Metro: A New Worldby Helloween-4545ChaptersPrologue: The End of The Dark OnesChapter One: Waking Up In A New WorldChapter Two: A Proper IntroductionChapter Three: Late Night MeetupChapter Four: Welcome to PonyvilleChapter Five: Blown CoverPrologue: The End of The Dark OnesThe tunnel grew colder--Miller and I were close to the surface now. Soon we'd climb up into the howling wind, to find our way through whatever nightmares were waiting there. My long journey was nearly at its end. But would I have the courage...the will to see it through? "Hey, Artyom. When you left your home station, did you ever think you'd end up in a place like this? Not knowing whether we were about to save our world....or send it straight to hell." said Miller. I didn't respond as me and Miller continued our slow ascent back to the surface. I was focused on the objective, and that was to get to the top of Ostankino Tower, set up the laser beacon, and have Vladimir launch the missiles from D6 and destroy the so called "Dark Ones". We continued to climb further and further up the ladder. Miller reached the top first. As I reached the top and prepared to grab the ledge, the began to crumble below me. Miller's fast reflex's saved me from a premature death, and possible saved humanity's last hope. "Got you!" Miller than pulled me up to join him. "That would have been unfortunate. Now, come along, the others are waiting." We continued a bit further until we reached a blast door. Miller approached it and pressed a nearby button. The groaned with age as it began to open. "Seems like things are going our way." As quickly as the door opened, it immediately slammed shut. "Chyort!" Miller groaned and turned to me "Just our luck, huh?" I heard scratches behind me. On instinct, I turned around, aiming my Kalash 2012 at the darkness. "I'll cover you. Go use the manual override on the door." I approached the manual override, which was just a basic wheel. Gripping it firmly, I turned it to right. As I continually did it, I noticed the door beginning to open. After a minute or so, the door was fully open. "Excellent job, Artyom. Now, let's keep moving." Proceeding forward, we went through a hall that lead to a small weapons cache. "It would be wise to take what you need, Artyom. Running dry in the middle of a firefight would be disastrous." Looking through the weapon cache, I took two extra mags for my Kalash, Twelve shells for my automatic shotgun, and eighteen bullets for my revolver. "Are you ready, Artyom?" I racked the charging handle of my Kalash "As ready as I'll ever be." Me and Miller continued past the cache and into a cramped hallway. As we proceeded further, the once illuminating lights shut off. "Well....great." Miller said sarcastically. He then activated the light on his helmet. I did the same as we approached another door. Miller readied his weapon and carefully opened the door. "Uh-huh.... Seems like nobody's home." Miller than went into the next room with me following closely behind. "Before we hit the surface, Artyom, put your gas mask on. Otherwise, you'll be like a goldfish outside it's bowl." As he finished saying that, the veteran ranger donned his gas mask. I did the same. I heard stories about people who went insane and thrusted themselves out onto the surface, unprotected. If they weren't killed by Nazis or eaten by Demons, death by suffocation seemed a worse fate than the latter two options. "Were almost there." said Miller as we entered what appeared to be the lobby of a building. "This is, or rather was, the Korolev performance hall, it's really close to the tower." As Miller approached the exit, the sound of growling was heard above us. "Load your weapon!" Miller inserted a fresh mag into his Kalash and readied it for the incoming attack. I readied my weapon also, bracing myself for what was about to come. "Here they come!" As if on cue, a Lurker came charging at Miller. Not breaking focus, the ranger pumped the mutant with five shots, stopping it's speedy advance. Another Lurker made it presence know by howling above me. I aimed my Kalash up and fired, killing it. Lurkers are...to say the least, both annoying and unnerving. While they don't attack people in groups, they will ambush stragglers or people traveling alone. I've heard terrible stories about attacks on people when I was little. But, like all hostile mutants, they're easily dealt with with a few bullets. "Alright, let's get out of here before their friends show up." Miller reloaded his weapon as he exited the performance hall. I quickly followed, not wanting to meet the two Lurker's friends. We exited and found ourselves back on the cold surface of Moscow, an all to familiar feeling to me at this point. "There it is...our goal." said Miller as he pointed toward Ostankino Tower. Me and the ranger then continued toward our objective. "Come in...Ulman, come in... Over." "You're coming through loud and clear. Over." said Ulman over the radio. Ulman is Miller's second in command. A capable soldier with a sense of humor was a rare thing to come by in the metros. "We're at the tower. I Repeat. We are at the tower. Did the group move out? Over." "That's affirmative, we've made contact. They should be in the vicinity of the tower now. Over." "Roger. We'll contact you again when we reach the top of the tower. Get a fix on our location then. Over." "Over and out." said Ulman. "Lets go, the others should already be here." Miller began to pick up the pace. I quickened mine to catch up to him. We continued to grow closer and closer to the tower, passing by the ruins of destroyed buildings as we went. Just then, the sound of a car horn behind me made Miller breathe a breath of relief. "Ahh, and there they are!" An armored car equipped with a heavy machine gun rolled up to our location and stopped a few feet ahead of us. The driver of the car honked the horn twice and left the driver's seat. He then approached Miller. "Glad to see you, Colonel." said Ulman as he shook Miller's hand. In the distance, I swore I heard the sound of a roar. "Did you hear that--listen! What the hell is it..?" The soldier operating the machine gun began to look around nervously as he readied himself for an ambush. "FORM A CIRCLE!" ordered Miller. The accompanying rangers began to take defensive positions by the armored car, ready to attack. "Stay calm." said Ulman. "Watch your backs, boys." said Miller. As soon as he said that, a pack of Lurkers rushed passed us, paying us no mind. "Okay, okay. It looks like it's going to be tougher than the Library." A single Lurker stopped running and turned it's attention toward me. It's black beady eyes starred into my soul. The mutant than roared and charged me. I aimed Kalash at it's head and pulled the trigger, splattering it's brains on the ground. And like that...all hell broke loose. "Shit! Fire at will!" ordered Miller as more Lurkers began to appear. The rangers obeyed and began to unload their rounds into the oncoming horde of Lurkers. I fired My Kalash with deadly accuracy as more and more Lurkers kept coming. "Hold the line!" yelled Miller. I kept firing till my my weapon clicked empty. As I reloaded it, I was knocked to the ground by a sneaky Lurker. I looked up to see it turning around and charging at me. With my Kalash to far for me to get, I pulled out the combat knife I kept in my right boot. I waited until the Lurker was close enough to me. Once within range, I drove my blade through the base of it's jaw, stopping it dead in it's tracks. Pushing the body away and retrieving my gun, I turned around to a sight that made my heart sink. "Demons!" screamed a ranger. If you've never heard of Demon, it's best you keep it that way. They are rather large, winged, mammalian creatures with complex facial features with prominent nose and fangs. Another thing about them that can can make even the bravest soldier cry for their mother is their roar, which is almost akin to a tiger's, but a tiger is practically a kitten compared to a Demon. The soldier on the heavy machine turned in the direction of the incoming pack of Demons and began to open fire. One of the Demons broke off from the group and charged the armored car. The soldier manning the machine gun was screaming and desperately trying to break free of the Demons's grip as it carried him off to his death. Another Demon soon after knocked the armored car over, destroying our best shot at eliminating them. The Demon that knocked over the car circled back and went directly for me. It approached with speed as it kicked me to the ground with it's prehensile limbs. I felt the wind get knocked out of me as I lay on the ground. I quickly checked for injuries. I sighed a quick breath of relief that none of my ribs were broken. My gratitude was cut short when said Demon returned and landed in front of me. It slowly approached me and reared up to attack. The attack was cut short when I heard the sound of gunfire close to me. The Demon roared at it's attacker and flew back up into the sky. Miller rushed to my side, firing his Volt Driver at the retreating Demon. "Artyom, are you okay? The horde has dispersed! This is our only chance to reach the tower!" Extending his hand down, I grabbed it and was kindly helped up. "Follow me, Artyom! And don't stop for a second!" I stayed as close as could to Miller without tripping over him. I readied my Kalash to protect myself from any straggling Lurkers from the previous attack. "From the left!" Miller turned and fired as a Lurker appeared to his left. Another one quickly followed suit, but joined it's friend after I fired a quick burst into it. "Keep moving!" Miller than continued his advance toward the tower with me shortly behind him. More Lurkers appeared in front of us. I couldn't get a shot off as Miller cut them down as quickly as they appeared. "Go-go-go!" Miller and I made a mad dash toward the Tower's entrance. Seeing a door, we quickly rushed toward it and ran inside. "Phew! This'll be one hell of a story when we get back." Miller slowed his pace as I closed the door behind us. Walking calmly through the lobby, we encountered an ancient elevator. Miller pried open the elevator doors to allow us entrance. He then looked up to see that the roof of the elevator was missing, leaving a nice view of the sky. "Yeah....a way to the top....you are an eternal optimist, Miller....easier said than done." Miller began to look around the elevator. "Okay! Okay! I have an idea, climb on top of the elevator. We'll try to unlock the counter weight stopper." Climbing onto the elevator, we jumped onto the second elevator in hope of Miller's plan being successful. "Ah-h, come on.... come on, bitch." said Miller as he pulled the stopper. After a minute of fierce tugging and swearing, the elevator roared to life and began to climb toward the top of the tower. "Voila!" exclaimed Miller. "Join the army, they said--it'll be fun, they said. What a load of shit." The elevator delivered us to the top of the tower. For decades, news was broadcast from this place. But whether today's news would be good or bad, depended entirely on us. Once we installed the guidance system, our mission would be over. But plans were made to go wrong. "Brace yourself, it's going to get a bit rough." said Miller. As soon as Miller finished talking, the elevator's roof caved in below me, making me fall. "Shit!" exclaimed Miller. As I flipped and watched the world rush around me, my fall was stopped short by a convenient ledge. I looked over the ledge and saw the massive drop down. I'm pretty sure my guardian angel is working overtime today. "Are you okay, Artyom?" asked a concerned Miller. I gave him a thumbs up. Miller began to laugh. "That's the spirit boy." "Ulman, come in. We're in the tower. The target's covered with high clouds. We're going higher. Over." "Alright, Artyom, we need a way to get you up here." A roar was then heard in the distance. "Demon! Hide!" Running back to the elevator, pressed my self up against it's rear wall. Just as I did, a Demon landed in front of the elevator. It immediately spotted me and tried to reach in and grab me. I equipped my automatic shotgun and stabbed it's hand with the attached bayonet. The beast howled in pain at the attack. I quickly followed up by pumping four shots into it's ugly face. What ever was left of the Demon's face was hanging off by tendons. I then kicked the body off the ledge and watched fall off the tower. "Nice shot! Now. Try looking for a way up here, Artyom!" I looked around to see if I could find a way to Miller. A fallen filing cabinet had thankfully given me an option to progress. Climbing over it, I discovered a small hallway in front of me. "Look out, Artyom!" Taking in what Miller said, I quickly ducked down, just as another Demon struck when I was once standing. Miller took the opportunity to fire at the attacking hell-spawn. "Die, you bitch!" The Demon roared in pain at the attack. As I lay on the ground, the sound of retreating wing flaps told me that the Demon has left. I got back up and proceeded further down the hallway, which lead to what I assumed was the built in meteorological center. "Artyom, there should be a staircase next to your location." said Miller. Looking around, I happened to find said staircase. It had seen better days. Not wanting to become Demon food, I went up the stairs as quickly and as carefully as I could. It was a long drop down to the surface. Upon reaching the next floor, I met up with Miller, who was waiting for me. "Well done, Artyom. Come in, Ulman. We've just fended off some Demons. Still going up." As soon as Miller finished, the Demon he attacked earlier plowed through the wall beside him, knocking him to the ground. "Ahhhh!" The Demon looked a bit dazed from plowing head first into the wall. The impact from the blitz attack knocked my Kalash over the edge of the tower. It took my brain a few seconds to process what happened. Upon completion, I moved my right hand as fast as I could to my revolver's holster. "Shoot, Artyom! Shoot!" The Demon was bearing down on Miller. "No you don't" I quickly sat up and drew my revolver. I shot all six bullets into it's head. While one would have sufficed, I had to make sure that Demon didn't hurt Miller. The Demon dropped a few inches from Miller's feet. "Artyom! Miller! Respond!" said Ulman. "Ahhh....that bitch! Come in, Ulman. I've been wounded. You keep in touch with Artyom. Over." "Roger that, Colonel....Over." "Artyom, the laser will do us no good from here, the clouds are to thick. Ugh. You've got to climb as high as you can and set up the guidance system." "You sure you'll be alright here?" I asked. "Yes, now go, the world depends on you." I nodded at Miller's words. Before I proceeded further, Miller stopped me. "Artyom." I turned to Miller. "Take my gun. You're going to need it." He pointed to his Kalash 2012, complete with scope and silencer. I reloaded and chambered a round before I continued to the top of Ostankino Tower. I walked over the Demon's corpse and continued on the adjacent catwalk. A short walk later, I encountered a ladder leading to the tower's roof. I latched on carefully to the ladder. One wrong move and I'll become a human pancake. As I climbed the ladder, I heard the rusted metal groan under my weight. Imminent death was running through my mind as I continued further up the ladder. Upon reaching the roof, the ladder buckled below me. I quickly clambered onto the roof just as the ladder collapsed and fell of the tower. Lucky I wasn't on it. I turned around and faced a small spiral staircase. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before I continued upward. ....He is here.... ....Can hear us.... ....Can understand us.... I quickly shook my head as the voices quieted down. Apparently, the voices belong to a species known as "The Dark Ones". The reason I'm on this tower. The reason why I must destroy them, to save humanity. "Come in, Artyom! Something is blocking the signal! Come in, Artyom! Come in!" said Ulman. I paid no attention to Ulman's cries over the radio. I proceeded upward to the tower's spiral. Upon reaching the top, I got the guidance system out of my backpack and began to assemble it. ....Why are they here....? ....He brings death..... My vision blacked out to what appeared to be a cave system. I could see white light illuminate the humanoid bodies of the Dark Ones. Slowly, they approached me. Before they got any closer, my brain snapped back to reality. I focused on assembling the guidance system, ignoring the vision I just had. After a minute or so, the guidance system was fully assembled. I hesitantly walked over to the edge and set it down. I aimed it at the huge black mass in the distance, the origin point of the Dark Ones. I pressed a button on the side of the guidance system. "Contact Zone reached." said the computerized voice. "Artyom, the signal is just perfect, hold out for just one more minute and we'll get them." said Ulman. I quietly watched as the guidance system acquired it's target. As I stood there, waiting for the inevitable, I felt as if the wind was becoming stronger. ....He's coming to destroy us.... A bright light shined in my face ....Why?.... I started to feel a bit woozy. My knees were first to go as they failed to keep me standing. I dropped to the cold ground just as I whited out. ....He cannot be allowed.... ....They always do.... Another bright light shined in my eyes. This time, the source was that of a distant nuclear explosion. I could feel the winds whip around me, almost tearing my mask off my face. ....They never change.... Suddenly, a group of Dark Ones appeared in front of me, dark energy swirling around them like a cloak. You will be stopped. I slowly woke up from my fainting session. I blinked the drowsiness from my eyes as I looked around to see where I was. A light then turned on above me, revealing the stone ground beneath me. I looked up to see a white tunnel in front of me, but no clear path to get to it. I walked forward, causing stones from the surrounding walls to build a bridge to the tunnel. Surrender! The tunnel was then replaced by a metal door. I opened the door, which lead to a straight drop down. Logically, long falls equaled death, so I closed the door and turned around. I saw another door in front of me, walking toward it, I opened it and proceeded through. The white light felt warm, comforting, but the feeling didn't last long. He cannot be allowed! A Dark One appeared before me, stretching out his right hand. I tried to turn around, but I couldn't move as I was brought closer and closer to the creature. As soon as I was in touching distance, my vision once again faded to black. I found myself in a tunnel. A white light was in front of me, waiting for me. I began walking toward it. You will be stopped! I turned around to see a Dark One behind of me, red energy following in his wake. Not wanting to feel his wrath, I began to sprint in the direction of the light. Surrender! I paid no mind to the creature behind me. I kept focused on the light, a beacon in the surrounding darkness. I kept running for what seemed like an eternity, until I tripped over a small rock jutting out of the ground. The light was very close now. DIE! I'm not dying now. Using whatever strength I could muster, I crawled the remaining distance toward the light. "Artyom!" I looked up to see Hunter, my role model and fellow ranger in front of me. He pulled out something from his back pocket and threw it to me. It was my revolver. "If its hostile - you kill it." Hunter then vanished. ....He's coming to destroy us.... I turned around to see the Dark One a few feet from me. Time began to slow down as the creature crept further and