A US Marine in Equestria

Capital

I once remember watching a Robin Hood show from BBC. The hip young Robin once hid in a wagon as his friends drove it. They were able to successfully infiltrate Nottingham Castle, but the Sheriff soon caught wind and after a bit, a nice pitched battle took place in courtyard. Guards vs the Merrymen. Great music accompanied it... Forgot what episode it was. Come to think of it, I never did finish the series, as I was soon shipped to Afghanistan when I got to season two.

I heard it was cancelled. Damn it all.

Anyways, this whole situation I was in kinda reminded me of it. I mean, I was hiding in a wagon. Getting ready to "infiltrate" a train. Dragged by friends. But they weren't people, rather horses. The thing is, the only danger is getting caught. No battle with guards in black chainmail and iron. No music. No Little John. Just me outrunning the pitchforks and torches because I'm a little reluctant to shoot the little pastel ponies. Maybe Minuette and Berryshine will be hanged?

No, no. This place is too colorful for all that. I mean, sure, I got mauled a few days ago. But the contrast was that my blood wasn't cartoonish, but rather realistic. I don't know. Death seems out of place for this setting. Maybe i'm wrong though, maybe its all the same here? I mean... it seems the sexual joys of life are still a thing here.

Eh, maybe.

When I saw the daylight, I was surprised by the position of the sun. It showed it was noon, which mean't I had spent at least three hours in the wagon. It was weird though, I didn't feel like I spent that long in it. Maybe listening to them gab on and on and my mental DJing had passed the time? Or did I fall asleep and wake up and not even realize it? I don't know. But then again, I don't care. I heard Minuette speaking to me.

"Alright Sergeant, we're here. Just sit tight, we have to load up. When I say, dash into the car, understand?" She said. I didn't say anything. But she paid no mind, I knew she knew that I had understood.

I'm no stranger to following orders. And in combat, sometimes all you gotta do to show you understand is look at them. But usually, its always better to say "Yessir!" or "Yes Ma'am!" than give silence. I heard Berrsyhine approach.

"Youse ponies better hurry up. Train leaves in ten minutes. Come on, lets ya things loaded up." She said, grabbing one of the blankets on top of me. They were neatly folded, so picking them up was easy for them. For Minuette however? The remaining blankets on me we enveloped in her unique golden glow. And she looked inside to me and mouthed the words "Get ready.". And so I did.

I grabbed my rifle and quickly put it on safety. I checked its magazine, fully. And last I checked, the other three were in my pack. My pistol was still on its safety, and my knife still in its sheath. Around me, Minuettes belongings being either enveloped in golden light or being picked up in Berryshines mouth. They weren't kidding when they said Earth Ponies are strong as fuck, as I saw her pick up Minuettes pack. Which seemed to be filled with personal hygiene items and among other things.

After a few seconds of Berryshines leaving with that pack, I looked around the wagon and realized soon how empty it was. Before they started unloading, and after as well. Was there really not that many things in here?

Well, I guess she was just visiting. Why would she bring the whole broom closet?

Minuette appeared next to me, nearly making me jump. She spoke quietly as to not gain attention.

"Go, now!" She whispered before moving away. And just as fast as she moved away, I was out of the wagon. I was on one knee, and had my vision down my sights. My training had kicked in, and I was clearing my surroundings. Around me, there were ponies, and even a creature that resembled a mythical griffon. It was looking around, but never landed in my direction. In fact, none of the ponies on the station noticed me. All of them caught up in there own business to notice something out of the ordinary. I mean, thats not to say that if I lingered around they wouldn't notice, its just that they haven't yet.

The station floor was made of wood, and the building of white planks. I could see inside it, it was like one of those old train stations in those wild west movies. Where the whole town is just one road with buildings on both sides. Train station at one end, saloon at the other. That being said, the stations doors were wide open. I saw ponies moving inside, but couldn't make out any genders or specific colors.

