Soldier: Future of Darknessby XAgentHunterChaptersA Dark and Gritty Mission [July 2nd, 2066]A New World [DATE UNKNOWN]Exo-Technology [The 23rd of the Third Sun, Year 20,321]Sun and Moon [19th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The Day Before The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]Dark Skies [20th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]A Dark and Gritty Mission [July 2nd, 2066]Staff Sergeant Ethan Cooper I don’t really know anymore...usually I’m writing in my log every day but…something’s been pulling me back…I’m a Staff Sergeant…I have a Squad and I care for them greatly…I really don’t like playing the ‘Dick’ Sergeant. In this world, Earth is practically ran by technology…even our military, I’ve written about this before but today…We use Exo Suits, which give us more strength and mobility in Warfare…even enhancing Special Operations like Cloak, Tactical Visors, Night Vision, hell even today's Rifles, Machine Guns, or Pistols are enhanced with built-in attachment-type bullshit…even though it’s useful…but fuck me…humanity has come a long way…including violence. Today, me and my platoon are being sent to Mount Everest…apparently, there are facilities that the insurrectionists have built over the years…and now we're about to demolish them. Cooper, Out. “Alright, we all know the objective right?” “Infiltrate, collect intel, and blow the facility.” “Okay, command, retask the drone support…give us an idea of what we’re hitting and how much we’ll be dealing with.” “Copy Cooper, there’s a lot of Insurrectionists inside…basically, it’s somewhat a fortress in there. We have reason to believe they are holding classified intel and dangerous weapons…your mission is to recover the intel, destroy the weapons along with the facility and if you find any extra intel that contains where they will attack in the future, collect it.” “Okay, sounds easy enough.” “Okay we’re retasking UAV Drone Support, your HUD should show a map of the place and where enemies will be located.” “Alright, gear up boys.” The Squad was in a Warbird Chopper, it was fully cloaked so the Insurrectionists couldn’t see them. The Soldiers grab their booster pack for their Exo Suits and their Tactical set and equipment for the Exo, they then grab their weapons and equipment. “Load them up, check your wrist launcher and magazines,” Ethan says. “Staff Sergeant Cooper, what’s the play?” One of the Soldiers ask. “We go in quiet and such, grab the intel and plant charges on the weapons…there’s only one way out where the Warbird can extract us so after we get what we need, we go loud and eliminate anyone who gets in our way. Once we’re on the Warbird, we detonate the charges and we’ll just watch the fireworks.” “Oo-rah Staff Sergeant, let’s do this.” Ethan chuckles and cocks his weapon, “Alright, grab your helmets…we’re here.” The Squad all grab their helmets and put them on, then the helmets close and cover their faces, breathing can be heard but then is silenced. The HUDs switch on which shows their Ammo Count, Lethal, and Tactical Count, Equipment List, Mini-Map. “Exo Suit, Synced and Online, Cloak online, Boosters active, Stim ready, Hover ready, Wrist Launcher Synced and Ready, Boost Stomp ready, Tactical Visor ready, Night Vision ready.” The Squad then exit the Warbird and point their weapons in front of them. “Activate Silencers,” Ethan says. The Squad then all hit a switch near the barrel which then a Thick cylinder barrel which a narrow hole slides out of the regular barrel. “Suppressor on.” “Alright, an entrance should be a klick ahead of us…let’s go.” The Squad moves forward in the snow buried grounds and the blizzard that was hitting them continuously, The six soldiers look at their surroundings to make sure there weren't cameras or any hostiles watching. They then reach the alternate entrance, it was a metal door with a Hand-Print lock. “Loggins, you got the fingerprints?” Ethan asks. “Yes, sir.” Loggins holds up his glove which then glowed a specific Fingerprint Pattern over the gloves, he then puts it on the door and the scan accepts it. The door opens slowly and the Squad enters. “Alright, we’re in…be advised we may lose comms within the hardened walls.” “Copy Cooper, we’ll increase the scan within the facility, Reaper will pick you up in 20.” “Negative, don’t increase the scan, we have a map of the facility, that’s enough. We’ll use threat grenades and Tactical Visors instead…don’t want to risk the enemy detecting the drone.” “Roger, good luck in there.” The Squad walks slowly down the hallway, they then spot a couple of hostiles, Ethan looks at one of his soldiers and nods his head towards one of the enemies, he then puts his thumb across his neck. The Soldier nods back and the two take out combat knives. The two stand behind the hostiles and put their knives right behind their neck, Ethan nods and the two put a hand over their mouths and jab their knives in their neck. The hostiles move around in pain as their groans are muffled…then silence and no more movement come from them. Ethan and his squad member move the bodies out of sight before moving up, he then puts a fist up and looks at his squad. “Okay, our objective is two clicks away, it’s highly likely that the weapons will be there as well…activate cloak and don’t move around too much unless you want to be discovered.” The squad nods and they look at their Wrist Pads and tap the screen a couple times, they then disappear, along with their weapons and equipment. “Okay…on me.” The Squad moves up in the open areas of the facility, slowly and steady with ease, they move around in a pattern together, avoiding contact with hostiles around them, while making close calls with the enemies near them, they spot a couple of Insurrectionists moving weapons into a room. Ethan looks at his squad and nods at them and points at the room. “Slow and steady boys.” The Squad enter the room and are met with a few insurrectionists, “Move over there, quick!” Even though they were cloaked, the power was close to being depleted, they all moved into shadows and cover behind crates and barrels. Ethan looks ahead and sees it was a headquarters room or a meeting room of sorts…there were large screens of camera views, lists, maps, etc. “Switch off,” The Squad deactivates their cloaks as they listen to their Sergeant, “Okay…make sure silencers are on, as soon as the two drop the weapon, take them out and those four at the monitors.” The Squad nods at Ethan and raise their heads from cover and look at the enemies, “Dalton, hack into the electric system…kill the lights in here and lock the door.” “Staff Sergeant, how are we getting out again? The way we entered?” Loggins asks. “No, the place is a one-way door, plus we need to get up where the Anti-Air system is so we can get out safely…if we take the way we entered while they’re on alert…they’ll clock us.” “Yes, Staff Sergeant.” Ethan puts a hand on his shoulder, “Hey…don’t worry, we’ll make it back home…I’ll make sure of that…remember I care for my men.” “Promise?” Loggins asks. “No promises in the military,” Ethan says. Dalton nods at Ethan and he nods back readying his weapon, “Alright as soon as the power is cut, activate Night Vision…you know what to do after that.” A small chuckle is heard from Dalton as he then lifts three fingers up, counting down…after he hits zero he taps his wrist pad and the lights go out. “Night Vision active.” The Squad hold their Weapons up and open fire at the hostiles. “What the fuck--“ The hostile says his last words as he then takes a bullet to the head, the rest react to their fallen comrade as then they look ahead to see small sparks of fire coming from somewhat-quiet rifles…after seeing that, they end up exactly like their friend. “Hostiles down,” Loggins says. “Clear, Dalton, collect the intel and any information that will help us in the future. Loggins, Michael, plant the charges. Connor, Rosales, locate where there the Anti-Air systems are.” The squad all salute and do their objective as Ethan checks his ammo count and keeps watch at the door. He then hears static through his comms. “Command, this is Ethan in the Blind, we have found the intel and weapons, we are taking care of it as I speak, send a Warbird in 10 as we attempt to take out the Anti-Air.” Just then, the squad returns altogether, “Staff Sergeant, we’re all prepped and ready.” Dalton says. “Alright, stack up…once the system security comes back they’ll realize something’s wrong. Once they enter, we take ‘em out and we move to destroy the Anti-Air systems.” “Let’s do this,” Rosales says. The squad reloads their weapons and checks their systems if they’re good to go, Dalton then nods as the power switches back on…then the alarms activate. “Here we go.” The door panel lights up green which then opens the only door to the control room, insurrectionists then enter the room to be greeted by a swarm of bullets. “Let’s go now!” The Soldiers run through hallways and corridors while taking out more insurrectionists. “Eth…an…this is…Pilot Reaper, we’re…ten….inutes…out.” Ethan quickly puts a hand to his comms while taking cover, “Copy that Reaper! We’re close to taking out the Anti-Air Guns, expect them out in five,” Ethan puts his hands back on his weapons firing at the insurrectionists, “Squad, they’ll be here in ten, we need to be done before five!” “Copy that! Lethal out!” Dalton says as throws a Frag which explodes after at least three seconds killing at least four tangos. The Squad continue their venture onto destroying the Anti-Air, killing many enemies they come across, soon they were close to their destination. “Approaching the Anti-Air Systems!” Rosales says. The Squad gets into a position which would lead to outside the base where the Anti-Air resides at, they plant charges at the door to blow it open as the locks on it were tight…after all the door leads outside where the blizzards blow strong. “Do it.” The charges blow and the door swings open letting in the frozen storm. The soldiers move outside taking out more insurrectionists that were controlling the Anti-Air. They had a fight ahead…most of the Insurrectionists were out here making sure their Defenses are up and running, the Squad quickly gets behind cover, all readying Tactical Grenades. “Alright switch ‘em to Threat Mode!” Ethan yells. The squad does just that as bullets were still firing at them. “Now!” The squad throws their Tacs and suddenly their HUDs lighted up at least fifty enemies in their view. “Use everything you got! Take ‘em out!” The Soldiers back out of their now destroyed cover, firing at the enemy…one by one the enemies fall to the ground dead. Ethan then taps his datapad which opens his Wrist-Mounted Shield, he slowly moves up as he fires his Rifle with his other hand as if he was a S.W.A.T Member. “Everyone shields up, and move up!” The rest of the squad copy their Sergeant’s Moves and continue their assault. “Cooper, this is Reaper, are the guns out?” “Gimme a second!” Ethan says. Ethan then holsters his Weapon but not his Shield as he then starts running towards the fray of Tangos. Immediately he unequips the Shield and he jumps but his boosters lift him up at least twelve feet in the air in which he then quickly taps his datapad and he readies for a landing, but then his boosters activate which boosts him to the ground. He then lands on his feet which sends a small shockwave to the tangos in front of him whom which fall back. “Got you now,” Ethan says as he then equips his Rifle and starts firing at the open enemies. The remaining enemies then slowly start to retreat and leave, the Soldiers continue firing at every open tango they could get. “Why are they retreating?” Dalton asks. “They’re probably regrouping, we better hurry!” Ethan says. “Got it!” Dalton says as he then spots the controls to the Anti-Air and quickly deactivates every gun one by one, he then plants a bug on the controls which short-circuits them. “They’re down!” “Reaper, the Anti-Air Guns are down, how close are you?” “Just about enough for them to get me if they were on! Do you see me?” Ethan looks to the open fog to see a Warbird flying in. “Everyone let’s go, we’re outta here!” The Squad cheers as they’re evac arrives they walk towards the landing Warbird and wait for its gate to open. Then, a shot was fired and flies by the Squad. Ethan quickly turns around to see the Insurrectionists return, he gestures everyone to get onboard, but then a bullet flies into Dalton’s back, he yelps in pain but then falls forward. “Dalton’s hit!” Michael yells. “Everyone get on now!” Ethan yells back. The Squad does what they’re told and boards the Warbird, they then watch as Ethan picks up the still breathing Dalton. “You alive?” “I’m still kicking sir,” Dalton replies as he also coughs. “Good, cause you’re going home,” Ethan says. Just then a Rocket flies by them almost hitting the Warbird as well, Ethan looks back to see the dozens of Innies with Stinger Launchers. “Oh shit!” “Get him onboard, we gotta go now!” Reaper says. Ethan then grabs something from Dalton’s Vest, the Detonator…he then put it in his own vest. Just then he lies Dalton down into a seat and he straps him in. “Take care of him!” “What about you sir?” Connor asks. “Get yourselves to safety, Reaper, get out of here now! I’ll hold them off!” “Copy, good luck Ethan!” “Wait, Staff Sergeant no!” Dalton says as he then coughs again. Ethan jumps off the Warbird and starts firing at the Innies with everything he’s got, he then shoots at the Tangos holding the Launchers and ends them quickly, he then takes a bullet to his left shoulder. “Ah! Sonuva--!“ “We’re away Ethan, thanks.” Reaper says. “...Fair winds, Reaper.” Ethan pulls out the detonator and before hitting the button he thinks back to his whole life…his family, his brother, anyone he cared about, they were gone…he didn’t have anything to lose in fact, was it time for him to meet Death himself? “I am ready.” Ethan hits the button and another bullet hits his leg, he then crouches down, hearing the explosions. “You’re fucked now.” Ethan chuckles as he looks up to see smoke rising from the vents…then fire…and an explosion inferno…that started to approach him. He closed his eyes and awaited his end…he then felt Darkness and Silence. “I guess this is what death is…” “Actually it’s not.” “What?” Ethan opened his eyes to see a beautiful white figure with velvet red hair…and…a muzzle similar to a Horse…along with a horn? “Who…are you?” “I am Faust…I have seen your actions, your history, and your sacrifices…I am here for a second chance at life.” Ethan looks at her like she’s crazy…then again…he’s dead…so maybe it’s an illusion. “Are you even real?” Ethan asks. “Yes, I am…trust me…as weird as I look to you…I am real.” Faust replies. Ethan looks at her with disbelief but at the same time…belief. “Why me though…out of everyone…why me?” “Because you are a good man, Ethan Cooper, you’d sacrifice yourself for your men and anyone you even care about…you always put your life on the line…I haven’t seen bravery like that in a long time.” “There are braver and courageous ones than me in human history though,” Ethan says as he looks away. Faust comes down and puts a hand on Ethan’s Shoulder, she then takes off his helmet, Ethan flinches at first but then lets her, she then looks at him. He had Blue Eyes…Lunar Blue…or Midnight to be exact, he had a small visible but barely noticeable Goatee, he had a scar next to his Right Eye, his hair was Black, pure black and it was down to the back of his neck. “You are someone…that lots would admire and such, I promise you that…I pulled you out of death because I want to help you and for you to help me.” “And what is that miss?” “Please just call me Faust.” “What did you want me to do Faust?” Ethan asks. “I’m sending you to Equestria…a land of peace and harmony…inhabited by species that aren’t human…they look like me basically, however, there are events that will unfold…and I need someone like you, who’s willing to protect and willing to put his life on the line for it.” Faust answers “Miss, if what you’re telling me is true…and this land’s peace is about to shatter…I will do everything I can to make sure it stands…because you have saved me.” Faust smiles and takes her hand off. “Thank you very much, Ethan…If you completely help…you can stay here and live in peace.” “Then I guess I will owe you the thanks ma’am.” Faust giggles and waves him goodbye. “Good Luck...and find Celestia.” Ethan nods as he then shuts his eyes and feels his body radiate. “Here we go…wait, who's Celestia.” His whole vision went black again. Author's Note The start of something new....OOOH BOY!!!! I wanted to make a Sci-Fi and/or Military Story because, I'm really into that type of stuff and hopefully you guys are too, I hope I got some well...Military sayings right...(God I am a fucking dumbass) But honestly it's from what I hear and from too much Military stories, movie, and games I've played, read, and watched... Anyhoo, I hope you guys like this! A New World [DATE UNKNOWN]I guess starting a new life won’t be so bad…then again, I literally just got here…I still have my bullet wounds, however…wished those could’ve healed. Oh well…I can heal them myself…if I had a medkit, my problems and objectives are the same…find out what I’m supposed to do…and such…hopefully, everything will be fine. Cooper, Out. Ethan was looking through his Weapons & Equipment, seeing everything was okay…he as well looks through his weapons bullet count, making sure everything was good. Ethan then looks at his helmet which he took off earlier, it didn’t seem Damaged but at the same time, it had some scratches…but there was a crack in the bottom left side of his HUD Screen. “I better find out where I have to go.” Screeches are then heard from afar, as well as screaming. “What the hell?” Ethan stands up to only fall back down on all fours, “Fucking wounds,” Ethan taps his datapad which lights up ‘Stim Active’, “Let’s go.” Ethan grabs his weapons and puts on his helmet to locate the sounds and see where they are coming from. His Radar didn’t show a map but it was pointing him towards the source of the sound, he keeps running with his weapon at the ready, as he gets closer…more sounds were heard like…growling, hissing, and cries. Ethan arrives, taking cover behind a tree, he gets a look at what he’s in. He spots two…anthropomorphic ponies…much like the goddess that saved him…but both only had wings. One was Yellow-Furred with long Pink Hair, she had a blue hoodie which had bunny ears on them, along with a blue skirt, & blue socks for her hooves. Ethan looked at what she was trying to communicate with and it looked like a…lion with bat wings? “Please! She didn’t mean it, she’s just protective of me...don’t hurt her anymore!” The Lion growled as it attempted to slash at the yellow Pegasus. “Ah!” “Get away from her you son of a--“ “Dashie no!” The other Pegasus got up and charged at the Lion, she was Blue-furred with a Rainbow Hairstyle, she only had a tank-top and some shorts, but she looked…beaten up…she had scratches on her arm and one close to her eye, and a bleeding one on her chest which had the tank-top somewhat ripped on the front showing some revealing cleavage but not all. She spread her wings getting the yellow Pegasus away from the Lion. “Flutters forget it! This Manticore won’t listen, it’s too feral to hear you!” A Manticore…that sounded pretty familiar…a Greek Mythological Creature exists in this world? The Yellow Pony hugs the Blue one and walks to the Manticore…which then she starts to stare at it… “What the hell is she doing?” The Manticore started to stay still and just stare back. “You think you can hurt my friend like that and try to hurt me? You’re a bad kitty, thinking that you can just do that to other creatures!” The Manticore whimpers…backing away…it turns around immediately and walks slowly. The Yellow Pegasus goes over to her friend…but they both didn’t see the deceiving Manticore turning around and growl. “Oh fuck no.” Ethan then pulls something…folded from his back…it then slowly materialized and straightened into a large rifle…a Scope spins to the top of the gun, the stock extends and connects to the handle of the rifle…the outer barrel comes out as Ethan loads in a magazine and pulls the bolt. ‘EAMR-84 Loaded and Ready to fire…use with caution.’ The Manticore roars at the ponies and they turn around to see a charging monster heading towards them…they both hold each other close and scream. Ethan squints his eye looking through the scope…aiming at the Manicore’s head…he clicks a switch and slowly squeezes the trigger. A loud 'Voom' sound was heard along with small electricity…then the splatter of liquid and non-solid objects was heard along with the thud of a large being. Ethan pulls the bolt again…a silver, black, and red tipped bullet ejecting as the barrel of the Sniper had small electricity jolts coming from it as well as light smoke. The two ponies look behind them to see a dead Manticore…with most of its head blown off…pieces of its brain spattered everywhere along with blood and a severely shattered skull. “O-Oh…m-my…” The Yellow Pegasus hugged her friend. “It’s okay Flutters…it’s okay…we’re safe.” The Blue Pony had an expression of total shock…while her friend cried in fear…what saved her and herself in such a…gruesome way? Ethan materializes and packs the rifle back onto his back, putting his Assault Rifle in front of him as he walks away. The Blue Pony looks to the right side of her to see the tall cliff that was there…there was…rustling leaves and…steps? She looked for a few seconds and thought she saw something but…nothing. Ethan looked on the top right side of his Helmet HUD, which said ‘Cloak Power Low, Deactivate to Recharge.’ He waited for the two ponies to leave…he didn’t feel it was right to reveal himself just yet…suddenly a new species with extremely dangerous weapons is in their world? Doesn’t sound peaceful really…he may not be at the cliff but he didn’t want to risk getting caught. “C’mon Flutters…let’s go…ugh, can you help me out?” ‘Dashie’ says. “Y-Yeah.” ‘Flutters’ says. Fluttershy picks her up from under her arm, Dashie puts her arm around Flutters’ neck. “We should go see the others…and tell them what just happened here.” “I’ll get her after I get you to a hospital.” Flutters replies. Ethan smiles for a bit knowing he saved a couple of lives, he then grunts in pain…his Stimulants have worn off. He gets back down on all fours as he looks to see some blood was dripping on his HUD. “My Injuries are exceeding--“ Ethan starts coughing to see some small blood come out. “Fff…fuck…it’s either I die to my injuries or have them properly treated…that is if they even know how to treat a--agh! H-Human.” Ethan slowly tries to get up…the mechs around his body making it pretty difficult…it almost felt tight around him for some reason…usually, it never feels like that. “I really wished Faust helped me out with my injuries.” Just then, he started hearing footsteps and he checks to see how much of his Stim Power was recharged…there was barely any…he’ll have to make due. “Turn Around!” Ethan quickly grabs his Rifle and gets into a crouching stance and turns around, aiming his Rifle…to see ponies in gold and blue armor along with their white fur with their spears pointing at Ethan. “Ugh…Look, I want no trouble, I’m just looking for--“ “Silence creature! You are a threat to our land…considering what we just saw what you did to that Manticore!” “You didn’t see the two ponies I saved?” “Doesn’t mean you were gonna leave them alone.” “What?! Agh…This is a fucking joke…just leave ME alone…I don’t want trouble seriously…I’m just trying to find someone named…Celestia.” “And just what do you want with Celestia?” “Ugh…why should I tell you? From the looks of it, you look like you’re gonna murder a new creature and say it was self-defense.” ‘Stim ready at 40%’ “That should be enough,” Ethan says. “What should be enough?” One of the ponies ask. Ethan taps his Wristpad and gets up, running to the apparently five guards…Ethan activates his Wrist Shield and bashes it against the spears pointed at him, making the Ponies back up and stunned for a bit…Ethan then activates his boosters and jumps over the Guards as he starts to run. “Don’t follow me!” Ethan warns them. Ethan kept running for a bit until his HUD flashed red. ‘Suit Power Low…recharge as soon as possible’ Fuck…I forgot about that. Ethan keeps running until he could no more. ‘Functions shutting down Wrist Launcher: OFFLINE -Wrist Shield -Wrist Grapple -Tranquilizer Darts “Shit…” Ethan quickly grabs a Tactical Cycle Grenade and switches it to Smoke and drops it behind him, he keeps running as his pain starts to slowly come back, he hears some type of shining or mystical sound as he kept running… “Did Faust send me to the right world?” ‘Boosters: OFFLINE -Jump Boost -Hover Movement -Boost Stomp ‘Suit Abilities: OFFLINE’ Fuck… ‘-Cloak -Overclock’ Nonononono… ‘-Stimulant’ The pain kept rushing back as Ethan immediately grunted and growled in pain…more blood dripping from his head and mouth. “You better stop right there!” Guessing I’m about to face death again. ‘HUD Shutting Down…backup power activating to removing Exo Suit and Armor…use Wristpad.’ Ethan sighs as he feels some spears behind his back…not stabbing him but pointing against him. “Stand down!” The Ponies behind him then kneel and put their spears down. Ethan looks up to see a white figure approach…she had rainbow hair but only in specific royal colors…she had a horn and wings just like Faust…but this one seemed a little shorter. ‘Helmet Mask Opening’ Ethan looks face to face with another goddess. “Who wanted you to find me?” Ethan was thinking if this was her…maybe it is…considering she almost looks like Faust and such…maybe her Daughter…her Daughter is Celestia? His Helmet Mask split into three parts going into the helmet…his face revealed to another Goddess…however he had some black dust on him as well as blood from his mouth and forehead. “Goddess Faust…” The Female Pony’s eyes widen but before she could say anything…Ethan’s world was going dark…he was losing too much blood. “Guards get a Med Evac for this one!” “But, your Majesty--“ “Now!” The Guard bowed and walked away. “Ughnnn…am I in the right world?” Ethan’s world completely blacked out. "We must figure out his intentions though...he's an alien!" "We don't know if it's bad or not." "I heard it blew a Manticore's head off! Then attacked the Guards and said it's after Celestia! It's obviously here to kill her." "Enough!" The noble ponies stopped talking and looked forward to see their princess. "The creature has no ill intentions, however, I do not know it's true intentions either...the creature killed a Manticore to save two ponies...I believe if it was evil it would've let them die." The voices are whispers after what their princess said. "What do you propose your majesty?" "I'm going to find out his intentions myself, and see how he got into this world." "But Princess, I thought he was after you?" "Clearly, you have been hearing false rumors, so do not worry about me." The Princess stands up and walks away from the nobles...for a while she thought of what his intentions would be, every possibility ran through her head, Is he here for peace or invasion? Is he here to take control of the monarchy? Is he sent by Nightmare Moon? All these thoughts ran through her head...however he did speak her mother's name...not many know who Faust is...and she was warned by her mother that a descendant will arrive...could he be the one to save us all? Celestia approaches the medical wing to see the creature...it was stuck in its armor still...it looked interesting, however. There were two doctors and three nurses all there to try to help. "Doctor, how is he?" The Princess asks. "Not good, and it's hard with all this armor...it won't come off at all." Celestia looks at his face to see the blood was wiped clean...they were able to get the helmet off at least, she truly saw his face and all... "We used magic to see what was wrong with him...there is a metallic object stuck in its knee, and there are burn wounds over its right arm, and there is another metallic object stuck in right shoulder...this creature has the same structure as us...but there is no tail, no muzzle, and no hooves." Suddenly, coughing is heard from the creature....everyone gasps as blood drips from its mouth, it slowly started to move... "Hey! Easy, you're in the Castle's Hosptial now...take it easy...don't move." The creature had its eyes half shut...as if its vision was blurry... "S-Stand me...up..." "Sir, you're in no condition to move!" "Stand me up...take off...armor." The creature coughed. Celestia walks over and slowly stands him up and he used the surgical bed and The Princess for support. "Princess, what are you doing--" Celestia puts her hand up to silence the doctor, "How do I remove your armor?" "Wrist...pad." Celestia looks at its wrist and sees a rectangular object on his left arm...it somewhat lit up with a box in it that had a small sentence. "Okay, what do I do with this wristpad?" The creature coughed as it collapsed...Celestia caught him, however. "T-Tap...the...command...option." Celestia looks at the blinking box on the screen of his Wrist, it said 'Remove Exo Suit.' She tapped the command and slowly his armor started to move. The slim metal box on his back along with the vest started to click as first the slim armor and plates unlocked from its arms, the metal keeping the datapad on unlocked as well...his hands which were covered by gloves had its rods disconnect from the knuckles...next his leg's armor clicked and unlocked...the plates and pads surrounding his thighs, legs, and shins all loosened and soon all of his armor fell off...there were still hard plastic pads on his knees and arms...his clothes had a snow white type of camouflage on them...white and grey...there was a hood as well. "The pad...unstrap...them." The creature said faintly...as he attempted to get back on the bed...Celestia and the nurses assisted him and took off the rest of the armor...the staff immediately got to work on him as taking off the clothes were easy...but it took a while to take off the boots...since they've never seen them. "Princess, I recommend leaving...this will get messy." The Doctor said. "No, I want to see his form and see these... 