Philosophy of the Damned

It had been two weeks since that incident. I was still awestruck at the beauty of the whole thing. After that not much else happened. The most that happened was that I had hung out with my new daughter. I had mostly just slept at the clubhouse. The day finally came and I was shipped off. I had my goodbyes with everyone, I forgot to tell them I would be coming back for family appreciation day. I guess it would be a pretty nice surprise.

“Hey cap’ you okay?” said a voice to my right.

“I’m good Trip, just thinking. You ready for this?” I asked the green pony beside me.

“I’m ready, what about you hunter?” He asked the dark blue stallion in front of him.

“I can’t believe were doing this.” He said.

“Oh c’mon don’t you wanna be one of the first to test my new strategy?” I asked pulling down my tac mask

“Yeah, but I can’t believe you picked me!”

“Eh, I know your brother. Plus we need someone who’s not on the team to report to celestia.”

“One minute!” yelled a voice from behind me.

Standing up I turned around looking at the five other ponies who had volunteered to test my idea.

“Everyone up, check suits and packs!” I yelled to my new squad.

“Thirty seconds!”

“Earth ponies hook on! Alright angel squad you are about to do the first HALO jump in Equestrian history. Let’s not disappoint.” I said to the team.

“Three seconds!”

“JUMP! Go, go, go!” I yelled as I pushed the door of the transport open and threw my self out.

There is no other feeling in the world like this. That feeling of adrenaline mixed with the feeling of the wind smacking your face. I began counting down to pulling the ripcord, I had about ten seconds left.

Nine seconds…

Eight seconds…

There was a large low hanging cloud I was about to go through.

As chance it happened we were right by Rainbow’s house when we jumped. To be more specific we were above it. So I got a quick tour through her house as I was falling. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Rainbow in what appeared to be a living room, what was she doing up.

“What the bu-” Was what I heard before I was gone.

Alright that’ll be fun to explain.

Five seconds…

Four seconds…

Three seconds…

Two…

“NOW!” I yelled.

Feeling the snap of the parachute pull me upright, I gripped the cords slowing me down. I could see all of Ponyville from up here. Turning to my right I saw neat line of open parachutes falling. Good they stayed in formation. Looking back down I saw the school house. If I kept going this way I would land right in front of the school and make my entrance.

Looking back I saw them all looking to me for direction. I signaled towards the school house and saw them turn a bit so we would all land in the same general area. Scootaloo better appreciate this.

“What are you doing?!” Screamed a voice from beside me, it was Rainbow.

“Uh, you know, crusading.” I said back.

“You fell through my house!”

“You can fix it with more clouds right?” I asked.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Boom, problem solved. Now I hope you don’t mind if we finish this conversation on the ground.” I said turning back to the schoolhouse.

Looking into town I saw them looking at us. Most of them confused as to why we had just jumped out of the transport. Meh, they’ll probably take it as an honor.

“Cap’ that was frickin’ awesome!” Yelled Trip from the right.

“Damn right it was!” I yelled back.

“So were going to see you’re daughter, huh?”

“Yep, real great kid. Oh shit!” I said lurching forward.

“Have fun!”

“Ha ha smartass.” I said gliding faster than I wanted. I was gonna miss the drop zone.

From what I gathered I was gonna slam into the side of the school.

“Well, shit.”

~Scootaloo’s Point-Of-View~

“I’m telling you he’ll be here!”

“Yeah right, why don’t you stop lying to yourself.” Said Diamond Tiara.

“No he’s real!” Please oh please.

“shit, shit, shit!”

“What the-

*Crack*

“Oh, fuck me!”

~Back to my POV~

I had just busted through a schoolhouse window. Scoots better appreciate the fuck out of this now. Why the fuck did I think this was going to go perfectly.

“Are you okay?!” Screamed a voice from behind me.

“I’m alright. Just a little bruised. What’s up kid?” I said as I stared up at Scootaloo who had a worried look on her face.

“Are you sure? I mean you just fell through the window!” Asked Cheerilee.

