Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pone

Oh boy.

I was sitting in the back of a bus, we were driving to a base in the San Palomino desert. Despite my "outstanding" performance, I was required to go through the same training as everyone else was. It was past noon as I glanced outwards towards the lifeless desert. There wasn't much to say, we passed by small towns and gas stations. Other than those few distractions, there was nothing to occupy my time. The other recruits looked just as bored as I was.

Before boarding, we were given olive drab fatigues, as per the norm, but we also got our patches. The insignia was a pony mid-sprint. Other than that, our uniforms were pretty basic.

I had almost nodded off before I was prodded by the Stallion next to me. He light blue, and he had a grin on his face. I returned a fake smile to him, I was wondering what he was up to.

He opened his mouth and asked, "Hey, you're that guy who saved those hostages, right?" I simply nodded as he turned away. Thankfully he didn't ask anymore questions. Apparently, I was training to work for the E.A.F (Equestrian Armed Forces), and from what I hear the training was only supposed to last a few days. I guess the quality of their soldiers aren't very high.

I lit one of my cigars, but I was immediately yelled at by the driver. This was going to be a long bus ride. I resorted to the most basic of habits, flicking my lighter and biting my lip. Time only seemed to slower as I waited for our arrival. I looked out the window, and I watched the herd of buffalo stampede by. The few seconds that I saw anything were a brief solace to my boredom.

Thankfully enough, the base was in sight. It was quite large, surrounded by four watch towers on the exterior, and had multiple buildings on the interior. To further elaborate, the far north end of the base housed a hanger, most of the other buildings were barracks and offices. The rest of the space was open, presumably for training.

We stopped in front of the main gate, where we were greeted by security. They quickly cleared us and we drove inside. Soon, I would be off of this death machine. The driver aligned our transport with the others and parked.

He stopped the bus, and in a gravely voice said, "Now get out, I've got places to be."

This guy's a real party animal.

In single file we were marched out of the bus, and we stopped in front of the first barracks. We lined up horizontally and saluted to a Mare. She was light orange and covered in ribbons.

"I am Col. Mustang, and this is Fort Brun. You are here today to be trained in protecting Equestria's fine towns and cities," The mare said, looking at us with a malicious smirk. "If you think this will be easy, then leave now, because we don't need any quitters." I know the type, they're just another stern officer who get their job done through intimidation. At least I would only have to deal with this once.

"You will be tested in three different categories to determine your placement: Marksmanship, Stealth, and Close Quarters Combat," Mustang said, tilting her sunglasses. "If you think you're up to the task." I saw a few stallions beside me, their noses high and their chests puffed. Mustang walked up to them, "Would you three like to demonstrate your CQC abilities for me?" They chuckled and walked towards Mustang.

"Come at me," She said, prompting the charge of the proud stallions. The first one was coming in hot, but within in instant he was tripped flat on the ground. The next rushed her, she turned him around and had him in a nelson hold. I watched, amused, as Mustang flung him into the last attacker. The Soldiers clapped their hooves as the three stallions were lain out. "Any volunteers?" Muffled silence was heard as the crowd stood still.

I raised my hand.

Mustang gives me a smug grin and asks, "Think you have what it takes?" I simply nodded and approached slowly. As I got closer, Mustang readied themselves, poised for a counter-attack. Once in range, like a viper, Mustang struck at my side. Years of practice were beneficial to me however, as I grabbed onto their front-right hoof and torso. We were locked in a struggle, and both of us were trying our damnedest. Running out of stamina, I swept my fore hoof at her legs. This single action changed the very course of battle as Mustang was toppled to their side.

Mustang got back on to their hooves, and said, "Nice work, private." I laugh as I am greeted with applause. Mustang dusts themselves off as they turn to the crowd, "Alright, that's all for today. You will now be assigned a group and barracks." A meek and slender stallion walked pass, handing out papers to the soldiers. When they got to me, the gray stallion tilted his glasses and gave me my paper. He walked away shaking, he seemed like a real pencil pusher.

Big Boss: Group: A, Barracks: 2

With a final salute, we returned to our barracks in an orderly fashion. As we entered barracks two, we went to our assigned bunks. They were designated with a small slip of paper. As I sat down on my bunk, I was greeted by an energetic, young stallion with light brown fur. They seemed eager to speak to me, their dog-tags read "Steady Shot".

"Hey, you were crazy to take on Mustang," They said, looking at me with great interest. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" I just looked at them for a second. It was only at this point that I had realized, these ponies had tattoos on their asses. "You okay?" I snap out of my stupor and look at them again.

"Yeah, i'm fine, and to answer your question, it's a long story," I reply, observing them further. The tattoo seemed to be of a cross-hair, now that I think about it he has a horn. That's odd. Actually, Dash had wings didn't they, man this place is weird.

We sat their making small talk until a soldier yelled, "Lights out!" The room was soon filled with darkness, the two of us nodded and went to slumber.

I lied there, peering through a window, watching the brilliant moon once again pass through the sky. It lulled me to sleep slowly as I laid, I wonder how I got here in the first place. Am I dead? Either way, I don't have time for these kind of questions.

I keep my mind on task as my conscious slowly fades. Tomorrow was another day.

I groggily awoke to blasting sirens, red lights were filling the barracks. We're under attack. I moved towards the door, grabbing a rifle. It seems my bunk-mates had already gotten ready for the intruders. I slung the gun on to my back as I threw open the door.

It was chaos.

Lion-like birds were flying around the base, and lead was being flung every which way. I cocked my rifle and took aim towards the flying menace. My shot took one down, but it seemed that there was always another to take its place. The birds return fire as I dive to cover, scraping my legs. Heavy casualties were being sustained on both sides. I turned around and saw a beast thrusting its claw into a soldier. I shot it off of my comrade and I went to make sure they were okay.

They weren't okay. I looked at their bloodied corpse, but it is unrecognizable. Upon grasping at the body's dog-tags, they read "Steady Shot". That's not something you get used to. I cover their eyes with my hoof as I rush back to the fray. Battle-cries were screamed to the heavens as we took down the enemy one-by-one. As I take aim at another creature, I am tackled by a bird. Their knife was held high and murder was in their eyes. As the knife was brought down, a bullet soared through their skull.

I looked over to the shooter, it's Mustang. "Get up, we need everyone fighting to repel the threat," Mustang says pulling me to my hooves. We continue to fire into the sky, frequently missing as the battle surges on. The base stinks of blood and smoke, as the bodies pile onto the pavement. The battle was still far from over.

Reinforcements arrived, as a helicopter tore onto the scene. It began to fire unto the birds mid-flight, sending many spiraling to the ground. I took cover to avoid stray bullets, as blood splattered onto the nearby ground. Painting the town red had a whole new meaning. Our excitement and cries of victory are short lived as a bird latches onto the helicopter. The grip the pilot with their mighty talons, piercing their heart of hearts. Time seems to slow as the helicopter itself loses control.

It crashes into the watchtower, causing a brilliant light. The flames of the base itself. I stood in awe as the thrill of battle continues. The shrieks of the beasts increase in volume as they decrease in numbers. Their very thirst for blood allowing them to take many of us down with them. I lay as the sounds of battle seem to cease. It was over, but who one I don't know.

I began to doze off in a pile of my own dead comrades. blood soaking my fatigues and pride, something awful occurred that day. The casualties were great as many a men lied, strung around the base. They were on buildings, boxes, any empty space was filled by the dead.

I took one last look as I fell unconscious.