Exodus

You ever have a bad dream that you can't wake from? A dream that seems so real, but its not? A dream where you watch your closest friend die in your arms, or a dream where your dying, but don't even know it?

I had a dream last night. A dream about an attack by Taliban on a American FOB. We were losing. Kelley was shot. I was shot. But Kelley was in worse shape than I. I didn't even notice my wound until the near end. I woke up and I was sweating, and Fluttershy was at the door with a shocked expression. The things she heard me say in my sleep, she said, was a bit worrying. She heard me throwing curses at a dream. She heard me crying because of a dream. She heard me screaming, and talking, and hyperventilating...

Because of a goddamn dream.

Its weird, as i'm not a man to cry often. Sure, I've cried recently during my time in this.... place. But, that.... well fear is a hell of a feeling, ain't it? But seriously! Ask Kelley! Cunningham! Or even Ray, but I don't recommend that, as he never spoke often. Two out of three of them would tell you that they had never seen me cry. Honestly.

"Its OK, Fluttershy. I got the dishes. Its the least I can do."

Fluttershy had said my screaming was loud. Very loud. She said that it was so loud that Zecora (y'know, the weird mysterious pony that the nearby town almost killed that Fluttershy and Minuette spoke of yesterday?) came to check on her in the middle of the night. Was I that loud? Damn.

"Oh, thank you."

Angel was at my bedside when I woke up. Giving me the funniest glare a rabbit could give a man. Guess I kept him up last night, eh? Ahahahaha....

You know, that just reminded me. In my dream, I felt like I was being watched. But, I don't know why. I mean, its weird. It was a dream, and I dream't of a battlefield. Of course I was being watched. By enemies. By allies. By the wounded. By God. By everybody. But, this feeling? It was different. I just... I don't know how to explain it.

The water swallowing my hands was a comfort. I grabbed the first plate and began scrubbing and wiping it. Rinsing it off with the faucet and placing it on a rack to dry. I then got the next plate, which was a bit dirtier. It had gotten severely cold last night. According to Fluttershy, that signals snow isn't far from falling. When I woke from my dream I was also shivering. She, however was not. Combined with a scarf and her natural fur, I doubt she was too cold. But I'm sure she felt it. To compensate for my lack of fur she had given me extra blankets. She also noted that my uniform, what she calls an external hide, was too thin fabric wise to keep me warm and said she would ask a friend to make me something. I scoffed at that. Would her friend make me an ugly sweater? Or will it cower in fear of the unknown creature that stands taller than it?

Damn, this plate wont come clean will it?

There were not that many dishes, me and Fluttershy don't produce a lot since its just the two of us. But the plate I got? It doesn't want to come clean. I gripped the sponge tighter and applied more force on the scrubbing, still no fruit born. A little more strength, and still nothing.

Eventually, I started scrubbing like a mad-man. Going all over the plate trying to get this little piece of leftover off. Still not clean yet. Dammit! Come clean alrea-

*SPLASH*

Oh shit.

"Uhhh. Well... fuck Shit.." I murmured. The plate, unfortunately, snapped in half as a response to my irritated reply to use force to scrub the plate clean. I see now that it was not a good idea in the first place. I looked around cautiously for Fluttershy, but thankfully she was not in sight. I gave a little sigh of relief and quickly scoured the kitchen for the garbage can. When I did find it, I immiediatly reached into the soapy water and pulled out the other broken half and made for the garbage can.

"Hey, uhhh, Sergeant?" I heard from atop the stairs, accompanied by the sounds of hooves descending wood. My internal warmth fueled by anxiety, I quickly opened the lid and tossed the broken plate inside, closing it in time before Fluttershy was down the stairs.

"What did you throw away?"

"A napkin." I hastily answered, and my haste caused her to look at me for a second with eyes that say "Ummmm. OK.". But it seemed that she believed me.

I panicked because the stairs lead right into the kitchen and she would've saw that I had broken a plate. I would rather not earn the ire of....anything right now. Especially something that had fed, shelter, and nurtured me to health. Even though Fluttershy was.... whats the proper word? Cowardly? Reticent.

Reticent.

Even though she was reticent, I know from personal experience that those types of people, or ponies in this case, were timid on the outside but fierce on the inside. Push them to their limit and they will disfigure your face or rupture your balls with a single punch.