'Metallic objects' that you claim is in him." "As you wish Princess," The Doctor notices there was metal covering his left arm, "Wait, there's another piece of armor...nurse?" One of the nurses look at its arm and see what she could do, she saw the glove but first, she looked at the arm and noticed...the shoulder wasn't made of metal...she assumed it was some type of glove that covered this creature's arm, so she pulls on the arm. Suddenly the creature grunts and clenches its teeth soon it turns into light yells as the nurse tried to pull the 'glove' off. Celestia notices this and she looks at the nurse and the creature, "Stop!" The nurse stops and looks at Celestia, the Princess walks over to the nurse's side and her horn glows, her eyes glow white and she stares at the arm...soon she looks at the hand and she pulls on it...the actual glove comes off revealing more metal covering the arm. "This is apart of his body," Celestia holds the hand and twiddles with the fingers as the creature moves them himself as well to ease himself....as the yelling stops, "There are nerves but they are different from the rest of his body." "His?" "When I heard his voice I recognized it was stallion," Celestia says. "...He...has a metal arm?" The Doctor asks. "Yes, however that is not the concern...it is the metal stuck in his body...I can see how it is causing him pain, we must extract it without killing him...I will help you since this is a being we have never seen." "Yes, your Majesty." "Did the creature have anything else on him?" "We found some strange objects on him including a...strange shaped knife or sword...it didn't look like a kitchen knife but it wasn't as big as a Sword." "Alright, we will not mess with them because we do not know if they are dangerous or not...we will ask him after we have helped him and he had fully healed," Celestia says. "As you wish...let's get started." "Do not die yet, you have just arrived." "Huh?" Ethan wakes up, his eyes slowly crack open to see he was in a hospital bed...he groans as he slowly attempts to stretch but feels pain in his shoulder...he looks...his vision still slightly blurred but he could see bandages around the shoulder and arm, he notices he had no armor either as he didn't feel the metal around his body that slightly would tighten him and protect him. Just then he spots someone walks in...his vision still blurry but he could tell it was a nurse...he saw...wings, the nurse leaves. "Must be the blurs..." After a bit, he sees...a bright white and lightly rainbowed figure and a purple figure. "Can you hear us?" A Motherly voice asked. "Y-Yeah...but my vision is still blurry." Ethan answers. "What is your name?" "Ethan Cooper...U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant." "That is quite a long name..." Ethan chuckles as his vision slowly gets better. "My name is Ethan Cooper...I am a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marines." "Ah...I see." Ethan's vision finally clears up and he looks at the two in front of them...The White Furred Goddess who was with him before he blacked out and a Purple furred Pony that reached up below the Goddess' breasts...he widened his eyes in surprise as he sat up. "Do not panic...we're not here to hurt you." "There were others with you, they tried to attack me." "And I ordered them to stand down...remember? I brought you here...you even helped me take off your armor." "Wait, that was you?" The White furred Pony nodded, "What are you, where are you from, and what do you plan to do here?" "How do I know I can trust you?" "I could've thrown you into the dungeons without your wounds treated if I didn't like you...here, if you answer my questions...you can ask me some...because you seem curious to where you are as well?" Ethan scratched his head...and thought...what's to lose, he's dead...technically. "Well ma'am, I am a Human, we evolved from Apes in the Primitive ages to make it short. I come from a Planet called Earth which has lived for over 4.2 Billion Years, The human race also is from Earth, we have lived there for quite some time." Ethan says, he looks to see The Purple Pony writing in her notepad. "I see, and how did you come to Equestria and what do you plan to do here?" "I was sent by...a Goddess...her name was Faust...she gave me a second chance at life in exchange to protect her world known as Equestria...at least she did send me to the correct world." "You were sent by Faust?!" The Purple Pony asks. Ethan nods and gets comfortable. "I lost my life...I was sent on a Mission along with my squad to take out an Insurrectionist base...everything went fine...but then I was forced to stay behind to blow up the entire base...I sacrificed myself and saved my Soldiers from death...I should've died...but Faust saved me...and she sent me here." The White Pony was shocked along with the Purple one... "Enough about me...who are you two?" "Oh, I apologize, My name is Princess Celestia, ruler of the Sun and Equestria." Ethan gets a good look at her...she wore a white gown which had a brown strap around her waist along with a golden buckle or something, her top only had one strap which went over her left shoulder...but she had a very large form...tall and hourglass-shaped....she had wings and a horn like Faust, her hair flowed Green, Pink, and Blue along with her tail. Her legs were wide and she had hooves instead of feet...she notices a slight V hole in her long skirt revealing the lower part of her thighs...He then sees a mark on the thigh and her shoulder...they both were a picture of the Sun...she also had a Crown. "And I am Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's Personal and Faithful Student." Ethan looked at her, she had midnight blue hair with a pink line in the style but didn't flow like Celestia's, she only had a horn, she wore a typical type of Schoolgirl Outfit, A Dark Vest with a Dark Purple Shirt and a Light Purple Tie, along with a Short Skirt and Tights around her legs. "It's nice to meet you both...now the second question." "Shoot," Celestia says. "Where are my Weapons and Equipment?" "Ah, they are over there at the end of the room," Celestia says. Ethan looks to his right to see his Weapons, Armor, and Equipment all there. "You guys never messed with it?" "We wanted to ask you about them since they were yours," Celestia says. "I see...how about this, once I have fully recovered, I will show you them and such...for now...may I have my Backpack that is right next to my Armor?" Ethan asks. "I accept your offer and yes." Celestia smiles and her horn glows, the Backpack levitates over to Ethan. "...Whoa...what was that?" Ethan asks. "Magic, do you not know of this?" "I do...however Magic is a myth on Earth." Twilight gasps and writes it down, "No Magic where you come from?" "Nope...just nature and the way of life...as well as Technology," Ethan says. "We shall discuss this once you recover...for now, you rest and take care...what do you like to eat, I will have my chefs cook for you," Celestia asks. Ethan smiles...hearing that he could have a chance to eat some real food besides the MREs, "I could go for a Country-Fried Steak right now." He looks back at the two ponies to see their eyes wide open. "What?" Ethan asks. "You eat meat?" Twilight asks. "Yes, why--oh shit, you're equines so you don't eat that type of stuff...Humans are Omnivores, we can eat both Meat and things that aren't meat, however, we need it for our nutrition and health." Ethan says. "I see," Celestia says, she looks at Twilight who wrote this down, "Thankfully there are other species here in this world that are also Omnivores so we have chefs who cook meat and such...I will have your food ready...for now, you should lie down...getting that Shrapnel out of you wasn't pretty." Celestia says. "Alright...thank you very much for your hospitality Princess Celestia," Ethan says as he nods at the Princess. "You are quite welcome, farewell Ethan Cooper." Celestia winks at Ethan, as she and Twilight leave the room. Ethan smiles as he goes into his bag...he pulls out a music player, he taps on the device and takes out some Beats Earphones and lies back and lets the music play. Author's Note I listened to that song while I typed this...anyhoo WELCOME TO SOLDIER: FUTURE OF DARKNESS I have this, The Titan of Equestria, The Guardian Lycan, and The Shadow Guardian which I have to keep track of...will it be stressful...possibly...is it worth it? Yes, it is. XD Exo-Technology [The 23rd of the Third Sun, Year 20,321]"So wait, how do dates work here?" Ethan asks "There are six Suns and six Moons, all have 30 days each, and our years are counted from the very beginning," Celestia says. "So then what's the exact date today?" "I believe it is the 23rd Day of the Third Sun...every year it is first the six suns, then the six moons." "So that is what you call your months?" Ethan asks. "Yes...Suns and Moons." Celestia answers. "And the year?" "It has been 20,321 since our Planet was created." "Damn...I would be more surprised but our planet has lived way longer...anyway, am I able to leave now?" Ethan asks. "Ah, yes...the Doctor has cleared you and are free to go." Celestia smiles. Ethan smiles back and grunts as he gets out of his bed, he goes over to grab his equipment and he looks at his Exo-Suit, he then sees it float...golden aura surrounding it. "I'll carry it for you...it is no problem. Ethan nods and grabs his tactical backpack and he puts on his small gear and light protection: knee pads, gloves, and handgun holsters, which he places his two pistols in. He then grabs his Assault Rifle and puts the strap around his shoulder and body...the Weapons hanging down to his waist...the Magazine wasn't inserted so it wasn't loaded...and he put his Sniper Rifle on his back...still folded up so it's easier to travel with it hanging on his back...he then puts on his backpack and nods at the Princess. "Ready to go, your Majesty," Ethan says, nodding. "Please, just call me Celestia, if my mother trusts you, then I trust you as a friend," Celestia says. Ethan holds his helmet and stands up straight, "Then lead the way, Celestia." Celestia nods and starts walking, Ethan was by his side...as he walked, there were a few guards looking at him, but then they bow before Celestia...along with even a few maids that passed by and looked at Ethan in an interesting way...they were eyeing him...and he swore he could see them smirking. Ethan rubbed it off and followed Celestia, she opened a large doorway to reveal a throne...a single throne, and glass windows which had encrusted and carved colored art...he was impressed by the work. "So...this is Canterlot Castle...pretty colorful." Celestia giggles and motions Ethan to sit next to her, he does so and he notices she lied his armor down next to him. "Now, if I may ask, I would like to see how your...weapons and armor work." "The armor will be a problem because we have to wait for its power to recharge," Ethan says. "Oh don't worry about that." Ethan looks to see Twilight enter the room. "What do you mean?" Ethan asked. "When you were out, we didn't want to twiddle with your things but I did look at your armor and held it, then I saw the 'Power Low' sign on the wrist part of the armor...so I used my magic and looked for the Power Source and I decided to do something...I powered it up with Magic...and magic, is endless." Twilight says with a devious smile. "So my Exo-Suit has infinite power? Twilight, you clever...um...unicorn, thanks." Ethan chuckles. "No problem, but I do apologize for messing with it." "It's alright," Ethan says. Ethan quickly looks on the back of the armor and hits a switch, the armor begins to loosen and open up so Ethan could put it on...first he puts on the Leg Pieces, which then tighten and connect to his clothes...the metal covering them, next was his arms, the armor fitting on perfectly as everything clasped and connected together...his chest piece also connected to the rest of the armor along with his back. Soon his Exo-Suit was fully equipped...Ethan then puts on his Helmet...the View completely Black until it then activated and he could see what he was looking at...the normal messages popping up like, 'Exo Suit Activated' or 'Abilities, Weapons, and Visor ready to go.' Ethan does a system check on all his abilities and they all lit up green and ready to go, Ethan smiles and he opens the Helmet's front so the two Mares could see his face. "So, you wanted to see what I can do?" Ethan asks. "Yes," Twilight and Celestia both say. "Well alright, but I must warn you to stand back...also do you have anything I can use to shoot at and also...there might be slight damage to your floor," Ethan asks. Celestia's horn appears to show a few mannequin ponies, Ethan smiles. "Alright, before I show off the weapons...I'll show you what the Exo Suit can do." Ethan holds up his left arm, while his right one had the datapad, this one had a Black type of box which had a few buttons and switches. "This is my Wrist Launcher, this thing has three distinct abilities, well at least mine," Ethan taps a button on the Wrist Launcher and soon a small handle came out and reached his hand which he then held onto...then a Large Metal Cover extended out of the Launcher from all sides, Ethan crouches which made him completely hidden behind the Shield, "This is the Retractable Shield...we can equip this when we're under heavy fire, it is very useful, whether it'd be from bullets, knives, spears, or swords...this thing can protect you, as long as you can use it." Ethan retracts the shield and stands back up. "Impressive, that sort of thing could never exist here...possibly everything you have I guess," Celestia says and smiles. "What else does it do?" Twilight asks. Ethan was still holding onto the handle that came out of the Launcher, he pressed a button that was under his thumb and he pointed his arm up, a small black slim rope with a metal end shot out of the launcher and it immediately lifted Ethan up to the ceiling, the Princess and Twilight looked up to see him hanging by the rope from his wrist. "Grapple! It can connect to anything within one hundred feet and pulls the user to where they shot it, the grapple can help them...well hang around for an advantage, but it might hurt the user's arm for a while depending on how--ugh...one sec," Ethan retracts the grapple and started to fall, but then his Exo Pack activated which hovered him safely to the ground, "--Long you stay there sacrificing your left hand...also what you saw was my Exo's Booster Pack, which can help me get to higher places easily, it can also hover the user safely to the ground if they require to fall down somewhere or go across a gap or have an advantage point temporarily...we'll come back to that." Ethan lets the handle retract into the Launcher and he hits another button which opens the Launcher...A few Dart-like weapons slide out and show itself, Ethan takes out one and he walks up to the two Mare, offering them to hold it. They take it and inspect it. "That is the last ability, this Launcher can fire those Darts right there. They're tranquilizers, anyone hit with those will immediately be knocked out, basically, they'll fall asleep...and anything that can move can be affected by those...so don't touch the tip." Twilight immediately widens her eyes as she WAS about to touch the point-end tip of the Dart, she gives it back to Ethan and he chuckles at her witty curiosity. "Alright, that's the end of the Wrist Launcher, next...I'll just quickly explain my Booster Pack," Ethan jumps and is boosted into the air by ten feet...and he immediately comes back down without a problem, "That is the basic function, the Boosters are meant to help Soldiers have a better advantage to getting somewhere or someplace for their mission, The Grapple is meant for further or way higher places...I can also have my Boosters well...Boost me to the ground and help me cause a small shockwave stomp to anyone who is near...and it does work." Ethan smiles. "I see, anything else?" Celestia asks...she looked so amazed with his technology...even more than Twilight! "Last are the Suit Abilities, then we'll move onto mainly the weapons...someone say a Magic Word, any." Ethan taps his wristpad. "Um...Abracadabra?" Twilight curiously said. Ethan immediately disappears as soon as she says that. "Ethan? Ethan!" Celestia and Twilight both say. Soon they hear a quiet buzzing sound and then a clacking sound of electric almost. "Boo." Twilight yells and jumps while Celestia flinches and smiles at the joke. "What was that Ethan?!" Twilight asks with annoyance. "That was my Cloak Ability, it renders the user completely invisible...however the kick is, if the user moves more fast and such...the Cloak Power drains faster, if the user is completely still the Power won't drain and it will slightly recharge, but the user will also have to watch their footsteps as they can still be heard if they're not quiet enough," Ethan says going back to in front of the two Mares. "Next one is Overdrive, this helps the user move faster temporarily, like so," Ethan taps his Datapad and Immediately he feels the rush of energy going through the suit and himself, he runs to the entrance of the Throne and back to the Princesses real quick. He then deactivates it, "The last one you can't physically see but it is called Stimulant, it helps the user heal if they are injured, basically, it's an adrenaline shot, soon it will run out and have to charge both like the Overdrive and Cloak ability." Ethan then puts his hands up and shows the armor parts covering the gloves, "This is Nano Grips...basically I can use these to climb on walls and they work best on metal really." Ethan wiggled his fingers and chuckled showing the pieces moving around as he activated the Grips and deactivated the Grips. "This is so fascinating, and this is all from the armor you wear?" Twilight asks. "Correct ma'am, the Exo Suits Dominate the Battlefield and gives all Soldiers the advantage of attacking their enemies...but a Soldier is not complete without their weapon...shall I?" Ethan asks. Celestia and Twilight nod and Ethan looks at Celestia, "Got a table?" The Princess giggles and her horn glows, making a table appear. Ethan smiles and places his weapons down on the Table. "So, I'll go from the basic ones to the complex ones," Ethan grabs a small one and he takes out the magazine and shows the small bullet to the Mares, "This is a bullet, I saw your Guards carry crossbows so I'll say think of this as that...however these little things are made of metal and when used they travel pretty fast and whoever it impacts on can slightly burn and either go through them or be in their system...these things are extremely dangerous, these things can hit critical points in the body and cause the victim to die instantly...just like an arrow. So, if you took one of these through the head, the heart, or any other critical point in your body, you could either die or be in extreme pain...then probably death." The mares looked at the small bullet and were shocked how one little piece of metal could kill someone. "Ethan, might I ask you something?" Celestia asks. "Shoot," "The two metal objects that we got out of your body, are those also bullets?" Celestia asks. "Yes, there are many kinds of bullets, all built for a specific type of Weapon then there are the bullets that are customized to be more dangerous...enough to blow up a person's head," Ethan says bluntly. "This small one you're looking at is used for Pistols such as the one I'm holding...this is why I asked for something I could use as dummies," Ethan loads the pistol and shows the Mares the weapon in his hand. "This is called the Fujin, a 9mm Pistol...pretty basic and reliable...oh and...you might want to cover your ears...these things are loud." "I've got a better idea," Celestia's horn glows and the whole throne glowed for a bit then stopped, "I've soundproofed the room so the Guards won't overreact." "Thanks...anyway, here we go." Ethan clicks off the safety and cocks the Pistol and aims at one of the Mannequin's head, he proceeded to fire...one bullet, then three...soon the whole clip. Bang, bang, bang...the gun was actually pretty loud, surprisingly...the Mares flinched from the noise and watched as holes appeared in the Dummy's head. Ethan then noticed the gun was empty...he puts it back on the table and picks up the next one. "This is actually a Rare one, this is called the Recker .44, it packs a punch, Revolvers are not something to take lightly...then again any firearm is a thing to not be taken lightly...but this is a Gun that can blow a hole in a person's head," Ethan says, he opens the cylinder mag and he takes the six bullets that were connected together and he inserts them...soon he sees the Cylinder lock the bullets into place, "Old Revolvers, you had to take out the bullets one by one and put the bullets that weren't fired...back in sometimes, later on, we had tools that could insert all six at the same time, but this one locks them so the ones that were fired will unlock from the mag and will be ejected once the cylinder is opened...this thing does have two barrels as you can see...this can fire two bullets at the same time is what I'm saying...but I switch it to only fire one bullet if I wanted to...and there is a laser pointer right in front of the trigger as well as a built-in Optical Sight." Ethan whips the Mag back into place and clicks the hammer down and fires at the dummy...two bullets firing, making a pretty loud and fearful sound...and blowing large holes into the Mannequin's body, the Mares were astounded from the firepower...Ethan switches it to Single Fire and unloads the rest of the bullets into the Dummy, once he was done, he puts the Revolver on the table and grabs the Rifle. "This is an Assault Rifle, it's a main Primary Weapon for many Soldiers, however, there are many different kinds of Rifles today, this is the GM85...and this is it without the attachments I have for it usually...besides the Built-In ones...this Weapon was meant for stealth missions, now this is a Full-Auto...which means the bullets continuously fire and I can just hold onto the trigger...but there are other fire modes, like Burst, which makes the Rifle fire three bullets at a time and Semi-Auto which is basically Single-Fire like the Handguns I showed you two," Ethan loads the Rifle and first single fires it, then burst fires it, then unloads the rest in Full-Auto mode...the Dummies shake as the bullets tear through them. Ethan reloads the gun and he clicks a button on the gun's barrel...a Thick Cylinder and Tight Barrel slides out of the actual barrel and he smiles. "This is a Suppressor, also known as a Silencer, this is the main thing many use for Stealth Missions, they render the Gun's fire and make it very quiet so no one can hear it," Ethan then slides a couple of Attachments onto the gun and he shows them...he had an Angled Grip on the underside of the barrel and a Red Dot Sight on the top side of the Rifle and he fires the weapon, it did sound quiet and such...still had the same impact on the Poor Dummies however. Ethan quickly explains the Attachment's purposes and what they do before moving on. Ethan smiles and finally grabs the Big One...the gun's stock unfolded and the Scope rotated to the top of the Gun, the Barrel unfolds as well, turning upwards. "This...is a force to be reckoned with...this is the EAMR-84 Sniper Rifle...this is an Energy/Bullet Weapon Hybrid," Ethan shows the mare the Black, Red, and Silver Bullet in his hand and he loads it into the gun along with the mag, he then pulls back the bolt and switches off the safety, "The Name stands for Energy Anti-Materialistic Railgun 84 Sniper Rifle...cover your ears...I highly recommend it." The Mares do what he says and they watch as he crouches and breathes. Ethan pulls the trigger and that same 'Voom' sound was heard along with a few sparks of Electricity coming from the Barrel...the Bullet travels straight into the Mannequin and it's head and half of its body exploded into pieces...Ethan pulls back the Bolt and the Burnt Shell ejects...as the Barrel and the shell both had small smoke come from it, the Mares uncover their ears. "This is not something to be taken lightly, this was meant for huge infantry and can take down vehicles such as choppers with only one shot...but those don't exist here...and to answer your question, yes, this is what I used to kill the Manticore," Ethan says...smirking. Celestia was very surprised from the heavy weaponry...and how threatening it was. She looked to her right to see Twilight with her jaw dropped. "That is very impressive Cooper, your kind has seemed to master weaponry I guess and your kind never had to use magic...that is what impresses me even more," Celestia says. "Thank you Celestia...now lemme show you the last thing," Ethan folds the Sniper and puts it on his back once more and puts the rest of his weapons back on him, "You can get rid of the dummies and the table by the way," He grabs two Cylinder Objects which both had a Pin with a Ring around the end along with a button, "These are Cycle Grenades...back in the day there were many kinds of Grenades...Lethal and Tactical...and there were different types of Lethals and Tacticals...but today we are able to have all at once with these...Lethal Cycles and Tactical Cycles...I don't want to use them unless you want your throne to be damaged." Ethan says. Celestia nods at Ethan and looks as he explains the modes...he didn't pull the pin or anything but he pressed the button to cycle the modes. "First Lethal, the first mode is Frag: it is the standard one...once it's activated, a small counter will start, and once it goes off, this will explode, so basically don't hold this in your hand while it's cooking. Second, Contact: Just like frag but once it makes contact with anything, like a wall, floor, or a person...it will immediately explode. Last is Sticky: Once it's thrown the counter will start and whatever it touches, it will stick to so if it's stuck to you while the counter is on, you're done." Ethan says, as he puts the Lethal back and takes the Tactical, "Tacticals are meant to support and not hurt the enemy but render them unless of something. First is Threat: this will highlight enemies and it'll only work if you have the helmet's visor on, which I don't...basically anyone near it will light up red and will also light up ones that are cloaked. Next is Flash: once it lands the grenade will flash anyone close to it, blinding them temporarily. Last is EMP: anything electronic will immediately shut down for a while...sadly that'll be a problem here since you rely on magic rather than Technology." Ethan puts the Tactical back and walks up to the Mares, "Aaaand that is all folks!" Ethan chuckles and bows, "Thank you for coming to my presentation." The two Mares clap and giggle, "Ethan, you are a very interesting being, and everything that you have on you is very fascinating." Celestia says. "Indeed, I really like your talents and such!" Twilight says. Ethan chuckles and does a two-finger salute. "So, may we ask you a few questions?" Celestia asks? "Sure." "Earlier, you said you were a U.S. Marine, and a Staff Sergeant, what does that mean exactly?" Celestia asks. "You have Military here yes? I mean your Guards I can guess but do you officially?" Ethan asks. "Yes, Our Guards are the official members of the Equestrian Guard...we also have the Wonderbolts who are a Pegasus Branch and they own the skies, then there is the Equestrian Army which we never had any use for because we have not entered war in over a thousand years." "Really now? Anyway, in my World we also had Military, I served America, my country, my home, and my land...there are five branches of our Military, there is the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps which is what I am apart of, the Air Force, and the National Guard...and a Staff Sergeant is a pretty high rank in the Military...not like a Commander kind but basically I am a leader for my Soldiers, I command a squad and we work as a team." "I see...were you...at war when you came here?" Twilight asks. "Yes, we were at war with a Resistance Group called the 'Insurrectionists'...their beliefs are that today technology will end the world...what they asked themselves is, will they end with it? Their answer is no...so they plan to end the world themselves...they have caused major terror attacks against the entire world and they won't stop until they have Earth at their fingertips...and have their version of Earth become a reality...they believe if there is no one left to challenge them, there will be no more wars...It's a load of bullshit...especially since they have killed millions of innocents for their 'Vision.'" Ethan says, sighing. "Goodness, well at least you are here now...and away from Catastrophe," Celestia says. "Yeah, but the scars still remain...you saw my metal arm and the scar on my face right?" Ethan asks. "Yes." Twilight answers. "I lost my brother, and my arm while fighting them...I grabbed this scar off of a higher-up Innie...nasty cut from a blade." Ethan says. "I-I'm sorry," Twilight says putting a hand over her mouth in shock. "It's alright," Ethan replies. "Anyway...if my Mother has sent you here, then I suppose you are here to protect Equestria correct?" Celestia asks. "Yes Ma'am, I have been given a second chance for a reason, my Sense of Purpose is to Protect and Serve," Ethan says. "Then I have something to discuss with you in private...so Twilight, you may leave...you might want to go check on Spike." "Wait, b-but Princess--" "Twilight, trust me...this needs to stay confidential between me and Ethan, so please, go and get some rest and visit Spike." Twilight sighs in defeat, "Alright...I do need to check on Spike anyway, goodbye Ethan, I hope to see you again." Twilight waves and smiles. "Later Twilight." The Throne Doors close. "Walk with me," Celestia says as she walks through the doors on the left side of the throne room. "What do we need to discuss Celestia?" Ethan asks. "I must tell you right now...there is something that is coming, something dark...and Twilight is deeply involved in this," Celestia says. "Wait, how?" Ethan asks. "I have chosen her as my Apprentice for a reason, I saw something in her and I believe she is the key to unlocking something ancient." "No disrespect Celestia, but how come you had Twilight leave then, she should know about this if she is to either unlock it or prevent unlocking it if it's a bad thing," Ethan says. "Yes but this is something that I must not tell her for this is a test to see if she is truly ready...as nervous as it makes me be." "So what is this Ancient thing?" Ethan asks. "The Elements of Harmony." Author's Note Hoo, boy...this felt like it took me a while XD, anyway...this was basically a get to know Ethan type of thing and what he can do as well as a setup for the next chapter. Also, what do you think of the weapons? I wanted to look for Futuristic Weapons that didn't exist in any Video Games or Movies basically. Anyway, next time on Soldier, Ethan's first mission on Equestria: Travel with Twilight to Equestria for the Summer Sun Celebration. (Confidential Objective: Locate ponies who could be the key to assist in unlocking the Six Elements, and free Princess Luna from her Prison of Darkness.) Sun and Moon [19th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The Day Before The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]The 24th of the Third Sun, Year 20,321 "The Elements have communed to six souls?" Ethan asks. "Yes, they have bonded to six ponies already, they may have bloomed, or not yet...but Twilight must find out herself," Celestia says. "But why? Why can't you just tell her that the legend is true and she should look out?" "I know it is difficult to understand, but there is a reason why Twilight became my Apprentice, and there is an even deeper reason why my Mother chose you as a Guardian of Equestria, soon enough both of them will make sense, I need you to trust me on this, Staff Sergeant Cooper," Celestia says as she bends down and stays at eye level with Ethan. Ethan looks at Celestia, seeing that she was bending down, he noticed how tall she was actually, she looked about eight feet tall, he would think impossible but this world has already proved him wrong many times. He sighed and looked at her, "Alright, I trust you, your majesty, I serve you and you only...your mother did have a reason to choose me because a Soldier will always serve and protect, and I am determined to do so as I did in my homeworld." Celestia smiles and hugs Ethan, surprising him, "Thank you...and please do not use formalities, I want to be way more than just someone you serve, I want to be your friend. I believe you should make friends while you're here as well." "If...that is what you wish...Celestia." Ethan said. Celestia breaks the hug, "I'm sorry...I...haven't seen my sister in over a thousand years...not a day goes by that I don't miss her or wish I never sent her to the moon." she sniffs and sits down on her bed. "It's okay Celestia, I can share the feeling. I lost my brother, but you still have a sister, and I will make sure she comes back to you." Ethan says. "Thank you, Ethan...now let me tell you what you need to know." 12th Day of the Fourth Sun "And I hope you all treat him as well as you treat yourselves because he is a Soldier and he has Protected and Served for over ten years in his life," Celestia says, talking to those in the Equestria Courts. The room stayed silent and Celestia nodded, "Staff Sergeant Ethan Cooper, introduce yourself." Ethan then took a step on the podium, standing next to Celestia, he only was wearing his Military Hoodie and Fatigues, along with the Combat Boots, the Gloves, and his Wristpad which he removed from the Exo Suit...he breathed, because from what Celestia told him, the Nobles are...difficult, but he is military and Celestia is giving him the power to make sure they shut up if they get too rude or become smartasses. "Your majesty, you're letting this creature roam our lands, even more, this castle and you're letting him stand next to you?" "I agree, Auntie! You should execute this disgusting vermin, we know nothing about him, and he might betray us!" Celestia growled then sighed, "I apologize Ethan...cover your ears," She watches Ethan does so, "Enough!" The Nobles shut their mouths, scared that they angered their princess. "I will NOT tolerate you not accepting that we have a new species let alone, one that has protected and saved countless of lives! He saved two ponies already from becoming prey to a Manticore! You will show respect to him because he is now my Personal Soldier and he will answer to me only. In other words, he will not be your personal servant or housekeeper. Even more, he has the authorization to make sure you do not become reckless with your words or your actions. I am giving him no limits besides killing because I am tired of you all thinking you are above others and even causing others to be miserable, so If I don't like or Ethan doesn't like what you are doing, he has the authorization to do whatever." Celestia says. The nobles become terrified of this news...then look at Ethan, who had his arms folded and had a devious smirk...along with a quiet chuckle. The 14th of the Fourth Sun "You must be Spike, hello there." Ethan smiles as he crouched down at the young dragon, he had purple and green scales all around him, he looked the exact opposite of what Ethan thought a Baby Dragon looked like...then again that 2000's Movie 'Eragon' made him think that...buuuuut this is a different universe so he can't blame them. "I am, and you must be Celestia's Agent, Ethan Cooper--" Spike's mouth was covered by Ethan who also shushed him. "Do not say anything...our enemies could be watching..." Spike and Ethan looked at each other, then Ethan chuckled and uncovered Spike's mouth, "I'm just kidding little dude, but please just call me Ethan alright?" "O-Oh...alright," Spike laughed at his joke and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He notices his prosthetic arm, "You have a metal arm? Dude that's awesome!" "Heh yeah...awesome." Ethan chuckles "Don't try to scare him too much Ethan." Twilight giggled as she walked towards the two. "Like I did when I used Cloak on you?" Ethan replied, his smirk returning. "Oh hush you!" Twilight said lightly hitting his arm. The three laughed for a while then it died down. "So, shall I give you the tour?" Twilight asked. "Sure." The 15th Day of the Sixth Sun Ethan walked the streets of Canterlot until he then saw two ponies looking like they were being harassed by...wait. "Idris Ultimer, fucking Nobles." Ethan cracked his knuckles and walked towards the angered noble. "So how about you watch where you're going next time...is that your daughter hm? If I see you again, I will make sure your filly is taken away from you because from how you walk, you're not fit to be a mother and--" "Ahem." Idris looked to the left of him to see the Soldier, his eyes widen, slowly he began to walk back as Ethan walked toward him, just then he ran away. "That dude just never quits...well at least I get to do something, back in the U.S. we couldn't do things like that," Ethan then looked at the Mare and her Filly, "Are you two alright?" "Y-Yes, thank you," Soon she started to tear up, "He was g-gonna take away my daughter." "No Mommy! I don't want to leave you!" The filly cried, both of them scared. Ethan walked up to the mare and he wiped her tears and then he crouched down and looked at the filly. "That's not gonna happen because he can't do that and if he does, there would be severe punishments for him, and not just from me but the Princess," Ethan stood back up and looked at the Mother, "He would have to take that to Day Court and if he did, Celestia would be angered and would go out on Idris, and if he did it illegally, I think his punishment would be worse than being in a Dungeon." "T-Thank you..." The Mother still tearing up. "Hey hey," Ethan drifted his fingers across her face again, "Tears don't suit a Mare like you...so don't be afraid and don't be sad." The Mare nodded and sniffed, not trying to cry anymore. Ethan then noticed the shattered empty ice cream cone...the ice cream melting onto the ground, "Did the mean stallion throw your new ice cream to the ground?" "Y-Yes..." The filly answered. "What was it?" Ethan asked. "M-Mint Chocolate..." Ethan looked at the two of them, "Wait here," Ethan quickly walked off. After a small time of waiting, Ethan walked back...with two scoops of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream on a cone, he approached the two and crouched down in front of the filly, "Here you go kiddo." The Filly gasped and took the Ice Cream, "Yay," She began to lick the delicious Ice Cream, but then she looked back at Ethan and she hugged him, "Thank you, mister." "Hey no problem...you gotta enjoy the sweets like that...between you and me, that's my favorite flavor of Ice Cream." Ethan smiled. "Mine too." Ethan then stood up and smiled at the Mare, suddenly the Mother hugged Ethan tightly, she sniffed in joy and then went up to him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you so much..." "Don't even mention it...Miss," Ethan says...waiting for the Mare to say her name. "Oh um...my name is Heartwarmer Glaze...and my Daughter is Bittersweet Glaze." "Well Miss Glaze...I'm Ethan...but I guess you probably knew that." "Yeah...I did." Heartwarmer said. "Now how about you and your Daughter get home? I hope to run into you again in the future." Ethan says, smiling at her then walking off. "Y-Yeah, I hope so too..." Heartwarmer says...somewhat blushing. 