The Knights Trinity

Chapter Two: A Rude Awakening,

Dustin was the first to wake. His head and body ached like never before.

“Damn what a night I must of had.” he though as he rolled to his side.

A jabbing pain in his ribs caused his eyes to shoot open as his blurred memories flooded back to him.

“Was it all a nightmare?” he asked out loud as his eyes were still trying to adjust to the brightness around him.

As his vision started to clear he looked himself over. A sigh escaped his throat as he realized there were no burns and his uniform was still intact.

“What the hell..?” A groan to his right snapped him back to reality as he turned to see who was next to him.

Anthony slowly pushed himself up into a seated position rubbing his temples in small circles with his fingers.

“God! I feel like I got hit by a truck.” he mumbled, rubbing his equally sore eyes.

“Anthony? Is that you? asked Dustin.

“Last time I checked! What did we do last night? I feel like hell warmed over.”

Dustin started to stand as he turned his focus to his surroundings. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open in disbelief.

“Uhhh, Anthony?” “Where are we.”

Anthony looked up and saw Dustin staring of in the distance.

Rubbing his eyes one last time Anthony started to speak until he saw what was drawing his friends attention.

They were sitting in a small clearing surrounded by a dense, odd looking forest.

“Shit!” came a third voice from behind them both.

The pair jumped at the realization someone else was their.

Adrian came up out of the taller grass on his hands and knees mumbling a string of profanities as he did. Dustin and Anthony scrambled to Adrian each grabbing an arm.

Whats the last thing you remember? Asked Dustin as he shook Adrian’s arm.
“I had this crazy nightmare.” “We were fighting our asses off. I remember somebody pointing a rifle in my face and then I woke up why.”

“Where are we?” asked Anthony trying to keep his voice steady.

“We must of done something stupid last night Anthony.” “How could you forget we are in Iraq?”

Anthony grabbed Adrian’s head and raised it

“What gives?” exclaimed Adrian swatting Anthony’s hand away.

Adrian shot to his feet, looking around in near panic.

“Where the hell are we?” he asked to no one in particular.

Dustin stood beside him and took in the scene in front of them.

“Could we be dead? I had the same nightmare you did. Maybe it wasn’t a nightmare at all. What if we died and this is heaven?”

Adrian reached over and slapped Dustin across the face.

“Damn!!! That hurt.” shouted Dustin as he stepped backwards.

“Well I don’t think this is heaven.” chuckled Adrian.

Anthony stopped the two from their argument, as he noticed a pile of something on the edge of the clearing.

“What’s that?” he asked pointing to the out of place pile.

The three of them ran across the clearing through the tall grass. Once there they found a stack of gear. Their ruck sacks, body armor, helmets, loaded M.O.L.L.Y web gear, Camel backs and most importantly three M4 assault rifles and Colt .45 sidearms. The trio grabbed the rifles and read the serial numbers. Sure enough they matched to each one they had been issued. This realization simply raised that many more questions.

“Were we rescued by locals or captured?” asked Adrian as he scratched his shaved head.

“If we were captured why leave us out here with our gear and weapons.” replied Anthony.
“Plus if we were attacked like I remember, how did our gear go undamaged. My rifle was in the turret of the Bradley and I saw it burning.”

Anthony looked his weapon over in disbelief.

“This thing looks like I just drew it from the armory, and our rucks look like they were just issued out by supply!”

Dustin walked over to the pile and checked for traps. When he felt comfort it was safe he started dawning his combat gear. Once it was all on he checked the contents of the various pockets and pouches. Field dressings, six loaded rifle magazines, 4 sidearm magazines, two hand grenades, angled neck flashlight, multi-tool, aid bag, camo paint stick. Even his large Kabar knife, gas mask, and night vision goggles were attached to the belt. He then opened up his ruck sack. Three fresh uniforms, personal hygiene items, socks, boxers, wet weather gear, tent, sleeping bag, and two cartons of cigarettes. Dustin pulled out a fresh pack of cigarettes and packed it against his palm. He opened it up and stuck a cigarette in his mouth as he searched his pockets for a lighter. Adrian reached over with a zippo and lite it for him.

“I take it all of our stuff is here to?”

