Author's Note

I'm currently looking for an editor to help me with my spelling and grammar, if anyone would be willing to help send me a message. Lets just hope my grammar is a bit better this time XD

Pranks, tests and bruises

Sitting in his chair David tiredly read another book Twilight had lent him, his eyes felt heavy and dry his inability to get much sleep was taking it’s toll on him. After an hour of reading he was passed his natural limit but he pushed on despite the pounding in his head. After another hour of fruitless research into a way home he slammed the book closed, tossing the book aside to the side table he raised his hand to head rubbing his eyes as the head ache became worse. Arching into his hand he felt the tremors return digging his fingers into his eyes, pulling his hand down into view he saw the uncontrollable shacking, clenching his hand into a fist the shacking continued as his nails dug into his palm. Cupping his fist with his other hand in a vain attempt to stop the tremors, as the pounding in his head got worse forcing him to support his head on his shacking hands. Closing eyes to the pain in his head his face twisted and contorted in pain as it got worse becoming a full blown migraine, it started as a headache like any other but it quickly turned into something more, soon he could hear his heart beat in his head but that quickly subsided into something worse far worse than a migraine.

Pressing his fist harder into his forehead he felt the pounding become more intense driving him nearly to tears, soon the pounding sounded less like the throbbing of a headache and more like the fire of artillery. Leaning deeper into his hands he heard the sounds of the Somme, the explosions of endless shellings gradually getting closer driving him further and further into his hands. Feeling the war around him he uncupped his hand pulling the revolver from his side as he raised his hand back up to his head the hilt of his revolver pressing against the left side of his forehead.

Opening his eyes he straightened himself up breathing in a stiff breath as he composed himself, his body rocked slightly as his stilted breath slowly became normal and steady. Looking down to his hands through watery eyes he saw his clenched tremor stricken fist slowly subside while his other hand held the cold heavy steel of his service revolver.

1

Walking out of the cabin David headed towards ponyville, today he had a few things to do Rarity had offered to make him some more clothes which he happily excepted, that was a couple of days ago when she took his measurements and today was the day she said it would be finished. Also Twilight had asked him to come to the library for some tests, apparently she had better equipment than the hospital and the doctors have asked her to see how he was progressing which he agreed too if she could help him with some training which she agreed to before he could even finish.

Walking through ponyville with his rifle slung over his shoulder he saw that the ponies were mostly leaving him alone with only a few staring at him as he walked by. Realising this he thought they were becoming too accustom to him, he was beginning to think he had been their for too long, he needed to get back to the front back to the war but before he could think on it any fervour Rainbow dash and Pinkiepie ran passed almost knocking the rifle off his should as he side stepped to avoid them.

Chasing after them Applejack yelled in an irritated voice “get back here you apple painting vermin!”

Paying them no mind David continued heading towards the library, opening the door Twilight was in a huff on all fours scrubbed the floor cleaning it of purple dye as muttered to herself in an irritated tone “Stupid Rainbow and her antics, does she know what damage she could have caused with dye in a library, no she doesn’t” hearing the bell as David walked in she yelled back trying not to sound irritated or rushed as she called out “be with you in a minute”

Walking over David saw her from behind grateful that her purple tail drooped down between her legs hiding her private regions from his eyes, that was one thing he still found strange about this world the lack of modesty and the one thing he won’t be taking part in or becoming accustom too. Looking down to Twilight her head nearly under the table the dye was dripping from as he called out “I think that would take longer than a minute”

Getting up Twilight nearly hit her head on the underside of the table she was under, clipping her horn on the edge as she rose she winced grabbing the horn, it felt like banning your funny bone except a lot easier to do. Wincing she heard David’s concerned voice “you alright their Twilight?”

With a hiss she replied “I’ll be fine in a minute. So should we begin the tests?”

Placing rifle down on one of the many tables Twilight’s eyes widened to it after last time it destroyed one of her precious books as he replied “sure”

Instantly Twilight’s mood changed becoming better as she thought of the knowledge she was about to gain, so much so that she forgot about the dye staining the floor as she almost yelled in a cheerful tone “excellent!”

Leading him to a treadmill with a monitoring machine next to it she spoke her tone quieting down slightly but still clearly excited “okay if you take your clothes off I’ll hook you up”

Giving her a disgruntled look he spoke in a puzzled tone “my clothes?”

Smiling she repeated herself “yes just take your clothes off and I’ll hook you up”

Looking down at her with a straight face he spoke in a serious tone “I’m not taking my clothes off”

“oh come on don’t be a baby it’ll be over before you know it” she said ignorant to what he meant.

His tone became firmer as he spoke “Twilight I’m not pony, I’m not going to walk around naked for you, I may respect your culture and customs but there is only so far that respect can go and my genitals are far passed that line”

Blushing to what she had asked of him and his bluntness with it she changed her request speaking in a bashful tone “oh umm would just the top be okay with you?”