On the station itself, however. There were mostly female ponies there, few male looking ones. All of them different colors. Green. Blue. Purple. Orange, etcetera etcetera. The griffon, I noticed, was soon talking to that rainbow pony. But I paid no mind to it. Pegasi flew overhead, and I began to realized how exposed I was in the open. I then turned to grab my pack which was still on the wagon. It jingled slightly as its contents reacted to the sudden movement. As soon as I had it in my hands, I turn and sprinted as fast as I could to the train. Boarding it and quickly disappearing behind the wall. I took a quick deep breath and looked back. No one had saw me.

I studied the interior briefly. It looked exactly how a storage car of a train looked. Crates. Briefcases. Bags. Coolers. All that sorta stuff. There was even a sofa with a tag that read "To: His Grace, Prince Blueblood".

A Prince, eh?

There was a door leading to the frontal cars of the train, probably passenger and diner areas. Then there was a door leading to the back parts. Caboose and what not. I felt, however, it was only worthwhile to watch the passenger door. I looked back at Minuette, who was hugging Berryshine.

"Don't know what kind of damn mess you gettin' into, but whatever happens just stay say friend." Berryshine said. Minuettes arms wrapped around her neck.

"Everything will be fine, don't worry about me." Minuette replied, exiting the hug.

"Right then, come back and visit. My door is always open to ya, Minuette." She replied, before looking up to me. "And Sergeant. Don't know what the hell you are or what this is. But I trust Minuette, and so I trust you. Stay safe." She said.

"Hey, Berryshine!" I called to her.

"What?"

"Where are you from?" I asked, getting this question off my chest. Her accent was sooooo familiar!

"Uhh, New Hock City. Hooflyn district. Why?" She asked.

"Heh. No reason..." I said, chuckling slightly. Both Minuette and Berryshine looked at me quizzically. They didn't know why I was chuckling, but I did. That's all that mattered. "See you around, Berryshine." I said.

And with that, she turned, hooked up back with the wagon, and walked away back towards the town. I looked up at it, and I gotta say. First glance it looks pretty nice. Well kept houses, nice tiled rooftops. Good weather. Although I wish for rain, but in winter rain is next to nonexistent. Minuette smiled.

"Well, i'm heading to my seat... If I can, ill bring you something to eat. Anything in particular?" She asked.

Anything?.... what do I want? Hmmm...

"Carrots."

"Carrots?"

"Carrots."

"Well, OK. Carrots then... Have a fun ride." She stated. She moved to go to the steps leading to the passenger sections, but she stopped. "Oh, and stay out of sight. Ill try to help you if something happens, but please stay hidden. I'm not sure how others will react to you so just..."

"Hi Minuette! Hi Mister Alien!" A jumping pink pony said gleefully, hopping past us without stopping to even look. My eyes went wide, and I stared at where she was before exiting my vision. She hopped along towards the Griffon and rainbow pony.

"Right..." Minuette said, not even sure how to proceed with that.

<><><>

Ill be honest, I was scared there. When that pony jumped by, greeting me and Minuette and she went by, it was frightening. I thought I was caught, and that any minute an angry mob would descend on the train. But nothing. She just stopped and began chatting with her friends at the station. Oblivious to my existence. Minuette said Berryshine told her the first time she visited about her. Pinkie Pie, her name was. She said she was known to be, while odd, an extremely pleasurable-to-know pony. She didn't tell me much though, as she had to get going before any pony noticed she was talking to an alien hitching a ride on a train. She told me she would see me in Canterlot, and that she would bring me carrots if she could get some.

Ya know, she really is nice. Offering to take me in, hide me, feed me...

Damn, kinda sounds like i'm her pet.

And so, I was sitting there in the storage. It was dimly lit in there, and I was sitting on the sofa. I don't care who its for. It could've been for my drill instructor, I don't care. For now, its mine.

Maybe I could convince Minuette to help me steal it? nah, that would probably only end with us getting it wedged in the doorway of her house while guards shoot at us with arrows. That is if she would help steal it in the first place. She wouldn't though. Seems too nice to do that.

