The Runners of Humanityby NickzonChaptersChapter 1: JourneyChapter 2: A Shelter StoryChapter 3: RunnersChapter 4: Hours to Seconds?Prologue: Setting SailChapter 1: JourneyThe bright blue flash flicked in Aidan’s eyes as he braced for impending impact. “UFF!” He grunted. The first thing he felt (well, after the crash) was the cool feeling of wet grass and the cool wind. If it weren’t for the stressful mission in his hands he would’ve felt pretty relaxed. “More are here?” asked an unrecognizable voice. Aidan turned his head towards the voice to see five other people, crouched under a strange looking tree. "Are you guys uh..-" "Pioneers?" said an Asian looking woman. "We sure are. Who are you? You're one of the Americans, right? Seems like not all your group made it." asked an unknown female. Aidan stared at the woman talking. "I am,” said Aidan, showing some enthusiasm. Upon hearing the next thing he looked behind him and saw no one. The soldier, who he identified as a Brit with his Union Jack patch on his uniform chuckled. "Mind introducing yourself?" "Aidan…” he mumbled. "Aidan?" asked the British man. Aidan grunted. "I'm Jia Peizhi. I'm from Fuzhou, China. Nice to meet you." smiled the Chinese girl. "Wilbert Siegel. Cologne, Germany." "Ania Romanova, St. Petersburg." "Private James, Royal Australian Navy. Seahawk Pilot. Good day." "Staff Sergeant Haynes, at your service! Just a simple lad from Piccadilly." grinned the British fellow. His teeth were surprisingly well kept. “As you can see, we’re a bit short on manpower at the moment.” chuckled Waynes. "Yes, ve vere supposed to haf a French lady and an Italian soldier." said Wilbert as he scratched his head. "We are missing two other Russian,” responded Ania. "But for us , it's just me an' young James." "PRC sent me and a man named Cui Hai..." another brief pause, "what about you?" "I came with two others as well…" mumbled Aidan, heart still beating and hands still sweating. So much pressure had been set upon him, yet, he had a feeling in the back of his head to make a positive impression on the group. "Sounds about reasonably accurate. Though, they must be here in this general area as they were sent along with you guys, correct?" "Yeah but.. where and why?" James said, itching his cheek. "Radio?" asked Aidan, unzipping his pack and taking out a walkie talkie. "Of course ve did. But they're not responding." "And since we were expecting you Americans to be here we waited so you wouldn’t be left behind. So I guess now we can look for them?" asked Jia. "Yeah, let's go. No one else-coming here-anyway,” said Ania. The two soldiers grabbed their L85 Rifles leaned on the strange tree. Waynes began whistling the tune Carry You Home by James Blunt. The Pioneers began walking through the forest. "Ret' me terr' ya', these trees sure are strange,” Chuckled Waynes, putting his cigar in his mouth. “Not as strange as talking ponies,” joked James. "You sure are-a-funny-American,” mused Ania. “Thanks…” thanked Aidan, confused. After a brief awkward silence, conversation started rolling up again. “Thanks..” Aidan made an uncertain and awkward smile The pioneers continued to move. It was strange that creatures similar to those on earth seemed to be living on this planet. He had a queer feeling about where they were. The group suddenly heard something moving between the bushes in the deep forest. "Shhhh," ordered Haynes as he pulled down his rifle. The group took out anything that can be improvised as a weapon. Hilbert reached his rifle from his back, Ania summoned an AK74 from her pack's side, Jia took out a Type 81, and Aidan grabbed out an M16. Suddenly, a creature bursted from the bushes crying. "Timberwolves!" cried an unknown voice. The group suddenly turned as a yellow colored quadruped dashed across the path and into the tree line parallel to the one it came from. The creature looked to it’s side and saw the stalled humans. “AHHHHHH!” she screamed with her high pitched voice. “AHHHHHHH!” James sophisticatedly responded. She turned to her right and ran down the road. It only took a quick view of the creature for the group to realize what they've gotten themselves into. Ponies. Goddamn it. "Oh rotten piss. We might’ve blown our cover…” “Hopefully the other creatures will just think she’s crazy.” said Jia. . . . Northbrook, Illinois, Earth 2023 "I really hope they do it." said Operator Harvey. "We all do." sighed Commander Sherwin. "Let's hope that succeed and not fall hard to the ground like a buncha' dumbasses." The men chuckled quietly. Harvey pulled out a pack of gum. "Want one?" he offered. "Mint?" asked the general. "No, berry flavored." "Sure. I'll have one." He took a piece of gum and began to chew on it. The sirens suddenly began to blare. "THIS IS NOT A DRILL. PROCEED TO BATTLESTATIONS. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK." "Shit, looks like they found us." "God damnit! Fuck fuck fuck!" shouted Harvey "Watch your tongue Harvey! If we're gonna die at least let's die not talking like 7th graders." His radio buzzed. "ANYONE HEAR ME!? THIS IS BOXER 1. WE ARE UNDER A DIRECT ATTACK BY LUNA! I REPEAT WE ARE UNDER DIRECT ATTACK BY- NO! NO NO NO N-......... "MotherFUCKER!" "I thought you s-" "It's motherfucking Luna, Harvey the last thing I should worry about his goddamn swearing like a twelve year old!" "They're probably all dead anyways.." Gunfire could be heard faintly behind the doors. Blood curdling screams of pain suddenly being cut off abruptly. Sick wicked laughter from a voice everyone here knew all too well... Each scream and gunfire heard suddenly became louder and louder slowly approaching the walls of the collider room. "AUUUHHHHH" "NO PLEASE I MEA-" "GOD HELP ME!" "YOU REALLY THINK YOUR PRECIOUS 'GOD' WILL SAVE YOU! YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELVES AND YOU WILL PAY! YOU SICK, DIGUSTING, MURDEROUS MONSTERS!" "Fuck! She's coming!" cried Harvey. "EVERYONE GET READY!" Shouted Major Dunn The fighting continues to slowly get closer and closer. Then... "YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM US!" "Oh fuc-" CRASH! A huge explosion erupted as it squeezes through the blast doors of the collider room. A huge cloud of smoke then engulfed the room. It all went silent. Until, suddenly, emerging from the dust, were two alicorns, Luna and Twilight. Followed by them were the rest of the main 6, and an army of guards, unfazed by the toll of war. Luna's horn was glowing light blue. "No, no no no! Please! I have a family! Please don't kill me!" Violently sobbed a refugee. "And you will meet them soon," Luna smirked with a wrathful look. "NO NO! PLEASE! I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT ANYONE! I JUST WANT TO LIVE! PLEASE!" wailed the refugee. Luna crouched low and whispered into the teenager's ear. "Shhh, it'll be alright. You'll feel nothing." The boys cries only amplified in volume. "Ugh, disgusting creature. If this is the only way to shut you up, then I will gladly take it to action!" shouted Luna. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUH-" crack! Luna held up the boy from his head. She had snapped his neck from the base of his skull. The Pony Army behind her cheered. "YOU SEE THIS!?!? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO THOUGH WHO RESIST! LAST CHANCE! STAND DOWN AND DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND WE WILL NOT ATTACK!" "Yeah right bitch! You can try all you want! But humans have more wits than you'll ever have blue cocksucker!" screams Dunn. The remaining soldiers cheered in agreement. "Very well then. Let's dance." "FIRE!" ordered Commander Sherwin. The room opened up with guns blazing. Shells bounced all around as Luna summons a defensive shield spell. Some bullets find their mark as the shells penetrate the armor of the enemy soldiers. Blood flies all over the walls and floor. Luna flips all of the soldiers to the floor using her horn. She is abruptly stopped, when an M72 Law fires a missile at her. Caught off guard, Luna barely has time to put up her shield. Yet pieces of shrapnel had jabbed into her, scarring her and creating minor lacerations to her skin. She suddenly jerks the soldier from his up top position. Luna out of anger, slams the soldier into the ground. "SAAAAAMM!" A soldier cried. He starts to fire again at the ponies. Aiming down his sights he aims for the eye of an unsuspecting soldiers. He fired, and the enemy dropped to the floor instantly. He then aimed his M40 towards a yellow pegasus with pink hair and fires, only to miss. "Shit," he hisses to himself. He aims down the sight again and the last thing he sees is a purple alicorn glaring daggers down his eyes as her horn began to glow violently. Knowing he was gonna die, he’d hate to miss out a reference before kicking the bucket. "PARKER GET DOW-" he shouts, soon to be cut off as the burst of magic obliterates the high sniper position. Luna, one soldier at a time, advances closer and closer towards the collider. Seeing the chaos unfold more and more, Sherwin had to make the last desperate decision. The collider must be destroyed. The only way the Pioneers could get back was to somehow build another collider on the other side, then make a collider still functional on Earth to turn on and transport them back, which operating one takes year of understanding and practice to even do such an operation. Or, they'd hit the gold and find friendly beings able to transport them back to Earth and finish the fight. There was no way either was gonna happen. So he did it. The fate of a whole group directly in his hands to crush in such a brutal way. But to do the action, was for the greater good. "I hope humanity lives on wherever the hell they are." Muttered the commander before staring back at the battle. Not able to see his soldiers be ripped to shreds in hundreds of bloodthirsty disgusting ways he said only one word to the explosives operator. “NOW!” ordered Sherwin. The explosives detonate. All he could see was white as the detonation flashed through his eyes, briefly blinding him and catching him off guard. The battle continues on though. Had he saved anybody he would question for sometime. “Smarter than they look.” Twilight says, twisting the arm of a soldier. “And so it seems.” Luna responds, throwing a squad of men to the side like dust to a broom. Applejack bucks a man against the wall and destroying his entire torso. “Rarity! You gonna help fight or what!?” “Just a second darling!” shouts Rarity, finishing a new cloth. “Take it as a gift from me to you!” Rarity levitates the cloth around a poor man, choking him. “Holy fuck! Oh my god oh my god!” screams Harvey. Seeing this, Sherwin nearly excretes his supposed last meal onto the hard steel floor painted with blood and guts. “FALL BACK!” shouts Dunn. “WHERE? WE’RE BACKED AGAINST THE WALL!” “SHIT!” Dunn grabbed a fresh 5.56mm NATO cartridge from his vest and loads it into his rifle. Firing with prestigious aim and control. Sherwin unslung his pistol, even though he knew it wouldn't do much to a godly deity. Yet, he still fired. Maybe a miracle could happen, even though miracles certainly didn't happen. Why would they? No, how would they exist if you look at the millions of children, men and women who died (a significant number of them brutally)? It was hard to grasp hope in such dark times, and the only finger of it still hanging was in the hands of a group of schmucks (most of them being untrained conscripts)? And still, he felt the urge to fight on, still knowing there was a chance, (a small one at that), that humanity might push on, and eradicate these Equestrian fucks for once and for all. Afterall, there was no doubt karma exists, and it would be leaning towards all of humanity this time. The remaining American forces slowly continue to lessen. It was Dunn, Sherwin, and Harvey that were left. Luna, after impaling another soldier against the wall, approaches the three survivors. “Shit!” Dunn shouted. He raises his M4A4 and fires at Luna to no avail. Luna grabs his gun and jerks it out of his hands. “Bitchass cunt sucking fucker!” Dunn swore, taking out his Baretta M9 from his holster and firing a few shots before being disarmed again. “What the fuck is he doing? What is that gonna do?” asked Harvey. “Well, we needed a distraction. Was it not?” “Sure was." "Wait so it wasn't or it was?" "It fucking was!' Shouted Harvey, a little too loudly. The two began staring out the window seeing the enemy ponies staring straight at them. "Get them. Now." ordered Luna. "Yes your majesty." "Fuck! Run!" yelled Sherwin, shoving Harvey in an attempt to make him move. The two bolted through the vents seemingly getting lost in the maze of the ventilation shafts. Still evading the hundreds of magical bolts flying in all direction. Some missing them by centimeters, even burning their clothing while doing so. All the two could do was blindly run through the systems and hopefully find a way out and escape. But while doing so, the loud thunking of the vents made tracking them easy for the pony soldiers. One just misses Harvey by a hair as he suddenly halts in terror. "OH FUCK!" he shouts. "JUST KEEP RUNNING YOU IDIOT!" "FUCK YOU!" Harvey screams, pushed by the adrenaline of fear and flight. His blood pumping through his systems faster than any fighter jet ever could. All he could hear was panting, and his heart beating, faster, faster, and faster, as he runs, not thinking about anything but running. It was only then, was there a dead end, as he slammed into the wall without thinking, he passes out. . . . "We're in the world of fucking ponies?" hissed James. "When the fuck did this get so... fucked?" "Since-world got-ultimatum from-pony-princess-with-rainbow-hair," answered Ania. "True true." "Should we... investigate?" asked Aidan. "I don’t think coming up to someone and saying ‘Hi, I’m infiltrating your planet to get a resource we need’ would sit well with Celestia." said James. "Okay, okay, but vat vas she zaying about timbervolfes?" "It doesn’t matter mates, let’s just... go on with the adventure already," James grunted. The Pioneers then got up, and continued their young journey. James continued contemplating about the mission this group had at task. Was the fate of his entire race really in the responsibilities of us? Aidan stared at the ground, uncertain of what to make of this situation. Undoubtedly scared of what would happen if he’d get caught by the enemy. "Hey James, you alright? Chap?" questioned Waynes. All he could do was groan in response to his question. A response he knew all too well. "'Uh' isn't gonna give me the answer I want. Now, fellow, what’s happening. If we're gonna save our race from some pony fockers' than we'd better get to know each other or we’ll fall like the rest of humanity." Waynes was, unfortunately, correct. They all knew what was gonna happen. It practically said it on the contract. ‘Terrible death’ was written all over the papers, giving barely any room to even sign their names to whatever hell they've been brought too. Maybe it was hope that kept everyone still going, because no one was stopping, and everyone seemed as eagerly determined as each other to end this bloody war with alien ponies with humanity's favor. They had too. They had to succeed. Everyone knew they needed a plan sooner or later too, or this all would've been for goddamn nothing. And if nobody formulated one soon, they were destined to fail. Someone had to step up to the plate. And if no one else was, he had to. James had to. "Goddamn it, fine Waynes, look, we're probably all thinking how we're totally gonna fucking fail and die here, but can we please try to work together and communicate so we can save us all?" "Well, I certainly will," said Waynes, "not sure about the others though." "Okay, if you vant’ us to have a plan, do you have any?" challenged Wilbert, exhausted by the stressful fatigue that had set a toll on him already. "I uh... I don't know, I haven't thought of a plan up to this point. I was kinda expecting you guys to have one formulated?" James gave an awkward stare. "Look, James, ve' all vant' to be ze' hero who fix everything," interjected Wilbert, speaking more politely, "but ve' can't. No vone' is a natural born badarse'. Vat' ve' can do, ve' vill' try to do. But ve' can't do everything we hope to achieve." "I'm with Wilbert on this one, mate. It's sad, unsatisfying even, that we can't save everyone, but that eh.... that's just how war works chap. That's just how the world works." Waynes gave an honest meaningful face towards James as he sighs. "Okay, let's carry on. Let's not waste anytime here. What we can do we can do, but we want to get the most out of it aye?" The Pioneers gave an exasperated 'aye' while walking towards the sunset. "I'll think of something." said James. Hoping to bring a little spark of hope to his friends. "Ania is sure you will," Ania said. "While we agree with James we'll be with you during these days together. That’s what comrades are for. You’re gonna be stuck with us for sometime so you might as well." Jia gave a warming smile. "God, I’m such an idiot." He muttered, sighing to himself. . . . “They seemed to have used this machine to travel to another world,” Twilight analyzed. “Can you find out where, Sparkle?” asked Luna, wiping the cold blood off her face. “I can use a spell to see the object’s past. Maybe we’ll get a lead on where they’ve sent those humans,” “Great work, Sparkle. I will be outside if you need anything...” answered Luna. Twilight eventually powered up the spell an used it on the collider. Seeing everything that happened before they came here. The preparation, the people, and to her luck, where they were going. And it wasn’t good. To follow the paths of the human pests, Twilight would have to get the machine back running, but not only had they used up or destroyed all the energy sources to work the machine, but the machine itself was too complex to fix in such a short time. Twilight pondered for sometime. If they didn’t figure out where they went, they could possibly pose a great threat to Equestria and its Earth colony in the future. Twilight had to find out quickly, she had to know what they were doing. That’s when she had an idea. “Princess Luna! I think I found a solution to the problem!” Twilight eagerly said, maybe a bit to excited. “Marvelous, Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna, awaiting her input. “While we can’t directly take them on as the machine is too complex to build in such a short time, but we can find where they are, what they’re doing, and everything else!” answered Twilight. “That is good, Sparkle. We will get the best Equestrian scientists to help figure out this machine. But while they do that you shall find out everything,” Luna told, “everything.” “Yes your highness,” said Twilight, before going back to the destroyed collider to work on her spell. “We will find though human drones, and once we do, humanity will finally fall,” said Luna, “and when we have personally found them, we will rip them limb to limb...” Author's Note Please give feedback I really feel like this has potential but I'm missing things! *whispers loudly* IS IT TOO VIOLENT??? Chapter 2: A Shelter StoryThe Pioneers were still looking for their missing comrades while also blindly exploring the now known ‘pony planet’. They’d been doing this for hours. The strain has started to get to all of them. Aidan was practically stumbling, until he actually stumbled over a rock. “I swear. I can’t….. t-training didn’t help me enough on this..” panted Aidan. “Sir, we’ve gotten nowhere for more than half an hour, can we settle down for once?” “Negative,” Waynes said, walking with his rifle slung. “What do you mean, ‘negative?’ You’re pushing us to our focking’ limit cap! The focking’ limit!” He puts his arms up to show more feeling. The sounds of gravel shifting gravel became louder and louder as Aidan slowly fazed in and out of his surroundings. His legs began to shake and shift. Every step felt like one closer to collapsing. And it seemed the same could be said for the others. Except for the fully trained soldiers, that was. The other’s stayed quiet during the talking. But it was clear that the toll of walking for hours has gotten to them as well. It was only then when Waynes paused, holding a hand up as to signify stopping to the group. “Oh focking’ finally,” groaned James, “alright mates, let’s settle dow-“ “Shh, shh, shut up…” hissed Waynes as he shoved an arm at Jame’s shoulder. “Anyone hear that?” asked Waynes, still ordering everyone to cease what they’re doing. “Hear what?” Whispered Ania, arms bent in front of her. “Anyone hear me this is Corporal Gentilini, I’m with…. uhh…. Major Liam, First Lieutenant Semenov, two privates, one Chinese, the other American, an American conscript, a Russian one, and a French one. If any other pioneer hears this, please respond. Over.” After a pause of silence Waynes broke it. “James, get your radio,” “Okay, sir.” he said before dismounting his pack onto the path. James unzipped his backpack to get the buzzing walkie-talkie. He rummaged around his military pack when he found the walkie-talkie. He gave the device to Waynes. Waynes pushed the speak button on the device. “This is Waynes from the Pioneers. We copy, over.” “I’ll be damned, I can’t believe you guys are alive! Over!” “Alive? Why wouldn’t we be? Over.” he said, taking off his helmet and scratching his messy hair. “There are... things.. in the forest... over.” “What things? Things like creatures? Aliens? Over.” He mounted his helmet back on again. “Yes. But there is no time to explain. Over.” Waynes pursed his lips. He then held the button. “Where are you and the group? We can finally meet up and do something official. Over.” “Let’s see... it’s just forest out here. Over.” “Any path? Over.” “Yes, there is a path, it’s a gravel path, we’ve been walking over it for an hour. Over.” “Maybe if you keep going forward we can bump into each other? Over.” “Or just make us keep going the same direction and we never find each other. Over.” “Hold— just a moment. Over.” he spoke, lowering the walkie talkie and talked to James. “Hey, James, be a good sir and get that flare pistol you brought with you?” James looked at Waynes with brief confusion before sparking with understanding. He again, dismounted his pack and scrummaged through his pack until he found the big red pistol with the word ‘FLARE’ engraved in the sides. After loading a big shell into the chamber, he motions to Waynes that it’s ready. “Corporal Gentilini, one of us has a flare, we’ll shoot it in the sky then you come here. Over.” James had taken the big flare shell from his pack and slid it into the chamber of the gun. “Copy. Hold.” James aimed his right arm towards the sky, then pulled the trigger. The bright red flare shimmered in the clear blue sky. It seemed to have worked. “Corporal Gentilini, have you recieved the flare? Over.” “I sure have. Let’s finally damn meet up. Over and out.” . . . Applejack gave a sigh of satisfaction. She had done all she needed to do for today and now she can finally relax. Today had been exhausting. She and her five other friends had helped Luna cleanup a dangerous facility. She leaned on the fence looking at the sky. It was only 4:30 yet it felt like it was 8:00. The sky was starting to darken but the clouds were still blue and clear as glass. She stared for a while. Feeling relieved, when suddenly she saw a burning red flare in the sky, slowly sinking lower and lower. Something was in the Everfree forest, and it seemed to be begging for her to investigate. But first, she had to tell Twilight and her friends... . . . Still focusing on her task at hoof, Twilight was furiously writing down her notes and research to make the spell fit for the job. Satisfied with her work, Twilight powered up her spell and blasted it at the ruined machine. Nothing happened. “Buck,” Twilight swore to herself. She went back to her papers and began to redo her spell. . . . “Let’s go, don’t slack off we’re almost there to meet them.” ordered Liam. Then it was just silence accompanied with panting and heavy breathing. The second group had experienced a similar amount of fatigue exploring the forest. Being attacked by a timberwolf, which ultimately exploded after swallowing Liam’s grenade. The flare’s red flash was on the verge of disappearance and they had to move fast enough to meet the rest of the group. “So, let me get this straight. You were born from both China’s?” asked Sabine. “Yes. My mom was born in ROC and my dad was born in the PRC.” said Cui. “Interesting..” “Okay, strain is-start-to-get-on-Semenov as well. Are you sure-this-plane-work?” asked the Russian major. “As long as the other group follows their own flare we should meet up soon.” said Liam. “Shit… y’know, mah’ uncle, he was a bit of a crazy man, he used to walk with me down the grass fields back in Georgia. Would scold me for complainin’ about shit cus’ his father did it to him and he was runnin’ away from the Civil War goin’ on at the time.” “Shut up, Porter, this is why you got demoted.” “You shut up you fucking hard balled douchebag.” said Porter, sticking up a flick finger to him. “You say that again, and I will have you court marshaled.” “Shut up, you’re just a butthurt little fuck from Minnesota, aren’t ya’?” he challenged, giving the double middle fingers. “You come here you bitch!” Liam scrambled to the Georgian with his hands in front of him, shoving him to the ground while Porter grabbed on to him and brought him down too. “You two idiots stop!” intervened Gentilini, “what you’re doing is not something you were asked to do on the job description. So don’t do it.” “Job description, JOB DESCRIPTION? You listen here you little sh-“ “Shut up. Shut up! I heard something…” said Semenov. ”There are a bunch of crazy animals in the Land Down Under. When I was young, I used to think these pests were everywhere. Turns out I was wrong. And I was just another unlucky soul to be born in Satan’s backyard.” “Oh come on, don’t be such a sour-puss. Australians are awesome. They have cool accents, they’re like cowboys but upside down, they— “You hear that talking?” asked Sabine. “It’s the group!” shouted Porter, stumbling to the floor again before scrambling up to the noise. The rest of the group followed him. “Hello! Fellow humans!” said Porter. “Wow, I haven’t seen anything bipedal for hours!” shouted James. “What about us?” asked Jia. “You guys don’t count.” “Jesus christ Sabine, I vas’ vorried’ out of my ass for you,” Wilbert sighed. “Truly was a hell ride,” said Sabine, embracing Wilbert into a hug. “Zina, my god I was terrified, you could’ve died!” Ania shouted in Russian, shaking Zina back and forth before giving her a huge hug. “So, Gentilini, I don’t suppose we’ve formally met. So, good day sir,” he bows his beret in respect. Gentilini does the same in response. The two shook hands and shared a lighter. “Alright everyone listen up. Here’s our task at hand in full description: as you know, we have been at war with an alien race known as ‘ponies’. They hold a greater understanding of something we can’t even identify. We call it ‘MG(V)IC’, or Manipulative Gravitational (values of) Ionic Concentration, or MaGIC. If Earth falls, we are the scouting force for humanity. You guys may have figured out that we had unintentionally travelled to the land of Equis, but we can still carry out our task at hand. But, first things first, we have to obtain more Artifact-R before anything. I’ve no idea what it’s for, but if the higher ups were so crazy about that shit, it must be important. Maybe, we can use it to take back Earth somehow. But until then, we just do our jobs. I don’t want any questioning of morales or basic respect, I want everyone here to do their goddamn job and thats it. Nobody gives a fu-” “Okay, okay, they get it. Everyone, please, try your best to do-job, that’s-order. You got that?” “Yes sir.” replied everyone. “Who do you think you are interrupting a higher up?” “I’m captain, and you’re captain. We possess the same amount of respect.” “You know what? I don’t have time to argue with you, Russian. Go with the others.” “What a fucking asshole.” “Just stop talking, you’ll get us both shot.” . . . It was night on Earth. Twilight had finished it. She had finished the spell. The exasperated alicorn turned to the spell and powered it up. If this worked, she could see how they travelled to her world, and see what’s happening to them currently. Her horn flashed brightly and then suddenly, everything flashed to white. After a second it had faded, and Twilight could see a panoramic view of Equestria. She did it. The exhaustion in her circuits were immediately wiped from thought as she looked around for any signs of the humans. There was nothing. She looked desperately for anything, any lead of the human’s whereabouts. This had lasted for several minutes, she was about to give up, when she saw it. A bright red flash streaking across the sky. “Jackpot,” Twilight snickered with an evil grin. . . . “It’s concerning how slow you conscripts walk,” mentioned Liam. The 7 soldiers had an easier time walking longer distances than the conscript volunteers for obvious reasons, making it appear that the group had split. “Are we ever gonna sit down?” asked Aidan, his voice nearly a groan. “Once we find some kind of abandoned shelter,” responded Liam. “And when will that be?” asked Zina. “Well, from how long we’ve been walking and still haven’t found any abandoned shelter, or any shelter at all, I’d say we’d best get ready to walk for... 15-30 minutes,” said Gentilini. All the conscripts along with Private Porter and LC James made a childish groan. “If you keep whining like little shits we’ll get nowhere and we’ll be wasting even more time. Time that we NEED.” responded Liam, his frustrated attitude silencing everyone. The silent walking and the sluggish pace of the conscripts compared to the soldiers continued once more. And after 7 minutes of silence Private Porter, talked. “Sir, Ah’ think Ah’ see something on the fah’ right,” said he, with his southern accent. “Building?” Liam simply asked. “Hold up,” he said, taking a pair of binoculars from his side and viewing through them. “Was it a building?” Liam repeated. “Yeah, yeah I thaynk’ so,” “You are to respond to me with affirmative and negative, do you understand, private?” “Affirmative sir,” “Does it have lights?” “Negative,” “You see anyone?” “That’s a negative,” “Well then let’s go everybody we’re headed to the abandoned structure. — Chop chop everybody this isn’t vacation.” Another collective groan from most of the group. The sun was on the brink of setting. The orange streaks shot across the sky along with the blue. The Pioneers had come across an abandoned castle in the middle of the forest, to their luck, and even more than the lights still work, and the fact that it’s isolated from the pony world made this the number one choice for a campout by unknown alien invaders. “Dayum,” muttered Porter, “look at dem’ banners.” He points at the two banners displaying an alicorn flying around in circles. One was blueish-purple, the other was white with pink hair. The group suddenly stopped and realized what this could mean. “Ya’ reckon we jus’ found ah’selves da’ castle of Princess Celestia and Luna?” inquired Porter. “With Jesus as my witness we may have just,” responded Gentilini. “Oh this is great. This is all just great. We jus’ trespassed an angreh’ bitch goddess’s castle! We are so focked’! “How would-sun-princess know if we did? Princess-castle is looking like-textbook-definition of abandoned! Can’t we just go in?” said Semenov. Semenov and a few others already began walking in. “Hold your horses big Ivan. It’s a trap,” Waynes deadpanned. But by then the door was already opened, Ivan and some others entered the castle, disregarding any discretion of the enemy. “Fucking idiots,” scowled Liam, “retards like them are gonna get us all KILLED!” he hissed. It didn’t matter how much he tried, everybody made their mind to go into the castle. “God we are so fucked!....” groaned Liam before stomping in. . . . Northbrook, Illinois, United States Sherwin watched as Harvey slowly began to open his eyes. “Holy shit, Harvey, you’re alive...” enthusiastically whispered Sherwin. “What happened. What the fuck happened after I was knocked out?” groaned Harvey. “I dragged you through the vents, and I found this corner that we can see through but stay hidden,” explained Sherwin. “How are we gonna survive out here? With no food... no water... N-NO LIGHT... STUCK HERE WHERE NOBODY CAN FIND US…” Harvey slowly stuttered. “We’ll think of something... I-I’ll think of something don’t worry about that Harvey. Worry about yourself right now,” “I don’t think I’m gonna make it...” groaned Harvey. “You only collided your forehead on the vent wall, shut up.” “oh..” . . . Discord had been with Celestia the whole day. “So you’re sure the facility cleanup had left nopony injured?” asked Celestia. “Yes little celly, nothing happened to anypony involved,” answered Discord. “Thank you Discord, you can go now,” “Alright, Celestia. Ta Ta!” Discord could feel a strange new presence of creatures in the Castle of the Two Sisters. He decided it was best to investigate alone. Suddenly snapping and reappearing in the Castle, hidden from sight of these “creatures”. He then identified them as humans. All Discord could think of was what they were doing here, and how were they here. He listened carefully. “Jesus christ. You guys can’t keep making noise! Somebody might hear you!” Cui walked towards Ella. “Not much of a talker either?” he asked. “Yeah. Sometimes I like to keep to myself,” responds Ella. “Me too...” The two sat alone, talking to each other amongst the quiet chaos of everyone talking. This was pretty dang important information, Discord had to tell the others. And in an instant, he vanishes instantly. . . . The CMCs have been looking forward to this day, they were gonna help a filly get her cutiemark in Adventuring. But before then, they had to scout out for safe areas to do the activity. “Alright, you girls ready?” asked Scootaloo. Both Applebloom and Sweetiebelle nodded in excitement. “Cutiemark Crusader’s brave adventurers!” all three of them cheered. They had already gotten their cutiemarks, but it was still fun to do. And they loved to help others, specifically other filly’s who don’t have cutiemarks. While they were still scouting out the area they were gonna explore, they had some familiarity with this part of the Everfree forest, as they’ve gotten caught many times trying to get their cutiemarks. The three best friends continued to drive down the path, no worries about anything. . . . “Your majesty, I’ve found the humans,” Twilight reported. “Excellent Twilight Sparkle. Have you found a way to get to them?” asked Luna. “Yes, but it will take some time, as the portals to Earth are recharging. We will have to wait until then, but only some 2 days or so.” “That is acceptable, as long as we know where they are it doesn’t seem like much of a problem.” . . . James got up from his spot he was sitting on and went to go outside. He wanted to grab some fresh air alone. Had the Unity War never happened, he wouldn’t normally do this. At a near age of 19 his silly personality still stuck with him even during the war. People were right when they say somethings really change about you but some you can only wish could. He didn’t even look 19 at this point. His eyes had more rings than it ever would in a normal life, he had scars all over his body, and the dirt stained on him help amplify his mature appearance when he was still a naturally silly kid. He had gone deeper and deeper into the woods, but he still knew where the base was. The castle stuck out like a sore thumb even at a decent range. ”Cutie Mark Crusaders adventurers! Yay!” James could hear it from the back of his ear. It sounded like kids. Way younger than anyone in the group. He jumped into a bush near him, hearing the children draw nearer. “Woah! Look! A castle!” said one with a rough voice. “Smallscout is totally gonna get his cutiemark here!” another one with a southern accent said. “I know right?” said a different one, that one had a more high pitched voice. From the angle the CMCs were looking at, from a distance, the castle that was being used as a base could be seen. But if those three discover that 14 bipedal alien creatures with no hair were living there, the secrecy of this operation would be completely compromised. Suddenly, James could hear a quiet rustling in the bushes, it didn’t seem like the three pony girls were aware as they kept on babbling about bullshit. Then suddenly, a wolf shaped animal made out of wood leapt out of the bushes. The girls screamed in terror as they fled from the scooter one of them rode on. The wolf thing was faster than them, he could only watch as the wolf outran the three little ponies. He couldn’t bare not helping. Rising from the bushes, James