buddy? Fuck you guys got hit hard! Listen I need you to grab Cassidy's M32 and take out that gunner, he's tearing us apart!" I looked around my ears ringing, eyes blurred but I saw it, a six shot grenade launcher in one of the soldiers grips, I crawled over to him and pried it from his grip, and I couldn't help but notice a majority of his head was missing, odds were the MG was a 50. Caliber, "Were gonna provide cover fire in five seconds man get ready," and for a few moments all I could hear was the thuck thcuk thcuk sound of a heavy machine gun firing and then "SUPPRESSING FIRE!" followed by several small arms firing on fully automatic down the street, I got up and staggered to the edge of the cover and trained my sights on the MG, only to catch a glimpse of someone dropping to the ground, I took aim and pulled the trigger, the M32 completely descimated the cover the gunner was using.

The street feel silent, disrupted only by the sound of small arms firing occasionally in the distance, I dropped the grenade launcher, its remaining ammunition depleted, I could see other soldiers moving cautiously towards the destroyed gunners fortification, I tried to stand up from my cover only to unwillingly collapse to my knees, arms clutching my stomach, I looked down and I could see several spots where shrapnel and other pieces of debree were lodged in my kevlar vest, but there was one piece that caught my eyes, a piece of jagged metal jutting from my stomach, clearly having penetrated the vest yet, even though I could see a pool of blood beginning to form at my feet but I felt nothing, I couldn't moved shocked by the sight, I fell on my side.

My eyes remained open and I could see someone approaching me and then shouting over me, though I could hear nothing; I closed my eyes then...Nothing...

7
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Forgotten past, brighter future.

Ahh not again... I found myself standing in a familiar looking courtyard.

It was only moments later before I heard that thing's maniacal cackling, I turned slowly and sure enough there it was before me... Discord.

"More mind games, huh?" I said to the deformed looking creature, but I had to admit something seemed different about him. Were his horns black last time?

"I told you I would be seeing you soon..." The creature said as it rose from its throne, it looked at me, with its creepy yellow and red eyes. My eyes...

I tried to keep track of him, but something happened, a flash of light and the creature was beside me, gripping me once again in its claws, but this time not injuring me.

"So, how is the freak fitting into Equestria? Well I'd suppose, they were always friendly towards strangers."
I tried to respond but couldn't, as I opened my mouth my throat constricted making me literally choke on my words.
"I see you've finally learned to listen...good, but have you learned to obey?"

Without the ability to speak, my choices of communication were rather limited. As I raised my arm to elbow him in the gut I think he got my point. He slid back sighing dramatically, "Oh I would suppose not..."

I turned around to face the creature attempting to speak again, no use.
"They're going to turn on you, you know? You're not the first sorry creature I've sent to this world..."

He locked eyes with me. His gaze wasn't how I had pictured him last time; it was far darker than that.
"But you, you are certainly the most interesting. I mean, what made you so unique that you can actually resist me?"
He circled me slowly; I kept my arms raised ready to fight if nessacary.

It gestured towards my stance, "Is it your training?"

I felt something pulse through my head as I saw the images of my team in the burning humvee from my flashback. "Is it your experience?" he said as he stroked his beard in an absent-minded state.

"No matter, one slip and it will all be over for you. 'Till then..." It then snapped it claws togeather and the castle faded away.

****************************

My eyes shot open, I could feel an incredibly painful burning sensation comming from my arm, I reached over and grasped it tightly suppressing a scream, the tattoo was glowing red, a very dark crimson through my shirt, a few seconds of agony later and the sensation gradually seeped away leaving me collapsing backwards in a bed. Wait, a bed? I sat up groaning from the exertion, without the burning sensation comming from my arm I began to notice the other aches of my body, more specifically my head.

Every heartbeat sent a pulse of pain through my skull, groaning I gently fell back into the bed and began to inspect the room I was in. I was in a small room, painted vibrant colours, I noticed another bed opposite mine, currently un-occupied, to my left there was a small dresser and a lamp, to my right there was a square window, I looked through it, I could see tree's off in the distance and an odd glimmering comming from one, it quickly vanished as I caught a glimpse of it, What the hell was that?

I eventually managed to build up enough energy to stagger to my feet, sending a new throb of pain through my skull, I put a hand to my head as I steadies myself, One step at a time man, one step at a time. I exhaled slowly and began to make my way to the far end of the room, or more clearly the door. It took me a few moments but I eventually made it to the door, I carefully grasped the knob, (why it had a knob, I have no idea - they have hooves), and proceeded to open the door.

