Chapters Act 1 - Chapter 1
I ran as fast as I could through the trenches in the asphalt roads as bullets collided and ricocheted off of the surfaces surrounding me while I'm just waiting to get hit by a bullet or piece of shrapnel. I hop over a piece of collapsed road as a bullet whizzed past my head, nearly shutting off my lights for good. I spin around and lift my Vityaz-SN submachine gun which has a vertical grip, a small flashlight in front of the grip and a reflex sight. The gun itself was as big as an Assault rifle to the adults so the weapon was quite heavy and hard to run with being only 12 years old. I fire a burst of rounds towards my pursuers, only hitting one of the many in the leg.
I rounded a corner to see a pile of cars leading up to the higher ground. I quickly began my hike up but this, unfortunately, made me better target so I spent most of my energy speeding up the pile. I was winded when I reached the top but another barrage of bullets motivated me to push on. I continued running through the overgrown city of Saint Petersburg, passing by rotten shops and houses.
I was about to run onto another street until one of my current fears came true, a bullet impacted the asphalt in front of me and exploded into smaller pieces of metal. Some of the pieces hit my left thigh and knee, punching through my dark grey sweatpants and into my skin causing the hot metal to burn flesh. I let out a cry before stumbling and nearly collapsing from the pain. My sprint now a limp, I pointed my SMG back and emptied half the mag, not caring where to look as I was too busy trying to find a hiding spot.
An alleyway enters my vision with a fence that had a hole just big enough for me to fit through so I stumbled as fast I could to said alleyway, bullets threating to hit me as they flew by. I made it to the fence and crawled under quickly, my left leg burning as it touched the ground. I began running to the back door of a two-story building. I ram the door open and look around for a good enough hiding spot but as soon as I take 5 steps into the building, the floor caved in on itself causing me to fall into the basement.
I hit the basement with a loud thud, leaving me winded and scratched up. I hoist myself up with my Vityaz and see a wooden wardrobe so I quickly head to it. I open the door but when I do, loud rapid beeps come from the right chest pocket of my black vest, my Anomaly detector was going off. My eyes open wide before I see sparks flying around with a visible sphere of distortion inside.
Immediately, I begin to feel myself being pulled towards the Anomaly so I try to limp away but my attempts were futile as I fell to the floor from the pain and begin to slide towards the closet from the force. I put my hands up to protect my eyes from the bright light that now was coming from the Anomaly. I was soon pulled into the Wardrobe and with one final scream, everything turning into black.
Screaming and flailing around was all I could do as I plummeted towards the ground. I was supposed to be the flag waver pony but was pushed off by the speed of the racers that was my best friend and bullies. The ground kept on getting closer and closer as each second passed, the quick death I was soon dreading for. I was nearly about to hit the ground when a swarm of butterflies came out of nowhere and caught me before I splatted against the dirt.
I let out a confused "Huh?" as I looked around at the butterflies that were my saviors before they lowered to the ground and put me down gently. I smiled and was surrounded by many forest creatures, all of them smiling at me and waving but everypony was startled by a big flash and a loud boom causing all the animals to scatter away, I look up to Cloudsdale and see a rainbow shockwave spread across the sky.
I look to a rustling bush and hear squeaky whimpers so I trot over and spread the leaves apart to see a trio of bunnies hugging each other for comfort so I put my hoof to my lips and quietly hush them before giving them a warm smile which calmed them down thankfully so I continued on, telling every animal I came across that everything was okay before I began to feel tingly and a bright flash came from my rear. I look back to see that I got my cutie mark, three pink butterflies on my rump. I was about to celebrate when I begin to hear quiet crying.
I look toward the spooky forest to see if I can find the source but it was too dark to see anything that wasn't trees and bushes. I debated going back home to get some help but was also afraid something might happen to the pony. I finally made up my mind and decided to trek into the dark forest. I trotted along a dirt path for a few minutes before I came across a small opening with a few beams of sunlight pouring through the trees. the crying stopped when I entered, an eerie silence plaguing the forest. My instincts were telling me to run but I stood where I was.
Rustling then came from my side causing me to jump back as the bushes shook violently before a light grey unicorn colt with a white and green mane fell out of the bushes. He had his hooves on this weird black object, he tried pulling a lever back on his object but failed to do so. I also noticed the strange black vest he was wearing with a black shirt under it as I began to slowly step towards him. He started to cry again while still fiddling with the thing until he saw me getting closer causing him to stumble back.
I spoke to him softly "U-Umm Excuse me, what is your name?"
He froze up as soon as I finished speaking, his breathing calming down as I waited for him to answer. He looked down for a few seconds before he looked up and asked in a weird accent "Y-You want name?" I softly smile and nod causing him to continue "Dimitri, Dimitri Petrov" He hit his chest with his hoof as he pronounced his name.
