Down, But Never Out

by Goliath Brony

Rating: mature
Tags: Adventure, Human, Anthro, Alternate Universe, Romance, Comedy
Length: 7642

When a CIA SOG Operator is accidentally sent to equestria what will he do?, Well what every wolf does fight for those they love and care about so I guess the real question to ask yourselves is "Can you run with the wolf's?"

“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made or kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.” ~ John Stuart Mill

Sergeant First Class Jamie "JJ" Jackson is a Army Ranger and CIA SOG Operator who was miraculously transported to Equestria when his helicopter was hit with a missile and nearly plummeted to his death when a white light surround him and drops in the Apple's orchard, How will he cope with his new life. will he dust himself off to survive like the wolf he is, or will he wallow in self-pity or maybe just maybe there's some certain special someponys waiting around the corner for him.

Trigger Warnings: Sex will happen later in the story, Alternate Universe, Soldier in Equestria, Anthro

Ages of characters:
Twilight: 26
AppleJack: 27
Rainbow:26
Rarity: 28
Fluttershy: 28
Pinkie: 26
Spike: 24
All CMC: 22
Spitfire: 28
Berry Punch: 33
Candance: 30
Shining Armor: 32

Hey yall GB here with my first "True" military fic along side my good friend and college mister JMan796 as my Co-Author so this should lots of fun chapters will come as fast as we can but i promise this will be a great read for all who read it and always guys