19th Day of the Sixth Sun - The Day Before 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration Ethan strolled through the Castle, walking to Celestia's chambers. "Hey, Cooper!" Ethan looks behind him to see a White furred Unicorn, He had an Electric Blue Mane and was wearing a Captain's Uniform. "Shining Armor! You son of a bitch, how you've been?" Ethan chuckled. "Nothing, I officially have been promoted yesterday." "I can see that, congratulations dude and I'm sorry I couldn't make it." "Ah, it's fine dude, you being Celestia's Soldier and everything, I can understand...so don't worry...I'm guessing you're heading there now?" "Yep...something important just came up from her." "Well, it is the Summer Sun Celebration, so I better do my part, I'll see you later Cooper!" "Right back at ya," Ethan waited for him to leave, he then approaches Celestia's Chambers, "If only he knew...as well as his sister." Ethan knocked on the doors and they opened slowly, he entered seeing Celestia sitting on her bed...but she was only in her bra and panties, and she was staring at a picture. "Oh! Um...Your Majesty I--" "Ethan, again with the formalities and if I didn't want you seeing me like this, I wouldn't have let you in." She had a point there, but it didn't mean he couldn't help but be embarrassed. "Sit next to me please," Celestia said. Ethan does so...he finally sees she was looking at a picture of her and her sister, Luna. "Have you been here the whole time so far?" Celestia nodded...still looking at the photo, "It's been years since I've seen her, and I made the mistake of putting her in basically Solitary Confinement on the Moon...and...I know she will hate me so much for it even if she isn't Nightmare Moon." Celestia's voice was breaking as if she was about to cry...and she was. Ethan immediately comes over and hugs her, because knowing and living in this world for at least three months, this is a place of Love and Friendship and he really thinks of the Princess as a friend. "I think, she knew you had no other choice, she was under the control of a dark spirit as you told me, so it shouldn't be your fault...but I hope she knows it isn't her fault either," Ethan said. "T-Thank you, Ethan." Celestia quickly planted a kiss on Ethan's cheek...making him blush. "Um...your Majesty--er...Celestia I--" "I'm sorry, I just...you are the only one who knows I have a sister at the moment...so it just makes me happy that I can talk to someone about it as well as comfort me." Ethan smiled and hugged her again, she hugged back, "I'm glad I could be of service Celestia...ever since I came here, I've learned to be a normal person again then just an armored soldier, you, Twilight, and others helped me there." Ethan said. The two break the hug and look at each other, "Now I believe today we both have our jobs to do and make sure your sister comes back safe right?" Celestia nods in response. "Right, well I will get ready and come back to you when I'm prepped," Ethan says as the two stand up, Celestia going to grab her usual Royal Outfit and Ethan opening the door to leave, "By the way you look very beautiful Princess." Ethan quickly leaves and shuts the door. Celestia immediately blushed and lightly giggled after he left the room. 1 Hour Later Ethan approached the throne room, in his gear and everything, Celestia in her get-up and such. "Why are you in your Armor and Gear, Ethan?" Celestia giggled. "My Armor and Guns won't exactly fit in my backpack...and if it could, It'd be pretty heavy," Ethan answered and chuckled. Celestia laughs, "Trust me...take off the armor." Ethan does so, the Exo-Armor unclipping and slightly folding up. "Let me try this," Celestia's horn lights up and suddenly Ethan's backpack feels more light. "Wait...did you cast some weightless spell onto my pack?" Ethan asks, moving the pack around. "That's not all...put the armor in there, as well as your weapons." Celestia smiles. Ethan looks confused and he begins to attempt to put the armor in and....it went in! No problem at all. "A Spell to make a bag Roomless? How do your species think of this stuff?" Ethan chuckles, putting in the Sniper Rifle, then the Assault Rifle, he grabs some small gear from the armor after that. "Oh, we just do," Celestia giggled, just then a poof of smoke appeared, generating into a wrapped letter, immediately Celestia opens the letter, "It seems Twilight has figured it out." "We still gonna keep it secret?" Ethan asked, putting on the kneepads and strapping on his fingerless gloves, next putting his Pistol and Revolver into their holsters. "Yes...Luna will not return until nighttime, I will not be there because Twilight must face this and see if she is ready. I am highly confident that she is but you must make sure she does not become reckless, as well as that if she gets in a situation she cannot handle, you have my authorization to use whatever at your discretion." Celestia begins to write her reply letter, and she was quickly writing it. "Copy that, Celestia...so when am I leaving?" Ethan smiles and folds his arms. Celestia finishes the letter and she rolls it up, wraps it, then sends it off to Twilight, "In about Ten Minutes, and make sure Twilight attempts to make friends while she is there." "Will do, now take it easy Princess, I'll bring her back...I promise." Celestia nods and waves as Ethan leaves the room. Ethan arrives at Twilight's Home, the Carriage right next to him as he whistles out to the home, "Twilight, Spike, let's go!" Immediately the door opens and the two walk over to Ethan. The Soldier waves at the Apprentice and fist bumps the drake, "So, how have you two been?" "I'm doing good, Twilight is a little agitated," Spike says. "Oh really?" "It's not that I'm agitated, I'm worried because I don't know if you know but I sent a letter to the Princess, explaining--" "Twilight hey...I know what you told her, and trust me, from what has been happening I believe you, but to be honest the only one who's lived long enough to know if it's true or not would be Celestia herself, and if she is telling you it's not true then it's probably not." Ethan says, putting a hand on her shoulder. "But I--" "Twilight...if anything does happen, I'm here...my weapons and armor are all in my backpack and if danger does appear, I'll suit up and take care of it okay?" Ethan smiles as then he opens the carriage for Twilight, she happily steps in and the two horse guards trot and fly off the ground. "Celestia wanted me to tell you what you're doing in Ponyville, you'll be housed at Treehouse Library and she said there is more to a Young Mare's life than study, so You'll be supervising the preparations for the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration and an essential task for you... besides me and Spike, you need to make some friends," Ethan says, smiling as he nudges the Unicorn. She grunts and adjusts her school-style tie and looks at Ethan, "You know, at least I'll be housed in a library where I'll do the preps very quickly and get to the library and find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return--" Ethan nudged her again, shaking his head in response, "Twilight, I don't want to be blunt but look that is not a priority right now, Celestia had me come with you for a reason so I can make sure everything goes smoothly as well, but I'm gonna need your help to do that, you will know how to communicate with ponies better than I do because they aren't gonna quickly lighten up to an armed alien." "I don't need a bodyguard though Ethan, you didn't have to bring them." "I never said I was your bodyguard, because I'm your friend Twilight, and if you can be my friend, a being who's not from here at all, then you can definitely make friends with ponies okay?" Ethan smiles. Twilight thought about it for a second and she guessed she could take it easy and just focus on the more important things at hand...and yeah if she can be friends with Ethan she can be friends with Ponies. She smiles and hugs Ethan, "Thanks...I guess I needed someone to talk to me about this." "No problem Twi--oh, we have arrived." Ethan chuckles and the three exit their ride, Ethan salutes at the two Guards and they saluted back, flying back to Canterlot. The Three with their small bags around them they begin to walk to their first destination, but then they come across a lone pink pony, she wore a paint splattered t-shirt, a few bracelets and wristbands on her arms as well, her jeans reached pretty high as if they weren't gonna fit her anymore soon. She then looked at the three, staring at them...particularly Ethan. "Uh...Hi?" Ethan says. Immediately the Pink Pony gasps as hard as she could...floating up in the air and dashing off like a looney toons character. The Three then immediately looked confused...and speechless. "Welllllll...that was certainly...interesting..." Ethan says slowly...very confused at what happened. "Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres." Spike says, holding a rolled end piece of paper. "Celestia sent you a checklist or did you make that yourself?" Ethan joked. "Celestia did because I don't know this place and it's location...isn't that why you're here?" Ethan lifted his arm up, showed his wristpad which indeed had a map, "Well one of the many reasons, magic works on technology in many ways besides you permanently recharging my Exo Suit." Suddenly the sound of a 'Yee-Haw' was heard as they looked in front of them, seeing a sprinting Cowgirl...Cowmare? She had Orange fur with Green Eyes, a Cowboy Hat on top of her head along with a slight folded up Red and Black Checkered Flannel, Blue Knee-Ripped Jeans and Brown Gloves, Her Long Blonde Ponytail swayed as she then kicked an Appletree, every single apple fell straight into the few baskets down below, not one missed, she smiled at herself and crossed her arms. Ethan smiled and look at the two, "Well let's not look like lurkers, let's see how they're preparations are doing," Ethan and the three walk to the Cowmare, "Not Bad Miss, I'm Impressed!" That got the Earth Mare's attention as she turns around and sees Ethan, Twilight, and Spike. "Good Afternoon, My name is Twilight Sparkle--" Suddenly she is forced into a handshake, "Well Howdy do Miss Twilight," She then stopped the handshake and approached the Human, "A Pleasure to meet yer' Acquaintance," She then walks to Spike and shakes his hand...then returning to in front of them, "Ahm' Applejack, we here at Sweet Apple Acres love making new friends." "Friends? Actually I--" Ethan nudged her again. "I appreciate the gesture Miss Applejack, happy to be a...friend!" Twilight smiles. "So what can I do you for?" Applejack asks. "We are all here to supervise the Preparations for the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration, and If we and this list here is correct, you and this establishment is in charge of the food?" "We sure are! Would to care to sample some?" Applejack asks. "Well as long as it doesn't take too long--" Applejack sprinted again, ringing a triangle bell, "Soup's on, everypony!" Then comes a herd of ponies, all have the same sense of southern or western clothing...family is the best guess here. A Table is then laid out in front of the three. One by one they laid out food for the three. "This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp," Applejack breathes and then looks behind her, "Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith," She walks over to the sleeping elderly pony, "Up and at 'em Granny Smith, we have guests." "W-Wha....S-Soup's on? Ah...ah..ahm' comin'." She slowly gets up, walking to the rest of the Family. "Well, I can say yall are already 'part of the family!" Applejack says happily. Twilight chuckles nervously and Ethan smiles, "W-Well I can see that the food situation is handled so I guess we'll be on our way!" "Aren't yall gonna stay for brunch?" Applebloom asks...her cute eyes shining at the three. Twilight was about to say something that might've made them sad but Ethan then spoke. "You know, I guess we can stay only for a little bit because, besides you, we have to check on others who are in charge of setting up the Celebration...plus, I do like apple treats." Ethan chuckles. The Family shouts a 'Yay!' as they pass a plate of food to each of the three, Ethan smiles. "Twilight there's no need to rush things alright? Make some friends." Ethan whispers to Twilight. The three were walking, all happy since in hindsight, they didn't eat much today. "Alright, next is Weather, a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash is supposed to clear the clouds," Spike says. The Three look up, "Hm...someone's slacking on the job." Ethan says...experiencing that with recruits who had too much pride. Soon a burst of wind was getting them as then Ethan turned around, his eyes widen. "Hit the Deck!" Ethan shouted, pushing the two down and land on their fronts while Ethan does the same, the speeding buzzard passing them by an inch...soon it stops and comes back as Ethan looks up. "Oops! Sorry about that...coming to close for comfort huh?" Ethan widens his eyes again as...it was the Blue Pegasus he saved in the forest...the scratch on her cheek remained as a Scar...she wore a white tank-top along with a hoodie wrapped around her waist, finally topped with some ripped blue jeans, her rainbow hair flowed in the wind she created. "Rainbow Dash I assume?" Ethan asks as he helps the other two up. "The one and only! I suppose you've heard of me?" Rainbow Dash asks. "Yes, you are supposed to clear the skies...and you were supposed to have it done by now," Twilight says. "Yeah yeah...I'll get it done once I'm finished practicing." "For what?" Ethan crosses his arms looking skeptical. "The Wonderbolts! They're performing here tomorrow and I'm going to show them my stuff!" "The Wonderbolts...I've met them...they're a pretty nice Equestrian Military Branch," Ethan says. "You've met them--ooh wait! You're Celestia's Soldier right?" Rainbow Dash's mind clicked. "Correct and I'll say this, in the Military, including Wonderbolts, they won't accept slackers." "I'm not slacking I'm practicing, I'm not laying on a cloud lazily!" "Here's some practice then...DASH, TEN-HUT!" Ethan's voice became louder and gruffer, almost fearful. Rainbow in surprise stood at attention...then again he does have the authority and such...she heard about that. "Rainbow Dash in the Military if someone gives you a Goddamn order you do it! You don't fly your ass around and say you're doing something, you do the order you are given right away! And if I don't see those fucking clouds wiped in ten seconds, I'll personally make sure that your ass is noted for your laziness the Wonderbolts Academy!" Rainbow immediately rushed up into the sky and began clearing every single cloud in sight, even Ethan was pretty surprised at her speed...soon she returned to the ground with the two behind Ethan had their Jaws dropped. "Ten seconds flat sir!" Rainbow Dash said like a recruit. "Well, I guess you're not ENTIRELY useless Private Dash! Don't think that scar makes you look like a badass, don't think your pride and achievements will get you excuses in the Military! Do I make myself clear Private?!" "Sir yes sir!" Ethan clears his throat and his voice goes to normal, "Now was that so hard...at ease by the way." "Ugh...no," Rainbow says. "That was a taste of what you'll experience in Boot Camp...I want you to know that, so be prepared, they won't say okay if you say I'll do it in a minute." "I...kinda thought that." "Alright, hey, you were actually impressive up there...I hate being a dick but I have to sometimes." "It's no problem, happy you helped me push the limits...also to you two, sorry about almost hitting you." "It's no problem, My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike." The Purple Mare smiled and Spike waved. "Well you two seem like fun to hang out with, not saying you aren't Ethan don't worry, anyway! See you guys later!" Rainbow smiles and flies away. "Well, she's pretty cool," Spike says, chuckling. "Yeah...you didn't have to do that Ethan, I could've told her to," Twilight said. "You're probably right, but as I said, that kind of slacking attitude isn't allowed in Military, and I bet my life it's basically the same here, same for the Wonderbolts." "I guess you have a point." She replied. "Alright, where to next Spike?" Ethan asks. "Decorations...b-beautiful..." Spike says. "Hm, yeah the dec--whoa...classy," Ethan says. "Yeah the décor is coming along nicely--" Twilight says before being interrupted "Not that! Her," Spike says. The three look to see a White-furred Unicorn, she had a curled straight Purple Mane, it shined along with her sparkling blue eyes, she wore a blue button up shirt with a black round skirt, she had some cuffs on as well, she also wore red glasses. She was going through different colors of jewels and such. "No, no, no, oh! Goodness no." "Do my spines look straight?" Spike asks. Ethan chuckles and nods. Twilight also lightly laughed at Spike's obvious new crush, "Ahem...Good Afternoon--" "Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent." The Unicorn says her name. Ethan chuckles as she chose Sparkle and smirks at Twilight, who then elbowed him. "Now, how can I help you--Oh my Stars...darling," Rarity walks up to Ethan...looking at his Military Camouflaged Hoodie, then the Fatigues and Boots, his...everything, "What kind of clothing is this...it's interesting, I've never seen this." "Well, It's standard for me, look we three are here to just check the decorations then we're gone," Ethan says. "But Darling, you must tell me about your clothing patterns and such!" Rarity says. "Maybe another time, look the Princess sent us from Canterlot--" "CANTERLOT?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there, I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends you three and I!" "Miss...Rarity, we are here to check on the decorations, our job is to check on everything that is being planned for tonight and tomorrow, so we're sadly on a tight schedule but once we're done, I know my friend Ethan here can tell you all about his style and such." Twilight says. "Oh goodness, I understand...I do sincerely apologize for being rude to you then Mister Ethan, say...you're her...personal knight correct?" Rarity asks with flirtatious eyes. "What? Oh no no no no, not like that Ma'am! I'm her Soldier, yes, but we're only friends. That is it." Ethan says...light redness coming from his face. "Whatever you say, Ethan," Rarity smirks, "Now, do the decorations look nice by the way? I hope they are to your satisfaction." She says. Twilight smiles, "Why yes they are, they are very impressive in fact." Twilight answers. "Any Criticisms?" Rarity asks. Ethan shook his head, the two also did. "Well, I'm flattered, well come back if you ever have any ideas for me." Rarity says happily. "Will do," Ethan says, the three then exit the town hall. "Alright, last one...is...music," Spike says. "Yep and...I already hear it." Ethan says. The Three listening to the singing birds...a yellow pegasus composing...Ethan's eyes widen...seeing a scratch scar on her arm...she then flies close to them. "Oh my, um...stop please, everyone, umm...excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-" "Hello!" Twilight says. Soon the Yellow Pegasus yelps and the birds fly away...the Anthro Pegasus covering herself with her arms and wings. Ethan looks at Twilight and mouths 'Don't worry about that.' Ethan has seen this kind of shyness and startling personality from his little cousin...so he had a small idea. "I'm terribly sorry Ma'am, my friend did not mean to scare you and your birds, we come from the Princess, we are here to see how the music is going and I will say that it is wonderful...My name is Ethan Cooper, what is your name?" "I'm...I'm...Fluttershy..." The Yellow Pegasus says. "Fluttershy? That is a nice name...may I ask...did you get that scratch from a Manticore, another Pegasus named Rainbow Dash had a similar scar on her cheek...were you two together when it happened?" Ethan asks. Fluttershy lightly opened herself up...revealing the pink flowing hair that covered one of her eyes, she had a green t-shirt on, along with some admittedly bouncing 'features' she had jeans on as well and had some large yellow wings and blue eyes. "Y-Yes...it was three months ago...we would've been...d-dead if something didn't save us," Fluttershy says. "What saved you from the Manticore?" "I...I don't know because...me and Rainbow closed our eyes and waited...then we heard a...zooming like sound or something...then we heard b-b-blood and parts s-s-splatter...we looked and the Manticore's head was blown to pieces or something...but we small little bits of...metal...we were...confused." Fluttershy says. "Oh my...that sounds terrifying." "I-It was and...I never agree with killing animals at all, ever...b-b-but...If it didn't die then...I...I wouldn't be here...I just wished I could've thanked whoever saved me." The Pegasus says. "I'm pretty sure he or she knows that you're grateful...now," Ethan helps Fluttershy stand back up...seeing her birds have returned, "I believe your birds have returned, so if you wish to get back to it then we will be on our way." "Oh um...let me apologize to your friend for being...scared of her," Fluttershy says. "You shouldn't have to apologize for that but, you should introduce herself, I need her to make friends so maybe you can help us out," Ethan says, whispering the last part then chuckling. The two approach Twilight and Spike, Fluttershy struggling then, she couraged up, "H-Hi...I'm Fluttershy...nice to meet you." "I'm Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you too...and your birds have lovely voices." "Oh um...t-thank you!" Fluttershy says. Spike walks up to Fluttershy. "Hi, I'm Spike!" The Little Drake says. Fluttershy then gasps and giggles happily, "A Dragon Child! One that can talk too! It's wonderful to meet you! I-I've never seen a talking dragon before." "Heheh...well, I can say I hope we can talk more in the future than!" Spike says. "Oh, do you three have things to do?" Fluttershy asks. "Yes, we are here to make sure everything goes smooth, but this was the last thing on our checklist so now we need to just check on where we're staying because we haven't seen it yet," Twilight says. "Oh, alright...I-I do need to still p-practice with my birds so...I hope we can be f-friends Twilight!" Fluttershy says. "I hope so too!" Twilight says. Soon the three leave and head to the Library home. "I'm...surprised that the ponies we met didn't really flinch or have second thoughts about me...it makes me happy but kinda uneasy," Ethan says. "Why is that?" Spike asks. "Usually when someone is that nice to an outsider--like an actual outsider, they might have something in store for them." Ethan answers. "Oh Ethan, you shouldn't have to worry, not everypony are like the Canterlot Nobles." Ethan chuckles and smiles, "True...I guess dealing with them for the past three months had something to do with it." "No doubt about it...you weren't the only one criticised by them," Twilight says. "They gave you shit because you were her student?" Ethan asks a bit bothered by that fact. "Yeah, it was for a week...I even got bullied by some noble children for being so special...Celestia was actually angered by that, she put a stop to the kids because it is her school but the nobles would never stop because I sometimes pass by the courtrooms or pass by a noble, they even insulted Spike...soon...it became t-too far." "How?" Ethan asks. "I...I don't want to talk about it..." Twilight cringed and...almost looked like she was about to cry from remembering. Ethan put a hand on her shoulder, "It's okay." "What happened that day was the reason I never became friends with anyone, or at least talked to anyone...I was afraid they'd hurt me or something." Twilight says. "This little freak needs to be taught that his kind aren't allowed here!" One Colt says. Soon the colt puts a sharp stick against Four Year old Spike's arm...his scales weren't fully developed to defend yet...the baby spike yelled and cried as the sharp end cut into him. Twilight who already had a bruise on her cheek and light blood from her lip cried too...seeing Spike in pain...she looked in her teenage years, "No!!! Let him go!" The Colts laughed as they kept hurting Spike...soon enough, Twilight looked angry as then the colt holding Twilight back was met with a very painful bite to his hand...enough for him to bleed. Twilight ran to the two colts terrorizing Spike, she then immediately punched one of them as hard as she could, then kicking his stomach...the Colt that was hurting Spike attempted to cut Twilight with the stick...instead, Twilight grabbed it and stabbed his shoulder, making the Colt yell in pain...the three in sudden fear of the Violent Twilight, ran away. Twilight picked up the crying Spike...Twilight immediately held him in his arms, nuzzling him as then she cried as well...tears dropping on top of the young Drake. "I promise...I won't ever let anyone hurt you again...I never want you h-hurt...never, I love you, Spike...I will never hate you because you're different, I hatched you and I promised I would take care of you." Spike's cries lighten as he held Twilight, "M-Mommy..." Twilight looked at the little Spike...kissing his head and accepting that name. "...ilight...Twilight!" The Unicorn snapped back to reality as then she notices they were at the Treehouse Library...she then felt tears sliding down her cheeks. "You alright?" Ethan asks. "Y-Yeah," Twilight quickly wiped her eyes, "I was remembering something painful." "Well, I'm here if you ever need to talk." Ethan says, rubbing her shoulder and back. "Thanks, Ethan." Spike then hugs Twilight and the Mare rubbed his head. After the three cooled down from the sadness, they all entered the Treehouse...noticing it was very dark. "Well, this is strange...where are the lights in this place?" Ethan asks. "The Windows might be covered, otherwise we'd have some light in here...but there should be some magic light generators in here hopefully." Twilight says. "In a Treehouse? A Literal Treehouse?" Ethan asks. "It's possible." Twilight says. Soon the lights come on and immediately the room yelled 'SURPRISE!!!' Ethan hand his hand on his Semi-Auto, then...slowly moved his hand away from it as there were many ponies in this place...a surprise party? No one even knows us...soon the Pink Pony earlier from today approached the three. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?" "Yes, I was surprised," Twilight answers, "Libraries are supposed to be quiet." Twilight was a bit annoyed suddenly. "Twilight, be nice," Ethan says, approaching Pinkie Pie, "It is a nice surprise party, but why? You never met us before besides this morning so I am curious." "Well, Super Soldier! It's because I've never met you three before, which means you're new, and if you're new that means you've never met anyone here so that probably means you're very lonely! That made me sad so I invited all of Ponyville to come and celebrate new people! So now you'll have lots and lots of friends!" Pinkie Pie says. "Ah well, that'll be good for Twilight over here definitely." Ethan says as he chuckles, looking at Twilight. Twilight does another elbow to Ethan and soon she walks over to the table to get some punch. Ethan notices the ponies from earlier...Applejack, Rarity, & Rainbow Dash, he smiles and walks to the three. "Hey, you three!" Ethan says. The three turn and see it is Ethan and they smile, "Well, I'll be...how do ya do Ethan?" Applejack asks. "I'm good, now that the checkup on things is done, I assume you're all done with your preparations as well?" "Indeed, the Town Hall is ready for tonight!" Rarity says. "Mhm, the treats are being laid out at the Place right now by my family, they said ah could use a break and plus, this was a welcoming party and those are fun admittedly." Applejack says. "So...you're a soldier...what adventures did you have as a Soldier?" Rainbow asks. "Many, some actually exciting and some...not all that fun, more than that they were dangerous and threatening...but all of them are dangerous." Ethan answers. "I see...what are those metal objects on the side of your legs?" Rainbow asks, getting closer to them. Ethan immediately has her lightly back up, "Whoa now...those are my weapons and I know you have never seen them before but trust me, they are threatening alright?" "Uh...yeah...sorry." Rainbow laughs and rubs the back of her head. "So...Darling," Rarity approaches, "What is that glowing thing around your wrist?" Rarity asks. "Oh this is my Wristpad, my world is very different from yours...technology is our way of life, electronics, all of that stuff, this is basically something I interface with...it does many things, the most basic stuff is that it tells time, says the date, things like that, but for my line of work: It commands my gear and such when I am fully equipped as well as using it for communication and such." Ethan explains. "Ooh, interesting...but how does magic come into the picture?" Rarity asks. "I'm afraid to say that in my world, Magic is a Myth." "Oh! So...I bet when you came here, your mind was blown" Rainbow asks. "Heh, yep..." After a few hours, Ethan wondered where Twilight was. Ethan thinks a bit of what she would be doing...then he sighs in annoyance, going upstairs into the next room...he then opens the door to see Twilight looking for a book. "Elements...Elements...Elements..." "Ahem." Ethan huffs. Twilight immediately looked at Ethan and she knew she was busted, "Uh-uh...E-Ethan what are you doing up here?" "I can ask you the same, Twilight we talked about this...this is an old mare's tale remember? You are getting so worked up about it and now it's causing you to avoid potential new friends?" "I...I..." "Twilight...whatever happened in the past is done, and I know for a fact it won't happen again. This place isn't Noble's homes or the School alright? This place has been kind to me and I'm not even a pony as I said! They will surely accept you, I know that for sure...now I will say right now, you need to stop with this...now we have to get ready and head for the Town Hall, alright? Now come on." "A-Alright..." Twilight says. The citizens of Ponyville were all in the Town Hall, having their drinks and refreshments...complementary of the Apple Family, Ethan, Twilight, Spike, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy all were waiting for the event to start...soon a Mare in a maple color coat with Grey but stylish hair with glasses, a button up shirt with a tie, and pants walked out from the curtains on the Balcony. "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" She says. The Ponies cheered in excitement. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." Fluttershy nodded to her birds, "Ready?" Ethan unbuckled the strap on his 9mm Gun Pocket. "...Princess Celestia!" The Mayor shouted. The Room cheered...but then fell silent...soon chatter picked up...wondering where was she... "I promise...I'll bring her back." "This can't be good," Twilight says, then she looks at Ethan who stared up at the sky, "Ethan?" Twilight looked up as well. "Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!" The Mayor says...she then goes back behind the curtains. Soon then the moon shined...the mare disappears...and Twilight cringes in worry...Ethan clicks the safety off of his Pistol. Then there was a cloud of blue smoke...soon it whirled as then...a Tall Black Furred Alicorn Appeared...looking a lot like Celestia, but she was covered in Night Blue Battle Armor, her hair had drifted in the aether, the starry sky showing in her mane and tail...her eyes were feline blue. "Oh no...Nightmare Moon!" Twilight says. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon says. "What have you done with our Princess?!" Rainbow says...ready for action until Applejack holds her back. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am? Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did...and I know much more than that." Ethan says. Twilight looks at Ethan in surprise. "You're the Mare in the Moon...Nightmare Moon, but more than that...you are only just a Dark Spirit...so I'm only gonna say this once, Give her back...now!" Ethan says, holding his Nine Millimeter up at The Mare in the Moon. "Oh...you really do know who I am...such an interesting little fellow...I can say that much...but know this, you're going to have to try harder if you do want her back...also know this day creature...and little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon cackles and disappears. Ethan growls, "Dammit!" The Soldier than leaves the Town Hall. "Ethan!" Twilight yells...following him with Spike on her back. Soon the five ponies with them followed as well. Author's Note Fucking Hell, I AM DONE WITH THIS CHAPTER AND TOMORROW, I'M IMMEDIATELY GONNA START ON THE NEXT CHAPTER Which will include action scenes and shit which is surprisingly more easy to type than conversations and shit...ideas were slow is what I'm trying to say here, but not the first time...anyhoo next time on Soldier...an Armored Soldier against some Night Creatures and the Night Mistress herself. Not saying that Action only things are better but fuck things like this can take a while...also since it's 4:21am as I post this... So...my name is Hunter and fuck me...as always, I'm tired as shit...GOODNIGHT!!!! *Smashes head against Keyboard and snores* Dark Skies [20th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]Ethan moved left and right, dodging blades, shadow limb-like things, and such. Blood dripping from his cheek from a cut, he breathed heavily as he rolled to the right and quickly aimed his 9mm and unloaded four rounds, taking out some of the shadowy things, soon he sees Nightmare Moon at the end of the large ruined room and he sprints over. His Wrist Shield activating and keeping his pistol out, firing every now and then as then he turns from to his blind spot, seeing a floating blade heading right for him. 2 Hours Earlier Ethan ran, seeing shadows and smoke trail away, he ran as fast as he can, his Pistol in his hand as he checks his datapad, he sprinted faster and faster until suddenly he is tackled. On instinct, Ethan grabbed onto the being that tackled him, giving it a hard kick in the stomach, then a punch across the face as he but the being on its back, and quickly stood up, aiming his Pistol at it...realizing it was Rainbow Dash, he immediately growled in anger. "What the fuck are you doing Dash?! I had a trail on Nightmare Moon and you interfered!" Ethan says, keeping his boot on her. "How did you know who she was and what would happen huh?! Are you a spy?" Rainbow growled. "No, but I know because you forgot I'm Celestia's Soldier! Think about that!" Rainbow immediately turns silent. "I was briefed! There is no telling what would happen though." Ethan says, lying about that last part. Soon the other mares showed up and looked in shock. "Ethan? What in the hay are you doing?!" Applejack asked, ready to attack. "Your friend just made my job harder that's what!" Ethan replied, soon he lifted his boot off of her and turned away, checking his datapad. "Your job?" Twilight asks. Ethan then realized Twilight now knows that it is true. "Yes...my job," "Wait, so you could've let me pursue this the whole time but I couldn't just because I'm not you or something?!" "No! You are so focused on Nightmare Moon, I am supposed to worry about her but there is something you need to worry about." "What? The safety of the town or something? I'm not young! I can handle myself--" Ethan then put his hands on her arms and looked into her eyes, "Twilight, I know you can and I don't doubt that for a second, but I need you to trust me on this." Twilight slowly calmed down, "What do I need to worry about?" Ethan looked away...didn't want to tell her, it's her test for Faust's sake...but then he had an idea, he looked back at the Unicorn. "This whole thing is true the entire legend, I am supposed to help handle it...but you're the smartest mare I know, so think about the whole legend...there is always a key to it...head to your library, you might find something." "B-But what am I looking for?" Twilight asks. "You'll know it when you see it...take your friends to the library...and put Spike to sleep, he looks like he's about to pass out." Ethan says as he stands up, turns around...beginning to walk away. "W-Where are you going?" Fluttershy asks. "I'm going to look for Nightmare Moon, once you find what you are looking for, you will know where to find me," Ethan says as he walks away. The Mares just stand in worry as he disappears into the fog that was beginning to roll into the town. Ethan kept walking as he grabbed onto his pack, unzipping his as he taps his datapad, after that he reaches his hand in there. He clenches a bit as then he pulls his arm out to see it covered in part of the Exo armor, he then grabs the pack, putting it on the ground as he reaches both of his arms in, as he digs he sees the Exo armor equip on his other arm. He then pulls out the rest of the armor as he places his on his chest, already beginning to get to work as it works to click and lock in with other parts of the armor, more parts coming out to cover his whole torso, his legs already surrounded in the armor as then he pulls out his thrusters, equipping them to the armor that was partly covering his boots, equipping it to his legs, waist and back as then the armor finishes up, he then picks up his backpack beginning to sprint as he pulls out his helmet and puts it on. The Backpack already locks onto the back of the armor as he finally pulls out his Rifle, the GM83, he equips a Red Dot Optic Sight and an underbarrel Grenade Launcher. He then clicks on his weapons, it's aiming and targeting were now synced to his armor and helmet, his Heads-Up Display targeting system fully enabled and ready, his Weapons ready to fire as his Tactical Display activates, showing his Ammo Count and such, almost everything. Ethan lets out a small chuckle, "After a couple months of nothing, I kinda missed this," he says, smiling as his HUD shows him small bits of dust and smoke, showing an invisible trail into the Everfree Forest, "Shit, last time I was here was when...I first arrived." The Staff Sergeant entered, his Rifle up and ready as then he switches the flashlight on his helmet, lighting up what's ahead of him. It was pretty dark alright, the Everfree Forest's darkness even blocked out the night sky...soon it got more quiet than usual. "You are a strange being, almost familiar." Ethan stood his ground, looking for the source of her voice, turning around he spots shadowy limb-like figures, he immediately aims and fires, the bullets hitting the limb, retracting it...another reaches him, however rubbing against his Armored Exo Suit, he grabs onto the limb. "Your armor is...interesting...metal-like...never felt or seen before." Nightmare Moon adds. Ethan doesn't speak a word, he looks past the limbs and sees the glowing blue eyes, he immediately aims his weapon, he flicks off his helmet light, activating Night Vision on his HUD. "Ah, ah...if you fire at me, you'd be killing Luna, and I know you don't want that happening." Nightmare's evil smile shows after that sentence. Ethan growled as he just pointed his weapon at her still, "What are you trying to accomplish anyway with just making the Night last forever? Revenge? Taking over Equestria?" "Hmm...fine," Nightmare Moon approaches Ethan, her alicorn body as tall as Celestia, the limbs retract as the Marine kept his weapon pointed still at her...Nightmare Moon looked at him, "You can put your weapon down." Ethan doesn't comply and just keeps pointed, Nightmare keeps some room between them as she looks at him. "Celestia's Sun has always been praised, every day no matter what, when her sun was out, everyone was happy...cheerful, they loved it. When my Moon lights up the sky, everyone shunned it, turning away, not loving the Moon, not praising me either, they all loved Celestia, some even dared to call the Night evil...even me." Nightmare says. Ethan steadied his grip, lightly beginning to ease up. "You don't believe me do you?" Nightmare asks. "I never said that," Ethan replies. Nightmare looks at Ethan...coming closer. "Luna, I know that your sister never meant for you to be shunned or hated," Ethan says, holstering his rifle. Nightmare's eyes turned normal, Night Blue Eyes...her hand touching Ethan's shoulder. "I..." Nightmare's voice sounded a bit normal, Ethan holding onto her wrist. "Celestia, your sister...misses you every day, a day does not go by where she doesn't." Luna then crouches, her armor creaking almost, a tear drops from her eye. "Then why did she send me to the moon?" Luna asks, her voice breaking a bit. "She never wanted to, and she never meant to, I saw her Luna, I walk in on her sometimes just crying in her bed, crying herself to sleep, she wanted to use the Elements to just stop you from causing any damage to yourself and others, she never thought she'd send you away, I swear." Luna began to cry, tears falling, "Sister...I--" Just then the sound of branches snapping and leaves shriveling was heard, Ethan looks away to see some of the Shadow Limbs, he turns back to see Nightmare's wings spread, her eyes back to normal, escaping. "No, Luna!" Ethan shouted, he then slammed his fist against a tree, looking to see where Luna was flying, he sprinted to her direction. "Turn back before I have to stop you!" Nightmare Moon says. "No, let Luna go..." Ethan whispers as then shadows emerge, beginning to take shape of some Royal Guards...but like a Shadowy version of themselves, they pull out swords and charge at Ethan. Ethan's HUD lights up, marking the hostiles, counting three. The Marine fires at one of them, immediately falling as he whacks the second one with the butt of his rifle, getting the shadow to its knees while the third dodged the CQC move, Ethan holstering his rifle as he engages with his fists, going for a right hook, then a left one, he then kicks the shadow straight in the shin, then sliding his leg against the shadow's causing it to fall on its back, Ethan quickly pulling out his Fujin and unloading a round into its head then turning around and firing another into the shadow he smacked in the face earlier. Both Shadows dissolve and disappear, he puts his 9mm back in the holster and grabs his GM83, and continues to chase. "A Key to the Legend...a Key to the Legend...okay, okay...The Mare in the Moon." Twilight paced around the room. Rainbow growls, "Are you gonna explain what's going on?!" "Rainbow quit it! I do agree with you but back off, Twilight can you fully explain what's going on?" Applejack calmly asks. "I read the Predictions of Nightmare Moon's return, Ethan didn't want me to focus on it because of the celebration, I did think about it every once in a while and tried to study it while I can, what I don't get is that why he stopped me if he knew I was right at the time, he wants me to help but on a certain...thing! The Elements of Harmony! The Elements of Harmony is what stopped Nightmare Moon, that's it! I...wonder what they are though? I...I don't even know what they do or where to find them!" Twilight says. "Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide!" Pinkie Pie says. "Well, that was convenient but how'd you find that?" "It was under 'E!'" Pinkie gigglingly says. "Oh...anyway there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters, which is located in what is now...The Everfree Forest! That's where Ethan went, I gotta go help him!" "We're coming with you!" Rarity says. "No, please, I appreciate it, but this is something I should deal with and Ethan is my friend." "Ethan is our friend too! We're not letting you or him do this alone, now let's go!" Applejack says. Twilight didn't have time to argue as they all exited the Library. Ethan was still sprinting looking for traces of Shadow Magic, soon then he heard growls, stopping in his track as he looked around. Just then his HUD Alerted him, something was behind him, he looked to see claws slash against his left arm, piercing the armor and giving small cuts against his arm. Ethan stepped back, looking at the damage, which wasn't much, but could see some parts came off, looking back at what hit him was a Manticore, but this one was all dark and such, a bit frightening to say the least. Ethan immediately open fires. The Dark Manticore using its forearms to block the bullets, even though they hit him, he snarls and charges at the Armored Marine. Ethan kept firing until his mag ran dry, immediately he dodges out of the way with his thrusters, pushing him to the right as he then fires a Grenade at the Manticore, immediately knocking the creature on his ass. Ethan uses this time to reload while the Manticore recovers, snarling still at Ethan as it flies over, attempting to get Ethan's head in between his teeth, Ethan moves back, taking out his knife and attempting to stab the creature in the jaw, he successfully does so, making the creature yell in pain. Ethan immediately unloads into his head, putting many holes into it, killing the creature, soon the Manticore dissolves into shadowy smoke, Ethan taking his knife out before it fully dissolves. "Fucking Manticores," Ethan says to himself. Ethan continues his travels, walking over to see a very rough river, the water was bubbling. Ethan looked to see what was up, but then noticing the shadow smoke again got his mind off of it as he uses his grapple to pull himself to the other side of the river. Soon the shadows faded, light shining a bit at Ethan as then he noticed a Castle, a decaying one, covered in some vines and plants, it was also battle-scarred, many damaged places he could spot from where he was standing. He then heads through the main doors, searching for Nightmare Moon, he checks his HUD, scanning for any presence, footsteps...hoofsteps in this case, his Rifle up as he sees how dusty & decayed the castle was, he saw ripped up symbols of the Sun and Moon, crumbled statues, cobwebs...then more shadow smoke, it trailed up to a hallway. Ethan immediately chases after the Smoke, going through hidden corridors that even surprised Ethan, soon he was climbing up more stairs until he was at the top...at the end was Nightmare Moon. "You're dedicated I'll give you that." Ethan eases, holstering and putting his rifle on his back his helmet mask opening and revealing his face. "This was an old castle of yours wasn't it?" "I guess Celestia told you, yes...it was, my home." Nightmare answers looking around, "Certainly hasn't aged very well...then again the battle I had here with my sister probably had a hoof in that." "You come back to see it? To return home." "Admittedly yes, I've missed it here, I grew up here with my sister...why do you just speak to me? You defeat everything I throw at you, I tried to stop you from following me and now you're here and all you can do is speak to me...you're a Soldier aren't you? You are supposed to carry out your duty." "Being a Soldier doesn't always mean point and shoot, or attack...well mostly in my case now, but we do have a duty and responsibility, but for me, it's whatever I can do to accomplish my objective," Ethan says, walking slowly over to Nightmare Moon. "And what is that?" "Bringing you back Luna." "I am back, and I've been waiting for over a thousand years." The Dark Mare huffs. "I know, but why do you still target your sister...she loves you and she hates herself for what she did...all she wants to do is just be with you again." "I want her gone, she always was the bigger sister and would never support me." Nightmare growls. "Now I know for a fact that's not true, she always told me what she did to help you and be your sister, she said she helped you get your cutie mark and that she'd always help you raise the moon until you're ready, everyday she taught you how to raise the moon, and how you perfected it, she always appreciated how beautiful your night sky was. Luna your sister supported you everyday, and never stopped supporting you." Ethan says. Nightmare Moon was holding back tears again...she shook herself around. "There it is, The Ruins that hold the Elements of Harmony, let's go!" Nightmare and Ethan's eyes widen, looking out as then she growls again, "Enough! If she still supported she would've gotten me off the moon! She doesn't care she never did once I became old enough to where she didn't need to take care of me!" Nightmare lets out some shadowed limbs, the limbs were sharp, seeming with an intent to impale, Ethan immediately pulls out his 9mm and fires, disintegrating the limbs into nothing as more sprout from the walls and floor. Ethan began dodging the many limbs one by one as he had to step, use his boosters, firing so often to take out limbs as then one knocks Ethan's Helmet off. He cursed quietly, his head unprotected as immediately after a limb slashes at Ethan, cutting his cheek and blood already dripping from it. The Mares walked into a shattered room, laying notice to a statue carrying five round stones. "There they are, the Elements of Harmony we found them," Twilight looked, having a smile...but then looks closer, "Rainbow, Fluttershy, can you grab the stones and place them in front of me?" The two Pegasuses nodded, grabbing five stones, after carefully placing them, Twilight counts. "There's only five...wait...The book said: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.'" "What does that mean?" Pinkie Pie asks. "I Don't know, but let me try something." Twilight's horn glows, the stones shake, rumbling against the damaged marble floor, she concentrated until she hears a someone yell in pain, her eyes widened and suddenly Shadow-Like Magic surrounded her and the stones, she then teleported. The other mares look in shock, wondering what happened. "Where did she go?!" Rarity asks. "Wait, look over at the tower!" Rainbow says. The girls look to see sparks and shadowy smoke escape from the tower. "Let's go girls!" Applejack says. Twilight coughed wondering where she is...the mix of shadow smoke and dust smoke cleared, her eyes opened, then widened...seeing Ethan with a limb impaled in his shoulder he groaned. "Damn, I was going for your heart." "Nightmare! Damn you let her go!" Ethan using his free arm and firing at Nightmare...it hits against her armor, lightly piercing it but not hurting her. "You would risk hurting Luna to get rid of me?" Ethan doesn't answer. "Ethan!" Twilight yells, spotting the Elements which were at Nightmare's hooves. She growls and begins to charge at the Dark Mare. "You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon laughs as then her horns glow and the stones shake...then shatter. Twilight's eyes widen, but then quickly using her magic to slash at the limb impaling Ethan, he groans as then he immediately pulls it out and looks to see sparks from his armor and arm, he grunts as then he taps his datapad, the screen showing that the arm was making repairs now. "Ethan, are you alright?" "Yeah, thank god she hit my prosthetic arm and not my real arm, but fuck she hit where the nerves connect so it hurt. Fuck might be a bit until the nerves reconnect." Ethan says. "A Metallic Arm, impressive, I guess something happened for you to earn that." "Yes, the war I've been involved in took my arm, but I could still carry out my duties." Ethan then lets out a yell as the painful part of the nerve connection hit, he picks up his Pistol and starts firing at Nightmare, aiming for the armor as it gets damaged second after second, he then begins sprinting, not being able to reload as he drops his pistol and pulls out his knife, he reaches Nightmare and engages in CQC, already slashing at her thigh, she grunts in pain, the eight foot tall Dark Mare goes for a kick, Ethan dodging it as he slashes at her calve. "Heh easy to dodge thanks to your size," Ethan chuckles. Nightmare growls fighting the Marine. Twilight just watches the battle unfold as Ethan was pulling off moves perfectly with only one arm, soon enough she heard the sound of hoofsteps, she looks back and sees the girls. "Twilight!" Rainbow says, but then sees Ethan and Nightmare engaged in combat, "We gotta help!" She flies over, but then Nightmare's horn glows and pushes the Pegasus back, knocking her on the ground. "We can't...we can only watch." Twilight says. Ethan was given a right hook by Nightmare, a blood drop flies out from Ethan's mouth, the Marine slides under her legs and slashes at the back of her leg, forcing her on one knee as Ethan boosts up and clings onto her, his arm wrapping around her neck and putting her in a chokehold, his knife against her neck. Every time Nightmare raised an arm to pull him off, he delivers a hard kick to her shoulder and muscle which loosens her grip, the Dark Mare having enough, her horn glows and quickly pulls his knife from his grip, Ethan quickly looks to see, giving Nightmare a chance, she grabs Ethan, swinging him onto his back, knocking the wind out of him, he coughed, his breathing choked up...Nightmare grabbing his knife and immediately attempts to stab him. The Marine's eyes widen, using all his strength in his one arm to hold her arm...not putting up much as the knife inched closer...but then his Datapad binged, his metallic arm clenched as then Ethan pulls out his Revolver and fires at Nightmare's head, intentionally hitting the side of her cheek, leaving a nasty cut which makes Nightmare yells in pain as the strength in her arm rose, making her immediately thrusting the knife into his metallic arm, failing to go for his heart again, but the adrenaline made her cut into the arm...severing it completely as Ethan shouts in pain...the nerves completely severed and damaged. "Ethan!" Twilight shouts in worry. The other mares look in shock...but then watch as Nightmare stands back up with anger and dark aura surrounding her, "I'm finishing this." She charges at the six, a Warrior's Blade appearing, as she readied to swing at the mares. Twilight stared blankly but then her eyes flashed purple as her horn sparked...a barrier appearing in front of the tall Mare and pushing her back. "What? How did you do that?!" Twilight stared as something flowed through her...the other mares also felt something...Twilight a power...and suddenly she realized what's happening, "You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here!" Nightmare's eyes widened. "As we ventured here, each of these mares proved themselves to represent a Certain Element, I just didn't realize it until now, Applejack representing Honesty! Rainbow proving Loyalty to us, Fluttershy showing Kindness to everyone no matter what, Rarity representing Generosity to others, Pinkie Pie being the embodiment of Laughter!" "You still do not have the Sixth Element little unicorn! The Spark never worked!" "But now I realize I don't need a spell! All I needed were these five, I now realize how happy I am with them, and how much I care for them, these five are my friends!" The Shattered stones repair themselves...beginning the spark, "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the Sixth Element! Magic!" The Stones reshaped creating necklaces for the five...and a crown for Twilight...the Six floating together as they shine...a beam firing at Nightmare Moon. Her eyes widened, "No! I will not be banished again!" Nightmare's horn glows and counters against the beam...the two magical beams clashing together. Twilight grunted trying to push past it. "I will not disappear!" Suddenly Nightmare yells in pain...as a Knife stabs right into her Shoulder...a weak Ethan looking at her with a smirk. The rainbow-colored beam impacts Nightmare Moon, the magic flowing into her body as slowly the damaged armor shatters, falling from her body as her height shrinks...her black fur lightening up to a Night Blue, her eyes no longer slitted. The bright lights disappear as...Luna was on her knees...grunting with the knife still in her...Ethan right in front of her crouched like her, the Marine smiled at her, "Welcome back Luna...Celestia will be so...happy she has her sister...back." Blood leaks from the metal...his nerves still in pain from an unsafe disconnect, he then falls back...still breathing as then a bright light appeared behind Luna. Twilight's eyes opened as well as the rest of the Mare's. "Everypony all right?" Applejack says. "Yeah, we're fine." Rainbow Dash says. "Ethan!" Twilight yells, seeing Ethan knocked out, a bright light appears behind Luna and Ethan, after a bit, Celestia emerges. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight sprints over to her and hugs her. "Thank goodness you're alright," Celestia says, rubbing her head. Celestia's head then perks up, seeing Luna and Ethan...tears began forming in her eyes, "Luna..." The Blue Alicorn then turns around, "S-Sister," She grunts, holding onto the knife in her shoulder...tears also forming in her eyes. Celestia runs over, hugging her tightly, but carefully so the pain in her shoulder wouldn't worsen, "By the Sun and Moon I have missed you so much, I'm so sorry for ever banishing you, I'm sorry please forgive me, Luna, please!" Celestia says, bawling her eyes out. Luna was just shocked...she was back and her sister was asking her for forgiveness? Soon then she teared up again, holding her close, "No don't you dare apologize, Sister, it's all my fault this happened, it's my fault everything happened, you wouldn't have had to banish me if it weren't for my behavior. I'm sorry, so please...just forgive me...and I'll forgive you." She says. "Of course I do Luna, I love you!" Celestia says, kissing her head. Luna nuzzled into her big sister's embrace. Ethan grunts in pain, having barely any consciousness. The Two Sisters stop their embrace to look at Ethan, "Oh Ethan!" Celestia says. "H-Hey, don't let my wounds and pain interrupt your...reunion." Ethan chuckles lightly, coughing after, "You two deserve it..." The Marine then rests, drifting off. "Ethan! We need to get him medical attention, let's get out of here!" Celestia says. Afternoon, 2 Hours after the Summer Sun Celebration Ethan's vision returned...he looked upon where he was...in a hospital bed...of course, his head lightly spun, his armor removed, and bandages were his metal arm...would be, a bandage on his cheek and some wrapped around his chest and his real arm, he then remembers. "Oh yeah...I brought Luna home...thank...Faust." He chuckles. "You should be thanked actually." Ethan looks up to see Celestia, a bit teared up. "Words cannot...express how thankful I am to you, Twilight, and her five new friends, you've brought someone I never thought I'd get back...my sister." Celestia puts Ethan in a soft embrace, "Thank you so much Ethan..." "Mmmfffmff!!!" "Hm? Oh!" Celestia looks down to see Ethan being suffocated by her breasts. She immediately pulls back, "Sorry about that." Ethan takes a deep breath, "It's fine, that was a very nice embrace." Ethan says, being a flirt. Celestia's cheeks reddened, "Watch yourself, my soldier, don't need to be too comfortable with that." She replies. Ethan laughed, "I hope Luna is alright, is her shoulder alright?" "Yeah, she's fine, the wounds didn't take long to heal, she also did want me to tell you that you probably won that fight." Ethan laughs again, "Probably? Well, she did put up a good fight." "I bet, well...the Celebration went on, as well as that. Twilight has officially moved to Ponyville with her new friends." "Well good for her, I'm gonna miss her though." "I mean she can visit anytime, but I think I'll miss her too, least I got you and Luna now." Celestia giggles. "Aw you mean I have to be stuck with two taller mares who I can tease with?" He says. "Afraid so." She smirks. "Well alright...ugh...you think they can get me some food, I think after that long night, I need some. "I'll have them get on that right away then...steak again?" "Sure." "Alright then...goodbye Ethan." Celestia says, exiting the room. Ethan smiles...lying back in his bed...sadly he didn't have his Music Player on him this time. "Fuck." he sighs but chuckles. Author's Note Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, that's pretty cool, a new chapter lol. So funny thing while typing this, I already made plans for the second story of this, the idea I made is pretty interesting, either way, this story is always fun to write when I have the ideas. Anyway, I'm happy to finally have this chapter finish, I know alot of you have been waiting for a new chapter well here you are, hope its enjoyable. By the time I finished this, it is exactly 4:30am...goodnight everyone!