I put a hoof to my chest and said "Fluttershy"
Dimitri lightly giggled and repeated me "Fluttershy" I nod again before he asks "Location?"
his question confused me but I answered anyways "Just outside of the city Cloudsdale" I point up to the floating cloud city but he didn't seem satisfied as he sat on his haunches and gestured his hooves out. I guess he means bigger so I say "We're in the country of Equestria"
He tilts his head before waving his hoof dismissively and walking into the bush again and reaching for something. That is when I saw the sloppy bloody bandages that covered his left back leg and this weird harness on his right leg with another strange object attached to it. He comes back out of the bush with a bag and started to talk to himself in his language again before pulling what looks like a rolled up tent and multiple camp supplies.
He tried to walk to the center of the opening but stumbled before face-planting into the dirt as he yelled "OH FUCK! !"
I rush to his side to help him up as I exclaim "Are you alright?"
Dimitri stood up and patted my shoulder with his hoof as he began with his tent, I wanted to intervene but seemed too focused on his mumbling to listen so I waited. Dimitri sure is a strange colt from his erratic behavior to his strange language. He seemed a bit unstable as well. I yawned from the little adventure today and was about ready to head home, my parents are probably worried sick for me.
I look back at Dimitri to see his tent was half finished though what confused me even more is why he wasn't using his magic instead of his teeth and hooves. I broke out into another yawn rubbed my eyes with my wings before finally deciding to head home, I told him "I have to go D-Dimitri, hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow"
He looked up from his now finished tent and fully smiled for the first time I met him, one of his teeth were missing as he trotted up to me and gave me a quick hug, spooking me a little but I smile anyway and turn to leave, Dimitri waved goodbye and said "Bye-bye " before continuing to unpack his bag. I walked along the trail somemore until I finally left the forest, the sun just touching the horizon so I stretch out my wings and take flight back home. What a strange colt.
Author's Note
Hopefully, this first chapter is better than the old one
I changed the name of the main character, all the spelling and grammar mistakes I could find and hopefully the drawn-out sentences a little
Author's Note
I have tried to meet everyone's expectations and listened to the feedback and constructive feedback, making changes to the story that all of you thought was confusing so hopefully, the story is a little bit better than before.
A reminder that words in italic are Russian
Покажи другу - E -
Act 1 - Chapter 2
I was patiently waiting for the bell the ring to signal the end of school and for summer to begin. Rainbow Dash was beside me, squirming in her seat as she stared at the clock. Another minute went by and the clock struck 2:50 pm causing the bell to ring. All the students jumped out of their seats, flying out of windows or out the door as they chattered with each other.
I was particularly excited to go see my new friend. I wandered through the halls, looking around at all the students chatting about their summer plans and other things that had no concern with me. I stopped by my locker to grab my saddlebags and my collection of decorations. I stuffed everything into my bags before heading out of the schools front doors.
I was about to jump off the cloud and fly down to the forest where Dimitri was but was stopped by Rainbow Dash who asked "Where are you going?"
I smiled and said "Going to see a friend, he lives in the forest"
She tilts her head before questioning me "Why were you down there?" I began my descent down to the ground as I retold every single detail of the events of yesterday to Rainbow who began blushing from embarrassment. I finish telling her what happened before she says "I-I'm sorry I pushed you off and everything..."
I nod and pat her back softly as I told her "It's fine. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Dimitri and I wouldn't have gotten my cutie mark"
Dashie tilts her head again before muttering "That's a weird name"
We made it to the entrance of the forest so I led the way down the dirt path and to the opening where Ray set up camp. I stopped her just as the camp came into view to tell her "Dimitri is a little... Strange, he doesn't speak Equish very well so just be patient and let me talk to him" Rainbow Dash nodded so we continued to the camp.
As we got closer, some kind of music could be heard from the tent. The tent itself seemed very worn down and torn in some places. the tent door was open and I could see the light grey colt inside bobbing his head to relaxing music that was coming from nowhere. I stood in front of the tent but I wasn't getting his attention due to him being really focused on the music. I cleared my throat causing him to jump and look at me with a panicked expression but soon calmed down when he saw that it was me.
He pressed his nose on a glowing rectangle making the music stop before sliding it under his sleeping bag. He turned to me with a wide smile and said "H-Hello"
I smile back and say "Hi"
I step back as he gets out of the tent and stretches before his behavior changes in an instant upon seeing Rainbow Dash. Dimitri began to stare at her with the scariest expression I've ever seen. His eyes were wide and his mouth in a what looked like a snarl. I look to Dashie to see that she was shaking from his glare. He finally spoke in his language "Who is this? "
I guess he was asking who she was so I swallow the lump in my throat and answer "S-She's my best f-friend, R-Rainbow Dash"
The tension in the air seemed to disintegrate as his glare turned to his usual smile and says "Go get Rainbow"
I nod slowly and trot to Rainbow to tell her that she could come closer but when I looked at her, she was still shaking. I pick up my pace and stood beside her before shaking her free of the trance she was in. She looked at me with a terrified expression before taking off at full speed towards the city. I stare wide-eyed at the rainbow trail, shocked by the amount of fear that Rainbow Dash showed.
Dimitri give a small sigh and mutter "S-Sorry"
I turn around to see him walk into his tent and sit down. He pulled out that black rectangle from under his bed and pressed a button on the side with his hoof before pressing his nose on it a couple of times causing the music from earlier to resume playing.
