Squad up!
Questions, and Answers
Previous ChapterNext ChapterThe first thing Kevin felt was a mild headache. His body began to slowly come back, the nerves in his system aching as he did so. Opening his eyes, he saw he was resting in his room. The curtains were pulled over, keeping the light out, and giving the room a dull purple hue. Sighing as he lay there, Kevin decided to sit up, adjusting the pillow behind his head. The bed creaked softly as he sat up, noticing that he still had his cloths on. Looking to his left, he noticed his gun was on the nightstand, and his gear was still in tact. Sighing in relief, he turned to his right, to see that Cody and Zack were still asleep, but Alex's bed was vacant. Surprisingly, Alex's bed was neatly made, his M9 resting on the nightstand, meaning that he hasn't left the room. The door opened to the bathroom, Alex walking out with a towel around his waist and another in his hands as he was rubbing his hair. Shaking his head to get more water out, Alex opened his eyes to see Kevin. Smiling he continued to walk over to his stuff as he dried.
" Morning Kevin. Just finished up it's all yours now." He whispered, gathering his clothing as he waited for Kevin to go into the shower himself or turn around. Yawning quietly as he stretched, Kevin nodded, before using his groaning muscles to get up. Walking over to the bathroom, Kevin tried to remember what the hell happened the night before. Stepping into the room and turning on the water, Kevin continued to ponder on the party. I remember dancing to the beat... ugh, there was a few ponies that seemed to warm up to me. Laughing with Celestia and my friends. Ummm... Ah I remember getting in some fight with a blonde pompous ass, but before I could do anything... The memories began to come back, as Kevin remembered. He originally got in a fight near the end of the party, with what appeared to be a white unicorn colt with a blonde mane. He was asking for the guards to escort Kevin and his friends out, calling them hairless barbaric monkeys. Kevin corrected him and they both got into a fight, but before it got physical Kevin's friends dragged him back to the room. Sighing, he closed his eyes, letting the warm shower water hit his back, the droplets coming off his lashes as he thought.
Coming to this world, meeting the locals, let alone having these powers... Ugh it's just too much. My friends, me, these... ponies. As much as this place and it's new discoveries tempt me, I must find a way to get us back. Well, to get them back at least. Kevin chuckled to himself, a smile of bitterness on his face.
" I wonder what Zack's little sister is doing. I hope she isn't too freaked out about her brother suddenly disappearing." He said, rubbing his hair as the shampoo did its work. Finishing up the last touches, Kevin turned off the water, the cool air taking control as he lightly shivered. Stepping out and drying himself off, Kevin opened the door to see Zack shifting uncomfortably, Alex dressed in his sniper attire while Cody tossed and turned, his eyes slowly opened as he groaned.
" Ah thank god, dude move I gotta use it." Zack said, rushing past Kevin and shut the door. Shaking his head, Kevin walked over to his bed, looking to Alex and nodding, to which he did the same and turned around. As Kevin began to put on his clothes, Alex began the conversation.
" So, what are our plans for today? I don't know about you but I would like to explore this place." Alex said, a hand under his chin as he stared out the window. Kevin sighed, adjusting his pants as he got on his belt. Sighing, Kevin shrugged, reaching for his white t-shirt.
" I didn't really have anything planned. We can let Cody sleep in, but I'm gonna go explore, we could go together I guess." Alex nodded, agreeing with Kevin's choice. Finishing his attire, Kevin sighed, grabbing his sidearm, as well as Alex doing the same. Zack came out of the bathroom, sighing with a satisfied smile. Zack soon raised a brow as he saw Alex and Kevin getting ready to leave.
" Wait where are you going?" He asked.
" We're just gonna go out, roam around the castle and whatnot. You can stay if you wish." Zack scratched his head, before shrugging.
" Yeah I'm just gonna crash, maybe soak in some sunlight. See you guys around." With that, Alex and Kevin decided to head out, closing the door behind them. Outside, there were two guards standing at their door, whom looked to the two humans with a brow raised. Kevin cleared his throat.
" We're just gonna go explore the castle for a little while, I hope you fine gentleme- uh, colts don't mind would you?" He said. The first guard looked to his companion, who just shrugged.