Look at Kelley. A timid Marine. Ever seen that before? Neither have I. But I saw him gut an insurgent once and not blink twice. He was fierce when his limit was pushed.

"Right... o-OK then, well... I just wanted to know what this did." She asked, holding up my M9 in her hooves. "I remember that you told me days ago it had a function back where you came from. But I never-" I immediately grabbed it out of her hooves and attempted to holster it, as it dangerous to the untrained. But I realized that my holster wasn't on me, so instead, I just held it. "-said... anything."

"Its a weapon. Don't touch it." I said. "Its very dangerous to untrained han- err-- hooves." I said, checking the safety.

"A weapon?!" She said, backing away. Her eyes widening. "Oh dear... please... Just put it down." She said, backing away with fear in her voice.

"Hey, you brought it to me." I said. "Well.. In any case, the plates are clean. Thank you for the apple... and the carrots." I said. Fluttershy just smiled before returning upstairs. I smiled and looked back to my pistol, wondering why the carrots tasted so good. Mayhaps that the cold air made it more refreshing? Like a bottle of water in the a morning during winter? Or was it the rations that I acquired a taste for?

The rest of the morning was just me and Fluttershy chatting as I assisted her with her chores. Apparently, Thursdays were work days for her. Dishes, should any accumulate during the week. Dusting. And bathing any animals that needed it. I opted out of the last one there, as I didn't even want to get near her bear. And Angel hates my guts. The rest of her animals do not trust me, and vice versa.

Since I've been, I sorta just accepted all of this already. I mean, its weird. Why would these... ponies... have reason to lie to me? But during my time here, I pulled my gun three times on the door. Constantly talk in my sleep (according to Fluttershy). And otherwise just act the way I do back home. I joke around when I can, I take it easy and relax when I can, and I normally just try to strike up a conversation with my caretaker. Of course, she is more interested in me at times. Moreso than I am of her. She asks me of where I came from. What I am. What a Marine"is. And more. She is very curious. As if prying for information....

I shoved the thoughts of what her "true" intentions were to the darkest, deepest reaches of my mind. She is a pony. A pegasus. No more, no less.

No less? Its like your in a fucking childs story! The fuck you mean "No more, no less"?!

Well.. it might not make a lot of sense, and somewhere inside me I still don't believe it, but I'm here. I have to push on. One thing training taught me was to keep my head down, follow orders, help my allies, and keep moving. But since there are no orders being barked at me, no bullets are flying, and I'm alone, I might as well just keep going.

When I was done helping her dust, a good hour had passed by. Her knick-knacks clean and what not. And I sat on her couch, a tea cup in my lap. The last thing in entire world I had ever wanted in my lap. But, tea does sound nice. And, boy, does she brew something good. Despite the taste I acquired for the rations, not all of them were to my liking. There was one with chili and mac and cheese.... euuugh.

Then there was one with crackers and hot sauce. No. Just no.

My MP3 had died days ago, and I had looked around for an outlet, but found nothing. Of course, her house is a tree. I doubted electrical wiring would well here. At night its dark in house, save for candles but they don't last long. A lantern in the front yard, but snow covered it up and every morning I would go out and unearth it. This morning it was just too cold to do it, so I decided to wait until Noon, when the sun would be at its peak and the warmth would cascade upon the earth.

"Tea is almost ready."

Fluttershy has been a most gracious host. Keeping me fed, warm, hydrated, and otherwise informed on my surroundings. While she is reluctant to tell me of the town, and the leaders of this nation she calls "Equestria", she has told me of its name, its inhabitants, and the flow of magic. Something that interested me greatly.

Magic...

My thoughts were interrupted as a warmth found its way on my lap, a warmth radiating from tea that Fluttershy was pouring into my cup. I had realized I was just staring into space for a good minute and I felt slightly embarrassed at this, I spoke a thank you before taking a sip. But a sharp knock on the door caused me to end the mid-sip and reach for my gun. But I realized that it wouldn't be a grand idea and instead quickly got up, setting aside the tea cup and slightly spilling some in my haste. Fluttershy looked at me and mouthed a few words, but I knew she was telling me to hide. She walked towards the door and I quickly scampered upstairs, careful to not make a sound. As soon as I was out of sight of the front door, I heard it open, and I stopped. Pressing myself against the well and drawing my sidearm, I listened intently. I don't know why I drew it, no Taliban would ambush me. But I guess it was instinct.