“Yep, as if I had just packed it today.” Dustin replied, puffing on his cigarette.

Anthony and Adrian started dawning their gear as well.

“So I guess first things first, we need to figure out where the hell we are.” stated Dustin as he checked his weapons functionality.

Anthony pulled a map and compass out of his ruck and laid it out. He placed the compass on the map and stared in wonder. The needle in the compass simply spun in circles never stopping to indicate north. He snatched up the compass and clicked it shut.

“Damn thing must be busted.” he though, as he started looking over the map. After about five minutes of going over the map from top to bottom Anthony shook his head.

“I can’t find anything like this place anywhere. I’ve never even heard of trees and vines like these growing in Iraq.”

“So what do you think is going on? Are we even in country anymore?” asked Dustin.

“I don’t know, its like we were picked up and dropped off only god knows where.”

“Are you suggesting we were abducted?” asked Adrian bluntly.

“I don’t know!” barked Anthony his frustration growing. “What I do know is we need to get moving. I don’t want to be here when what ever brought us here comes back.”

The three nodded in agreement. They stored their lose gear, picked up their rucks, and headed into the strange forest. As they walked deeper into the trees the sun was having a harder time making it through the canopy of leafs.

“I think the only place that would have trees like this would be the northern mountains. But those are like a hundred plus miles from where we were.” said Adrian as they pushed through the underbrush. “Why in the hell would somebody just pick us up and move us to the middle of nowhere? It doesn’t make sense. There has to be a logical explanation to all this. Perhaps I’m unconscious in a hospital somewhere and this is just one hell of a fucked up dream.”

“If it’s a dream, how am I having the same one and why did it hurt when you hit me?” asked Dustin as he shook his head.

“Well of course it would hurt you its my dream.” was all he replied.
............

Twilight Sparkle awoke to the morning sun pouring through her window. She yawned as she climbed out of bed.

“Spike are you up yet?” she called out to her number one assistant.

“Down here.” came the echoing reply.

Twilight walked into the kitchen to see Spike preparing to make breakfast.

“I’ll just have a bowl of oats if that’s alright with you Spike.”

“Okay.” sighed Spike as he fixed up a bowl and started towards Twilight.

Spike belched green flames and caught the scroll that followed in mid air. Twilight took the scroll from him with her magic and unrolled it.

My most faithful student;

Equestria is facing a dire threat. You and the other Element Bearers are to join Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor and I in Canterlot. I will explain the situation to you all when you arrive. Please keep this matter private as I do not wish for my subjects to panic. Know that all is under control and I look forward to our meeting.

Your Loyal Teacher
Princess Celestia

Twilight gasped. “A DIRE THREAT!!!”

Spike fell over backwards from Twilight’s sudden outburst spilling the bowl of oats across the floor.

“W-what’s going on?” asked Spike as he picked himself up and started to clean up the mess.
Twilight was already running about the castle packing her saddlebags.

“What are you waiting for Spike?” asked Twilight slightly annoyed. “We have to find the girls and get to Canterlot as soon as possible.

Together they gathered the other five ponies and headed to the train station. Once they were all situated in the coach car Apple Jack trotted over to Twilight. She could see the worried look on Twilight’s face.

“What’s goin on sugercube?”

Rarity, and FlutterShy walked up next to Apple Jack, both bearing a look of concern.

“I’m not sure girls. In the letter from Princess Celestia it said Equestria was facing a dire threat.”

“Oh my!” said Rarity. “What is this dreadful threat she’s talking about?”

“Who Caaares!. We grab the elements and blast it with magic. We’ll be done in Ten Seconds Flat.”

“I don’t think so Rainbow Dash.” replied Twilight. Celestia has also summoned Princess Cadence and Shining Armor too. This has to be something pretty big.

“Y-you don’t think that big meanie Sombra is back do you.” asked Fluttershy meekly.

“The princess said she would tell us all what was going on when we got there. Until then we can’t say a thing to anypony. She doesn’t want fear or panic to spread though Equestria.”

Don’ you worry none Twilight, we c’n keep our yaps shut.” said Applejack, placing a hoof on her shoulder.