" Alright. But we shall accompany you two." He said sternly. Alex nodding, seeming O.K. with the idea. Kevin and Alex started to walk, the two guards behind them following in tow. The halls glistened, some of the glass windows still broken from the recent attack. Alex frowned.
" Hey I noticed some of your guys were hurt in the hall, heck I even saw ones with bandages. What happened here anyways?" He asked. The guard on the right looked at the ground. Sighing, the gruff stallion began to speak.
"The last couple of days, the Captain of the royal guard Shining Armor was to marry Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. However, the rumor of the wedding seemed to have drawn the attention of changelings."
" Changelings? What's that?" Kevin asked, deciding to get in on the conversation.
" Changelings are creatures like us, but they have a dark hide and closely resemble a bug of sorts. They are parasites, feeding of of positive emotions from animals and ponies, love being the strongest and the most craved emotion to their species." The guard furrowed his brow, the memories of the recent attack making him sick. Kevin frowned slightly, hoping the guard would be O.K. Luckily, the guard inhaled and exhaled in a calming manner, closing his eyes.
" We were warned of a possible infiltration of security, as Changelings are known to change shape."
" Wait so they are shape shifters? How good?" Alex asked.
" They are capable of looking exactly like the pony they see. However it does take more energy when they are shape shifting into a different species. Ponies are easier because of how close our anatomy is." The guard looked sad after saying that. " One of them just so happened to replace Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. That one just so happened to be their queen." He said. Alex and Kevin looked at each other, this information to them was quite intriguing. Well now I know we helped the right side Kevin said to himself.
" She fooled everypony. But luckily one of the Elements of Harmony figured out the queen, and exposed her by finding the real Princess. The queen by the name of Chrysalis, was going to have her children invade Canterlot, and feed on all the love they desired." Kevin decided to cut in.
" And that is when we came in. I remember we just saw the dome break when we decided to run here and help." The guard looked at the human in surprise.
" How long were you watching?" Kevin sighed, hoping that they didn't think of them as a threat still.
" We sat on a small hill, a good mile away. We sat up there and tried to see if we could find out who lived in the dome. I took a nap which probably lasted a good hour or so, when my friend here Alex called out the bugs. We watched as they swarmed the dome and began to break it. After a few minutes we decided to come in, kill a few, save a pony and her filly, then next thing we know a huge blast erupted from the castle and they were gone. Now we're here." He summed up. The guard nodded in understanding.
" That is quite a story. I must say I have never seen anything like you four before in my life. What do you four go by?" He asked.
" Humans. And we're not really from here." Kevin said as the group took a right to what appeared to be an exit to outside. Raising a brow, Alex and Kevin continued to walk until the sunlight shined down on them. After their eyes seemed to adjust, they saw what appeared to be a garden. Their eyes widened at how beautiful it was. The grass was the perfect shade of dark green, as flowers of various colors scattered above the bushes, as the trees gave calming shade to those who wished to rest under the gentle giants. There was what appeared to be a maze to the right, as well as a fountain, with a marble carving of a pony with a flag, standing proud on its hind legs as it overlooked the garden with a flag.
" Wow, this place is beautiful. It's almost too perfect man." Kevin said, as Alex nodded in agreement. The guards stood to the side of the entrance as the two walked around. The air smelled great, as Kevin greatly inhaled to take in the fresh air. Alex sighed as he walked over to a tree and rested under its branches, as they granted him calming shade. The relaxation of the day was amazing, as the place just leaked peace. Until, Kevin saw a strange looking statue. Raising a brow, Kevin walked up to it, observing the creature's strange appearance.
" Hey Alex, check this out." Kevin said, making Alex grunt in confusion before standing up and walking next to Kevin. As the two looked up to the statue, Kevin felt an eerie presence from the thing. It had a lion paw, as well as what appeared to be a claw of a bird for the other hand. It's face was closely related to a goat, but the mismatched horns didn't help Kevin know for sure. It's lizard like tail supported its body as its two feet seemed to look like the creature was in mid back peddle. One foot appeared to be a dragon foot and a cloven hoof. His face was a permanent scream, as it showed shock and fear. Kevin tilted his head slightly, frowning as he did.