“No, I’m alright.” I said hitting the quick release button for the harness as I got back on my feet.

“Well, can I help you with something?” asked Cheerilee again with a look of confusion.

“No, I’m good.”

“Rush? What are ya doin’ here, I thought ya went to Canterlot?” Asked Applebloom.

“I’m here for family appreciation day.” I said.

“Um, I was unaware you were related to anypony here.” Said Cheerilee.

“Oh, I’m not.”

“Well if it isn’t the blank flank.” Said her Diamond Tiara.

“Getting’ real tired of your attitude kid.”

“Diamond Tiara, you will treat our guest with respect!” Said Cheerilee sternly.

“Ha, you got in trouble.” I said.

“Rush if you aren’t related to anypony what are you going to do?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Just because I’m not physically related doesn’t mean that their not family.”

“Then who is it?” Asked some random kid in the class.

“Well if I have to spell it out for you its Scootaloo.”

“Scootaloo!” Exclaimed Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. This did not seem to have as much of a dramatic effect on the others. Well, fuck you too kids.

“Holy shit cap’ that was hilarious! I mean you ju-, oh this is a school.” Trip said as he bust in through the door.

“Yes, yes it is Trip and thank you for joining me to represent Equestria’s armed forces to these children.”

“Oh, joy.”

“Where’s the rest of the Angel squadron?” I asked.

“They’re right outside sir.”

“Bring them in and we’ll show these children how I am the coolest family member who’s gonna be here.” I said fairly certain that no one else would be parachuting through a window.

“Alright. Everyone, fall in!” He yelled as he stuck his head out the door.

“Told you I would make it Scoots.”

“Nice entrance.” She said sarcastically.

As they came in they lined up in front of the black board in the small one room school with Trip on the left. They were all standing at attention in the full prototype combat dress that I had designed and Celestia had let us test under my supervision. Turning around I faced the class to give my speech.

“At ease. I am Captain Rush and we are the Equestrian airborne rangers.” I said to the class proudly.

“We are the new elite quick response troops of the Equestrian Royal Military, if there were to ever be a crisis than we would be at the forefront of every operation. I founded this group within three days of going to Canterlot. If you have any questions ask them now.” I said to the class, I could see Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were still surprised about the Scootaloo thing. I also saw some hooves shoot into the air.

“What are you wearing on your face?” Asked one.

“This is my tactical interface facemask, or just tac mask for short. It helps identify targets for me, as well as give me constant updates on the condition of my body and of those around me, very useful for my line of work.”

“Why did you bust through the window?”

“I blame that on the pegasi for there being wind otherwise I would’ve landed right outside.”

“What’s that on your back?” Was kind of hoping I wouldn’t have to explain a weapon of war to them.

“This is the HK416 carbine with ACOG sights and is specially outfitted for 7.62, it is the only one of its kind here in Equestria. With this I can take out most threats whenever necessary.” Well, that couldn’t have been any vaguer to a bunch of kids who don’t even know what war is. I still can’t believe I got my hands this, couple of attachments too. God bless the dead guy I stole this from.

“Could you show us?” Well shit, I was really hoping that wouldn’t happen.

No, no you really made it sound interesting show some follow through for once.

What the hell? Did one of the voices in my head just give me good advice, what happened?

If we’re going to be stuck with you here for the rest of our lives we might as well do it right.

What do you mean the rest of our lives? This is just a dream.

Right you keep believing that.

“Alright, I guess.” I said nervously, I really didn’t want to do this.

“Would that be okay with you miss Cheerilee?” I asked. Please no, no, no.

“It’s okay with me.” FUCK!

“Okay then we need to head outside to do this and I need a target. You mind if I use this apple?”

“Go right ahead I’m interested in this to.” Oh Yay lets go show the destructive power of mankind to children.

“Alright then, fall out and watch the glass.” I said heading towards the door with apple in hand.