I was at a lost for words. This seeming friendly colt can cause Rainbow Dash to run with her tail between her legs and immediately show regret afterward. I cautiously trotted towards the tent. I dropped my saddlebags on the ground beside the door of the tent before taking an experimental step inside to see Dimitri's reaction but he paid no mind so I continued to step in and sit down. Inside the tent smelled like the same stuff that my older friend, Tree Hugger got into.
I felt the need to comfort him so I slowly placed my hoof on his shoulder and began to lightly rub it. He tensed up from the touch but did nothing to stop me so I continued. Dimitri looked me in the eyes and I saw nothing a normal pony would have. I saw sorrow, anger, paranoia and the list went on as I saw for who he was or have been through.
I decided to finally ask some questions "W-Where are you from?"
He froze for a few seconds before answering "Russia"
It certainly wasn't a place I had heard of but decided to ask later as another question came to mind "What is your cutie mark? It's been covered by your clothes" He tilted his head in clear confusion as I asked again "You know, your cutie mark. The thing everypony gets on their rump when they find their special talent?" He hesitantly used his hoof to pull on the sides of his vest causing a loud rip of velcro before he slid it off.
Dimitri began having second thoughts, pawing at the dirt as he looked down into his shirt, clearly trying to hide something but I look him in the eyes with a small smile which gives him the motivation to shed the black shirt. My eyes widen as I see his cutie mark first, It was a grey hoof mark with a huge orange explosion behind it. My eyes catch weird patterns along Dimitri's body but I realize they are not fur patterns as I got a closer look. His body was riddled with scars in numerous sizes.
My mouth hangs open as I stare at Dimitri causing him to blush and say "N-No stare please"
I shake my head and gain my composure before apologizing "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. I-It's just that I've never seen anything like this..." He was about to speak again when I heard his stomach rumble loudly so I asked "Would you some food? I can give you the rest of my lunch"
He nods before quickly putting his shirt back on and curling up slightly as the music suddenly stopped. I dug into the right pocket of my saddlebags and pulled out a lunch bag. I opened the lunch bag to see an Apple and a packet of fruit gummies so I lightly dump them onto his sleepy bag, making him smile a little. The music stopped causing to Dimitri look at the music player and let out a growl. He stuffed it back into his large bag before letting out another sigh and saying "should go home, get dark out"
He was right. The sun was nearly down and I would get in trouble if I didn't go home soon so I got out of the tent and put on my saddle bags before jogging down the dark path. I was about to exit the forest when I was suddenly tackled by the side, the wind being knocked out of me as I was pushed onto the ground. I looked at my attacker to see my school bully, Hoops with Dumb-Bell and Score behind him.
They all laughed as Dumb-Bell gave a quick kick to my torso, not giving me a chance to take another breath. I try to stand back up but was pushed back down Hoops who said "Looky here! Klutzershy is trying to run away!"
Hoops lifted his hoof and punched me across the cheek, a piece of a tooth flying out as my face is engulfed in pain. A series of kicks came down upon me so I curl up tight and use my front hooves to block my face. I could feel the bruises begin to form as each hoof landed. A ringing in my ears began as a hoof struck the side of my head. All of a sudden, the beating stopped. I let out a cry of relief but I then hear Dimitri "Leave. Flutter. Alone."
I gasp as I look up and see the light gray colt approaching us. Score laughs and asks "Who's this tough colt?"
I try to stand up but the pain was unbearable so I just watched. Hoops walks up to Dimitri and tries to shove his chest but shockingly, Dimitri stands up on his hind legs and wraps his foreleg around Hoops foreleg before landing a punch to his diaphragm and pushing him away. Hoops began to hack and cough like he couldn't breathe before pointing at Dimitri causing the other two bullies charge at him.
Score was the first one to try and punch him but was too slow as Dimitri grabbed him and used him as a shield against Dumb-Bell who landed a hard strike against Score's face, knocking him out cold. Dumb-Bell stared in shock as his friend fell to the ground but his staring was interrupted by a hoof to the face causing his head to fly back in a stream of blood, his nose obviously broken now. Dumb-Bell stumbled back before touching his nose to see blood. He looked back to Dimitri who flinched at him causing him to yelp and pick up Score before flying out of here, leaving a wheezing Hoops behind.
Hoops saw his friends leaving so he tried to take flight but was stopped when Dimitri grabbed his tail in his teeth and yanked him back to the ground. Dimitri sat on top of Hoops before begin to throw punch after punch while yelling in his language "YOU. WILL. NOT. TOUCH. HER. EVER. AGAIN! "
Hoops was now crying was his nose bled and his left eye swollen up. I stand up and stumble over to Dimitri while shouting "Stop! You'll k-kill him!" He froze as he was about to deliver another punch before turning to me with his eyes filled with pure hatred but soften when he saw my state, he got off of Hoops who quickly got up and flew away.
My hooves felt weak and nearly collapsed if it weren't for Dimitri who caught me. He asked "Can you fly?"