“Ookie Dookie Loki.” said Pinkie Pie, bouncing around the other ponies. “We can all Pinkie Promise not to say a word about this to anypony else.”

Twilight smiled.

“I know you won’t say anything. After all your my best friends.”

The remainder of the trip went on with idle chatter and Pinkie Pie’s usual antics. After what felt like forever Twilight noticed the train starting to slow. They pulled into the station right on time. As the seven friends exited the train they noticed several of Celestia’s Royal Guards patrolling around the Station. Together they walked to the castle, but as they approached two royal guards crossed their spears blocking the gate.

“State you business.” said one of the guards bluntly.

“I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle.” We are hear at the request of Princess Celestia.”

The guards raised their spears.

“Our apologies your Highness. You and your friends are expected. The princesses await you in the throne room.”

They walked through the maze of halls and corridors until they arrived at the large ornate doors of the throne room. The awaiting guards opened the doors for the group as they approached.

Princess Cadence ran to meet Twilight at the door.

“Sunshine, Sunshine. Lady Bugs Awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

The two princesses giggled as they hugged.

“Its been to long Twilight.” said Cadence with a smile.

“Hey Twily.” came the familiar voice of Shining Armor.

“Hey BBBFF.” “Look at you! Looking all princely.”

Cadence leaned in to Twilight.

“I think he spends more time on his mane then I do.” she said, causing them both to giggle again.

Celestia cleared her throat bringing all eyes in the room to her.

“Thank you for coming so rapidly everypony. I am sure you are all eager for an explanation as to the dire threat I have mentioned.”

Shining Armor was the first to step forward.

“What kind of threat is this exactly.”

“We do not know the details of the warning just that we are to prepare. I feel I would be safe to say that Equestria should start preparations for war.”

“If we don’t know what or who the threat is princess, what would cause you to believe it well come to war.” asked Twilight, both shocked and confused at the situation.

Luna stood from her throne looking at her sister. Celestia gave her a gentle nod encouraging her to proceed.

“Unbeknownst to you all, within this castle was a magical artifact called the oracle. It forewarned my sister of Nightmare Moon’s return. It predicted the fiasco, that scoundrel Discord caused, with the Everfree forest. Now it has spoken again.

Once again as once before
Will come the roaring drums of war
Three brave champions will come to call
With out these men your banner shall fall

A multitude of confused faces looked up to the princess of the night.

“Yay!! I love riddles.” chimed Pinkie Pie breaking the silence with a smile.

Luna lowered and shook her head at the party ponies display.

“This oracle didn’t give much for details did it.” remarked Twilight “Couldn’t we simply ask it for a better explanation?”

“I fear we cannot. For once the oracle summoned the three champions it consumed the last of its magic resulting in its death. However, another messenger provided more information of our champions.

“Who and what are these “men” your Highness? They sound absolutely dreadful.” added Rarity.

Celestia saw the anger building in her sisters eyes and intervened.

“This is why we called you all hear. These champions are humans from the realm of Earth. They where brought here by the oracle and changed to survive here in Equestria.”

“Humans!! Shucks princess I though that was a bunch a whooie, like n’ ol marestale.”

“No my dear Apple Jack, humans are quite real, they were banished from Equestria a long time ago. And from the oracles warning they are essential for Equestria’s survival.”

“Sweet, I bet their going to be totally awesome.” said Rainbow Dash excitedly. “When do we get ta meet em.”

“There in lies the problem.” replied Celestia with a sigh. “We know they are in Equestria, but we don’t know where.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears laid back as she crossed her forelegs over her chest.

“Then how are we gonna find em?”

“They will come in search of us. So if you should hear of them, seek them out and bring them to us here at Canterlot.”

“Why were they banished princess?” asked Twilight.

“All we know is that they had become very powerful and extremely dangerous. We are not sure how or why. The oracle could sense this and sent them all to the realm of earth.”

“So how do we know they’re not a threat to us as well?” Twilight asked.

Luna stepped to Twilight’s side.

“Yes dear sister, how CAN you be certain?”

“Because I trust the judgment of the messenger.” replied Celestia bluntly stamping her hoof against the floor.

Twilight had a confused expression on her face as she looked from one princess to the other.