Getting a simple calm “yes” he took his clothes off, she never noticed how many pieces of clothing he wore. First was his holstered belt then his jacket with his green vest following afterwards, then he took of his suspenders letting them hang from his waist as he took of his grey back shirt. Seeing the naked skin of his back she saw the scars she saw when they first met but now knowing how he got them she felt sorry for him to suffer in such a way for six hours no less, but their was still two on his back like on his front, one on is left shoulder and the other below bottom most his right rib expect they were bigger at least twice the size of the scars on his front.

Turning around he walked over to the treadmill waiting for Twilight to hook him up, gently placing the suckers on his chest afraid of hurting his scarred form Twilight looked upon his blistered right side. The sickly yellow colour of the blister had faded mostly shrinking in size but still clearly filled with fluid, the skin was still thick, white, cracked and dying with the surrounding healed areas scarred red.

After sometime she had him hooked up to the monitor, stepping onto the treadmill she spoke in a caring soft tone “I’m going to start it out slowly and then gradually it’s going to get faster until your at a steady jog, I’m going to see how long you can run but if you need to stop just say and I’ll stop it”

Getting simple “okay” from him she started up the treadmill, soon he was a steady jog with Twilight jumping between him and the machine, worried about his health but not wanting to miss anything. Soon her worry was gone and she just watched at his heart beat rose staying steady at a one hundred and ten she didn’t know if this was healthy especially with his second weaker heart. After two and a half hours she just stared in amazement as he looked to keep going with no sign of stopping, increasing the speed he kept pace 7 mph, 12mph, 15mph she took note of how his heart beat was steadily rising with the speed until she heard the bell.

Turning around quickly before turning back she saw Rainbow dash walk in she with a shallow expression as she spoke in a low ashamed tone “hi Twi I just came round to apologise about earlier, I hope I didn’t ruin anything”

“Twi?” Rainbow asked.

“Twilight?” she asked again.

“HEY TWILIGHT!” Rainbow yell.

“What!?” Twilight shouted back.

Standing their in a huff Rainbow repeated herself as she crossed her arms in frustration “I came round to apologise for this morning, what are you even doing?”

Turning back around Twilight answered “doing some tests on David to see how he’s progressing, he’s been running for two and a half hours now with no sign of stopping I think he’s done 20 miles now”

With her head turned Rainbow smiled as she approached the treadmill seeing David focused expression and steady strong breathe, sneakily reaching for the controls she turned it up to near max. Hearing the machine speed up Twilight turned to see Rainbow’s mischievous smiling face as David went into a full on sprint looking back to the machine Twilight saw his heart was climbing at a fast rate one fifty, one sixty, one seventy. Turning it off Twilight saw David’s pace slowed with the machine but his heart was still going up, the monitor let off an alarm bringing her eyes to it. His heart was dangerously high for a pony, two hundred and ten a ponies heart couldn’t go passed two hundred and his was still going up. Turning to Rainbow Twilight yelled at her “RAINBOW!”

Seeing the scared look on Twilight’s face she knew something was wrong and when she saw the monitor she knew, David was panting as he arched over with his hands on his knees but his heart rate was still rising holding for a few seconds on the deadly number two hundred and twenty five before slowly dropping to a resting beat of sixty beats per minute.

Rushing to him the in a panicked state the ponies spoke “David are you alright?” Twilight asked.

While Rainbow became a blubbering mess of a pony “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry”

Waving Twilight off in an exhausted fashion David spoke in a near wheeze “I’ll be fine”

Turning to Rainbow dash Twilight yelled “Rainbow what were you thinking!?”

Looking up to her with wide pink eyes she spoke in rush “it was a joke I didn’t think it could kill him”

“well you should of! he’s wounded remember!” Twilight yelled back.

Interjecting David spoke through heavy breathes “what… are… you… two... talking… about?”

Trying to calm down for him Twilight answered in a semi normal tone “your heart went over two hundred beats per minute, a pony can’t go over two hundred without risking a heart attack but you went even higher you could have died” she said nearly breaking into a tears for what she had put him through.

Dropping his head he let out an exhausted laugh “Twilight… I’m not a pony... a human heart… can go up to… two hundred and… twenty”

“but yours went even higher!” Twilight yelled in response.

“Twilight… I’m fine look” David said in a low tiered voice gesturing to the monitor.

Turning around Twilight saw the heart monitor reading, it was lower than before and steadily falling to a resting rate. With a huff Twilight turn back to them as she spoke in a revealed tone “thank goodness, you had me worried their for a second. So how about we get those results”

Walking over to the monitor Twilight looked at the sheet the monitor was printing “okay so your heart stayed at a steady one thirty when running at seven miles per hour and jumped up too one sixty when at fifteen mile per hour. Now just before you stopped you were at” Twilight’s face dropped before she yelled “RAINBOW!”

“what?” Rainbow said in an almost whining tone.

“you maxed it out! he was at twenty five mile per hour” Twilight yelled.