I tried giving my wings a flap but my body adreniline had worn off so all of the pain flooded through my body, making me cry out as I even try to flex my wings. The pain began to make me cry, tears streaming down my cheeks as I lightly whimper. Dimitri frowned before picking me up with both of his forelegs and carrying me back to his camp. After a few minutes of walking, the sky had gone dark and it began to get cold by the time we got back to the campsite.
He set me down in the tent softly before giving me the apple that I gave to him which he hadn't bitten yet. I feel bad for leaving him with only gummies but the beating took most of the energy out of me so I started to munch on the apple slowly so I dont hurt my chipped tooth. I hear Dimitri say "Aha!" as a orange glow emitted from a fire pit, its warmth leaking into the tent.
Dimitri steps into the tent before zipping the door up with his teeth. He rubs his hooves together as I lightly shiver. Dimitri looks down in thought before looking up with a smile and began digging through his bag. He pulled out a very large black sweater with the word 'Adidas' on the left side and white stripes going down the sleeves. He looked between me and the hoodie a few times before pulling this huge knife out of his bag with his teeth and begin cutting ear and wing holes into the hoodie.
He nods and slides it over my head gently, my head and forelegs finding their holes to slide through. I smile as I gain more warmth and hug him. Dimitri starts to rub my back softly as he wraps his forelegs around me. I began to close my eyes and drift off to sleep in his embrace.
Fluttershy began to quietly snore in as she slept, my smile widening as I gently lay down on the sleeping bag before pulling the blanket over us. I lay there awake for a few minutes reflecting on the past few days and what had transpire, perhaps I will enjoy this place.... Perhaps I get a second chance... I look back down to Fluttershy and rub her head softly before laying my head back and closing my eyes, falling asleep with one final though. What a cute girl.
Act 1 - Chapter 3
The chirping of birds stir me awake, my brain was still fuzzy of last nights events. I lift a hoof and saw that it was caked in blood making me remember what happened yesterday. I shake my head softly and look down to see a yellow and pink mare resting against me with a smile on her face. I lightly push her aside and slowly stand up, careful not to wake her up. I open the tent slowly before stepping out and stretching, letting out a yawn as I do so.
Turning around to the tent, I picked up my bag and gun, strapping the Vityaz-SN around my neck and hanging the satchel from my rear. I checked if everything was in place before I began walking to the nearby lake to clean the blood off my hooves. I started walking along a dirt trail, head on a swivel as the dark forest around me emitted a chaotic aura. I finally reach the pond and sit at the edge, looking in as I dunked my hooves in and began to scrub them roughly. My ears swivel on instinct to be on high alert as the grime slowly washed from my hooves.
I shake my hooves off before turning 180 degrees and starting to walk back. A chill went down my spine as my mind screamed warnings in my head making me speed up to a jog before the unnerving gut feeling became too much and began galloping full speed back to camp. I heard voices so I ducked down into some bushes and peered through the leaves to see white horses in gold armor talking with each other as Fluttershy looked around, terrified.
I furrowed my brow, unsure what to do until I saw Fluttershy look at me and mouth 'RUN'
So I did just that and I began galloping away but I think I was seen as I heard a man shout "HEY YOU, STOP RUNNING!"
The shouting only encouraging me to gallop faster. I jumped over outgrown roots of trees and ducked under branches as the hoof steps behind me got quieter the more I ran. I eventually reached a rocky hill where I began to climb. I climbed for what felt like hours before reaching a small cliffside with a cave. I lifted myself up and rolled onto the rock flat before stumbling toward the cave, hoping I could hide just in case the guards were still following.
I sit behind a boulder and wait for any indication of the guards but after 5 minutes, nothing came... I stand up and look around before sighing and retreating into the cave more while my mind raced with multiple emotions that I didn't know how to show so I just cried. Tears ran down my face as I look around at the damp cave before sitting against a small rock spire poking up from the ground.
For the first time in my life, I was lost and confused.
I sigh and wipe the tears away as I look to my Vityaz-SN before deciding practice the magic I've been trying to use since yesterday. I began to focus all of my energy to my horn as I stare at the firearm, imagining picking it up like I had hands. The gun begins to glow light grey as my horn glowed the same color but the glowing disappeared as I migraine pierced my head.
I was getting close but I was not there yet. I sigh and lay my head against the rock and drift to sleep...
--------------------10 years later, The day of the return of Nightmare moon-------------------------
I was outside, singing with my birds to practice for Princess Celestia who was visiting the town. The bird choir was doing great till they all flew away because of a sudden voice "Hello!" I look down to see a purple unicorn who apologized "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to frighten your birds, I'm just here to check up on the music and its sounding beautiful!"
I fly down to the ground and look around nervously. The purple unicorn then continued "I'm Twilight Sparkle... What's your name?"
I quietly say "M-My name's Fluttershy"
Twilight tilted her head before saying "I'm sorry, what was that?"
I say my name again as I nervously back away, my anxiety now through the roof.
Twilight said again "Didn't quite catch that..." I let out a nervous squeak as the awkward air surround us, we stand around for what felt like forever before Twilight continued "Well... Uhhh... Looks like your birds are back so I guess everything's in order! Keep up the good work!"