As I opened the door I saw a large group of ponies who had gathered around, most likely wanting to know why there had been a bunch of soldiers parachuting to a school. In the crowd I picked out Big Mac, Applejack, Twilight and Spike, Mayor Mare, that one grey mare who offered me muffins but never gave them to me, and for some odd reason that green one who passed out at the meeting.

Prepare thyself for a political shitstorm.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Yelled Mayor Mare. Alright I already had an answer to this.

“Ponyville was selected for a military training drill, the first of its kind actually. Know that this is the only place that has been selected for this. Also this town will be receiving a 10,000 bit bonus for participating in this action.” This shut her up quickly. Just bribe the greedy right out of the gate.

“Then why did you land near the school?” Asked someone else in the crowd.

“Family Appreciation day, I needed to be there for my kid like you all were going to be there for yours. So since we were landing here I thought why not make it a short walk.” I said in the calmest way I could.

“If you have any other questions direct them to the Equestrian Royal Military.” I said being tired of all the talking. As much as I didn’t want to show the force of my race, I didn’t want to explain myself any longer.

“Alright everyone line up beside the school while I set this up.” I said setting the apple on a post in the fence line.

As I walked back over to the large group of ponies who had lined up at the side of the school I had a peculiar feeling, it was hard to describe what this was. All I knew was that it couldn’t be good.

“Everyone cover your ears. Sound proof engage.” I said speaking to the mask. Feeling that familiar shroud of silence fill in the sound of the ponies talking.

Looking back at them I saw that they had all covered their ears and were looking at the apple waiting to see what would happen. I switched the fire selector to semi-auto. Turning back around, I pulled the rifle up to my shoulder and lined up the ACOG sights with the apple. As I pulled the trigger I felt the all too familiar kick of the rifle against my shoulder and an extremely muffled pop of the gun firing. I saw the apple explode into chunks. This was also the first time any of the ponies from my squadron had seen this.

“Sound proof disengage.” I said as I set my rifle back to safety and turned back around to the shocked faces of the group of ponies. Their eyes wide in disbelief, I could tell they all wanted the answer to the same question: Wouldn’t that kill them? None of them could work up the courage to actually ask.

“So now that you know what you have to defend you, take solace in the knowledge that we will always be there to end any and all hostilities.” I said to the crowd who began cheering, from what I knew they weren’t always the most safe of nations. This went on for a couple of seconds until Cheerilee had called the class back inside. Some of the mares and stallions went with them.

“Alright, form up!” I yelled having no intention of just leaving.

“Alright mares and stallions, as I see it you have worked hard to be able to even qualify for this drill. Much less actually go through with it, so in your honor you are all officially on leave. Enjoy yourselves!” I said congratulating the group.

“Woohoo, lets get drunk!” Yelled Trip heading off the group as they headed into town.

“Good to know we're always at the ready.” I said to myself as I headed inside.

“Oh, did you forget something?” Asked Cheerilee as I walked in the door.

“Nah, just thought I’d clean up my mess, and wait till the end of school to pick up my kid.” I said as I shuffled the glass into one big pile, before shoving into the trashcan and taking a seat in the corner by the back of the room.

It wasn’t to long before I fell asleep. Ever since I took over my group I had been getting less and less sleep. The nightmares still didn’t help any and I was averaging around four to six a night. I don’t know why but I would never have nightmares if it was just a nap. I woke up a good couple of hours later to see the CMC staring at me expectantly.

“Uh, sup?”

“So, when did this whole thing with Scootaloo happen?” Asked Sweetie Belle sternly.

“Night of the party.” I said stretching as I got up.

“Why didn’t ya tell us?” asked Applebloom.

“It was supposed to be a surprise, so you know surprise.” I said lazily.

“But-

“No more, I just woke up. I should probably go see everybody, you all can come along if you want.” I said as I headed towards the door.

“Okay!” Said Scootaloo right on my heels with the other two in tow.

As we walked back into town I noticed Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were hanging back a bit. I could make a guess as to what they were talking about, if I cared.

“Rush!” Screamed a familiar voice before I was tackled from behind.