further. With no other choice available, I aimed my revolver at the Dark One and fired. BANG All.... BANG Die.... BANG BANG WHY? BANG ANSWER!?! BANG My vision returned. I found myself still on the tower's roof, revolver clutched in my right hand. I looked up to see a corpse. The corpse of the Dark One I killed. You reap what you sow, Artyom: force answers force, war breeds war, and death only brings death. To break this vicious circle, one must do more than just act without any thought or doubt. Khan's words echoed in my ears. I slowly got to my feet and approached the guidance system. Pain... I looked down to see the Dark One still moving Death....Prevent I aimed my revolver at it's head. We only want peace. It reached a shaking arm toward me. I fired. Ten seconds to homing procedure completion. chimed the guidance system. ....His path....into nowhere.... Homing procedure complete. In the distance, the sound of rocket engines were heard. I turned and watched as the missiles from the D6 military base began to approach their target. After a few seconds, the rockets reached their destination and destroyed the dark mass in the middle of Moscow. And like that...it was over. We had won. But, I still wonder. Was something lost from burning the Dark Ones from the face of the Earth? I'll never know. After a few minutes of watching the residual fire burn the black mass, I began the long descent down from the tower. A few days later.... Exhibition Station "Alex!" yelled Eugene. "What is it, Eugene?" Alex lifted his head from his desk "Can't you see I'm busy?" "I know....but." "But what?" "Well...." "Hey, is that?" said a voice outside. "Oh my God, it is!" said another voice. With the volume of voices getting louder, Alex got up and went to examine. "What's all the ruckus about?" "Look who's come home!" said Boris as he pointed behind Alex. Alex turned around to see Artyom, his stepson, approaching him. "Artyom!" yelled Alex as he embraced him. "Hello, Sukhoi." "Are you injured?" "No. I am quite alright." "Your son is quite the ranger, Alex." said Ulman. Alex relinquished his grasp of Artyom "I knew he would." "So, Hero of Russia. What are you gonna do now?" "I need to sleep. I deserve it at this point." The surrounding people laughed. Alex smiled "Alright, I'll leave you to it. And Artyom, I'm glad your safe." "Thanks." Artyom the proceeded a short distance till he found his room. He went inside, shut the door, and dropped himself on his bed. Home. I never thought I would miss it this much. My back muscles felt relaxed as I lay on the bed. I closed my eyes and drifted off into sleep. Your sins..... ....shall never be forgiven.... I suddenly felt myself being dragged into my bed. I struggled against it, but my weakened body couldn't break free. You...shall suffer....for eternity! My vision went to black as I was absorbed by the Dark Ones. Chapter One: Waking Up In A New WorldI had no idea where the Dark Ones had taken me. Hell? Their realm? Purgatory? When I woke up, nothing prepared me for what I encountered. Not even fighting my way through post-apocalyptic Moscow was good enough. I felt a cold breeze against my face. As I slowly blinked the sleepiness away, I found myself looking up at the sky, with the sun shining brightly overhead. What worried me was that the sky was a clear blue, and not a toxic brown-red tinge that was hanging over Moscow. I slowly regained my senses and sat up. In front of me were...trees? And not the one's I'm familiar with seeing. These trees were in full bloom and all had healthy brown coats. The air was also...surprisingly fresh. It lightly tickled the insides of my lungs. It was refreshing to not smell the dankness of the metros or be breathing through a gas mask. Please be a dream. I pinched my cheeks. I felt pain. PAIN. Wherever the Dark Ones had taken me, it was a good distance from Russia. I quickly checked if all my gear was still on me. My revolver was in my holster, fully loaded. My automatic shotgun was strapped to my back, while Miller's Kalash 2012 was right beside me. Both were fully loaded. I checked my backpack and found extra ammo for my weapons. I began to feel a slight sense of paranoia build in the back of my mind. Ignoring it, I checked for my last two things, my gas mask and combat knife. My mask was clipped to my belt, while my knife was still in my right boot. Now that that's over, time to figure out where the hell I am. I immediately began walking in a random direction and hoped for the best. As I walked through the forest, I began to see if I could piece together where I was. I tried to focus, but the only thing I could remember was being dragged into my own bed by the Dark Ones. ....His suffering.... ....Will be painful.... I whipped around, aiming my Kalash. No sigh of a Dark One behind me. I stayed in that position for a good while, seeing if anything would approach me. Nothing came. I quickly resumed my walk at a faster pace, hoping to find some sort of clue as to where I am. As I continued deeper into the forest. I heard the sound of rustling nearby. Utilizing my training, I ducked behind the nearest tree and waited. I aimed my rifle to see if anything, or anyone, would appear. Sure enough, a doe appeared and began to pick at the grass below her. My stomach growled. I hadn't had a decent meal in days. Seizing the opportunity for a nice meal, I aimed my Kalash at her. I centered the scope on her head and put my finger on the trigger. I took a few deep breaths to lower my heart rate. I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I waited for the perfect moment. Time began to slow. Right before I fired, more rustling broke my concentration. The doe's child appeared and began to affectionately rub against her legs. I lowered my rifle. I'm not about to take away a creature's mother, even at the cost of my starvation. I continued to press forward, passing by the deer. They watched me as I walked, wondering if whether to run or stay. I didn't bother, I just continued walking, proceeding further into the forest. Elsewhere.... A canary yellow pegasus was minding her own business, tending to her animals. She was feeding her chickens her special brand of grains. "Eat up, my darlings." said Fluttershy. The pegasus began humming a tune as she returned to her humble cottage. Upon entering, the surrounding animals gave her warm greetings. Well...most did. A rather cross looking rabbit was sitting in the middle of the room with his arms folded. "Angel, what's wrong?" The snow white rabbit procured a cookbook, flipped a few pages, and pointed to a rather difficult, but delicious salad. The pegasus sighed "Angel, didn't we have this conversation already?" The stubborn rabbit pointed angrily at the picture. "I told you, carrots are just as healthy as that." Fed up with his host, the rabbit threw the book up in anger and marched out the front door. He then slammed it angrily behind him. "Angel! Wait!" yelled Fluttershy, but not to loudly. The rabbit was having none of it as it walked into the Everfree forest. Fluttershy began to cry. The flapping of wings above broke the pegasi's sobbing. "Hey, Fluttershy." said Rainbow Dash. *Sniff* "Hey, Rainbow." Fluttershy wiped some of her tears. Dash suddenly became concerned "Is something wrong?" "Angel *Sniff* left me." The cyan pegasus immediately brought her friend close for a hug "There, there. There's no need to cry. You know why?" *Sniff* "Why?" "Because I'm gonna help you get him back." Fluttershy returned Rainbow's embrace "Thanks, Rainbow." The cyan pegasus broke the hug "Now, let's go get Angel." My stomach felt as if it were eating itself. The blueberries I had found apparently didn't satisfy my ravenous hunger. In the distance, I spotted a clearing. I quickened my pace and stopped in the middle of said clearing. I looked around. I felt like a mouse in a maze, and any second now, some horrible monstrosity might attack me. I set down my backpack and began rummaging through the pockets. After a minute of searching, I found what I was looking for, my compass. I examined it, and, apparently, I was going east. Swearing under my breath, I turned until the arrow pointed north. Upon doing so, I placed my compass in my pocked and prepared to move. That is, until the sound of more rustling alerted me. I drew my Kalash, hoping it's something I could kill without guilt. To my surprise, a small white bunny rabbit popped out of the bush in front of me. "You can't be serious." The rabbit apparently didn't hear me as it continued to move closer and closer to me. When it reached my boot, it fell on it's rear, shook its head, and looked up. I could see the fear grow in his eyes. The rabbit's body began to shake, as if I was the most terrifying thing it had ever seen. I holstered my Kalash and drew my revolver, no sense in overkill. I aimed the pistol at the rabbit's head. "Sorry, little one. But it's for the greater good." I placed my finger on the trigger. "Angel! Angel, where are you?!" yelled a distant voice. "Fuck!" I said under my breath. Wait....voices. Someone else is here! But I have no idea who. Better take the safe option. The rabbit covered its eyes with its paws, waiting for an end that would never come. I hid behind some bushes, hoping whoever was calling for Angel would appear. After a few minutes, the rabbit looked around for my presence. It didn't see me. It then breathed a sigh of relief. Do rabbits sigh? Hell if I know. "Angel! Where are you, buddy?" yelled Rainbow. "Oh, it's hopeless." somberly said Fluttershy. "Hey, I promised to find Angel. Don't lose hope yet. After all, the sun's still out." The yellow pegasus toughened up "You're right." "Good. Now. I'm going to fly up and see if I can get a better view from up there. Understood?" "Understood." Rainbow then flew up into the sky and sped off in a random direction. The yellow pegasus continued further until she saw a clearing. Getting closer, she saw her bunny sitting in the middle of the clearing. "Angel!" yelled Fluttershy as she embraced her pet. The rabbit returned the warm embrace. "Don't you ever leave me again." My eyes practically bulged out of my skull. Before me was a yellow pegasus, a winged horse from fantasy stories, sitting in the middle of the clearing embracing her rabbit. I groaned quietly and tried to stealthily move away from the clearing. SNAP Damn it all. I turned to see the yellow pegasus turn around and look at me. Her reaction was the same as her pet's, but amplified by a thousand by her quivering lip and shaking body. Oh no. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" screamed the pegasus. Perfect. "Where in the hay is this rabbit?!" asked Rainbow to herself. She had been flying over the Everfree Forest for about five minutes and came up with nothing. Sighing, she admitted defeat. "It looks like I failed...." "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Rainbow stopped in her tracks and turned around "That was Fluttershy." She immediately picked up the pace to hopefully save her childhood friend. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'm coming!" The pegasus before was hyperventilating. I probably gave the poor thing a heart attack with my appearance. I slowly approached the rather small pegasus. If I remember, small horses were called...ponies? I think this matches the description, if you remove the wings and turn her mane and skin a more natural color. I continued to slowly advance on the frightened pony. As I grew closer, I swear her pupils were shrinking more and more to the size of specks. I extended a hand and was met with a frighted squeak. The pony retreated away from me. I felt a pang of guilt in my heart. Was I truly that frightening? I brought my hand back to me and tried to make myself as non-threatening as possible. I placed my backpack, shotgun, and Kalash on the ground and tried again to approach the pony. I extended my arm a second time. This time, the pony tentatively approached it. It then softly nuzzled my hand. Her mane felt remarkably soft. The pony crept closer and closer to me. I slowly extended my other hand and brought it in for a hug. I didn't press against her to hard, for I feared she was quite fragile. "I'm sorry." I apologized. I began to softly cry. "It's okay." I stopped crying and back peddled away from the pony. The pony was quite shocked from my action and looked at me with a concerned face, like a mother would. We stared at each other for a few minutes before I decided to break the tension. "Do...do you understand me?" I asked. The pegasus dug at the ground with her hoof "Yes." I slowly extended my arm to touch her. She warmly nuzzled my hand again. "I still can't believe this is happening." She looked into my eyes. She could probably tell I've been through a lot. "Again, forgive me. I'm not used to creatures being this....nice." She gave me a warm, reassuring smile "Don't fret about it. It was all a misunderstanding." "Since you can talk, I assume you have a name?" "My name...is..." "Don't worry, I won't laugh." "...Fluttershy." I tried my dear hardest to not laugh. What a ridiculous name, but I shouldn't really judge. "Hello, Fluttershy. My name is Artyom." "...Artyom?" "That's right." "That's a nice name." "Thank you." My stomach then decided it was the best time to grumble. Loudly. "Damn." I swore under my breath. "Are...are you hungry?" I hung my head in shame "Yes." "Don't worry, I have plenty of food at---" "GET AWAY FROM MY FRIEND!!" I whipped around to see who said that and found myself being hit in the chest. I fell to the ground, groaning in pain. "Ahhh...." I slowly got back up to my feet, only to receive a blow to my head which dropped me back into the dirt. "Rainbow! What are you---" "Relax, Fluttershy. I got this." The attacker emphasized the second part. I had to do something. I got back up a second time, and was promptly grabbed and thrown against a tree. My back hit the tree hard, but not hard enough to break it. "Time to end this!" I saw the cyan pegasus fly up into the sky. She then turned around and made a straight dash toward me. I placed my hand on my revolver. I had no other choice. I drew my sidearm and aimed it as the attacking pegasus approached. I could see the look of confusion on her face as she came closer. I put my finger on the trigger. My vision began to blur. I fired. Before my vision faded, I saw the cyan pegasus hit the ground, hard. I then passed out as I heard Fluttershy screaming her friend's name behind choked sobs. ....He has begun....his downward spiral.... Chapter Two: A Proper Introduction...Rainbow? THUMP THUMP. THUMP THUMP. ...Can she hear us? THUMP THUMP. THUMP THUMP. Maybe I should try....HEY, DASHIE! Rainbow Dash slowly fought her way out of her drowsiness and pain. She struggled to open her eyes. It felt as if they were glued shut. She's waking up! After a minute of willing her brain to help her, the cyan colored pegasus opened her eyes to see Pinkie Pie and Twilight in front of her. "What the?" "Dashie! You're okay!" happily exclaimed Pinkie as she warmly embraced her pegasus friend. "Hey, Pinkie." said Rainbow. Rainbow noticed she had a gauze bandage wrapped around her head. She slowly reached to touch it and was rewarded with white hot pain hammering her head. Rainbow groaned "It appears the painkillers haven't taken effect yet." said a voice. Rainbow and company turned to the source of said voice came from a middle aged, gray unicorn stallion with a salt and pepper mane and tail. "Hello, Dr. Mend." greeted Twilight. Dr. Mend looked up from his cluttered clipboard and responded "Greetings, Ms. Sparkle." Mend turned his attention to Rainbow "How do you feel, Ms. Dash?" "I feel-" Another jolt of pain shot through Rainbow's head, causing her to grit her teeth and cringe "I feel fine, nothing I couldn't possibly handle." A small grin spread on Mend's face "I knew you'd say that. Now. Do know what happened to you?" "I-I think so.." "Well then. Let's start with what you remember." Rainbow closed her eyes and willed her memory to help her. "Well?" asked Pinkie. "Patience, Pinkie." said Twilight. Rainbow could see what happened, but the memory was in fragments. She could remember Fluttershy's scream. Then she saw the hulking figured looming over her friend. She could feel in her hooves the impact of hitting the creature. The only part she couldn't understand was when the creature was against the tree. Before Rainbow could finish it off, the creature pulled some-sort of object from it's right side and pointed it toward her. Then the last thing she remembered was the loud bang, and her immediate descent into darkness. Mend gave her a few minutes. "Anything?" "I remember helping Fluttershy look for her rabbit, Angel, in the Everfree Forest." answered Rainbow. "Uh huh." "We split up and looked for him. After what seemed like failure, I was about to turn around when-" "When?" "When I heard her scream. On instinct, I flew as fast as I could to reach her." Mend remained silent, allowing Rainbow to continue. "As I flew towards the direction of the scream, I came upon a small clearing and went to investigate. That's where I found her. And the thing that threatened her." "Are you certain that it was going to harm her?" "Obviously. Nothing good ever comes from the Everfree." "What about Zecora?" asked Pinkie. "Different story." "Then I guess you proceeded to attack the creature before it attacked your friend." said Mend. "Exactly. Everything was going fine, until it did something that landed me in the hospital." "From what I gathered, the creature defended itself with a projectile launcher." "Like a slingshot?" inquired Twilight. "Kind of. The projectile in question was found embedded in a tree by one of the Royal Guard." "Wait. THE Royal Guard?" "Sent straight from Princess Celestia herself. Anyway, the projectile was embedded deep into the tree, suggesting that the launcher has an advanced propulsion mechanism." "Could that mean the creature is probably an advanced race?" asked Twilight. Mend gave a shrug "Probably, but I don't delve into such things, so I can't really voice my opinion." Rainbow sat quietly and took all what was said in. Did...did I attack an innocent creature? "Where is the creature anyway?" asked Rainbow. "Other side of the hospital. Per special request." "By who?" "The pony you saved. Your friend Fluttershy." Rainbow hopped out of her bed and walked right out of the room. "Where are you going?!" asked Mend. "I'm going to have a chat with this creature." I have been transported to a new world. A world far from the pain and suffering of Moscow. A world that has blooming trees, fresh air, and exotic wildlife, including talking ponies. I have met a pony during my short time here. A yellow pegasus named Fluttershy. Everything was going great, till her friend attacked me. The only thing I remember about the whole thing was me drawing my revolver and squeezing the trigger. I had killed her friend. Some first impression. I woke violently from my passed out state. My heart started beating like a drum as I scanned the room around me. It was dark, dank, and smelled...familiar. I reached for my lighter and flicked it on, dimly illuminating the room. I looked to my right and saw a familiar sight, my wall of postcards from around the world. A dream. It was only a dream, albeit, a very lucid one. I breathed a sigh of relief. My experience was all imaginary. I slowly got up out of bed and made my way to the door. As I opened it, I noticed that my home station was a deathly quiet. Usually, it was about as loud as it was before the war, with people talking and going about there business. Now, it was completely silent. I was a bit unnerved as I peeked around the opening to