" What do you think it is?" He asked.
" I don't know Kev, but it is definitely something I have never seen before in my life." Alex replied, as he got closer, observing the eyes. Alex watched, as the creature seemed to stare into the void with the same terrified face that stuck to its stone like appearance. Alex swore he heard a dark laugh, as it was barely audible in his mind, but quickly shook the thought, a frown on his face.
" Come on Kev, let's get out of here. Remember we have to answer a few questions from the Elements." Alex walked back to the exit, stopping slightly as he turned to look over his shoulder.
" Plus, I really don't like the vibe that statue is giving off." Kevin wide eyed, thinking he was the only one who could feel it. The statue seemed to draw his attention, as he felt something trying to get inside his mind. Walking up to Alex, Kevin nodded as they started to walk away.
" I couldn't agree with you more." He said.
**********
Cody and Zack were finally getting ready, as the day was now starting to move, as Canterlot began to come alive. Zack finished putting on his cap as he looked outside, the curtains giving way to the bright sunlight. Zack could see ponies on the streets walking around or just chilling with a cup of tea or coffee in front of the cafes. Sighing, Zack turned to Cody, as he was waiting near the door.
" You ready?" He asked. Zack nodded.
" Kev and Alex haven't come back yet, so we might as well just explore ourselves." Zack reasoned. Cody shook his head.
" I just want to find a way out of here." Cody grunted, as they opened the door. Seeing the guards that were supposed to be in front of the door were gone, that meant that Kevin and Alex were still walking around. Cody and Zack looked at each other, before shrugging and decided to head down the left hall. The two humans lost track of time as they continued to walk in the maze known as the castle, looking out the windows or just looking down the hall. They conversed absentmindedly, laughing as they told jokes or talked about Equestria.
" I gotta say, your little sister and Kev's are nothing but little she devils. I still don't trust them you know that."
" Oh come on Cody it was just a little prank!" Zack begged, a smile on his face as Cody grunted.
" Do you know how emotionally that hurt me!?"
" Just because they were raisins and not chocolate chips doesn't mean who had to chase them screaming bloody murder! I mean they enjoyed that since they thought you were playing but seriously dude, you need to know when to take a joke." Cody sighed, pinching the base of his nose as he sighed in frustration.
" Whatever man just tell her that she better not do it again." Zack stopped, his smile rapidly fleeing his face. Cody stopped and turned to him, only for his mind to click.
" We're gonna get back man. Don't worry I'm sure of it." Zack didn't smile, but Cody could tell that his words helped him, even just by a little.
" Yeah, we gotta get back." Cody smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder before continuing to walk. They turned to walk down the left corridor, only for their eyes to widen in surprise. The throne doors were in front of them, the two guards looking toward the humans with raised brows. Cody simply waved and was about to turn away, but stopped as he thought. If we need a way back, then surely the leader of this country must know something. Ha, like she would tell me everything, it's probably some ancient highly classified magic. Cody looked to Zack, who stared at the guards with a blank expression. Cody winced slightly, seeing as the last conversation still bothered his friend. Ugh, I should never had said those things. Damn way to go man. Cody looked to the door, sighing as he furrowed his brow in determination. I still have to try. She may not tell me everything, but there must be another way. Cody walked over to Zack, tapping him on the shoulder.
" I have an idea." Zack tilted his head slightly, as Cody continued. " Let's go and try to talk to the princess, see if there is a way to get back O.K.?" Zack wide eyed, looking to the door before looking back.
" You sure? I mean is it really alright for us to even ask about that?"
" Well she did understand how it feels to leave your home and loved ones behind, or she said someone close to her experienced it. But that doesn't matter, we came here without a choice and she should at least be kind enough to give us some lead." Cody walked up to the doors, the guards tensing slightly. Cody felt nervous, wondering if this would really work. Dammit, where the hell is Kevin for these negotiating things when you need him?
" Um, we just want to talk to the princess about how to get back to our world. I hope you don't mind use entering the throne room?" Cody asked, a nervous smile on his face as Zack came up behind him. The guards looked to each other, before the one on the right spoke up.