“You said they would be changed when they were brought here. What exactly does that mean?” questioned Rarity breaking the tension.

Celestia exhaled calming herself and regaining her composure.

“They will be adapted to our environment, and adjusted to live a full life among us as friends, if not family.”

“Will they change back when they are sent back to earth?” asked Cadence.

“They will never again step foot on earth my dear Cadence. All they knew will be lost to them forever.”

Celestia saw tears starting to well in the ponies eyes as the realization started to sink in.

“This is why we must make them welcome. To give them a reason to call our world their home. But please allow Luna and I to explain this situation to them when they arrive here.”

“Oh Oh Oh. I know. I can throw them a welcome to Equestria party. That’ll make em feel right at home. Maybe I can even get Cheese Sandwich to help. That way it’ll be the bessST PARTY EVER!!!” exclaimed Pinkie as she bounced around the throne room. “I can make a banner, and balloons, and lots and lots of Str.” mum mum mum.
Pinkie was silenced by a hoof in the mouth from Rainbow Dash.

“Whoa Whoa Whoa, just a minute.” said Rainbow pulling her hoof from Pinkie’s smiling mouth. “I don’t know about all of you, but I’ve never even seen a human. How are we suppose ta know if we find one.

Twilight’s eyes lite up. “I have a book in the castle on Equestrian Myths and Legends. I’m also sure Lyra would be more than happy to tell us everything she knows.”

“Very good, my faithful student.” said Celestia with a smile. “For now I wish you all to return home and learn what you can. Remember these humans are our honored guests and must be treated as such. So the more at home we can make them the better.”

Princess Cadence looked to Shining Armor and placed her hoof against his.

“We must get home and inform the Crystal Guard to watch for them while they are out on patrol. Twilight do you think you could have Spike send a copy of any information you find?”

“Of course Cadence I’ll get something put together as soon as I can.”

Shining Armor gave Twilight a hug and thanked her. With that the occupants of the room bowed to Celestia and Luna and headed out the door. All accept Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

“Princess Celestia I would like to talk to you more about the changes the humans will go through if you have a minute.” said Twilight.

“If you would like I will meet you in my study shortly, I believe I can fill you in on a few more details. Run along and I will meet you there.”

Twilight nodded her head and trotted off down the hallway.

Celestia then looked at the rainbow pony with a motherly smile. “Is something still bothering you Rainbow Dash?”

“Well your highness, earlier you said these humans could live a full life as friends OR family. What did ya mean by that?”

“Well my loyal friend,” said Celestia with a wink. It means they could start a family here. If they found a special somepony they wanted to spend their days with.

Rainbow Dash smiled broadly and then flashed out of the throne room to join her friends.

......

Dustin, Anthony, and Adrian worked their way through the forest in a tactical column for about an hour. After not encountering anything outside of the occasional bird or squirrel, they settled for trudging along in a loose V formation.

“What direction are we going anyway?” asked Dustin, pushing another branch out of his way.

“I think we’re headed...” SMACK!!!

Dustin let go of the branch which caused it to whip backwards striking Adrian square in the face.

“You son of a...”

Anthony cut off Adrian with a wave.

The three reformed in a tight V formation and took a knee. Anthony looked back at the other two and shouldered his rifle.

“I saw movement up ahead. Lets move out, slow and quiet.”

With weapons at the ready they moved forward, walking into a break in the thick under brush.

“Does anybody else have a feeling like we’re not alone” asked Anthony softly.

“Yeah, somethings not right here, it almost feels like were surrounded.”

Several bushes around them started to shake. The trio took a knee trying to take aim at whatever was moving.

“Its an ambush!” shouted Dustin, firing off several rounds at a rustling bush in front of him.

A high pitched squeal pierced the air, followed by a low throaty growl.

“Hold your fire! I think its a pack of animals.” said Anthony lowering his weapon as he stood. “Damn forest anyway we gotta get outta here. Wherever here is.”

Anthony took several steps forward and froze. Dustin and Adrian stood up looking around uneasily. Something flashed from the right hitting Anthony, knocking him over and pinning him to the ground. Just as quickly three more creatures emerged from the underbrush.

What the fuck?”, yelled Adrian sighting in on one creature to the next.