“Oof, hey Pinkie.” I said dusting my self off as I stood up. She was actually only about fifty pounds.

“You’re back!” She said sticking to me like a tick. I could feel her pull my vest a bit and put her front legs in the little open space so she could hang on. There was no way this was comfortable for her.

“Yeah I am, so what’s up?”

“I saw you jump out of that big thing and you had this other thing that shot out of your backpack and you slowed down and you fell over by the school!” She strung together quickly while still being coherent.

“Well then why didn’t you come see me before at the school?” I asked.

“I wanted to but Mister and Misses Cake wouldn’t let me go until I finished baking, please don’t be mad.” She said a little sad.

“Why would I be mad?”

“I wasn’t there to say hello.” She said even sadder.

“I’m not mad Pinkie.” I said with a chuckle.

“Thanks Rushie!” Said the pink one before kissing my cheek, I still wasn’t going to get used to that.

“Rushie?!” Yelled the CMC behind me, I had kind of forgotten they were there.

“Uh, don’t worry about it.” I said dismissing the question.

“Oh no I have to get back before the cakes realize I’m gone!” Said Pinkie as she hopped off my back and ran down the street. Oh well we were almost at our destination anyway. Coming upon the boutique I couldn’t help but feel that it was a bit overdone.

“What are we doing at my sister’s house?” Asked Sweetie Belle confused.

“I need to order a few things.” I said knocking on the door.

We had been walking for a while when we had come up on the Carousel Boutique. I needed to get an official dress and patch for my unit and I could think of no one better.

“We’re not open ye- oh! It’s you. Do you need something?” Asked Rarity a bit sleepily a couple moments later. Looked like she hadn’t gotten enough sleep.

“I was actually hoping to put in an order to get an official dress for my unit. Price is no obstacle.” I said taking off my mask to reveal my face with a scar under my eye. I had forgotten I was wearing it, really it had become a habit if you wanted to stay alive.

“An entire unit in the Equestrian military, my this will be quite the undertaking. I will need everypony’s measurements if I am to do this. Since you are already here would you like to get your measurements now? I am sure you would love to get out of that, ahem, drab clothing.” She said giving a look of small disgust at the shape of my combat gear.

“I would love to, also I don’t usually wear these. Actually I have another pair back in Canterlot.” I said trying to prove I knew a little about fashion.

“Splendid darling, come in, come in. If you could change out of your clothing and get comfortable on the stage we can begin.” Well, I certainly wasn’t going to strip all the way down that would just be weird.

“Alright I guess.” I said heading inside. I could just strip down to my undershirt and briefs. How is she going to know?

“What about us?” Asked Scootaloo.

“I don’t know. Go crusading for cutie marks.” I said waving them off.

You sir, are a terrible father.

Mm, fuck you too.

I heard the door close behind me as I walked behind a blind to strip. I had hung my mask on the hat rack and thrown my clothes over the side of the blind.

~One and a half hours later~

My nose is going to fucking explode. I swear to god I’m going to die. This is even worse than water boarding.

That’s about all I was thinking of while getting my measurements done, apparently I had to stand absolutely still or we had to start over, this was hell.

“Rush!” Yelled a voice of a familiar purple mare who had busted in through the door. I moved, unless it was the end of the world someone would die.

“Twilight?!” Asked Rarity surprised.

“What?!” I said confused as to what had Twilight so excited that she had bust down the door.

“CMC, diamond dogs, trouble!” She wheezed out of breath.

“Diamond dogs? What have those ruffians done now?” Asked Rarity.

“What did they do Twilight?!” I shouted.

“Took the CMC, into the caves, help.” She said still out of breath.

At that moment I could feel a familiar sense. Anger. I redressed in my combat gear and strapped my mask. I was out of the door before they could ask any questions. I knew where they were, I had heard some of the stories from Celestia. She was proud of these six and had great reason to. They had gotten off easily with them. That would not be my case, they had just made the worst mistake of their severely shortened lives.

Hell was about to open its gates to a couple more guests.