A US Marine in Equestria

Days Forward

They say that having friends means you are not alone. They say making friends means you have people to watch your back, people to look out for you, people to side with you, and to be with you in your darkest moments and to shelter you when you need it. To congratulate you on your triumphs and to hold your hand when your broken. Did I ever have friends that did half that shit? Sorta. But now? No. No I do not. I am alone.

It has been days since my arrival, my mauling and my awakening, and Fluttershy has been a courteous host. Despite being... an animal. To be honest, this whole situation was weird and I would be lying if I said I didn't panic every second, but I don't know. It feels weird, but everything looked happy. And to be honest, I felt a little content. I didn't feel like I belonged, but I felt content.

Snow had started to fall a few days ago and I've been helping Fluttershy ready for it. She had always been trying to put my help off, give me an excuse and whatnot just so I could relax but I knew what she was really trying to do. She knew I felt like shit. She knew I was in pain with every muscle I moved, and she knew I didn't care. She wanted me to take it easy, even though I kept telling her that pain was weakness leaving the body, she denied that analogy of it. Saying that pain is a natural response to wounds such as mine. She had always given in so I could help her, but always told me to becareful so I don't rupture something but nothing has happened yet, so I assume I'm good.

Fluttershy has been trying to keep my presence a secret, at my request of course. When townsponies came over to ask for help with their animals or to check to see if Fluttershy was alright (I had overheard conversations, they stated they heard loud noises coming from the direction of her house in the days past). I would hide in my room and wait for them to leave.

I have not met Harry yet. I inquired as to why, but Fluttershy had answered with stuff such as "He sometimes wanders far." or "His grazing range extends all the way to the mountains.". I had no idea what the hell she mean't, but frankly, I didn't give a damn as I had bigger concerns. Due to my injuries, I couldn't stray far from the cottage. So, as a personal favor, I asked Fluttershy if she could go look for my comrades. That was hours ago, and she should be back soon. She asked me what they would look like, but I gave a blank stare and she realized they would look like me. I told her of the small clearing that I woke up in and she was delighted to go, actually. Stating that she would be happy to help. I would think it to be weird, but then again, I seem to be an animal to her. And she is an animal pers-eh... pony.

Still not used to saying that.

Minuette has not come to visit yet. Of course, Fluttershy had told her I'd be out for a while. But that was when I was out. So, its likely I will not see her for a few more days. Whether that be good or bad, I had no idea. Guessin' that it would be bad, considering I wouldn't mind talking to someone who isn't stuttering all the time or keeping her voice low constantly.

My BDU is ruined. The Kevlar destroyed. My pack and weapons remained intact however, so that's a plus. Fluttershy attempted to repair my BDU but it wouldn't work. It was too shredded so now I'm stuck with my desert cammies and PT gear for the duration of my time in this cottage. Luckily, Fluttershy has a shower, and allowed me to use it whenever I pleased. She didn't know about human hygiene until I explained it to her, so that's a plus. On the bad side, I investigated it and found that it is about 3/4ths my height. Meaning my head and shoulders will stick out while I wash. And I wouldn't be able to simply bathe either, as her tub is too small for me to fit in.

Her bunny, Angel, doesn't like me. He kicks my foot often and tend to glare at me, though I have no idea why... Just a side note.

Sooo, yeah... That's all I gotta say on this matter. Just a heads-up on what's going on.

Crouse. Quit mentally narrating your own life. Not normal.

I sat there, in her living room, listening to some nice country music. There wasn't much to do in this cottage, no TV, no pool table. Nothing. Just books, but nothing I was interested in. Honestly, I had no idea how Fluttershy had not gone nuts of boredom in this place. I would've. But then again, she had probably lived here most of her life. A nice little cottage just outta range of danger, but alone in nature, wherein her livelihood exists. This is her life, not mine. No, mined involved shooting things, and hers involved taking care of animals.

Again, this all seems a bit boring. But then again, to me, this is sorta alien. If you ask me, this whole world seems too colorful and happy that there must be a downside besides timber wolves and mean bunnies.

Time had passed quickly as I went through my music. It was still morning, but she left at an hour after sunrise. So early morning is when she left. I had hope, but not much. She said she knew the area really well and if she found anything like me, then she would bring them back. The reason I didn't hold out too much hope is that... well... if there were any others, then wouldn't they have been in the same clearing as me? I mean, of all land in this world, why was I put there? A clearing, in the woods full of dangerous monsters, at dusk. Why?

Minutes later, the door opened, and I looked at it. A mare had walked in, with a yellow, butterfly decorated, beanie and a scarf. I easily recognized her when she turned to face me. She had a slight smile, as it were. Possibly due to my presence. We had become friends over the past few days, despite her nagging on my health. But I knew the smile indicated she had not found another.

"So?" I asked. She shook her head.

"Welp... I had expected as much." I said, taking my earbuds out and wrapping them around my MP3. She closed the door and approached me.