“Wait are you saying he was running twenty five mile per hour, AWESOME!” Rainbow cheered “we could be work out partners, no pony can keep up with me but he might”

Getting annoyed with Rainbow’s ego Twilight interjected “Celestia’s flank you are, you almost gave me a heart attack with that little prank you pulled”

Glaring at Twilight an irritated expression “Twilight he’s fine he said so himself...” her voice trailed off as she saw his scarred chest as he unhooked himself from the machine, adverting her eyes from him almost afraid to look at him as she spoke in a low tone “David are you okay I didn’t hurt you did I?”

Putting his clothes on he answered in a calm unaffected voice “no I’m fine just took the wind out my lungs that’s all”

Rainbow just stared at him with a blank expression unable to process how he could cope with such horrific wounds, turning to Twilight David spoke “so Twilight is that all the tests or was their any others?”

Teleporting a scroll in with a purple flash of magic, Twilight opened it looking at her list “okay next on the list is your strength”

“now I’ve got to see this” Rainbow said in an enthusiastic tone.

“Rainbow these are medical tests not some work out in the gym” Twilight replied in a stern tone.

After a few more hours of test they were almost done, Rainbow dash had left much to the behest of Twilight as she nearly pushed her out the library. Smiling Twilight looked over her research reading it over and over again as she muttered to herself in an astonishment “this is incredible, this is absolutely incredible. I can’t believe I’m the first pony to see these results, your so similar to us yet your endurance is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. With short breaks you could run all day if you wanted too and your strength, if ponies didn’t have latent magic in them you would be stronger than Applejack”

Happily looking over her list again she spoke in an up beat tone “okay we’ve got only two more tests” teleporting in an empty syringe she spoke with an uneasy smile that matched her tone as she winced slightly to her own words “all I need is a little teeny tiny sample of your blood”

Expecting more of a reaction Twilight just stared as he rolled up his sleeve for her, holding his arm out straight for her she broke the skin wincing as she drew blood. Placing the sample on her desk she spoke in a surprised tone to how calm he was “okay I’ll check that later, just need one more piece of information, what’s your cutie mark? They can affect the results”

Giving her a confused look he asked “what’s a cutie mark?”

Looking at him with wide eyes she almost yelled “you don’t know what a cutie mark is? Everypony knows what a cutie mark is” realising what she said she revised her statement “oh right, it’s the mark on our flanks it appears when we discover our special talent”

“oh I thought they were tattoos, Human’s don’t get cutie marks” David said in a nonchalant tone.

“you don’t get cutie marks!? But that’s one of the most important days in a pony’s life, how do you know when you found your special talent!?” Twilight yelled in shock as she looked down to his thigh in disbelief.

“we don’t, we all start out the same sure some people are better at some things than others, but we just work at something and get better at it, if you don’t it’s just not meant to be or you work harder. It’s just how it is” David said his tone unaffected by Twilight’s tone.

“wait are you saying that you choose what you are good at rather than having it decided for you!? that’s incredible! I knew you were different from us but this is beyond anything I could have imagined even Griffins have hidden magic, it’s not as pronounced as it is in ponies but they still have it but you, you come from a culture where cutie mark magic doesn’t make one pony any better at something than anypony else” Twilight said in an excited tone as her mind ran faster than her mouth.

“we don’t have magic all together” David said in a calm tone as Twilight stared barely able to comprehend what he was saying.

“YOU DON’T HAVE MAGIC!” Twilight exclaimed before continuing in a slightly calmer voice “actually that makes a lot of sense, that would explain why magic barely affects you”

“barely affects me?” David asked in a confused tone.

“oh when you first arrived I tried teleporting you to the hospital on the other side of ponyville but I barely made it out the door” Twilight answered.

Turning to the blood sample with an intrigued look she spoke “just give me a sec I want to try something”

Walking over to the desk Twilight took the syringe in her hand quirting some of it’s contents into a glass test tube, watching the blood sample carefully she began to let her magic flow through it with a simple heating spell. Watching the test tube in her hand glow a light purple she just stood their with her mouth slowly opening in astonishment that matched her tone “David your body is highly resistance to magic. I just tried heating this sample up to a boil and it barely feels any warmer than before, if I’m right you could be hit by the elements of harmony and come out with little more than a headache”

“Twilight I think that’s enough for test for one day, now I think we had an agreement” David said in a tiered voice.

Deflating somewhat Twilight huffed as she spoke in a slightly defeated tone “okay but I want to do more test at some point”

2

Following Twilight with his rifle slung over his shoulder they arrived at Sweet apple acers, turning to David Twilight spoke in a confused tone “David I don’t know what kind of training needs a watch, a large piece of scrap metal and one thousand yards of uninterrupted country land”

Not turning to her he spoke as he stared off into the distance “you’ll see soon enough”

Approaching the entrance they saw Applejack pushing a wagon of apples, smiling she waved them over “howdy, y’all here for that training Twilight told me about?”