fired a round into the wood-wolf creature. It howled in pain, he shot another one, this time in its glowing yellow eyes, then a final one went straight through its mouth. The wolf collapsed into many pieces of log. The three ponies girls huddled up together stood in silence. “That...” “Was...” “THE COOLEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN!” The orange pegasus filly shouted. The three ponies approached James in excitement, blabbering so much words he couldn’t understand once what they were saying. It was approaching night, and James had to get back to base for obvious reasons. “Look, I appreciate your thankfulness for me, but I really need to go back to the base,” said James. “Take us with you!” Pleaded the yellow one. “We’re too scared to go back at night!” The three ponies gave pleading faces. “Fine, but if you come you won’t be going back to where you came from for some time until we finish our mission. He instantly regretted what he said. “Oooh! What mission! Can we hear?” they shouted. “No.” He began walking back towards the home base, the three fillies following behind, asking too many questions on the way. “Shhh!” hissed James. The three fillies stopped talking instantly. He peeked through the castle doors. “Hey! Porter! Waynes!” he whispered, “get the hell over here!” Porter listened and ran to where he was. So did Waynes. Aidan followed out of curiosity. “The hell you doing?” demanded the Aussie. “I uh... was curious..” responded Aidan. Porter’s eyes went wide in terror looking at the ponies. “Seriously!? Ya’ gave away our position?! Oh fuck!” “Nah, they wanted to come with me.” he said, moving his left leg to make space for the three ponies. “I couldn’t stop myself... they were attacked by a monster and they were only kids...” he continued. “Oh you gotta be fu-“ Waynes shoved Porter with his shoulder, he motioned his head towards the kids. “Oh you gotta be goddamn kidding me!” he said, changing what he was originally gonna say. Waynes put his hand to his face. “So what do you propose we do about these three little fillies?” asked Waynes. “I guess we’ll have to have two of us watch them in case they try to escape. Somewhere isolated from most of the group but easy to run back to if anything goes wrong,” proposed Aidan. “Well then, it’s settled. You and James are going upstairs to the balcony. There’s a clear path from there to the main entrance.” “What?! Why me?!” argued James. “Because you brought them here ya’ bloody dumbass.” “The fuck ya’ talking about? I didn’t bring them here! They followed me here. And, what, I’m just supposed to leave them all alone to get lost?!” “Simply put, you don’t know them.” deadpanned Waynes. . . . The two men sat on the balcony of the castle, the three fillies sitting beside them, talking nonstop. “Shut up ya’ cunts…” groaned the Australian. “What’s a cunt?” the white one asked. “It’s a slang for something you’ll possibly learn later.” “What’s a slang?” asked the orange one. “It’s sorta like an informal way of saying something,” answered James. “What’s informal?” asked the yellow one. “It means not in a serious or mature way,” responded James. Author's Note Hope I’m pacing the story well enough. I really want to get this right. Chapter 3: RunnersPonyville, Equestrian Republic, 1010 AC “Twilight! Twilight! Twilight, ya’ there?!” shouted Applejack, entering the castle. “W-Where is that Alicorn!” she stammered. “Twilight? Ya’ home?” Applejack opened the castle library doors, and upon entering, sees a note on a table: Dear Anypony who reads this, I’m fine, if you we’re worrying. I have been called by Luna to investigate the facility from the recent incident. I will be back but most likely later this evening. If you haven’t known this before, the facility has been reported to have anomalous properties. Perhaps researching this strange thing could be beneficial sometime. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle After finishing reading this Applejack cursed. “Darn it!” Before Applejack could head for the door, another pony walked in. Rarity. “Applejack?” “Rarity?” The two stared at each other silently. “Ah’m guessing ya came to look for Twi?” “Uh huh, you were too?” Applejack nodded. “Ah don’t suppose you care to tell me why you’re looking for Twi,” asked Applejack. “Yes, yes, I was looking for Sweetiebelle and I came here to ask if she’d seen her. How about you, Applejack?” “I uh,” she stammered, “there was this red glare in the sky this mornin’. Ah was goin’ to Twi if she had any answers,” responded the cowpony, “now that Ah’ think about it, Ah’ haven’t seen mah’ sis either..” “You don’t think they’ve both gotten carried away with some ‘Crusader related’ business do you?” “No doubting it.” she sighed. “Do you know when Twilight’s coming at least?” asked the fashion mare. “As a matter of fact, yes. Sadly it’s not anytime soon, Ah’m afraid,” she answered. “What are we gonna do then? And you said something about a ‘red glare’ in the sky, do you think that this is apart of it?” “No idea, but…” she thought, “what if they went into the Everfree forest? What if that’s why they haven’t come back?” Applejack began worrying. “O-oh dear, if that’s the case p-poor Sweetiebelle must be terrified being alone in the forest!” Rarity whimpered. “We have to go find em’ ourselves then!” Applejack dashed out the castle doors with Rarity following her. “So what you’re saying, is that those sticks you’re holding can shoot out tiny metal balls at very fast speeds at a target and kills them?” asked the orange pegasus now known as Scootaloo. “Why am I even telling you this…” groaned James. “Because we’re friends with you!” shouted the white unicorn named Sweetiebelle cheerfully. “No, we’re not friends. In fact, you three should be considered an enemy just like the rest of your species!” shouted James. “We’re friends. Admit it, you gave us refuge and food. That’s a pretty friendly move there, friend!” said Scootaloo, bouncing in front of the Aussie. He had to use all his wits to not squeeze her into a hug. Aidan was lying on the balcony floor sleeping. Applebloom lay atop him, sleeping alongside. James and the other two Crusaders still having their “discussion”. The rest of the group had stayed ignorant of the ponies. As much as Liam wanted to direct the group, Semenov held the same position, and had an unfortunately laid back attitude, making it hard for Liam to carry out decisions too harsh that Semenov had to decline. Liam had spent most of the day alone in his corner, talking to himself and other personal businesses. To be fair, the grump of the group wanted to finish the job and seeing the rest of the group lounging around while they could’ve been doing something useful in that time annoyed him even more. Nobody knew Liam personally, meaning nobody knew what made him such an ass all the time, but whatever it was, the group knew it was most likely something very traumatic that they should avoid referring to at all times. And to try and stay out of his way while he was at it. Waynes walked up the stairs to the balcony. “Aidan? You in there?” There was no response. It hadn’t occurred to Waynes at the time that he wasn’t easily waken when sleeping. After a few attempts to wake him up he’d stopped trying and left. Waynes had to try again next time. “I’m glad that spell actually worked, Sparkle. Very impressive.” said the Moon princess. “Thanks, Princess Luna. I’m glad too. Do you think this whole thing will be over soon?” said Twilight. “I’m sure it will end very soon. We just have to keep moving forward.” “Dang, I’m sure am hungry.” said Spike. “Don’t worry Spike, we’ll get something to munch on when we get home.” “Speaking of that, why is Discord riding Celestia?” asked Spike. “Huh?” asked Luna. “Better question, why are they headed towards the Everfree?” spoke Twilight. “This seems strange. Celestia doesn’t usually investigate anything herself, nor without any additional protection..” pondered Luna. “We’re gonna follow them aren’t we…” deadpanned Spike. “We are gonna follow them,” replied Twilight with a boost of energy, “thus could be big!” “Yes, the amount of peculiarity of seeing Celly going somewhere outside the boundaries of Canterlot is something I am at full right of investigating alongside her too.” “Ughh!” grumbled Spike. Hopping on to Twilight’s back as they pursued the two. “Okay, okay—“ Rainbow Dash managed before being cut off by a distraught Fluttershy. ”There were there when I turned to my left, then I screamed and ran away. I remember one screamed back. Oh my Celestia it was so scary so that’s why I came to you girls to help me because I am so scared right now and I can’t go back home until I have confirmation that makes me feel better an—“ “FLUTTERSHY!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Hey Flutters, I know you know that I talk very fast and you might think it’s funny but you have to have practice and right now you’re really bad at it!” Pinkie said very quickly. “Fluttershy, just breath. Breath okay?” said Rainbow Dash. She started to inhale and exhale slowly. Then she calmed down. “Now what were you saying about these things showing up and scaring you?” “Oh! It was horrible! They were screaming at me and then starting to move their hooves to get something, then I freaked out and ran away!” “Oh those things will pay! How dare they disregard Fluttershy’s feelings, then try to attack her?! Oh I’m gonna give them a huge buck in the throat!” she scowled, punching her fists together. “Yeah! What jerks!” added the pink mare. “Come on girls! We’re gonna show these intruders a lesson!” The three ponies started to make their way into the Everfree forest to look for the human pests. “The coast is clear,” whispered Sherwin. Motioning for the still head hurt Harvey to exit the vent shaft. The two were attempting to get food and water. Luckily for them, the hidden facility held a cafeteria which held a huge stockpile of rations and fresh water. All they had to do was to go down the main hall corridor, then take a right to the east wing, and take a left to the cafeteria. While it seemed fairly doable and simple, there was a constant threat of guards patrolling the facility. Worse, the alicorns could be in any of these rooms. So it was of utmost importance to stay low and shut up round trip. So far, so good. The corridor was extremely long which would be impossible to cross through if it weren’t for all the box containers lying all around. To their luck, the Equestrian forces have touched nothing ever since they stormed the facility. Possibly in fear of setting something important/dangerous off. Oh great, looks like today’s some special day. He thought, now seeing an increased presence of guardsponies patrolling the area. The two were still able to make some progress across the hallway when— SCREEE Harvey’s shoe squeaked on the floor after accidentally slipping. Ah shit. “Who goes there?” said a voice a few yards from them. “Show yourselves! We won’t hurt you if you comply!” The two were practically ignoring the bullshit they’d always heard since the war started. And every time they saw someone comply, they still beat them, or just flat out killed them. “What do we do?!” whispered Harvey. “I don’t know! We need some kind of miracle of a distraction to get these assholes off our backs!” Sherwin could now make out a shadow slowly looming near their position, when suddenly the sound of bullets being fired from above caught both guards and humans off guard. The guard who was approaching the group now laid their attention on where that gunfire came from. “Where’d that come from?!” the guard demanded. “Sounded like it came from upstairs!” “I saw the gun bullets go through the wall!” Cried another guard. The voices became quieter and quieter as they quickly made their way to the source of the noise. “Shit,” Sherwin exclaimed making an impressed face, “that worked.” Discord travelled his way to Celestia’s throne. “Hey Celestia?” Discord asked. “Yes? Discord?” “I… think we have something interesting in our… uh… claws and hoofs?” he jokingly replied. Celestia snickered, then went back to her serious face. “What is your issue, Discord?” she asked, with visible concern, because if something managed to make Discord not crack jokes every half second, something was seriously wrong. “They’re here….” he said, with his own concerned voice. Celestia let out a big sigh. It was only a matter of time. “It’s a shame there was nothing we could’ve done.” she replied, staring off to the side. “Look, Celestia,” Discord interjected. Celestia looked at him, her face looking near the verge of crying. “Celly, Celly, look, see us? We’re powerful beings. You are a powerful being.” “Power doesn’t mean anything to an army of ancient murderous and bloodthirsty husks.” she replied, a bit disappointed in his answer. “What I was trying to say was, we may be powerful beings, but what do we mean compared to the true power of prophecies? Prophecies that have never been doubted? The humans are here. They are battle hardened and determined as ever, if we ever want to stand up against this enemy we’re gonna have to work together. Just like the tales stated.” “Discord, we both know those tales are fiction, and have no correlation to reality. The prophecies have been inconsistent, and had sometimes made mistakes in predictions. They’re just ponytales.” “Well then, sorry for trying to make you feel better, grumpy pants. You want some merchandise for “Ms. Grumpypants™?” he said, holding up some pants displaying an annoyed looking Celestia, “anyways, at least there isn’t any prophecy stating we’d lose against them.” “Discord, again, ponytales. Second, we have a lacking of soldiers currently. And what is the Elements of Harmony gonna do against the—” “—Aaaaannnyways…” Discord interrupted, “I was asking if you could accommodate me to.. you know, to take these humans somewhere else where nopony will see them.” James couldn’t do much besides wait by the ponies and… man… quietly. Maintaining full combat awareness if anyone or anyTHING were to pounce on him or Aidan. WHO IS STILL SLEEPING IN HIS COMBAT POST. James set his face into his palms and made an annoyed groan. “Why me..” he said continuously, “why me? Not someone else? No no, it’s because I’m Waynes’ right hand man. Yeah, that’s it!” he mocked. ”So the castle is where they are?” “From when I last seen them yes.” “Well, I suppose we should make this as silent as possible?” “After you.” Shit, he thought Someone else is here… “Wake up, wake the fuck up you shit, get the fuck up someone’s here!” The conscript fluttered his eyes open and half realized what he was saying, cocking his gun from safety to auto. “Okay, I heard some voices up on the balcony.” “So, if they attack and not try to reason what do we do?” “Trust me, they won’t… very soon.” “Anyone hear that yelling on the balcony?” asked Waynes. “No?” said Cui. “Shhh…” Gentalini ordered. He pointed at the balcony and heard muffled yelling. Porter unslung his M4A3. “I’m going in. It could be an intrusion! Anybody who wants to do their jobs for once, come with me.” he sternly said storming up the stairs. “Hold on, I don’t understand.” said the tired Aidan. “What don’t you understand about when I said I heard unrecognizable voices?” “The part where you said ‘don’t you’… I just.. don’t get what you mean.” “It means ‘are you not’.” “Hold on I have to process this..” then it was silent. He sighed “I heard intruders!” “Intruders? Oh! Why didn’t you say it like that? Okay, I’m gonna sound the alarm. WEEOO WEEOO! Intruder alert! Guys we have intruders! Red spy is in the base!” “Cut that out!” he barked. “Gee you’re no fucking fun,” the other deadpanned. “Okay Rares, the coast is clear.” “Okay. So you’re sure you heard talking from the Castle of the Two Sisters?” asked the fashion pony. “Ah’ swear on mah’ hoof.” Applejack said, putting her hoof up. “Alright, if you insist.” “Let’s go then!” said Applejack, running towards the castle, Rarity following behind. “So what if something evil is there?” asked Rarity. “And attacks us? We’ll beat em’ up.” She says, putting her hoofs together. “Well.. I’d hate to get my hooves dirty but I guess desperate times go for desperate measures..” Then, something was heard in the bushes. The two ponies turned their heads to the sound, ready for anything. Then, after a few seconds, something popped out. “AHHHHH!” screamed the two. “AHHHHHH!” screamed the cyan pegasus. “AHHHHHH!” playfully screamed the pink party pony. “Please… stop…” pleaded the yellow pegasus, covering her ears from the loud and chaotic friend reunion. “What the heck are you two doing here?!” demanded Dash. “We can ask the same for ya’ too!” “We were gonna show some creatures a lesson for trying to attack Fluttershy!” shouted Dash. “We were looking for the crusaders.” told Rarity. “Maybe the creatures have the three fillies as well!” added Pinkie, “yipee! Alien party! Wait! We’re having an alien party and I didn’t bring anything? Aw shucks!” Pinkie said, her hair deflating slightly. After a pause, the group ran towards the castle. “Wait, why the castle?” asked Pinkie. “We heard talking from there, talking that was unrecognizable.” responded the farm pony. The two alicorns landed onto the gravel path, then collected themselves. “Okay, so, where’d they go next?” asked Luna. “I’m not sure.. I lost them..” confessed Twilight. “What are you doing?” asked Celestia, firmly. “AHHH!” the three stalkers screamed. “Okay okay, what’s going on here? You all were having a gathering and I wasn’t invited?” grunted Discord. “What are you three doing here?” continued Celestia. “We were—“ said Luna. “Stalking you..” cut off Twilight. Celestia gave them the biggest stink eye after that one. “Okay let’s not waste anytime right now we can discuss this later.” Discord interrupted, snapping his fingers and teleporting to the castle. “So we’ll go through the ba-“ “AHHH!” the entire group screamed for the 13th time. Discord still unfazed by the shouting. “It’s extremely sad and disappointing that you guys— I mean, girls get so scared so easily.” “What?! Discord?!” said half of the Mane 6. “What’s HE doing here?!” asked Rainbow Dash. “Go to Celestia for those answers.” he said, pointing at Celestia. Celestia rolled her eyes. “We’re investigating the castle.” answered the sun princess. “So are we.” said Rarity. “Ehh, we’re more trying to beat up whoever tried to attack Fluttershy but whatever!” smiled Pinkie. After some confused looks from the group, everyone sighed. “Okay, let’s