"Oh, hi Minuette. Berry Punch."

"Hey, how you doin'?" A voice sounded, her accent much more.... Bronx.

A New York accent, what?

"I'm doing fine. Thank you for asking. Uhh, before I let you in Minuette did inform you on..." The calm and softer voice started, but she paused, getting softer so it would be harder for me to hear. I will admit, I had to strain to hear it. "You know."

"Ah, yeah. Don't worry. She filled me in last night. Thought I gots to say, I didn't believe her at first. But then again, when has she ever lied, right?" The other said. It wasn't Minuette, I know that much. Minuette was much... well... She didn't sound like a street tough, lets say that. Her friend though? I have questions. Major questions. "Can we come in, I didn't exactly prepares for the cold."

"Oh, yeah! Oh sorry, hehehe. Come right in." She said, a second later, I heard her say: "Don't be scared when he comes down." in a hushed tone. "Sergeant... Its alright, its Minuette!" She called to me. Though, calling wouldn't be appropriate. No, a soft beckon would be better. But nonetheless, I responded. I responded by holstering my pistol and staying put. There was another one down there. Not just Minuette and Fluttershy, who knew of my existence.

But another pony.

Now this worried me. Would this pony believe me to be a monster the second she saw me? Would she attack? Or... something? I had no clue.

"Sergeant, its alright. Just come down." She affirmed.

I lingered upstairs for a few seconds, hesitant to come down. She knew I was here, though. No denying that. They all knew. So, I slowly came down. Poking my head past the wall, I spied the pony. A plum coated mare with a raspberry mane. This one, unlike her friends, was a normal one. Fluttershy had told me of these... Earth Ponies. Ones without aerial powers or magical powers. She also told me what they lack in aerodynamics and magic, they make up for in great strength. She had saw my uneasy look, and gave an expression of care. Like one would give a friend who underwent a life changing event.

"Its OK, fella. Come out." She spoke. Her New York accent thick.

She only saw my head, and it was a wonder how she didn't guess my height. Maybe she had braced herself already? Or maybe she just simply didn't care. I soon moved into full view. And I saw her eyes widen slightly. I looked at her as I went down the stairs, and she returned my gaze. I felt awkward.

"Hey there." She said.

"Hey."

She looked at Minuette, who only looked a little more nervous than her friend. She cast a glance back at me when I arrived at the bottom of the stairs, but quickly returned it to her friend. She spoke softly.

"Ya didn't tell me he was a...tall thing."

"I told you he wasn't a pony!"

"Yeah, well, you really didn't specify anything either." She mumbled back, but she quickly cleared her throat and looked back at me, a small smile on her face. She stumbled her words at first, but was able to find what she wanted in her vocals. "Uhh, hey there... I'm Berryshine. Ya must be that Sergeant Minuette was telling me 'bout... Well, nice to meet ya." She said, approaching me. Albeit slowly. True to her name, there was a picture of grapes and a strawberry on her ass.

Whats with the locals having pictures on their asses? At first, I'd chalk it up to them being tattoos, but they ALL have them.

I smiled and knelt down, which she recoiled from. I mentally rolled my eyes when she said "Sergeant". I've told them my name possibly a hundred times, but they continue to call me Sergeant. They said the word Daniel Crouse doesn't roll off the tongue easy.

"Hi, I am Sergeant. Pleasure to meet you errr, Berryshine." I said. Her smile grew.

"You know, I gots to say. I didn't expect you to be soooo.....tall." She replied, eliciting a chuckle from me. Fluttershy closed the door, looking around before shutting it. I noticed a large cart outside, but it didn't concern me. What did concern me was the fact that Minuette had brought a friend to see me. So, I looked to her for answers.

"So, Minuette... got somethin' to say?" I asked, not wanting to hurt Berryshine's feelings. Minuette, however, had a small embarrassed blush. Kinda looked cute on a little pastel horse. Then again, they all looked cute. She sighed.

"Fluttershy...." She said, looking over to her with an annoyed look.