Nodding David gave a simple “yes”

Smiling Applejack left the cart leading the way into the orchard as she spoke in a pleasant tone “great follow me”

Walking along through the lines of trees Applejack turned too Twilight as she asked in a curious tone “so Twi do ya know what he’s got planned? it’s not everyday somepony asks for a long strip of land to train”

“I’m not sure but I think it has something to do with that thing on his back” Twilight replied in a slightly worried tone remembering the last time she saw that thing and what it did to those timber wolves.

Arriving at the area they found a square chunk of metal about two feet squared lent up against a tree as Applejack happily proclaimed “here we are one piece of scrap metal and a thousand yards of uninterrupted land”

To either side of them were apple trees that continued in every direction, setting up the firing range David took the metal sheet walking off into the distance, stabbing it into the ground it sunk into the earth staying firmly in place as it stood up from the ground. Walking back to where the girls were he spoke “alright Twilight you got the watch?”

Beaming with pride she smiled as a pocket watch teleported in, in purple flash of magic as she answered “yep”

Taking his rifle off his back he laid down facing the scrap metal in the distance as he spoke to the pony above him “okay Twilight this is called the mad minute, all you need to do is tell me when the minute starts and when it ends, and be sure to be loud when telling me it’s done”

Getting a simple nod and an “okay” from her as David adjusted the sights of his rifle, watching the second hand tick away Twilight began to count down for him “okay the minute will start in three, two, one, now”

Firing off his first shot the ponies almost dodged as they held their hands over their ears to the loud sounds erupting from the rifle almost instantly followed by a metallic ping from off in the distance, firing the rifle David was able to pull back the cold metal bolt loading and firing the next round without moving his rifle or his head keeping his weapon and eye lined up on the target. This continued until his fifth shot was made where he pulled back his bolt leaving the chamber open, pulling a clip of five rounds he lined up the clip with open chamber pushing the bullets down into the chamber before tossing the empty clip aside.

This continued four more times with each shot receiving a loud sharp ping as the bullet struck the scrap metal, holding her hands over her ears she heard the gentle tick of the watch in her hand. Pulling her hand off her ear she saw the ticking hand of the watch seeing it approach the minute mark, yelling she shouted at David hoping for him to stop those noises “TIME!”

Halting his fire he stood up collecting the bullet casing on the ground around him counting them as he did, counting twenty-seven Applejack spoke in a deafened loud voice “DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO LOUD?”

Looking to her as he swung his rifle over his shoulder he answered his voice unaffected by the rifle fire “right should have warned you about that”

Putting the casings in one of his pockets a single casing slipped through this fingers landing in the dirt beneath him, kneeling down Twilight went to pick it up but before David could tell her not to she picked it up it’s hot brass burning her finger tips as she squeaked out in pain. Waving her hand she spoke in a shocked rushed tone “it’s hot! Why is it hot!?”

Picking up the last casing the mares stared at David with wide eyes to how his bare unprotected skin could bare the heat that an insulated fur hand couldn’t bare causing Twilight to yell “how can you hold that!?”

“thick skin and a high threshold for pain” David answered.

Watching David walk down range Twilight stayed put wondering if all human’s were like this, but her mind quickly changed direction as she saw David walking back passing her, in his hand was the wide sheet of scrap metal he used as a target with twenty-seven small holes in it. Each hole that tore through the metal sheet left behind a bent inwards jagged edge, all the holes that breached the dense hide of the target were all within half a foot of it’s centre. Twilight just stared at the metal target with a rush of fear running through her like adrenalin as her mind went wild, what kind of people would devise such a weapon, what kind of war was he fighting in and how could they defend themselves from such a weapon.

3

Walking back down the street of ponyville David headed for the carousel boutique but as he did he heard shouting off in the distance, getting closer he saw Rainbow dash outside sugar cube corner shouting at a Griffin that was up in her face pressing her beak almost into Rainbow’s nose.

“what the hay is your problem Gilda? Why would do that to Pinkie?” Rainbow yelled furiously.

“pfft… why do you even care? she’s so beneath us like look at her she’s probably the lamest pony out their” Gilda shouted back with an edge too her voice.

“HEY DON’T SPEAK ABOUT MY FRIENDS LIKE THAT!” Rainbow yelled her voice becoming more wrathful with each word.

“OR WHAT!? IS THE LAME PONY’S FRIEND GOING TO CRY LIKE THE LAME PONY SHE IS!” Gilda yelled back in a mocking tone.

Seeing how aggressive the griffin was becoming David shouted over to them his voice was calm but loud unlike theirs as he approached them “you alright their Rainbow?”

Turning to him Gilda yelled at him mid turn her voice becoming more aggressive than what they were to Rainbow dash “STAY OUT OF THIS!..” giving him a mixed look of confusions and anger she continued in a slightly dumbfound tone “weird… fur less freak”

A slight smirk appeared on David’s face as he got closer to them replying in a somewhat prideful sarcastic tone “great wordplay chicken wings”

“CHICKEN WINGS!” Gilda retorted.