Anthony punched the creature on top of him in the side of what appeared to be the head. The force of the punch pushed the thing aside as Anthony scrambled backwards to his comrades. The stunned creature let out a wolf like howl and the others followed suit.
Slowly they started to circle the three soldiers. Anthony staggered to his feet and joined his friends in the familiar defensive triangle.

What the hell are these? They look like wooden dogs!”

Dustin didn’t wait for a reply. He took aim at the nearest creatures head and squeezed the trigger. The round found its mark between a pair of glowing eyes and the animal collapsed.

The resounding shot from his rifle and presumably the death of a pack mate caused the creatures to stop circling and retreat back into the woods. The trio held their defensive posture until they could no longer hear the things rustling in the dense forest. There was a collective sight of relief as they lowered their weapons.

“Holy shit! Did you see that?” exclaimed Adrian.

“Yeah a lot closer then I wanted to.” replied Anthony, still trying to get his breathing under control. “When I hit that damn thing it felt like I’d punched a tree.”

Dustin walked over to the creature he had downed. Green fluid oozed out of the hole in its head. He kicked the corpse and jumped back in shock. The body crumbled into a pile of sticks and branches.

“Man this place keeps getting weirder and weirder.”

Anthony walked over and pushed the pile around with the barrel of his rifle. “We should get moving, they might come back.”

“Going where Anthony?” shouted Adrian. “We don’t even know where we are. Let me see the compass. I’ll get us out of this mess, what heading have we been.”

Adrian grabbed the compass out of Anthony’s side pouch and flipped it open. He stared in disbelief as the needle continually spun in circles.”

“What the hell. This thing doesn’t even work. You could be leading us deeper into these damn woods and we wouldn’t even know it.”

“I can’t explain it Adrian. My gut is just telling me we need to keep pushing this direction.” replied Anthony as he turned and pointed.

“Great!! So we’ve been strolling though these god forsaken woods in the direction your fucking “GUT” told you to go.”

Dustin walked up and place a hand on Adrian’s shoulder.

“I think he’s right. Don’t you feel it too? Besides It’s not like any of us could have made a better decision. We’ve already come this far, there’s no point in going back or changing course now. Look at it this way, we can only walk into the woods half way. After that we’ll be walking out.”

Adrian’s shoulders slumped as the tension left his body.
“Damnit. I hate it when your right.” he said with a smirk.

Dustin and Adrian stepped up to Anthony’s side and the three headed off again.

After a few minutes of walking Dustin broke the silence.

“I got it! We were abducted and now we are on some alien planet. Right now we are being monitored and studied by some strange alien species. How else can you explain what those things were back there?”

“OooKay! I think you watched to much Star Trek.” replied Adrian. “I’ll bet the government took us and we’re getting used as guinea pigs to test some sort of classified living weapons.”

“And you call me a sci-fi junky. What do you think Anthony? Abduction or test dummies?” asked Dustin.

“Purgatory.” replied Anthony in a somber tone. “Its that place between heaven and hell were you have one last chance to atone for your sins.”

“So you think we’re dead?”

“I dunno. But I’ve been thinking about the last thing we all remember happening. I can’t figure out a way any of us could have been rescued or for that matter survived. All I know is we are here and I have every intention of surviving now.”

Dustin and Adrian both nodded to each other in agreement as they pushed on.”

They walked along for what seemed like hours, until the sun started to set in what they presumed to be the west.

“We should set up camp and break for the night. I don’t feel like tromping around in circles all night.” said Dustin dropping his rucksack onto the ground. “I’ll get some wood for a small fire and we’ll set up a watch roster.”

Dustin shouldered his rifle and headed through the brush. He started collecting sticks and downed branches for the fire when he heard something strange. He dropped the bundle he had acquired and brought his weapon to the ready. The bushes beside him rustled as a small blue rabbit with black horns hopped out.

“What’s up little fella?”

Soon several more of the creatures hopped out of the bush and sniffed the air.

“Aw you guys aren’t scarr… WHAT THE HELL!!!”