make sure that it wasn't a well thought trick. I exited my room and began checking the nearby rooms. All empty. Where the hell is everybody? I continued further into the station, checking everywhere for some sign of life. Not even a mouse was present. As I continued walking, I saw a faint white light before me. Curious, I approached cautiously. As drew closer, I could hear voices. ...tyom... Was that? Artyom! Artyom! Sometime after the war..... Exhibition Station "Artyom! Artyom!" screamed a voice. An adolescent Artyom looked up from his journal to see the source of the voice. "Hello, Mishka. What brings you here today?" Mishka was dressed in her usual garb, a bright pink sweater with matching pants and boots. She was described as the station's only source of color, and a beacon of happiness. Mishka then pulled a toy out of her right pocket, a miniature, calico horse. "Isn't it cute, Artyom?!" "Yes." Artyom answered with slight annoyance. He went back to his journal. "Did you know that before the war, my dad owned a horse ranch?" Artyom looked back to Mishka "Yes. In fact, you've told me...about ten times." "He also got me a pony for my sixth birthday!" "...A what?" "You know, a pony! It's like a miniature horse. Her name was Sugarcube. She had the most brushable mane-" "Are you going to get to the point as to why you're here or not?" Mishka backed away a little from Artyom "You seemed sad lately, so I tried to make you happy." "Why would you do that?" asked Artyom. "All you've been doing is burying yourself in your journal. You don't do anything!" "Why is this such a concern to you?" Mishka looked down and put her hands together "Because...everyone deserves to be happy. That's what my mom told me, and that's what I've been trying to do." "Listen, while I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, I'm perfectly content with how I am. So please, go somewhere else." Mishka stamped her left foot "No!" "No?" "I'm not leaving until you're happy." Artyom was starting to get annoyed "Leave. Now." Mishka crossed her arms and pouted her face, resisting Artyom's command. "Leave!" "Why are you so mean?!" "I'm not! I just don't liked being bothered!" "We're you not hugged enough as a baby or something?!" That sentence struck a nerve in Artyom. "I--" Artyom choked back a sob "I never knew my mother. She died when I was a baby. She died...protecting me." The realization dawned on Mishka, making her feel extremely guilty for bringing up bad memories. She noticed a singular tear leave Artyom's right eye and trickle down his face. Mishka approached Artyom and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Artyom. I never knew that happened to you." Artyom returned Mishka's embrace "It's fine, just...just don't ever bring it up again." The two hugged in silence for a few moments. "Did I tell you about my pony?" asked Mishka. A small smile appeared on Artyom's face "No, but I would like to hear about it." The light faded as I was filled with an overwhelming sense of sorrow. Mishka was perhaps one of my only friends in Exhibition. Aside from my stepfather, she was the only other person I could talk to. I remember that she and her father, Nikolai, moved to Hole Station, but I didn't see her when I was there. Wherever she is, I hope she's okay. After reflecting on my life choices, activated my headlight. It was rather dim. I didn't have my universal charger on me, so I had to make do. As I neared the center of the station, I noticed a blood trail leading into one of the nearby homes. I reached for knife and slowly approached the door. I bashed the door open, only to be greeted by a skinless corpse. Blood and limbs were strewn throughout the small room. The smell was absolutely dreadful. I slammed the door shut while catching my breath. Whatever did this is probably responsible for this death and the disappearance of everyone in my station. After I was certain that I wasn't going to vomit, I continued to the center of the station. As I did, the light on my helmet started to flicker. Come on. Not now. Once I reached the trading hub, I saw a grisly sight. Everyone from Exhibition station was lying dead in the trading hub. Limbs missing, heads removed, skin burned, you name it, it happened. As I approached the mass of bodies, a familiar voice spoke. .....Are you proud of yourself......? .....Hero of Russia...... "What do you want with me?!" ....Repentance..... ....You must pay for your sins..... "How?! How am I supposed to do that?!" ....Eternal damnation...... ....Unreversable.... I ran, hoping to escape the nightmare around me. As I did, blood began to leak from the walls like in a horror film. Before I could run any farther, a Dark One appeared before me. It stretched out it's right hand and stopped me. A black sword then appeared in it's left hand ....No escape.... The Dark One thrusted the blade through my chest. I could feel myself bleed onto the ash colored blade. As quickly as I was stabbed, the blade was ripped out of me. The Dark One released it's grasp of me and let me drop to the floor. I felt the life drain from me. The Dark One moved closer to me. ....How does it feel......? My vision faded to black. I awoke a second time to find myself not bleeding out on the ground. Instead, It appeared that I was in some sort of hospital. My clothes, backpack, and weapons were gone, replaced only by a patient gown. I guess this means I'm still in Ponyland, or whatever this place is called. I got out of the hospital bed and stretched. My back cracked during the process, which means I must have been out for a time. I noticed a nearby window and walked toward it. I opened the shade to let some sun in. After I did that, I heard the faint sound of hoof beats. The sound got louder as I turned around to be greeted by a familiar face. "Oh...um...good afternoon, Artyom." said Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus was nervously looking around the room, as if she wanted to avoid eye contact with me. "Hello, Fluttershy." "How...how are feeling?" "I'll live, I've been through worse." The pegasus gave me a warm smile "That's good to hear." "May I ask you a question, Fluttershy?" "Oh, of course! What is it?" "Did..." I swallowed hard "did I kill your friend?" Fluttershy looked at me with concerned eyes. She could probably detect the guilt and remorse in my voice. "No. She just received, from what the doctors told me, a flesh wound." I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. While I felt good that I didn't kill her friends, it was probably going to be much more difficult to make amends with her. "May I ask as to where my clothes and pack went?" "Oh, they're in there." Fluttershy pointed her hoof to a nearby locker. I slightly bowed and moved over to the locker. I opened it to see all of my belongings intact. "Fluttershy?" "Yes, Artyom?" "You don't hate me for what I did right?" "You were defending yourself. I can't hate something that defends itself." A sense of happiness began to fill my heart. "But I believe Rainbow thinks different." I chuckled "I figured as much." I reached for my clothes and was about to change when I remembered that there was someone else in the room. "Fluttershy?" "Yes?" "Would you kindly leave the room. I'm going to change." "Of course." The pegasus then left the room. With the room to myself, I removed my gown and began the laborious task of reequipping my clothes and armor. A few minutes later.... I slid on my Kevlar vest and sighed in contentment. It felt good wearing this. I decided to not don the gas mask since the air here isn't laced with radiation. Least, I think it isn't. I placed the Kalash 2012 and my Automatic Shotgun in my surprisingly spacious backpack. I took a look at my revolver and examined it. I almost killed an innocent creature with this. I checked the cylinder. Five shots left. I holstered it for now since I had no current use for it. "You can come back in now." The pegasus walked back into the room and gave me a once over. "How do I look?" "You look fine. Everything seems to be in order." she answered. "Thank you." The sound of hoof beats echoed through the hall. "Friend of yours?" I asked. Fluttershy turned and peeked out of the doorway. "Oh hi, Rainbo--- EEP!" The yellow pegasus was pulled out of the room. I arched an eyebrow in confusion. What just happened? My answer came when a blue pegasus appeared in the doorway with a bandage on her head. I would have been further confused if I didn't see her mane. All the colors of the rainbow, which only meant one thing. "There you are!" said Rainbow Dash. I could tell from the volume of her voice that she wasn't happy. Hell, I don't thing anyone would be happy if the were shot at. "You have a lot of nerve to be talking to my friend after what you did!" "Um...Rainbow." said Fluttershy. "I ought to pound right now!" "Rainbow." Fluttershy was once again drowned out by her loud friend "What have you got to say for yourself?! Hmmm?!" I remained silent as I observed Rainbow's actions. I could detect a hint of arrogance from the way she was talking. Her voice somewhat reminded me of my own when I was younger. She was most likely a tomboy. No mistaking it. "Well?!" "I don't suppose saying I'm sorry would help." Whatever bravery Rainbow had immediately vanished as she back peddled as fast as she could out of the room. "Rainbow! There you are!" called another voice. More hoof beats drew closer as the sound reached my door. A purple unicorn then appeared in front of my room. "What were...you....think...ing." Whatever the pony was going to say died at her mouth as she looked at me. I could see sweat droplets form at the top of her brow. I was intimidating to them. "Um...Twilight, Rainbow. This here is Artyom." introduced Fluttershy. I gave my most non threatening wave I could to the two ponies. The unicorn, which I assumed was Twilight, gave a slow wave "Hi." "Don't worry. He's not threatening." Fluttershy turned to me "Isn't that right?" "Yes. That is correct." There was an awkward silence as Twilight and Rainbow looked at me with bewildered expressions. "Did...did you just...talk?" asked Twilight. "Yes. Why is this such a surprise to you?" I answered. "It's not everyday that we encounter a new species, let alone one that speaks our language." "I'll take that as a complement." "See, I told you he was nice." said Fluttershy. "Then can he explain why he attacked me?!" asked Rainbow. "To be fair, you attacked me first. I was simply defending myself." "Well--how was I supposed to know you weren't going to hurt Fluttershy?" "It wouldn't have been in my best interest to hurt her." "Why?" "Because why would I hurt something as adorable as her?" A light blush surfaced on Fluttershy's face. "Plus, I don't hold a grudge for you attacking me. If I were in your position, I would've probably done the same thing." "Wait...you...you aren't mad?" asked Twilight. "No. She was merely trying to protect her friend from a creature that she has never seen before. Why would I be?" "She did attack you and all." "And that automatically gives me the right to be mad?" "No, it's just weird how you are taking this." "That's because a wise man taught me an important lesson when it comes to dealing with certain things." "What was it? The lesson I mean." "I'll answer your question with a question. When you think of fire, do you think of good or evil?" "Evil. Fire destroys everything it touches." answered Twilight. "I side with Twilight." said Rainbow. "I...um...agree with Twilight." "Uh huh. Now, tell me, what do you use to heat up your food." "Fire." answered Twilight. "What do you use in the winter months to keep warm?" "Fire." answered Rainbow. "And what do you use to illuminate the darkness?" "....Fire." answered Fluttershy. "See? Fire, depending on a certain point of view, is either good or evil. Try to get a better understanding of things before making a judgement." The three ponies remained silent for a time as they reflected on what I said. "Wow. I never realized that before." said an awed Rainbow. "I didn't either." said Twilight. "Where did you learn that, Artyom?" asked Fluttershy. "Like I said, a wise man told me." "He seems like a nice...man, as you put it." "Now then, with that out of way, I think we should properly introduce ourselves. Isn't that right, Rainbow?" said Twilight. "I don't see any harm in that." answered Rainbow. Twilight extended her hoof to me "My name is Twilight Sparkle, it's a pleasure meet you." I grasped her hoof "Hello, Ms. Sparkle. My name is Artyom. It's nice to make your acquaintance." I shook her hoof lightly and released it. "Your turn, Rainbow." The blue pegasus approached me and slowly extended her hoof while giving me a smile "Name's Rainbow Dash." I took her hoof and smiled also "Artyom, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Dash." "Sorry for attacking you. I didn't know your intentions." "It's fine, and I apologize for wounding you, I was just defending myself the only way I know how." "It's cool." I released her hoof. "You know what? I think you're pretty cool, but I will get payback." she gave me mischievous smile. "I'll be expecting it." I gave her a sly grin. "We'll see about that." "Yes we will." "Now, with that out of the way, Artyom." said Twilight. Me and Rainbow turned our attention to Twilight "Yes?" "How would you like a tour of our town?" "That sounds good. I needed to get my bearings around this place anyway." "Alright then, let's go." "Excellent, there's just one problem." "And that is?" "I don't think the town would react well to your presence, no offense." "None taken. I understand completely." "So how are supposed to give Artie a tour?" asked Rainbow. "Artie?" I asked. "It makes it easier to remember your name." "So how we supposed to do this?" asked Fluttershy. I got an idea "What floor are we on?" "Second floor. Why?" asked Twilight. "From where I'm from, I'm good at sneaking around. I can probably go through town unnoticed." "Are you sure?" "Trust me, I'm good at what I do." "Alright. We'll meet back up at the library. Look for the big tree in the center of town." "Understood." I reached into my pack and put on my night vision goggles. "It's getting late." said Fluttershy. I noticed to as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. "Makes my job much easier." I moved over to the balcony and jumped the rail. From there, I made a quick dash to the nearby forest. "Good luck, Artie!" distantly yelled Rainbow Dash. I was going to need it. Meanwhile..... The Royal Palace Princess Celestia watched as her radiant sun dipped below the horizon, being replaced by the moon. She casually sipped her cup of tea and moved to her desk. She picked up the report in front of her, regarding the incident in the Everfree. Apparently, Rainbow Dash was injured by some unknown creature through unknown means. Celestia quietly read while occasionally sipping her tea. After turning the final page, the alicorn ruler stretched her wings and yawned. It had been a long day for her. The pure white alicorn went over to her massive bed and unceremoniously dropped herself on it. Celestia felt herself slowly drift into sleep. .....Celestia...... Celestia shot up from her bed and frantically looked around. She sighed as she tried to calm herself down. "Nothing. It was nothing." she told herself. She was about to lay down again when she noticed a dark figure before her, standing in the middle of her room. "No. It can't be." More of the figures began to appear beside the original ......We will return...... .....Expect us soon..... They all began to leave, all except the first one. .....Wake up..... Celestia woke with a start when she realized that it was just a dream. The sound of frantic hoof beats approached her room door. Her door was flung open, revealing a dark blue alicorn with a crescent moon cutie mark. "Sister! Was that--" "Yes, Luna." answered Celestia "The Dark Ones have returned." Chapter Three: Late Night MeetupI have escaped from the hospital. With, of course, help from my two new friends, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. Now, I have been tasked to meet them at the local library in the center of town. One catch, I can't be seen. Who knows how the other ponies will react to my presence. Thankfully, night has fallen, making my task much easier. As the sun set in the distant horizon, darkness began to fill where the light once was. That's how I liked it. I put on my night vision goggles and continued deeper into the small patch of forest. Being surrounded by trees and nocturnal wildlife was a much welcome change from the surroundings of the cramped metro or the rather lethal surface of Moscow. And speaking of nocturnal wildlife, the pair of deer I saw earlier appeared in front of me. This time, they seemed to recognize me and scampered off in the opposite direction. Couldn't blame them, I do look quite threatening. I continued further into the forest and realized that I was now nearing its end. I could see lampposts and what appeared to be the local post office, judging by the color and the fact that a giant envelope was on the roof. I took solace in the fact that there were no other ponies roaming the streets this late in the evening. Even so, It's best I stick to alleyways and back streets to reach the library. Better safe than sorry. Meanwhile..... "You think Artyom is doing okay on his own?" asked Fluttershy. "I'm pretty sure he can handle himself, Fluttershy." answered Twilight. "Are you sure? I mean what if--" "Don't worry about, Fluttershy. I gave him my luck. With that, I doubt anything bad will happen to him." said Rainbow Dash. "If you say so." The trio of ponies continued through the dimly lit streets of Ponyville, passing the local post office. "Twilight?" asked Fluttershy. "Yes?" "How we going to introduce Artyom to Ponyville?" "That's.....complicated. I need time to think about that. Sorry." "It's fine." The trio walked further into town until they came to a large tree in the center of town. It was the local library, which also doubled as Twilight's house. "Here we are." "Yep, here we---wait. Where's Artie?" said Dash. "I...I don't know." answered Twilight. "Could something bad have happened to him?!" Fluttershy began to visibly panic. "Calm down, Fluttershy. I really doubt anything bad happened to him." Twilight unlocked the door to her house and lead Rainbow and Fluttershy inside. "It's so dark in here." said Dash. "I can fix that." Twilight turned on the nearby light switch, flooding the room with light. "See? Much......better" Twilight's voice began to trail off as her eyes drifted to her chair, focusing particularly on the thing sitting IN the chair. Fluttershy and Dash both looked in the direction Twilight was looking in. Fluttershy passed out on the spot. Twilight and Dash just stared in disbelief. Sitting in the chair, staring blankly at the ground, was a familiar figure who was barely distinguishable with the amount of cuts. bruises, and bite marks on his person. A bloody knife was also gripped within his right hand "...Artyom?" asked Twilight and Dash. Artyom looked up from the floor and stared at the two ponies. "You would not believe the shit I had to put up with to get here." said Artyom. Earlier.... As I was just about to set foot outside of the forest's boundaries, I heard the sound of growling behind me. I slowly turned around and came face to face with five pairs of angry green eyes. Through my goggles, I could see that the origin of the eyes were from wolves, but not any kind I have ever seen. Theses wolves were completely made out of wood. How was that even possible? I might have seen some strange things, but this comes close to taking the cake. The wolves began to slowly