Sniggering Rainbow had to cover her mouth to stop herself from bursting out laughing as David continued with his sarcastic remarks “don’t like that name Feather brains?”

“FEATHER BRAINS!” Gilda yelled in response as she flared her wings while Rainbow burst out laughing caving as she did.

Laughing out loud Rainbow dash arched over with her hands on her knees as Gilda turned to her with a scowl “AND WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT!”

Failing to compose herself Rainbow spoke still laughing as she tried to speak “nothing… feather brains”

“THAT’S IT PONY FEATHERS!” the griffin yelled as she lunged at Rainbow dash pushing her to the ground, rolling around the two of them fought with Rainbow pushing the griffin above her away. Struggling on the ground Gilda eventually pined Rainbow dash down her wings crushed between her and the ground while Gilda’s talons wrapped around Rainbow’s wrists pinning them to the ground either side of her head.

Walking over David reached down wrapping his arms around the griffin above Rainbow picking her up off her, her claws nearly cutting Rainbow’s arm as she dragged her up with her as David spoke in a bit of a huff “alright that’s enough you two”

Struggling against him Gilda tried to pry his arms off her as she yelled out in anger “LET ME GO YOU FREAK!”

“calm down and I will” David replied calmly to get aggressive voice.

Dropping her down David released her as Rainbow dash brushed herself off, turning around Gilda swung her fist at him punching him in the chest as she yelled at him “NOT SO TOUGH NOW!”

Reeling back David clutched his chest gritting his teeth as he groaned in pain, feeling his chest he slipped his hand under his jacket feeling the area over his blistered wound finding his shirt still dry so for as raw as it was it hadn’t burst. Looking up to her David spoke with a harsh edge to his low words “lesson here Gilda your cruising for a bruising right now”

“oh this that a threat, is the freak trying to act tough” Gilda stated in a sarcastic tone as she took a step forward towards him.

“GILDA! DON’T HE’S WOUNDED!” Rainbow yelled in concern.

“AND YOU WILL BE TOO RAINBOW CRASH!” Gilda retorted.

Flaring her talons Gilda swung her left claw at Rainbow, recovering David stepped in taking Gilda by the wrist pulling her claw away from Rainbow and too David’s left, kicking her left leg from under her she fell to the ground. Following her to the ground David pulled her arm out straight to the side as he rested a knee on her back between her brown feathered wings.

Struggling under him Gilda swung her right elbow back in retaliation hitting David in the ribs, grunting in pain to his right blistered side he pressed more weight on his knee driving it further into her back, with his right hand he grabbed her right talon by the wrist slamming it down to the ground forcing her to squawk out in pain. Thrashing about for a bit Gilda tried to escape his hold until she gave up, slumping into the ground turning her head too Rainbow dash as she spoke in a defeated huff “fine you win, I didn’t want to stay here any longer anyway ponies are too lame anyway”

Releasing her David stood up and Gilda gave Dash one final look before flying off, it was a look of shame and loss for what she had done. Rainbow dash just stood their watching her once close friend leave to never return, slumping down in her stance Rainbow looked over to David giving him a weak smile “thanks for that, you okay?”

Brushing himself off he replied “I should be asking you that”

“I’ll be fine Gilda and I just had a falling out that’s all” Rainbow said in a low tone.

“you sure your going to be alright?” David asked unconvinced.

“yeah she was a bully glad to be rid of her, can’t have someone like her ruining my awesome reputation” Rainbow proclaimed trying to save face.

4

Entering the carousel boutique the door bell rang getting a call from Rarity “I’ll be with you in a seconded”

Looking around David saw the room was filled with golden mirrors, manikins and racks upon racks of clothes. The room it’s self was rather pink, having multiple dressing rooms with lavender curtains, the walls were a mix of cream and light pink chequered squares while the ceiling smoothly arched up somewhat like a church ceiling.

Rarity was with one of the manikins sticking multiple pins into the cloth draped over it, turning around she saw David, she was wearing red rimmed glasses and a yellow tap measure slung over her shoulders and the back of her neck, it’s ends running over and passed her white furred breast “ah David darling was wondering when you would arrive. I’ll get your clothes won’t be a moment” she said in a cheery tone.

Walking off up stairs to one of her many rooms she returned with a neat pile of folded up clothes in her arms “You wouldn’t believe how much of a pleasure it was to make these for you, fashion from another world I can hardly believe it” she said in a somewhat dreamy tone that quickly changed to confusion and curiosity as she continued “but some of these pieces were rather odd” she said lifting up a black leather shoulder holster.

Dropping the holster back on top of the folded clothes in her arms, smiling Rarity handed David the clothes almost pushing them into his chest eager to see how they would look on him “now if you would be so kind” she said in an endearing tone as she ushered him into one of the many changing rooms.