The jackalopes growled revealing vampire like fangs and started towards him. Dustin stepped backwards and tripped over the pile for branches he had gathered. When he hit the ground his rifle bounced out of his hand into a pile of grass and weeds. The vampire rabbits saw the opening and charged forward. Dustin tried to scramble backward but the jackalopes were on him to quickly. Dustin grabbed his sidearm out of the holster and fired a shot in the air causing the fluffy little monsters to bound back into the underbrush. Adrian and Anthony came running ready for a fight.

“What happened? Did those stick dogs find us again?” asked Anthony as Adrian helped Dustin back to his feet.

“I was attacked by a mob of jackalopes!”

“Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!” Adrian’s laughter carried off through the woods. “Seriously you got your ass kicked by a bunch of horned rabbits.

“No these ones had fangs and they attacked me.”

Adrian wiped a tear from his eye. His shoulders bounced up and down as he got his laughter back under control.

“I’m never gonna let you live this down you know that right.” said Adrian, placing his hand on Dustin’s shoulder.

Dustin just shook his head as he bent over to retrieve his rifle.

“At least help me get this wood back to camp asshole.”

The trio gathered up the pile and headed back. They started a fire and laid out their sleeping bags. While they sat around the fire eating MRE’s they figured up a guard shift rotation. Dustin agreed to take the first shift. Adrian crawled into his sleeping back and started to softly snore, while Dustin and Anthony sat watching the flames of their small fire.

“So you really think this is purgatory?” asked Dustin.

Anthony nodded, stirring the fire with a stick.

“I don’t know what else it could be.”

“So if that’s the case how do we redeem ourselves and where is everybody else?”

“You act like I’ve been here before.”

“Sorry, its just you seemed pretty sure.”

“Well, just from what I’ve read our chance of redemption will come along, or we have to live a good life here. That means following gods rules, repenting for our sins, and seeking salvation.”

“So we’d have to live like monks or something?” asked Dustin.

“Yeah something like that.”

“Living a life without sin would be hard. The bible says “Thou shall not kill.” and I don’t think I just wounded the thing today.”

“Like I said, I don’t know. We could be presented with tests or challenges to prove our worth. It’s not exactly clear on how all this is suppose to work. I just know we aren’t on earth anymore. I feel something…..something almost magical here. Its all around us, I just can’t explain it.”

“I don’t know if I want to accept the fact we are all dead. But, it’s getting hard to argue that anymore. Get some sleep Anthony, I got a feeling tomorrows going to be a long day.”

Anthony nodded again and headed for his sleeping bag.

Dustin threw another piece of wood on the fire and watched the bushes sway in the light breeze.

….…..

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and groaned loudly. “Do we really have to sit around and listen to all this boring egghead stuff. We should all be out there looking for the humans, not talkin about em.”

“Sit down!” replied Twilight sternly. “How could you possibly expect to find a human when you don’t even know what they look like?”

“Well egghead I figured out a plan already. Obviously I’ll just look for something I’ve never seen before, Duh. If their really that different from anything else in Equestria they shouldn’t be that hard to spot. I would a found em last night if you wouldn’t have talked me outta searching in the dark.”

“Well, at least you should sit down so you know what your doing, IF you find them.”

Rainbow Dash groaned again as she flew over and landed in her chair. With that Twilight started her presentation.

“So after all my research I have discovered very little information on humans. Apparently, they were powerful but untrusting creatures. While humans were very intelligent they were also considered rather dangerous. This is the only image I could find.” she said, pulling up a crude humanoid drawing.

“Oh my, Darling they look simply dreadful.” remarked Rarity with a shudder.

“Due to their untrusting nature I think we should try to limit anypony looking for them to groups of two or three. I’m worried that if there is a large group of ponies they may feel threatened and become aggressive.”

“Woah, Woah, Woah.” said Rainbow Dash. “From what Princess Celestia said I don’t think their gonna be dangerous. They’re gonna be awesome.”

“Rainbow Dash!! Humans haven’t been on Equestria for thousands of years. We don’t know how they’ll react. For all we know the could be like cave ponies, living off basic instinct alone. I don’t want to risk them or anypony for that matter, getting hurt. So we have to take some precautions.”

“I don’t know Twilight, Humans sound really scary? Do we really have to go looking for them?” asked Fluttershy meekly.