" If you will wait here, the Princess is having a small audience with one of the nobles at the time being." Cody nodded.
" Then we will simply wait here. We have nothing better to do so might as well." Zack shrugged, walking up to the left wall and sliding down it as he pulled his cap down over his eyes. Cody walked next to him, leaning against the wall as he stood in thought. Let's hope this wait is worth it.
**********
Kevin and Alex walked up to the exit of the castle, the draw bridge down as the six ponies were getting ready to head to the train. Twilight checks her bags before looking up, her eyes widening as she saw the two. Kevin smiles as he waves at them, Alex lazily saluting as they walk up. It still took time for the six ponies to get used to the four creatures that they have never heard of before. Their height was intimidating, and the fact that they could stand on two legs without the support of a tail of falling as they moved so fluently amazed the purple unicorn. On the other hoof, the gear they brought also seemed to amaze her. Maybe she could have a look at it with their permission?
" There you girls are. Let me guess you're gonna head out?" Kevin's questioned knocked Twilight out of her trance. She smiled.
" Yep. Now that the wedding is over and our duties are complete, we'll be heading back to Ponyville. But before we do, can you answer a few of our questions?" She asked.
" Well that is the reason why we are here. Zack and Cody were asleep so we decided not to bother them. So in the mean time both me and Alex could try and answer your questions to the best of our abilities." Alex nodded as the two humans and the six ponies walked to the side of the road, sitting down on a few benches. Twilight sighed, a smile on her face as she pulled out a notebook and what appeared to be a quill and an ink pot. Clearing her throat, Twilight decided to start.
" Alright, first question. How can you stand on two legs so well?" Kevin looked at her with a raised brow, Alex having to answer.
" We originally evolved from primates, much more hairy versions of us who used to walk on all fours." Alex got down on all fours to show how their ancient ancestors used to walk, and slowly began to stand up while he walked in place.
" Over time, our species began to evolve both physically and mentally, leading to what me and Kevin are now." Twilight scribbled down her notes. As she was busy doing that, Rainbow Dash hovered in front of Kevin.
" Oh Oh my turn!" She said, a look of excitement on her face.
" What is it Rainbow Dash?" Kevin asked. Rainbow simply pointed a hoof to Kevin's side, making him look and give Rainbow a worried look.
" Yeah what about it?" He asked, his muscles tensing as he already knew the answer had to do something with his side arm.
" Can I see it! Oh is it a ray gun? You are aliens so it is isn't it!?" Twilight gave her a worried look.
" Rainbow Dash we shouldn't be messing with their equipment like that!" Rainbow rolled her eyes.
" But you wanted to study their stuff and them since we first met at the party." Twilight smiled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head.
" O.K. I may have wanted to see their stuff but they barely even know us and we don't know what that stuff does! For all we know it could be dangerous." Kevin decided to intervene. Looking to Rainbow, he gave her a stern look.
" Rainbow Dash, I will show you my pistol, but this is a weapon and is very dangerous. You will not hold it, you will not touch it. I will not shoot it and risk hurting one of you and you will never fire this. These tools we have are meant to kill do I make myself clear?" Kevin said. Everypony was silent seeing how serious the human was. Rainbow had stopped flying, and was looking at the ground rather than Kevin. She rubbed her shoulder with her hoof as she grew more and more nervous, wondering if she had upset the human. Nodding, she exhaled.
" C-crystal." Nodding, Kevin reached for his side arm, the ponies leaning in closely to see the piece. The pistol slid out, as Kevin aimed it upwards. Carefully, Kevin released the clip, placing it on the bench, as well as cocking back the slide, the chambered round popping out. Catching it, Kevin placed it next to the mag as he sighed. Holding the pistol with both of his hands, he showed it to the ponies like it was a piece behind a glass container.
" This weapon is known as an M1911 colt, which was made on the year 1911. It was used in the first World War but gained its popularity through the second World War." Kevin looked to the ponies, to see their faces with a mix of fear and uneasiness. Raising a brow, Kevin looked to Twilight, who looked a little sick.