Hearing the curtain rings scrape shut behind him he turned to find the a lavender curtain wall, turning back around he saw a full dress mirror mounted against the wall and a long varnished bench. Placing the pile of clothes down on the bench he began to change, taking his jacket, vest and shirt off he stopped. Catching his reflection in the corner of his eye he turned to the mirror, this was the first time he had saw himself, standing their the thread around his neck drooping down to his chest where his identity discs rested over the top of his breast bone. Looking over his body he saw how battered he had become, faded yellow blisters covered the right side of his chest with thick white dead skin around them, surrounding the blisters were a good few inches of scarred red skin. The two other scars he recognise instantly, the round scars for bullets but he knew his back looked worse, thinking that the bullets had shattered as tore through him bursting his back open.

His face dropped to a distant lost expression as he stared unfocused into the mirror being brought out of it by Rarity calling into the changing room “everything alright in there darling? If any of it doesn’t fit please don’t force it, I would hate for you to tare it. If it needs it I’m sure I can do some quick adjustments”

Shacking off his disorientation he answered her in a low groggy tone “yes everything is alright, I’ll be out in a bit”

Looking down with a low sigh he got changed being careful as he put on the new shirt, looking into the mirror he saw his new outfit, his pointed shoes were a freshly polished black, his trousers were a deep navy blue like his waistcoat and tie, black suspenders held up his trousers over a white collared shirt. Picking up the black shoulder holster David slid it through his left arm up to his shoulder, warping the long strap around his back he tucked it back into his open waistcoat through the sleeve holes fastening the straps across his chest. After buttoning up his waistcoat he pulled his revolver from his belted holster slotting it into his shoulder holster, slipping the loose cord around his neck it’s slack drooped down his chest to his waist before running back up his body to the iron ring on the bottom of his revolver.

The next article of clothing was a matching buttoned blazer, the final piece was a long overcoat that was ever so slight darker than the rest of his clothes. Leaving it open he straightened the collar seeing their was more, completing the outfit he saw their was still more clothes that didn’t match what he was wearing. They were closer to his rifleman’s uniform, the trousers were brown like the one’s he arrived in but they were less baggy looking straighter and more befitting of a suit, the buttoned collared shirt was a light lime that contrasted against the solid dark green of the tie on top of the pile.

Looking in the mirror he saw himself, it felt strange for the first time in three years he looked like himself. Walking out of the changing room with the rest of his clothes in hand he almost walked into Rarity as she stood their eagerly awaiting him with a smile “now don’t you look absolutely dashing. I rarely do anything for stallions but the chance to do a full suit is something I couldn’t let pass me by, let alone the chance to use designs from another world” she said with a proud tone.

Looking over his clothes he smile as he replied in an astonished voice “yeah you’ve really outdone yourself, thank you”

“oh it was no bother, but if you could drop those I would like to take some photos. Fashion magazine is going to have a field day with this” she said in a cheerful tone.

Leading him away too another room Rarity manned the standing camera that pointed to the blank wall across from them checking it’s film, placing the clothes down on a nearby stool Rarity eagerly ushered him into position. After a while of moving and manipulating David’s stance Rarity slumped behind the camera as she spoke in a huff “I don’t know what it is but it’s just missing something”

Looking down over his clothes he replied in a calm voice “I think might know what it’s missing”

Perking up Rarity spoke in an upbeat tone “I’m all ears dear”

Watching him walk over to his jacket he rummaged through his inside pockets, pulling a sliver pocket watch out of his jacket by the long fine silver chain. Smiling Rarity spoke in an enthusiastic voice “of course! A simple splash of silver to contrast against the blue, why didn’t I think of that?”

Clipping the end of the chain to his vest he slip the watch into it’s right pocket. With a new found energy Rarity began to direct David into several poses, after taking a few photos each flash nearly blinding David Rarity spoke with a smile “now that you have a nice vest you can wear that stunning watch and get rid of that gristly one on your wrist”

Lifting his left sleeve he saw the cracked face of watch as he chuckled pulling out is pocket watch “I’m afraid that’s not going to happen” lifting up his silver watch he shock it earning a light metallic rattle from it as he saw the aggressive scratch on it’s back “broke in the first raid against the Germans, saved me from a pretty nasty wire pole” he said calmly.

“why haven’t you gotten it fixed? Surely you want something so dazzling to serve it’s purpose? If anything it’s an insult against fashion to let something so splendid suffer like that” Rarity asked in an almost demanding tone as she became more frantic with her words.

Giving her a shrug he answered in nonchalant tone “not a priority, when your fighting a war maintaining your weapons and your men come first. Besides wouldn’t want to break luck”

Looking at him curiously Rarity asked in a dismissive tone “don’t tell me you believe in those silly superstitions?”

Pocketing his watch David answered her his voice becoming slightly elevated to her tone “I come from a long line of sailors if it wasn’t for those superstitions I wouldn’t be alive”

Tilting her head mockingly Rarity replied “Really?”

“yes really. Rats leave the ship, the ship get sunk. The rats started fleeing the trench, there’s a gas cloud on the horizon. Those superstitions saved my ancestors and their still saving me and my men” he confirmed in a dry tone.