advance on me. This was bad. I couldn't use my gun, I can't risk alerting the entire town and having myself discovered. I had to this the old fashioned way. I drew my combat knife and entered a combat stance. Ranger training. Don't fail me now. The smallest wolf of the pack began to charge at me. Eyes dead set on ripping my throat out. Jaws mashing with feral hunger. The wolf grew closer and closer. It then pounced, opening its mouth wide to ensnare its prey. I sidestepped before the bite could connect. The wolf made contact with a nearby tree and hit the ground. Capitalizing on this moment, I drove my blade down into its chest, straight into its heart. The wolf let out a small cry before its eyes closed in death. I removed the blade from the wolf's chest and turned back to the pack. "Your move." Two more wolves accepted the challenge and rushed right at me. The first wolf did the same as the last, so I sidestepped its attack. The second wolf however, wised up and aimed lower. The wolf's jaws clamped down on my right leg. The wolf's bite strength was impressive, but it clearly was aiming to maim rather than injure. I guess it wanted to play with its food first. I balled up my left hand into a fist and brought down on the wolf's head, making it release its grasp on my leg. Using my other leg, I kicked the wolf back a good distance before turning to the other timber wolf. As I did, the wolf in question pounced on me and brought me to the ground. It then sank its jaws into my left shoulder. A sharp pain shot through me as I tried to remove the wolf from my body. Using my knife, I pierced the right side of its neck and threw the wolf off me. I was down an arm and there were still three more wolves. The wolf that I kicked came back for revenge and rushed me with speed. Readying my knife, I dodged its attack and sliced along the wolf's side, causing a visible cut on its skin. The wolf howled in pain as it assessed its new wound. It then came back for more, so I gave it to him. I drove my knife through the top of the wolf's skull and ripped it out with great force. Three down, two to go. I turned to face the last two wolves. They stood there, watching me. It was a tense few moments before one of the two wolves came at me. I readied myself and prepared for attack. The wolf pounced, but instead of attacking me with its jaws, it performed a spin in midair and kicked me in the stomach with its hind legs. The force of the impact knocked the wind out of me and sent me down to the ground for a second time. I was surprised. I didn't even know such a feat was even remotely possible. I slowly got up from the ground. As I did, the wolf came at me with speed. It sensed that I was weak and was closing in for the kill. So it thought. Just as the wolf was going to deliver the killing blow, I thrusted my knife through the bottom of its jaw and twisted it, ending the wolf's life. All that was left now was the alpha. The alpha stared at me with piercing eyes, as if he were staring through me. After a few tense moments, the wolf turned around and walked back into the forest. What could this mean? Was he retreating? I'll figure it out later. Right now, I have to get to the library, injuries and all. "And that's what happened." I said "So let me get this straight. You fought against a pack of timber wolves, defeated four of them, and the alpha turned and left?" asked Dash. "In a nutshell." "That's...SO AWESOME!" "Thanks." Dash then turned her attention to my shoulder. "Are you alright?" "It's a flesh wound. Believe me, I've experienced MUCH worse than a dog bite." "I'll go get the first aid kit." said Twilight. "That would be appreciated." Twilight began to walk up the nearby staircase when she suddenly stopped. "Artyom?" "Yes?" I asked. "How did you get in here exactly?" "Lock pick. It was really quite simple." "Oooookay then." Twilight then resumed going back up the stairs. I turned to Rainbow Dash "I say something wrong?" "I think she's just surprised that you entered her house without so much as making your presence known." "As I said, I'm good at sneaking around. It's one of the things that have kept me alive for so long." I noticed Fluttershy still passed out on the ground. "Is Fluttershy okay?" Dash turned to the downed pegasus. "She's just in shock. She'll be fine by tomorrow." "I hope so." The sound of hoof beats down the stairs told me that Twilight came back with the first aid kit. I turned to face her and noticed the said first aid was levitating before her. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming. "Twilight?" I asked. "Yes, Artyom?" responded Twilight. "How are you able to levitate the first aid kit?" Twilight continued down the stairs and gave me the kit. "Unicorns are naturally imbued with the power of magic. Do you not have magic where you're from?" "We do. But it's more illusion and slight of hand than levitating an object with your mind." I opened up the kit and proceeded to apply rubbing alcohol on a sterile cloth. I then proceeded to clean the two bite wounds on my body. "Artyom?" "Yes, Twilight?" "Is it alright if I ask you some questions?" "Sure. As long as it doesn't turn into an interrogation." "It won't. I promise." Twilight went back up the stairs, presumably to get a notepad to jot down questions and my answers. "Need any help with that?" asked Dash. "I don't suppose you can wrap my shoulder in gauze can you?" "I'll try." Rainbow approached and somehow picked up the roll of gauze with her hooves. I was going to ask how that was possibly, but I have to remind myself that I'm in a world of talking ponies, so anything could be possible. Anyway, she proceeded to wrap my left shoulder with the accuracy of a professional, which surprised me. She then applied surgical tape so the gauze would stay in place. "Feel good?" she asked. "Great. Where did you learn to do this?" I said. "I've injured myself plenty of times. Me being in a hospital is kinda common." "Heh. Guess it finally came in handy." She chuckled. "I guess it has." I then took it upon myself to wrap my leg wound and tape the gauze on. "Alright, Artyom." said Twilight. The purple unicorn descended the stairs and took a seat on the nearby couch. Twilight was about to speak again when she noticed Fluttershy on the ground. "Rainbow, could you bring Fluttershy back home? I think she needs to rest for awhile." "On it. Take care, Artie." Dash proceeded to open the door and gently pick up the canary yellow pegasus. She then spread her wings and took off into the night sky, leaving me alone with Twilight. Twilight then used her magic to shut the door. "Now lets begin. For starters, what is your name?" inquired Twilight. "You know my name already, Twilight." I responded. "I know, but it's protocol." I sighed. "My name is Artyom." "Just Artyom?" "I prefer to go by my first name." "Okay. Now. Where are you from exactly?" "A place very far from here." "I take it that's why you have that accent." I nodded in agreement. "What is the name of your homeland?" "Russia. Or more specifically, Moscow." Twilight scribbled on her notepad "Mmhmm, and where is it located?" "I told you, very far away from here." "Could you describe your homeland for me?" "Do you want the past or current description?" Twilight ceased her writing. "What do you mean "past or current"?" "My homeland underwent a radical change before I was born. I was told stories of what it used to be. What it is now, is vastly different." Twilight went back to her notepad. "How so?" "My homeland was completely obliterated by war." Twilight looked at me with concerned eyes. "Everything was destroyed. Countless numbers of lives were lost because of the war." I sunk back into the chair as the memories came flooding back to me. "One of which was my mother." Tears were forming in Twilight's eyes. "And if that wasn't bad enough, we had to flee to the underground because the surface had become completely inhospitable. Add that to the bone chilling weather and horrifying creatures that were born from the war, and you have Russia." Twilight stifled a cry. "That's....that's terrible." said Twilight. "Tell me about it." I said. Tears began to freely stream from Twilight's eyes. She must feel bad about me. I got up from the chair and sat next to Twilight. I slowly embraced her. "Shh. There is no need to cry." Twilight sniffled. "Yes there is." The unicorn looked me in the eyes. "How can you carry on with life after that? Knowing full well that everything you know and love is...is destroyed?" "I try to look at the bright side of things. Look for the silver linings. My stepfather told me that when I was young and learned of my mother's fate. I try to see the good in any situation, which is why me, and plenty of my kind have survived." "Really?" "Really. Now, clean yourself up. I'm pretty sure you have a lot more questions about my kind." I took two tissues from a nearby tissue box and gave them to Twilight, which she used to clean her eyes. "Better?" I asked. Twilight gave me a weak smile. "Much." "Excellent." I got off the couch and sat back down on the chair. "Now. Ahem. Can you explain your apparel, well, what's left of it anyway?" "This is armor. It's used as protection against attacks." "How effective is it?" "It's good, but there are other kinds that are designed to soak up a ton of damage." "Uh huh. One last question for the night." "Ask me." "Are your kind....carnivores?" There was some hesitation in the question. She's probably wondering if my kind primarily eat meat. "Humans, which is the name of my species, are omnivorous, meaning we eat both meat and vegetables." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. "That's nice to know." "What? Did you think I was going to eat you.? Twilight blushed in embarrassment. "...Kind of." I laughed. "I would never eat something I just had a conversation with." Twilight giggled. "Nice to know you're friendly." She yawned audibly. "It's getting late. I'm going to bed. Are you fine sleeping on the couch?" "It should do nicely." "Alright. Good night, Artyom." "Good night, Twilight." Twilight hopped off the couch and ascended the stairs. "Hey, Twilight." I called out. "Yes, Artyom?" I eyeballed the nearby bookshelf "I don't suppose you have a map or book explaining where I am, do you?" Twilight levitated a big book from the middle of the collection and placed it on the couch. "This might answer you questions." "Thank you." Twilight continued up the stairs and into her bedroom. I looked at the book before me. It was massive. I couldn't read the title because of the caked on dust. I blew away the dust and revealed the title. The Egghead's Guide to Equestria I set aside my pack and took a seat on the couch. I then placed the book on my lap and began to read it. Time to get some answers. Chapter Four: Welcome to PonyvillePonyville's library was peacefully quite, with the only sound being that of certain purple unicorn lightly snoring and building intricate and expansive castles in her mind. Of course, Celestia's golden rays from her immaculate sun woke the unicorn out of her dream state. With a rather annoyed groan, the unicorn rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes as she sat up in bed. After yawning and contemplating on whether or not to sleep the day away, Twilight got out of bed and proceeded with her usual morning routine. After freshening herself up, Twilight descended the stairs and was caught off guard by what she saw. On her couch, the human known as Artyom was sleeping with her Egghead's Guide to Equestria on his face. She couldn't help but laugh as she could hear the somewhat suppressed snores from underneath her book. Twilight then entered the kitchen and filled her teapot with water. She then placed it on the stove as she began to procure mint leaves for her tea. Before she could continue, the sound of knocking was heard from her library's front door. She went to open it but froze when she remembered that Artyom was still on the couch. Looking around quickly, Twilight spotted a blanket and hastily threw it over Artyom's passed out form. After making sure it wasn't noticeable and saying a quick prayer to Celestia, she opened the door. "Hey, Twilight!" exclaimed Pinkie. A sense of dread began to form in the back of Twilight's mind. "Oh. Hey, Pinkie Pie. What brings you here?" she hesitantly asked. "I haven't visited you in awhile, which made me sad because I feel as if I'm neglecting our friendship. So I'm here to remedy that." Beads of sweat began to form on Twilight's brow. She couldn't let Pinkie in and risk her finding Artyom. Pinkie thankfully still hadn't noticed her couch and why her cover was oddly spread out on it. "That's much appreciated, Pinkie, but I'm kinda busy right now." "But you just woke up. I can tell by the faint smell of mint emanating from the kitchen. That means you're making your morning tea, which also means you woke up no longer than ten to fifteen minutes ago." Twilight's jaw dropped. "How did you know that?" Pinkie pulled a pipe out of cotton candy hair. "Elementary, my dear Twilight." The pink pony than blew bubbles out of said pipe. "Riiiiight." said Twilight as she dragged out the one syllable word. Pinkie quietly puffed more bubbles before asking "You gonna let me in or not?" The sense of dread began to grow, making her heart rate increase. With a fake smile, Twilight responded. "Sorry. No can do." Pinkie squinted her eyes and got uncomfortably close to Twilight's face. Pinkie's cerulean eyes burrowed deep into Twilight's mind. It felt as if the pony before her were reading her soul. After a few tense moments, Pinkie removed herself from Twilight's face and smiled. "That's okay, Twilight. I'll come back when you're ready." With that, Pinkie turned around and walked into Ponyville. Twilight closed her door and sighed in relief. The purple unicorn removed the cover from the still sleeping human and proceeded back into the kitchen. Twilight prepared her mint tea and was about to enjoy her first sip when the sound of glass breaking was heard from the main room. Oh no. Twilight dropped her tea and sprinted into the main room of the library. To her astonishment, she saw Pinkie on the ground, knife to her neck, with Artyom on top of her. "Artyom?" "I take it that she is one of your friends, right?" asked the human. "Yes. Now would you please let her go?" The human sighed as he began to remove his weight and knife from the pink pony's body. Pinkie stared in amazement as Artyom stood up and showed Pinkie his tall form. There was a tense silence in the air until Pinkie's mouth began to form a smile. "OMG IT'S A HUMAN!!!" I had gotten a decent way into the book Twilight generously allowed me to read last night. The description of Equestria, the name of this land, was like something out of a fairy tale. Mystical creatures from dragons to phoenixes, to creatures only heard of from Ancient Roman and Greek myths. Before I slept, I decided on asking Twilight if I could tour the local town and get my bearings, but that decision was made for me by a rather hyper, and rather talkative, pink pony. "OMG IT'S A HUMAN!!!" was the first sentence uttered by the pink pony. Not the reaction as I was expecting. I was waiting for something along the lines of Don't kill me! or I'm too pretty to die! Something along the lines of that. One thing that kinda creeped me out was the pony's smile. The pony just smiled at me, almost akin to Hannibal Lecter smiling before a kill. "So, your name's Artyom, right?" inquired the pink pony. "Yes. And your's is?" I responded. The pink pony got up on two legs and began to shake my hand like a madman, well, in this case, madmare. "I'm Pinkie Pie and I'm super fantastically glad to make your acquaintance." "Thank you. Nice to meet you to." I managed to say as Pinkie continued to shake my hand. "Pinkie. Would you please stop shaking Artyom's hand?" asked Twilight. Pinkie's face turned alight red as she released her grip on my hand. "Sorry. Got kinda carried away there." "No worries." I said. ....Wait "Ms. Pie?" I asked. "Yes, Artyom?" "How did you know that I'm a human?" "Oh that's easy. There's a pony named Lyra that's believed that your kind exist and has tried to prove it." "So you know from her." "I have a very open mind." I chuckled. "I figured as much." "Uh, Pinkie, now would you kindly explain as to why YOU BROKE MY WINDOW?!" asked a rather annoyed Twilight. Pinkie turned to Twilight. "My Pinkie Senses told me that you were hiding something. And I was right." "But did you really have break my window?" "I couldn't break through the door, silly. Wood is much harder to break through than glass." Twilight placed a hoof to her face and groaned. "Pinkie Sense?" I asked. "It's like telepathy, or ESPinkie." the pony laughed at her joke. I turned to Twilight. "Twilight?" "Yes, Artyom?" responded Twilight. "I've been meaning to ask you something. Is it possible to--" "Give you a tour of Ponyville? Of course! It would be rude if she didn't." interrupted Pinkie. I was taken aback by Pinkie completing my sentence for me. Twilight was also stunned by this. "Pinkie, how did you know--" "What he would say next? I told you, Pinkie Senses." heavily emphasized Pinkie. "Have to admit. That's pretty cool." I said. "Before we get off track, you were saying something about wanting a tour, Artyom?" "Yes. I would like to gain my bearings of this place. That, and get something to eat." As I finished, my stomach groaned in agreement. "Got ya covered, Artyom." said Pinkie as she procured a bag from her curly hair. "Might I ask what exactly is inside that?" I asked. "It's a cupcake, silly! I wouldn't put anything else in it." "No offense, but I'm a bit apprehensive to eat something you pulled from your hair." "Trust me. My hair is super clean, perhaps the cleanest, aside from Rarity's." Pinkie assured I was about to continue my argument, but my stomach protested against that idea. "Fine." I took the cupcake and closely examined white treat with pink frosting. After being thoroughly satisfied that this baked good wasn't a trap, I took a hesitant bite into it. Thanks to my curiosity, I was rewarded with an explosion of delightful taste. "This is good." I said with my mouth still full. Pinkie's mouth grew into an enormous smile at the sound of my compliment. After I finished the treat, I turned back to Twilight. "Any ideas as to how we can go about this tour without causing mass panic?" Twilight put a hoof to her chin and began mumbling under her breath. It wasn't long before Twilight's face started to beam in excitement. "Wait here." said Twilight as she bolted up the staircase. "May I ask who Rarity is?" I said to Pinkie. "Rarity is the town's dressmaker. She runs a clothing shop called The Carousel Boutique." answered Pinkie. "I take it by her name and job description that she is a woman of high standard, right?" "Exactly." "You think she can make some casual ware for me? My clothes have seen better days." "Possibly. She is quite generous when it comes to this kind of thing." "Excellent." "Also, why are you wearing your armor now? Isn't hot in there?" "Not really. I feels cozy in here, save for the mild pain in my shoulder and leg." "What happened?" "I was attacked by a pack of timber wolves." Pinkie gasped. "Don't fret, believe me, I have experienced much worse." "How much worse?" "Ever ride a motorized handcar down an abandoned train tunnel while horrid monstrosities try to chase and kill you?" "....No." "Then this is practically a paper cut. In a sense." Before Pinkie could interject, a loud crash was heard upstairs. "You okay, Twilight?!" shouted Pinkie. "I found it!" exclaimed Twilight. "You found Narnia?!" "No! My invisibility cloak!" Pinkie hung