The lighting was dim, no windows. No bulbs. Just daylight breaking through the metal. As I stated, I was on the sofa, my rifle in my lap. I wasn't resting against it, instead I was tense. My left gripping the sights while my right gripped the barrel. I was sorta slouching, but not too bad to where I felt relaxed. I was looking down, studying my weapon.

I had been on this train for about an hour now. Don't know how far we have gotten yet, nor do I know how much longer I will be staying in this tin can. No pony has come through either door yet, and that's sorta good. Except i'm hungry. Minuette hasn't been by yet. So no food.

Well, I might have some rations. Why haven't I thought of it before? Rations! I propped the carbine up against the sofa and stood up. Pausing briefly to stretch and pop the bones.

"Aghhhhh." I groaned as my spine popped. Nice. I looked back at my pack, which I set on a cooler which sat next to the sliding door. I quickly stepped over and unzipped it, and the first thing to greet me was my PT shorts.

Wonder when Ill wear you.

I dug a little further into my bag, digging over a magazine for my carbine, and eventually found a ration. My final one. Not that ill be too mournful for it, as this one was: Lo and behold! Crackers with hot sauce.

"Ugh."

I began to rip at the ration, but stopped and looked at the sliding door. Some greater light would be nice. So, I set down the ration and put my hands on the handle. With one strong, swift motion, I slid the door back. Revealing the countryside zooming by. And the afternoon sky overhead was sorta nice. I looked back, the train car now lit up. My stomach grumbled, and I reached for my ration and sat down on the edge, my legs hanging off. Another swift motion and the ration was open. The smell of hot sauce is obvious. Not that I don't like it, though. I used to chug hot sauce when I was younger....be a painful night on the toilet Ill tell you that.

The ration had a pocket for the sauce, and the crackers were there in the main compartment. Along with a salt packet. But I ignored it and undid my bandanna, taking a cracker and dipping it, taking a good bite and looking out at the distance. I stopped for a minute and just took it in.

The scenery was amazing, especially when aligned with an orange afternoon. I hadn't noticed it earlier, but we were higher in elevation. I looked down and just realized how dangerous it was for me to be sitting like this. But who gave a fuck? It was just a small mountain. If I fell, all I would sustain at best was a broken arm and some scratches. No death. I'd just fall, slide, and land.

I could see Ponyville from where I was. Looks big. I saw the buildings, and the streets. Couldn't see no ponies though. But it made sense, considering how far away I was. The grassland looked amazing. A lot better than the sands and dunes of Afghanistan. The sunlight made it look even better than it did this morning. I was awed. I spent so long in the desert I sorta forgot what it was like to be elevated and look down upon the grasslands of home in the afternoon. Sure, this wasn't home. But, for a split second. I felt like I was.

I also spotted a nice lake nearby the town and it conjured nostalgia of my high school days. I would go to the nearby lake with my buddies during the heat of Summer. Swim around, roughhouse in the water, hit on the pretty girls. I remember once a childhood friend of mine, as a joke, snuck up on this one chick. Couldn't have been more than nineteen years. And, without a second thought, he grabbed the straps of her bikini and yanked the thing off of her. Everyone was shocked, even I. Of course, we all started laughing our asses as she beat the shit outta him, bare chested. And no one, not even I, dared to help him. We all knew he had it coming, whether it was a joke or not. He was lucky he wasn't arrested. Hell, for some odd reason after the whole incident, they became fast friends... Good times. My eyes remained fixed on the blue water, the sunlight reflecting nicely off of it. And a tree nearby just kinda made it look better in my eyes.

Just like home...

Then, I spotted the forest. The Everfree...

The forest of pure evil. The one that almost killed me. Well, I guess to be fair, it wasn't the forest itself. But rather, its inhabitants. The Timber Wolves...

Sounds like a cool gang name. The Timber Wolves...