just go. We got some flank to kick first!” Porter, a Chinese soldier named Shen Shen, and Corporal Gentilini entered the balcony and were surprised to see three baby ponies sleeping with two men who were talking like idiots. “Whaddya’ doin’!” screamed Porter, pointing at the fillies. “What the hell are they doing here?” demanded Shen. “Long story. Monster attacked them, this idiot saved them, and now we have to breast feed these fucking horses!” ”DISCORD?!!” the humans heard. “What was that?” asked Aidan. “Everyone, take cover!” ordered the corporal. The three soldiers that recently arrived took cover behind the doors, while the two others leaned against the balcony rails. Aidan turned his head to the left, seeing the Lance Corporal trying to communicate to him silently. He understood him after sometime. Stay hidden, wait until they get in a position where we can attack, profit. But after a few minutes, they heard nothing. Nothing happened. Then Aidan rose up. “Okay, I think the coast is clear.” “It is?” asked a voice, followed by a pink pony leaning from the doors to the balcony. The three soldiers hidden there didn’t even notice the pink mare leaning with them. “WHAT THE FUCK!” “OH SHIT!” “JESUS CHRIST FUCK!” The three soldiers retreated to the balcony, aiming at the pony. Then, a shitload of other ponies leaned in as well. If the soldiers could reach the pitch, they screamed at that moment. “FIRE!” shouted the corporal. The sounds of machine guns flooded the area, as Discord put up a portal in front of the group, sending the hail of bullets into another dimension. “Where did that gunfire come from?!” demanded a guard. “It sounded like it came from the second floor!” “Move! Move! We must neutralize those targets!” “What the fuck was that?!” demanded Liam. “It came from-balcony!” The rest of the group scrambled up the stairs and towards the balcony, only for it to be blocked off by a shield. “FUCK! NO NO NO!” screamed Liam. “STAND BACK!” shouted Semenov, unslinging his gun and firing at the shield to no avail. “NO! SHIT! FUCK NO!” yelled Ella, banging against the forcefield. “SWEETIE?! WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU?!” wailed Rarity. “They fed me bread with cheese sauce!” replied Sweetiebelle with a cheerful smile and tone. “They did what?!!?” “Wait, ya’ gahs’ fed them horses food?” whispered Porter. “Oh my god please just stop talking about it..” muttered James, face in hands. “Are you.. humans?” asked Celestia. “You know damn well who we are!” “Yeah! The Crusaders’ kidnappers!” shouted Applejack. “And bullies to Fluttershy!” yelled Dash. “They didn’t kidnap us, they saved us from timberwolves!” “Oh… wow that actually makes sense for their names. Hahaha.” “Why did you attack us?!” demanded Twilight. “Uh, pardon? We shouldn’t even be talking to evil cunt’s!” “Let alone say pardon!” shouted Aidan. “Pardon— Excuse me for asking, but what’s a cunt?” asked Spike. “They’ll tell you when you’re older… wait, why am I even talking to you, what the fuck?!” “Pardo— Say that again?” asked Luna. The balcony stood silent. “Why are you hostile to us?” asked Celestia. “Well, from what it says on their papers, is that their home world was in the middle of a full on invasion by Equestria, so their people sent these ‘humans’ to scout out for another land to live in. Apparently, there is another Equestria that instead of traditionally embracing peace, they intend to conquer worlds in attempt to, and I quote, ‘liberate them from corrupt leaders’. But, to be completely honest with you all, their political structure is fairly decent. Compared to what other alien politicians I’ve seen act like.” Discord said, giving an impressed face while shrugging. Then the area went silent, until Luna spoke through the silence. “Discord, so what though is saying is that instead of being the saviors of Equestria like it stated in though tales, these are just warriors who have been mentally scarred by the toll of war?” asked Luna. “And, to add on to that, they were attacked by other versions of us?!” shouted Twilight. “Seems so,” shrugged Discord, “although I’ve seen worse.” The ponies gave a confused stare at the draconequus. “And, we attack other lands like we’re some kind of imperialists?” asked Celestia. “Yes, to say again, unlike you peace loving Equestrians, these Equestrians are warmongering genocidal monarchs.” “How do we know you’re really peaceful?” asked Chen. “And what in sam’s hell ya’ talkin’ about us bein’ saviors of Equestria?!” “We don’t even know who ya’ll creatures are!” shouted Applejack. “We do…” said Celestia, “Luna, care to explain?” Celestia looked at Luna, seeing this, she nods and begins to talk. “Very well. Sister. To say it short, a long time ago, legends stated that some sort of bipedal creatures would come to our lands and become the saviors of Equestria in defense from some kind of infinitely powerful shadow nightmare army. This army was and still is ruthless, and craves the blood of any living creature. They would torture its enemies. Rip their limbs off, scoop out their eyes, whip them nonstop, and other disgusting acts of violence without any moral empathy to the victim.” Everyone stood shocked and silent, specifically the ponies who were wide eyed, mouth gaping open, and twitching in fear. “Wait,” paused Gentilini, chuckling. “You think, that we’re gonna help you shits—you shits after you murdered our people and destroyed our homes?” he broke out into an unstable laugh, while having slight pinches of sobbing along with it. “Whatever acts of war you say we’ve done, we assure you we have never done in our millennials of existence.” said Luna. “Please, you can trust us.” continued Celestia. When the humans looked into her eyes; in her soul had only sincere feelings, everyone knew she meant what she said, even the humans, just by looking into those eyes. “I can’t believe we would— different versions of us… would do such cruel things to you.. I’m so… sorry…” said Twilight quietly, tears streaking down her eyes. “It’s gonna take more than a sorry to make amends for what your alter egos have destroyed.” said Gentilini. “My son.” “YOU BOYS GOT ME DEMOTED FROM SERGEANT TO PRIVATE!” “Private First Class…” muttered Discord, pointing the papers into his face. “MY HOUSE! Ya motherfuckers destroyed all my family relics!” shouted James. “could’ve probably sold them for a fortune…” whispered Aidan. The other humans continued to scream at the shocked ponies. The yelling began to subside a little while after. And after the brief pause Fluttershy spoke. “I’m so sorry… I thought you all were attacking me but it was me that was attacking you.. how… how can you forgive me! I’m so wicked for doing that!” she sobbed, tearing up. “Please! I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy pleaded, running over to the Italian and embracing him into a chokehold hug, hiccuping between her words. “UFF!” “So… ya’ll not… hostile?” asked Porter. “Oh dear. I.. I-I can’t take this..” Rarity stuttered before putting her hooves to her mouth while he cheeks bubbled up with a green tint. She gagged. “Well, with that in mind, it really seems you’re not the same Equestria… we know…” motioned Chen. The group of ponies slowly nodded in agreement. “I can’t imagine myself killing innocents just because they wanted freedom…” said a saddened Dash. “Yeah, I can’t believe you killed my friends either.” deadpanned James. Rainbow Dash turned her head to James, her ears lowered, her face looking like a whimpering puppy. “Other than the fact that this is incredibly depressing, this… is… utterly… FASCINATING! Quick! Spike, get the quill and paper! We’re writing this down!” He sighed “Twilight,” deadpanned Spike, arms crossed. “Just jot down the dialogue!” babbled Twilight. “TWILIGHT!” shouted Spike. Twilight quickly realizing her mistake and stopped talking, blushing briefly with a frown. The shield dividing the two groups suddenly disappeared, and the sounds of distressed screaming were now heard. “EVERYBODY GO GO GO! GET THEM ALL!” shouted Liam before falling over and toppling the crowd. The group quickly scrambled up and took to their arms straight after. “WAIT WAIT WAIT!” yelled Porter. “WHAT IN BLOODY HELL YOU TALKIN’ ABOUT? MOVE!” screamed Waynes. “WHAT IS HAPPENING!?” “I DON’T KNOW! BUT I THINK IT’S A SCREAMING COMPETITION!” shouted Pinkie. “DON’T FUCKING SHOOT! I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!” continued James. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING? SHOOT THEM!” screamed Liam. “EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!” boomed Semenov. The humans stopped shouting. “Somebody, explain.” said Semenov calmly. "James, you, explain." he repeated. "Me? Goddamn it." James sighed then held up his arms in demonstration. “This is an abridged version of what’s happening,” he said, making a bridge shape with his hands. “Apparently, there are other versions of them that attacked us...” The room went silent. “What do you mean?” asked Ella. Discord snapped his talons and a short paper explanation appeared floating in front of them in text form. “Just for plot convenience.” he said. Wilbert took his eyes up from the papers, “Und so.. they’re friendly?” asked Wilbert. “Seemingly so, but we have a long way until we can fully trust you all. You are very lucky we’re not filling you full of lead already,” answered Gentilini. Liam scowled in absolute frustration, “that’s my problem! You should!” then he turned away and said, “doesn’t matter, I’m killing them sooner or later..” After another pause the silence was broken. “What’s his problem?” asked Applebloom. “He just said,” answered James. “He’s harder at accepting things compared to others. He’s been fighting ponies for years now, he’s seen the things they can do to other beings. Well, alternate versions of you.” said Porter, “oh yeah he’s also an asshole.” There was another silence. “So… now what?” asked Jia. “What’s wrong with him?” asked Pinkie, showing visible concern. She pointed her hoof towards Aidan, who had fainted during the commotion. “He’ll be fine. I think.” said Waynes. Chapter 4: Hours to Seconds? Battle of Chicago [Operation Steel-claw/3rd Chicago Offensive], October 21st, 2021 "Boys, welcome to Chicago. How's your time been?" "To be honest, it has been complete shit. I can't find any hotdogs in this damned place." The general chuckled. “What do you mean ‘the Navy and Airforce are preparing for a classified operation?!’ What do you mean?! What are you hiding from us?! Can’t you see we’re in an alien war right now?! Send in static—thing! F-15s, F-18s, F-16s… static—cking care! Send in Tomcats! Phantoms! Fucking Super Sabres! Anything that can outrun those pega-faggots or whatevestatic—D FUCK— YOU!” Slam Dunn who had been listening, put his hands to his face before slamming both on the desk. “Damn it all!” “What happened sir? Not even Phantoms in the reserve?” “No. No. No. Nothing.” The building suddenly rattled violently. Papers flew across the room. Sherwin slipped right onto his ass. “Holy shit!” screamed the officer. “Were those ours?!” questioned the disgruntled Major General Sherwin. “No.” grunted the major. A strained Corporal Porter stormed the station. “What in sam’s hell are you doing here corporal?!” demanded Sherwin. “We got ‘Grounder’s’… thousands of em’ storming the Lincoln Park Zoo!” shouted the Georgian. “Well, looks like we finally can do something!” briefly smiled the major general. “What are you proposing?” asked Dunn. "There are M777’s just parked on the outskirts of West Lakeview. Maybe we can show them a little Chicagoan light-show!… I’m not a Chicagoan, but the line works, right?” “Yeah, it does. But wait, aren’t refugees still there?” asked Dunn. “I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure they’ve cleared the zoo. We have to do it. The ponies will be on our doorstep if not. Then the soldiers here are fucked.” Dunn nodded silently. Nervous of this gamble. Sherwin motioned his right hand to the major, signifying his request for the radio. The major grabbed it and gave it to the general. The general then put the object to his ear. “static Hello? Direct orders from the general: hit the fuckers at the zoo!— static.” “Message received! We're packing the heat sir, don't worry! static—” “Just make sure to not hit the animals!” “Don’t worry, the animals have been evacuated already. We’ll have tha— static—rder in your han—static—n no time!” the radio cut off to static. After a brief pause between the lines, Dunn could hear a distant conversation in the background. ”WE GOT AN ORDER! HIGH EXPLOSIVE! LINCOLN PARK ZOO!” Then the talking stopped. “HIGH EXPLOSIVES LOADED.” “FIRE ON COMMAND, SIR.” said a voice. “Just say wh—static— sir.” “Now.” “EVERYONE MOVE! THIS SECTOR IS BEING BOMBARDED BY HIGH EXPLOSIVES!” Aidan ran around, trying to help other refugees to safety. His phone rang. He reached into his pocket and accepted the call. “Aidan, the family is going to hiding in Gelena. Be safe, and be courageous, but not stupid. If you need to run, run.” “Okay. Okay I know. NOW RUN.” he said. “I am. Okay, bye. Be safe.” She then hung up. Aidan put his phone in his pocket. “INCOMING!” shouted a distant voice. The sounds of whistling from above became louder and louder. Artillery. Oh shit, there are still refugees. Porter could be seen running from the direction of the command post. “What’d they say?” asked Aidan. “Whadd’ya mean what’d they say? It was just a report I was giving them!” shouted Porter over the hail of gunfire. “Well, how are we gonna evacuate these refugees in time before they get blown to bits?” asked Aidan. “I think it’s going okay for now. Just gotta move some more and they’d be safe.” answered Porter. “Hold on, how’s your best friend?” “He’s over there right now. Why?” “No I was just curious if he was okay.” “Right. Well, we still have a job to do” “Okay, lets go.” “That artillery strike seemed like a creeping barrage.” said Aidan. “Are you speculating that the next bombardment will be on our asses?” asked Porter. “Afraid so.” “I WON’T LEAVE MY SON OUT THERE TO BE KILLED!” said a random voice. “Ah’ know, just trah’ ya’ best to stay calm. We promise we’ll get em’ back.” responded Peter. Porter and Aidan went over to see what was happening. “Let me over there! I'll get him myself!” “Hey hey hey! Stop that! Ya’ gonna get hurt!” “More hurt than I already am? Fuck you!” she shoved the soldier with such force he was thrown to the wall and was in a state of shock. “Someone stop her-“ he ordered before hearing the sounds of high pitched whistling from above. “Oh shit,” he said, “EVERYBODY RUN!” “NO! FOLLOW AN ORDERLY LINE! THAT’S AN ORDER! OR YOU’RE ALL DYING!” said another voice. “SHUT UP, THEY’RE ALL GONNA DIE IF WE AIN’T FIXIN’ TO HELP THEM!” “SERGEANT I WILL HAVE YOU COURTMARSHALLED FOR INSUBORDINATION. NO CUT THAT SHIT OUT.” ordered the officer. “NO!” he shouted, shoving the man against the wall. “THAT’S IT. YOU'RE DONE!” shouted the officer before throwing a punch to the chest. Porter, infuriated that he just attacked his brother in arms, stuck a violent jab into his stomach. The officer was a tough man though, after tanking the punch, he smacked him square in the jaw. Peter and Aidan both ran in to intervene, but Porter had tackled the officer to the ground. Both locked in a fist fight, neither could move after recovering from each other's attacks. Then down came a blurry object, colliding with the building in front of the two, causing the entire structure collapse. Peter had only seconds to react, as he moved his body as fast as he could, he quickly tackled his friend out of the way before suddenly getting most of his body crushed by the concrete. The shock of the situation hadn't fully applied to the comrade at the time, and he could only stare as his friend coughed out his life force before lying motionless. A sudden cry of pain jerked him back to the battle, turning his body around to see Aidan pinned on the ground, multiple pieces of rebar impaling him in the shin, side of his torso, and hand. “Oh my god oh my god.” said the corporal, “uh-uh-alright, come on, this will hurt for a moment--” "Don't! Stop stop!" the distressed private cut him off. "Don't worry, all you's gotta do is just shut the fuck up for a moment." he began trying to pull the rebar out of his leg, to no avail. "Stop stop stop! You're making it worse! You're gonna cause an infection!" "Humans aren't that weak, man up you pussy." he scowled, before trying to pull Aidan's leg out of the debris stuck in him. He ignored the protests of the boy and continued to apply more force to his arms. His torso jolted out of the metal bar, freeing the conscript from the rubble, as the rebar stuck in the other two areas could just be pulled out. "I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die." repeated the young man over and over again rapidly. "Stop, please." Porter said, before lifting the wounded soldier onto his shoulder. He began jogging at a constant pace, ignoring the shouts from his comrade. After some time, the struggling from his body ceased. Porter noticed this, and put down the body on the ground. He stared at the limp soldier and sighed. Laying his helmet on his legs, he then started walking again. Leaving Aidan behind. Prologue: Setting Sail"80 Seconds!" The announcer reported to the speaker. Aidan's hands begin to sweat. Everything was going to schedule, yet he still felt like they were missing something. He knew it was just an instinct though. He just wanted to get going before anything bad happens. "Everyone check equipment! You do NOT want to leave anything behind!" shouted Major Dunn. Everyone including Aidan doubled checked their packs, radios, and other equipment. "Collider instruments are working correctly! Everything is good!" reported Operator Harvey. "Well, god speed you bastards." smiled the major. Aidan could only shiver from the goosebumps of how much pressure there is for him to succeed. His appearance was that of a basic soldier. Which he technically was but instead he was called a ‘conscript’ for obvious reasons. They were still more civilian than they were soldiers but they were able to at least shoot and load a gun. "Languages won't be an issue, remember!" mentioned Major Dunn. "10 Seconds!" Aidan set on his aviators and closed his eyes. He really was experiencing something straight out of Half Life. Would he be going to Xen? Oh shit.. "7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, We have a launch!" Was the last thing Aidan heard before one hell of a journey. Author's Note And so it begans.