The swung open easily, unfortunatley emitting a loud whine as the hinges creaked, this did nothing to improve my headache, I stepped into the hallway cautiously. I followed the corridor passing by room after room of closed doors, eventually I came across a pony, an older looking stallion pushing a cart of books, he saw me, he fainted and I face palmed.

I eventually made my way to the lobby, and spotted three familiar ponies, Twilight, Rarity and AJ, along with several I didn't recognise, a mint pont with a similarly coloured mane, a cream pony with twin coloured mane and two fillies who were standing in a corner idly chatting, I coughed, not to announce myself I really just coughed. Every head in the room turned to face me, each expression unique, Twilight looked anxious and nervous, an odd combo, Rarity and Applejack shared a worried look, the mint coloured pony had a bright smile and her partner looked confused, the two fillies looked relieved.

"So, hows everyone doing?" I said attempting to break the awkward silence that had invaded the room, it didn't work, though I did notice the mint pony slowly approaching me.
""Essol, Mai iz Lyra." I had no idea what she just said...and I think she noticed, because she quickly recovered saying.
"Hello." Raising a hoof for a hand-shake, I accepted, if not a little confused.
"Hello." I said returning the greeting, she gave my hand a shake and I gingerly pulled away, a little confused as how a hoof has a grip.
"My name is Heartstrings, though my friends call me Lyra." She said, seemingly completely at ease around me, I felt pretty happy about that.

"I'm Richard." I said, fairly confident that flashback was correct.
"A pleasure to meet you, Richard." She gave me a bright smile.
"Like wise," I said returning her smile, I then turned to face Applejack. "are you OK? You look very..." I felt my smile dissapear "Afraid."

Applejack stuttered as she spoke. "Well, ah uh, I-I was j-just concerned for you..." I didn't buy it.
"Ah'm glad to see your OK mister!" Said a new voice, I turned around only to see one of the fillies from earlier standing near me, Where have I seen her before? I thought as my eyes ran over her feature, it struck me then.
"Your Applebloom, right?" I said to her, she gave me a amazed look, her eyes going as big a plates.
"How did ya kno'?" I laughed.
"I saw your picture at the farm," I said gesturing to AJ. "your sister let me stay over." The small filly giggled
"Well, she always says she likes makin' new friends, isn't that right big Sis?" She said as she ran over to her sister.

Applejack seemed to lighten up after her sister had said this "It sure is sugar cube." She said pulling her sister in for a warm hug. I just realised something then.
"What do you mean your glad to see I'm alright?" I said quizicly to the young filly, she turned around looking embarrassed.
"Well ya see, it was my friend who hit ya..." The back of my head suddenly ached as I remembered falling to the ground, Wow, knocked out by a kid, smooth. It was then that Applejack spoke up again.

"So ya remembered your name then?" She said to me a slight smile forming on her face, I nodded.
"Yeah, it came to me while I was asl- well, out cold." I said, drawing a chuckle from the mare.
"And you thought you were sore after workin' with me!" At hearing this I too let out a laugh.

I'm not exactly sure why, but the room seemed to lose much of the tense atmosphere once the laughter had begun.

*****************

Lyra gazed at the creature, fascinated, they were nothing like her books had described. This thing was small, well for what she was expecting, and apparently spoke fluent Equestrian, that she found both amazingly useful, but also a bit dissapointing, I guess I learned Kriidian for nothing. she thought as she watched the thing talk to a young filly, Applejacks sister, of course he would befriend them first...

They began to laugh, interupting their conversation, Lyra took her opportunity. "Excuse me sir?" She said formally, Richard turned to face her.
"Yeah?" He said, as he regained his composure.
"Would you like to see the town?" Lyra really had little interest in showing him the sights, but it would be interesting to see how it reacts in different environments.

Richard looked at Applejack, bofore turning back to Lyra and speaking. "That would be great."
Lyra smiled, this will be interesting...

*****************

"Would you like to see town?" The pony from a moment ago asked me, Lyra was it? I condidered it, and I wasn't sure if it was a good idea. But something told me I should go with her, I looked at AJ, she appeared to have no objections. "That would be great."
I wasn't exactly sure why I agreed to go with her, but she seemed gunuine. We left togeather, I wondered where we're heading.

***************

At the edge of the Everfree forest, cloaked in a dark robe, stood a camoflauged figure, staring intently at his pray, which had just left the front of this towns hospital. "Ti neds ere, 'Iscord..." It said, slowly retreating into the bowels of the forest.