I felt a shudder run through me as I looked at it, and a cold chill ran down my spine at the thought of it. I had to force myself to look away. To look back to calm greenlands of Equestria. I never had been afraid of the woods. Granted, Washington is sorta rural, and my family (until I was eight) lived in a cabin. I never was afraid, but this? This was supernatural. It wasn't right. Time passed as I sat there. Don't know how long it was, but, the train made several turns as it went up the mountain face. It got dark a few times as it entered caves. Dark enough to where I couldn't see a damned thing, but the train came out the other side almost as quickly as it entered. I still wasn't finished with the crackers, I was trying to make them last. At least until we got to the city.

You know? We never did discuss how we were to smuggle myself through the city... I mean...

Gah!

All of the sudden, there was a change in slope and elevation, and the sudden jolt I got made me drop the remaining crackers and sauce as I grabbed the edge and held myself down to avoid falling off.

"Shit!"

It hit the dirt, and soon disappeared as dust enveloped it. My only food source, gone. After a few minutes, the elevation changed back to normal, and in my annoyed state I looked over to see what the hell just happened. And there it was.

Canterlot.. The Capital.

We were heading straight for its station.

*Choo choo!*

<><><>

I quickly slammed the door shut, as to avoid suspicion when the attendants look at it. And I quickly went for my rifle. It was still on its safety, which was good. I took it and held it close before sitting back down on the sofa, checking its magazine in case I need it... But would I need it? Everything has gone smooth so far. And thats usually good, right?

I felt the movement begin to slow, and my heart rate began to increase. Nervousness, anxiety as it were, set it. I may have just jinxed myself and that wouldn't be good. But, seeing as how angry ponies aren't storming the car yet I might be in the clear. For now, at any rate. As the train began to stop, I began to check all my supplies.

My knife was still in its sheath, and pistol loaded, safety on, and was still in the holster. No chance of an accidental shooting with how it is now. My carbine, as I had already checked it, was alright. Still no sign of my helmet, but seeing as how I didn't have it in my pack, I probably left it at Fluttershy's. Thats too bad, my helmet was sorta important to me... Speaking of my pack...

I looked over to the pack, and it was still open, but during the elevated section of the whole ride the thing fell onto the floor. And as luck would have it, I forgot to freaking close it. Grudgingly, I set my carbine back down and got up to pick up the few items that fell out of it. My PT Gear, my canteen, and a few magazines. I grabbed the green backpack and bent down, grabbing the canteen.

*Thump*

The train finally came to a complete stop. And I fell over as a result. I growled, and got back to my feet. The canteen and backpack still in my hands. Then in the backpack is went. I knelt down and grabbed my shorts and tossed them into the pack. Then the shirt. Then my magazines. I checked each one and luckily no bullets had fallen out. I really didn't feel like searching for them.

*Ching*

I instantly whipped around to meet the noise, drawing the pistol and met its source. The sliding door.... it was opening!

Oh shit!

I quickly holstered the weapon and grabbed my pack, throwing it over my shoulders and began looking around frantically for a place to hide. But there wasn't many places. The whole storage room was full of crates, probably imports, and they were all bolted shut. Sure, I could pull apart the wood but that would take a good minute. Time I don't have. There were briefcases and bags and other types of passenger luggage as well, but I doubt I could fit in any of them.

Crates... sofa...cooler..

Cooler...

The cooler!

Of course, that! It looks big enough for me to hide in and didn't look passenger oriented. Without a second thought, I dashed over to it and flung the lid open. There was only a few things in it. Lantern oil canisters and rope but none of it prevented me from being able to get inside. I dropped my pack in and followed it. Getting down on my knees and laying face down on the backpack, I used one arm to grab the lid and shut it. It didn't lock, so when I decided to get out, all I had to do was push it. Or I could burst out and scare the living shit outta someone...

No, no better not do that.