her head down. "Awww." Twilight then came running down the stairs, levitating a pure black cloak. "That's supposed to turn you invisible?" I skeptically asked. "Oh ye of little faith. Pinkie, why don;t you prove him wrong." said Twilight. Pinkie instantly perked up as she grabbed the cloak. "Feast your eyes." Pinkie through the cloak over herself and sure enough, disappeared. I stood there, stunned and bewildered. Did...did that just happen? I walked over to where Pinkie used to be and felt around. She was gone. "That's freaky." I said. "Freaky, but totally awesome!" said Pinkie. I swung around to see if she was behind me. Nothing but the bookshelf. I turned to Twilight. "May I try it out?" "Sure. Pinkie, take off the cloak." ordered Twilight. "Sure thing!" Pinkie then materialized before me, cloak in hoof. "Try it." I took the cloak from Pinkie's grasp and threw it over myself. Sure enough, I could see through the cloak perfectly as if I wasn't wearing it. "Can you see me?" I asked. "Nope. All I see is my library." answered Twilight. "I don't see you, Artyom. Where are you?" asked Pinkie. I didn't answer. Instead, I quietly moved behind Pinkie and waited. "Artyom! Where are you?" I carefully removed the cloak and put my head on her shoulder. "Behind you." I said in growling voice. "Ah!!!!" screamed Pinkie as she rocketed toward the ceiling in fright. Twilight and I did nothing but stare as Pinkie broke through the ceiling and disappeared into the morning sky. "Well...that escalated quickly." I said. "Indeed it did." responded Twilight. "I'll just put the cloak back on and have you guide me. How does that sound?" "Sounds fair. Oh, and Artyom?" "Yes?" "Please warn me the next time you try to scare Pinkie." "Will do." Pinkie then came screaming back down into the library and landed with a loud thud. "You okay, Pinkie?" Twilight. Pinkie started giggling "Of course, silly. That was a good scare by the way Artyom." I smiled "Thank you." "Now." Twilight said as she moved toward the door. I put on Twilight's cloak and waited for her to continue speaking. "Welcome to Ponyville, Artyom." Twilight then swung the door open. Meanwhile in the Royal Palace.... Celestia woke from her slumber. Her sun was shining brightly through her window. Luna raised the sun for me. I will have to thank her later. The alabaster alicorn stretched her wings and yawned away and straggling drowsiness. Celestia then got out of bed and proceeded to go about her normal morning routine. She proceeded into the bathroom and levitated her toothbrush and toothpaste before her. She then turned on the tap, wet the toothbrush, and placed a line of toothpaste on it. The sun princess then began the task of cleaning her precious teeth scrupulously. After a while, Celestia brought over the mouthwash bottle and filled the cap with cleansing liquid. After she spat out the foam from the toothpaste, Celestia took the minty liquid and began to swish it around her mouth. She then bent over the sink and spat out the mouthwash. As she came up to look at herself in the mirror. Instead of seeing her reflection, Celestia instead looked into the eyes of a solitary Dark One. The two locked eyes for what Celestia felt was an eternity. .....We only wanted peace...... .....Why can't you see that.....? Celestia began to sweat as she felt a pressure growing in her head. .....We do what we must...... .....To protect our kind..... "Sister?" called Luna distantly. .....Why can't you understand.....? Luna opened the door to Celestia's room. "Celestia?" ANSWER!!!! "NO!!" screamed Celestia as she brought her hoof up and broke her mirror. The sun goddess began panting heavily as the pressure receded from her head. "Celestia!" shouted Luna in concern. The moon princess saw Celestia on the bathroom floor, sweating and bleeding from a cut on her hoof. Luna sighed "The Dark Ones?" "Yes, dear sister. I believe we must eliminate this threat at once." said Celestia. The wound on her hoof began to close up and heal as she talked. "You know they mean no harm, Celly." "Don't be so naive, Luna. You know what they did." bitterly said Celestia. "They did it out of defense!" "THEY TOOK INNOCENT LIVES" Luna slowly backed out of bathroom. "Just leave. I'll be ready shortly." Chapter Five: Blown CoverPonyville. While I did miss my home station, the welcoming atmosphere of the small town did help me adjust and forget about my homesickness. The town was full of color not only from the buildings, but from the multitude of citizens as well. I would've seen more, if it weren't for an unexpected guest. Twilight swung the door open, allowing the morning sun to shine through. "This way, Artyom." said Twilight. The purple unicorn exited her house. Me and Pinkie followed suit. She then closed the door behind us and began to explain my surroundings. "This is Ponyville, Artyom. You won't find friendlier ponies anywhere else. To your left is Time Marches On, a clock shop owned by our very own Time Turner." "I'll keep that in mind. I could use a few alarm clocks." I said. "Should I even ask?" asked Twilight. "It's best you didn't know." "Alright then. Now, to our right is--" "OH! OH! Can I do it, Twilight?!?!" excitedly asked Pinkie. "Sure." said Twilight. "To our right is Sugarcube Corner. It's also the best place in the world since I work there!" "A well chosen place to work, I might add." I said. "Sugarcube Corner produces the best baked goods in all of Equestria! And that's a scientific fact." "To her science at least." quietly mumbled Twilight. I chuckled at Twilight's remark. "Next is Town Hall. Home of Mayor Mare." "...Um...what?" I asked. "Her name is actually Mareylin, but she preferred Mare for short, which lead to ponies calling her Mayor Mare. It's stuck ever since." "Huh. That's interesting." "I'll skip the political stuff, but the town square is also the political hub of Ponyville." "I figured." "Now to the left of town hall is As The Vinyl Turns. It's a music store owned and run by our local DJ, Vinyl Scratch. She's quite famous for the type of music she creates." said Pinkie. "And that music is?" I asked. "It's called "dubstep" and focuses...." "Mostly on electronic beats and glitchy sounds." Pinkie turned and gawked at my invisible form. "I had the unfortunate experience of listening to it during my time in the metro. It's not terrible, but not my taste. I prefer either orchestra or rock." "Orchestra....and rock?" asked Twilight. "There wasn't much choice of music thanks to the war. Beggars can't be choosers." "You're becoming more interesting by the second, Artie." said Pinkie. "Heh. Thanks." "Now next is---" Twilight was cut off by a burst of red light hitting her on her right side. She hit the dirt hard, grunting while attempted to stand. I turned my attention back towards Pinkie to see her hovering in the air, enveloped in vivid red energy. I ducked into a nearby alley and watched as the events unfolded before me. The source of the red energy evidently stemmed from, what I could see, a cloaked form in the distance. Following it were six dog like creatures that walked on their hind legs. They weren't as looming as a Librarian, but the makeshift weapons in their paws said otherwise. They were clothed in what appeared to be make shift leather armor. "That's the one, boss. The annoying pink one." spoke one of the dogs. "I know, Spot, I know." "Hey, I know that voice! It's Tri---" Pinkie was cut off by being flung into the town hall at speed. She made a rather large hole, which was later peeked through by a pony with a pale amber coat and light bluish gray mane. I could only assume that that was Mayor Mare. "Mewling cur." said the cloaked pony. It then turned it's attention to Twilight. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight looked at the figure with a glare. "Trixie, what a rather unpleasant surprise." The pony removed her cloak, revealing an azure colored unicorn, wearing an interesting looking amulet around her neck. The color drained from Twilight's face when she saw the amulet. "The Alicorn Amulet." Twilight looked Trixie eye to eye. "You really are petty pony, aren't you?" "Have you forgotten the humiliation you put me through?!" yelled Trixie. "Not my fault your magic can't do jack-squat against an Ursa Major. Oh, I'm sorry, minor." Twilight was hit by another blast of magic from Trixie. Evidently, the amulet acts as a power amplifier. This was bad, very bad. I had to act fast. Maybe if I caused a distraction.... Trixie approached Twilight's limp form "Any last words before I cast you out?" "I hope you get whats about to come to you." retorted Twilight. Trixie magically grasped Twilight and brought her to eye level. "Farewell, Twilight Sparkle." Before she could toss Twilight out of Ponyville, a she heard a metallic thunk beside her. She looked down to see a metal pipe. "Bone? BONE!" yelped one of the dogs as he pushed his way toward the pipe. Trixie was knocked aside, losing focus on Twilight and letting her drop. The dog giddily clapped his paws as he examined his prize. He took it up and brought it to his eyes, where he finally noticed something. "Hey. Why is this black rope on---" The pipebomb exploded, turning the dog into a rather meaty mess and alerting the residents of Ponyville to what was happening in town square. Trixie had put up a shield to protect herself from the explosion, but her ears were ringing like church bells. "Rufus!" cried one of the dogs. "Argh." Trixie got up off the ground. She turned to where Twilight should've been, and saw nothing. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!" exclaimed the enraged unicorn. The distraction worked as I had hoped. The dogs' lack of higher brain function of course played a major part in the plan. After that, getting Twilight to safety was my main concern. After I picked her up, I ran her over to the back of the music store and removed the cloak. "Artyom. Was that you?" asked Twilight weakly. "Yeah. My plan worked like a charm, huh?" I answered. "You couldn't have done it sooner?" "I had to wait for the perfect moment to strike." "So...what are you gonna do now?" "What my motto tells me." "And that is?" "If it's hostile...." I showed Twilight my revolver "...you kill it." "Rufus! He had so much to live for!" cried the Diamond Dog. Two of the remaining five dogs were busy consoling the grieving canine. "Shut it!" snapped Trixie. She then pointed her hoof at the second pair of remaining dogs."Names." she stated. "Uh, I'm Mike, and that's Kip." said Mike. "Hey." said Kip with an added wave. "Go find Twilight Sparkle, I'll deal with the townsfolk." "On it boss." saluted Mike. Kip did the same thing. "No sweat, we'll find that pony in no---" A loud bang echoed from somewhere, causing Trixie to scan the area around her. Mike's face was covered in blood as he watched his friends body go limp and hit the ground like a sack of bricks. Mike just stared at the body in shock, was this really happening? "Hey!" yelled Trixie. Mike snapped out of it and turned his attention to her. "Stop standing there and go find her!" "Understood." Mike drew the machete off his back and began looking around. A fire burned inside him. He wanted vengeance. As he scanned, he saw a shadow duck into a nearby alley. "Found you!" yelled Mike as he sprinted into the alley. Trixie watched as Mike entered the alley. A few seconds later, a second bang went off, and a loud thump was heard. The azure unicorn sprinted to the alley to find her dense minion with a rather large hole in his chest. "By Celestia, do we really suck, or is this pony really that good!" yelled the grovelling dog. The dog stood up and drew a wicked sharp knife from his pocket. "Let's go boys." The dogs entered the alley, snarling and barking, weapons drawn. "Show yourself, coward!" yelled one dog. The three decided it was best to split up due to the branching paths of the alleys. As they continued looking for their target, another bang was heard. The remaining dogs ran to the source of the sound, and found their friend dead with a bullet in his head. "Damn it!" cursed one of the dogs. "Who is this pony?" asked the other. "No pony." said a voice. The two dogs turned and came face to face with as tall as they were. The two stood there, paralyzed with fear. "Just me." The two dogs snapped out of their trance and pounced their attacker. Trixie was, for the first time since wearing the Alicorn Amulet, afraid. She had no idea what was happening. What had started as simple payback, is currently turning into a massacre of her hired help. The gathering townsponies weren't helping the situation either. "Get back!" screamed Trixie as she sent a wave of magic at the crowd. The ponies promptly dispersed and hid behind whatever solid object was available. Three bangs echoed from the alley where her minions entered. She turned around and decided to seek the matter out herself. Burying her fear, the arrogant unicorn entered the alleyway and stepped over Mike's corpse. She looked around and saw the remaining three dogs, each with a sizable hole in their head. Trixie's rage boiled over as she stomped out of the alley and drew forth her magical power. The sky turned blood red as she drew in more power. "I've had enough of these games!" yelled Trixie as she fired a bolt of magic into a nearby flower shop. "Reveal yourself!" The town grew deathly quiet. The wind blew through the town and Trixie swore she heard something. Behind you Trixie violently turned around and cast her magic at the area behind her. The blue unicorn was growing paranoid. She began scanning the town square feverishly. Over here Trixie looked at the approximate source of the voice and launched her magic at the area. Still nothing. Trixie began to panic. She was breathing a million miles a minute. She finally cracked. "WHERE ARE YOU?!?!" she yelled as she cast a violent red wave of magic around her. "Here." said a voice. Trixie swung round and expected to see another pony. What she got was a creature as tall as a Diamond dog, but whole lot scarier. Trixie's eyes shrank "....Wha..." "Surprise, motherfucker." said the creature before knocking the unicorn's lights out. I whacked the unicorn as hard I could with my revolver. As much as I would've just loved to permanently end her and rid the world of her rather annoying voice, I'm pretty sure Twilight has more than a few questions for her. "Some motto you got there." said Twilight. I turned to her. "Could you blame me?" I asked. I noticed that the townsponies were now staring at me. Mostly in fear, although a mint green unicorn in the back was staring at me with a rather large grin. "Guess the secret's out." I said. "Don't worry. I won't let anything bad happen to you." "You do realize that I'm going to hold you to that, right?" "Whatever helps you sleep at night." replied Twilight with a smirk. "Ha. Now, lets get---" A blinding white light cut off my conversation with Twilight. As I shielded myself from the blinding rays, I couldn't help but think what I was going to face next. As the light faded, I laid eyes upon what could possibly be the ruler of this land, if the crown didn't give it away. I quickly reloaded my revolver and aimed it at the monarch's head. It was WAY bigger than any of the other ponies. Twilight was about knee height, while this thing was practically as tall as me. It's horn was also longer than Twilight's, which probably meant that it knows more magic than her. The white pony flared it's pair of wings at my appearance. Her eyes were faint red, as if she was just recently crying. I kept my finger on the trigger, just in case. "That's not going to help you." spoke the pony. Before I could say anything else, I was enveloped in white light. Twilight averted her eyes from the light. When it finally died down, she noticed that Princess Celestia was nowhere to be found. Worse, Artyom was gone as well. "Oh, buck me." cursed Twilight.
Prologue: The End of The Dark OnesThe tunnel grew colder--Miller and I were close to the surface now. Soon we'd climb up into the howling wind, to find our way through whatever nightmares were waiting there. My long journey was nearly at its end. But would I have the courage...the will to see it through? "Hey, Artyom. When you left your home station, did you ever think you'd end up in a place like this? Not knowing whether we were about to save our world....or send it straight to hell." said Miller. I didn't respond as me and Miller continued our slow ascent back to the surface. I was focused on the objective, and that was to get to the top of Ostankino Tower, set up the laser beacon, and have Vladimir launch the missiles from D6 and destroy the so called "Dark Ones". We continued to climb further and further up the ladder. Miller reached the top first. As I reached the top and prepared to grab the ledge, the began to crumble below me. Miller's fast reflex's saved me from a premature death, and possible saved humanity's last hope. "Got you!" Miller than pulled me up to join him. "That would have been unfortunate. Now, come along, the others are waiting." We continued a bit further until we reached a blast door. Miller approached it and pressed a nearby button. The groaned with age as it began to open. "Seems like things are going our way." As quickly as the door opened, it immediately slammed shut. "Chyort!" Miller groaned and turned to me "Just our luck, huh?" I heard scratches behind me. On instinct, I turned around, aiming my Kalash 2012 at the darkness. "I'll cover you. Go use the manual override on the door." I approached the manual override, which was just a basic wheel. Gripping it firmly, I turned it to right. As I continually did it, I noticed the door beginning to open. After a minute or so, the door was fully open. "Excellent job, Artyom. Now, let's keep moving." Proceeding forward, we went through a hall that lead to a small weapons cache. "It would be wise to take what you need, Artyom. Running dry in the middle of a firefight would be disastrous." Looking through the weapon cache, I took two extra mags for my Kalash, Twelve shells for my automatic shotgun, and eighteen bullets for my revolver. "Are you ready, Artyom?" I racked the charging handle of my Kalash "As ready as I'll ever be." Me and Miller continued past the cache and into a cramped hallway. As we proceeded further, the once illuminating lights shut off. "Well....great." Miller said sarcastically. He then activated the light on his helmet. I did the same as we approached another door. Miller readied his weapon and carefully opened the door. "Uh-huh.... Seems like nobody's home." Miller than went into the next room with me following closely behind. "Before we hit the surface, Artyom, put your gas mask on. Otherwise, you'll be like a goldfish outside it's bowl." As he finished saying that, the veteran ranger donned his gas mask. I did the same. I heard stories about people who went insane and thrusted themselves out onto the surface, unprotected. If they weren't killed by Nazis or eaten by Demons, death by suffocation seemed a worse fate than the latter two options. "Were almost there." said Miller as we entered what appeared to be the lobby of a building. "This is, or rather was, the Korolev performance hall, it's really close to the tower." As Miller approached the exit, the sound of growling was heard above us. "Load your weapon!" Miller inserted a fresh mag into his Kalash and readied it for the incoming attack. I readied my weapon also, bracing myself for what was about to come. "Here they come!" As if on cue, a Lurker came charging at Miller. Not breaking focus, the ranger pumped the mutant with five shots, stopping it's speedy advance. Another Lurker made it presence know by howling