" What is it? Was it something I said?" he asked. Twilight cleared her throat.
" Y-you had t-two World Wars?" She asked, her voice pleading that it wasn't true. Those pleas were crushed when Kevin nodded.
" Yeah, the first one was caused by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the second one was caused by a little man known as Adolf Hitler who invaded Poland on September 1st, 1939." He replied, the calmness in his voice did not help the ponies ease their minds. Twilight shook her head in disapproval, her eyes never leaving Kevin's.
" Wh-why? Why did you all fight?" Kevin shrugged.
" I don't know much about the first one but the second one was either wait for Germany to swallow all of the East coast and commit mass genocide, or bring down the Socialist, or Fascist which ever you prefer, government and put an end to the bloodshed."
" By adding more on top of that?" Twilight questioned.
" Hey not every battle can be won by just sitting down and talking to your opponent. Not every stranger you meet is a new friend you can make." Kevin's words sunk in, as Twilight remembered the recent battle they had. They could have tried to reason with Chrysalis, but she felt deep down inside that something like talking wouldn't really get her anywhere with the queen. Sighing, she looked up as Kevin tried to get back on track.
" Anyways, this thing shoots lead aerodynamic bullets that can travel up to a velocity of 825 feet per second. It holds seven rounds plus one in the chamber, a .45 caliber." Kevin cocked the gun back to show how it worked. Twilight continued to write down notes, but she seemed to be writing a lot slower with less enthusiasm than she started off with. The group continued to ask questions, more on a different topic rather than their weapons and the wars. Twilight focused on the history of the humans, Kevin telling her the parts that didn't involve fighting, and more on a positive side. Pinkie Pie would most likely ask about the types of sugary sweets they had back on earth. This continued on for a few more minutes before Twilight yelped in panic, seeing the time. Quickly saying their goodbyes, Twilight and her friends quickly rushed past the bridge, Kevin and Alex waving bye to them as they did. Finally, when the ponies were out of view, Kevin sighed with a smile on his face.
" Well I'm not gonna lie, those girls really ask a lot of questions." Alex nodded.
" I agree with you Kev. It was like telling a kid our whole history." Alex said.
" I just wish that the battles don't mentally scar them." Kevin said, a worried look crossing his features.
" I'm sure they'll be fine. I mean they just had a first look at conflict when we got here, so a battle shouldn't be too bad." Kevin shook his head.
" It still doesn't matter. They don't have a violent world like ours, games or not we have seen enough to know just how dangerous and violent a world can get if it is pushed in the wrong direction." Alex looked to Kevin, seeing as he was deep in thought. Sighing, Alex placed a hand on Kevin's shoulder.
" Let's head back. It's gonna be lunch soon and I don't know about you but all of that attention and talking is making me hungry." Smiling Kevin nodded in agreement, the two friends sharing a small laugh as they started to head back in the castle, hoping that Cody and Zack weren't doing anything stupid.
**********
The two humans stood in the throne room, Celestia smiling to them as they stood there. Cody cleared his throat, deciding to get the conversation over with. Seeing the nervousness in Cody's eyes, Celestia gave him a worried looked.
" Princess, we would like to ask a few questions." Cody said. Making her nod in understanding.
" Of course Cody, please do tell me what is on your mind." She said, her voice as soft as a mothers. Cody sighed, lowering his head as he thought of a way to ease into it and not sound so demanding. As much as he found the place astonishing, knowing that there is another world out there, and spending it with three of his closest friends, he wanted out. He wanted to go back to his family, his school, his little brother. As much as he found some interest in this world, he wanted to go back.
" The thing is Princess, we've been thinking of ways to go back to our world." Celestia's eyes widened slightly, but she remained silent, urging Cody to continue.
" A-and, well, we were wondering if you know anyways for dimensional travel." Cody said, stuttering slightly as he was never as smooth as Kevin when it came to talking, especially to those of high authority. Surprisingly, Celestia did not seem mad at all.
" I have heard of the possibility of dimensional travel, but I can't remember anything specific off the top of my head. I do know it takes a huge amount of magic to complete such a task." Celestia said. Cody looked to Zack with a worried look.