Chapter 1: JourneyThe bright blue flash flicked in Aidan’s eyes as he braced for impending impact. “UFF!” He grunted. The first thing he felt (well, after the crash) was the cool feeling of wet grass and the cool wind. If it weren’t for the stressful mission in his hands he would’ve felt pretty relaxed. “More are here?” asked an unrecognizable voice. Aidan turned his head towards the voice to see five other people, crouched under a strange looking tree. "Are you guys uh..-" "Pioneers?" said an Asian looking woman. "We sure are. Who are you? You're one of the Americans, right? Seems like not all your group made it." asked an unknown female. Aidan stared at the woman talking. "I am,” said Aidan, showing some enthusiasm. Upon hearing the next thing he looked behind him and saw no one. The soldier, who he identified as a Brit with his Union Jack patch on his uniform chuckled. "Mind introducing yourself?" "Aidan…” he mumbled. "Aidan?" asked the British man. Aidan grunted. "I'm Jia Peizhi. I'm from Fuzhou, China. Nice to meet you." smiled the Chinese girl. "Wilbert Siegel. Cologne, Germany." "Ania Romanova, St. Petersburg." "Private James, Royal Australian Navy. Seahawk Pilot. Good day." "Staff Sergeant Haynes, at your service! Just a simple lad from Piccadilly." grinned the British fellow. His teeth were surprisingly well kept. “As you can see, we’re a bit short on manpower at the moment.” chuckled Waynes. "Yes, ve vere supposed to haf a French lady and an Italian soldier." said Wilbert as he scratched his head. "We are missing two other Russian,” responded Ania. "But for us , it's just me an' young James." "PRC sent me and a man named Cui Hai..." another brief pause, "what about you?" "I came with two others as well…" mumbled Aidan, heart still beating and hands still sweating. So much pressure had been set upon him, yet, he had a feeling in the back of his head to make a positive impression on the group. "Sounds about reasonably accurate. Though, they must be here in this general area as they were sent along with you guys, correct?" "Yeah but.. where and why?" James said, itching his cheek. "Radio?" asked Aidan, unzipping his pack and taking out a walkie talkie. "Of course ve did. But they're not responding." "And since we were expecting you Americans to be here we waited so you wouldn’t be left behind. So I guess now we can look for them?" asked Jia. "Yeah, let's go. No one else-coming here-anyway,” said Ania. The two soldiers grabbed their L85 Rifles leaned on the strange tree. Waynes began whistling the tune Carry You Home by James Blunt. The Pioneers began walking through the forest. "Ret' me terr' ya', these trees sure are strange,” Chuckled Waynes, putting his cigar in his mouth. “Not as strange as talking ponies,” joked James. "You sure are-a-funny-American,” mused Ania. “Thanks…” thanked Aidan, confused. After a brief awkward silence, conversation started rolling up again. “Thanks..” Aidan made an uncertain and awkward smile The pioneers continued to move. It was strange that creatures similar to those on earth seemed to be living on this planet. He had a queer feeling about where they were. The group suddenly heard something moving between the bushes in the deep forest. "Shhhh," ordered Haynes as he pulled down his rifle. The group took out anything that can be improvised as a weapon. Hilbert reached his rifle from his back, Ania summoned an AK74 from her pack's side, Jia took out a Type 81, and Aidan grabbed out an M16. Suddenly, a creature bursted from the bushes crying. "Timberwolves!" cried an unknown voice. The group suddenly turned as a yellow colored quadruped dashed across the path and into the tree line parallel to the one it came from. The creature looked to it’s side and saw the stalled humans. “AHHHHHH!” she screamed with her high pitched voice. “AHHHHHHH!” James sophisticatedly responded. She turned to her right and ran down the road. It only took a quick view of the creature for the group to realize what they've gotten themselves into. Ponies. Goddamn it. "Oh rotten piss. We might’ve blown our cover…” “Hopefully the other creatures will just think she’s crazy.” said Jia. . . . Northbrook, Illinois, Earth 2023 "I really hope they do it." said Operator Harvey. "We all do." sighed Commander Sherwin. "Let's hope that succeed and not fall hard to the ground like a buncha' dumbasses." The men chuckled quietly. Harvey pulled out a pack of gum. "Want one?" he offered. "Mint?" asked the general. "No, berry flavored." "Sure. I'll have one." He took a piece of gum and began to chew on it. The sirens suddenly began to blare. "THIS IS NOT A DRILL. PROCEED TO BATTLESTATIONS. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK." "Shit, looks like they found us." "God damnit! Fuck fuck fuck!" shouted Harvey "Watch your tongue Harvey! If we're gonna die at least let's die not talking like 7th graders." His radio buzzed. "ANYONE HEAR ME!? THIS IS BOXER 1. WE ARE UNDER A DIRECT ATTACK BY LUNA! I REPEAT WE ARE UNDER DIRECT ATTACK BY- NO! NO NO NO N-......... "MotherFUCKER!" "I thought you s-" "It's motherfucking Luna, Harvey the last thing I should worry about his goddamn swearing like a twelve year old!" "They're probably all dead anyways.." Gunfire could be heard faintly behind the doors. Blood curdling screams of pain suddenly being cut off abruptly. Sick wicked laughter from a voice everyone here knew all too well... Each scream and gunfire heard suddenly became louder and louder slowly approaching the walls of the collider room. "AUUUHHHHH" "NO PLEASE I MEA-" "GOD HELP ME!" "YOU REALLY THINK YOUR PRECIOUS 'GOD' WILL SAVE YOU! YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELVES AND YOU WILL PAY! YOU SICK, DIGUSTING, MURDEROUS MONSTERS!" "Fuck! She's coming!" cried Harvey. "EVERYONE GET READY!" Shouted Major Dunn The fighting continues to slowly get closer and closer. Then... "YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM US!" "Oh fuc-" CRASH! A huge explosion erupted as it squeezes through the blast doors of the collider room. A huge cloud of smoke then engulfed the room. It all went silent. Until, suddenly, emerging from the dust, were two alicorns, Luna and Twilight. Followed by them were the rest of the main 6, and an army of guards, unfazed by the toll of war. Luna's horn was glowing light blue. "No, no no no! Please! I have a family! Please don't kill me!" Violently sobbed a refugee. "And you will meet them soon," Luna smirked with a wrathful look. "NO NO! PLEASE! I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT ANYONE! I JUST WANT TO LIVE! PLEASE!" wailed the refugee. Luna crouched low and whispered into the teenager's ear. "Shhh, it'll be alright. You'll feel nothing." The boys cries only amplified in volume. "Ugh, disgusting creature. If this is the only way to shut you up, then I will gladly take it to action!" shouted Luna. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUH-" crack! Luna held up the boy from his head. She had snapped his neck from the base of his skull. The Pony Army behind her cheered. "YOU SEE THIS!?!? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO THOUGH WHO RESIST! LAST CHANCE! STAND DOWN AND DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND WE WILL NOT ATTACK!" "Yeah right bitch! You can try all you want! But humans have more wits than you'll ever have blue cocksucker!" screams Dunn. The remaining soldiers cheered in agreement. "Very well then. Let's dance." "FIRE!" ordered Commander Sherwin. The room opened up with guns blazing. Shells bounced all around as Luna summons a defensive shield spell. Some bullets find their mark as the shells penetrate the armor of the enemy soldiers. Blood flies all over the walls and floor. Luna flips all of the soldiers to the floor using her horn. She is abruptly stopped, when an M72 Law fires a missile at her. Caught off guard, Luna barely has time to put up her shield. Yet pieces of shrapnel had jabbed into her, scarring her and creating minor lacerations to her skin. She suddenly jerks the soldier from his up top position. Luna out of anger, slams the soldier into the ground. "SAAAAAMM!" A soldier cried. He starts to fire again at the ponies. Aiming down his sights he aims for the eye of an unsuspecting soldiers. He fired, and the enemy dropped to the floor instantly. He then aimed his M40 towards a yellow pegasus with pink hair and fires, only to miss. "Shit," he hisses to himself. He aims down the sight again and the last thing he sees is a purple alicorn glaring daggers down his eyes as her horn began to glow violently. Knowing he was gonna die, he’d hate to miss out a reference before kicking the bucket. "PARKER GET DOW-" he shouts, soon to be cut off as the burst of magic obliterates the high sniper position. Luna, one soldier at a time, advances closer and closer towards the collider. Seeing the chaos unfold more and more, Sherwin had to make the last desperate decision. The collider must be destroyed. The only way the Pioneers could get back was to somehow build another collider on the other side, then make a collider still functional on Earth to turn on and transport them back, which operating one takes year of understanding and practice to even do such an operation. Or, they'd hit the gold and find friendly beings able to transport them back to Earth and finish the fight. There was no way either was gonna happen. So he did it. The fate of a whole group directly in his hands to crush in such a brutal way. But to do the action, was for the greater good. "I hope humanity lives on wherever the hell they are." Muttered the commander before staring back at the battle. Not able to see his soldiers be ripped to shreds in hundreds of bloodthirsty disgusting ways he said only one word to the explosives operator. “NOW!” ordered Sherwin. The explosives detonate. All he could see was white as the detonation flashed through his eyes, briefly blinding him and catching him off guard. The battle continues on though. Had he saved anybody he would question for sometime. “Smarter than they look.” Twilight says, twisting the arm of a soldier. “And so it seems.” Luna responds, throwing a squad of men to the side like dust to a broom. Applejack bucks a man against the wall and destroying his entire torso. “Rarity! You gonna help fight or what!?” “Just a second darling!” shouts Rarity, finishing a new cloth. “Take it as a gift from me to you!” Rarity levitates the cloth around a poor man, choking him. “Holy fuck! Oh my god oh my god!” screams Harvey. Seeing this, Sherwin nearly excretes his supposed last meal onto the hard steel floor painted with blood and guts. “FALL BACK!” shouts Dunn. “WHERE? WE’RE BACKED AGAINST THE WALL!” “SHIT!” Dunn grabbed a fresh 5.56mm NATO cartridge from his vest and loads it into his rifle. Firing with prestigious aim and control. Sherwin unslung his pistol, even though he knew it wouldn't do much to a godly deity. Yet, he still fired. Maybe a miracle could happen, even though miracles certainly didn't happen. Why would they? No, how would they exist if you look at the millions of children, men and women who died (a significant number of them brutally)? It was hard to grasp hope in such dark times, and the only finger of it still hanging was in the hands of a group of schmucks (most of them being untrained conscripts)? And still, he felt the urge to fight on, still knowing there was a chance, (a small one at that), that humanity might push on, and eradicate these Equestrian fucks for once and for all. Afterall, there was no doubt karma exists, and it would be leaning towards all of humanity this time. The remaining American forces slowly continue to lessen. It was Dunn, Sherwin, and Harvey that were left. Luna, after impaling another soldier against the wall, approaches the three survivors. “Shit!” Dunn shouted. He raises his M4A4 and fires at Luna to no avail. Luna grabs his gun and jerks it out of his hands. “Bitchass cunt sucking fucker!” Dunn swore, taking out his Baretta M9 from his holster and firing a few shots before being disarmed again. “What the fuck is he doing? What is that gonna do?” asked Harvey. “Well, we needed a distraction. Was it not?” “Sure was." "Wait so it wasn't or it was?" "It fucking was!' Shouted Harvey, a little too loudly. The two began staring out the window seeing the enemy ponies staring straight at them. "Get them. Now." ordered Luna. "Yes your majesty." "Fuck! Run!" yelled Sherwin, shoving Harvey in an attempt to make him move. The two bolted through the vents seemingly getting lost in the maze of the ventilation shafts. Still evading the hundreds of magical bolts flying in all direction. Some missing them by centimeters, even burning their clothing while doing so. All the two could do was blindly run through the systems and hopefully find a way out and escape. But while doing so, the loud thunking of the vents made tracking them easy for the pony soldiers. One just misses Harvey by a hair as he suddenly halts in terror. "OH FUCK!" he shouts. "JUST KEEP RUNNING YOU IDIOT!" "FUCK YOU!" Harvey screams, pushed by the adrenaline of fear and flight. His blood pumping through his systems faster than any fighter jet ever could. All he could hear was panting, and his heart beating, faster, faster, and faster, as he runs, not thinking about anything but running. It was only then, was there a dead end, as he slammed into the wall without thinking, he passes out. . . . "We're in the world of fucking ponies?" hissed James. "When the fuck did this get so... fucked?" "Since-world got-ultimatum from-pony-princess-with-rainbow-hair," answered Ania. "True true." "Should we... investigate?" asked Aidan. "I don’t think coming up to someone and saying ‘Hi, I’m infiltrating your planet to get a resource we need’ would sit well with Celestia." said James. "Okay, okay, but vat vas she zaying about timbervolfes?" "It doesn’t matter mates, let’s just... go on with the adventure already," James grunted. The Pioneers then got up, and continued their young journey. James continued contemplating about the mission this group had at task. Was the fate of his entire race really in the responsibilities of us? Aidan stared at the ground, uncertain of what to make of this situation. Undoubtedly scared of what would happen if he’d get caught by the enemy. "Hey James, you alright? Chap?" questioned Waynes. All he could do was groan in response to his question. A response he knew all too well. "'Uh' isn't gonna give me the answer I want. Now, fellow, what’s happening. If we're gonna save our race from some pony fockers' than we'd better get to know each other or we’ll fall like the rest of humanity." Waynes was, unfortunately, correct. They all knew what was gonna happen. It practically said it on the contract. ‘Terrible death’ was written all over the papers, giving barely any room to even sign their names to whatever hell they've been brought too. Maybe it was hope that kept everyone still going, because no one was stopping, and everyone seemed as eagerly determined as each other to end this bloody war with alien ponies with humanity's favor. They had too. They had to succeed. Everyone knew they needed a plan sooner or later too, or this all would've been for goddamn nothing. And if nobody formulated one soon, they were destined to fail. Someone had to step up to the plate. And if no one else was, he had to. James had to. "Goddamn it, fine Waynes, look, we're probably all thinking how we're totally gonna fucking fail and die here, but can we please try to work together and communicate so we can save us all?" "Well, I certainly will," said Waynes, "not sure about the others though." "Okay, if you vant’ us to have a plan, do you have any?" challenged Wilbert, exhausted by the stressful fatigue that had set a toll on him already. "I uh... I don't know, I haven't thought of a plan up to this point. I was kinda expecting you guys to have one formulated?" James gave an awkward stare. "Look, James, ve' all vant' to be ze' hero who fix everything," interjected Wilbert, speaking more politely, "but ve' can't. No vone' is a natural born badarse'. Vat' ve' can do, ve' vill' try to do. But ve' can't do everything we hope to achieve." "I'm with Wilbert on this one, mate. It's sad, unsatisfying even, that we can't save everyone, but that eh.... that's just how war works chap. That's just how the world works." Waynes gave an honest meaningful face towards James as he sighs. "Okay, let's carry on. Let's not waste anytime here. What we can do we can do, but we want to get the most out of it aye?" The Pioneers gave an exasperated 'aye' while walking towards the sunset. "I'll think of something." said James. Hoping to bring a little spark of hope to his friends. "Ania is sure you will," Ania said. "While we agree with James we'll be with you during these days together. That’s what comrades are for. You’re gonna be stuck with us for sometime so you might as well." Jia gave a warming smile. "God, I’m such an idiot." He muttered, sighing to himself. . . . “They seemed to have used this machine to travel to another world,” Twilight analyzed. “Can you find out where, Sparkle?” asked Luna, wiping the cold blood off her face. “I can use a spell to see the object’s past. Maybe we’ll get a lead on where they’ve sent those humans,” “Great work, Sparkle. I will be outside if you need anything...” answered Luna. Twilight eventually powered up the spell an used it on the collider. Seeing everything that happened before they came here. The preparation, the people, and to her luck, where they were going. And it wasn’t good. To follow the paths of the human pests, Twilight would have to get the machine back running, but not only had they used up or destroyed all the energy sources to work the machine, but the machine itself was too complex to fix in such a short time. Twilight pondered for sometime. If they didn’t figure out where they went, they could possibly pose a great threat to Equestria and its Earth colony in the future. Twilight had to find out quickly, she had to know what they were doing. That’s when she had an idea. “Princess Luna! I think I found a solution to the problem!” Twilight eagerly said, maybe a bit to excited. “Marvelous, Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna, awaiting her input. “While we can’t directly take them on as the machine is too complex to build in such a short time, but we can find where they are, what they’re doing, and everything else!” answered Twilight. “That is good, Sparkle. We will get the best Equestrian scientists to help figure out this machine. But while they do that you shall find out everything,” Luna told, “everything.” “Yes your highness,” said Twilight, before going back to the destroyed collider to work on her spell. “We will find though human drones, and once we do, humanity will finally fall,” said Luna, “and when we have personally found them, we will rip them limb to limb...” Author's Note Please give feedback I really feel like this has potential but I'm missing things! *whispers loudly* IS IT TOO VIOLENT???