above me. I aimed my Kalash up and fired, killing it. Lurkers are...to say the least, both annoying and unnerving. While they don't attack people in groups, they will ambush stragglers or people traveling alone. I've heard terrible stories about attacks on people when I was little. But, like all hostile mutants, they're easily dealt with with a few bullets. "Alright, let's get out of here before their friends show up." Miller reloaded his weapon as he exited the performance hall. I quickly followed, not wanting to meet the two Lurker's friends. We exited and found ourselves back on the cold surface of Moscow, an all to familiar feeling to me at this point. "There it is...our goal." said Miller as he pointed toward Ostankino Tower. Me and the ranger then continued toward our objective. "Come in...Ulman, come in... Over." "You're coming through loud and clear. Over." said Ulman over the radio. Ulman is Miller's second in command. A capable soldier with a sense of humor was a rare thing to come by in the metros. "We're at the tower. I Repeat. We are at the tower. Did the group move out? Over." "That's affirmative, we've made contact. They should be in the vicinity of the tower now. Over." "Roger. We'll contact you again when we reach the top of the tower. Get a fix on our location then. Over." "Over and out." said Ulman. "Lets go, the others should already be here." Miller began to pick up the pace. I quickened mine to catch up to him. We continued to grow closer and closer to the tower, passing by the ruins of destroyed buildings as we went. Just then, the sound of a car horn behind me made Miller breathe a breath of relief. "Ahh, and there they are!" An armored car equipped with a heavy machine gun rolled up to our location and stopped a few feet ahead of us. The driver of the car honked the horn twice and left the driver's seat. He then approached Miller. "Glad to see you, Colonel." said Ulman as he shook Miller's hand. In the distance, I swore I heard the sound of a roar. "Did you hear that--listen! What the hell is it..?" The soldier operating the machine gun began to look around nervously as he readied himself for an ambush. "FORM A CIRCLE!" ordered Miller. The accompanying rangers began to take defensive positions by the armored car, ready to attack. "Stay calm." said Ulman. "Watch your backs, boys." said Miller. As soon as he said that, a pack of Lurkers rushed passed us, paying us no mind. "Okay, okay. It looks like it's going to be tougher than the Library." A single Lurker stopped running and turned it's attention toward me. It's black beady eyes starred into my soul. The mutant than roared and charged me. I aimed Kalash at it's head and pulled the trigger, splattering it's brains on the ground. And like that...all hell broke loose. "Shit! Fire at will!" ordered Miller as more Lurkers began to appear. The rangers obeyed and began to unload their rounds into the oncoming horde of Lurkers. I fired My Kalash with deadly accuracy as more and more Lurkers kept coming. "Hold the line!" yelled Miller. I kept firing till my my weapon clicked empty. As I reloaded it, I was knocked to the ground by a sneaky Lurker. I looked up to see it turning around and charging at me. With my Kalash to far for me to get, I pulled out the combat knife I kept in my right boot. I waited until the Lurker was close enough to me. Once within range, I drove my blade through the base of it's jaw, stopping it dead in it's tracks. Pushing the body away and retrieving my gun, I turned around to a sight that made my heart sink. "Demons!" screamed a ranger. If you've never heard of Demon, it's best you keep it that way. They are rather large, winged, mammalian creatures with complex facial features with prominent nose and fangs. Another thing about them that can can make even the bravest soldier cry for their mother is their roar, which is almost akin to a tiger's, but a tiger is practically a kitten compared to a Demon. The soldier on the heavy machine turned in the direction of the incoming pack of Demons and began to open fire. One of the Demons broke off from the group and charged the armored car. The soldier manning the machine gun was screaming and desperately trying to break free of the Demons's grip as it carried him off to his death. Another Demon soon after knocked the armored car over, destroying our best shot at eliminating them. The Demon that knocked over the car circled back and went directly for me. It approached with speed as it kicked me to the ground with it's prehensile limbs. I felt the wind get knocked out of me as I lay on the ground. I quickly checked for injuries. I sighed a quick breath of relief that none of my ribs were broken. My gratitude was cut short when said Demon returned and landed in front of me. It slowly approached me and reared up to attack. The attack was cut short when I heard the sound of gunfire close to me. The Demon roared at it's attacker and flew back up into the sky. Miller rushed to my side, firing his Volt Driver at the retreating Demon. "Artyom, are you okay? The horde has dispersed! This is our only chance to reach the tower!" Extending his hand down, I grabbed it and was kindly helped up. "Follow me, Artyom! And don't stop for a second!" I stayed as close as could to Miller without tripping over him. I readied my Kalash to protect myself from any straggling Lurkers from the previous attack. "From the left!" Miller turned and fired as a Lurker appeared to his left. Another one quickly followed suit, but joined it's friend after I fired a quick burst into it. "Keep moving!" Miller than continued his advance toward the tower with me shortly behind him. More Lurkers appeared in front of us. I couldn't get a shot off as Miller cut them down as quickly as they appeared. "Go-go-go!" Miller and I made a mad dash toward the Tower's entrance. Seeing a door, we quickly rushed toward it and ran inside. "Phew! This'll be one hell of a story when we get back." Miller slowed his pace as I closed the door behind us. Walking calmly through the lobby, we encountered an ancient elevator. Miller pried open the elevator doors to allow us entrance. He then looked up to see that the roof of the elevator was missing, leaving a nice view of the sky. "Yeah....a way to the top....you are an eternal optimist, Miller....easier said than done." Miller began to look around the elevator. "Okay! Okay! I have an idea, climb on top of the elevator. We'll try to unlock the counter weight stopper." Climbing onto the elevator, we jumped onto the second elevator in hope of Miller's plan being successful. "Ah-h, come on.... come on, bitch." said Miller as he pulled the stopper. After a minute of fierce tugging and swearing, the elevator roared to life and began to climb toward the top of the tower. "Voila!" exclaimed Miller. "Join the army, they said--it'll be fun, they said. What a load of shit." The elevator delivered us to the top of the tower. For decades, news was broadcast from this place. But whether today's news would be good or bad, depended entirely on us. Once we installed the guidance system, our mission would be over. But plans were made to go wrong. "Brace yourself, it's going to get a bit rough." said Miller. As soon as Miller finished talking, the elevator's roof caved in below me, making me fall. "Shit!" exclaimed Miller. As I flipped and watched the world rush around me, my fall was stopped short by a convenient ledge. I looked over the ledge and saw the massive drop down. I'm pretty sure my guardian angel is working overtime today. "Are you okay, Artyom?" asked a concerned Miller. I gave him a thumbs up. Miller began to laugh. "That's the spirit boy." "Ulman, come in. We're in the tower. The target's covered with high clouds. We're going higher. Over." "Alright, Artyom, we need a way to get you up here." A roar was then heard in the distance. "Demon! Hide!" Running back to the elevator, pressed my self up against it's rear wall. Just as I did, a Demon landed in front of the elevator. It immediately spotted me and tried to reach in and grab me. I equipped my automatic shotgun and stabbed it's hand with the attached bayonet. The beast howled in pain at the attack. I quickly followed up by pumping four shots into it's ugly face. What ever was left of the Demon's face was hanging off by tendons. I then kicked the body off the ledge and watched fall off the tower. "Nice shot! Now. Try looking for a way up here, Artyom!" I looked around to see if I could find a way to Miller. A fallen filing cabinet had thankfully given me an option to progress. Climbing over it, I discovered a small hallway in front of me. "Look out, Artyom!" Taking in what Miller said, I quickly ducked down, just as another Demon struck when I was once standing. Miller took the opportunity to fire at the attacking hell-spawn. "Die, you bitch!" The Demon roared in pain at the attack. As I lay on the ground, the sound of retreating wing flaps told me that the Demon has left. I got back up and proceeded further down the hallway, which lead to what I assumed was the built in meteorological center. "Artyom, there should be a staircase next to your location." said Miller. Looking around, I happened to find said staircase. It had seen better days. Not wanting to become Demon food, I went up the stairs as quickly and as carefully as I could. It was a long drop down to the surface. Upon reaching the next floor, I met up with Miller, who was waiting for me. "Well done, Artyom. Come in, Ulman. We've just fended off some Demons. Still going up." As soon as Miller finished, the Demon he attacked earlier plowed through the wall beside him, knocking him to the ground. "Ahhhh!" The Demon looked a bit dazed from plowing head first into the wall. The impact from the blitz attack knocked my Kalash over the edge of the tower. It took my brain a few seconds to process what happened. Upon completion, I moved my right hand as fast as I could to my revolver's holster. "Shoot, Artyom! Shoot!" The Demon was bearing down on Miller. "No you don't" I quickly sat up and drew my revolver. I shot all six bullets into it's head. While one would have sufficed, I had to make sure that Demon didn't hurt Miller. The Demon dropped a few inches from Miller's feet. "Artyom! Miller! Respond!" said Ulman. "Ahhh....that bitch! Come in, Ulman. I've been wounded. You keep in touch with Artyom. Over." "Roger that, Colonel....Over." "Artyom, the laser will do us no good from here, the clouds are to thick. Ugh. You've got to climb as high as you can and set up the guidance system." "You sure you'll be alright here?" I asked. "Yes, now go, the world depends on you." I nodded at Miller's words. Before I proceeded further, Miller stopped me. "Artyom." I turned to Miller. "Take my gun. You're going to need it." He pointed to his Kalash 2012, complete with scope and silencer. I reloaded and chambered a round before I continued to the top of Ostankino Tower. I walked over the Demon's corpse and continued on the adjacent catwalk. A short walk later, I encountered a ladder leading to the tower's roof. I latched on carefully to the ladder. One wrong move and I'll become a human pancake. As I climbed the ladder, I heard the rusted metal groan under my weight. Imminent death was running through my mind as I continued further up the ladder. Upon reaching the roof, the ladder buckled below me. I quickly clambered onto the roof just as the ladder collapsed and fell of the tower. Lucky I wasn't on it. I turned around and faced a small spiral staircase. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before I continued upward. ....He is here.... ....Can hear us.... ....Can understand us.... I quickly shook my head as the voices quieted down. Apparently, the voices belong to a species known as "The Dark Ones". The reason I'm on this tower. The reason why I must destroy them, to save humanity. "Come in, Artyom! Something is blocking the signal! Come in, Artyom! Come in!" said Ulman. I paid no attention to Ulman's cries over the radio. I proceeded upward to the tower's spiral. Upon reaching the top, I got the guidance system out of my backpack and began to assemble it. ....Why are they here....? ....He brings death..... My vision blacked out to what appeared to be a cave system. I could see white light illuminate the humanoid bodies of the Dark Ones. Slowly, they approached me. Before they got any closer, my brain snapped back to reality. I focused on assembling the guidance system, ignoring the vision I just had. After a minute or so, the guidance system was fully assembled. I hesitantly walked over to the edge and set it down. I aimed it at the huge black mass in the distance, the origin point of the Dark Ones. I pressed a button on the side of the guidance system. "Contact Zone reached." said the computerized voice. "Artyom, the signal is just perfect, hold out for just one more minute and we'll get them." said Ulman. I quietly watched as the guidance system acquired it's target. As I stood there, waiting for the inevitable, I felt as if the wind was becoming stronger. ....He's coming to destroy us.... A bright light shined in my face ....Why?.... I started to feel a bit woozy. My knees were first to go as they failed to keep me standing. I dropped to the cold ground just as I whited out. ....He cannot be allowed.... ....They always do.... Another bright light shined in my eyes. This time, the source was that of a distant nuclear explosion. I could feel the winds whip around me, almost tearing my mask off my face. ....They never change.... Suddenly, a group of Dark Ones appeared in front of me, dark energy swirling around them like a cloak. You will be stopped. I slowly woke up from my fainting session. I blinked the drowsiness from my eyes as I looked around to see where I was. A light then turned on above me, revealing the stone ground beneath me. I looked up to see a white tunnel in front of me, but no clear path to get to it. I walked forward, causing stones from the surrounding walls to build a bridge to the tunnel. Surrender! The tunnel was then replaced by a metal door. I opened the door, which lead to a straight drop down. Logically, long falls equaled death, so I closed the door and turned around. I saw another door in front of me, walking toward it, I opened it and proceeded through. The white light felt warm, comforting, but the feeling didn't last long. He cannot be allowed! A Dark One appeared before me, stretching out his right hand. I tried to turn around, but I couldn't move as I was brought closer and closer to the creature. As soon as I was in touching distance, my vision once again faded to black. I found myself in a tunnel. A white light was in front of me, waiting for me. I began walking toward it. You will be stopped! I turned around to see a Dark One behind of me, red energy following in his wake. Not wanting to feel his wrath, I began to sprint in the direction of the light. Surrender! I paid no mind to the creature behind me. I kept focused on the light, a beacon in the surrounding darkness. I kept running for what seemed like an eternity, until I tripped over a small rock jutting out of the ground. The light was very close now. DIE! I'm not dying now. Using whatever strength I could muster, I crawled the remaining distance toward the light. "Artyom!" I looked up to see Hunter, my role model and fellow ranger in front of me. He pulled out something from his back pocket and threw it to me. It was my revolver. "If its hostile - you kill it." Hunter then vanished. ....He's coming to destroy us.... I turned around to see the Dark One a few feet from me. Time began to slow down as the creature crept further and further. With no other choice available, I aimed my revolver at the Dark One and fired. BANG All.... BANG Die.... BANG BANG WHY? BANG ANSWER!?! BANG My vision returned. I found myself still on the tower's roof, revolver clutched in my right hand. I looked up to see a corpse. The corpse of the Dark One I killed. You reap what you sow, Artyom: force answers force, war breeds war, and death only brings death. To break this vicious circle, one must do more than just act without any thought or doubt. Khan's words echoed in my ears. I slowly got to my feet and approached the guidance system. Pain... I looked down to see the Dark One still moving Death....Prevent I aimed my revolver at it's head. We only want peace. It reached a shaking arm toward me. I fired. Ten seconds to homing procedure completion. chimed the guidance system. ....His path....into nowhere.... Homing procedure complete. In the distance, the sound of rocket engines were heard. I turned and watched as the missiles from the D6 military base began to approach their target. After a few seconds, the rockets reached their destination and destroyed the dark mass in the middle of Moscow. And like that...it was over. We had won. But, I still wonder. Was something lost from burning the Dark Ones from the face of the Earth? I'll never know. After a few minutes of watching the residual fire burn the black mass, I began the long descent down from the tower. A few days later.... Exhibition Station "Alex!" yelled Eugene. "What is it, Eugene?" Alex lifted his head from his desk "Can't you see I'm busy?" "I know....but." "But what?" "Well...." "Hey, is that?" said a voice outside. "Oh my God, it is!" said another voice. With the volume of voices getting louder, Alex got up and went to examine. "What's all the ruckus about?" "Look who's come home!" said Boris as he pointed behind Alex. Alex turned around to see Artyom, his stepson, approaching him. "Artyom!" yelled Alex as he embraced him. "Hello, Sukhoi." "Are you injured?" "No. I am quite alright." "Your son is quite the ranger, Alex." said Ulman. Alex relinquished his grasp of Artyom "I knew he would." "So, Hero of Russia. What are you gonna do now?" "I need to sleep. I deserve it at this point." The surrounding people laughed. Alex smiled "Alright, I'll leave you to it. And Artyom, I'm glad your safe." "Thanks." Artyom the proceeded a short distance till he found his room. He went inside, shut the door, and dropped himself on his bed. Home. I never thought I would miss it this much. My back muscles felt relaxed as I lay on the bed. I closed my eyes and drifted off into sleep. Your sins..... ....shall never be forgiven.... I suddenly felt myself being dragged into my bed. I struggled against it, but my weakened body couldn't break free. You...shall suffer....for eternity! My vision went to black as I was absorbed by the Dark Ones.