"Oh, ehem..." Fluttershy stumbled, obviously remembering something she had forgotten. I looked to her, an expectant eye. And she looked visibly nervous. Over the week I have been here, I've come to expect this from her. A shy pony such as her hates the spotlight, and I can understand that. But sometimes, you have to do things in the spotlight.

Hell, I wouldn't be a Marine if I didn't do things in the spotlight.

Fluttershy met my eyes. Obviously dreading what she has to say. Though why I couldn't say.

"Sergeant... I-errr... I think its time for you to... uhh, eheh, uhh..." She started somewhat audible, but getting softer and gentler as she spoke. To the point where audibility was small. The last word she uttered was barely made a sound, and I looked at her confused. Do what?

"Speak up." I asked, looking down at her. Her nervousness was apparent to me, and I was getting more curious by the second. Especially because they trust another pony with my secret presence.

<><><>

"What?!" I asked, my brow raising and my voice a little louder than it should have. Fluttershy backed away understandably. And Minuette and Berryshine? They looked a little nervous. Berryshine more than Minuette. I wasn't pissed. I was annoyed and slightly hurt, but wasn't pissed.

It was making sense why she was nervous now. She wanted me out.

...

Maybe there's a better way to word that.

Her reasons for wanting me gone were well founded and I could tell she had thought about this for a while. One being that she cannot take the risk anymore. My nightmares started not too long ago and already she is losing sleep to my sleep talk. Angel fuckin' hates me. And she says I "scare" him. But that's bull. He is just an aggressive animal. Other reasons weren't too significant to mention. Before I could even ask, Minuette told me she offered to take me in and Fluttershy had accepted. Days ago, of course. But that all mean't we would have to get through town. A town full of ponies. Ponies who have never seen my like before (according to Fluttershy). Ponies who nearly killed a foreigner just on the suspicion of witchcraft.

Fluttershy was still nervous. A bit frightened, too. But that's natural. The slightest bump in the night will frighten her. Tsk tsk. The other two ponies were just a bit frightened, nervous as it were. But when my stature relaxed, they relaxed as well. Fluttershy too, but not as much as she could've. But then again, she is a coward.

"Sorry... didn't... didn't mean to get so loud." I said, calmly. "Force of habit, I guess."

They all looked at me for a second there.

"Force'a'habit?" Berryshine asked. Confused. I've told Minuette and Fluttershy of my militaristic origins, but I doubt they believe me. And I highly doubt Minuette let Berryshine in on my claim.

Well, yeah. Force of habit. I mean, I lived a good while in a war zone. The only way to be heard or get your point across is to yell. Have a loud voice. Sort of a neccesity.... Ray never did have a loud voice. Of course, he spoke rarely so it was often a weird moment if he did speak.

I think its worth noting that his voice had a deep bass to it, despite his reticence.

"Yeah..." I looked back at Fluttershy, and at the same time moving to her couch to sit down. "So..."

"So..." Minuette echoed.

"So, how do you propose I even get through town? I mean, Berryshine was warned of my presence before she saw me. She had time to...prepare I guess. But what of the others. If they see me, panic could ensue and I could be trampled." I spoke.

Minuette and Berryshine looked at each other, the latter smirking.

"Well, we went ahead and thought of that."

<><><>

A cart. They put me... in a cart.

A cart.

A cart packed with Minuettes belongings. Some blankets, packs and whatnot. I was on the bottom, blankets lying on top of me as so I wouldn't be "too uncomfortable" according to Berryshine. What a load, though. I'm laying here, underneath all of these blankets. Pushed against the wooden bottom of the cart. A tarp draped over the whole thing, letting in little light. The cart is being pulled by Berryshine (my knowledge, of course, coming from the fact I asked earlier). According to what everybody is saying, Earth Ponies are the strongest of the three. I was wearing my uniform, stitched together well by Fluttershy's friend. Apparently she left the house in the middle of the night two nights ago and brought my t-shirt and my other pair of trousers to said friend, who had it done before sunrise. My SCP and other blouse, however, were destroyed beyond repair. They were trash.

It was unfortunate.

Suffice to say, it was uncomfortable.

I had my bandanna wrapped over my face, so no rocks or dust could kick up into my mouth or nose. I had said my goodbyes to Fluttershy and exchanged hugs. I told I would come visit, but I knew that I wouldn't. Or at least, not for a while. Not until I become an equal with the SEALs in the terms of stealth. Minuette and Berryshine would often chat on the way to the train. As if nothing was going on. As if they were not smuggling an alien into town. They said their destination is the Train station. And from there? Canterlot. The capitol.