She walked to a bush where a purple dragon walked into view... Wait, a dragon? I gasp before yelling "A baby dragon!" and galloping to the dragon. I put my face close to the dragon as I inspect its face "I've never seen a baby dragon before! He's soooo cute!"
The dragon turns to Twilight who was for some reason laying on the ground and says "Well Well Well!"
The talking dragon surprised me by... Well, talking so I say "Oh my, He talks! I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful, I-I don't even know what to say!" I float up into the air as I say the last part. A purple aura engulfs the baby dragon before he is levitated onto Twilights back but I wanted to ask some questions so I followed "Oh wait! Wait! What's his name?"
The dragon then answered "My name's Spike!"
I followed them all the way to Ponyville, asking questions and talking about dragon stuff! We stop at the library before Twilight said "Oh I am so sorry! How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep" She then proceeded to kick Spike off her back before continuing "See? He can't even keep his balance"
I nod and sigh before saying "Oh alright, I'll see you later..." I turn around and start walking back home but as I got close to the treeline of the Everfree, I got the feeling of eyes watching me. My eyes began to wander the treeline to search for the source of this feeling but I couldn't find it so I speed up my pace. I reach my cottage to get ready for the festival but when I approach my front door I see a note sticking out of the middle part of my door so I go up and read it but it only had one red word on it
Return
I pull the note off as many questions ran through my mind as I opened my door before walking inside and closing it. I set the piece of paper down on my coffee table and stare at it for a few minutes. I suddenly remember I'm supposed to get ready for the summer solstice so I head to my room to get freshened up. After making my attire appropriate for my performance, I head to the door and exit my home before beginning my walk to Ponyville.
I make it to the town hall where Princess Celestia was going to show up so I head to my position where my birds are waiting so I sit and wait for the event to begin. After an hour of waiting, Mayor Mare steps up to a podium and begins to announce the start of the event. But when the curtains start to draw open, Celestia wasn't there. Everyone gasped in horror as they started to panic, I included.
Suddenly a dark mist begins to swirl around on the stage before black smoke exploded out and slowly disappeared showing a tall black alicorn who began laughing.
A large sigh escapes my lips as I watch ponies run from the town hall in terror. I began climbing down from the tree I was sitting in and started slinking through the forest at a quiet but fast pace. I read about this day awhile ago, the return of Nightmare Moon, and I had prepared for it. I immediately head toward the ruined castle where I'm staying and I slip in through a hole in the wall and go up one of the spires where my camp was. I open the door and shut it behind me before using my recently learned telekinesis to lift up a homemade sniper which was just a few pipes and a small telescope on top.
I check if everything was in working order before beginning to go to the door but I hear hoofsteps in the castle. I peek out a window to see a tall dark pony with purple armor. I smile as I realize I won't have to move far and start setting up my sniper on the window, loading a 9x19mm bullet into the bolt before shutting it and locking it in place.
I was wearing a brown ragged hood that I got from a zebra in the forest, the hood covered up my face a little so I lift the hood a bit so I could see what I aiming at. I look down the sights and wait... The alicorn paces in place while talking to herself, probably about a sinister plan or something like that. She soon wisps away in a dark mist, making me sigh but it gives me more time to prepare so I grab a brown bag made from the skin of a so-called 'manticore' before heading down to the area where she just was.
I reach into the bag and pull out an old glass jar that was filled with nails, sharp rocks, wood splinters and a small bit of black powder that I found in the basement before taping it against a pillar and grabbing a string. I start to wrap the string around the pillar across from the jar. I grab another makeshift bomb and attach it to the pillar with the string before wrapping the string around the pillar with the other bomb. I smile as I see my handy work before running back upstairs to wait for the villain. Another hour passes before she returns with a cackle. She stood at the edge of the stairs leading up the throne as she waited for someone I guess.
Another 20 minutes or so passes before I see the same Purple unicorn that interrupted Fluttershy when she was rehearsing. They talk back and forth before 5 more ponies show up including the familiar yellow pony. I falter in my stance a little before I quickly grab my sniper rifle and aim at the false god. They each pull out a tiny crystal and they begin to glow causing Nightmare moon to retreat back, one of her back hooves tripping on the wire. Only one of the jars explode causing me to curse so I aim for the undetonated jar and shoot it, causing the old black powder to ignite from the sparks on the stone.
Nightmare Moon was littered with shrapnel as she struggled to stand. I reload the pipe sniper rifle and keep watch on her to see if she does anything. The 6 ponies snap out of their shock and monolog some more as 5 of the ponies get a necklace while the purple one gets a crown. I raise my head from the scope in awe as I see the rainbow arc towards the injured alicorn before swirling around her causing a white flash
I look away as my head is clouded with unpleasant images and thoughts before looking back to see a smaller and more innocent-looking alicorn but I aim at her just in case. The purple one approaches first, talking to her in a quiet voice before I notice the Blue one with rainbow hair looking straight at me with sharp eyes. I stay completely still as I try to make her think I'm rubble but it doesn't work as she begins flapping her wings which I now noticed. She starting to fly at me with alarming speeds so I run from the window and put on my bag.