A Dark and Gritty Mission [July 2nd, 2066]Staff Sergeant Ethan Cooper I don’t really know anymore...usually I’m writing in my log every day but…something’s been pulling me back…I’m a Staff Sergeant…I have a Squad and I care for them greatly…I really don’t like playing the ‘Dick’ Sergeant. In this world, Earth is practically ran by technology…even our military, I’ve written about this before but today…We use Exo Suits, which give us more strength and mobility in Warfare…even enhancing Special Operations like Cloak, Tactical Visors, Night Vision, hell even today's Rifles, Machine Guns, or Pistols are enhanced with built-in attachment-type bullshit…even though it’s useful…but fuck me…humanity has come a long way…including violence. Today, me and my platoon are being sent to Mount Everest…apparently, there are facilities that the insurrectionists have built over the years…and now we're about to demolish them. Cooper, Out. “Alright, we all know the objective right?” “Infiltrate, collect intel, and blow the facility.” “Okay, command, retask the drone support…give us an idea of what we’re hitting and how much we’ll be dealing with.” “Copy Cooper, there’s a lot of Insurrectionists inside…basically, it’s somewhat a fortress in there. We have reason to believe they are holding classified intel and dangerous weapons…your mission is to recover the intel, destroy the weapons along with the facility and if you find any extra intel that contains where they will attack in the future, collect it.” “Okay, sounds easy enough.” “Okay we’re retasking UAV Drone Support, your HUD should show a map of the place and where enemies will be located.” “Alright, gear up boys.” The Squad was in a Warbird Chopper, it was fully cloaked so the Insurrectionists couldn’t see them. The Soldiers grab their booster pack for their Exo Suits and their Tactical set and equipment for the Exo, they then grab their weapons and equipment. “Load them up, check your wrist launcher and magazines,” Ethan says. “Staff Sergeant Cooper, what’s the play?” One of the Soldiers ask. “We go in quiet and such, grab the intel and plant charges on the weapons…there’s only one way out where the Warbird can extract us so after we get what we need, we go loud and eliminate anyone who gets in our way. Once we’re on the Warbird, we detonate the charges and we’ll just watch the fireworks.” “Oo-rah Staff Sergeant, let’s do this.” Ethan chuckles and cocks his weapon, “Alright, grab your helmets…we’re here.” The Squad all grab their helmets and put them on, then the helmets close and cover their faces, breathing can be heard but then is silenced. The HUDs switch on which shows their Ammo Count, Lethal, and Tactical Count, Equipment List, Mini-Map. “Exo Suit, Synced and Online, Cloak online, Boosters active, Stim ready, Hover ready, Wrist Launcher Synced and Ready, Boost Stomp ready, Tactical Visor ready, Night Vision ready.” The Squad then exit the Warbird and point their weapons in front of them. “Activate Silencers,” Ethan says. The Squad then all hit a switch near the barrel which then a Thick cylinder barrel which a narrow hole slides out of the regular barrel. “Suppressor on.” “Alright, an entrance should be a klick ahead of us…let’s go.” The Squad moves forward in the snow buried grounds and the blizzard that was hitting them continuously, The six soldiers look at their surroundings to make sure there weren't cameras or any hostiles watching. They then reach the alternate entrance, it was a metal door with a Hand-Print lock. “Loggins, you got the fingerprints?” Ethan asks. “Yes, sir.” Loggins holds up his glove which then glowed a specific Fingerprint Pattern over the gloves, he then puts it on the door and the scan accepts it. The door opens slowly and the Squad enters. “Alright, we’re in…be advised we may lose comms within the hardened walls.” “Copy Cooper, we’ll increase the scan within the facility, Reaper will pick you up in 20.” “Negative, don’t increase the scan, we have a map of the facility, that’s enough. We’ll use threat grenades and Tactical Visors instead…don’t want to risk the enemy detecting the drone.” “Roger, good luck in there.” The Squad walks slowly down the hallway, they then spot a couple of hostiles, Ethan looks at one of his soldiers and nods his head towards one of the enemies, he then puts his thumb across his neck. The Soldier nods back and the two take out combat knives. The two stand behind the hostiles and put their knives right behind their neck, Ethan nods and the two put a hand over their mouths and jab their knives in their neck. The hostiles move around in pain as their groans are muffled…then silence and no more movement come from them. Ethan and his squad member move the bodies out of sight before moving up, he then puts a fist up and looks at his squad. “Okay, our objective is two clicks away, it’s highly likely that the weapons will be there as well…activate cloak and don’t move around too much unless you want to be discovered.” The squad nods and they look at their Wrist Pads and tap the screen a couple times, they then disappear, along with their weapons and equipment. “Okay…on me.” The Squad moves up in the open areas of the facility, slowly and steady with ease, they move around in a pattern together, avoiding contact with hostiles around them, while making close calls with the enemies near them, they spot a couple of Insurrectionists moving weapons into a room. Ethan looks at his squad and nods at them and points at the room. “Slow and steady boys.” The Squad enter the room and are met with a few insurrectionists, “Move over there, quick!” Even though they were cloaked, the power was close to being depleted, they all moved into shadows and cover behind crates and barrels. Ethan looks ahead and sees it was a headquarters room or a meeting room of sorts…there were large screens of camera views, lists, maps, etc. “Switch off,” The Squad deactivates their cloaks as they listen to their Sergeant, “Okay…make sure silencers are on, as soon as the two drop the weapon, take them out and those four at the monitors.” The Squad nods at Ethan and raise their heads from cover and look at the enemies, “Dalton, hack into the electric system…kill the lights in here and lock the door.” “Staff Sergeant, how are we getting out again? The way we entered?” Loggins asks. “No, the place is a one-way door, plus we need to get up where the Anti-Air system is so we can get out safely…if we take the way we entered while they’re on alert…they’ll clock us.” “Yes, Staff Sergeant.” Ethan puts a hand on his shoulder, “Hey…don’t worry, we’ll make it back home…I’ll make sure of that…remember I care for my men.” “Promise?” Loggins asks. “No promises in the military,” Ethan says. Dalton nods at Ethan and he nods back readying his weapon, “Alright as soon as the power is cut, activate Night Vision…you know what to do after that.” A small chuckle is heard from Dalton as he then lifts three fingers up, counting down…after he hits zero he taps his wrist pad and the lights go out. “Night Vision active.” The Squad hold their Weapons up and open fire at the hostiles. “What the fuck--“ The hostile says his last words as he then takes a bullet to the head, the rest react to their fallen comrade as then they look ahead to see small sparks of fire coming from somewhat-quiet rifles…after seeing that, they end up exactly like their friend. “Hostiles down,” Loggins says. “Clear, Dalton, collect the intel and any information that will help us in the future. Loggins, Michael, plant the charges. Connor, Rosales, locate where there the Anti-Air systems are.” The squad all salute and do their objective as Ethan checks his ammo count and keeps watch at the door. He then hears static through his comms. “Command, this is Ethan in the Blind, we have found the intel and weapons, we are taking care of it as I speak, send a Warbird in 10 as we attempt to take out the Anti-Air.” Just then, the squad returns altogether, “Staff Sergeant, we’re all prepped and ready.” Dalton says. “Alright, stack up…once the system security comes back they’ll realize something’s wrong. Once they enter, we take ‘em out and we move to destroy the Anti-Air systems.” “Let’s do this,” Rosales says. The squad reloads their weapons and checks their systems if they’re good to go, Dalton then nods as the power switches back on…then the alarms activate. “Here we go.” The door panel lights up green which then opens the only door to the control room, insurrectionists then enter the room to be greeted by a swarm of bullets. “Let’s go now!” The Soldiers run through hallways and corridors while taking out more insurrectionists. “Eth…an…this is…Pilot Reaper, we’re…ten….inutes…out.” Ethan quickly puts a hand to his comms while taking cover, “Copy that Reaper! We’re close to taking out the Anti-Air Guns, expect them out in five,” Ethan puts his hands back on his weapons firing at the insurrectionists, “Squad, they’ll be here in ten, we need to be done before five!” “Copy that! Lethal out!” Dalton says as throws a Frag which explodes after at least three seconds killing at least four tangos. The Squad continue their venture onto destroying the Anti-Air, killing many enemies they come across, soon they were close to their destination. “Approaching the Anti-Air Systems!” Rosales says. The Squad gets into a position which would lead to outside the base where the Anti-Air resides at, they plant charges at the door to blow it open as the locks on it were tight…after all the door leads outside where the blizzards blow strong. “Do it.” The charges blow and the door swings open letting in the frozen storm. The soldiers move outside taking out more insurrectionists that were controlling the Anti-Air. They had a fight ahead…most of the Insurrectionists were out here making sure their Defenses are up and running, the Squad quickly gets behind cover, all readying Tactical Grenades. “Alright switch ‘em to Threat Mode!” Ethan yells. The squad does just that as bullets were still firing at them. “Now!” The squad throws their Tacs and suddenly their HUDs lighted up at least fifty enemies in their view. “Use everything you got! Take ‘em out!” The Soldiers back out of their now destroyed cover, firing at the enemy…one by one the enemies fall to the ground dead. Ethan then taps his datapad which opens his Wrist-Mounted Shield, he slowly moves up as he fires his Rifle with his other hand as if he was a S.W.A.T Member. “Everyone shields up, and move up!” The rest of the squad copy their Sergeant’s Moves and continue their assault. “Cooper, this is Reaper, are the guns out?” “Gimme a second!” Ethan says. Ethan then holsters his Weapon but not his Shield as he then starts running towards the fray of Tangos. Immediately he unequips the Shield and he jumps but his boosters lift him up at least twelve feet in the air in which he then quickly taps his datapad and he readies for a landing, but then his boosters activate which boosts him to the ground. He then lands on his feet which sends a small shockwave to the tangos in front of him whom which fall back. “Got you now,” Ethan says as he then equips his Rifle and starts firing at the open enemies. The remaining enemies then slowly start to retreat and leave, the Soldiers continue firing at every open tango they could get. “Why are they retreating?” Dalton asks. “They’re probably regrouping, we better hurry!” Ethan says. “Got it!” Dalton says as he then spots the controls to the Anti-Air and quickly deactivates every gun one by one, he then plants a bug on the controls which short-circuits them. “They’re down!” “Reaper, the Anti-Air Guns are down, how close are you?” “Just about enough for them to get me if they were on! Do you see me?” Ethan looks to the open fog to see a Warbird flying in. “Everyone let’s go, we’re outta here!” The Squad cheers as they’re evac arrives they walk towards the landing Warbird and wait for its gate to open. Then, a shot was fired and flies by the Squad. Ethan quickly turns around to see the Insurrectionists return, he gestures everyone to get onboard, but then a bullet flies into Dalton’s back, he yelps in pain but then falls forward. “Dalton’s hit!” Michael yells. “Everyone get on now!” Ethan yells back. The Squad does what they’re told and boards the Warbird, they then watch as Ethan picks up the still breathing Dalton. “You alive?” “I’m still kicking sir,” Dalton replies as he also coughs. “Good, cause you’re going home,” Ethan says. Just then a Rocket flies by them almost hitting the Warbird as well, Ethan looks back to see the dozens of Innies with Stinger Launchers. “Oh shit!” “Get him onboard, we gotta go now!” Reaper says. Ethan then grabs something from Dalton’s Vest, the Detonator…he then put it in his own vest. Just then he lies Dalton down into a seat and he straps him in. “Take care of him!” “What about you sir?” Connor asks. “Get yourselves to safety, Reaper, get out of here now! I’ll hold them off!” “Copy, good luck Ethan!” “Wait, Staff Sergeant no!” Dalton says as he then coughs again. Ethan jumps off the Warbird and starts firing at the Innies with everything he’s got, he then shoots at the Tangos holding the Launchers and ends them quickly, he then takes a bullet to his left shoulder. “Ah! Sonuva--!“ “We’re away Ethan, thanks.” Reaper says. “...Fair winds, Reaper.” Ethan pulls out the detonator and before hitting the button he thinks back to his whole life…his family, his brother, anyone he cared about, they were gone…he didn’t have anything to lose in fact, was it time for him to meet Death himself? “I am ready.” Ethan hits the button and another bullet hits his leg, he then crouches down, hearing the explosions. “You’re fucked now.” Ethan chuckles as he looks up to see smoke rising from the vents…then fire…and an explosion inferno…that started to approach him. He closed his eyes and awaited his end…he then felt Darkness and Silence. “I guess this is what death is…” “Actually it’s not.” “What?” Ethan opened his eyes to see a beautiful white figure with velvet red hair…and…a muzzle similar to a Horse…along with a horn? “Who…are you?” “I am Faust…I have seen your actions, your history, and your sacrifices…I am here for a second chance at life.” Ethan looks at her like she’s crazy…then again…he’s dead…so maybe it’s an illusion. “Are you even real?” Ethan asks. “Yes, I am…trust me…as weird as I look to you…I am real.” Faust replies. Ethan looks at her with disbelief but at the same time…belief. “Why me though…out of everyone…why me?” “Because you are a good man, Ethan Cooper, you’d sacrifice yourself for your men and anyone you even care about…you always put your life on the line…I haven’t seen bravery like that in a long time.” “There are braver and courageous ones than me in human history though,” Ethan says as he looks away. Faust comes down and puts a hand on Ethan’s Shoulder, she then takes off his helmet, Ethan flinches at first but then lets her, she then looks at him. He had Blue Eyes…Lunar Blue…or Midnight to be exact, he had a small visible but barely noticeable Goatee, he had a scar next to his Right Eye, his hair was Black, pure black and it was down to the back of his neck. “You are someone…that lots would admire and such, I promise you that…I pulled you out of death because I want to help you and for you to help me.” “And what is that miss?” “Please just call me Faust.” “What did you want me to do Faust?” Ethan asks. “I’m sending you to Equestria…a land of peace and harmony…inhabited by species that aren’t human…they look like me basically, however, there are events that will unfold…and I need someone like you, who’s willing to protect and willing to put his life on the line for it.” Faust answers “Miss, if what you’re telling me is true…and this land’s peace is about to shatter…I will do everything I can to make sure it stands…because you have saved me.” Faust smiles and takes her hand off. “Thank you very much, Ethan…If you completely help…you can stay here and live in peace.” “Then I guess I will owe you the thanks ma’am.” Faust giggles and waves him goodbye. “Good Luck...and find Celestia.” Ethan nods as he then shuts his eyes and feels his body radiate. “Here we go…wait, who's Celestia.” His whole vision went black again. Author's Note The start of something new....OOOH BOY!!!! I wanted to make a Sci-Fi and/or Military Story because, I'm really into that type of stuff and hopefully you guys are too, I hope I got some well...Military sayings right...(God I am a fucking dumbass) But honestly it's from what I hear and from too much Military stories, movie, and games I've played, read, and watched... Anyhoo, I hope you guys like this!
A New World [DATE UNKNOWN]I guess starting a new life won’t be so bad…then again, I literally just got here…I still have my bullet wounds, however…wished those could’ve healed. Oh well…I can heal them myself…if I had a medkit, my problems and objectives are the same…find out what I’m supposed to do…and such…hopefully, everything will be fine. Cooper, Out. Ethan was looking through his Weapons & Equipment, seeing everything was okay…he as well looks through his weapons bullet count, making sure everything was good. Ethan then looks at his helmet which he took off earlier, it didn’t seem Damaged but at the same time, it had some scratches…but there was a crack in the bottom left side of his HUD Screen. “I better find out where I have to go.” Screeches are then heard from afar, as well as screaming. “What the hell?” Ethan stands up to only fall back down on all fours, “Fucking wounds,” Ethan taps his datapad which lights up ‘Stim Active’, “Let’s go.” Ethan grabs his weapons and puts on his helmet to locate the sounds and see where they are coming from. His Radar didn’t show a map but it was pointing him towards the source of the sound, he keeps running with his weapon at the ready, as he gets closer…more sounds were heard like…growling, hissing, and cries. Ethan arrives, taking cover behind a tree, he gets a look at what he’s in. He spots two…anthropomorphic ponies…much like the goddess that saved him…but both only had wings. One was Yellow-Furred with long Pink Hair, she had a blue hoodie which had bunny ears on them, along with a blue skirt, & blue socks for her hooves. Ethan looked at what she was trying to communicate with and it looked like a…lion with bat wings? “Please! She didn’t mean it, she’s just protective of me...don’t hurt her anymore!” The Lion growled as it attempted to slash at the yellow Pegasus. “Ah!” “Get away from her you son of a--“ “Dashie no!” The other Pegasus got up and charged at the Lion, she was Blue-furred with a Rainbow Hairstyle, she only had a tank-top and some shorts, but she looked…beaten up…she had scratches on her arm and one close to her eye, and a bleeding one on her chest which had the tank-top somewhat ripped on the front showing some revealing cleavage but not all. She spread her wings getting the yellow Pegasus away from the Lion. “Flutters forget it! This Manticore won’t listen, it’s too feral to hear you!” A Manticore…that sounded pretty familiar…a Greek Mythological Creature exists in this world? The Yellow Pony hugs the Blue one and walks to the Manticore…which then she starts to stare at it… “What the hell is she doing?” The Manticore started to stay still and just stare back. “You think you can hurt my friend like that and try to hurt me? You’re a bad kitty, thinking that you can just do that to other creatures!” The Manticore whimpers…backing away…it turns around immediately and walks slowly. The Yellow Pegasus goes over to her friend…but they both didn’t see the deceiving Manticore turning around and growl. “Oh fuck no.” Ethan then pulls something…folded from his back…it then slowly materialized and straightened into a large rifle…a Scope spins to the top of the gun, the stock extends and connects to the handle of the rifle…the outer barrel comes out as Ethan loads in a magazine and pulls the bolt. ‘EAMR-84 Loaded and Ready to fire…use with caution.’ The Manticore roars at the ponies and they turn around to see a charging monster heading towards them…they both hold each other close and scream. Ethan squints his eye looking through the scope…aiming at the Manicore’s head…he clicks a switch and slowly squeezes the trigger. A loud 'Voom' sound was heard along with small electricity…then the splatter of liquid and non-solid objects was heard along with the thud of a large being. Ethan pulls the bolt again…a silver, black, and red tipped bullet ejecting as the barrel of the Sniper had small electricity jolts coming from it as well as light smoke. The two ponies look behind them to see a dead Manticore…with most of its head blown off…pieces of its brain spattered everywhere along with blood and a severely shattered skull. “O-Oh…m-my…” The Yellow Pegasus hugged her friend. “It’s okay Flutters…it’s okay…we’re safe.” The Blue Pony had an expression of total shock…while her friend cried in fear…what saved her and herself in such a…gruesome way? Ethan materializes and packs the rifle back onto his back, putting his Assault Rifle in front of him as he walks away. The Blue Pony looks to the right side of her to see the tall cliff that was there…there was…rustling leaves and…steps? She looked for a few seconds and thought she saw something but…nothing. Ethan looked on the top right side of his Helmet HUD, which said ‘Cloak Power Low, Deactivate to Recharge.’ He waited for the two ponies to leave…he didn’t feel it was right to reveal himself just yet…suddenly a new species with extremely dangerous weapons is in their world? Doesn’t sound peaceful really…he may not be at the cliff but he didn’t want to risk getting caught. “C’mon Flutters…let’s go…ugh, can you help me out?” ‘Dashie’ says. “Y-Yeah.” ‘Flutters’ says. Fluttershy picks her up from under her arm, Dashie puts her arm around Flutters’ neck. “We should go see the others…and tell them what just happened here.” “I’ll get her after I get you to a hospital.” Flutters replies. Ethan smiles for a bit knowing he saved a couple of lives, he then grunts in pain…his Stimulants have worn off. He gets back down on all fours as he looks to see some blood was dripping on his HUD. “My Injuries are exceeding--“ Ethan starts coughing to see some small blood come out. “Fff…fuck…it’s either I die to my injuries or have them properly treated…that is if they even know how to treat a--agh! H-Human.” Ethan slowly tries to get up…the mechs around his body making it pretty difficult…it almost felt tight around him for some reason…usually, it never feels like that. “I really wished Faust helped me out with my injuries.” Just then, he started hearing footsteps and he checks to see how much of his Stim Power was recharged…there was barely any…he’ll have to make due. “Turn Around!” Ethan quickly grabs his Rifle and gets into a crouching stance and turns around, aiming his Rifle…to see ponies in gold and blue armor along with their white fur with their spears pointing at Ethan. “Ugh…Look, I want no trouble, I’m just looking for--“ “Silence creature! You are a threat to our land…considering what we just saw what you did to that Manticore!” “You didn’t see the two ponies I saved?” “Doesn’t mean you were gonna leave them alone.” “What?! Agh…This is a fucking joke…just leave ME alone…I don’t want trouble seriously…I’m just trying to find someone named…Celestia.” “And just what do you want with Celestia?” “Ugh…why should I tell you? From the looks of it, you look like you’re gonna murder a new creature and say it was self-defense.” ‘Stim ready at 40%’ “That should be enough,” Ethan says. “What should be enough?” One of the ponies ask. Ethan taps his Wristpad and gets up, running to the apparently five guards…Ethan activates his Wrist Shield and bashes it against the spears pointed at him, making the Ponies back up and stunned for a bit…Ethan then activates his boosters and jumps over the Guards as he starts to run. “Don’t follow me!” Ethan warns them. Ethan kept running for a bit until his HUD flashed red. ‘Suit Power Low…recharge as soon as possible’ Fuck…I forgot about that. Ethan keeps running until he could no more. ‘Functions shutting down Wrist Launcher: OFFLINE -Wrist Shield -Wrist Grapple -Tranquilizer Darts “Shit…” Ethan quickly grabs a Tactical Cycle Grenade and switches it to Smoke and drops it behind him, he keeps running as his pain starts to slowly come back, he hears some type of shining or mystical sound as he kept running… “Did Faust send me to the right world?” ‘Boosters: OFFLINE -Jump Boost -Hover Movement -Boost Stomp ‘Suit Abilities: OFFLINE’ Fuck… ‘-Cloak -Overclock’ Nonononono… ‘-Stimulant’ The pain kept rushing back as Ethan immediately grunted and growled in pain…more blood dripping from his head and mouth. “You better stop right there!” Guessing I’m about to face death again. ‘HUD Shutting Down…backup power activating to removing Exo Suit and Armor…use Wristpad.’ Ethan sighs as he feels some spears behind his back…not stabbing him but pointing against him. “Stand down!” The Ponies behind him then kneel and put their spears down. Ethan looks up to see a white figure approach…she had rainbow hair but only in specific royal colors…she had a horn and wings just like Faust…but this one seemed a little shorter. ‘Helmet Mask Opening’ Ethan looks face to face with another goddess. “Who wanted you to find me?” Ethan was thinking if this was her…maybe it is…considering she almost looks like Faust and such…maybe her Daughter…her Daughter is Celestia? His Helmet Mask split into three parts going into the helmet…his face revealed to another Goddess…however he had some black dust on him as well as blood from his mouth and forehead. “Goddess Faust…” The Female Pony’s eyes widen but before she could say anything…Ethan’s world was going dark…he was losing too much blood. “Guards get a Med Evac for this one!” “But, your Majesty--“ “Now!” The Guard bowed and walked away. “Ughnnn…am I in the right world?” Ethan’s world completely blacked out. "We must figure out his intentions though...he's an alien!" "We don't know if it's bad or not." "I heard it blew a Manticore's head off! Then attacked the Guards and said it's after Celestia! It's obviously here to kill her." "Enough!" The noble ponies stopped talking and looked forward to see their princess. "The creature has no ill intentions, however, I do not know it's true intentions either...the creature killed a Manticore to save two ponies...I believe if it was evil it would've let them die." The voices are whispers after what their princess said. "What do you propose your majesty?" "I'm going to find out his intentions myself, and see how he got into this world." "But Princess, I thought he was after you?" "Clearly, you have been hearing false rumors, so do not worry about me." The Princess stands up and walks away from the nobles...for a while she thought of what his intentions would be, every possibility ran through her head, Is he here for peace or invasion? Is he here to take control of the monarchy? Is he sent by Nightmare Moon? All these thoughts ran through her head...however he did speak her mother's name...not many know who Faust is...and she was warned by her mother that a descendant will arrive...could he be the one to save us all? Celestia approaches the medical wing to see the creature...it was stuck in its armor still...it looked interesting, however. There were two doctors and three nurses all there to try to help. "Doctor, how is he?" The Princess asks. "Not good, and it's hard with all this armor...it won't come off at all." Celestia looks at his face to see the blood was wiped clean...they were able to get the helmet off at least, she truly saw his face and all... "We used magic to see what was wrong with him...there is a metallic object stuck in its knee, and there are burn wounds over its right arm, and there is another metallic object stuck in right shoulder...this creature has the same structure as us...but there is no tail, no muzzle, and no hooves." Suddenly, coughing is heard from the creature....everyone gasps as blood drips from its mouth, it slowly started to move... "Hey! Easy, you're in the Castle's Hosptial now...take it easy...don't move." The creature had its eyes half shut...as if its vision was blurry... "S-Stand me...up..." "Sir, you're in no condition to move!" "Stand me up...take off...armor." The creature coughed. Celestia walks over and slowly stands him up and he used the surgical bed and The Princess for support. "Princess, what are you doing--" Celestia puts her hand up to silence the doctor, "How do I remove your armor?" "Wrist...pad." Celestia looks at its wrist and sees a rectangular object on his left arm...it somewhat lit up with a box in it that had a small sentence. "Okay, what do I do with this wristpad?" The creature coughed as it collapsed...Celestia caught him, however. "T-Tap...the...command...option." Celestia looks at the blinking box on the screen of his Wrist, it said 'Remove Exo Suit.' She tapped the command and slowly his armor started to move. The slim metal box on his back along with the vest started to click as first the slim armor and plates unlocked from its arms, the metal keeping the datapad on unlocked as well...his hands which were covered by gloves had its rods disconnect from the knuckles...next his leg's armor clicked and unlocked...the plates and pads surrounding his thighs, legs, and shins all loosened and soon all of his armor fell off...there were still hard plastic pads on his knees and arms...his clothes had a snow white type of camouflage on them...white and grey...there was a hood as well. "The pad...unstrap...them." The creature said faintly...as he attempted to get back on the bed...Celestia and the nurses assisted him and took off the rest of the armor...the staff immediately got to work on him as taking off the clothes were easy...but it took a while to take off the boots...since they've never seen them. "Princess, I recommend leaving...this will get messy." The Doctor said. "No, I want to see his form and see these... 