"I'm sorry, Ser-"

"Why are you sorry? You did nothing wrong. I had expected that you would return empty-handed but its nice to know. At least, I think its good to know, anyways." I said. "So, thanks Fluttershy. You didn't have to do it, but thanks." I said, smiling at her.

On the inside, I was actually devastated. I knew that she would return with no one, but I still had some hope. All dashed now, though. Her return proved that I was indeed alone. Unlike her. She had other ponies, but I had no other humans.

Alone. A concept many fear. Including me.

I was of course, happy to have a friend such as Fluttershy. I had thanked her for saving my life, but she told me to thank Minuette. For it was her who brought Fluttershy before I perished. Of course, I would thank Minuette once she decided to come around. But for now I would have to remain content with thanking Fluttershy as she was the one who patched me up. She has a good supply of Morphine, too. She gives me a dose of it at least once everyday to numb any and all pain in the injured areas. Gotta tell ya, I barely feel the pain now. Just gotta becareful not to overdose.

"Well.. I- I'm sorry, nonetheless."

"I believe you. But you don't have to be sorry." I affirmed. She smiled, and I smiled back. Suddenly, my stomach growled and I felt a pang of hunger. I had not eaten much since I arrived. A chocolate bar and the rest of my rations. That's it. Trust me when I say those things aren't that filling. And some aren't appealing... looking at you hot sauce and crackers.

"Hey, Fluttershy. Any chance you could, I dunno, make breakfast? I'm pretty hungry." I asked. It felt weird asking. I was used to waking up and getting it from the mess, or if we were in the midst of battle, then I was used to opening a ration full of crackers or something. So fresh food that isn't cold by the time you get it or put in a bag or box or something would be refreshing. Fluttershy seemed to look at me with a confused look when I asked this.

"Uhhh.. OK, but... I don't know what your kind eats." She said. I chuckled.

"At this point in my life i'm not picky." I said.

<><><>

Carrots were tasty. A refresher from the rations, I guess. I was expecting more like eggs or something, but carrots are fine too. Because that's what she gave me. Angel wasn't all that excited to see me eating his carrots (according to Fluttershy, some were his) and would blow a raspberry at me whenever we were alone. But I would retaliate by snickering and giving him an evil smile. He hates me, hehehe.

She didn't have many carrots, but according to her, she could get more from town if she ran out so she let me enjoy myself. I should've stopped, but I couldn't. They were just so damn delicious! I tell you, I take carrots over rations any day..... That's not to say some rations aren't that good.

Fluttershy had left to finish tending her garden. The time it took to ready it for winter wasn't overly long. Four days at most. But I still never saw the point in it, they won't survive. Mark my words. At this point, she had no further use for my strength (still hurts when I lift things. So "strength" is strained.) as everything that needed movement has been moved. All she needs to do now is... something. I don't know.

With the last carrot finished, I tossed the empty bag over to the bunny. Smiling evilly. I then got up and walked over to the front door. I wasn't intent on sitting here, not doing anything. My MP3 is low on battery (shocker) and I see no outlets, nor do I have a charger. There is no TV, either. So, my options for fun isn't diverse. I'd rather just go outside and get some fresh air and attempt to help Fluttershy. But, I doubt there is anything I can do to help. No harm is trying, though.

I opened the door, to be met with the nice cool air that was the beginning of winter. I could still see small ammounts of snow falling, but not enough to be concerned with. It was a change from the warm heat of the cottage (insulation? No no no... something else.) And looked around. Same exterior. Small little bridge over a small little river. A tree overlooking the bridge. Flowers dotting the landscape, but most are dying off, say for the garden. It was there I saw Fluttershy, seemingly sprinkling something over it. What it was, I did not know. But did I care? No. Not in the slightest. I closed the door behind me and walked up to her, saying hi.

"Oh, hey Sergeant." She said, without looking at me. She seemed very focused on her work. I understand this, seeing as how winter seems to be fast approaching.

"Hey Fluttershy. Do you nee-"

"No, i'm good."

"Are you sure? Becau-"

"I'm sure, you've helped out enough. There is really nothing else you can do. Thank you for offering though!" She said, with a smile. I felt a little bummed a this, as I had nothing to do. But she was right, anything I could've done, I have done. She didn't turn me away because of my wounds, but simply because I had done everything that I could. Can't say I was happy to get that reply.

"Well, what do you suggest I do? I get bored easily and sitting around staring at the ceiling in your cottage is losing its appeal." Not that it had any in the first place. Fluttershy looked up at me, taking her focus off of her flowers. Seemingly in thought.

"Well." She started, hopefully with an answer. "I..maybe find a place and relax? Ill brew some tea later if you want." She said. Great. Sit down. Relax. Like I haven't been doing that.