I unscrew the barrel from the receiver so it could fit in the bag before I stuff my somewhat dirty Vityaz-SN into the bag before closing it and heading to the door but was cut off by the pegasus. I smirk and tackle her through the door and push her down the stairs before jumping over the pony and running down the stairs.
I hear shouts but don't stop as I run toward the main gate of the castle but before I go through, I freeze as a Yellow glow surrounds me. I begin to panic as I am pulled backward slowly. I struggle with all my might to try and break free but nothing works. I begin to suddenly rotate as a large white alicorn enters my view with the 6 ponies from before.
The White alicorn speaks "State your name"
I stay silent, reasoning with myself to give my name or not. I decided there would be no harm in saying my name considering I wouldn't be in any government files so I recite my name slow and deep "Dimitri Petrov"
I hear a soft gasp from behind the Alicorn before I see yellow legs walk up from behind sun Marshmellow. I hear some indistinguishable whispering before I am lowered to the ground and I see the yellow hooves trot up to me. A yellow glow surrounds my hood as it is slowly pulled back. My face is revealed as everyone gasps, my left eye was mangled from the same manticore that I made a bag out of and I had a long scar down my cheek.
I look at the pony in front of me, Fluttershy. I stared into her eyes and smile as I quip "M-Miss me, darling?"
Fluttershy lunges at me and wraps her forelegs around my neck as she lightly shook, I would hug back but I was still trapped in the telekinetic grip that the Goddess had on me. I glanced at everyone who was looking at me in pity or disgust. The white Alicorn spoke again "Are you responsible for the explosions that injured the nightmare that possessed my sister?"
I nod slowly, looking her in the eyes with my best poker face. She surprisingly releases the hold on my body, allowing me to hug Fluttershy back and comfort her. I rub her back and nuzzle her neck in hopes that she would stop shaking before looking up to see the smaller alicorn from after the flash. She didn't look injured now, just a little sad.
Fluttershy releases from the hug before looking me in the eyes and saying "I-I missed you so much..."
I smile as rub her cheek with a forehoof "I missed you too"
Fluttershy gave me another hug and a small nuzzle on the cheek, a light 'Aww' coming from the six ponies except for the Rainbow one which looked a little familiar now. I release Fluttershy from the hug before the white Alicorn introduces herself and the other Alicorn "My name is Princess Celestia, and she is Princess Luna"
A light breeze blows past us and a light clicking comes from my vest, my fur standing up as I know it's my Geiger counter. I pull it out and wave it around, searching the source by the clicks before walking toward Luna slowly. the clicks got louder and faster as I look at her, a nervous expression on her face.
I turn to the Celestia "How does she have this much radiation? I haven't had any pockets of it during my 10 years in this land" Her face turns pale as she clears her throat, looking at the six ponies behind her who were really confused. I sigh and back away from the irradiated Luna. I then ask "She was on the moon right?"
Celestia nods "F-For 1000 years"
I jump back from Luna, concerned that it might be worse than I thought. I dig into one of my bags and pull out my gas mask and an injection gun with some radioprotector in it, I put on the mask and walk up to Luna slowly while saying "Just stay still and I will make you not so deadly to breathe near"
Luna does what I say and stands still so I walk up to her and place the injector on her shoulder before pulling the trigger, injecting her with the substance. She winces slightly before shaking the leg that was connected to the pierced shoulder. "What did thee do to us?" Luna asked anxiously.
I check the watch on my wrist to see the filter time before pausing it and pulling my gas mask off, leaving my mane a little disheveled as I place the two objects back in its bag. I finally answer "I gave you a Ra- Ra-... How the fuck do you say it... Radioprotector antioxidant, it pretty much kills the radiation in your body. Really useful..." I shrug before slipping my bag back on.
The purple Unicorn comes forth and asks "What is Radiation?"
I look to Celestia who looks back with a frown, I shake my head and answer the Unicorn "Radiation are waves of energy that travel through space or material that can be harmless or harmful... I think..." I shrug again and twist my neck a little to loosen it. The Unicorn looks at Celestia and looks upset before walking back. it was getting awkward so I decided to try and ditch this place before something bad happens. "Listen, I understand you don't know who I am and you are probably terrified of what I did back there so I will leave you all to do your own thing while I stay here... sound good?"
Fluttershy smiles lightly so I smile back before mock saluting and walking back to my tower shelter. I hear the hooves walk away as I walk into the tower. I walk up the stairs and into the room where I begin to place my things back where they were. I took out a bedroll made of the same pelt I used for my satchel. I take off my satchel and lay it on a decaying table.
I sigh and lay down on the bedroll before closing my remaining eye, hoping tomorrow will be less chaotic as I doze off the sleep.
I'm happy I saw her again...
Act 1 - Chapter 4
I gasp as I shoot up from my bedroll, looking at the door to my room to hear 3 light knocks. I get up and stretch before going to my bag, grabbing my hood and putting it on before trotting to the door and opening it. I was met with white fur so I look up to see Celestia with an unreadable face. We look into each other's eyes for a few seconds before I broke the awkward silence "Can I help you?"