I just noticed my breathing was a little heavy, and with a little deep breathing it became calm once more. Didn't do anything for my heart rate, however. But if they couldn't hear my, then that's all that mattered. After a few seconds, I heard the door slide open. A voice came up.

"Let me get back to work now, Ill catch you at Joes!" The voice spoke. I could tell instantly it was a mare. "Yep. Yep. Uhuh. Yeah, love you too mom. Alright, alright. Bye." A second passed by. "Ugh, always calling during work." I heard.

I heard hooves clanging onto metal, and soon. It was just silent. Some humming from the mare, but that's it. I would've gotten out, had the voice been familiar. But its not Minuette's, and all that remained was to stay hidden.

Lub-dub... Lub-dub....Lub-dub...

I heard the mare walking on the metal. The flat bottoms of her legs clinking on the hard medal. I heard her sifting through the luggage, the briefcases. All of it. I heard her picking some of it up and leaving, only to come back minutes later. She probably a station worker whose job is to carrying whats in the back off for the passengers...

"What...are you?" I heard her murmur, next thing that sounded off was a loud thump. "Oh damn."

"Hey! High Climber! We just checked our lanterns and Oils running low. Wont make it through the night. Grab some more will ya?" I heard from a much more male voice.

"Right, sure thing."

My eyes shifted to the canisters at my feet.

Oh shit.

Without a second to think, the lid opened. And my eyes met those of the station worker. High Climber. She was a pale white mare with orange eyes. Her mane was a pale blue, but I can't really say the style as I don't know what the hell to call it. Seemed normal though, for a mare. Not abnormal in any way. She gasped and looked at me, her eyes looking into mine. Before I could say anything, she backed away, her eyes widening in fear. Then, a scream. I stood up and watched as she bolted out of the train yelling "Monster!". Her cap flying off as she ran.

To her, I was a monster. Hiding in a cooler, wearing tough looking skin. To me? I was just an unlucky devil dog.

"Aw shit!" I breathed. She saw me! Fuck! My thoughts instantly skewered into what would happen as a consequence. But just as quickly the thought came, they left. My mind could only now conjure one thought.

So much for stealth....

I looked at a nearby crate. One I could easily hide behind, and I had an idea.

Well... maybe it can still be salvaged.

Quickly dragging the pack out of the cooler and throwing my arms through the straps, I ducked behind the nearby crate, unholstering my pistol, but holstered it when a thought occurred. And this was against shooting these things.

No... No. You won't need this. Not yet, anyways.

They looked too cute to shoot. Hell, when I first met Fluttershy. My pistol aimed at her skull, my finger trembling at the thought of killing her. I'm glad I didn't let my training take full control.

Keeping my breathing small, I pressed up against the crate. Looking around for an alternate escape route should I need it. And I heard more hoofsteps clanging onto metal. But this time? No flat feet against metal. Metal against metal. It was a distinctive sound. I heard it plenty of times at Parris Island. A took a slow deep breath, and exhaled just the same.

"Its in there! Check the cooler!" I heard, from the same mare that ran scared. Then an affirmative grunt came from the nearby pony. This one sounding male. But it sounded gruff. Soldier like. Like this one has been through the training to make a soldier...

And seconds later that pony slowly came into view, and my eyes widened in its attire... It was covered in golden armor, and its helmet like a Spartan helmet. But no red plumes, blue. It was wielding a spear, and had its eyes focused on my previous hiding spot. My heart skipped a beat, and I just now realized I was holding my breath. But I didn't exhale. It would make too much noise, and it seems he hasn't noticed me yet. So I kept it held in. And he came into full view. His armor extended from his neck to his rear, and covered his chest and hooves. A single chevron decorated the armored flank. A private? Or a PFC?

A drop of sweat flowed freely down my forehead and down the ridge of my nose. It was soon absorbed by my bandanna. I was getting extremely nervous, he would check the cooler, turn around and see me. And if I run out, every single pony out there would see me. I can't win!

....