Chapter 2: A Shelter StoryThe Pioneers were still looking for their missing comrades while also blindly exploring the now known ‘pony planet’. They’d been doing this for hours. The strain has started to get to all of them. Aidan was practically stumbling, until he actually stumbled over a rock. “I swear. I can’t….. t-training didn’t help me enough on this..” panted Aidan. “Sir, we’ve gotten nowhere for more than half an hour, can we settle down for once?” “Negative,” Waynes said, walking with his rifle slung. “What do you mean, ‘negative?’ You’re pushing us to our focking’ limit cap! The focking’ limit!” He puts his arms up to show more feeling. The sounds of gravel shifting gravel became louder and louder as Aidan slowly fazed in and out of his surroundings. His legs began to shake and shift. Every step felt like one closer to collapsing. And it seemed the same could be said for the others. Except for the fully trained soldiers, that was. The other’s stayed quiet during the talking. But it was clear that the toll of walking for hours has gotten to them as well. It was only then when Waynes paused, holding a hand up as to signify stopping to the group. “Oh focking’ finally,” groaned James, “alright mates, let’s settle dow-“ “Shh, shh, shut up…” hissed Waynes as he shoved an arm at Jame’s shoulder. “Anyone hear that?” asked Waynes, still ordering everyone to cease what they’re doing. “Hear what?” Whispered Ania, arms bent in front of her. “Anyone hear me this is Corporal Gentilini, I’m with…. uhh…. Major Liam, First Lieutenant Semenov, two privates, one Chinese, the other American, an American conscript, a Russian one, and a French one. If any other pioneer hears this, please respond. Over.” After a pause of silence Waynes broke it. “James, get your radio,” “Okay, sir.” he said before dismounting his pack onto the path. James unzipped his backpack to get the buzzing walkie-talkie. He rummaged around his military pack when he found the walkie-talkie. He gave the device to Waynes. Waynes pushed the speak button on the device. “This is Waynes from the Pioneers. We copy, over.” “I’ll be damned, I can’t believe you guys are alive! Over!” “Alive? Why wouldn’t we be? Over.” he said, taking off his helmet and scratching his messy hair. “There are... things.. in the forest... over.” “What things? Things like creatures? Aliens? Over.” He mounted his helmet back on again. “Yes. But there is no time to explain. Over.” Waynes pursed his lips. He then held the button. “Where are you and the group? We can finally meet up and do something official. Over.” “Let’s see... it’s just forest out here. Over.” “Any path? Over.” “Yes, there is a path, it’s a gravel path, we’ve been walking over it for an hour. Over.” “Maybe if you keep going forward we can bump into each other? Over.” “Or just make us keep going the same direction and we never find each other. Over.” “Hold— just a moment. Over.” he spoke, lowering the walkie talkie and talked to James. “Hey, James, be a good sir and get that flare pistol you brought with you?” James looked at Waynes with brief confusion before sparking with understanding. He again, dismounted his pack and scrummaged through his pack until he found the big red pistol with the word ‘FLARE’ engraved in the sides. After loading a big shell into the chamber, he motions to Waynes that it’s ready. “Corporal Gentilini, one of us has a flare, we’ll shoot it in the sky then you come here. Over.” James had taken the big flare shell from his pack and slid it into the chamber of the gun. “Copy. Hold.” James aimed his right arm towards the sky, then pulled the trigger. The bright red flare shimmered in the clear blue sky. It seemed to have worked. “Corporal Gentilini, have you recieved the flare? Over.” “I sure have. Let’s finally damn meet up. Over and out.” . . . Applejack gave a sigh of satisfaction. She had done all she needed to do for today and now she can finally relax. Today had been exhausting. She and her five other friends had helped Luna cleanup a dangerous facility. She leaned on the fence looking at the sky. It was only 4:30 yet it felt like it was 8:00. The sky was starting to darken but the clouds were still blue and clear as glass. She stared for a while. Feeling relieved, when suddenly she saw a burning red flare in the sky, slowly sinking lower and lower. Something was in the Everfree forest, and it seemed to be begging for her to investigate. But first, she had to tell Twilight and her friends... . . . Still focusing on her task at hoof, Twilight was furiously writing down her notes and research to make the spell fit for the job. Satisfied with her work, Twilight powered up her spell and blasted it at the ruined machine. Nothing happened. “Buck,” Twilight swore to herself. She went back to her papers and began to redo her spell. . . . “Let’s go, don’t slack off we’re almost there to meet them.” ordered Liam. Then it was just silence accompanied with panting and heavy breathing. The second group had experienced a similar amount of fatigue exploring the forest. Being attacked by a timberwolf, which ultimately exploded after swallowing Liam’s grenade. The flare’s red flash was on the verge of disappearance and they had to move fast enough to meet the rest of the group. “So, let me get this straight. You were born from both China’s?” asked Sabine. “Yes. My mom was born in ROC and my dad was born in the PRC.” said Cui. “Interesting..” “Okay, strain is-start-to-get-on-Semenov as well. Are you sure-this-plane-work?” asked the Russian major. “As long as the other group follows their own flare we should meet up soon.” said Liam. “Shit… y’know, mah’ uncle, he was a bit of a crazy man, he used to walk with me down the grass fields back in Georgia. Would scold me for complainin’ about shit cus’ his father did it to him and he was runnin’ away from the Civil War goin’ on at the time.” “Shut up, Porter, this is why you got demoted.” “You shut up you fucking hard balled douchebag.” said Porter, sticking up a flick finger to him. “You say that again, and I will have you court marshaled.” “Shut up, you’re just a butthurt little fuck from Minnesota, aren’t ya’?” he challenged, giving the double middle fingers. “You come here you bitch!” Liam scrambled to the Georgian with his hands in front of him, shoving him to the ground while Porter grabbed on to him and brought him down too. “You two idiots stop!” intervened Gentilini, “what you’re doing is not something you were asked to do on the job description. So don’t do it.” “Job description, JOB DESCRIPTION? You listen here you little sh-“ “Shut up. Shut up! I heard something…” said Semenov. ”There are a bunch of crazy animals in the Land Down Under. When I was young, I used to think these pests were everywhere. Turns out I was wrong. And I was just another unlucky soul to be born in Satan’s backyard.” “Oh come on, don’t be such a sour-puss. Australians are awesome. They have cool accents, they’re like cowboys but upside down, they— “You hear that talking?” asked Sabine. “It’s the group!” shouted Porter, stumbling to the floor again before scrambling up to the noise. The rest of the group followed him. “Hello! Fellow humans!” said Porter. “Wow, I haven’t seen anything bipedal for hours!” shouted James. “What about us?” asked Jia. “You guys don’t count.” “Jesus christ Sabine, I vas’ vorried’ out of my ass for you,” Wilbert sighed. “Truly was a hell ride,” said Sabine, embracing Wilbert into a hug. “Zina, my god I was terrified, you could’ve died!” Ania shouted in Russian, shaking Zina back and forth before giving her a huge hug. “So, Gentilini, I don’t suppose we’ve formally met. So, good day sir,” he bows his beret in respect. Gentilini does the same in response. The two shook hands and shared a lighter. “Alright everyone listen up. Here’s our task at hand in full description: as you know, we have been at war with an alien race known as ‘ponies’. They hold a greater understanding of something we can’t even identify. We call it ‘MG(V)IC’, or Manipulative Gravitational (values of) Ionic Concentration, or MaGIC. If Earth falls, we are the scouting force for humanity. You guys may have figured out that we had unintentionally travelled to the land of Equis, but we can still carry out our task at hand. But, first things first, we have to obtain more Artifact-R before anything. I’ve no idea what it’s for, but if the higher ups were so crazy about that shit, it must be important. Maybe, we can use it to take back Earth somehow. But until then, we just do our jobs. I don’t want any questioning of morales or basic respect, I want everyone here to do their goddamn job and thats it. Nobody gives a fu-” “Okay, okay, they get it. Everyone, please, try your best to do-job, that’s-order. You got that?” “Yes sir.” replied everyone. “Who do you think you are interrupting a higher up?” “I’m captain, and you’re captain. We possess the same amount of respect.” “You know what? I don’t have time to argue with you, Russian. Go with the others.” “What a fucking asshole.” “Just stop talking, you’ll get us both shot.” . . . It was night on Earth. Twilight had finished it. She had finished the spell. The exasperated alicorn turned to the spell and powered it up. If this worked, she could see how they travelled to her world, and see what’s happening to them currently. Her horn flashed brightly and then suddenly, everything flashed to white. After a second it had faded, and Twilight could see a panoramic view of Equestria. She did it. The exhaustion in her circuits were immediately wiped from thought as she looked around for any signs of the humans. There was nothing. She looked desperately for anything, any lead of the human’s whereabouts. This had lasted for several minutes, she was about to give up, when she saw it. A bright red flash streaking across the sky. “Jackpot,” Twilight snickered with an evil grin. . . . “It’s concerning how slow you conscripts walk,” mentioned Liam. The 7 soldiers had an easier time walking longer distances than the conscript volunteers for obvious reasons, making it appear that the group had split. “Are we ever gonna sit down?” asked Aidan, his voice nearly a groan. “Once we find some kind of abandoned shelter,” responded Liam. “And when will that be?” asked Zina. “Well, from how long we’ve been walking and still haven’t found any abandoned shelter, or any shelter at all, I’d say we’d best get ready to walk for... 15-30 minutes,” said Gentilini. All the conscripts along with Private Porter and LC James made a childish groan. “If you keep whining like little shits we’ll get nowhere and we’ll be wasting even more time. Time that we NEED.” responded Liam, his frustrated attitude silencing everyone. The silent walking and the sluggish pace of the conscripts compared to the soldiers continued once more. And after 7 minutes of silence Private Porter, talked. “Sir, Ah’ think Ah’ see something on the fah’ right,” said he, with his southern accent. “Building?” Liam simply asked. “Hold up,” he said, taking a pair of binoculars from his side and viewing through them. “Was it a building?” Liam repeated. “Yeah, yeah I thaynk’ so,” “You are to respond to me with affirmative and negative, do you understand, private?” “Affirmative sir,” “Does it have lights?” “Negative,” “You see anyone?” “That’s a negative,” “Well then let’s go everybody we’re headed to the abandoned structure. — Chop chop everybody this isn’t vacation.” Another collective groan from most of the group. The sun was on the brink of setting. The orange streaks shot across the sky along with the blue. The Pioneers had come across an abandoned castle in the middle of the forest, to their luck, and even more than the lights still work, and the fact that it’s isolated from the pony world made this the number one choice for a campout by unknown alien invaders. “Dayum,” muttered Porter, “look at dem’ banners.” He points at the two banners displaying an alicorn flying around in circles. One was blueish-purple, the other was white with pink hair. The group suddenly stopped and realized what this could mean. “Ya’ reckon we jus’ found ah’selves da’ castle of Princess Celestia and Luna?” inquired Porter. “With Jesus as my witness we may have just,” responded Gentilini. “Oh this is great. This is all just great. We jus’ trespassed an angreh’ bitch goddess’s castle! We are so focked’! “How would-sun-princess know if we did? Princess-castle is looking like-textbook-definition of abandoned! Can’t we just go in?” said Semenov. Semenov and a few others already began walking in. “Hold your horses big Ivan. It’s a trap,” Waynes deadpanned. But by then the door was already opened, Ivan and some others entered the castle, disregarding any discretion of the enemy. “Fucking idiots,” scowled Liam, “retards like them are gonna get us all KILLED!” he hissed. It didn’t matter how much he tried, everybody made their mind to go into the castle. “God we are so fucked!....” groaned Liam before stomping in. . . . Northbrook, Illinois, United States Sherwin watched as Harvey slowly began to open his eyes. “Holy shit, Harvey, you’re alive...” enthusiastically whispered Sherwin. “What happened. What the fuck happened after I was knocked out?” groaned Harvey. “I dragged you through the vents, and I found this corner that we can see through but stay hidden,” explained Sherwin. “How are we gonna survive out here? With no food... no water... N-NO LIGHT... STUCK HERE WHERE NOBODY CAN FIND US…” Harvey slowly stuttered. “We’ll think of something... I-I’ll think of something don’t worry about that Harvey. Worry about yourself right now,” “I don’t think I’m gonna make it...” groaned Harvey. “You only collided your forehead on the vent wall, shut up.” “oh..” . . . Discord had been with Celestia the whole day. “So you’re sure the facility cleanup had left nopony injured?” asked Celestia. “Yes little celly, nothing happened to anypony involved,” answered Discord. “Thank you Discord, you can go now,” “Alright, Celestia. Ta Ta!” Discord could feel a strange new presence of creatures in the Castle of the Two Sisters. He decided it was best to investigate alone. Suddenly snapping and reappearing in the Castle, hidden from sight of these “creatures”. He then identified them as humans. All Discord could think of was what they were doing here, and how were they here. He listened carefully. “Jesus christ. You guys can’t keep making noise! Somebody might hear you!” Cui walked towards Ella. “Not much of a talker either?” he asked. “Yeah. Sometimes I like to keep to myself,” responds Ella. “Me too...” The two sat alone, talking to each other amongst the quiet chaos of everyone talking. This was pretty dang important information, Discord had to tell the others. And in an instant, he vanishes instantly. . . . The CMCs have been looking forward to this day, they were gonna help a filly get her cutiemark in Adventuring. But before then, they had to scout out for safe areas to do the activity. “Alright, you girls ready?” asked Scootaloo. Both Applebloom and Sweetiebelle nodded in excitement. “Cutiemark Crusader’s brave adventurers!” all three of them cheered. They had already gotten their cutiemarks, but it was still fun to do. And they loved to help others, specifically other filly’s who don’t have cutiemarks. While they were still scouting out the area they were gonna explore, they had some familiarity with this part of the Everfree forest, as they’ve gotten caught many times trying to get their cutiemarks. The three best friends continued to drive down the path, no worries about anything. . . . “Your majesty, I’ve found the humans,” Twilight reported. “Excellent Twilight Sparkle. Have you found a way to get to them?” asked Luna. “Yes, but it will take some time, as the portals to Earth are recharging. We will have to wait until then, but only some 2 days or so.” “That is acceptable, as long as we know where they are it doesn’t seem like much of a problem.” . . . James got up from his spot he was sitting on and went to go outside. He wanted to grab some fresh air alone. Had the Unity War never happened, he wouldn’t normally do this. At a near age of 19 his silly personality still stuck with him even during the war. People were right when they say somethings really change about you but some you can only wish could. He didn’t even look 19 at this point. His eyes had more rings than it ever would in a normal life, he had scars all over his body, and the dirt stained on him help amplify his mature appearance when he was still a naturally silly kid. He had gone deeper and deeper into the woods, but he still knew where the base was. The castle stuck out like a sore thumb even at a decent range. ”Cutie Mark Crusaders adventurers! Yay!” James could hear it from the back of his ear. It sounded like kids. Way younger than anyone in the group. He jumped into a bush near him, hearing the children draw nearer. “Woah! Look! A castle!” said one with a rough voice. “Smallscout is totally gonna get his cutiemark here!” another one with a southern accent said. “I know right?” said a different one, that one had a more high pitched voice. From the angle the CMCs were looking at, from a distance, the castle that was being used as a base could be seen. But if those three discover that 14 bipedal alien creatures with no hair were living there, the secrecy of this operation would be completely compromised. Suddenly, James could hear a quiet rustling in the bushes, it didn’t seem like the three pony girls were aware as they kept on babbling about bullshit. Then suddenly, a wolf shaped animal made out of wood leapt out of the bushes. The girls screamed in terror as they fled from the scooter one of them rode on. The wolf thing was faster than them, he could only watch as the wolf outran the three little ponies. He couldn’t bare not helping. Rising from the bushes, James fired a round into the wood-wolf creature. It howled in pain, he shot another one, this