'Metallic objects' that you claim is in him." "As you wish Princess," The Doctor notices there was metal covering his left arm, "Wait, there's another piece of armor...nurse?" One of the nurses look at its arm and see what she could do, she saw the glove but first, she looked at the arm and noticed...the shoulder wasn't made of metal...she assumed it was some type of glove that covered this creature's arm, so she pulls on the arm. Suddenly the creature grunts and clenches its teeth soon it turns into light yells as the nurse tried to pull the 'glove' off. Celestia notices this and she looks at the nurse and the creature, "Stop!" The nurse stops and looks at Celestia, the Princess walks over to the nurse's side and her horn glows, her eyes glow white and she stares at the arm...soon she looks at the hand and she pulls on it...the actual glove comes off revealing more metal covering the arm. "This is apart of his body," Celestia holds the hand and twiddles with the fingers as the creature moves them himself as well to ease himself....as the yelling stops, "There are nerves but they are different from the rest of his body." "His?" "When I heard his voice I recognized it was stallion," Celestia says. "...He...has a metal arm?" The Doctor asks. "Yes, however that is not the concern...it is the metal stuck in his body...I can see how it is causing him pain, we must extract it without killing him...I will help you since this is a being we have never seen." "Yes, your Majesty." "Did the creature have anything else on him?" "We found some strange objects on him including a...strange shaped knife or sword...it didn't look like a kitchen knife but it wasn't as big as a Sword." "Alright, we will not mess with them because we do not know if they are dangerous or not...we will ask him after we have helped him and he had fully healed," Celestia says. "As you wish...let's get started." "Do not die yet, you have just arrived." "Huh?" Ethan wakes up, his eyes slowly crack open to see he was in a hospital bed...he groans as he slowly attempts to stretch but feels pain in his shoulder...he looks...his vision still slightly blurred but he could see bandages around the shoulder and arm, he notices he had no armor either as he didn't feel the metal around his body that slightly would tighten him and protect him. Just then he spots someone walks in...his vision still blurry but he could tell it was a nurse...he saw...wings, the nurse leaves. "Must be the blurs..." After a bit, he sees...a bright white and lightly rainbowed figure and a purple figure. "Can you hear us?" A Motherly voice asked. "Y-Yeah...but my vision is still blurry." Ethan answers. "What is your name?" "Ethan Cooper...U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant." "That is quite a long name..." Ethan chuckles as his vision slowly gets better. "My name is Ethan Cooper...I am a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marines." "Ah...I see." Ethan's vision finally clears up and he looks at the two in front of them...The White Furred Goddess who was with him before he blacked out and a Purple furred Pony that reached up below the Goddess' breasts...he widened his eyes in surprise as he sat up. "Do not panic...we're not here to hurt you." "There were others with you, they tried to attack me." "And I ordered them to stand down...remember? I brought you here...you even helped me take off your armor." "Wait, that was you?" The White furred Pony nodded, "What are you, where are you from, and what do you plan to do here?" "How do I know I can trust you?" "I could've thrown you into the dungeons without your wounds treated if I didn't like you...here, if you answer my questions...you can ask me some...because you seem curious to where you are as well?" Ethan scratched his head...and thought...what's to lose, he's dead...technically. "Well ma'am, I am a Human, we evolved from Apes in the Primitive ages to make it short. I come from a Planet called Earth which has lived for over 4.2 Billion Years, The human race also is from Earth, we have lived there for quite some time." Ethan says, he looks to see The Purple Pony writing in her notepad. "I see, and how did you come to Equestria and what do you plan to do here?" "I was sent by...a Goddess...her name was Faust...she gave me a second chance at life in exchange to protect her world known as Equestria...at least she did send me to the correct world." "You were sent by Faust?!" The Purple Pony asks. Ethan nods and gets comfortable. "I lost my life...I was sent on a Mission along with my squad to take out an Insurrectionist base...everything went fine...but then I was forced to stay behind to blow up the entire base...I sacrificed myself and saved my Soldiers from death...I should've died...but Faust saved me...and she sent me here." The White Pony was shocked along with the Purple one... "Enough about me...who are you two?" "Oh, I apologize, My name is Princess Celestia, ruler of the Sun and Equestria." Ethan gets a good look at her...she wore a white gown which had a brown strap around her waist along with a golden buckle or something, her top only had one strap which went over her left shoulder...but she had a very large form...tall and hourglass-shaped....she had wings and a horn like Faust, her hair flowed Green, Pink, and Blue along with her tail. Her legs were wide and she had hooves instead of feet...she notices a slight V hole in her long skirt revealing the lower part of her thighs...He then sees a mark on the thigh and her shoulder...they both were a picture of the Sun...she also had a Crown. "And I am Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's Personal and Faithful Student." Ethan looked at her, she had midnight blue hair with a pink line in the style but didn't flow like Celestia's, she only had a horn, she wore a typical type of Schoolgirl Outfit, A Dark Vest with a Dark Purple Shirt and a Light Purple Tie, along with a Short Skirt and Tights around her legs. "It's nice to meet you both...now the second question." "Shoot," Celestia says. "Where are my Weapons and Equipment?" "Ah, they are over there at the end of the room," Celestia says. Ethan looks to his right to see his Weapons, Armor, and Equipment all there. "You guys never messed with it?" "We wanted to ask you about them since they were yours," Celestia says. "I see...how about this, once I have fully recovered, I will show you them and such...for now...may I have my Backpack that is right next to my Armor?" Ethan asks. "I accept your offer and yes." Celestia smiles and her horn glows, the Backpack levitates over to Ethan. "...Whoa...what was that?" Ethan asks. "Magic, do you not know of this?" "I do...however Magic is a myth on Earth." Twilight gasps and writes it down, "No Magic where you come from?" "Nope...just nature and the way of life...as well as Technology," Ethan says. "We shall discuss this once you recover...for now, you rest and take care...what do you like to eat, I will have my chefs cook for you," Celestia asks. Ethan smiles...hearing that he could have a chance to eat some real food besides the MREs, "I could go for a Country-Fried Steak right now." He looks back at the two ponies to see their eyes wide open. "What?" Ethan asks. "You eat meat?" Twilight asks. "Yes, why--oh shit, you're equines so you don't eat that type of stuff...Humans are Omnivores, we can eat both Meat and things that aren't meat, however, we need it for our nutrition and health." Ethan says. "I see," Celestia says, she looks at Twilight who wrote this down, "Thankfully there are other species here in this world that are also Omnivores so we have chefs who cook meat and such...I will have your food ready...for now, you should lie down...getting that Shrapnel out of you wasn't pretty." Celestia says. "Alright...thank you very much for your hospitality Princess Celestia," Ethan says as he nods at the Princess. "You are quite welcome, farewell Ethan Cooper." Celestia winks at Ethan, as she and Twilight leave the room. Ethan smiles as he goes into his bag...he pulls out a music player, he taps on the device and takes out some Beats Earphones and lies back and lets the music play. Author's Note I listened to that song while I typed this...anyhoo WELCOME TO SOLDIER: FUTURE OF DARKNESS I have this, The Titan of Equestria, The Guardian Lycan, and The Shadow Guardian which I have to keep track of...will it be stressful...possibly...is it worth it? Yes, it is. XD
Exo-Technology [The 23rd of the Third Sun, Year 20,321]"So wait, how do dates work here?" Ethan asks "There are six Suns and six Moons, all have 30 days each, and our years are counted from the very beginning," Celestia says. "So then what's the exact date today?" "I believe it is the 23rd Day of the Third Sun...every year it is first the six suns, then the six moons." "So that is what you call your months?" Ethan asks. "Yes...Suns and Moons." Celestia answers. "And the year?" "It has been 20,321 since our Planet was created." "Damn...I would be more surprised but our planet has lived way longer...anyway, am I able to leave now?" Ethan asks. "Ah, yes...the Doctor has cleared you and are free to go." Celestia smiles. Ethan smiles back and grunts as he gets out of his bed, he goes over to grab his equipment and he looks at his Exo-Suit, he then sees it float...golden aura surrounding it. "I'll carry it for you...it is no problem. Ethan nods and grabs his tactical backpack and he puts on his small gear and light protection: knee pads, gloves, and handgun holsters, which he places his two pistols in. He then grabs his Assault Rifle and puts the strap around his shoulder and body...the Weapons hanging down to his waist...the Magazine wasn't inserted so it wasn't loaded...and he put his Sniper Rifle on his back...still folded up so it's easier to travel with it hanging on his back...he then puts on his backpack and nods at the Princess. "Ready to go, your Majesty," Ethan says, nodding. "Please, just call me Celestia, if my mother trusts you, then I trust you as a friend," Celestia says. Ethan holds his helmet and stands up straight, "Then lead the way, Celestia." Celestia nods and starts walking, Ethan was by his side...as he walked, there were a few guards looking at him, but then they bow before Celestia...along with even a few maids that passed by and looked at Ethan in an interesting way...they were eyeing him...and he swore he could see them smirking. Ethan rubbed it off and followed Celestia, she opened a large doorway to reveal a throne...a single throne, and glass windows which had encrusted and carved colored art...he was impressed by the work. "So...this is Canterlot Castle...pretty colorful." Celestia giggles and motions Ethan to sit next to her, he does so and he notices she lied his armor down next to him. "Now, if I may ask, I would like to see how your...weapons and armor work." "The armor will be a problem because we have to wait for its power to recharge," Ethan says. "Oh don't worry about that." Ethan looks to see Twilight enter the room. "What do you mean?" Ethan asked. "When you were out, we didn't want to twiddle with your things but I did look at your armor and held it, then I saw the 'Power Low' sign on the wrist part of the armor...so I used my magic and looked for the Power Source and I decided to do something...I powered it up with Magic...and magic, is endless." Twilight says with a devious smile. "So my Exo-Suit has infinite power? Twilight, you clever...um...unicorn, thanks." Ethan chuckles. "No problem, but I do apologize for messing with it." "It's alright," Ethan says. Ethan quickly looks on the back of the armor and hits a switch, the armor begins to loosen and open up so Ethan could put it on...first he puts on the Leg Pieces, which then tighten and connect to his clothes...the metal covering them, next was his arms, the armor fitting on perfectly as everything clasped and connected together...his chest piece also connected to the rest of the armor along with his back. Soon his Exo-Suit was fully equipped...Ethan then puts on his Helmet...the View completely Black until it then activated and he could see what he was looking at...the normal messages popping up like, 'Exo Suit Activated' or 'Abilities, Weapons, and Visor ready to go.' Ethan does a system check on all his abilities and they all lit up green and ready to go, Ethan smiles and he opens the Helmet's front so the two Mares could see his face. "So, you wanted to see what I can do?" Ethan asks. "Yes," Twilight and Celestia both say. "Well alright, but I must warn you to stand back...also do you have anything I can use to shoot at and also...there might be slight damage to your floor," Ethan asks. Celestia's horn appears to show a few mannequin ponies, Ethan smiles. "Alright, before I show off the weapons...I'll show you what the Exo Suit can do." Ethan holds up his left arm, while his right one had the datapad, this one had a Black type of box which had a few buttons and switches. "This is my Wrist Launcher, this thing has three distinct abilities, well at least mine," Ethan taps a button on the Wrist Launcher and soon a small handle came out and reached his hand which he then held onto...then a Large Metal Cover extended out of the Launcher from all sides, Ethan crouches which made him completely hidden behind the Shield, "This is the Retractable Shield...we can equip this when we're under heavy fire, it is very useful, whether it'd be from bullets, knives, spears, or swords...this thing can protect you, as long as you can use it." Ethan retracts the shield and stands back up. "Impressive, that sort of thing could never exist here...possibly everything you have I guess," Celestia says and smiles. "What else does it do?" Twilight asks. Ethan was still holding onto the handle that came out of the Launcher, he pressed a button that was under his thumb and he pointed his arm up, a small black slim rope with a metal end shot out of the launcher and it immediately lifted Ethan up to the ceiling, the Princess and Twilight looked up to see him hanging by the rope from his wrist. "Grapple! It can connect to anything within one hundred feet and pulls the user to where they shot it, the grapple can help them...well hang around for an advantage, but it might hurt the user's arm for a while depending on how--ugh...one sec," Ethan retracts the grapple and started to fall, but then his Exo Pack activated which hovered him safely to the ground, "--Long you stay there sacrificing your left hand...also what you saw was my Exo's Booster Pack, which can help me get to higher places easily, it can also hover the user safely to the ground if they require to fall down somewhere or go across a gap or have an advantage point temporarily...we'll come back to that." Ethan lets the handle retract into the Launcher and he hits another button which opens the Launcher...A few Dart-like weapons slide out and show itself, Ethan takes out one and he walks up to the two Mare, offering them to hold it. They take it and inspect it. "That is the last ability, this Launcher can fire those Darts right there. They're tranquilizers, anyone hit with those will immediately be knocked out, basically, they'll fall asleep...and anything that can move can be affected by those...so don't touch the tip." Twilight immediately widens her eyes as she WAS about to touch the point-end tip of the Dart, she gives it back to Ethan and he chuckles at her witty curiosity. "Alright, that's the end of the Wrist Launcher, next...I'll just quickly explain my Booster Pack," Ethan jumps and is boosted into the air by ten feet...and he immediately comes back down without a problem, "That is the basic function, the Boosters are meant to help Soldiers have a better advantage to getting somewhere or someplace for their mission, The Grapple is meant for further or way higher places...I can also have my Boosters well...Boost me to the ground and help me cause a small shockwave stomp to anyone who is near...and it does work." Ethan smiles. "I see, anything else?" Celestia asks...she looked so amazed with his technology...even more than Twilight! "Last are the Suit Abilities, then we'll move onto mainly the weapons...someone say a Magic Word, any." Ethan taps his wristpad. "Um...Abracadabra?" Twilight curiously said. Ethan immediately disappears as soon as she says that. "Ethan? Ethan!" Celestia and Twilight both say. Soon they hear a quiet buzzing sound and then a clacking sound of electric almost. "Boo." Twilight yells and jumps while Celestia flinches and smiles at the joke. "What was that Ethan?!" Twilight asks with annoyance. "That was my Cloak Ability, it renders the user completely invisible...however the kick is, if the user moves more fast and such...the Cloak Power drains faster, if the user is completely still the Power won't drain and it will slightly recharge, but the user will also have to watch their footsteps as they can still be heard if they're not quiet enough," Ethan says going back to in front of the two Mares. "Next one is Overdrive, this helps the user move faster temporarily, like so," Ethan taps his Datapad and Immediately he feels the rush of energy going through the suit and himself, he runs to the entrance of the Throne and back to the Princesses real quick. He then deactivates it, "The last one you can't physically see but it is called Stimulant, it helps the user heal if they are injured, basically, it's an adrenaline shot, soon it will run out and have to charge both like the Overdrive and Cloak ability." Ethan then puts his hands up and shows the armor parts covering the gloves, "This is Nano Grips...basically I can use these to climb on walls and they work best on metal really." Ethan wiggled his fingers and chuckled showing the pieces moving around as he activated the Grips and deactivated the Grips. "This is so fascinating, and this is all from the armor you wear?" Twilight asks. "Correct ma'am, the Exo Suits Dominate the Battlefield and gives all Soldiers the advantage of attacking their enemies...but a Soldier is not complete without their weapon...shall I?" Ethan asks. Celestia and Twilight nod and Ethan looks at Celestia, "Got a table?" The Princess giggles and her horn glows, making a table appear. Ethan smiles and places his weapons down on the Table. "So, I'll go from the basic ones to the complex ones," Ethan grabs a small one and he takes out the magazine and shows the small bullet to the Mares, "This is a bullet, I saw your Guards carry crossbows so I'll say think of this as that...however these little things are made of metal and when used they travel pretty fast and whoever it impacts on can slightly burn and either go through them or be in their system...these things are extremely dangerous, these things can hit critical points in the body and cause the victim to die instantly...just like an arrow. So, if you took one of these through the head, the heart, or any other critical point in your body, you could either die or be in extreme pain...then probably death." The mares looked at the small bullet and were shocked how one little piece of metal could kill someone. "Ethan, might I ask you something?" Celestia asks. "Shoot," "The two metal objects that we got out of your body, are those also bullets?" Celestia asks. "Yes, there are many kinds of bullets, all built for a specific type of Weapon then there are the bullets that are customized to be more dangerous...enough to blow up a person's head," Ethan says bluntly. "This small one you're looking at is used for Pistols such as the one I'm holding...this is why I asked for something I could use as dummies," Ethan loads the pistol and shows the Mares the weapon in his hand. "This is called the Fujin, a 9mm Pistol...pretty basic and reliable...oh and...you might want to cover your ears...these things are loud." "I've got a better idea," Celestia's horn glows and the whole throne glowed for a bit then stopped, "I've soundproofed the room so the Guards won't overreact." "Thanks...anyway, here we go." Ethan clicks off the safety and cocks the Pistol and aims at one of the Mannequin's head, he proceeded to fire...one bullet, then three...soon the whole clip. Bang, bang, bang...the gun was actually pretty loud, surprisingly...the Mares flinched from the noise and watched as holes appeared in the Dummy's head. Ethan then noticed the gun was empty...he puts it back on the table and picks up the next one. "This is actually a Rare one, this is called the Recker .44, it packs a punch, Revolvers are not something to take lightly...then again any firearm is a thing to not be taken lightly...but this is a Gun that can blow a hole in a person's head," Ethan says, he opens the cylinder mag and he takes the six bullets that were connected together and he inserts them...soon he sees the Cylinder lock the bullets into place, "Old Revolvers, you had to take out the bullets one by one and put the bullets that weren't fired...back in sometimes, later on, we had tools that could insert all six at the same time, but this one locks them so the ones that were fired will unlock from the mag and will be ejected once the cylinder is opened...this thing does have two barrels as you can see...this can fire two bullets at the same time is what I'm saying...but I switch it to only fire one bullet if I wanted to...and there is a laser pointer right in front of the trigger as well as a built-in Optical Sight." Ethan whips the Mag back into place and clicks the hammer down and fires at the dummy...two bullets firing, making a pretty loud and fearful sound...and blowing large holes into the Mannequin's body, the Mares were astounded from the firepower...Ethan switches it to Single Fire and unloads the rest of the bullets into the Dummy, once he was done, he puts the Revolver on the table and grabs the Rifle. "This is an Assault Rifle, it's a main Primary Weapon for many Soldiers, however, there are many different kinds of Rifles today, this is the GM85...and this is it without the attachments I have for it usually...besides the Built-In ones...this Weapon was meant for stealth missions, now this is a Full-Auto...which means the bullets continuously fire and I can just hold onto the trigger...but there are other fire modes, like Burst, which makes the Rifle fire three bullets at a time and Semi-Auto which is basically Single-Fire like the Handguns I showed you two," Ethan loads the Rifle and first single fires it, then burst fires it, then unloads the rest in Full-Auto mode...the Dummies shake as the bullets tear through them. Ethan reloads the gun and he clicks a button on the gun's barrel...a Thick Cylinder and Tight Barrel slides out of the actual barrel and he smiles. "This is a Suppressor, also known as a Silencer, this is the main thing many use for Stealth Missions, they render the Gun's fire and make it very quiet so no one can hear it," Ethan then slides a couple of Attachments onto the gun and he shows them...he had an Angled Grip on the underside of the barrel and a Red Dot Sight on the top side of the Rifle and he fires the weapon, it did sound quiet and such...still had the same impact on the Poor Dummies however. Ethan quickly explains the Attachment's purposes and what they do before moving on. Ethan smiles and finally grabs the Big One...the gun's stock unfolded and the Scope rotated to the top of the Gun, the Barrel unfolds as well, turning upwards. "This...is a force to be reckoned with...this is the EAMR-84 Sniper Rifle...this is an Energy/Bullet Weapon Hybrid," Ethan shows the mare the Black, Red, and Silver Bullet in his hand and he loads it into the gun along with the mag, he then pulls back the bolt and switches off the safety, "The Name stands for Energy Anti-Materialistic Railgun 84 Sniper Rifle...cover your ears...I highly recommend it." The Mares do what he says and they watch as he crouches and breathes. Ethan pulls the trigger and that same 'Voom' sound was heard along with a few sparks of Electricity coming from the Barrel...the Bullet travels straight into the Mannequin and it's head and half of its body exploded into pieces...Ethan pulls back the Bolt and the Burnt Shell ejects...as the Barrel and the shell both had small smoke come from it, the Mares uncover their ears. "This is not something to be taken lightly, this was meant for huge infantry and can take down vehicles such as choppers with only one shot...but those don't exist here...and to answer your question, yes, this is what I used to kill the Manticore," Ethan says...smirking. Celestia was very surprised from the heavy weaponry...and how threatening it was. She looked to her right to see Twilight with her jaw dropped. "That is very impressive Cooper, your kind has seemed to master weaponry I guess and your kind never had to use magic...that is what impresses me even more," Celestia says. "Thank you Celestia...now lemme show you the last thing," Ethan folds the Sniper and puts it on his back once more and puts the rest of his weapons back on him, "You can get rid of the dummies and the table by the way," He grabs two Cylinder Objects which both had a Pin with a Ring around the end along with a button, "These are Cycle Grenades...back in the day there were many kinds of Grenades...Lethal and Tactical...and there were different types of Lethals and Tacticals...but today we are able to have all at once with these...Lethal Cycles and Tactical Cycles...I don't want to use them unless you want your throne to be damaged." Ethan says. Celestia nods at Ethan and looks as he explains the modes...he didn't pull the pin or anything but he pressed the button to cycle the modes. "First Lethal, the first mode is Frag: it is the standard one...once it's activated, a small counter will start, and once it goes off, this will explode, so basically don't hold this in your hand while it's cooking. Second, Contact: Just like frag but once it makes contact with anything, like a wall, floor, or a person...it will immediately explode. Last is Sticky: Once it's thrown the counter will start and whatever it touches, it will stick to so if it's stuck to you while the counter is on, you're done." Ethan says, as he puts the Lethal back and takes the Tactical, "Tacticals are meant to support and not hurt the enemy but render them unless of something. First is Threat: this will highlight enemies and it'll only work if you have the helmet's visor on, which I don't...basically anyone near it will light up red and will also light up ones that are cloaked. Next is Flash: once it lands the grenade will flash anyone close to it, blinding them temporarily. Last is EMP: anything electronic will immediately shut down for a while...sadly that'll be a problem here since you rely on magic rather than Technology." Ethan puts the Tactical back and walks up to the Mares, "Aaaand that is all folks!" Ethan chuckles and bows, "Thank you for coming to my presentation." The two Mares clap and giggle, "Ethan, you are a very interesting being, and everything that you have on you is very fascinating." Celestia says. "Indeed, I really like your talents and such!" Twilight says. Ethan chuckles and does a two-finger salute. "So, may we ask you a few questions?" Celestia asks? "Sure." "Earlier, you said you were a U.S. Marine, and a Staff Sergeant, what does that mean exactly?" Celestia asks. "You have Military here yes? I mean your Guards I can guess but do you officially?" Ethan asks. "Yes, Our Guards are the official members of the Equestrian Guard...we also have the Wonderbolts who are a Pegasus Branch and they own the skies, then there is the Equestrian Army which we never had any use for because we have not entered war in over a thousand years." "Really now? Anyway, in my World we also had Military, I served America, my country, my home, and my land...there are five branches of our Military, there is the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps which is what I am apart of, the Air Force, and the National Guard...and a Staff Sergeant is a pretty high rank in the Military...not like a Commander kind but basically I am a leader for my Soldiers, I command a squad and we work as a team." "I see...were you...at war when you came here?" Twilight asks. "Yes, we were at war with a Resistance Group called the 'Insurrectionists'...their beliefs are that today technology will end the world...what they asked themselves is, will they end with it? Their answer is no...so they plan to end the world themselves...they have caused major terror attacks against the entire world and they won't stop until they have Earth at their fingertips...and have their version of Earth become a reality...they believe if there is no one left to challenge them, there will be no more wars...It's a load of bullshit...especially since they have killed millions of innocents for their 'Vision.'" Ethan says, sighing. "Goodness, well at least you are here now...and away from Catastrophe," Celestia says. "Yeah, but the scars still remain...you saw my metal arm and the scar on my face right?" Ethan asks. "Yes." Twilight answers. "I lost my brother, and my arm while fighting them...I grabbed this scar off of a higher-up Innie...nasty cut from a blade." Ethan says. "I-I'm sorry," Twilight says putting a hand over her mouth in shock. "It's alright," Ethan replies. "Anyway...if my Mother has sent you here, then I suppose you are here to protect Equestria correct?" Celestia asks. "Yes Ma'am, I have been given a second chance for a reason, my Sense of Purpose is to Protect and Serve," Ethan says. "Then I have something to discuss with you in private...so Twilight, you may leave...you might want to go check on Spike." "Wait, b-but Princess--" "Twilight, trust me...this needs to stay confidential between me and Ethan, so please, go and get some rest and visit Spike." Twilight sighs in defeat, "Alright...I do need to check on Spike anyway, goodbye Ethan, I hope to see you again." Twilight waves and smiles. "Later Twilight." The Throne Doors close. "Walk with me," Celestia says as she walks through the doors on the left side of the throne room. "What do we need to discuss Celestia?" Ethan asks. "I must tell you right now...there is something that is coming, something dark...and Twilight is deeply involved in this," Celestia says. "Wait, how?" Ethan asks. "I have chosen her as my Apprentice for a reason, I saw something in her and I believe she is the key to unlocking something ancient." "No disrespect Celestia, but how come you had Twilight leave then, she should know about this if she is to either unlock it or prevent unlocking it if it's a bad thing," Ethan says. "Yes but this is something that I must not tell her for this is a test to see if she is truly ready...as nervous as it makes me be." "So what is this Ancient thing?" Ethan asks. "The Elements of Harmony." Author's Note Hoo, boy...this felt like it took me a while XD, anyway...this was basically a get to know Ethan type of thing and what he can do as well as a setup for the next chapter. Also, what do you think of the weapons? I wanted to look for Futuristic Weapons that didn't exist in any Video Games or Movies basically. Anyway, next time on Soldier, Ethan's first mission on Equestria: Travel with Twilight to Equestria for the Summer Sun Celebration. (Confidential Objective: Locate ponies who could be the key to assist in unlocking the Six Elements, and free Princess Luna from her Prison of Darkness.)