I guess I have no choice... I know what I have to do. I hesitated for a moment as he stood there, surveying the outside of the cooler. More sweat flowed, and I remembered that I could exhale through the nose. Slowly, the carbon left me, and I felt the heat of anxiety growing rapidly, to the point where it couldn't be beared. I grunted a battle cry and rushed the pony. Surprising him with a quick shoulder tackle. He cried out in surprise, his deep voice betraying fear. His helmet fell off and clanged against the metal floor. His surprise was evident, as when we both recovered, he looked up at me. His mouth wide open, and his eyes showing fear. He gulped as he looked at me. I only now realized I was on top of him. I lifted my head and looked at him, with a worried glare. As soon as I exhaled, he yelped and reached for his spear which lay a few feet away. But I allowed training to take over and quickly ended the struggle by grabbing the collar on his armor and giving a swift headbutt. He slumped unconscious, and I wiped some of the blood that squirted from his nose off my forehead. Smelled like copper.

"Fuck...." I whispered as I realized just what I had done. "Fuck fuck fuck....FUCK!"

I turned when I heard a voice.

"Everything alright in there, Iron Gut?" I heard, another familiar accent. Rhode Island from the sound of it.

Fuck!

I swiftly ran to grab my carbine, which lay on its side. Evidently High Climber had touched it. Once I had it, I switched the safety off and quickly ran outside. Knocking down a guard who was entering after his friend. I heard gasps as I stopped to look for Minuette. My eyes scanned around, but all I saw was ponies. Groups of them, all gathered around the train. Wanting to witness what was going on inside. I saw High Climber, backing away into the crowd. But I saw no Minuette.

"What is that thing?!"

"A monster!"

"Guards! Guards!"

This is what happens when you don't think, Crouse! This is what happens when you don't think!

"Minuette.... Minuette... where the hell are you Minuette?" I murmured breathlessly, scanning the wide eyed crowds for her. But I didn't see her. If I did, I didn't notice. They all sorta looked the same. I felt scared.

"Back away and let the Guard handle this!" I heard from behind, I turned and met more golden armored ponies. One with red plumes instead of blue was leading a few blue plumed grunts, their spears leveled in my direction. Their spread out and began to surround me, but I wasn't determined to let them. I took aim and leveled my sights on the officer, but quickly had second thoughts.

No, Crouse! No! Your not killing these ponies!

I lowered the rifle.

"Sergeant!" I heard, but I didn't turn to meet whoever yelled that. I had bigger problems. I looked beyond the officer and noted a street behind them, and an idea sprang.

Better than surrender, I guess.

"Your not taking me alive!" I yelled, before darting towards the officer. Intending to run past him. But leveled his spear and was ready to skewer me, but I refused to let that happen. I quickly grabbed the tip of his spear and yanked it aside before bringing my foot to the officers chin. I kicked him hard, and knocked him over on his side. Screaming in pain. I doubt I killed him, but I may have broken his jaw. But I didn't care. More important matters. I darted over the officers helmet, which had flown off at the force my foot met his chin with, and quickly stepped off wood and into gravel, or whatever it was. I looked right, then left. And decided to run left, which had another street on it that I soon turned onto.

On that street, I saw more ponies. And I saw glowing signs on the buildings. One read "Donut Joe's" I looked up and I saw a castle looking building, far off and away from the train station. I heard shouts behind and decided not to linger. I grabbed good hold of my carbine and held it close before darting through the street. Passing gasping ponies and angry guardsponies. A few minutes later, after moving through a couple streets and avoiding the guards attempts at stopping me. I found myself in an alleyway, three streets away from the station. I heard alarm bells all around, and angry shouts as guards ran through the streets, looking for me. I was hiding behind a dumpster. Trash cans all around, I chuckled slightly.

"Man, if only Mamma could see me now. She'd probably send me to an asylum." I murmured.

But I soon looked up, and saw something falling through the sky. It wasn't a blur. Nor was it a carriage. It was a ball of fire, and it was heading straight for the ground.

Far away from the city.....