" Is there any research on the topic?" Zack asked, stepping up next to Cody. Celestia nodded.
" I do believe so yes, in the Canterlot Archives. But it may take a while to find it in there." Cody sighed.
" It will be fine, as long as there is a way to get back."
" Ah well yes, um, about that." Celestia said, her face showing worry and sorrow. Cody's eyes widened, fear starting to creep up.
" What? What is it?" He asked, his voice almost above a whisper.
" Well you see Cody, the chances of a successful dimensional trip is lower than sixty-five percent." The room was silent, Cody and Zack saying nothing as the silence continued.
" Your kidding... come one it's got to be a joke." Zack's voice was nothing but a small whisper, as he looked at the ground in disbelief. Cody's distance stare stabbed ice into Celestia's heart, as she looked at the ground. How, out of all the dimensions, universes, stars, hell even planets, how could we find our very one solar system, Let alone our GODDAMN PLANET!? Cody clenched his fist as he looked to the floor, his brow furrowed. Sixty-fucking-five! No... no, don't think of it like that. Cody shook his head, a determined look on his face as he looked up to Celestia.
" It is still a chance Princess, one I am willing to take." Celestia gave Cody a sorrow look.
" I understand your eagerness to return to your world, but please be careful in doing so." She said. Cody nodded, looking over to Zack to see him looking back with a nervous look.
" It's less than a sixty-five chance Cody."
" That is still a chance! There is still a way!" Cody countered. Zack looked at the ground, not sure whose words to believe. Whatever man just tell her that she better not do it again. Zack couldn't shake his sister out of his mind. Her worrying where her brother went, crying with his parents, these thoughts shrouded Zack's mind, the thoughts breaking his heart. Zack felt a hand squeeze gently on his shoulder, making him look up to see Cody.
" Hey. I promise, we're gonna get through this alright? I'm gonna, we, are gonna find a way back, and all of us will go back to our normal lives." Zack smiled on the inside. He's right. Just hold on a little longer lil sis, big bro's coming home, no matter what. The smile spread to his face, as he nodded.
" Yeah, I'm sure we can find something." Cody chuckled, as Zack rolled his shoulders, getting his mindset back. No time to get all depressed. We still have a chance. Zack waved by to the Princess, adding a wink as well, making her stop her wave slightly, blushing before she continued, her eyes more focused on Cody instead. Zack chuckled as they left, the doors closing behind them as they walked back to their room. Besides, my friends are here with me. We can do this!
" I believe we need to keep this to ourselves Zack." Cody said, making Zack's train of thought come to a grinding halt.
" What? Why?" Cody stopped at their door, sighing as he looked Zack in the eye.
" I would rather not have an argument with the two and instead focusing on trying to get back home. Once we find a way we'll tell them and we'll get out of this place." Zack looked at his friend, not really following his train of thought.
" Like I said, why not just tell them now?"
" There you guys are!" Zack looked up to see Alex and Kevin walking towards them from the right hallway, waving to them as they did. Cody waved back, a smile on his face.
" Where did you guys go?" He asked.
" Oh we just met up with Twilight and her friends, answered a few questions and so fourth. What about you guys?" Kevin asked. Zack was about to answer, but Cody beat him to it.
" Oh we just went and walked around, this place is pretty big." Cody said. Kevin nodded.
" I agree, I hope we can look at this place more as well as what else in this Equestria." Cody's brow furrowed slightly.
" Yeah, that would be pretty nice." Cody muttered. No one took notice, Alex stepping into the conversation.
" Well we came here to see if you guys were awake and what do you know you are. So how about some food I'm starving." He said.
" Sure I can go for something to eat." Zack said.
" Might as well." Kevin replied. Cody simply nodded, opening the door as the four walked in, either to use the bathroom or to wait for those who were gonna use it. The four friends, with the answers they held today, were suddenly divided in two.
Author's Note
Welp here is the next chapter!
I would like to apologize as something major came up in my family which I would prefer not to talk about...
Still, gotta look to the future and continue onwards!
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Keep on Writing and Keep on reading!