Celestia smiled softly before asking "May I come in? I want to have a little chat." Her intentions seemed friendly so I nod and step aside to let her in. Celestia walks in and looks around a little before sitting next to a withered fireplace, patting the stone floor as she said "Come sit, We have much to discuss"
I walk to the fireplace and sit in front of her, a few feet between us as we make eye contact and I question "What do you wish to talk about?"
Celestia hummed softly before asking "Your name is Demitri Petrov, Correct? and where do you come from?"
I nod and sit back as I answer "Russia, Nizhny Novgorod..."
Celestia looked taken back as I pronounce my place of origin "I have not heard of this bizarre-sounding place. Is it even on this planet?"
She giggled at her small joke which made me smirk a bit but I say "It is not on this planet, the planet I am from is called Earth"
Her pupils shrunk to pinpricks and her words stumbled a little before she composed herself and asked: "W-Were you pony before?" I shake my head, my eyes stayed locked with her as she continued "Well, What were you b-before?"
"A human..." I answer quietly as a tense silence fills the room.
The Princess shakes her head before asking "How old are you?"
My head lowers in thought to do the math because, in all honesty, I forgot. I took a few seconds to count up the years before telling her "25, I arrived in this world when I was 16"
I could see her mind spin as she tried to figure out something before she questioned: "When is your birthday?"
I shrug and say "November 30th, 1993"
Celestia nodded and shifted her wings awkwardly before she squints her eyes at me "How do you know Fluttershy?"
I smirk and chuckle before telling her "She was the first pony I met when I woke up in this forest."
My stomach rumbles so I get up and head to my bag to grab an apple with my magic as Celestia asks "Why did you stay in this forest for so long? It is very dangerous here..." Her eyes fell upon my bag made from manticore skin and fur.
"My terrible Equish, It isn't my first language. English is a fucking hard language " I chuckle as Celestia's head tilts to the side in confusion before I continued "And I'm not used to civilization and being around so many people that seem so friendly" I take a bite of the apple and chew it before swallowing.
Her face got a little serious as she asked sternly "Why do you know how to make such lethal weapons?"
I sigh and lean against the window sill as I say "It was needed back where I'm from to survive, outsmart the enemy before the enemy outsmarts you..."
She nods and looks down before saying to me "It must've been hard to live on your home planet, were your people not civilized?"
I hesitated again, wanting to not answer but her calm aura and warming smile made me feel safe to tell her "They used to be but we had a third world war and we wiped out most of the population. There was no government anymore, no laws, no civilization. Just bandits and people who will do anything to survive..." I say before I take another bite of my apple.
Celestia smiles as if she got an idea before exclaiming "Maybe I could get my student to help you back into a civilized life?"
I look at her and tilt my head in confusion "Who is your student?"
Celestia responds "Twilight Sparkle, she is the lavender unicorn that you spoke to last night..."
I nod and finish up my apple before taking the seeds out and throwing the core out the window "Should we go meet her?"
Celestia nods "Yes, let us go" Her horn faintly glowed before everything flashed white, my body feeling like it was being torn apart but not in a painful way. The blinding white caused many unwanted thoughts to enter my head but I suppressed them and close my eyes. I feel my hooves touch grass so I open my eyes to see that I'm in the middle of the nearby town
I look around to see a lot of people staring at me so I tighten the brown hood around my head to hide my mangled eye. I look up at Celestia and ask "C-Can we hurry inside?" She nods and begins to walk to a large tree that's been turned into a house of some sort. I follow her as she opens the front door and enters. I look around the house to see that it is a library with a flite of stairs leading up.
I heard a familiar voice from the upstairs call out "Hello?"
Celestia lightly yelled back "It is me, Twilight!"
A light gasp came from the girl before a thumping came down the stairs and the purple unicorn from last night came into view, running up to the alicorn and hugging her tightly. after their small hug, Celestia turned to me and introduced me "Twilight, this is the pony you met last night during the fight with Nightmare Moon"
I push my hood back and wave as I said "Privyet"
Twilight smiled and waved back while saying "Hello there, nice to meet you on better terms!"
I chuckle and nod before turning to Celestia so that she could explain the situation which she did "Our friend here has been separated from society for a long time and I'm tasking you with integrating him back into normal life"
Twilight smiled with glee at her new objective as she responded "Thank you, Princess Celestia. I won't let you down!"
Celestia smiles back as she says "I know you won't. Now that you two have been introduced, I must take my leave to attend to my duties" Once she said that, her horn glowed yellow and the room flashed white and I closed my eyes to not get blinded.
...
When the bright glow died down, I opened my eyes to an orange sky and a ruined city. My eyes wandered from the destroyed buildings to the large mushroom cloud on the horizon, the fireball of the explosion still visible as high winds blew across my face and radioactive ash fell upon my fur. I tried to move but I was frozen in place as I was forced to watch the cloud bloom and listen to the whistle of the breeze as an old metal fence creaked from the winds. I began to shake roughly before I was able to close my eyes.
...
I opened my eyes to a worried Twilight shaking me and saying my name out loud "D-Dimitri? Are you okay?"