This is GB Sighing Off Peace

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-28 07:25:33 UTC

A Lone Wounded Wolf

Down, But Never Out

By Goliath Brony Co-Authored ByJMan796

A Lone Wounded Wolf         Date: 23rd November, 2015         Time: 2300 hours (11:00pm)          Location: Ugam mountain range, Uzbekistan          Objective: Eliminate ISIS HVT(High Value Target) and Cell located inside a compound within the mountains foothills        Units: CIA/SOG platoon Callsign: WolfPack, 1 AC-130 Gunship Callsign: Spooky-Actual, and MH-47 Chinook Callsign: Behemoth 2-5          “Baseplate, this DenFather, do you copy over?”          “DenFather, This Baseplate sent your traffic over”          “Roger Baseplate, WolfPack has successfully entered the AO undetected and is now awaiting further orders how copy?”           “Good Copy DenFather, your mission is ago eliminate all hostiles and leave nothing alive copy?”           “Roger that Baseplate the wolves are on the hunt”           “Good luck WolfPack Baseplate Out”            As the Major got done with the call from command he turned to speak to us, the Major was not that old of a man he was barely into his Mid-30’s but he was our commander the white male stood tall at 6’4” with brown-ish black hair and red eyes (weird ik right) lean figure with his M4(ACOG scope, suppressor, Forward grip) In his hands and dark urban camo battle gear on.            “Alright Wolfpack we are Oscar Mike as of now like Baseplate wants nothing alive get it?”            The major got a sea of “yes sir” which made him smirk.         “Alright Me and the DenSergeant are gunna take packs 1&3 to north-end of the compound oh and Sargent Jackson?” the major said looking at me I stood to speak.         “Yes Sir” I said (with a thick South Carolina accent) at the ready for his orders while holding my M4 Rifle(suppressor, laser, ACOG sight, and my most favorite attachment of all: the M203 grenade launcher) and in my woodland BDU, beanie, grenadier vest load-out, and a MICH helmet with NVG(night-vision goggle) mounted on.        “Take Pack 2 to the south-west corner and insert from there we will meet up at the target building understood?”        I just stared at him for a good 10-15 seconds before I knew he was serious but I had to know why me.        “Um sir?” I asked        “What is it Sergeant we don’t have all night?” He demanded after questioning his call.        “Well sir I just wondering why me to lead pack 2 there has to be someone else within the pack that can lead them better than i can” I stated a little tense that my commander would thoroughly chew my ass for questioning his decision but all he did was laugh and laugh hard at that.        “Is that all? You wanna know why I picked you to lead a pack during this Op?” he said still trying to get air back to his lungs all I did was nodded my head up and down.        “Well I guess that means I have more faith and trust in you since you joined now doesn’t it?” he asked with a smirk on his face, I stood dumbfounded that he is actually letting me lead a pack for this Op but I shook my head getting back to the mission at hand.        “Yes sir I understand” I stated proudly and he just smiled at me.        “Then get it done Sergeant” he said while walking away with the DenSergeant and the other 2 packs to their insertion point.        “Well guys let’s get it done” I stated getting a furious series of “yes sir” I did the hand signals to say “follow me” and we were on our way.        As we made our way to our insertion point on our position there were two gate guards outside the south end gate of the compound, so I had my 2 marksmen: Dead-Eye and Snapshot to take-down the tangos        “Okay Deadeye, Snapshot you’re up take them down quickly and quietly understood?” I ordered they nodded and they quickly got into position.        Deadeye is a marine force recon sniper(Sergeant) who was deploy 4 times(2 in Iraq, 2 in Afghanistan) in hs 9½ year career before being recruited by the CIA and WolfPack and Snapshot was an air force CCT (Combat Controller) counter sniper(Staff Sergeant) who was deployed 5 times(2 in Iraq, 3 in Afghanistan) in his 10 year career before doing the same and joined WolfPack.        When they both got into position deadeye aimed his M27 marksman rifle (with ACOG sight, bipod, forward grip, and suppressor) in his marine marksman load-out and MICH Helmet with NVG attached and Snapshot aimed his MK14 EBR (with Hologram sight, bipod, and suppressor) and in his standard CCT load-out with NVG's, then they each fired one shot each dropping the tangos quick and clean.        We then took out our grappling guns and shot the hook over the wall and proceeded to make our way up and over the wall once on the ground over the wall that’s when I got on the comm’s to DenFather.        “DenFather, this is pack 2 lead over?” I radio over        “Pack lead, this is DenFather go ahead over” the major respawned        “DenFather, be advised myself and pack 2 are going to place Demo charges on their weapon cache and vehicle Depo then make our way to the target building how copy?”        “Good copy, pack lead proceed with your objective and remember leave no one alive how Copy?”        “Roger that DenFather we will eliminate any opposition we see on-route to the objective Pack lead out” I said over the comm’s.        As we quietly made our way to the weapons cache to set the first of the demo charges we occasionally eliminated enemy opposition that stood in our way until we made sure there was enough charges to blow it sky high.        We then moved on to the vehicle depo as we moved there we took down another 4-7 hostiles, then placed charges on the assorted flat-bed trucks and technicians they had stored there once done with our objectives we made our way to the east-side of the target building undetected I got on the comm again to DenFather.        “DenFather, this is pack 2 lead over?” I said waiting for a response.        “Pack Lead, this DenFather go ahead send your traffic” he responded.        “Be advised pack 2 has made it to the east-side of the target building and are awaiting your go ahead over”        “Roger that pack 2 sweep and clear the 1st and 2nd floor, packs 1 and 3 will insert from the 3rd floor on the north side of the target building and sweep and clear from there how copy?”        “Roger DenFather, we’ll meet you at the top pack lead out” I said turning to my team I signaled for them to stack up once in position I signaled Rhino((Petty Officer 2nd Class) SEAL Team 7 Demolitions) to open the door as he did we sweep through the 1st floor quickly and quietly and with no problem hardly any tango’s were on the 1st floor we then made our way to the 2nd floor doing the same with who ever got in our way once the 2nd floor was now confirmed cleared I radioed DenFather.        “DenFather, this is pack 2 lead we have secured the first 2 floors how copy?”        “Great copy there pack lead, make your way to the 5th floor and assist in clearing out the final floor, floor’s 3 and 4 are all clear for you to move up understood?”        “Roger that DenFather, pack 2 is moving to secure 5th floor” I said over the radio me and my team ran up the stair to the top floor and began sweeping and clearing till we got to the last room where the Major And DenSergeant where bring up the rear then he said.        “Well Sergeant looks like ya beat us here, well you gonna clear that room or ya wanting for me to hold your hand thought it” he said with a smirk on getting a chuckle outta the pack but I gave a glare to my team members, Then they stopped laughing immediately then my team stacked up on the doorway to breach it I gave the signal for a "Flash & Clear" I slowly open the door to allow Rhino to throw a flash bang into the room And once the flash bang went off we breached the room hard and fast  eliminating all opposition except for the HVT once the HVT was secured the major took a picture of him and sent it to command for verification using a portable laptop he brought with him on missions like these.        “BasePlate, this is DenFather uploading picture for ID over?”        “Roger that DenFather receiving photo now” BasePlate responded checking the photo for confirmation on the target after about 45 seconds we got our answer and boy were we happy campers.        “ID Confirmed I repeat ID Confirmed that's the target he’s all yours WolfPack” this made the Major smile he then walk towards the target then pull out he’s HK Mark 23 .45ACP (with under-barrel laser and suppressor) and then hands it to me and then says.        “You got here first and breached first therefore he is your target to kill” he says to me, I just nodded at him I let my rifle fall while the sling was around my neck falling to my right side. I took the pistol from him press the suppressor end of the weapon to the target head and he then gave me the most pleading look I've ever seen like he was really asking for mercy from me (“fat chance dude” I thought to myself) I just gave him a stone-cold stare and pulled the trigger and watched his brain splatter all over the floor in a gory mess, I then handed the pistol back to the major and we exfilled the compound quietly but before we left we had one last objective “blow the place sky high”        “Hey Sergeant didn’t you and pack 2 place demo charges earlier?” He asked my eye widened I had completely forgot about them but smiled at the major pulling out the detonator as did Snapshot and Deadeye we had turned on the detonators and blew the charges and the entire western side of the compound was completely engulfed in flames as munitions and gas engines were exploding into a massive black cloud just we were about to leave the Major got on the radio again but this time it was to our AC-130 gunship in the air circling around the AO waiting for tasking.        “Spooky-Actual, This is DenFather do you copy over?” He asked until they responded        “DenFather, this is Spooky-Actual finally whata ya got for us over”        “Be advised WolfPack has left the compound you are clear for absolute destruction of the compound I repeat you are clear for absolute destruction of the compound over?”        “Roger that WolfPack commencing bombardment”        “Have fun up there guys” the major said to our death dealing eye in the sky        Just as he said that a 105MM shell hit the target building nearly completely destroying it in one hit we stared for a good minute in awe of it seeing the burning building before we continued on out of the AO to where out Chinook (Callsign: Behemoth 2-5) was picking us up once we had eyes on the landed helicopter we made a dash for it to get the hell outta this God forsaken Country.        “Okay gents all aboard” the flight chief yelled at us due to the roaring of the engines as he guided us inside where the entire platoon sat us (all 30 of us) as we took off as our commander had something to say.        “Okay Guys excellent mission good job well done especially you Jackson you did very well as a pack-lead tonight i'm impressed” when he said that I got a sheepish look on my face and started rubbing my head as everyone cheered and gave the signature wolf howl to me but he wasn’t done.        “By the way Jackson FRONT AND CENTER” he commanded I got right outta my seat to meet him at the back of the Chinook I saluted but he just waved it off and look at me then putting his finger to my vest were my rank was and said.        “Jackson what’s this rank on your chest?” He asked I gave him a confused look and as did the platoon like “is he serious” but I answered none the less.        “Staff Sergeant” I replied still wondering why he asked me that obvious question.        “Nope not anymore” he said with me still wondering why he said that but before I could ask why he said that in one swift motion he pulled my rank off my vest and threw it out of the back of the Chinook, To say I had a shocked expression would dangerously be an understatement as was the entire platoon Hell one guy who was drinking from his canteen took a spit-take for God sake at what he did never has he done this to any member of wolfpack since it was formed five years ago but he held up a finger to while facing the platoon and said.        “My fellow wolves we have lost Staff Sergeant Jamie Jackson tonight” he said getting an even more confused look then before from us but continued on with his speech.        “But tonight we gain a new wolf among us and his name is Sergeant First Class Jamie Jackson, congrats Sergeant you are no longer a pup to us but a full fledged wolf welcome to the pack” he said while he went into one of his vest pockets and pulled out the little piece of Velcro with the E-7 rank on it and placed it on my chest I then saluted him and then him to me we drop our arms and shook forearms I went back to my seat with everyone cheering and howling for me as I sat down and let out a breath I was holding in but I didn't know I was holding but anyway the major wasn’t done just yet.        “Okay guy I got word from command before this Op began that if this mission went smoothly, like they expect anything less for us, we would be given a good chunk of time off since they had us on a leech for 14 months with non-stop missions” we all cheered then snapshot asked.        “So how much time we getting off major” he asked with a thick New York accent the Major just smiled like he was giving us an early Christmas present and with the way he said it before hand almost was so we listened with intent        “10 months of paid leave” and with that statement the Chinook exploded with a sea of cheers 10 months of paid leave, 10 months away from war, death, destruction, and killing we were free for 10 months to be with family, friends, and loved ones and those in the platoon who didn't have anyone like that back home someone would invite them to their home because we're a pack and a pack looks after it's own.        We were all celebrating until bullets started hitting the Chinook and the platoon was trying to take cover as I took immediate action and went to the rear of the Chinook where the flight chief was manning the rear MG (An M240 Delta 7.62x51MM), we started looking for the incoming fire when we laid eyes on 3 technical's on the road near our position and were firing PKT MG’s (7.62x54MMR) at us once I lifted my M4, me and the chief, started opening fire on them in short controlled bursts after about 5-10 mins. into the engagement we had already taken out 2 of the 3 technical's with one left but as we were nearing a cliff so I said.        “Hold your fire chief there no point in continuing this firefight we’re nearing a cliff so they can’t follow us so save your ammo” he nodded his head once we passed the cliff the truck screeched to a halt after we passed the cliff-side the truck had already seized its fire and we made it out without any problem or so we thought.        Not a minute after we passed the cliff the Chinook got a missile lock-on warning and when me and the flight chief turned around there it was flying straight at was the missile and what made it worse was that it came from the same direction as the last fucking technical and the pilots tried to avoid it by banking upward to the right while dumping flares but the missile move right with us and hit the back left side of the killing the flight chief instantly and sending my happy ass to a one-way ticket to the forest bottom floor by flinging me out of the back of the Chinook.        “JACKSON NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” the Major said as he saw me fly out of the back of the Chinook.        Oh and that said forest floor was about 15000 ft from me and closing fast so all I did while I was falling was I saw my life flash before my eye from my younger years when my pops was teaching me how to shoot, me graduating basic, me earning my tan Ranger beret and then I saw in the night sky and there was a bright star like the one you make a wish on I know it may seem stupid too a lot of people but seeing as i'm going to die anyway might as well say one last Prayer out loud before I go to meet my maker.        “Dear Heavenly Father, I know I haven't always been your kind of angle but I just wanted to ask you no i'm pleading with you let my family know I love them, to my ma and pa tell them i'm sorry but there baby boy isn’t coming home, to my 2 younger sibling Zach and Diane tell them there big brother loves them dearly and will always miss them, and last but surely not least tell my fiance Ashley and my baby boy Dylan tell them….” I choked on the last part as tears formed in my eyes but I had to say it.        “Tell them i’m sorry but daddy isn’t coming home” I didn’t care anymore I let the tears fall as I braced myself for the coming impact as I fell though the cold night air in this Hell hole of a country but then all I saw was a white light surround me and me just thinking this was just my head playing games with me and just accepted it and closed my eye and let death take me however I felt myself slow down for some strange reason and when I opened my eye there I saw a portal and from what i could tell I went through it for some reason but then a thought hit me.        “Where the Hell did it take me then” I asked myself as I spun myself around only to be meet with EVERY FUCKING TREE BRANCH FROM HERE TO TIMBUCK-FUCKING-TOO as I fell my torso, lower abdomen and legs hit the most branches and when I finally landed on the ground I stat myself up and began checking my gear till outta nowhere something else fell on my head.