Sun and Moon [19th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The Day Before The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]The 24th of the Third Sun, Year 20,321 "The Elements have communed to six souls?" Ethan asks. "Yes, they have bonded to six ponies already, they may have bloomed, or not yet...but Twilight must find out herself," Celestia says. "But why? Why can't you just tell her that the legend is true and she should look out?" "I know it is difficult to understand, but there is a reason why Twilight became my Apprentice, and there is an even deeper reason why my Mother chose you as a Guardian of Equestria, soon enough both of them will make sense, I need you to trust me on this, Staff Sergeant Cooper," Celestia says as she bends down and stays at eye level with Ethan. Ethan looks at Celestia, seeing that she was bending down, he noticed how tall she was actually, she looked about eight feet tall, he would think impossible but this world has already proved him wrong many times. He sighed and looked at her, "Alright, I trust you, your majesty, I serve you and you only...your mother did have a reason to choose me because a Soldier will always serve and protect, and I am determined to do so as I did in my homeworld." Celestia smiles and hugs Ethan, surprising him, "Thank you...and please do not use formalities, I want to be way more than just someone you serve, I want to be your friend. I believe you should make friends while you're here as well." "If...that is what you wish...Celestia." Ethan said. Celestia breaks the hug, "I'm sorry...I...haven't seen my sister in over a thousand years...not a day goes by that I don't miss her or wish I never sent her to the moon." she sniffs and sits down on her bed. "It's okay Celestia, I can share the feeling. I lost my brother, but you still have a sister, and I will make sure she comes back to you." Ethan says. "Thank you, Ethan...now let me tell you what you need to know." 12th Day of the Fourth Sun "And I hope you all treat him as well as you treat yourselves because he is a Soldier and he has Protected and Served for over ten years in his life," Celestia says, talking to those in the Equestria Courts. The room stayed silent and Celestia nodded, "Staff Sergeant Ethan Cooper, introduce yourself." Ethan then took a step on the podium, standing next to Celestia, he only was wearing his Military Hoodie and Fatigues, along with the Combat Boots, the Gloves, and his Wristpad which he removed from the Exo Suit...he breathed, because from what Celestia told him, the Nobles are...difficult, but he is military and Celestia is giving him the power to make sure they shut up if they get too rude or become smartasses. "Your majesty, you're letting this creature roam our lands, even more, this castle and you're letting him stand next to you?" "I agree, Auntie! You should execute this disgusting vermin, we know nothing about him, and he might betray us!" Celestia growled then sighed, "I apologize Ethan...cover your ears," She watches Ethan does so, "Enough!" The Nobles shut their mouths, scared that they angered their princess. "I will NOT tolerate you not accepting that we have a new species let alone, one that has protected and saved countless of lives! He saved two ponies already from becoming prey to a Manticore! You will show respect to him because he is now my Personal Soldier and he will answer to me only. In other words, he will not be your personal servant or housekeeper. Even more, he has the authorization to make sure you do not become reckless with your words or your actions. I am giving him no limits besides killing because I am tired of you all thinking you are above others and even causing others to be miserable, so If I don't like or Ethan doesn't like what you are doing, he has the authorization to do whatever." Celestia says. The nobles become terrified of this news...then look at Ethan, who had his arms folded and had a devious smirk...along with a quiet chuckle. The 14th of the Fourth Sun "You must be Spike, hello there." Ethan smiles as he crouched down at the young dragon, he had purple and green scales all around him, he looked the exact opposite of what Ethan thought a Baby Dragon looked like...then again that 2000's Movie 'Eragon' made him think that...buuuuut this is a different universe so he can't blame them. "I am, and you must be Celestia's Agent, Ethan Cooper--" Spike's mouth was covered by Ethan who also shushed him. "Do not say anything...our enemies could be watching..." Spike and Ethan looked at each other, then Ethan chuckled and uncovered Spike's mouth, "I'm just kidding little dude, but please just call me Ethan alright?" "O-Oh...alright," Spike laughed at his joke and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He notices his prosthetic arm, "You have a metal arm? Dude that's awesome!" "Heh yeah...awesome." Ethan chuckles "Don't try to scare him too much Ethan." Twilight giggled as she walked towards the two. "Like I did when I used Cloak on you?" Ethan replied, his smirk returning. "Oh hush you!" Twilight said lightly hitting his arm. The three laughed for a while then it died down. "So, shall I give you the tour?" Twilight asked. "Sure." The 15th Day of the Sixth Sun Ethan walked the streets of Canterlot until he then saw two ponies looking like they were being harassed by...wait. "Idris Ultimer, fucking Nobles." Ethan cracked his knuckles and walked towards the angered noble. "So how about you watch where you're going next time...is that your daughter hm? If I see you again, I will make sure your filly is taken away from you because from how you walk, you're not fit to be a mother and--" "Ahem." Idris looked to the left of him to see the Soldier, his eyes widen, slowly he began to walk back as Ethan walked toward him, just then he ran away. "That dude just never quits...well at least I get to do something, back in the U.S. we couldn't do things like that," Ethan then looked at the Mare and her Filly, "Are you two alright?" "Y-Yes, thank you," Soon she started to tear up, "He was g-gonna take away my daughter." "No Mommy! I don't want to leave you!" The filly cried, both of them scared. Ethan walked up to the mare and he wiped her tears and then he crouched down and looked at the filly. "That's not gonna happen because he can't do that and if he does, there would be severe punishments for him, and not just from me but the Princess," Ethan stood back up and looked at the Mother, "He would have to take that to Day Court and if he did, Celestia would be angered and would go out on Idris, and if he did it illegally, I think his punishment would be worse than being in a Dungeon." "T-Thank you..." The Mother still tearing up. "Hey hey," Ethan drifted his fingers across her face again, "Tears don't suit a Mare like you...so don't be afraid and don't be sad." The Mare nodded and sniffed, not trying to cry anymore. Ethan then noticed the shattered empty ice cream cone...the ice cream melting onto the ground, "Did the mean stallion throw your new ice cream to the ground?" "Y-Yes..." The filly answered. "What was it?" Ethan asked. "M-Mint Chocolate..." Ethan looked at the two of them, "Wait here," Ethan quickly walked off. After a small time of waiting, Ethan walked back...with two scoops of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream on a cone, he approached the two and crouched down in front of the filly, "Here you go kiddo." The Filly gasped and took the Ice Cream, "Yay," She began to lick the delicious Ice Cream, but then she looked back at Ethan and she hugged him, "Thank you, mister." "Hey no problem...you gotta enjoy the sweets like that...between you and me, that's my favorite flavor of Ice Cream." Ethan smiled. "Mine too." Ethan then stood up and smiled at the Mare, suddenly the Mother hugged Ethan tightly, she sniffed in joy and then went up to him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you so much..." "Don't even mention it...Miss," Ethan says...waiting for the Mare to say her name. "Oh um...my name is Heartwarmer Glaze...and my Daughter is Bittersweet Glaze." "Well Miss Glaze...I'm Ethan...but I guess you probably knew that." "Yeah...I did." Heartwarmer said. "Now how about you and your Daughter get home? I hope to run into you again in the future." Ethan says, smiling at her then walking off. "Y-Yeah, I hope so too..." Heartwarmer says...somewhat blushing. 19th Day of the Sixth Sun - The Day Before 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration Ethan strolled through the Castle, walking to Celestia's chambers. "Hey, Cooper!" Ethan looks behind him to see a White furred Unicorn, He had an Electric Blue Mane and was wearing a Captain's Uniform. "Shining Armor! You son of a bitch, how you've been?" Ethan chuckled. "Nothing, I officially have been promoted yesterday." "I can see that, congratulations dude and I'm sorry I couldn't make it." "Ah, it's fine dude, you being Celestia's Soldier and everything, I can understand...so don't worry...I'm guessing you're heading there now?" "Yep...something important just came up from her." "Well, it is the Summer Sun Celebration, so I better do my part, I'll see you later Cooper!" "Right back at ya," Ethan waited for him to leave, he then approaches Celestia's Chambers, "If only he knew...as well as his sister." Ethan knocked on the doors and they opened slowly, he entered seeing Celestia sitting on her bed...but she was only in her bra and panties, and she was staring at a picture. "Oh! Um...Your Majesty I--" "Ethan, again with the formalities and if I didn't want you seeing me like this, I wouldn't have let you in." She had a point there, but it didn't mean he couldn't help but be embarrassed. "Sit next to me please," Celestia said. Ethan does so...he finally sees she was looking at a picture of her and her sister, Luna. "Have you been here the whole time so far?" Celestia nodded...still looking at the photo, "It's been years since I've seen her, and I made the mistake of putting her in basically Solitary Confinement on the Moon...and...I know she will hate me so much for it even if she isn't Nightmare Moon." Celestia's voice was breaking as if she was about to cry...and she was. Ethan immediately comes over and hugs her, because knowing and living in this world for at least three months, this is a place of Love and Friendship and he really thinks of the Princess as a friend. "I think, she knew you had no other choice, she was under the control of a dark spirit as you told me, so it shouldn't be your fault...but I hope she knows it isn't her fault either," Ethan said. "T-Thank you, Ethan." Celestia quickly planted a kiss on Ethan's cheek...making him blush. "Um...your Majesty--er...Celestia I--" "I'm sorry, I just...you are the only one who knows I have a sister at the moment...so it just makes me happy that I can talk to someone about it as well as comfort me." Ethan smiled and hugged her again, she hugged back, "I'm glad I could be of service Celestia...ever since I came here, I've learned to be a normal person again then just an armored soldier, you, Twilight, and others helped me there." Ethan said. The two break the hug and look at each other, "Now I believe today we both have our jobs to do and make sure your sister comes back safe right?" Celestia nods in response. "Right, well I will get ready and come back to you when I'm prepped," Ethan says as the two stand up, Celestia going to grab her usual Royal Outfit and Ethan opening the door to leave, "By the way you look very beautiful Princess." Ethan quickly leaves and shuts the door. Celestia immediately blushed and lightly giggled after he left the room. 1 Hour Later Ethan approached the throne room, in his gear and everything, Celestia in her get-up and such. "Why are you in your Armor and Gear, Ethan?" Celestia giggled. "My Armor and Guns won't exactly fit in my backpack...and if it could, It'd be pretty heavy," Ethan answered and chuckled. Celestia laughs, "Trust me...take off the armor." Ethan does so, the Exo-Armor unclipping and slightly folding up. "Let me try this," Celestia's horn lights up and suddenly Ethan's backpack feels more light. "Wait...did you cast some weightless spell onto my pack?" Ethan asks, moving the pack around. "That's not all...put the armor in there, as well as your weapons." Celestia smiles. Ethan looks confused and he begins to attempt to put the armor in and....it went in! No problem at all. "A Spell to make a bag Roomless? How do your species think of this stuff?" Ethan chuckles, putting in the Sniper Rifle, then the Assault Rifle, he grabs some small gear from the armor after that. "Oh, we just do," Celestia giggled, just then a poof of smoke appeared, generating into a wrapped letter, immediately Celestia opens the letter, "It seems Twilight has figured it out." "We still gonna keep it secret?" Ethan asked, putting on the kneepads and strapping on his fingerless gloves, next putting his Pistol and Revolver into their holsters. "Yes...Luna will not return until nighttime, I will not be there because Twilight must face this and see if she is ready. I am highly confident that she is but you must make sure she does not become reckless, as well as that if she gets in a situation she cannot handle, you have my authorization to use whatever at your discretion." Celestia begins to write her reply letter, and she was quickly writing it. "Copy that, Celestia...so when am I leaving?" Ethan smiles and folds his arms. Celestia finishes the letter and she rolls it up, wraps it, then sends it off to Twilight, "In about Ten Minutes, and make sure Twilight attempts to make friends while she is there." "Will do, now take it easy Princess, I'll bring her back...I promise." Celestia nods and waves as Ethan leaves the room. Ethan arrives at Twilight's Home, the Carriage right next to him as he whistles out to the home, "Twilight, Spike, let's go!" Immediately the door opens and the two walk over to Ethan. The Soldier waves at the Apprentice and fist bumps the drake, "So, how have you two been?" "I'm doing good, Twilight is a little agitated," Spike says. "Oh really?" "It's not that I'm agitated, I'm worried because I don't know if you know but I sent a letter to the Princess, explaining--" "Twilight hey...I know what you told her, and trust me, from what has been happening I believe you, but to be honest the only one who's lived long enough to know if it's true or not would be Celestia herself, and if she is telling you it's not true then it's probably not." Ethan says, putting a hand on her shoulder. "But I--" "Twilight...if anything does happen, I'm here...my weapons and armor are all in my backpack and if danger does appear, I'll suit up and take care of it okay?" Ethan smiles as then he opens the carriage for Twilight, she happily steps in and the two horse guards trot and fly off the ground. "Celestia wanted me to tell you what you're doing in Ponyville, you'll be housed at Treehouse Library and she said there is more to a Young Mare's life than study, so You'll be supervising the preparations for the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration and an essential task for you... besides me and Spike, you need to make some friends," Ethan says, smiling as he nudges the Unicorn. She grunts and adjusts her school-style tie and looks at Ethan, "You know, at least I'll be housed in a library where I'll do the preps very quickly and get to the library and find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return--" Ethan nudged her again, shaking his head in response, "Twilight, I don't want to be blunt but look that is not a priority right now, Celestia had me come with you for a reason so I can make sure everything goes smoothly as well, but I'm gonna need your help to do that, you will know how to communicate with ponies better than I do because they aren't gonna quickly lighten up to an armed alien." "I don't need a bodyguard though Ethan, you didn't have to bring them." "I never said I was your bodyguard, because I'm your friend Twilight, and if you can be my friend, a being who's not from here at all, then you can definitely make friends with ponies okay?" Ethan smiles. Twilight thought about it for a second and she guessed she could take it easy and just focus on the more important things at hand...and yeah if she can be friends with Ethan she can be friends with Ponies. She smiles and hugs Ethan, "Thanks...I guess I needed someone to talk to me about this." "No problem Twi--oh, we have arrived." Ethan chuckles and the three exit their ride, Ethan salutes at the two Guards and they saluted back, flying back to Canterlot. The Three with their small bags around them they begin to walk to their first destination, but then they come across a lone pink pony, she wore a paint splattered t-shirt, a few bracelets and wristbands on her arms as well, her jeans reached pretty high as if they weren't gonna fit her anymore soon. She then looked at the three, staring at them...particularly Ethan. "Uh...Hi?" Ethan says. Immediately the Pink Pony gasps as hard as she could...floating up in the air and dashing off like a looney toons character. The Three then immediately looked confused...and speechless. "Welllllll...that was certainly...interesting..." Ethan says slowly...very confused at what happened. "Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres." Spike says, holding a rolled end piece of paper. "Celestia sent you a checklist or did you make that yourself?" Ethan joked. "Celestia did because I don't know this place and it's location...isn't that why you're here?" Ethan lifted his arm up, showed his wristpad which indeed had a map, "Well one of the many reasons, magic works on technology in many ways besides you permanently recharging my Exo Suit." Suddenly the sound of a 'Yee-Haw' was heard as they looked in front of them, seeing a sprinting Cowgirl...Cowmare? She had Orange fur with Green Eyes, a Cowboy Hat on top of her head along with a slight folded up Red and Black Checkered Flannel, Blue Knee-Ripped Jeans and Brown Gloves, Her Long Blonde Ponytail swayed as she then kicked an Appletree, every single apple fell straight into the few baskets down below, not one missed, she smiled at herself and crossed her arms. Ethan smiled and look at the two, "Well let's not look like lurkers, let's see how they're preparations are doing," Ethan and the three walk to the Cowmare, "Not Bad Miss, I'm Impressed!" That got the Earth Mare's attention as she turns around and sees Ethan, Twilight, and Spike. "Good Afternoon, My name is Twilight Sparkle--" Suddenly she is forced into a handshake, "Well Howdy do Miss Twilight," She then stopped the handshake and approached the Human, "A Pleasure to meet yer' Acquaintance," She then walks to Spike and shakes his hand...then returning to in front of them, "Ahm' Applejack, we here at Sweet Apple Acres love making new friends." "Friends? Actually I--" Ethan nudged her again. "I appreciate the gesture Miss Applejack, happy to be a...friend!" Twilight smiles. "So what can I do you for?" Applejack asks. "We are all here to supervise the Preparations for the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration, and If we and this list here is correct, you and this establishment is in charge of the food?" "We sure are! Would to care to sample some?" Applejack asks. "Well as long as it doesn't take too long--" Applejack sprinted again, ringing a triangle bell, "Soup's on, everypony!" Then comes a herd of ponies, all have the same sense of southern or western clothing...family is the best guess here. A Table is then laid out in front of the three. One by one they laid out food for the three. "This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp," Applejack breathes and then looks behind her, "Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith," She walks over to the sleeping elderly pony, "Up and at 'em Granny Smith, we have guests." "W-Wha....S-Soup's on? Ah...ah..ahm' comin'." She slowly gets up, walking to the rest of the Family. "Well, I can say yall are already 'part of the family!" Applejack says happily. Twilight chuckles nervously and Ethan smiles, "W-Well I can see that the food situation is handled so I guess we'll be on our way!" "Aren't yall gonna stay for brunch?" Applebloom asks...her cute eyes shining at the three. Twilight was about to say something that might've made them sad but Ethan then spoke. "You know, I guess we can stay only for a little bit because, besides you, we have to check on others who are in charge of setting up the Celebration...plus, I do like apple treats." Ethan chuckles. The Family shouts a 'Yay!' as they pass a plate of food to each of the three, Ethan smiles. "Twilight there's no need to rush things alright? Make some friends." Ethan whispers to Twilight. The three were walking, all happy since in hindsight, they didn't eat much today. "Alright, next is Weather, a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash is supposed to clear the clouds," Spike says. The Three look up, "Hm...someone's slacking on the job." Ethan says...experiencing that with recruits who had too much pride. Soon a burst of wind was getting them as then Ethan turned around, his eyes widen. "Hit the Deck!" Ethan shouted, pushing the two down and land on their fronts while Ethan does the same, the speeding buzzard passing them by an inch...soon it stops and comes back as Ethan looks up. "Oops! Sorry about that...coming to close for comfort huh?" Ethan widens his eyes again as...it was the Blue Pegasus he saved in the forest...the scratch on her cheek remained as a Scar...she wore a white tank-top along with a hoodie wrapped around her waist, finally topped with some ripped blue jeans, her rainbow hair flowed in the wind she created. "Rainbow Dash I assume?" Ethan asks as he helps the other two up. "The one and only! I suppose you've heard of me?" Rainbow Dash asks. "Yes, you are supposed to clear the skies...and you were supposed to have it done by now," Twilight says. "Yeah yeah...I'll get it done once I'm finished practicing." "For what?" Ethan crosses his arms looking skeptical. "The Wonderbolts! They're performing here tomorrow and I'm going to show them my stuff!" "The Wonderbolts...I've met them...they're a pretty nice Equestrian Military Branch," Ethan says. "You've met them--ooh wait! You're Celestia's Soldier right?" Rainbow Dash's mind clicked. "Correct and I'll say this, in the Military, including Wonderbolts, they won't accept slackers." "I'm not slacking I'm practicing, I'm not laying on a cloud lazily!" "Here's some practice then...DASH, TEN-HUT!" Ethan's voice became louder and gruffer, almost fearful. Rainbow in surprise stood at attention...then again he does have the authority and such...she heard about that. "Rainbow Dash in the Military if someone gives you a Goddamn order you do it! You don't fly your ass around and say you're doing something, you do the order you are given right away! And if I don't see those fucking clouds wiped in ten seconds, I'll personally make sure that your ass is noted for your laziness the Wonderbolts Academy!" Rainbow immediately rushed up into the sky and began clearing every single cloud in sight, even Ethan was pretty surprised at her speed...soon she returned to the ground with the two behind Ethan had their Jaws dropped. "Ten seconds flat sir!" Rainbow Dash said like a recruit. "Well, I guess you're not ENTIRELY useless Private Dash! Don't think that scar makes you look like a badass, don't think your pride and achievements will get you excuses in the Military! Do I make myself clear Private?!" "Sir yes sir!" Ethan clears his throat and his voice goes to normal, "Now was that so hard...at ease by the way." "Ugh...no," Rainbow says. "That was a taste of what you'll experience in Boot Camp...I want you to know that, so be prepared, they won't say okay if you say I'll do it in a minute." "I...kinda thought that." "Alright, hey, you were actually impressive up there...I hate being a dick but I have to sometimes." "It's no problem, happy you helped me push the limits...also to you two, sorry about almost hitting you." "It's no problem, My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is Spike." The Purple Mare smiled and Spike waved. "Well you two seem like fun to hang out with, not saying you aren't Ethan don't worry, anyway! See you guys later!" Rainbow smiles and flies away. "Well, she's pretty cool," Spike says, chuckling. "Yeah...you didn't have to do that Ethan, I could've told her to," Twilight said. "You're probably right, but as I said, that kind of slacking attitude isn't allowed in Military, and I bet my life it's basically the same here, same for the Wonderbolts." "I guess you have a point." She replied. "Alright, where to next Spike?" Ethan asks. "Decorations...b-beautiful..." Spike says. "Hm, yeah the dec--whoa...classy," Ethan says. "Yeah the décor is coming along nicely--" Twilight says before being interrupted "Not that! Her," Spike says. The three look to see a White-furred Unicorn, she had a curled straight Purple Mane, it shined along with her sparkling blue eyes, she wore a blue button up shirt with a black round skirt, she had some cuffs on as well, she also wore red glasses. She was going through different colors of jewels and such. "No, no, no, oh! Goodness no." "Do my spines look straight?" Spike asks. Ethan chuckles and nods. Twilight also lightly laughed at Spike's obvious new crush, "Ahem...Good Afternoon--" "Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent." The Unicorn says her name. Ethan chuckles as she chose Sparkle and smirks at Twilight, who then elbowed him. "Now, how can I help you--Oh my Stars...darling," Rarity walks up to Ethan...looking at his Military Camouflaged Hoodie, then the Fatigues and Boots, his...everything, "What kind of clothing is this...it's interesting, I've never seen this." "Well, It's standard for me, look we three are here to just check the decorations then we're gone," Ethan says. "But Darling, you must tell me about your clothing patterns and such!" Rarity says. "Maybe another time, look the Princess sent us from Canterlot--" "CANTERLOT?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there, I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends you three and I!" "Miss...Rarity, we are here to check on the decorations, our job is to check on everything that is being planned for tonight and tomorrow, so we're sadly on a tight schedule but once we're done, I know my friend Ethan here can tell you all about his style and such." Twilight says. "Oh goodness, I understand...I do sincerely apologize for being rude to you then Mister Ethan, say...you're her...personal knight correct?" Rarity asks with flirtatious eyes. "What? Oh no no no no, not like that Ma'am! I'm her Soldier, yes, but we're only friends. That is it." Ethan says...light redness coming from his face. "Whatever you say, Ethan," Rarity smirks, "Now, do the decorations look nice by the way? I hope they are to your satisfaction." She says. Twilight smiles, "Why yes they are, they are very impressive in fact." Twilight answers. "Any Criticisms?" Rarity asks. Ethan shook his head, the two also did. "Well, I'm flattered, well come back if you ever have any ideas for me." Rarity says happily. "Will do," Ethan says, the three then exit the town hall. "Alright, last one...is...music," Spike says. "Yep and...I already hear it." Ethan says. The Three listening to the singing birds...a yellow pegasus composing...Ethan's eyes widen...seeing a scratch scar on her arm...she then flies close to them. "Oh my, um...stop please, everyone, umm...excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-" "Hello!" Twilight says. Soon the Yellow Pegasus yelps and the birds fly away...the Anthro Pegasus covering herself with her arms and wings. Ethan looks at Twilight and mouths 'Don't worry about that.' Ethan has seen this kind of shyness and startling personality from his little cousin...so he had a small idea. "I'm terribly sorry Ma'am, my friend did not mean to scare you and your birds, we come from the Princess, we are here to see how the music is going and I will say that it is wonderful...My name is Ethan Cooper, what is your name?" "I'm...I'm...Fluttershy..." The Yellow Pegasus says. "Fluttershy? That is a nice name...may I ask...did you get that scratch from a Manticore, another Pegasus named Rainbow Dash had a similar scar on her cheek...were you two together when it happened?" Ethan asks. Fluttershy lightly opened herself up...revealing the pink flowing hair that covered one of her eyes, she had a green t-shirt on, along with some admittedly bouncing 'features' she had jeans on as well and had some large yellow wings and blue eyes. "Y-Yes...it was three months ago...we would've been...d-dead if something didn't save us," Fluttershy says. "What saved you from the Manticore?" "I...I don't know because...me and Rainbow closed our eyes and waited...then we heard a...zooming like sound or something...then we heard b-b-blood and parts s-s-splatter...we looked and the Manticore's head was blown to pieces or something...but we small little bits of...metal...we were...confused." Fluttershy says. "Oh my...that sounds terrifying." "I-It was and...I never agree with killing animals at all, ever...b-b-but...If it didn't die then...I...I wouldn't be here...I just wished I could've thanked whoever saved me." The Pegasus says. "I'm pretty sure he or she knows that you're grateful...now," Ethan helps Fluttershy stand back up...seeing her birds have returned, "I believe your birds have returned, so if you wish to get back to it then we will be on our way." "Oh um...let me apologize to your friend for being...scared of her," Fluttershy says. "You shouldn't have to apologize for that but, you should introduce herself, I need her to make friends so maybe you can help us out," Ethan says, whispering the last part then chuckling. The two approach Twilight and Spike, Fluttershy struggling then, she couraged up, "H-Hi...I'm Fluttershy...nice to meet you." "I'm Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you too...and your birds have lovely voices." "Oh um...t-thank you!" Fluttershy says. Spike walks up to Fluttershy. "Hi, I'm Spike!" The Little Drake says. Fluttershy then gasps and giggles happily, "A Dragon Child! One that can talk too! It's wonderful to meet you! I-I've never seen a talking dragon before." "Heheh...well, I can say I hope we can talk more in the future than!" Spike says. "Oh, do you three have things to do?" Fluttershy asks. "Yes, we are here to make sure everything goes smooth, but this was the last thing on our checklist so now we need to just check on where we're staying because we haven't seen it yet," Twilight says. "Oh, alright...I-I do need to still p-practice with my birds so...I hope we can be f-friends Twilight!" Fluttershy says. "I hope so too!" Twilight says. Soon the three leave and head to the Library home. "I'm...surprised that the ponies we met didn't really flinch or have second thoughts about me...it makes me happy but kinda uneasy," Ethan says. "Why is that?" Spike asks. "Usually when someone is that nice to an outsider--like an actual outsider, they might have something in store for them." Ethan answers. "Oh Ethan, you shouldn't have to worry, not everypony are like the Canterlot Nobles." Ethan chuckles and smiles, "True...I guess dealing with them for the past three months had something to do with it." "No doubt about it...you weren't the only one criticised by them," Twilight says. "They gave you shit because you were her student?" Ethan asks a bit bothered by that fact. "Yeah, it was for a week...I even got bullied by some noble children for being so special...Celestia was actually angered by that, she put a stop to the kids because it is her school but the nobles would never stop because I sometimes pass by the courtrooms or pass by a noble, they even insulted Spike...soon...it became t-too far." "How?" Ethan asks. "I...I don't want to talk about it..." Twilight cringed and...almost looked like she was about to cry from remembering. Ethan put a hand on her shoulder, "It's okay." "What happened that day was the reason I never became friends with anyone, or at least talked to anyone...I was afraid they'd hurt me or something." Twilight says. "This little freak needs to be taught that his kind aren't allowed here!" One Colt says. Soon the colt puts a sharp stick against Four Year old Spike's arm...his scales weren't fully developed to defend yet...the baby spike yelled and cried as the sharp end cut into him. Twilight who already had a bruise on her cheek and light blood from her lip cried too...seeing Spike in pain...she looked in her teenage years, "No!!! Let him go!" The Colts laughed as they kept hurting Spike...soon enough, Twilight looked angry as then the colt holding Twilight back was met with a very painful bite to his hand...enough for him to bleed. Twilight ran to the two colts terrorizing Spike, she then immediately punched one of them as hard as she could, then kicking his stomach...the Colt that was hurting Spike attempted to cut Twilight with the stick...instead, Twilight grabbed it and stabbed his shoulder, making the Colt yell in pain...the three in sudden fear of the Violent Twilight, ran away. Twilight picked up the crying Spike...Twilight immediately held him in his arms, nuzzling him as then she cried as well...tears dropping on top of the young Drake. "I promise...I won't ever let anyone hurt you again...I never want you h-hurt...never, I love you, Spike...I will never hate you because you're different, I hatched you and I promised I would take care of you." Spike's cries lighten as he held Twilight, "M-Mommy..." Twilight looked at the little Spike...kissing his head and accepting that name. "...ilight...Twilight!" The Unicorn snapped back to reality as then she notices they were at the Treehouse Library...she then felt tears sliding down her cheeks. "You alright?" Ethan asks. "Y-Yeah," Twilight quickly wiped her eyes, "I was remembering something painful." "Well, I'm here if you ever need to talk." Ethan says, rubbing her shoulder and back. "Thanks, Ethan." Spike then hugs Twilight and the Mare rubbed his head. After the three cooled down from the sadness, they all entered the Treehouse...noticing it was very dark. "Well, this is strange...where are the lights in this place?" Ethan asks. "The Windows might be covered, otherwise we'd have some light in here...but there should be some magic light generators in here hopefully." Twilight says. "In a Treehouse? A Literal Treehouse?" Ethan asks. "It's possible." Twilight says. Soon the lights come on and immediately the room yelled 'SURPRISE!!!' Ethan hand his hand on his Semi-Auto, then...slowly moved his hand away from it as there were many ponies in this place...a surprise party? No one even knows us...soon the Pink Pony earlier from today approached the three. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?" "Yes, I was surprised," Twilight answers, "Libraries are supposed to be quiet." Twilight was a bit annoyed suddenly. "Twilight, be nice," Ethan says, approaching Pinkie Pie, "It is a nice surprise party, but why? You never met us before besides this morning so I am curious." "Well, Super Soldier! It's because I've never met you three before, which means you're new, and if you're new that means you've never met anyone here so that probably means you're very lonely! That made me sad so I invited all of Ponyville to come and celebrate new people! So now you'll have lots and lots of friends!" Pinkie Pie says. "Ah well, that'll be good for Twilight over here definitely." Ethan says as he chuckles, looking at Twilight. Twilight does another elbow to Ethan and soon she walks over to the table to get some punch. Ethan notices the ponies from earlier...Applejack, Rarity, & Rainbow Dash, he smiles and walks to the three. "Hey, you three!" Ethan says. The three turn and see it is Ethan and they smile, "Well, I'll be...how do ya do Ethan?" Applejack asks. "I'm good, now that the checkup on things is done, I assume you're all done with your preparations as well?" "Indeed, the Town Hall is ready for tonight!" Rarity says. "Mhm, the treats are being laid out at the Place right now by my family, they said ah could use a break and plus, this was a welcoming party and those are fun admittedly." Applejack says. "So...you're a soldier...what adventures did you have as a Soldier?" Rainbow asks. "Many, some actually exciting and some...not all that fun, more than that they were dangerous and threatening...but all of them are dangerous." Ethan answers. "I see...what are those metal objects on the side of your legs?" Rainbow asks, getting closer to them. Ethan immediately has her lightly back up, "Whoa now...those are my weapons and I know you have never seen them before but trust me, they are threatening alright?" "Uh...yeah...sorry." Rainbow laughs and rubs the back of her head. "So...Darling," Rarity approaches, "What is that glowing thing around your wrist?" Rarity asks. "Oh this is my Wristpad, my world is very different from yours...technology is our way of life, electronics, all of that stuff, this is basically something I interface with...it does many things, the most basic stuff is that it tells time, says the date, things like that, but for my line of work: It commands my gear and such when I am fully equipped as well as using it for communication and such." Ethan explains. "Ooh, interesting...but how does magic come into the picture?" Rarity asks. "I'm afraid to say that in my world, Magic is a Myth." "Oh! So...I bet when you came here, your mind was blown" Rainbow asks. "Heh, yep..." After a few hours, Ethan wondered where Twilight was. Ethan thinks a bit of what she would be doing...then he sighs in annoyance, going upstairs into the next room...he then opens the door to see Twilight looking for a book. "Elements...Elements...Elements..." "Ahem." Ethan huffs. Twilight immediately looked at Ethan and she knew she was busted, "Uh-uh...E-Ethan what are you doing up here?" "I can ask you the same, Twilight we talked about this...this is an old mare's tale remember? You are getting so worked up about it and now it's causing you to avoid potential new friends?" "I...I..." "Twilight...whatever happened in the past is done, and I know for a fact it won't happen again. This place isn't Noble's homes or the School alright? This place has been kind to me and I'm not even a pony as I said! They will surely accept you, I know that for sure...now I will say right now, you need to stop with this...now we have to get ready and head for the Town Hall, alright? Now come on." "A-Alright..." Twilight says. The citizens of Ponyville were all in the Town Hall, having their drinks and refreshments...complementary of the Apple Family, Ethan, Twilight, Spike, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy all were waiting for the event to start...soon a Mare in a maple color coat with Grey but stylish hair with glasses, a button up shirt with a tie, and pants walked out from the curtains on the Balcony. "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" She says. The Ponies cheered in excitement. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." Fluttershy nodded to her birds, "Ready?" Ethan unbuckled the strap on his 9mm Gun Pocket. "...Princess Celestia!" The Mayor shouted. The Room cheered...but then fell silent...soon chatter picked up...wondering where was she... "I promise...I'll bring her back." "This can't be good," Twilight says, then she looks at Ethan who stared up at the sky, "Ethan?" Twilight looked up as well. "Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!" The Mayor says...she then goes back behind the curtains. Soon then the moon shined...the mare disappears...and Twilight cringes in worry...Ethan clicks the safety off of his Pistol. Then there was a cloud of blue smoke...soon it whirled as then...a Tall Black Furred Alicorn Appeared...looking a lot like Celestia, but she was covered in Night Blue Battle Armor, her hair had drifted in the aether, the starry sky showing in her mane and tail...her eyes were feline blue. "Oh no...Nightmare Moon!" Twilight says. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon says. "What have you done with our Princess?!" Rainbow says...ready for action until Applejack holds her back. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am? Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did...and I know much more than that." Ethan says. Twilight looks at Ethan in surprise. "You're the Mare in the Moon...Nightmare Moon, but more than that...you are only just a Dark Spirit...so I'm only gonna say this once, Give her back...now!" Ethan says, holding his Nine Millimeter up at The Mare in the Moon. "Oh...you really do know who I am...such an interesting little fellow...I can say that much...but know this, you're going to have to try harder if you do want her back...also know this day creature...and little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon cackles and disappears. Ethan growls, "Dammit!" The Soldier than leaves the Town Hall. "Ethan!" Twilight yells...following him with Spike on her back. Soon the five ponies with them followed as well. Author's Note Fucking Hell, I AM DONE WITH THIS CHAPTER AND TOMORROW, I'M IMMEDIATELY GONNA START ON THE NEXT CHAPTER Which will include action scenes and shit which is surprisingly more easy to type than conversations and shit...ideas were slow is what I'm trying to say here, but not the first time...anyhoo next time on Soldier...an Armored Soldier against some Night Creatures and the Night Mistress herself. Not saying that Action only things are better but fuck things like this can take a while...also since it's 4:21am as I post this... So...my name is Hunter and fuck me...as always, I'm tired as shit...GOODNIGHT!!!! *Smashes head against Keyboard and snores*
Dark Skies [20th Day of the Sixth Sun, Year 20,321 - The 1,000th Summer Sun Celebration]Ethan moved left and right, dodging blades, shadow limb-like things, and such. Blood dripping from his cheek from a cut, he breathed heavily as he rolled to the right and quickly aimed his 9mm and unloaded four rounds, taking out some of the shadowy things, soon he sees Nightmare Moon at the end of the large ruined room and he sprints over. His Wrist Shield activating and keeping his pistol out, firing every now and then as then he turns from to his blind spot, seeing a floating blade heading right for him. 2 Hours Earlier Ethan ran, seeing shadows and smoke trail away, he ran as fast as he can, his Pistol in his hand as he checks his datapad, he sprinted faster and faster until suddenly he is tackled. On instinct, Ethan grabbed onto the being that tackled him, giving it a hard kick in the stomach, then a punch across the face as he but the being on its back, and quickly stood up, aiming his Pistol at it...realizing it was Rainbow Dash, he immediately growled in anger. "What the fuck are you doing Dash?! I had a trail on Nightmare Moon and you interfered!" Ethan says, keeping his boot on her. "How did you know who she was and what would happen huh?! Are you a spy?" Rainbow growled. "No, but I know because you forgot I'm Celestia's Soldier! Think about that!" Rainbow immediately turns silent. "I was briefed! There is no telling what would happen though." Ethan says, lying about that last part. Soon the other mares showed up and looked in shock. "Ethan? What in the hay are you doing?!" Applejack asked, ready to attack. "Your friend just made my job harder that's what!" Ethan replied, soon he lifted his boot off of her and turned away, checking his datapad. "Your job?" Twilight asks. Ethan then realized Twilight now knows that it is true. "Yes...my job," "Wait, so you could've let me pursue this the whole time but I couldn't just because I'm not you or something?!" "No! You are so focused on Nightmare Moon, I am supposed to worry about her but there is something you need to worry about." "What? The safety of the town or something? I'm not young! I can handle myself--" Ethan then put his hands on her arms and looked into her eyes, "Twilight, I know you can and I don't doubt that for a second, but I need you to trust me on this." Twilight slowly calmed down, "What do I need to worry about?" Ethan looked away...didn't want to tell her, it's her test for Faust's sake...but then he had an idea, he looked back at the Unicorn. "This whole thing is true the entire legend, I am supposed to help handle it...but you're the smartest mare I know, so think about the whole legend...there is always a key to it...head to your library, you might find something." "B-But what am I looking for?" Twilight asks. "You'll know it when you see it...take your friends to the library...and put Spike to sleep, he looks like he's about to pass out." Ethan says as he stands up, turns around...beginning to walk away. "W-Where are you going?" Fluttershy asks. "I'm going to look for Nightmare Moon, once you find what you are looking for, you will know where to find me," Ethan says as he walks away. The Mares just stand in worry as he disappears into the fog that was beginning to roll into the town. Ethan kept walking as he grabbed onto his pack, unzipping his as he taps his datapad, after that he reaches his hand in there. He clenches a bit as then he pulls his arm out to see it covered in part of the Exo armor, he then grabs the pack, putting it on the ground as he reaches both of his arms in, as he digs he sees the Exo armor equip on his other arm. He then pulls out the rest of the armor as he places his on his chest, already beginning to get to work as it works to click and lock in with other parts of the armor, more parts coming out to cover his whole torso, his legs already surrounded in the armor as then he pulls out his thrusters, equipping them to the armor that was partly covering his boots, equipping it to his legs, waist and back as then the armor finishes up, he then picks up his backpack beginning to sprint as he pulls out his helmet and puts it on. The Backpack already locks onto the back of the armor as he finally pulls out his Rifle, the GM83, he equips a Red Dot Optic Sight and an underbarrel Grenade Launcher. He then clicks on his weapons, it's aiming and targeting were now synced to his armor and helmet, his Heads-Up Display targeting system fully enabled and ready, his Weapons ready to fire as his Tactical Display activates, showing his Ammo Count and such, almost everything. Ethan lets out a small chuckle, "After a couple months of nothing, I kinda missed this," he says, smiling as his HUD shows him small bits of dust and smoke, showing an invisible trail into the Everfree Forest, "Shit, last time I was here was when...I first arrived." The Staff Sergeant entered, his Rifle up and ready as then he switches the flashlight on his helmet, lighting up what's ahead of him. It was pretty dark alright, the Everfree Forest's darkness even blocked out the night sky...soon it got more quiet than usual. "You are a strange being, almost familiar." Ethan stood his ground, looking for the source of her voice, turning around he spots shadowy limb-like figures, he immediately aims and fires, the bullets hitting the limb, retracting it...another reaches him, however rubbing against his Armored Exo Suit, he grabs onto the limb. "Your armor is...interesting...metal-like...never felt or seen before." Nightmare Moon adds. Ethan doesn't speak a word, he looks past the limbs and sees the glowing blue eyes, he immediately aims his weapon, he flicks off his helmet light, activating Night Vision on his HUD. "Ah, ah...if you fire at me, you'd be killing Luna, and I know you don't want that happening." Nightmare's evil smile shows after that sentence. Ethan growled as he just pointed his weapon at her still, "What are you trying to accomplish anyway with just making the Night last forever? Revenge? Taking over Equestria?" "Hmm...fine," Nightmare Moon approaches Ethan, her alicorn body as tall as Celestia, the limbs retract as the Marine kept his weapon pointed still at her...Nightmare Moon looked at him, "You can put your weapon down." Ethan doesn't comply and just keeps pointed, Nightmare keeps some room between them as she looks at him. "Celestia's Sun has always been praised, every day no matter what, when her sun was out, everyone was happy...cheerful, they loved it. When my Moon lights up the sky, everyone shunned it, turning away, not loving the Moon, not praising me either, they all loved Celestia, some even dared to call the Night evil...even me." Nightmare says. Ethan steadied his grip, lightly beginning to ease up. "You don't believe me do you?" Nightmare asks. "I never said that," Ethan replies. Nightmare looks at Ethan...coming closer. "Luna, I know that your sister never meant for you to be shunned or hated," Ethan says, holstering his rifle. Nightmare's eyes turned normal, Night Blue Eyes...her hand touching Ethan's shoulder. "I..." Nightmare's voice sounded a bit normal, Ethan holding onto her wrist. "Celestia, your sister...misses you every day, a day does not go by where she doesn't." Luna then crouches, her armor creaking almost, a tear drops from her eye. "Then why did she send me to the moon?" Luna asks, her voice breaking a bit. "She never wanted to, and she never meant to, I saw her Luna, I walk in on her sometimes just crying in her bed, crying herself to sleep, she wanted to use the Elements to just stop you from causing any damage to yourself and others, she never thought she'd send you away, I swear." Luna began to cry, tears falling, "Sister...I--" Just then the sound of branches snapping and leaves shriveling was heard, Ethan looks away to see some of the Shadow Limbs, he turns back to see Nightmare's wings spread, her eyes back to normal, escaping. "No, Luna!" Ethan shouted, he then slammed his fist against a tree, looking to see where Luna was flying, he sprinted to her direction. "Turn back before I have to stop you!" Nightmare Moon says. "No, let Luna go..." Ethan whispers as then shadows emerge, beginning to take shape of some Royal Guards...but like a Shadowy version of themselves, they pull out swords and charge at Ethan. Ethan's HUD lights up, marking the hostiles, counting three. The Marine fires at one of them, immediately falling as he whacks the second one with the butt of his rifle, getting the shadow to its knees while the third dodged the CQC move, Ethan holstering his rifle as he engages with his fists, going for a right hook, then a left one, he then kicks the shadow straight in the shin, then sliding his leg against the shadow's causing it to fall on its back, Ethan quickly pulling out his Fujin and unloading a round into its head then turning around and firing another into the shadow he smacked in the face earlier. Both Shadows dissolve and disappear, he puts his 9mm back in the holster and grabs his GM83, and continues to chase. "A Key to the Legend...a Key to the Legend...okay, okay...The Mare in the Moon." Twilight paced around the room. Rainbow growls, "Are you gonna explain what's going on?!" "Rainbow quit it! I do agree with you but back off, Twilight can you fully explain what's going on?" Applejack calmly asks. "I read the Predictions of Nightmare Moon's return, Ethan didn't want me to focus on it because of the celebration, I did think about it every once in a while and tried to study it while I can, what I don't get is that why he stopped me if he knew I was right at the time, he wants me to help but on a certain...thing! The Elements of Harmony! The Elements of Harmony is what stopped Nightmare Moon, that's it! I...wonder what they are though? I...I don't even know what they do or where to find them!" Twilight says. "Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide!" Pinkie Pie says. "Well, that was convenient but how'd you find that?" "It was under 'E!'" Pinkie gigglingly says. "Oh...anyway there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters, which is located in what is now...The Everfree Forest! That's where Ethan went, I gotta go help him!" "We're coming with you!" Rarity says. "No, please, I appreciate it, but this is something I should deal with and Ethan is my friend." "Ethan is our friend too! We're not letting you or him do this alone, now let's go!" Applejack says. Twilight didn't have time to argue as they all exited the Library. Ethan was still sprinting looking for traces of Shadow Magic, soon then he heard growls, stopping in his track as he looked around. Just then his HUD Alerted him, something was behind him, he looked to see claws slash against his left arm, piercing the armor and giving small cuts against his arm. Ethan stepped back, looking at the damage, which wasn't much, but could see some parts came off, looking back at what hit him was a Manticore, but this one was all dark and such, a bit frightening to say the least. Ethan immediately open fires. The Dark Manticore using its forearms to block the bullets, even though they hit him, he snarls and charges at the Armored Marine. Ethan kept firing until his mag ran dry, immediately he dodges out of the way with his thrusters, pushing him to the right as he then fires a Grenade at the Manticore, immediately knocking the creature on his ass. Ethan uses this time to reload while the Manticore recovers, snarling still at Ethan as it flies over, attempting to get Ethan's head in between his teeth, Ethan moves back, taking out his knife and attempting to stab the creature in the jaw, he successfully does so, making the creature yell in pain. Ethan immediately unloads into his head, putting many holes into it, killing the creature, soon the Manticore dissolves into shadowy smoke, Ethan taking his knife out before it fully dissolves. "Fucking Manticores," Ethan says to himself. Ethan continues his travels, walking over to see a very rough river, the water was bubbling. Ethan looked to see what was up, but then noticing the shadow smoke again got his mind off of it as he uses his grapple to pull himself to the other side of the river. Soon the shadows faded, light shining a bit at Ethan as then he noticed a Castle, a decaying one, covered in some vines and plants, it was also battle-scarred, many damaged places he could spot from where he was standing. He then heads through the main doors, searching for Nightmare Moon, he checks his HUD, scanning for any presence, footsteps...hoofsteps in this case, his Rifle up as he sees how dusty & decayed the castle was, he saw ripped up symbols of the Sun and Moon, crumbled statues, cobwebs...then more shadow smoke, it trailed up to a hallway. Ethan immediately chases after the Smoke, going through hidden corridors that even surprised Ethan, soon he was climbing up more stairs until he was at the top...at the end was Nightmare Moon. "You're dedicated I'll give you that." Ethan eases, holstering and putting his rifle on his back his helmet mask opening and revealing his face. "This was an old castle of yours wasn't it?" "I guess Celestia told you, yes...it was, my home." Nightmare answers looking around, "Certainly hasn't aged very well...then again the battle I had here with my sister probably had a hoof in that." "You come back to see it? To return home." "Admittedly yes, I've missed it here, I grew up here with my sister...why do you just speak to me? You defeat everything I throw at you, I tried to stop you from following me and now you're here and all you can do is speak to me...you're a Soldier aren't you? You are supposed to carry out your duty." "Being a Soldier doesn't always mean point and shoot, or attack...well mostly in my case now, but we do have a duty and responsibility, but for me, it's whatever I can do to accomplish my objective," Ethan says, walking slowly over to Nightmare Moon. "And what is that?" "Bringing you back Luna." "I am back, and I've been waiting for over a thousand years." The Dark Mare huffs. "I know, but why do you still target your sister...she loves you and she hates herself for what she did...all she wants to do is just be with you again." "I want her gone, she always was the bigger sister and would never support me." Nightmare growls. "Now I know for a fact that's not true, she always told me what she did to help you and be your sister, she said she helped you get your cutie mark and that she'd always help you raise the moon until you're ready, everyday she taught you how to raise the moon, and how you perfected it, she always appreciated how beautiful your night sky was. Luna your sister supported you everyday, and never stopped supporting you." Ethan says. Nightmare Moon was holding back tears again...she shook herself around. "There it is, The Ruins that hold the Elements of Harmony, let's go!" Nightmare and Ethan's eyes widen, looking out as then she growls again, "Enough! If she still supported she would've gotten me off the moon! She doesn't care she never did once I became old enough to where she didn't need to take care of me!" Nightmare lets out some shadowed limbs, the limbs were sharp, seeming with an intent to impale, Ethan immediately pulls out his 9mm and fires, disintegrating the limbs into nothing as more sprout from the walls and floor. Ethan began dodging the many limbs one by one as he had to step, use his boosters, firing so often to take out limbs as then one knocks Ethan's Helmet off. He cursed quietly, his head unprotected as immediately after a limb slashes at Ethan, cutting his cheek and blood already dripping from it. The Mares walked into a shattered room, laying notice to a statue carrying five round stones. "There they are, the Elements of Harmony we found them," Twilight looked, having a smile...but then looks closer, "Rainbow, Fluttershy, can you grab the stones and place them in front of me?" The two Pegasuses nodded, grabbing five stones, after carefully placing them, Twilight counts. "There's only five...wait...The book said: 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.'" "What does that mean?" Pinkie Pie asks. "I Don't know, but let me try something." Twilight's horn glows, the stones shake, rumbling against the damaged marble floor, she concentrated until she hears a someone yell in pain, her eyes widened and suddenly Shadow-Like Magic surrounded her and the stones, she then teleported. The other mares look in shock, wondering what happened. "Where did she go?!" Rarity asks. "Wait, look over at the tower!" Rainbow says. The girls look to see sparks and shadowy smoke escape from the tower. "Let's go girls!" Applejack says. Twilight coughed wondering where she is...the mix of shadow smoke and dust smoke cleared, her eyes opened, then widened...seeing Ethan with a limb impaled in his shoulder he groaned. "Damn, I was going for your heart." "Nightmare! Damn you let her go!" Ethan using his free arm and firing at Nightmare...it hits against her armor, lightly piercing it but not hurting her. "You would risk hurting Luna to get rid of me?" Ethan doesn't answer. "Ethan!" Twilight yells, spotting the Elements which were at Nightmare's hooves. She growls and begins to charge at the Dark Mare. "You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon laughs as then her horns glow and the stones shake...then shatter. Twilight's eyes widen, but then quickly using her magic to slash at the limb impaling Ethan, he groans as then he immediately pulls it out and looks to see sparks from his armor and arm, he grunts as then he taps his datapad, the screen showing that the arm was making repairs now. "Ethan, are you alright?" "Yeah, thank god she hit my prosthetic arm and not my real arm, but fuck she hit where the nerves connect so it hurt. Fuck might be a bit until the nerves reconnect." Ethan says. "A Metallic Arm, impressive, I guess something happened for you to earn that." "Yes, the war I've been involved in took my arm, but I could still carry out my duties." Ethan then lets out a yell as the painful part of the nerve connection hit, he picks up his Pistol and starts firing at Nightmare, aiming for the armor as it gets damaged second after second, he then begins sprinting, not being able to reload as he drops his pistol and pulls out his knife, he reaches Nightmare and engages in CQC, already slashing at her thigh, she grunts in pain, the eight foot tall Dark Mare goes for a kick, Ethan dodging it as he slashes at her calve. "Heh easy to dodge thanks to your size," Ethan chuckles. Nightmare growls fighting the Marine. Twilight just watches the battle unfold as Ethan was pulling off moves perfectly with only one arm, soon enough she heard the sound of hoofsteps, she looks back and sees the girls. "Twilight!" Rainbow says, but then sees Ethan and Nightmare engaged in combat, "We gotta help!" She flies over, but then Nightmare's horn glows and pushes the Pegasus back, knocking her on the ground. "We can't...we can only watch." Twilight says. Ethan was given a right hook by Nightmare, a blood drop flies out from Ethan's mouth, the Marine slides under her legs and slashes at the back of her leg, forcing her on one knee as Ethan boosts up and clings onto her, his arm wrapping around her neck and putting her in a chokehold, his knife against her neck. Every time Nightmare raised an arm to pull him off, he delivers a hard kick to her shoulder and muscle which loosens her grip, the Dark Mare having enough, her horn glows and quickly pulls his knife from his grip, Ethan quickly looks to see, giving Nightmare a chance, she grabs Ethan, swinging him onto his back, knocking the wind out of him, he coughed, his breathing choked up...Nightmare grabbing his knife and immediately attempts to stab him. The Marine's eyes widen, using all his strength in his one arm to hold her arm...not putting up much as the knife inched closer...but then his Datapad binged, his metallic arm clenched as then Ethan pulls out his Revolver and fires at Nightmare's head, intentionally hitting the side of her cheek, leaving a nasty cut which makes Nightmare yells in pain as the strength in her arm rose, making her immediately thrusting the knife into his metallic arm, failing to go for his heart again, but the adrenaline made her cut into the arm...severing it completely as Ethan shouts in pain...the nerves completely severed and damaged. "Ethan!" Twilight shouts in worry. The other mares look in shock...but then watch as Nightmare stands back up with anger and dark aura surrounding her, "I'm finishing this." She charges at the six, a Warrior's Blade appearing, as she readied to swing at the mares. Twilight stared blankly but then her eyes flashed purple as her horn sparked...a barrier appearing in front of the tall Mare and pushing her back. "What? How did you do that?!" Twilight stared as something flowed through her...the other mares also felt something...Twilight a power...and suddenly she realized what's happening, "You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here!" Nightmare's eyes widened. "As we ventured here, each of these mares proved themselves to represent a Certain Element, I just didn't realize it until now, Applejack representing Honesty! Rainbow proving Loyalty to us, Fluttershy showing Kindness to everyone no matter what, Rarity representing Generosity to others, Pinkie Pie being the embodiment of Laughter!" "You still do not have the Sixth Element little unicorn! The Spark never worked!" "But now I realize I don't need a spell! All I needed were these five, I now realize how happy I am with them, and how much I care for them, these five are my friends!" The Shattered stones repair themselves...beginning the spark, "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the Sixth Element! Magic!" The Stones reshaped creating necklaces for the five...and a crown for Twilight...the Six floating together as they shine...a beam firing at Nightmare Moon. Her eyes widened, "No! I will not be banished again!" Nightmare's horn glows and counters against the beam...the two magical beams clashing together. Twilight grunted trying to push past it. "I will not disappear!" Suddenly Nightmare yells in pain...as a Knife stabs right into her Shoulder...a weak Ethan looking at her with a smirk. The rainbow-colored beam impacts Nightmare Moon, the magic flowing into her body as slowly the damaged armor shatters, falling from her body as her height shrinks...her black fur lightening up to a Night Blue, her eyes no longer slitted. The bright lights disappear as...Luna was on her knees...grunting with the knife still in her...Ethan right in front of her crouched like her, the Marine smiled at her, "Welcome back Luna...Celestia will be so...happy she has her sister...back." Blood leaks from the metal...his nerves still in pain from an unsafe disconnect, he then falls back...still breathing as then a bright light appeared behind Luna. Twilight's eyes opened as well as the rest of the Mare's. "Everypony all right?" Applejack says. "Yeah, we're fine." Rainbow Dash says. "Ethan!" Twilight yells, seeing Ethan knocked out, a bright light appears behind Luna and Ethan, after a bit, Celestia emerges. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight sprints over to her and hugs her. "Thank goodness you're alright," Celestia says, rubbing her head. Celestia's head then perks up, seeing Luna and Ethan...tears began forming in her eyes, "Luna..." The Blue Alicorn then turns around, "S-Sister," She grunts, holding onto the knife in her shoulder...tears also forming in her eyes. Celestia runs over, hugging her tightly, but carefully so the pain in her shoulder wouldn't worsen, "By the Sun and Moon I have missed you so much, I'm so sorry for ever banishing you, I'm sorry please forgive me, Luna, please!" Celestia says, bawling her eyes out. Luna was just shocked...she was back and her sister was asking her for forgiveness? Soon then she teared up again, holding her close, "No don't you dare apologize, Sister, it's all my fault this happened, it's my fault everything happened, you wouldn't have had to banish me if it weren't for my behavior. I'm sorry, so please...just forgive me...and I'll forgive you." She says. "Of course I do Luna, I love you!" Celestia says, kissing her head. Luna nuzzled into her big sister's embrace. Ethan grunts in pain, having barely any consciousness. The Two Sisters stop their embrace to look at Ethan, "Oh Ethan!" Celestia says. "H-Hey, don't let my wounds and pain interrupt your...reunion." Ethan chuckles lightly, coughing after, "You two deserve it..." The Marine then rests, drifting off. "Ethan! We need to get him medical attention, let's get out of here!" Celestia says. Afternoon, 2 Hours after the Summer Sun Celebration Ethan's vision returned...he looked upon where he was...in a hospital bed...of course, his head lightly spun, his armor removed, and bandages were his metal arm...would be, a bandage on his cheek and some wrapped around his chest and his real arm, he then remembers. "Oh yeah...I brought Luna home...thank...Faust." He chuckles. "You should be thanked actually." Ethan looks up to see Celestia, a bit teared up. "Words cannot...express how thankful I am to you, Twilight, and her five new friends, you've brought someone I never thought I'd get back...my sister." Celestia puts Ethan in a soft embrace, "Thank you so much Ethan..." "Mmmfffmff!!!" "Hm? Oh!" Celestia looks down to see Ethan being suffocated by her breasts. She immediately pulls back, "Sorry about that." Ethan takes a deep breath, "It's fine, that was a very nice embrace." Ethan says, being a flirt. Celestia's cheeks reddened, "Watch yourself, my soldier, don't need to be too comfortable with that." She replies. Ethan laughed, "I hope Luna is alright, is her shoulder alright?" "Yeah, she's fine, the wounds didn't take long to heal, she also did want me to tell you that you probably won that fight." Ethan laughs again, "Probably? Well, she did put up a good fight." "I bet, well...the Celebration went on, as well as that. Twilight has officially moved to Ponyville with her new friends." "Well good for her, I'm gonna miss her though." "I mean she can visit anytime, but I think I'll miss her too, least I got you and Luna now." Celestia giggles. "Aw you mean I have to be stuck with two taller mares who I can tease with?" He says. "Afraid so." She smirks. "Well alright...ugh...you think they can get me some food, I think after that long night, I need some. "I'll have them get on that right away then...steak again?" "Sure." "Alright then...goodbye Ethan." Celestia says, exiting the room. Ethan smiles...lying back in his bed...sadly he didn't have his Music Player on him this time. "Fuck." he sighs but chuckles. Author's Note Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, that's pretty cool, a new chapter lol. So funny thing while typing this, I already made plans for the second story of this, the idea I made is pretty interesting, either way, this story is always fun to write when I have the ideas. Anyway, I'm happy to finally have this chapter finish, I know alot of you have been waiting for a new chapter well here you are, hope its enjoyable. By the time I finished this, it is exactly 4:30am...goodnight everyone!