Chapter One: Waking Up In A New WorldI had no idea where the Dark Ones had taken me. Hell? Their realm? Purgatory? When I woke up, nothing prepared me for what I encountered. Not even fighting my way through post-apocalyptic Moscow was good enough. I felt a cold breeze against my face. As I slowly blinked the sleepiness away, I found myself looking up at the sky, with the sun shining brightly overhead. What worried me was that the sky was a clear blue, and not a toxic brown-red tinge that was hanging over Moscow. I slowly regained my senses and sat up. In front of me were...trees? And not the one's I'm familiar with seeing. These trees were in full bloom and all had healthy brown coats. The air was also...surprisingly fresh. It lightly tickled the insides of my lungs. It was refreshing to not smell the dankness of the metros or be breathing through a gas mask. Please be a dream. I pinched my cheeks. I felt pain. PAIN. Wherever the Dark Ones had taken me, it was a good distance from Russia. I quickly checked if all my gear was still on me. My revolver was in my holster, fully loaded. My automatic shotgun was strapped to my back, while Miller's Kalash 2012 was right beside me. Both were fully loaded. I checked my backpack and found extra ammo for my weapons. I began to feel a slight sense of paranoia build in the back of my mind. Ignoring it, I checked for my last two things, my gas mask and combat knife. My mask was clipped to my belt, while my knife was still in my right boot. Now that that's over, time to figure out where the hell I am. I immediately began walking in a random direction and hoped for the best. As I walked through the forest, I began to see if I could piece together where I was. I tried to focus, but the only thing I could remember was being dragged into my own bed by the Dark Ones. ....His suffering.... ....Will be painful.... I whipped around, aiming my Kalash. No sigh of a Dark One behind me. I stayed in that position for a good while, seeing if anything would approach me. Nothing came. I quickly resumed my walk at a faster pace, hoping to find some sort of clue as to where I am. As I continued deeper into the forest. I heard the sound of rustling nearby. Utilizing my training, I ducked behind the nearest tree and waited. I aimed my rifle to see if anything, or anyone, would appear. Sure enough, a doe appeared and began to pick at the grass below her. My stomach growled. I hadn't had a decent meal in days. Seizing the opportunity for a nice meal, I aimed my Kalash at her. I centered the scope on her head and put my finger on the trigger. I took a few deep breaths to lower my heart rate. I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I waited for the perfect moment. Time began to slow. Right before I fired, more rustling broke my concentration. The doe's child appeared and began to affectionately rub against her legs. I lowered my rifle. I'm not about to take away a creature's mother, even at the cost of my starvation. I continued to press forward, passing by the deer. They watched me as I walked, wondering if whether to run or stay. I didn't bother, I just continued walking, proceeding further into the forest. Elsewhere.... A canary yellow pegasus was minding her own business, tending to her animals. She was feeding her chickens her special brand of grains. "Eat up, my darlings." said Fluttershy. The pegasus began humming a tune as she returned to her humble cottage. Upon entering, the surrounding animals gave her warm greetings. Well...most did. A rather cross looking rabbit was sitting in the middle of the room with his arms folded. "Angel, what's wrong?" The snow white rabbit procured a cookbook, flipped a few pages, and pointed to a rather difficult, but delicious salad. The pegasus sighed "Angel, didn't we have this conversation already?" The stubborn rabbit pointed angrily at the picture. "I told you, carrots are just as healthy as that." Fed up with his host, the rabbit threw the book up in anger and marched out the front door. He then slammed it angrily behind him. "Angel! Wait!" yelled Fluttershy, but not to loudly. The rabbit was having none of it as it walked into the Everfree forest. Fluttershy began to cry. The flapping of wings above broke the pegasi's sobbing. "Hey, Fluttershy." said Rainbow Dash. *Sniff* "Hey, Rainbow." Fluttershy wiped some of her tears. Dash suddenly became concerned "Is something wrong?" "Angel *Sniff* left me." The cyan pegasus immediately brought her friend close for a hug "There, there. There's no need to cry. You know why?" *Sniff* "Why?" "Because I'm gonna help you get him back." Fluttershy returned Rainbow's embrace "Thanks, Rainbow." The cyan pegasus broke the hug "Now, let's go get Angel." My stomach felt as if it were eating itself. The blueberries I had found apparently didn't satisfy my ravenous hunger. In the distance, I spotted a clearing. I quickened my pace and stopped in the middle of said clearing. I looked around. I felt like a mouse in a maze, and any second now, some horrible monstrosity might attack me. I set down my backpack and began rummaging through the pockets. After a minute of searching, I found what I was looking for, my compass. I examined it, and, apparently, I was going east. Swearing under my breath, I turned until the arrow pointed north. Upon doing so, I placed my compass in my pocked and prepared to move. That is, until the sound of more rustling alerted me. I drew my Kalash, hoping it's something I could kill without guilt. To my surprise, a small white bunny rabbit popped out of the bush in front of me. "You can't be serious." The rabbit apparently didn't hear me as it continued to move closer and closer to me. When it reached my boot, it fell on it's rear, shook its head, and looked up. I could see the fear grow in his eyes. The rabbit's body began to shake, as if I was the most terrifying thing it had ever seen. I holstered my Kalash and drew my revolver, no sense in overkill. I aimed the pistol at the rabbit's head. "Sorry, little one. But it's for the greater good." I placed my finger on the trigger. "Angel! Angel, where are you?!" yelled a distant voice. "Fuck!" I said under my breath. Wait....voices. Someone else is here! But I have no idea who. Better take the safe option. The rabbit covered its eyes with its paws, waiting for an end that would never come. I hid behind some bushes, hoping whoever was calling for Angel would appear. After a few minutes, the rabbit looked around for my presence. It didn't see me. It then breathed a sigh of relief. Do rabbits sigh? Hell if I know. "Angel! Where are you, buddy?" yelled Rainbow. "Oh, it's hopeless." somberly said Fluttershy. "Hey, I promised to find Angel. Don't lose hope yet. After all, the sun's still out." The yellow pegasus toughened up "You're right." "Good. Now. I'm going to fly up and see if I can get a better view from up there. Understood?" "Understood." Rainbow then flew up into the sky and sped off in a random direction. The yellow pegasus continued further until she saw a clearing. Getting closer, she saw her bunny sitting in the middle of the clearing. "Angel!" yelled Fluttershy as she embraced her pet. The rabbit returned the warm embrace. "Don't you ever leave me again." My eyes practically bulged out of my skull. Before me was a yellow pegasus, a winged horse from fantasy stories, sitting in the middle of the clearing embracing her rabbit. I groaned quietly and tried to stealthily move away from the clearing. SNAP Damn it all. I turned to see the yellow pegasus turn around and look at me. Her reaction was the same as her pet's, but amplified by a thousand by her quivering lip and shaking body. Oh no. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" screamed the pegasus. Perfect. "Where in the hay is this rabbit?!" asked Rainbow to herself. She had been flying over the Everfree Forest for about five minutes and came up with nothing. Sighing, she admitted defeat. "It looks like I failed...." "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Rainbow stopped in her tracks and turned around "That was Fluttershy." She immediately picked up the pace to hopefully save her childhood friend. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'm coming!" The pegasus before was hyperventilating. I probably gave the poor thing a heart attack with my appearance. I slowly approached the rather small pegasus. If I remember, small horses were called...ponies? I think this matches the description, if you remove the wings and turn her mane and skin a more natural color. I continued to slowly advance on the frightened pony. As I grew closer, I swear her pupils were shrinking more and more to the size of specks. I extended a hand and was met with a frighted squeak. The pony retreated away from me. I felt a pang of guilt in my heart. Was I truly that frightening? I brought my hand back to me and tried to make myself as non-threatening as possible. I placed my backpack, shotgun, and Kalash on the ground and tried again to approach the pony. I extended my arm a second time. This time, the pony tentatively approached it. It then softly nuzzled my hand. Her mane felt remarkably soft. The pony crept closer and closer to me. I slowly extended my other hand and brought it in for a hug. I didn't press against her to hard, for I feared she was quite fragile. "I'm sorry." I apologized. I began to softly cry. "It's okay." I stopped crying and back peddled away from the pony. The pony was quite shocked from my action and looked at me with a concerned face, like a mother would. We stared at each other for a few minutes before I decided to break the tension. "Do...do you understand me?" I asked. The pegasus dug at the ground with her hoof "Yes." I slowly extended my arm to touch her. She warmly nuzzled my hand again. "I still can't believe this is happening." She looked into my eyes. She could probably tell I've been through a lot. "Again, forgive me. I'm not used to creatures being this....nice." She gave me a warm, reassuring smile "Don't fret about it. It was all a misunderstanding." "Since you can talk, I assume you have a name?" "My name...is..." "Don't worry, I won't laugh." "...Fluttershy." I tried my dear hardest to not laugh. What a ridiculous name, but I shouldn't really judge. "Hello, Fluttershy. My name is Artyom." "...Artyom?" "That's right." "That's a nice name." "Thank you." My stomach then decided it was the best time to grumble. Loudly. "Damn." I swore under my breath. "Are...are you hungry?" I hung my head in shame "Yes." "Don't worry, I have plenty of food at---" "GET AWAY FROM MY FRIEND!!" I whipped around to see who said that and found myself being hit in the chest. I fell to the ground, groaning in pain. "Ahhh...." I slowly got back up to my feet, only to receive a blow to my head which dropped me back into the dirt. "Rainbow! What are you---" "Relax, Fluttershy. I got this." The attacker emphasized the second part. I had to do something. I got back up a second time, and was promptly grabbed and thrown against a tree. My back hit the tree hard, but not hard enough to break it. "Time to end this!" I saw the cyan pegasus fly up into the sky. She then turned around and made a straight dash toward me. I placed my hand on my revolver. I had no other choice. I drew my sidearm and aimed it as the attacking pegasus approached. I could see the look of confusion on her face as she came closer. I put my finger on the trigger. My vision began to blur. I fired. Before my vision faded, I saw the cyan pegasus hit the ground, hard. I then passed out as I heard Fluttershy screaming her friend's name behind choked sobs. ....He has begun....his downward spiral....
Chapter Two: A Proper Introduction...Rainbow? THUMP THUMP. THUMP THUMP. ...Can she hear us? THUMP THUMP. THUMP THUMP. Maybe I should try....HEY, DASHIE! Rainbow Dash slowly fought her way out of her drowsiness and pain. She struggled to open her eyes. It felt as if they were glued shut. She's waking up! After a minute of willing her brain to help her, the cyan colored pegasus opened her eyes to see Pinkie Pie and Twilight in front of her. "What the?" "Dashie! You're okay!" happily exclaimed Pinkie as she warmly embraced her pegasus friend. "Hey, Pinkie." said Rainbow. Rainbow noticed she had a gauze bandage wrapped around her head. She slowly reached to touch it and was rewarded with white hot pain hammering her head. Rainbow groaned "It appears the painkillers haven't taken effect yet." said a voice. Rainbow and company turned to the source of said voice came from a middle aged, gray unicorn stallion with a salt and pepper mane and tail. "Hello, Dr. Mend." greeted Twilight. Dr. Mend looked up from his cluttered clipboard and responded "Greetings, Ms. Sparkle." Mend turned his attention to Rainbow "How do you feel, Ms. Dash?" "I feel-" Another jolt of pain shot through Rainbow's head, causing her to grit her teeth and cringe "I feel fine, nothing I couldn't possibly handle." A small grin spread on Mend's face "I knew you'd say that. Now. Do know what happened to you?" "I-I think so.." "Well then. Let's start with what you remember." Rainbow closed her eyes and willed her memory to help her. "Well?" asked Pinkie. "Patience, Pinkie." said Twilight. Rainbow could see what happened, but the memory was in fragments. She could remember Fluttershy's scream. Then she saw the hulking figured looming over her friend. She could feel in her hooves the impact of hitting the creature. The only part she couldn't understand was when the creature was against the tree. Before Rainbow could finish it off, the creature pulled some-sort of object from it's right side and pointed it toward her. Then the last thing she remembered was the loud bang, and her immediate descent into darkness. Mend gave her a few minutes. "Anything?" "I remember helping Fluttershy look for her rabbit, Angel, in the Everfree Forest." answered Rainbow. "Uh huh." "We split up and looked for him. After what seemed like failure, I was about to turn around when-" "When?" "When I heard her scream. On instinct, I flew as fast as I could to reach her." Mend remained silent, allowing Rainbow to continue. "As I flew towards the direction of the scream, I came upon a small clearing and went to investigate. That's where I found her. And the thing that threatened her." "Are you certain that it was going to harm her?" "Obviously. Nothing good ever comes from the Everfree." "What about Zecora?" asked Pinkie. "Different story." "Then I guess you proceeded to attack the creature before it attacked your friend." said Mend. "Exactly. Everything was going fine, until it did something that landed me in the hospital." "From what I gathered, the creature defended itself with a projectile launcher." "Like a slingshot?" inquired Twilight. "Kind of. The projectile in question was found embedded in a tree by one of the Royal Guard." "Wait. THE Royal Guard?" "Sent straight from Princess Celestia herself. Anyway, the projectile was embedded deep into the tree, suggesting that the launcher has an advanced propulsion mechanism." "Could that mean the creature is probably an advanced race?" asked Twilight. Mend gave a shrug "Probably, but I don't delve into such things, so I can't really voice my opinion." Rainbow sat quietly and took all what was said in. Did...did I attack an innocent creature? "Where is the creature anyway?" asked Rainbow. "Other side of the hospital. Per special request." "By who?" "The pony you saved. Your friend Fluttershy." Rainbow hopped out of her bed and walked right out of the room. "Where are you going?!" asked Mend. "I'm going to have a chat with this creature." I have been transported to a new world. A world far from the pain and suffering of Moscow. A world that has blooming trees, fresh air, and exotic wildlife, including talking ponies. I have met a pony during my short time here. A yellow pegasus named Fluttershy. Everything was going great, till her friend attacked me. The only thing I remember about the whole thing was me drawing my revolver and squeezing the trigger. I had killed her friend. Some first impression. I woke violently from my passed out state. My heart started beating like a drum as I scanned the room around me. It was dark, dank, and smelled...familiar. I reached for my lighter and flicked it on, dimly illuminating the room. I looked to my right and saw a familiar sight, my wall of postcards from around the world. A dream. It was only a dream, albeit, a very lucid one. I breathed a sigh of relief. My experience was all imaginary. I slowly got up out of bed and made my way to the door. As I opened it, I noticed that my home station was a deathly quiet. Usually, it was about as loud as it was before the war, with people talking and going about there business. Now, it was completely silent. I was a bit unnerved as I peeked around the opening to make sure that it wasn't a well thought trick. I exited my room and began checking the nearby rooms. All empty. Where the hell is everybody? I continued further into the station, checking everywhere for some sign of life. Not even a mouse was present. As I continued walking, I saw a faint white light before me. Curious, I approached cautiously. As drew closer, I could hear voices. ...tyom... Was that? Artyom! Artyom! Sometime after the war..... Exhibition Station "Artyom! Artyom!" screamed a voice. An adolescent Artyom looked up from his journal to see the source of the voice. "Hello, Mishka. What brings you here today?" Mishka was dressed in her usual garb, a bright pink sweater with matching pants and boots. She was described as the station's only source of color, and a beacon of happiness. Mishka then pulled a toy out of her right pocket, a miniature, calico horse. "Isn't it cute, Artyom?!" "Yes." Artyom answered with slight annoyance. He went back to his journal. "Did you know that before the war, my dad owned a horse ranch?" Artyom looked back to Mishka "Yes. In fact, you've told me...about ten times." "He also got me a pony for my sixth birthday!" "...A what?" "You know, a pony! It's like a miniature horse. Her name was Sugarcube. She had the most brushable mane-" "Are you going to get to the point as to why you're here or not?" Mishka backed away a little from Artyom "You seemed sad lately, so I tried to make you happy." "Why would you do that?" asked Artyom. "All you've been doing is burying yourself in your journal. You don't do anything!" "Why is this such a concern to you?" Mishka looked down and put her hands together "Because...everyone deserves to be happy. That's what my mom told me, and that's what I've been trying to do." "Listen, while I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, I'm perfectly content with how I am. So please, go somewhere else." Mishka stamped her left foot "No!" "No?" "I'm not leaving until you're happy." Artyom was starting to get annoyed "Leave. Now." Mishka crossed her arms and pouted her face, resisting Artyom's command. "Leave!" "Why are you so mean?!" "I'm not! I just don't liked being bothered!" "We're you not hugged enough as a baby or something?!" That sentence struck a nerve in Artyom. "I--" Artyom choked back a sob "I never knew my mother. She died when I was a baby. She died...protecting me." The realization dawned on Mishka, making her feel extremely guilty for bringing up bad memories. She noticed a singular tear leave Artyom's right eye and trickle down his face. Mishka approached Artyom and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Artyom. I never knew that happened to you." Artyom returned Mishka's embrace "It's fine, just...just don't ever bring it up again." The two hugged in silence for a few moments. "Did I tell you about my pony?" asked Mishka. A small smile appeared on Artyom's face "No, but I would like to hear about it." The light faded as I was filled with an overwhelming sense of sorrow. Mishka was perhaps one of my only friends in Exhibition. Aside from my stepfather, she was the only other person I could talk to. I remember that she and her father, Nikolai, moved to Hole Station, but I didn't see her when I was there. Wherever she is, I hope she's okay. After reflecting on my life choices, activated my headlight. It was rather dim. I didn't have my universal charger on me, so I had to make do. As I neared the center of the station, I noticed a blood trail leading into one of the nearby homes. I reached for knife and slowly approached the door. I bashed the door open, only to be greeted by a skinless corpse. Blood and limbs were strewn throughout the small room. The smell was absolutely dreadful. I slammed the door shut while catching my breath. Whatever did this is probably responsible for this death and the disappearance of everyone in my station. After I was certain that I wasn't going to vomit, I continued to the center of the station. As I did, the light on my helmet started to flicker. Come on. Not now. Once