“Listen sugar cube, I think Fluttershy may be right. I mean if somethin happens and the humans do attack, how er just a couple a ponies gonna protect themselves?”

“That’s just a risk were going to have to take.”

‘If ya really think this is whats best Twilight I’m with ya.” reply Apple Jack.

“Okay so here is my plan. Apple Jack I need you to contact the entire Apple family from Braeburn to your Uncle Orange and tell them to keep an eye out. Rainbow Dash, you and Fluttershy fly to Cloudsdale and spread the word. Rarity, contact your friends in Manehatten and Canterlot, we could even put up signs in your boutiques. Pinkie Pie, let everypony in Ponyville know to be on the look out. And I will send messages to the dignitaries of Saddle Arabia, Yakyakistan, and Griffinstone. When were all done we will meet back here at the castle and figure out our next move.

“Right!!” replied the other five ponies in unison as they turned and headed out of the map room.

….……

After another long and trying day of walking Dustin’s stomach growled loudly, mimicking the sound of the wooden monsters they had encountered the day before.

“We’re gonna have to set camp and find some chow before to long.” he said pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.

“Man, what I wouldn’t give for a steak, potato’s and corn on the cob about now.” replied Adrian as he felt his own stomach grumble. “I’d even settle for some fried chicken.”

“Shut up.” snorted Anthony “All this talk about food, I’m even starting to smell it.”

“Wait a sec.” said Dustin squashing his cigarette out against a boulder as he passed it.

“I smell it too.”

The forest opened open into a large clearing. In the center stood an eerily shaped tree that appear to have converted into a hut of some sort. Smoke was rising out of a hollowed branch which carried the delicious aroma of fresh cooked food.

Anthony signaled to form up as they approached the odd structure. They moved to the door and stacked up. Anthony motioned to Adrian to prepare to breach the door. Adrian moved into position as Anthony counted down on his fingers.

Three, Two, One. Anthony swung his hand towards the door as Adrian kicked it open with all his strength. The door slammed open and the trio filed in with practice precision. They visually cleared the room and lowered their weapons in surprise. The homes only occupant appeared to be a very startled gray and white zebra.

“Who the hell keeps a zebra in their house?” asked Adrian in amazement.

The zebra shook its head in confusion and stared at each of the three intruders.

“What are you creatures that stand here now, that crashed through my door like a ponies plow.”

Three rifles jerked to the ready position and scanned the room again.

“Speak up now, one of you, why have you stopped me from mixing my brew.”

Dustin lowered his weapon and walked towards the odd colored zebra.

“Did you just….. talk?” he asked feeling sheepish.

“It appears to me you’ve figured right, now leave my house I desire no fight.”

Dustin staggered back and looked at Anthony.

“Are you sure this isn’t a nightmare?

Anthony simply shrugged his shoulders and motioned for Dustin to continue the conversation.

“We mean you no harm. We are lost and trying to find our way out of these woods. Could you help us.”

The zebra turned its head at an angle and seemed to consider the request.

“The forest is not a place to be, as the sun is nearly down you see. So sit right down for if you do, we can discuss this over a tasty stew.

The trio looked at each other and came to an unspoken agreement. Adrian pushed the door shut and joined Dustin and Anthony in the center of the room.

“Are you nuts?” he whispered, glaring at Dustin. “This has got to be some kind of trick. I mean seriously. Your standing here talking to a zebra that sounds like she was beat with a Dr. Suess book. What is wrong with you?”

“I’m with you on the crazy part Adrian. But, we need answers and right now she’s the only one talkin to us.”

Adrian shook his head and started pacing back and forth. “This place is fucking crazy. I mean it has to be some kind of trick.”

“Well I’m open to suggestions if you got any. If not, I guess we’re dining with a zebra.” replied Anthony looking at the other two.

“There has to be a man behind a curtain here somewhere.” he said searching around the small cottage.

“Search all you like if your need be, but the only pony you’ll find here is me.” replied the zebra in a near mocking tone as she watched Adrian’s fruitless search.

With a grunt Adrian walked to the center of the room and flopped down onto a brightly colored rug. Anthony gave the zebra a half-hearted grin as he and Dustin sat as well. The zebra quickly brought them each a bowl of stew which she carried with her teeth. After fixing her own bowl she joined them.