I shake my head a little and get a little dizzy for replying "Yeah... I'm okay."
Twilight let out a sigh of relief "What happened?"
I shrug as the visions I see were normal to me so I just said "My people call it bomb shock. I've been getting visions of my past life whenever I see or hear something that reminds me of it."
Twilight raised an eyebrow before looking down and bringing a hoof to her chin. she turned around and walked up to a bookshelf, looking around before grabbing a book with her magic and pulling to her. I didn't get to look at the title as she opened it and flipped a few pages before digging her nose into the book.
She took a minute to read something before she reads out loud "PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again, upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event, negative thoughts about yourself or the world, hopelessness about the future."
I tilt my head in confusion at the paragraph she read before asking "PTSD?"
She turns to me and answers "Post-traumatic stress disorder, happens when something happens that really scares someone and scars them for life... Did you have something happen"
I pause for a second, not really wanting to spill any beans to her just yet as I just met her. I then look her in the eye and say "A different time"
Her eyes fold back before nodding "I understand" An awkward silence took over the room before Twilight speaks up again "How about we introduce you to my friends?"
I look at her with a somewhat fake smile and nod.
Twilight nodded back and walked to the door as she said "Let's go visit Pinkie Pie first, she's in the big gingerbread house called the Sugarcube Corner"
I follow behind the lavender mare as she opens the door and walks out. I flip my hood up as I exit the tree and look around to quite a few ponies roaming around, doing their daily business. I try not to stare at other ponies as I stay right behind Twilight, looking around for the gingerbread house she said we were going to. And like she said, there was a large gingerbread house, covered in most-likely fake sweets and icing.
Twilight walked up to the door and opened it, letting me trot in first so I did, Twilight coming in right after me. The insides were as bright of the outside: beiges walls with pink and brown wooden support beams, pink booths with cupcake-themed tables. Twilight walks up beside me and says "Go take a seat, I'll fetch Pinkie and get us something to eat, you must be starving after all"
I nod and walk over to an empty booth, sitting down on the comfy cushions as I sat back a little. I began to reflect on the past two days, could I have done it another way? Should I have done it at all?
Leave while you can... Disappear...
I ignore the voice of my subconscious, staying focused on the questions that lingered in my head until Twilight came a few minutes later. She sat down next to me as she said "She'll be out with our lunch in a minute" I nod again and sit silently, the number of ponies around making me anxious. Twilight seemed to notice this as she places a hoof on my shoulder "Hey, it's okay. After Pinkie we can go see Fluttershy if you want, she lives in a more secluded place"
I shook my head no and said "I want to see her last..."
Twilight seemed a bit surprised before nodding "Alright..." She looked up and smiled as she exclaimed: "There she is!"
I look up to see a pink pony hopping toward us, a trey of 3 muffins balanced perfectly on her back "Hey there friendos!" She sits across from us after setting down the muffins. I shift in my seat uncomfortably as the pink pony practically oozing crackhead energy, I even thought I could hear my Geiger meter tick for a second but I dismissed that as just hearing things.
Pinkie and Twilight began to chat about me but I didn't really listen as I was the one who told it, I feel a tap on my shoulder from Twilight so I look to her "You want a muffin, Dimitri?"
I nod and reach over with my magic and grab one of them, looking at it to see blueberries baked into the muffin so I shrug and take a bite. my eyebrows as I look wt the muffin again, contemplating the explosion of flavor in my mouth before humming softly in approval and taking another bite.
Pinkie then tilts her head before asking "Isn't much of a talker... Is he?"
Twilight shrugs "I think he talks only when necessary..."
I nod once again before speaking out "I am... O-Overwhelmed, I'm not used to being around lots of people."
Pinkie Pie giggles and says "Don't worry silly! No one will hurt you around here!"
I look at Pinkie, her ears going back against her head as I retort "I'm not scared of anyone trying to hurt me, I don't want to scare other people" I finish my muffin and stretch out before noticing I scared Pinkie Pie. I sigh before continuing "Thank you for the muffin but I believe we should get going."
Twilight smiles nervously as I flip my hood back up and get up, scooting past Twilight before saying to her "I'll meet you outside, you can finish up here..." I then walk to the door and go outside.
I wait beside the door, looking around at everypony. Another minute passes and the Lavender pony finally exit the bakery, walking up to me and asking "What was up with that!?!" quite mad that I left abruptly.
I sigh and respond "I was making her uncomfortable so I thought it best that I would leave"
"Well, maybe you shouldn't be so dark all the time!" Twilight argued
I sigh and rub my forehead with a hoof "Maybe you should walk in my shoes, Bitch . You would understand why". Twilight tilts her head at the foreign swear as she chokes on her words. She then sighs and drops her head down. I bite my lip in frustration before continuing "Let's just go to your next friend..."
Twilight straightens her neck up and nods before starting to walk off in a direction, so I follow.
Can this day get any worse?
Author's Note
Hello, sorry for the really long delay, been having bad writer's block for a while. I'm splitting up this chapter so you guys wouldn't have to wait any longer. Anyways, stay safe out in the collapsing world