I grumbled a response and turned back towards the cottage, but I stopped and looked back at her. Days ago, when I woke up, her garden was lacking. But now, it seems nearly complete. Its got dandelions and roses, violets and poppies. Sunflowers (they wont make it) and a few others that I can't name. Its surprising I even knew the names of the first few. Anyways, she did not look up at me and question why I remained, in fact I think she enjoyed the company. So, instead of going back to the cottage, I decided to sit down next to Fluttershy and watch her work. I sat down, my knees bent upwards and my arms wrapped around them. At first she looked at me, but must've known I just wanted to watch. She closed her eyes a smiled before returning to her work.

It was actually kinda interesting to see this. To see how a... I should say "horse", but horses are bigger and lack wings, but it was interesting seeing how a pony does a garden. I mean, sure i'm a Marine. Combat is my livelihood, and I don't know a lick about gardening, but it was interesting. Sure, you could watch a human tend a garden, but I wouldn't stick around to watch because it feels...normal? I guess. But watching a pony? That was alien. She had the trowel's grip in her mouth and dug with it. It was surprising to see the accuracy with it, and she didn't botch anything up. When a small hole was dug, or when a plant was dug up and put in another hole, she would add fertilizer from a small bag. Then she would mix it with other things, such as soil from a bag (artificial I assume.... Would- Is it possible to make artificial soil? See, its times like this that make me question my IQ.) or plant food.

Occasionally she would ask if something looked right, or if it needed more fertilizer. She would ask me if this plant should go here, or go there. And I would always reply with a "I don't know." Or "I guess.". Some time had passed since I sat down. It was starting to feel a little warmer as the sun came out, and if I had to guess, I would say its around noon. It was then a somewhat familiar voice broke my focus on the garden.

"Hey, look who's up!" That voice said. As if surprised. I turned to look, and saw that a Maya blue unicorn with a periwinkle mane was approaching. She was familiar. "Fluttershy said you wouldn't be walking for another week or so." She continued. Minuette. Now I remember. I smiled with recognition.

"Oh, hey Minuette. How are you?" Fluttershy asked, dropping the trowel in the soil she was tending. Whether she knew that she did this, or if it was on accident, I had no clue.

"I'm doing fine. Heading back to Canterlot in a couple days and decided to make one last check on our friend before I left." She said, before turning her head to look at me with a smile. "It seems it made a full recovery, though hasn't it?" She said.

"Oh my, yes. He woke up a few days ago and has been a good friend, helping me tend my garden and, of course, he also likes to be stubborn and hurt himself by doing it." She said, with a little angry-mom voice. Ugh.

"Yeah, but I didn't tear anything, Fluttershy." I replied, cocky.

"Yeah, well you got lucky. Next time, though, please take advice from a pony who knows medicine."

"Yeah, alright. I'll remember that next time I get mauled." I said with sarcasm being obvious in my voice. Fluttershy, judging on her expression, didn't appreciate it but decided to not argue. Which was good.

"Well... Fluttershy had said that you were the one who brought her to my aid. So, I guess thanks are in order. If it wasn't for you, then I would've bled out. I owe you." I said as I extended an arm towards Minuette. She looked at it in confusion but extended a hoof towards my hand. She seemed a little confused when I grasped it and shook, and I admit I may have gripped a little too hard, but such is the way of a handshake.... but in this case, I was shaking a hoof. So, maybe I could've eased up a bit. If it was too hard, she didn't say anything. When I retracted my hand, Minuette sat down next to me.

"Well, I couldn't just leave you there. I knew you stood no chance, ehahahaha." She laughed.

"Oh, gee. Thanks." I said in a monotone.

"Oh, i'm sorry. I-I didn't me-"

"Relax, i'm fucking with you." I said, chuckling afterwards. She seemed a bit relieved at that, my guess is that she wouldn't want to piss me off.

"So, how are you feeling? I mean, there is no way I could imagine anything walking off what you been through." She asked.

"If i'm being honest. I feel like shit. Fluttershy did her best, i'm sure. But my wounds burn, and my insides hurt if I do anything. If I lift something, my muscles begin to burn badly, like I was on fire, and the only thing making it bearable is the daily morphine dose." I replied as truthfully as possible. Pain is just weakness leaving the body, but that doesn't always make it endurable. Minuette scrunched her eyes, gritted her teeth and sucked in air before saying "Sorry to hear that. But at least your alive, right?".

We chatted for a while. Mostly about what had happened the past few days on my side. I told her of when I woke up, and of my almost shooting Fluttershy when I was gathering my gear the day I woke up. I told her how I haven't slept right since I woke up, and when she would ask why I would respond by gesturing at my surroundings. She still didn't seem to understand what I meant by that.

Then she talked for a while about how she was worrying for me, and would come to visit, only to see me bleeding out in the bathroom. She would then tell me how she lied to her friend about where she went and all that. It was a very uneventful discussion. Hell, at one point, Fluttershy left to go brew some tea, leaving me and Minuette alone outside. Though, through all of it, I felt a friend in her. I know, weird. Even though we weren't really friends. Or, at least that's how I saw it. Don't know how she saw it. For all I knew, she saw me as another beast.

I guess, in this world, Ponies are the norm, while I am a beast.....

Even more reason to keep my presence a secret.