"Fucking Branches" I thought to myself"

        I checked my night vision goggles to see if they still worked and lo and behold they do I did a run through of my M4 to make sure it was still in functioning order and after a thorough inspection of the weapon it was ready for combat again I checked my vest and surprisingly enough my Kevlar wasn’t busted and in good order too same with my grenades and pistol and my bayonet were also intact with that done.        I slung my backpack then my M4 on my back over my shoulder even though my body was very hurt from that fall and it was then I remember my training and my motto “A Ranger never quits and never gives up and neither does a wolf” so even though my legs were bruised all to hell or maybe even fractured I press on even with all cuts on my arm, legs, and abdomen from the branches I pressed on and I will live on and I won't give up.        As i'm walking through the forest for about 10-15 mins. I see the edge of the forest and I speed walk towards it once I get there I see a farmhouse and a barn too it didn't seem more a mile and a half away so I started my trek to the barn to get some shut eye hopefully after about a 25-30 min. Walk I made to the farmhouse and barn and quietly made my way into the barn and very quietly shut the barn door, I was able to find some hay bails to lay on in the back of the barn to where I removed my rifle, my backpack, my tact vest and laid down for a quick nap and at that moment when my head hit the straw i finally felt sleep finally take me away.                         5 Hours later Applejack’s POV        “Well ‘alright sugarcube go on and play with yer little CMC friends” I said to my little sister Apple Bloom who was going to go play with her friends.        “Oh thank ya Applejack for this I never get the morning off i’ll be back before lunch promise” she said with enthusiasm before runnin faster than you can say “waa”.        “Well there she goes” I said        “Eyeeup” said my big brother Big Macintosh        “Well i’ma grab some baskets from the barn before we get started you take the east orchard while i take the west orchard” I asked getting a nod outta him he’s not one for conversation so I just went to fetch the baskets for the day's work ahead.        When I got into the barn I heard a strange noise I continued to listen and to find the source of it and it sounded like snoring?        I went behind some hay bails and there was where the sound was comin from this pony or I think he’s a pony he looks like me only alittle smaller then me I thought it best to wake him ask him his name so we could find out why he’s sleepin in ma barn, so I poked him he started to stir and his eye being forced to stay shut so I kept poking till he and then he did something that shocked me, he grab ma hand out mid-air and then let it go and that was when he woke up and sat up on his but.                                                          Jamie’s POV        I sat up on my but on the kinda soft hay but hey when you're sleepin on nothing but cot’s and dirt for 15 months this feel’s like heaven but that's beside the point I wanted to find who the Hell kept poking me to get me to wake up well whoever they are they better have good health insurance as I think of it I open my eye to a creature in front of me and it was also of the female gender oh and how do I know this well she was bent over in front of me giving me full view of her glorious D-cup sized breasts and this made me blush i don't blush at alot of thing but this being the exception once i shook my head clear of those dirty thoughts my left arm slowly brought over my rifle she was confused by this motion.          I then in one solid motion I jumped too my feet (bad move that really hurt) and shouldered my M4, slid the charging handle back then hitting the release button to the carrier bolt to make sure the gun was cocked and loaded I then pointed it at her, she now had a look of terror in her eyes and had her hands in the air and then she did the one I didn't think she could do and that was speak and let alone speak English.        “What are ya planin to do with that thing” she asked while pointing to my rifle I stood there shocked how this creature could be speaking the same language as me but whatever I digress as I continued to aim my M4 at her but I also decided to answer her.        “Well I plan to go on living if that's okay with you” I replied with a cold tone but then all of a sudden my left leg buckles out from underneath me and I fell flat on my ass dropping my M4 she then took this opportunity to pounce on me and had my arms pinned to the ground above my head, she also had a vice like grip to boot and I was too weak to fight her so I just her have me for now.        “So what’s your name?” She asked me her thick southern accent was very easy going yet firm being alittle surprised that that was her first question I answered.        “Jamie Jackson, Sergeant First Class, US Army Rangers and CIA/SOG Operator and you?” I responded        “Applejack Apple nice ta meet ya Jamie” she said with a smile easing off of me maybe I should see where this goes she doesn’t seem threatening so i’ll leave her be for the time being.        “I wish the feeling was mutual Applejack” I said blankly        She then got off me allowing me to sit up and check my leg to which i'm sure it's still bruised as all Hell but from want I could tell it's wasn’t broken (“thank God”) I did the same to the other leg same thing not broken with a sigh of relief look up again to see applejack sitting across from me with a concerned look she then asked.        “Ya need any help there sugarcube” she asked I was taken back by want she called me “sugarcube” in all my time in the south I've never heard anyone call anyone that but whatever it might just be her thing but i still gave her an answer to her question.        “Naw i'm fine just a bit beat up but i’ll survive…... I always survive” I whispered that last part to myself hoping she didn’t hear me but I had to know what the living Hell she was since I am talking a “alien” pre-say.        “So I have a question for ya if you don't mind” I asked politely she gave a very weak smile and said.        “Sure what is it whata wanna know” she asked with slight enthusiasm as her tail started wagging abit.        “Odd” I thought to myself about the tail but whatever back to the main point.        “Well first off what are you, like what species are you, you kinda look like me but you're not like me it's just alittle strange to me” I asked trying not to offend her she just smiled at me and answered my question.        “Well Jamie i'm a pony” she answered my eyes widen at her statement I then looked her over and her body did have those characteristics like fur, hooves, muzzles, tails, etc. Anyway I asked another question while I was still fresh in my mind.        “So what are you particularly you say you're a pony but what kind?” I asked thinking id actually get an answer because there are different breeds of pony where i'm from but nonetheless she had an answer.        “Well i'm an earth pony of course” she replied with pride okay take pride in what you are okay I can see that but what did she mean by “earth pony”.        “So you're an earth pony are there different ones as well” i asked like a kid in school again.        “Yup there's me the earth pony then there's Unicorns that can do magic and Pegasus that fly around and control the weather and then there’s the princesses there the ruler’s of this land they are called alicorns” she said I then asked her to explain what I should know in order to keep up with the time and culture to which she was more than happy to.                                           2 hours later        After a long talk with AJ she filled in a everything from the beginning with nightmare moon to the here and now with Starlight Glimmer being Twilight's student and even some stuff about pony culture and I even explained what It was like in my world and in the meantime we were also exchanging info about one another and our world it was fun to see how similar and different our worlds are but she still got alittle green in the face when I mentioned the human diet but that was quickly cleared up when I said we eat greens as well and we moved on and yet it still baffles me about the female outnumbering males 11 to 1 it’s still quite disturbing to me but hey "when in Rome, do as the Romans".        But I still need to find a way home and maybe there princesses Celestia and Luna could help me I mean hell it’s worth a shot right? considering they move the Fucking sun and moon respectively so maybe they could help me from what aj said there very kind people or ponies in this world I guess but also that reminds me of something why did she come in here in the first place so I asked why.        “Hey aj why did you come in here in the first place?” I asked she just had a confused look for good min. Before her eyes widened in realization.        “Ah horse apples I completely forgot about big mac” she said face palming herself.        “Your big brother? i'm sure he’d understand if you explain what happened” I reasoned with her to which she nodded and then held out her hand I then got confused look on my face wondering why.        “Um why are offering your hand to me?” I asked confused she just smiled and said.        “Well cause i'm not gonna leave somepony hurtin in ma barn am I?” She asked.        “But you don’t even truly know me, why go out of your way?” I asked        “Don't matter ta me you seem like nice pon-- i mean person” she said and she stuttered trying not to call me a pony and I commend her for it so I figured why not I rather be lying on a couch than straw anyway, so I just shrugged my shoulders and grab her hand and with some surprising strength to boot she lifted me up in nearly one motion she had to grab the back of my camo pants to make sure I didn’t fall on my ass again I picked up my vest and slipped it back on the zipped it up then grab my M4 by the strap and I slung the rifle on my back like always.        Aj then put on my backpack she then took my left arm around the back of her neck and help me out of the barn, we then made our way to the house once inside we were greeted by an elderly mare who I could guess was granny smith from what applejack told me.        “Well howdy there youngins say applejack who this young fella ya have here?” She asked.        “This here is ma friend Jaime, Granny” she said with a smile on her face I then looked at her confused for A sec. Then I had a small smile of my own thinking to myself.        “Well i’d rather have a friend than an enemy right now anyway"         “Well it's nice ta meet ya Jamie the names granny smith but you can also call me granny” the old mare replied I gave a smile and said.        “Well it’s nice to meet you too granny smith” I replied to her to which a very happy smile then she asked        “So are ya here fer lunch youngin?” She asked applejack answered for me        “Well kinda granny ya see Jamie here kinda spent the night in the barn after an accident and he’ll be stayin with us in the guest room upstairs” she replied to her then I immediately said.        “Are you sure aj i don't mind taken the couch if you prefer that” I said getting a glare out of her to which surprised me.        “Ya aint sleepin on the couch your hurt and until twi come over and fixes your legs youre stayin in the guest room clear?” She said I just nodded not wanting to piss her off and to her credit she is right I am still hurt from that fall last night so it would be wise to listen to her before I do get myself more hurt then it’s worth.        “Okay aj youre right I should take it easy for now” I agreed then almost immediately her expression turned happy like nothing ever happened.            “Good now come on let's get ya upstairs” She said with enthusiasm I just nodded and with that intro outta the way we made our way up the stairs ("to which still hurt like a bitch by the way") to the guest bedroom.        When we entered I was shocked at how spacious and yet very simple in it that was a queen sized bed with a nightstand next to it, a dresser, closet, and a small desk and even had a door to my own private bathroom (“Score”) and as we entered the bedroom aj helped me down on the bed I unslung my M4 and placed it against the nightstand I then undid my tactical vest(with most of my ammo and grenades(3 frags, 2 flash, and 3 smoke) on it) and my tact belt(with more ammo mainly for the Glock along with my glock and bayonet) and set them next to my M4 but I then placed my glock on the nightstand to be sure I had an easily accessible weapon nearby aj then placed my backpack next the assorted gear and smiled.        “Well that's everything right?” She asked to which I nodded and said.        “Yup that's everything aj thanks I really appreciate it most people would have turn and ran but you didn’t thank you” I said she then gave a warming smile and said.        “It aint a problem sugarcube i'm always happy to help those in need it's what granny taught me mac and applebloom” she said then I had a question.        “Applebloom that's your little sis right?” I asked she just nodded and said.        “Yup that's ma little sister she off with her CMC friends”        “CMC?? What the Hell is that?”        “It's sort for Cutie Mark Crusaders they help young colts and fillies get their cutie marks and see what's there special talent is all” she explained to which I was Wided-eyed for a sec then I proceeded to laugh my ass off.        “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA THAT HAS TO BE THE STUPIDEST THING I EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA” I was laughing hysterically only to be glared at by applejack        “And what is so gosh darn funny ‘bout that?” She asked while I was still holding my sides because along with the bruises I got from the fall it really did hurt to laugh but right now I did not a flying fuck about that.        I managed to get a hold of myself enough to continue our conversation.        “Sorry I haven't laughed that hard in years but like I was saying that a tattoo really can depict what you’re really good at?” I asked        “Well kinda ya see cutie marks and what make us unique in our own way whether that be me with apple framing it’s just what makes me Me ya see?” She asked I kinda understood what she was saying so I just nodded to be done with this she then said.        “Okay then well i'm gonna fetch ya some lunch kay” She more said then asked but I just nodded and she was on her way.        She closed the door I reached over to my backpack and started going through it basically shoving shit around till I found what I was looking for and then after about a minute or two I finally found it was a medium sized plastic tubule wear container with a few personal items I always carried with me.        When I opened it there was my phone(Galaxy S5), my wallet with all my cards and cash were still in it (which i'm sure is completely useless here so great i'm broke) so i threw my wallet back in the container well i placed my phone to my right side.         I then pulled out what I was really looking for pictures of my family, friends, comrades, and loved ones. pictures of my old ranger pals and of my wolfpack friend’s as I looked through them I just reminisce of old memories from the past from BBQ’s in the backyard with family, from my family being with me when I graduated from basic training all those years ago, to when I pinned my sister 1st lieutenant bars on her along with my father when she was commissioned in the JAG (Judge Advocate General’s) Corps as a defense attorney, to Me(Army Staff Sergeant), My Brother(Army Corporal), and My Sister(Air Force 1st Lieutenant) were stand together in full military dress uniforms one last time before I was shipped back to Iraq(for my 5th tour) and my brother was shipped to Afghanistan (for his 3rd tour) and as I looked and looked through the old memories it was everything I knew it was....... painful.        But there's that one picture that you’ll never let go or let anything happen to and that to me is a close-up picture of my fiance Ashley holding our 5 month old son Dylan with smiles on there face posing for the picture and with this picture I will treasure forever no matter what happens as I stare the picture I didn't hear the door open as aj walked in with company none the less.        "heya sugarcube I brought ya some lunch" she said with her southern drawl I just spazzed in the bed like an idiot as I scramble to get my stuff together and stuffed my photos in the container and then stuff it back into my backpack, I just give Aj and company a sheepish smile thinking they wouldn’t ask questions about the item I just stuffed into my backpack but hey a guy can dream right?       “Oh hey Aj i didn’t hear you come in” I said to which Aj place a try with an assorted apple product, and it all looked and smelled amazing by the way, onto my lap there were apple tarts, a nice big slice of apple pie, apple fritters and others including a nice tall glass of apple juice. I just grab an apple fritter and took a bite and well ………..KO