With a mild look of disgust Rarity replied in a matching tone “well at least those ghastly things can serve some purpose”

Getting back to the photography Rarity spent another hour taking photos of David new clothes, smiling at her work she asked in a pleasant tone “now that we are done how about we celebrate, I’ll invite girls I know Twilight and Applejack had a long day planned. I know this quaint little place in the centre of town”

Straightening himself he replied as he picked up his clothes “if there is one thing I’ve learned from France never turn down the chance for food”

Clapping her hands together she wore a bright smile as she spoke in an equally cheerful tone “excellent”

5

After dropping his clothes off at the cabin David walked through the streets of Ponyville in search of the restraint. Getting close to the centre of town he saw Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow dash and Rarity standing out side of the restraint. Smiling they waved him over with Twilight looking to be a bit jittery that matched her energetic tone “finally you were eleven seconds from being late”

Giving her an odd look he replied in a dismissive tone “okay”

“but now that your here we can go in, hopefully they’ll have space but somepony thought it would be a good idea to show up without a booking” Twilight said in a sarcastic tone towards Rarity.

“Twilight dear I’m good friends with the owners I’m positive they’ll make room for us” Rarity answered back in a calm reassuring voice.

“I dunno Rare’s it looks might busy” Applejack interjected.

“how about we just go in and see if they have space” Rainbow said becoming a tad irritable with their bickering.

Heading in they saw it was rather fancy with dark varnished wood furnishing and white cloth tables, the restraint was quite busy with what looked to be all tables full with colourful seated ponies. Walking over to them a light grey unicorn spoke in an out of breath voice “welcome to the… Rarity how good to see you again, sorry I would love to chat but as you can see we are quite busy”

“oh that’s no problem darling, don’t suppose you’ve got room for five?” Rarity asked happily.

A glum look spread across the owners face as she replied “I’m sorry but we are quite full tonight, normally I would be able to squeeze you in but we’re having a lot of problems tonight”

“oh” Rarity said in a disheartened tone.

“if you only booked in advance like I said none of this would have happened” Twilight said somewhat smugly.

“what sort of problems are ya having?” Applejack asked.

Sighing the owner spoke in a huff “the musician hasn’t arrived yet, we advertised tonight as special night for couple and they are becoming difficult to deal with”

“typical” Rainbow stated.

“so what kind of music you looking for?” Applejack asked.

“Piano” the owner stated in a dull tone.

“if I can play for while would you be able to get us a table?” David asked moving up from behind the girls.

Getting a strange look from the owner to what he was she answered “you know how to play? Do you know lovers hooves?”

Shacking he answered “no”

“what about spring trot?” she asked.

Shacking his head again he gave the same response “no”

“can you read sheet music?” she asked with fading hope.

“no, I play by ear” he stated calmly.

“do you know anything romantic?” she asked in a dull voice getting disgusted expression from Rainbow as she gagged.

“mainly classical but some have a romantic feel to them” he answered getting an intrigued look from Rarity and Twilight.

Sighing she spoke in a defeated tone “just don’t pull a pinkie pie and I’ll get you a table”

Not knowing what she was talking about he followed her as she lead them too their table, taking them to the corner of the room by a large black piano. Taking off his overcoat he folded it hanging it over the back of one of the chairs, sitting down before the piano he ran his finger across the white keys feeling each indent between them. Picking up the sheet music he tossed it onto of the piano’s black top as he began to play.

Watching him the girls saw how his fingers elegantly moved from key too key as he played the soothing music they have never heard before, finishing he found the entire restraint staring at him.

“David darling that was incredible, what was that piece?” Rarity asked in an astonished tone.

“Fur Elise it means for Elise, written by the greatest composer who ever lived for the woman he fell in love with. Thought it was fitting for occasion” he said in a calm almost distant voice.

Rushing through the door a lime green earth pony ran over to the owner, her voice was loud and frantic as she panted “sorry… thought… I was… coming tomorrow” composing herself she continued in a steadier voice “did I miss something?”

Turning to her the owner answered “you certainly did”

Taking over the musician took David’s place at the piano letting him join the ponies at the table. Opening the menu before him he could feel their piecing eyes of the ponies looking at him, from his table and the surrounding ones.

“so David were did you learn that? Some grand school filled with books from across your world?” Twilight said in a dreamy tone as she imagined all the knowledge a school like that could contain.

Shacking his head slightly he answered not looking away from his menu “no, my father taught me since I was a boy”
“oh, well that’s nice” Twilight said with an air of disappointment, hoping he would tell her of books from this strange world he came from.

After a minute they heard an audible disheartened huff from David “what’s wrong partner?” Applejack asked.

“nothing, it’s just their no meat” he answered getting a shocked look from the rest of the table.

“you want what?!” Rainbow yelled almost standing up from the table.

“Rainbow keep you voice down” Twilight hushed.

Sitting back down Rainbow glared at Twilight as she spoke “but Twilight he eats animals, imagine how Fluttershy would act if she found out”

“relax I’m a civilised man, I’m not going to eat you or your pets” David said in a somewhat cold voice too their reaction.