Dustin sat his bowl down and looked at the zebra. “Can I ask a few quick questions?”

The zebra bowed her head slightly.

“First off who are you, second where are we, and finally how do we get outta here.?”

“My name is Zecora the zebra as you can see. Your in the land of Equestria, on the edge of the forest Everfree.

“Where is everybody? We’ve walked through these woods for two days and your the first person, eerr, intelligent creature we’ve come across.” asked Anthony.

“No ponies live in the Everfree, so to speak. I believe Ponyville is the town that you must seek.” “Now asking the questions I must do. Tell me please what exactly are YOU?”

“Sorry, we weren’t trying to be rude.” said Dustin with a smile. We are humans from earth. My name is Dustin, this is Anthony, and that guy over there is Adrian. We live on the planet earth.”

“I know not this earth of which you speak, and humans are legends, your story is weak.

“Now hold on just a minute! Are you calling us liars?” said Adrian standing up.

“Calm down Adrian. If humans are legends then how would they know what we are?” said Anthony bluntly. “She has no more reason to trust us then we do to trust her.”

“Alright! Humans you may be, but how did you get to the Everfree?”

“Well, that’s kind of the problem. We woke up in a clearing, and can’t remember much about what happened before that.” replied Dustin. “We would like to find a way home if there is one. We have friends and family on our world that need us. Do you have any suggestions?”

“There’s only one I can think of for a situation so bleak. Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville, is the one you should seek.”

“So how do we get to this Ponyville?” asked Dustin.

“I will show you the trail at tomorrows first light. It’s not safe to travel the Everfree at night.”

Anthony nodded in agreement and thanked Zecora for her trust.

They sat and talked for an hour or so until Anthony let out a drawn out yawn. With that the Zebra walked into a side room and bid the trio goodnight.

“Dude I don’t know whats weirder. The fact that we aren’t on earth anymore, or that we just spent the evening with a talking zebra.” said Adrian as he unrolled his sleeping bag. “I wonder what craziness tomorrows gonna bring!”

“Like I said out in the forest. We’re here now so lets just focus on surviving no matter how weird it gets.” replied Anthony unrolling his bag as well.

I told you guys we were abducted, how else can you explain it. A different planet, inhabited by sentient horses.”

Anthony and Adrian shook their heads in unison at the remark.

The trio awoke the next morning and again thanked Zecora for her kindness. She simply nodded and followed them out the door. She led them to a trail and told him to follow it out of the forest.

“Come again if you so please, we can talk some more over a cup of tea.” called out the Zecora as they disappeared into the trees.

After a few hours of walking the forest started to thin out and the trail they were following became more and more defined.

“So are we really going to trust the talking zebra?” asked Adrian. “This could all be a trap ya know.”

“Zecora didn’t give us a reason not to trust her. She could have tried something last night if she wanted us gone.”

“Or she didn’t think she could beat us alone, so she sent us out here for her friends to ambush us.”

About fifty feet short of what appeared to be the edge of the forest the group stopped.

“Alright, Zecora said the village wasn’t to far from the forest. Anthony give me your binoculars and I’ll climb that tree and do a little recon. Adrian is right we shouldn’t just walk blindly into this.” said Dustin.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” replied Anthony looking at the tree Dustin had indicated. “That tree looks about half dead.”

“Its the only one with enough branches that I know I can climb.” replied Dustin as he dropped his ruck sack off his back.

Dustin snatched the small field binoculars from Anthony’s hand, throwing the lanyard around his neck.. He ran over to the tree and jumped grabbing the lowest branch he could reach and started pulling himself up.
Once he was as high as he felt comfortable, Dustin straddled a branch and surveyed the area. As Zecora had said, he could see the village in the distance.

“Do you see anything.” called Anthony.

“Yeah I see the village, Its maybe seven hundred meters out. There are trees around it we could use for cover to check it out first, before we head in.”

“Then get down here and we’ll head out.”

Dustin swung his leg over the branch he had straddled and started to lower himself down when he heard an ominous cracking sound.

Well SHIT! He though to himself as the branch broke from the tree and he pummeled towards the ground hitting every other branch on the way down.