I was knocked for a whirl my head literally hit the Fucking head board, my eyes were in the back of my skull, and then Aj runs over to me worried as all Hell

“Jamie are ya all right come on speak ta me” she said very concerned for my well being and to that i just stuck my arm with the fritter in it straight out and said.“This. is. AMAZING. Holy shit I’ve never in my life tasted something so amazing, like I don't know how to describe it” I said with enthusiasm and like the idiot I am, I also heard some giggles that weren’t Aj’s so I looked to my right and lo and behold Aj had brought company with her that I somehow for the life of me missed, there were 5 others, there was the mare I just met Granny Smith, then there was a GIANT red stallion with golden brown hair who i'm guessing was Big Mac(who stood at least 6’ 7” big being a Fucking understatement), Aj’s older brother, then there 3 gigling younger mare i'm guessing from what aj told me that the yellow furred mare with red hair and a red bow in her hair was Applebloom and the other I had no clue as who they were and then that’s when the embarrassment hit(yeah i'm a battle-hardened soldier yet i still get embarrassed fuck off), I just try to smile it off Aj still with a dumbstruck look on her face wondering what the fuck just happened.“So wait, ya mean youre okay well that a relief fer a sec I thought you bit the dust” she said with a little more relaxed tone i just gave her a cocky grin and said.“Sweetheart if ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and a number of other countries and terrorist groups can’t kill me nothing can so i think youre good on that end” i said chuckling to myself, I then  look over to applejack who was kinda looking away with a small red blush on her face “wait was that from the “sweetheart” comment” I thought to myself but I just shrugged my shoulders and said.“So Aj you gunna introduce me to this folks here” I said trying to get her out of her trance to which it worked, she shook her head then proceeded to introduce me to the rest of the apple’s.“Well ya already meet granny here” she said pointing her thumb to the older apple of the family to which I nodded my head.“Well this here is ma big brother Big Mac” she said gesturing a hand to the mountain of a stallion to which he stuck his arm out and I shook the massive hand as best I could he stepped back for aj to introduce her little sister.“And this here ma little sister Applebloom” she placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder to which she smile at her then to me.“Well I do have a question for ya aj” i said to which she asked what.“What is it sugarcube? can i get ya something?” She asked to which i shooked my head.“No i don't need nathin I was just wondering who they are” I said gesturing a hand to the orange pegasus coated a with purple mane and the white coated unicorn with a lighter purple and lite pink to which applebloom answered for her sister.“Oh i'm sorry there ma friends this is Scootaloo” she said gesturing to the orange pegasus.“And this ma friend sweetie belle” she said next to the white unicorn both of whom smile at me as i did the same to them.“Well it’s nice ta meet ya ladies” i said this got a shocked expression outta mac and the young mares so i said.“What yall look like you never heard a human speak before” i said they just shook their heads at me.“Well ya just did now if yall don't mind i would like to eat my lunch in peace if that's not too much fer is it aj?” I asked she just shook her head and lead the rest of the family and friends out before closing the door on them which just left me and aj in the room she walk over to me and sat down before speaking.“Well is there anything i can do fer ya anything at all?” She asked to which I said.“Aj you have already done so much for me i can’t ask anymore of ya hell youre giving an armed stranger a free room and hot meal just because he was injured and you felt bad if that's not generous i sure as Hell don't know what is” i said she just giggled and said.“Well i did feel bad fer ya but i just did it cause it was the right thing to do and my family would never forgive me if i left ya there even if you near death i would have help you cause I know that maybe you would do the same fer me if i were in yer shoes” she said to which i smiled at her and nodded she then continue.“Well i’ll let ya eat oh and by the way the friend i said that could fix yer legs up is coming over in a few hours she made time in her schedule for it so i guess we're lucky cause she wouldn’t be able to do it till tomorrow afternoon and shes bring her pupil along as well as well as the rest of ma friends since they wanted to meet ya too” she said very happily i then responded.“Okay i can live that once i'm done though i'm  gonna take a nap just knock when they get here i'm a lite sleeper it won't take much ta get me up” she just nodded and left the room and left me to eat i savored the taste of everything on that try even the apple juice to which was as crisp if not crisper than anything i ever had on earth.

When I finished my meal I placed the tray on the nightstand and took my glock off the table in my hand I then lifted myself then the covers and slipped in under the covers with my pistol in hand I placed it under my pillow while still holding it cause i’d rather be safe than dead I then laid my head on the pillow and Holy Shit it was soft same with the bed altogether and after a few mins. I dozed off  to sleep and remember what i said before about straw being heaven FUCK THAT this is heaven right here dammit and on that note I let sleep take into the land of dreams and to await aj and her friends.