My rifle was next to me, loaded with one of my few magazines. My M9 in my holster, on safety. And my Ka-Bar in my boot. In case trouble reared its ugly head, I would be ready. But I doubt anything would happen. Doesn't hurt to be prepared. My pack with my only possessions was in the cart too, or rather, on the side of it. Hooked into the wood alongside other tools and bags.

I passed the time by DJing music in my head. Listening to Minuette and Berryshine chat. Mostly gossip.

"Ya knows, I heard Derpy had spent the night with Doctor Whooves, if ya understand me." Berryshines distinct accent sounded.

"Nah, no way! He's too classy. Too... blue-blooded. He wouldn't commit to a one night stand."

"Who says it was a one night stand?" Berryshine retorted.

They both giggled.

Oh god, its like High School ceramics all over again!

Time passed, and they gossiped some more. I eventually stopped DJing, as it was becoming terrifying to my psych. It was cool every now and again, but keep doing it and you'll think your insane... As time passed, the two mares gossip continued and I began to feel drowsy. Possibly from the movement and the lack of activity. But more voices nearby signaled where we were.

Ponyville...

More female voices. Very little male, from what I hear. The two in front changed their topic from gossip to just plain chatting. All the noise, though, kept me awake... Its been hard for me, lately, to sleep. Not a lot of noise. But I've already began to adjust to it, and now its a little harder for me to sleep through noise. The cart turned. And I felt the change in direction as my rifle bumped into me.

More time passed as we went through the town. Passing by multiple ponies. At one point, I saw, through a crack in the wagons wood, a purple unicorn. A mare by the looks of it, talking to a Pegasus with Rainbow hair.. err, mane. A Rainbow mane. They cast a glance in my direction, but quickly returned to the conversation they were sharing. No way they saw me, just probably wanted to see who was pulling the wagon. Another pony bounced by, a pink one with mane the color of bubblegum. She was humming a tune that sounded vaguely familiar. The two at front payed no mind to the ponies around. 'Cept when one pony spoke up.

"Hey, Berryshine! We on for drinks and pool tonight at the tavern?" She asked.

"Sure, just don't try to kiss me, like ya did last time."

"Oooh, right." She said, drawing out the "oooh" like someone just got caught doing something bad. "I'm still surprised you were sober enough to remember that. Besides, I was drunk."

"Mmmmhm."

"Oh, hey Minuette. You look good!"

"Thanks, Lyra!"

.....

I'm not even gonna mentally comment on that. The whole thought of these things making out is just....odd, for lack of a better word.

After a while, the whole wagon stopped. Berryshine spoke up, loud enough to make sure I heard.

"OK, here we are. The train station. Lets get your stuff ready." She spoke, probably loud enough to catch other ponies attention. But I doubt they paid mind. Why would they? I did take that as my cue that I should ready up and hugged my rifle close. I checked to make sure my pistol and knife was still there, and I was ready to go. I heard the tarp being pulled back, and I saw the light of day once more. Sure, strains of light broke through the fabric, but it didn't compare to the sunny and cloudless day. The air was cool. But the wagon made it hot. Soon, my thoughts wandered. I knew it wasn't time to get out yet, and so I stayed put.

I wonder what Canterlot looks like. Well, I don't even know what Ponyville looks like.

Author's Note

Alright, explanation time! Ill be honest, I felt extremely nervous to publish this chapter and I also feel that my writing skill has deteriorated slightly. But, regardless, I'm sorry for the long ass wait, and I know most of you probably aren't too happy. But, it isn't my fault. Not totally at any rate.

I've had a rough beginning to 2017. Romantic rejection (twice in three months), failure of the YPFT (which means i'm not eligible for promotion in my unit until the next one which is next year), grades sorta faltering. Low morale due to Fo:E - A Policemare in New Oatleans poor ratings, and other daily trivalties to life that I constantly go through day to day.

I've also started weight lifting, which takes my time as well. My current rep max is 300, btw. Can't tell if that's good or not.

Anyways, i'm sorry. I'm back, but i'm sorry. Enjoy the story.