time in its glowing yellow eyes, then a final one went straight through its mouth. The wolf collapsed into many pieces of log. The three ponies girls huddled up together stood in silence. “That...” “Was...” “THE COOLEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN!” The orange pegasus filly shouted. The three ponies approached James in excitement, blabbering so much words he couldn’t understand once what they were saying. It was approaching night, and James had to get back to base for obvious reasons. “Look, I appreciate your thankfulness for me, but I really need to go back to the base,” said James. “Take us with you!” Pleaded the yellow one. “We’re too scared to go back at night!” The three ponies gave pleading faces. “Fine, but if you come you won’t be going back to where you came from for some time until we finish our mission. He instantly regretted what he said. “Oooh! What mission! Can we hear?” they shouted. “No.” He began walking back towards the home base, the three fillies following behind, asking too many questions on the way. “Shhh!” hissed James. The three fillies stopped talking instantly. He peeked through the castle doors. “Hey! Porter! Waynes!” he whispered, “get the hell over here!” Porter listened and ran to where he was. So did Waynes. Aidan followed out of curiosity. “The hell you doing?” demanded the Aussie. “I uh... was curious..” responded Aidan. Porter’s eyes went wide in terror looking at the ponies. “Seriously!? Ya’ gave away our position?! Oh fuck!” “Nah, they wanted to come with me.” he said, moving his left leg to make space for the three ponies. “I couldn’t stop myself... they were attacked by a monster and they were only kids...” he continued. “Oh you gotta be fu-“ Waynes shoved Porter with his shoulder, he motioned his head towards the kids. “Oh you gotta be goddamn kidding me!” he said, changing what he was originally gonna say. Waynes put his hand to his face. “So what do you propose we do about these three little fillies?” asked Waynes. “I guess we’ll have to have two of us watch them in case they try to escape. Somewhere isolated from most of the group but easy to run back to if anything goes wrong,” proposed Aidan. “Well then, it’s settled. You and James are going upstairs to the balcony. There’s a clear path from there to the main entrance.” “What?! Why me?!” argued James. “Because you brought them here ya’ bloody dumbass.” “The fuck ya’ talking about? I didn’t bring them here! They followed me here. And, what, I’m just supposed to leave them all alone to get lost?!” “Simply put, you don’t know them.” deadpanned Waynes. . . . The two men sat on the balcony of the castle, the three fillies sitting beside them, talking nonstop. “Shut up ya’ cunts…” groaned the Australian. “What’s a cunt?” the white one asked. “It’s a slang for something you’ll possibly learn later.” “What’s a slang?” asked the orange one. “It’s sorta like an informal way of saying something,” answered James. “What’s informal?” asked the yellow one. “It means not in a serious or mature way,” responded James. Author's Note Hope I’m pacing the story well enough. I really want to get this right.
Chapter 3: RunnersPonyville, Equestrian Republic, 1010 AC “Twilight! Twilight! Twilight, ya’ there?!” shouted Applejack, entering the castle. “W-Where is that Alicorn!” she stammered. “Twilight? Ya’ home?” Applejack opened the castle library doors, and upon entering, sees a note on a table: Dear Anypony who reads this, I’m fine, if you we’re worrying. I have been called by Luna to investigate the facility from the recent incident. I will be back but most likely later this evening. If you haven’t known this before, the facility has been reported to have anomalous properties. Perhaps researching this strange thing could be beneficial sometime. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle After finishing reading this Applejack cursed. “Darn it!” Before Applejack could head for the door, another pony walked in. Rarity. “Applejack?” “Rarity?” The two stared at each other silently. “Ah’m guessing ya came to look for Twi?” “Uh huh, you were too?” Applejack nodded. “Ah don’t suppose you care to tell me why you’re looking for Twi,” asked Applejack. “Yes, yes, I was looking for Sweetiebelle and I came here to ask if she’d seen her. How about you, Applejack?” “I uh,” she stammered, “there was this red glare in the sky this mornin’. Ah was goin’ to Twi if she had any answers,” responded the cowpony, “now that Ah’ think about it, Ah’ haven’t seen mah’ sis either..” “You don’t think they’ve both gotten carried away with some ‘Crusader related’ business do you?” “No doubting it.” she sighed. “Do you know when Twilight’s coming at least?” asked the fashion mare. “As a matter of fact, yes. Sadly it’s not anytime soon, Ah’m afraid,” she answered. “What are we gonna do then? And you said something about a ‘red glare’ in the sky, do you think that this is apart of it?” “No idea, but…” she thought, “what if they went into the Everfree forest? What if that’s why they haven’t come back?” Applejack began worrying. “O-oh dear, if that’s the case p-poor Sweetiebelle must be terrified being alone in the forest!” Rarity whimpered. “We have to go find em’ ourselves then!” Applejack dashed out the castle doors with Rarity following her. “So what you’re saying, is that those sticks you’re holding can shoot out tiny metal balls at very fast speeds at a target and kills them?” asked the orange pegasus now known as Scootaloo. “Why am I even telling you this…” groaned James. “Because we’re friends with you!” shouted the white unicorn named Sweetiebelle cheerfully. “No, we’re not friends. In fact, you three should be considered an enemy just like the rest of your species!” shouted James. “We’re friends. Admit it, you gave us refuge and food. That’s a pretty friendly move there, friend!” said Scootaloo, bouncing in front of the Aussie. He had to use all his wits to not squeeze her into a hug. Aidan was lying on the balcony floor sleeping. Applebloom lay atop him, sleeping alongside. James and the other two Crusaders still having their “discussion”. The rest of the group had stayed ignorant of the ponies. As much as Liam wanted to direct the group, Semenov held the same position, and had an unfortunately laid back attitude, making it hard for Liam to carry out decisions too harsh that Semenov had to decline. Liam had spent most of the day alone in his corner, talking to himself and other personal businesses. To be fair, the grump of the group wanted to finish the job and seeing the rest of the group lounging around while they could’ve been doing something useful in that time annoyed him even more. Nobody knew Liam personally, meaning nobody knew what made him such an ass all the time, but whatever it was, the group knew it was most likely something very traumatic that they should avoid referring to at all times. And to try and stay out of his way while he was at it. Waynes walked up the stairs to the balcony. “Aidan? You in there?” There was no response. It hadn’t occurred to Waynes at the time that he wasn’t easily waken when sleeping. After a few attempts to wake him up he’d stopped trying and left. Waynes had to try again next time. “I’m glad that spell actually worked, Sparkle. Very impressive.” said the Moon princess. “Thanks, Princess Luna. I’m glad too. Do you think this whole thing will be over soon?” said Twilight. “I’m sure it will end very soon. We just have to keep moving forward.” “Dang, I’m sure am hungry.” said Spike. “Don’t worry Spike, we’ll get something to munch on when we get home.” “Speaking of that, why is Discord riding Celestia?” asked Spike. “Huh?” asked Luna. “Better question, why are they headed towards the Everfree?” spoke Twilight. “This seems strange. Celestia doesn’t usually investigate anything herself, nor without any additional protection..” pondered Luna. “We’re gonna follow them aren’t we…” deadpanned Spike. “We are gonna follow them,” replied Twilight with a boost of energy, “thus could be big!” “Yes, the amount of peculiarity of seeing Celly going somewhere outside the boundaries of Canterlot is something I am at full right of investigating alongside her too.” “Ughh!” grumbled Spike. Hopping on to Twilight’s back as they pursued the two. “Okay, okay—“ Rainbow Dash managed before being cut off by a distraught Fluttershy. ”There were there when I turned to my left, then I screamed and ran away. I remember one screamed back. Oh my Celestia it was so scary so that’s why I came to you girls to help me because I am so scared right now and I can’t go back home until I have confirmation that makes me feel better an—“ “FLUTTERSHY!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Hey Flutters, I know you know that I talk very fast and you might think it’s funny but you have to have practice and right now you’re really bad at it!” Pinkie said very quickly. “Fluttershy, just breath. Breath okay?” said Rainbow Dash. She started to inhale and exhale slowly. Then she calmed down. “Now what were you saying about these things showing up and scaring you?” “Oh! It was horrible! They were screaming at me and then starting to move their hooves to get something, then I freaked out and ran away!” “Oh those things will pay! How dare they disregard Fluttershy’s feelings, then try to attack her?! Oh I’m gonna give them a huge buck in the throat!” she scowled, punching her fists together. “Yeah! What jerks!” added the pink mare. “Come on girls! We’re gonna show these intruders a lesson!” The three ponies started to make their way into the Everfree forest to look for the human pests. “The coast is clear,” whispered Sherwin. Motioning for the still head hurt Harvey to exit the vent shaft. The two were attempting to get food and water. Luckily for them, the hidden facility held a cafeteria which held a huge stockpile of rations and fresh water. All they had to do was to go down the main hall corridor, then take a right to the east wing, and take a left to the cafeteria. While it seemed fairly doable and simple, there was a constant threat of guards patrolling the facility. Worse, the alicorns could be in any of these rooms. So it was of utmost importance to stay low and shut up round trip. So far, so good. The corridor was extremely long which would be impossible to cross through if it weren’t for all the box containers lying all around. To their luck, the Equestrian forces have touched nothing ever since they stormed the facility. Possibly in fear of setting something important/dangerous off. Oh great, looks like today’s some special day. He thought, now seeing an increased presence of guardsponies patrolling the area. The two were still able to make some progress across the hallway when— SCREEE Harvey’s shoe squeaked on the floor after accidentally slipping. Ah shit. “Who goes there?” said a voice a few yards from them. “Show yourselves! We won’t hurt you if you comply!” The two were practically ignoring the bullshit they’d always heard since the war started. And every time they saw someone comply, they still beat them, or just flat out killed them. “What do we do?!” whispered Harvey. “I don’t know! We need some kind of miracle of a distraction to get these assholes off our backs!” Sherwin could now make out a shadow slowly looming near their position, when suddenly the sound of bullets being fired from above caught both guards and humans off guard. The guard who was approaching the group now laid their attention on where that gunfire came from. “Where’d that come from?!” the guard demanded. “Sounded like it came from upstairs!” “I saw the gun bullets go through the wall!” Cried another guard. The voices became quieter and quieter as they quickly made their way to the source of the noise. “Shit,” Sherwin exclaimed making an impressed face, “that worked.” Discord travelled his way to Celestia’s throne. “Hey Celestia?” Discord asked. “Yes? Discord?” “I… think we have something interesting in our… uh… claws and hoofs?” he jokingly replied. Celestia snickered, then went back to her serious face. “What is your issue, Discord?” she asked, with visible concern, because if something managed to make Discord not crack jokes every half second, something was seriously wrong. “They’re here….” he said, with his own concerned voice. Celestia let out a big sigh. It was only a matter of time. “It’s a shame there was nothing we could’ve done.” she replied, staring off to the side. “Look, Celestia,” Discord interjected. Celestia looked at him, her face looking near the verge of crying. “Celly, Celly, look, see us? We’re powerful beings. You are a powerful being.” “Power doesn’t mean anything to an army of ancient murderous and bloodthirsty husks.” she replied, a bit disappointed in his answer. “What I was trying to say was, we may be powerful beings, but what do we mean compared to the true power of prophecies? Prophecies that have never been doubted? The humans are here. They are battle hardened and determined as ever, if we ever want to stand up against this enemy we’re gonna have to work together. Just like the tales stated.” “Discord, we both know those tales are fiction, and have no correlation to reality. The prophecies have been inconsistent, and had sometimes made mistakes in predictions. They’re just ponytales.” “Well then, sorry for trying to make you feel better, grumpy pants. You want some merchandise for “Ms. Grumpypants™?” he said, holding up some pants displaying an annoyed looking Celestia, “anyways, at least there isn’t any prophecy stating we’d lose against them.” “Discord, again, ponytales. Second, we have a lacking of soldiers currently. And what is the Elements of Harmony gonna do against the—” “—Aaaaannnyways…” Discord interrupted, “I was asking if you could accommodate me to.. you know, to take these humans somewhere else where nopony will see them.” James couldn’t do much besides wait by the ponies and… man… quietly. Maintaining full combat awareness if anyone or anyTHING were to pounce on him or Aidan. WHO IS STILL SLEEPING IN HIS COMBAT POST. James set his face into his palms and made an annoyed groan. “Why me..” he said continuously, “why me? Not someone else? No no, it’s because I’m Waynes’ right hand man. Yeah, that’s it!” he mocked. ”So the castle is where they are?” “From when I last seen them yes.” “Well, I suppose we should make this as silent as possible?” “After you.” Shit, he thought Someone else is here… “Wake up, wake the fuck up you shit, get the fuck up someone’s here!” The conscript fluttered his eyes open and half realized what he was saying, cocking his gun from safety to auto. “Okay, I heard some voices up on the balcony.” “So, if they attack and not try to reason what do we do?” “Trust me, they won’t… very soon.” “Anyone hear that yelling on the balcony?” asked Waynes. “No?” said Cui. “Shhh…” Gentalini ordered. He pointed at the balcony and heard muffled yelling. Porter unslung his M4A3. “I’m going in. It could be an intrusion! Anybody who wants to do their jobs for once, come with me.” he sternly said storming up the stairs. “Hold on, I don’t understand.” said the tired Aidan. “What don’t you understand about when I said I heard unrecognizable voices?” “The part where you said ‘don’t you’… I just.. don’t get what you mean.” “It means ‘are you not’.” “Hold on I have to process this..” then it was silent. He sighed “I heard intruders!” “Intruders? Oh! Why didn’t you say it like that? Okay, I’m gonna sound the alarm. WEEOO WEEOO! Intruder alert! Guys we have intruders! Red spy is in the base!” “Cut that out!” he barked. “Gee you’re no fucking fun,” the other deadpanned. “Okay Rares, the coast is clear.” “Okay. So you’re sure you heard talking from the Castle of the Two Sisters?” asked the fashion pony. “Ah’ swear on mah’ hoof.” Applejack said, putting her hoof up. “Alright, if you insist.” “Let’s go then!” said Applejack, running towards the castle, Rarity following behind. “So what if something evil is there?” asked Rarity. “And attacks us? We’ll beat em’ up.” She says, putting her hoofs together. “Well.. I’d hate to get my hooves dirty but I guess desperate times go for desperate measures..” Then, something was heard in the bushes. The two ponies turned their heads to the sound, ready for anything. Then, after a few seconds, something popped out. “AHHHHH!” screamed the two. “AHHHHHH!” screamed the cyan pegasus. “AHHHHHH!” playfully screamed the pink party pony. “Please… stop…” pleaded the yellow pegasus, covering her ears from the loud and chaotic friend reunion. “What the heck are you two doing here?!” demanded Dash. “We can ask the same for ya’ too!” “We were gonna show some creatures a lesson for trying to attack Fluttershy!” shouted Dash. “We were looking for the crusaders.” told Rarity. “Maybe the creatures have the three fillies as well!” added Pinkie, “yipee! Alien party! Wait! We’re having an alien party and I didn’t bring anything? Aw shucks!” Pinkie said, her hair deflating slightly. After a pause, the group ran towards the castle. “Wait, why the castle?” asked Pinkie. “We heard talking from there, talking that was unrecognizable.” responded the farm pony. The two alicorns landed onto the gravel path, then collected themselves. “Okay, so, where’d they go next?” asked Luna. “I’m not sure.. I lost them..” confessed Twilight. “What are you doing?” asked Celestia, firmly. “AHHH!” the three stalkers screamed. “Okay okay, what’s going on here? You all were having a gathering and I wasn’t invited?” grunted Discord. “What are you three doing here?” continued Celestia. “We were—“ said Luna. “Stalking you..” cut off Twilight. Celestia gave them the biggest stink eye after that one. “Okay let’s not waste anytime right now we can discuss this later.” Discord interrupted, snapping his fingers and teleporting to the castle. “So we’ll go through the ba-“ “AHHH!” the entire group screamed for the 13th time. Discord still unfazed by the shouting. “It’s extremely sad and disappointing that you guys— I mean, girls get so scared so easily.” “What?! Discord?!” said half of the Mane 6. “What’s HE doing here?!” asked Rainbow Dash. “Go to Celestia for those answers.” he said, pointing at Celestia. Celestia rolled her eyes. “We’re investigating the castle.” answered the sun princess. “So are we.” said Rarity. “Ehh, we’re more trying to beat up whoever tried to attack Fluttershy but whatever!” smiled Pinkie. After some confused looks from the group, everyone sighed. “Okay, let’s just go. We got some flank to kick first!” Porter, a Chinese soldier named Shen