“what… what do you eat?” Rarity asked in a shaky voice.

“beef, pork, chicken, lam. While I’ve been here I’ve been supplementing my diet with fish from the river” David answered.

“well that puts my mind to rest but how come you can eat vegetable as well?” Twilight asked in a curious tone to what she was hearing to what she had seen.

“how do y’all know he can eat veg Twi?” Applejack asked in a slightly mocking tone.

“he had a bag of vegetables when we were out in the everfree, why would he carry food he can’t eat” Twilight retorted.

Flipping over the menu David spoke to himself “I need a drink” after a moment his face turned to confusion as he couldn’t find any drinks “please don’t tell me this is a dry country” he said to himself as she tossed the menu down to the table beneath him.

“you got nothing to fear friend, this place sell the best cider in the whole of Equestria” Applejack answered in tone full of pride to her own work.

“yeah Applejack’s cider is the best around, they sell it all the way in Canterlot” Rainbow boasted.

“Don’t suppose they do anything stronger?” David asked in a still voice.

“STRONGER! Ma cider is the strongest stuff around, the strongest we do is eight percent alcohol” Applejack yelled in surprises and defence.

“the rum I drink is forty” he stated getting a collective look of shock from the girls.

“forty!” they all said in unison.

“you drink stuff that is forty percent alcohol?!” Twilight asked in an astounded voice.

“yeah it’s standard rations” David stated.

“STANDARD!” Twilight yelled.

“why are you so shocked by this?” he asked not knowing her thought process.

“because that level of alcohol is dangerous for a pony, if we drink that amount of alcohol it is rare like once a year at most and even then it could put us in hospital” Twilight said in a panicked shaky voice.

“really?” he asked getting a collective nod from group as he continued “The British army gives us two table spoons a day” getting more shocked looks from the girls.

Speaking in a more cheerful tone David spoke “if that’s how you react too rum I’ll like to see you react too brandy”

“why how strong is that?” Twilight asked her voice calming down with each word.

“can go up too sixty percent” David stated calmly anticipating their reaction with an ounce of excitement.

“horse apples!” Rainbow yelled.

“Rainbow we are in public!” Rarity yelled back in a more hushed voice.

“come on Rarity he’s lying, like come on at least make it believable. Back me up Applejack” Rainbow proclaimed in a loud obnoxious voice.

“sorry Rainbow but he’s telling the truth” Applejack replied knowing Rainbow wasn’t going to like the answer.

“WHAT?!” Rainbow yelled again”

“Rainbow will you please compose yourself” Rarity demand with harsh tone in her hushed voice.

“but come on sixty percent” Rainbow pleaded in defence.

“I know drinking that would be lethal but we are in public” Rarity replied in a softer voice before turning to the group “now how about we order, I think I’ll be having the hay dressing salad. What about the rest of you?”

“fruit delight for me, got to say fit if I’m going to be a Wonderbolt someday” Rainbow said with pride.

“same for me, got too keep ma strength up for the farm” Applejack added.

“I think I’ll go with the fruit combo” Twilight said.

Picking up the menu David looked over it again before dropping it back down “I’ll ask them to surprise me, as long as it’s fresh it’ll be than what I’m use too”

“army food that bad dare?” Rarity asked with a hint sorrow in her voice.

“it’s not bad it’s just, tasteless. But the rum helps and besides it could be worse” he said plainly.

“how? From what you’ve told us it sounds pretty bad already” Twilight asked in a way not wanting the answer.

Giving an amused huff to how little they knew he said a single word that could have stopped the world “rats”

Quietly Twilight stammered out a response “what?”

His voice was low and hung over him like a cloud of depressive smoke “the rats, men ate the rats. Not that we could call them that, they’d grown fat off the bodies, when I last saw they were the size of cats. The Germans have it worse they love it when we take them prisoner, first descent meal they’ve had in months. Their fighting an unsustainable war, we have the empire and all her colony at our backs and all they have is Germany. The food shortages affect all sides of the war but the Germans have been reduced to cattle, they eat turnip soup with turnip bread. Rumours are they’ve begun to eat each other”

Twilight voice was like a lump in throat struggling to get out “you don’t mean they” she couldn’t continue they didn’t have the word for it such a thing never existed in their world “that their capable of... of...”

“cannibalism, it’s called cannibalism but their only rumours, but if you ask me, I believe their capable of it” his voice was still hung low becoming laced with sorrow as he continued as his eyes drifted off looking at nothing, it was like they were looking back in time back to war and all it’s horrors “the war will come to an end, but until then there’s many miles of ground too cross and many more men will die”

The ponies just stared at him in shock, it was like they were frozen, they couldn’t speak or even comprehend what he had told them. Each and everyone of them felt sick to their stomachs, rats eating men, men eating rats and even men eating men. They couldn’t imagine it, every word he spoke painted a darker picture but one day the painting would be complete, and they were afraid of what they might see.