Shen, and Corporal Gentilini entered the balcony and were surprised to see three baby ponies sleeping with two men who were talking like idiots. “Whaddya’ doin’!” screamed Porter, pointing at the fillies. “What the hell are they doing here?” demanded Shen. “Long story. Monster attacked them, this idiot saved them, and now we have to breast feed these fucking horses!” ”DISCORD?!!” the humans heard. “What was that?” asked Aidan. “Everyone, take cover!” ordered the corporal. The three soldiers that recently arrived took cover behind the doors, while the two others leaned against the balcony rails. Aidan turned his head to the left, seeing the Lance Corporal trying to communicate to him silently. He understood him after sometime. Stay hidden, wait until they get in a position where we can attack, profit. But after a few minutes, they heard nothing. Nothing happened. Then Aidan rose up. “Okay, I think the coast is clear.” “It is?” asked a voice, followed by a pink pony leaning from the doors to the balcony. The three soldiers hidden there didn’t even notice the pink mare leaning with them. “WHAT THE FUCK!” “OH SHIT!” “JESUS CHRIST FUCK!” The three soldiers retreated to the balcony, aiming at the pony. Then, a shitload of other ponies leaned in as well. If the soldiers could reach the pitch, they screamed at that moment. “FIRE!” shouted the corporal. The sounds of machine guns flooded the area, as Discord put up a portal in front of the group, sending the hail of bullets into another dimension. “Where did that gunfire come from?!” demanded a guard. “It sounded like it came from the second floor!” “Move! Move! We must neutralize those targets!” “What the fuck was that?!” demanded Liam. “It came from-balcony!” The rest of the group scrambled up the stairs and towards the balcony, only for it to be blocked off by a shield. “FUCK! NO NO NO!” screamed Liam. “STAND BACK!” shouted Semenov, unslinging his gun and firing at the shield to no avail. “NO! SHIT! FUCK NO!” yelled Ella, banging against the forcefield. “SWEETIE?! WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU?!” wailed Rarity. “They fed me bread with cheese sauce!” replied Sweetiebelle with a cheerful smile and tone. “They did what?!!?” “Wait, ya’ gahs’ fed them horses food?” whispered Porter. “Oh my god please just stop talking about it..” muttered James, face in hands. “Are you.. humans?” asked Celestia. “You know damn well who we are!” “Yeah! The Crusaders’ kidnappers!” shouted Applejack. “And bullies to Fluttershy!” yelled Dash. “They didn’t kidnap us, they saved us from timberwolves!” “Oh… wow that actually makes sense for their names. Hahaha.” “Why did you attack us?!” demanded Twilight. “Uh, pardon? We shouldn’t even be talking to evil cunt’s!” “Let alone say pardon!” shouted Aidan. “Pardon— Excuse me for asking, but what’s a cunt?” asked Spike. “They’ll tell you when you’re older… wait, why am I even talking to you, what the fuck?!” “Pardo— Say that again?” asked Luna. The balcony stood silent. “Why are you hostile to us?” asked Celestia. “Well, from what it says on their papers, is that their home world was in the middle of a full on invasion by Equestria, so their people sent these ‘humans’ to scout out for another land to live in. Apparently, there is another Equestria that instead of traditionally embracing peace, they intend to conquer worlds in attempt to, and I quote, ‘liberate them from corrupt leaders’. But, to be completely honest with you all, their political structure is fairly decent. Compared to what other alien politicians I’ve seen act like.” Discord said, giving an impressed face while shrugging. Then the area went silent, until Luna spoke through the silence. “Discord, so what though is saying is that instead of being the saviors of Equestria like it stated in though tales, these are just warriors who have been mentally scarred by the toll of war?” asked Luna. “And, to add on to that, they were attacked by other versions of us?!” shouted Twilight. “Seems so,” shrugged Discord, “although I’ve seen worse.” The ponies gave a confused stare at the draconequus. “And, we attack other lands like we’re some kind of imperialists?” asked Celestia. “Yes, to say again, unlike you peace loving Equestrians, these Equestrians are warmongering genocidal monarchs.” “How do we know you’re really peaceful?” asked Chen. “And what in sam’s hell ya’ talkin’ about us bein’ saviors of Equestria?!” “We don’t even know who ya’ll creatures are!” shouted Applejack. “We do…” said Celestia, “Luna, care to explain?” Celestia looked at Luna, seeing this, she nods and begins to talk. “Very well. Sister. To say it short, a long time ago, legends stated that some sort of bipedal creatures would come to our lands and become the saviors of Equestria in defense from some kind of infinitely powerful shadow nightmare army. This army was and still is ruthless, and craves the blood of any living creature. They would torture its enemies. Rip their limbs off, scoop out their eyes, whip them nonstop, and other disgusting acts of violence without any moral empathy to the victim.” Everyone stood shocked and silent, specifically the ponies who were wide eyed, mouth gaping open, and twitching in fear. “Wait,” paused Gentilini, chuckling. “You think, that we’re gonna help you shits—you shits after you murdered our people and destroyed our homes?” he broke out into an unstable laugh, while having slight pinches of sobbing along with it. “Whatever acts of war you say we’ve done, we assure you we have never done in our millennials of existence.” said Luna. “Please, you can trust us.” continued Celestia. When the humans looked into her eyes; in her soul had only sincere feelings, everyone knew she meant what she said, even the humans, just by looking into those eyes. “I can’t believe we would— different versions of us… would do such cruel things to you.. I’m so… sorry…” said Twilight quietly, tears streaking down her eyes. “It’s gonna take more than a sorry to make amends for what your alter egos have destroyed.” said Gentilini. “My son.” “YOU BOYS GOT ME DEMOTED FROM SERGEANT TO PRIVATE!” “Private First Class…” muttered Discord, pointing the papers into his face. “MY HOUSE! Ya motherfuckers destroyed all my family relics!” shouted James. “could’ve probably sold them for a fortune…” whispered Aidan. The other humans continued to scream at the shocked ponies. The yelling began to subside a little while after. And after the brief pause Fluttershy spoke. “I’m so sorry… I thought you all were attacking me but it was me that was attacking you.. how… how can you forgive me! I’m so wicked for doing that!” she sobbed, tearing up. “Please! I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy pleaded, running over to the Italian and embracing him into a chokehold hug, hiccuping between her words. “UFF!” “So… ya’ll not… hostile?” asked Porter. “Oh dear. I.. I-I can’t take this..” Rarity stuttered before putting her hooves to her mouth while he cheeks bubbled up with a green tint. She gagged. “Well, with that in mind, it really seems you’re not the same Equestria… we know…” motioned Chen. The group of ponies slowly nodded in agreement. “I can’t imagine myself killing innocents just because they wanted freedom…” said a saddened Dash. “Yeah, I can’t believe you killed my friends either.” deadpanned James. Rainbow Dash turned her head to James, her ears lowered, her face looking like a whimpering puppy. “Other than the fact that this is incredibly depressing, this… is… utterly… FASCINATING! Quick! Spike, get the quill and paper! We’re writing this down!” He sighed “Twilight,” deadpanned Spike, arms crossed. “Just jot down the dialogue!” babbled Twilight. “TWILIGHT!” shouted Spike. Twilight quickly realizing her mistake and stopped talking, blushing briefly with a frown. The shield dividing the two groups suddenly disappeared, and the sounds of distressed screaming were now heard. “EVERYBODY GO GO GO! GET THEM ALL!” shouted Liam before falling over and toppling the crowd. The group quickly scrambled up and took to their arms straight after. “WAIT WAIT WAIT!” yelled Porter. “WHAT IN BLOODY HELL YOU TALKIN’ ABOUT? MOVE!” screamed Waynes. “WHAT IS HAPPENING!?” “I DON’T KNOW! BUT I THINK IT’S A SCREAMING COMPETITION!” shouted Pinkie. “DON’T FUCKING SHOOT! I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!” continued James. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING? SHOOT THEM!” screamed Liam. “EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!” boomed Semenov. The humans stopped shouting. “Somebody, explain.” said Semenov calmly. "James, you, explain." he repeated. "Me? Goddamn it." James sighed then held up his arms in demonstration. “This is an abridged version of what’s happening,” he said, making a bridge shape with his hands. “Apparently, there are other versions of them that attacked us...” The room went silent. “What do you mean?” asked Ella. Discord snapped his talons and a short paper explanation appeared floating in front of them in text form. “Just for plot convenience.” he said. Wilbert took his eyes up from the papers, “Und so.. they’re friendly?” asked Wilbert. “Seemingly so, but we have a long way until we can fully trust you all. You are very lucky we’re not filling you full of lead already,” answered Gentilini. Liam scowled in absolute frustration, “that’s my problem! You should!” then he turned away and said, “doesn’t matter, I’m killing them sooner or later..” After another pause the silence was broken. “What’s his problem?” asked Applebloom. “He just said,” answered James. “He’s harder at accepting things compared to others. He’s been fighting ponies for years now, he’s seen the things they can do to other beings. Well, alternate versions of you.” said Porter, “oh yeah he’s also an asshole.” There was another silence. “So… now what?” asked Jia. “What’s wrong with him?” asked Pinkie, showing visible concern. She pointed her hoof towards Aidan, who had fainted during the commotion. “He’ll be fine. I think.” said Waynes.
Chapter 4: Hours to Seconds? Battle of Chicago [Operation Steel-claw/3rd Chicago Offensive], October 21st, 2021 "Boys, welcome to Chicago. How's your time been?" "To be honest, it has been complete shit. I can't find any hotdogs in this damned place." The general chuckled. “What do you mean ‘the Navy and Airforce are preparing for a classified operation?!’ What do you mean?! What are you hiding from us?! Can’t you see we’re in an alien war right now?! Send in static—thing! F-15s, F-18s, F-16s… static—cking care! Send in Tomcats! Phantoms! Fucking Super Sabres! Anything that can outrun those pega-faggots or whatevestatic—D FUCK— YOU!” Slam Dunn who had been listening, put his hands to his face before slamming both on the desk. “Damn it all!” “What happened sir? Not even Phantoms in the reserve?” “No. No. No. Nothing.” The building suddenly rattled violently. Papers flew across the room. Sherwin slipped right onto his ass. “Holy shit!” screamed the officer. “Were those ours?!” questioned the disgruntled Major General Sherwin. “No.” grunted the major. A strained Corporal Porter stormed the station. “What in sam’s hell are you doing here corporal?!” demanded Sherwin. “We got ‘Grounder’s’… thousands of em’ storming the Lincoln Park Zoo!” shouted the Georgian. “Well, looks like we finally can do something!” briefly smiled the major general. “What are you proposing?” asked Dunn. "There are M777’s just parked on the outskirts of West Lakeview. Maybe we can show them a little Chicagoan light-show!… I’m not a Chicagoan, but the line works, right?” “Yeah, it does. But wait, aren’t refugees still there?” asked Dunn. “I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure they’ve cleared the zoo. We have to do it. The ponies will be on our doorstep if not. Then the soldiers here are fucked.” Dunn nodded silently. Nervous of this gamble. Sherwin motioned his right hand to the major, signifying his request for the radio. The major grabbed it and gave it to the general. The general then put the object to his ear. “static Hello? Direct orders from the general: hit the fuckers at the zoo!— static.” “Message received! We're packing the heat sir, don't worry! static—” “Just make sure to not hit the animals!” “Don’t worry, the animals have been evacuated already. We’ll have tha— static—rder in your han—static—n no time!” the radio cut off to static. After a brief pause between the lines, Dunn could hear a distant conversation in the background. ”WE GOT AN ORDER! HIGH EXPLOSIVE! LINCOLN PARK ZOO!” Then the talking stopped. “HIGH EXPLOSIVES LOADED.” “FIRE ON COMMAND, SIR.” said a voice. “Just say wh—static— sir.” “Now.” “EVERYONE MOVE! THIS SECTOR IS BEING BOMBARDED BY HIGH EXPLOSIVES!” Aidan ran around, trying to help other refugees to safety. His phone rang. He reached into his pocket and accepted the call. “Aidan, the family is going to hiding in Gelena. Be safe, and be courageous, but not stupid. If you need to run, run.” “Okay. Okay I know. NOW RUN.” he said. “I am. Okay, bye. Be safe.” She then hung up. Aidan put his phone in his pocket. “INCOMING!” shouted a distant voice. The sounds of whistling from above became louder and louder. Artillery. Oh shit, there are still refugees. Porter could be seen running from the direction of the command post. “What’d they say?” asked Aidan. “Whadd’ya mean what’d they say? It was just a report I was giving them!” shouted Porter over the hail of gunfire. “Well, how are we gonna evacuate these refugees in time before they get blown to bits?” asked Aidan. “I think it’s going okay for now. Just gotta move some more and they’d be safe.” answered Porter. “Hold on, how’s your best friend?” “He’s over there right now. Why?” “No I was just curious if he was okay.” “Right. Well, we still have a job to do” “Okay, lets go.” “That artillery strike seemed like a creeping barrage.” said Aidan. “Are you speculating that the next bombardment will be on our asses?” asked Porter. “Afraid so.” “I WON’T LEAVE MY SON OUT THERE TO BE KILLED!” said a random voice. “Ah’ know, just trah’ ya’ best to stay calm. We promise we’ll get em’ back.” responded Peter. Porter and Aidan went over to see what was happening. “Let me over there! I'll get him myself!” “Hey hey hey! Stop that! Ya’ gonna get hurt!” “More hurt than I already am? Fuck you!” she shoved the soldier with such force he was thrown to the wall and was in a state of shock. “Someone stop her-“ he ordered before hearing the sounds of high pitched whistling from above. “Oh shit,” he said, “EVERYBODY RUN!” “NO! FOLLOW AN ORDERLY LINE! THAT’S AN ORDER! OR YOU’RE ALL DYING!” said another voice. “SHUT UP, THEY’RE ALL GONNA DIE IF WE AIN’T FIXIN’ TO HELP THEM!” “SERGEANT I WILL HAVE YOU COURTMARSHALLED FOR INSUBORDINATION. NO CUT THAT SHIT OUT.” ordered the officer. “NO!” he shouted, shoving the man against the wall. “THAT’S IT. YOU'RE DONE!” shouted the officer before throwing a punch to the chest. Porter, infuriated that he just attacked his brother in arms, stuck a violent jab into his stomach. The officer was a tough man though, after tanking the punch, he smacked him square in the jaw. Peter and Aidan both ran in to intervene, but Porter had tackled the officer to the ground. Both locked in a fist fight, neither could move after recovering from each other's attacks. Then down came a blurry object, colliding with the building in front of the two, causing the entire structure collapse. Peter had only seconds to react, as he moved his body as fast as he could, he quickly tackled his friend out of the way before suddenly getting most of his body crushed by the concrete. The shock of the situation hadn't fully applied to the comrade at the time, and he could only stare as his friend coughed out his life force before lying motionless. A sudden cry of pain jerked him back to the battle, turning his body around to see Aidan pinned on the ground, multiple pieces of rebar impaling him in the shin, side of his torso, and hand. “Oh my god oh my god.” said the corporal, “uh-uh-alright, come on, this will hurt for a moment--” "Don't! Stop stop!" the distressed private cut him off. "Don't worry, all you's gotta do is just shut the fuck up for a moment." he began trying to pull the rebar out of his leg, to no avail. "Stop stop stop! You're making it worse! You're gonna cause an infection!" "Humans aren't that weak, man up you pussy." he scowled, before trying to pull Aidan's leg out of the debris stuck in him. He ignored the protests of the boy and continued to apply more force to his arms. His torso jolted out of the metal bar, freeing the conscript from the rubble, as the rebar stuck in the other two areas could just be pulled out. "I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die I'm gonna die." repeated the young man over and over again rapidly. "Stop, please." Porter said, before lifting the wounded soldier onto his shoulder. He began jogging at a constant pace, ignoring the shouts from his comrade. After some time, the struggling from his body ceased. Porter noticed this, and put down the body on the ground. He stared at the limp soldier and sighed. Laying his helmet on his legs, he then started walking again. Leaving Aidan behind.
Prologue: Setting Sail"80 Seconds!" The announcer reported to the speaker. Aidan's hands begin to sweat. Everything was going to schedule, yet he still felt like they were missing something. He knew it was just an instinct though. He just wanted to get going before anything bad happens. "Everyone check equipment! You do NOT want to leave anything behind!" shouted Major Dunn. Everyone including Aidan doubled checked their packs, radios, and other equipment. "Collider instruments are working correctly! Everything is good!" reported Operator Harvey. "Well, god speed you bastards." smiled the major. Aidan could only shiver from the goosebumps of how much pressure there is for him to succeed. His appearance was that of a basic soldier. Which he technically was but instead he was called a ‘conscript’ for obvious reasons. They were still more civilian than they were soldiers but they were able to at least shoot and load a gun. "Languages won't be an issue, remember!" mentioned Major Dunn. "10 Seconds!" Aidan set on his aviators and closed his eyes. He really was experiencing something straight out of Half Life. Would he be going to Xen? Oh shit.. "7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, We have a launch!" Was the last thing Aidan heard before one hell of a journey. Author's Note And so it begans.