I reached the trading hub, I saw a grisly sight. Everyone from Exhibition station was lying dead in the trading hub. Limbs missing, heads removed, skin burned, you name it, it happened. As I approached the mass of bodies, a familiar voice spoke. .....Are you proud of yourself......? .....Hero of Russia...... "What do you want with me?!" ....Repentance..... ....You must pay for your sins..... "How?! How am I supposed to do that?!" ....Eternal damnation...... ....Unreversable.... I ran, hoping to escape the nightmare around me. As I did, blood began to leak from the walls like in a horror film. Before I could run any farther, a Dark One appeared before me. It stretched out it's right hand and stopped me. A black sword then appeared in it's left hand ....No escape.... The Dark One thrusted the blade through my chest. I could feel myself bleed onto the ash colored blade. As quickly as I was stabbed, the blade was ripped out of me. The Dark One released it's grasp of me and let me drop to the floor. I felt the life drain from me. The Dark One moved closer to me. ....How does it feel......? My vision faded to black. I awoke a second time to find myself not bleeding out on the ground. Instead, It appeared that I was in some sort of hospital. My clothes, backpack, and weapons were gone, replaced only by a patient gown. I guess this means I'm still in Ponyland, or whatever this place is called. I got out of the hospital bed and stretched. My back cracked during the process, which means I must have been out for a time. I noticed a nearby window and walked toward it. I opened the shade to let some sun in. After I did that, I heard the faint sound of hoof beats. The sound got louder as I turned around to be greeted by a familiar face. "Oh...um...good afternoon, Artyom." said Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus was nervously looking around the room, as if she wanted to avoid eye contact with me. "Hello, Fluttershy." "How...how are feeling?" "I'll live, I've been through worse." The pegasus gave me a warm smile "That's good to hear." "May I ask you a question, Fluttershy?" "Oh, of course! What is it?" "Did..." I swallowed hard "did I kill your friend?" Fluttershy looked at me with concerned eyes. She could probably detect the guilt and remorse in my voice. "No. She just received, from what the doctors told me, a flesh wound." I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. While I felt good that I didn't kill her friends, it was probably going to be much more difficult to make amends with her. "May I ask as to where my clothes and pack went?" "Oh, they're in there." Fluttershy pointed her hoof to a nearby locker. I slightly bowed and moved over to the locker. I opened it to see all of my belongings intact. "Fluttershy?" "Yes, Artyom?" "You don't hate me for what I did right?" "You were defending yourself. I can't hate something that defends itself." A sense of happiness began to fill my heart. "But I believe Rainbow thinks different." I chuckled "I figured as much." I reached for my clothes and was about to change when I remembered that there was someone else in the room. "Fluttershy?" "Yes?" "Would you kindly leave the room. I'm going to change." "Of course." The pegasus then left the room. With the room to myself, I removed my gown and began the laborious task of reequipping my clothes and armor. A few minutes later.... I slid on my Kevlar vest and sighed in contentment. It felt good wearing this. I decided to not don the gas mask since the air here isn't laced with radiation. Least, I think it isn't. I placed the Kalash 2012 and my Automatic Shotgun in my surprisingly spacious backpack. I took a look at my revolver and examined it. I almost killed an innocent creature with this. I checked the cylinder. Five shots left. I holstered it for now since I had no current use for it. "You can come back in now." The pegasus walked back into the room and gave me a once over. "How do I look?" "You look fine. Everything seems to be in order." she answered. "Thank you." The sound of hoof beats echoed through the hall. "Friend of yours?" I asked. Fluttershy turned and peeked out of the doorway. "Oh hi, Rainbo--- EEP!" The yellow pegasus was pulled out of the room. I arched an eyebrow in confusion. What just happened? My answer came when a blue pegasus appeared in the doorway with a bandage on her head. I would have been further confused if I didn't see her mane. All the colors of the rainbow, which only meant one thing. "There you are!" said Rainbow Dash. I could tell from the volume of her voice that she wasn't happy. Hell, I don't thing anyone would be happy if the were shot at. "You have a lot of nerve to be talking to my friend after what you did!" "Um...Rainbow." said Fluttershy. "I ought to pound right now!" "Rainbow." Fluttershy was once again drowned out by her loud friend "What have you got to say for yourself?! Hmmm?!" I remained silent as I observed Rainbow's actions. I could detect a hint of arrogance from the way she was talking. Her voice somewhat reminded me of my own when I was younger. She was most likely a tomboy. No mistaking it. "Well?!" "I don't suppose saying I'm sorry would help." Whatever bravery Rainbow had immediately vanished as she back peddled as fast as she could out of the room. "Rainbow! There you are!" called another voice. More hoof beats drew closer as the sound reached my door. A purple unicorn then appeared in front of my room. "What were...you....think...ing." Whatever the pony was going to say died at her mouth as she looked at me. I could see sweat droplets form at the top of her brow. I was intimidating to them. "Um...Twilight, Rainbow. This here is Artyom." introduced Fluttershy. I gave my most non threatening wave I could to the two ponies. The unicorn, which I assumed was Twilight, gave a slow wave "Hi." "Don't worry. He's not threatening." Fluttershy turned to me "Isn't that right?" "Yes. That is correct." There was an awkward silence as Twilight and Rainbow looked at me with bewildered expressions. "Did...did you just...talk?" asked Twilight. "Yes. Why is this such a surprise to you?" I answered. "It's not everyday that we encounter a new species, let alone one that speaks our language." "I'll take that as a complement." "See, I told you he was nice." said Fluttershy. "Then can he explain why he attacked me?!" asked Rainbow. "To be fair, you attacked me first. I was simply defending myself." "Well--how was I supposed to know you weren't going to hurt Fluttershy?" "It wouldn't have been in my best interest to hurt her." "Why?" "Because why would I hurt something as adorable as her?" A light blush surfaced on Fluttershy's face. "Plus, I don't hold a grudge for you attacking me. If I were in your position, I would've probably done the same thing." "Wait...you...you aren't mad?" asked Twilight. "No. She was merely trying to protect her friend from a creature that she has never seen before. Why would I be?" "She did attack you and all." "And that automatically gives me the right to be mad?" "No, it's just weird how you are taking this." "That's because a wise man taught me an important lesson when it comes to dealing with certain things." "What was it? The lesson I mean." "I'll answer your question with a question. When you think of fire, do you think of good or evil?" "Evil. Fire destroys everything it touches." answered Twilight. "I side with Twilight." said Rainbow. "I...um...agree with Twilight." "Uh huh. Now, tell me, what do you use to heat up your food." "Fire." answered Twilight. "What do you use in the winter months to keep warm?" "Fire." answered Rainbow. "And what do you use to illuminate the darkness?" "....Fire." answered Fluttershy. "See? Fire, depending on a certain point of view, is either good or evil. Try to get a better understanding of things before making a judgement." The three ponies remained silent for a time as they reflected on what I said. "Wow. I never realized that before." said an awed Rainbow. "I didn't either." said Twilight. "Where did you learn that, Artyom?" asked Fluttershy. "Like I said, a wise man told me." "He seems like a nice...man, as you put it." "Now then, with that out of way, I think we should properly introduce ourselves. Isn't that right, Rainbow?" said Twilight. "I don't see any harm in that." answered Rainbow. Twilight extended her hoof to me "My name is Twilight Sparkle, it's a pleasure meet you." I grasped her hoof "Hello, Ms. Sparkle. My name is Artyom. It's nice to make your acquaintance." I shook her hoof lightly and released it. "Your turn, Rainbow." The blue pegasus approached me and slowly extended her hoof while giving me a smile "Name's Rainbow Dash." I took her hoof and smiled also "Artyom, it's nice to meet you, Ms. Dash." "Sorry for attacking you. I didn't know your intentions." "It's fine, and I apologize for wounding you, I was just defending myself the only way I know how." "It's cool." I released her hoof. "You know what? I think you're pretty cool, but I will get payback." she gave me mischievous smile. "I'll be expecting it." I gave her a sly grin. "We'll see about that." "Yes we will." "Now, with that out of the way, Artyom." said Twilight. Me and Rainbow turned our attention to Twilight "Yes?" "How would you like a tour of our town?" "That sounds good. I needed to get my bearings around this place anyway." "Alright then, let's go." "Excellent, there's just one problem." "And that is?" "I don't think the town would react well to your presence, no offense." "None taken. I understand completely." "So how are supposed to give Artie a tour?" asked Rainbow. "Artie?" I asked. "It makes it easier to remember your name." "So how we supposed to do this?" asked Fluttershy. I got an idea "What floor are we on?" "Second floor. Why?" asked Twilight. "From where I'm from, I'm good at sneaking around. I can probably go through town unnoticed." "Are you sure?" "Trust me, I'm good at what I do." "Alright. We'll meet back up at the library. Look for the big tree in the center of town." "Understood." I reached into my pack and put on my night vision goggles. "It's getting late." said Fluttershy. I noticed to as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. "Makes my job much easier." I moved over to the balcony and jumped the rail. From there, I made a quick dash to the nearby forest. "Good luck, Artie!" distantly yelled Rainbow Dash. I was going to need it. Meanwhile..... The Royal Palace Princess Celestia watched as her radiant sun dipped below the horizon, being replaced by the moon. She casually sipped her cup of tea and moved to her desk. She picked up the report in front of her, regarding the incident in the Everfree. Apparently, Rainbow Dash was injured by some unknown creature through unknown means. Celestia quietly read while occasionally sipping her tea. After turning the final page, the alicorn ruler stretched her wings and yawned. It had been a long day for her. The pure white alicorn went over to her massive bed and unceremoniously dropped herself on it. Celestia felt herself slowly drift into sleep. .....Celestia...... Celestia shot up from her bed and frantically looked around. She sighed as she tried to calm herself down. "Nothing. It was nothing." she told herself. She was about to lay down again when she noticed a dark figure before her, standing in the middle of her room. "No. It can't be." More of the figures began to appear beside the original ......We will return...... .....Expect us soon..... They all began to leave, all except the first one. .....Wake up..... Celestia woke with a start when she realized that it was just a dream. The sound of frantic hoof beats approached her room door. Her door was flung open, revealing a dark blue alicorn with a crescent moon cutie mark. "Sister! Was that--" "Yes, Luna." answered Celestia "The Dark Ones have returned."
Chapter Three: Late Night MeetupI have escaped from the hospital. With, of course, help from my two new friends, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. Now, I have been tasked to meet them at the local library in the center of town. One catch, I can't be seen. Who knows how the other ponies will react to my presence. Thankfully, night has fallen, making my task much easier. As the sun set in the distant horizon, darkness began to fill where the light once was. That's how I liked it. I put on my night vision goggles and continued deeper into the small patch of forest. Being surrounded by trees and nocturnal wildlife was a much welcome change from the surroundings of the cramped metro or the rather lethal surface of Moscow. And speaking of nocturnal wildlife, the pair of deer I saw earlier appeared in front of me. This time, they seemed to recognize me and scampered off in the opposite direction. Couldn't blame them, I do look quite threatening. I continued further into the forest and realized that I was now nearing its end. I could see lampposts and what appeared to be the local post office, judging by the color and the fact that a giant envelope was on the roof. I took solace in the fact that there were no other ponies roaming the streets this late in the evening. Even so, It's best I stick to alleyways and back streets to reach the library. Better safe than sorry. Meanwhile..... "You think Artyom is doing okay on his own?" asked Fluttershy. "I'm pretty sure he can handle himself, Fluttershy." answered Twilight. "Are you sure? I mean what if--" "Don't worry about, Fluttershy. I gave him my luck. With that, I doubt anything bad will happen to him." said Rainbow Dash. "If you say so." The trio of ponies continued through the dimly lit streets of Ponyville, passing the local post office. "Twilight?" asked Fluttershy. "Yes?" "How we going to introduce Artyom to Ponyville?" "That's.....complicated. I need time to think about that. Sorry." "It's fine." The trio walked further into town until they came to a large tree in the center of town. It was the local library, which also doubled as Twilight's house. "Here we are." "Yep, here we---wait. Where's Artie?" said Dash. "I...I don't know." answered Twilight. "Could something bad have happened to him?!" Fluttershy began to visibly panic. "Calm down, Fluttershy. I really doubt anything bad happened to him." Twilight unlocked the door to her house and lead Rainbow and Fluttershy inside. "It's so dark in here." said Dash. "I can fix that." Twilight turned on the nearby light switch, flooding the room with light. "See? Much......better" Twilight's voice began to trail off as her eyes drifted to her chair, focusing particularly on the thing sitting IN the chair. Fluttershy and Dash both looked in the direction Twilight was looking in. Fluttershy passed out on the spot. Twilight and Dash just stared in disbelief. Sitting in the chair, staring blankly at the ground, was a familiar figure who was barely distinguishable with the amount of cuts. bruises, and bite marks on his person. A bloody knife was also gripped within his right hand "...Artyom?" asked Twilight and Dash. Artyom looked up from the floor and stared at the two ponies. "You would not believe the shit I had to put up with to get here." said Artyom. Earlier.... As I was just about to set foot outside of the forest's boundaries, I heard the sound of growling behind me. I slowly turned around and came face to face with five pairs of angry green eyes. Through my goggles, I could see that the origin of the eyes were from wolves, but not any kind I have ever seen. Theses wolves were completely made out of wood. How was that even possible? I might have seen some strange things, but this comes close to taking the cake. The wolves began to slowly advance on me. This was bad. I couldn't use my gun, I can't risk alerting the entire town and having myself discovered. I had to this the old fashioned way. I drew my combat knife and entered a combat stance. Ranger training. Don't fail me now. The smallest wolf of the pack began to charge at me. Eyes dead set on ripping my throat out. Jaws mashing with feral hunger. The wolf grew closer and closer. It then pounced, opening its mouth wide to ensnare its prey. I sidestepped before the bite could connect. The wolf made contact with a nearby tree and hit the ground. Capitalizing on this moment, I drove my blade down into its chest, straight into its heart. The wolf let out a small cry before its eyes closed in death. I removed the blade from the wolf's chest and turned back to the pack. "Your move." Two more wolves accepted the challenge and rushed right at me. The first wolf did the same as the last, so I sidestepped its attack. The second wolf however, wised up and aimed lower. The wolf's jaws clamped down on my right leg. The wolf's bite strength was impressive, but it clearly was aiming to maim rather than injure. I guess it wanted to play with its food first. I balled up my left hand into a fist and brought down on the wolf's head, making it release its grasp on my leg. Using my other leg, I kicked the wolf back a good distance before turning to the other timber wolf. As I did, the wolf in question pounced on me and brought me to the ground. It then sank its jaws into my left shoulder. A sharp pain shot through me as I tried to remove the wolf from my body. Using my knife, I pierced the right side of its neck and threw the wolf off me. I was down an arm and there were still three more wolves. The wolf that I kicked came back for revenge and rushed me with speed. Readying my knife, I dodged its attack and sliced along the wolf's side, causing a visible cut on its skin. The wolf howled in pain as it assessed its new wound. It then came back for more, so I gave it to him. I drove my knife through the top of the wolf's skull and ripped it out with great force. Three down, two to go. I turned to face the last two wolves. They stood there, watching me. It was a tense few moments before one of the two wolves came at me. I readied myself and prepared for attack. The wolf pounced, but instead of attacking me with its jaws, it performed a spin in midair and kicked me in the stomach with its hind legs. The force of the impact knocked the wind out of me and sent me down to the ground for a second time. I was surprised. I didn't even know such a feat was even remotely possible. I slowly got up from the ground. As I did, the wolf came at me with speed. It sensed that I was weak and was closing in for the kill. So it thought. Just as the wolf was going to deliver the killing blow, I thrusted my knife through the bottom of its jaw and twisted it, ending the wolf's life. All that was left now was the alpha. The alpha stared at me with piercing eyes, as if he were staring through me. After a few tense moments, the wolf turned around and walked back into the forest. What could this mean? Was he retreating? I'll figure it out later. Right now, I have to get to the library, injuries and all. "And that's what happened." I said "So let me get this straight. You fought against a pack of timber wolves, defeated four of them, and the alpha turned and left?" asked Dash. "In a nutshell." "That's...SO AWESOME!" "Thanks." Dash then turned her attention to my shoulder. "Are you alright?" "It's a flesh wound. Believe me, I've experienced MUCH worse than a dog bite." "I'll go get the first aid kit." said Twilight. "That would be appreciated." Twilight began to walk up the nearby staircase when she suddenly stopped. "Artyom?" "Yes?" I asked. "How did you get in here exactly?" "Lock pick. It was really quite simple." "Oooookay then." Twilight then resumed going back up the stairs. I turned to Rainbow Dash "I say something wrong?" "I think she's just surprised that you entered her house without so much as making your presence known." "As I said, I'm good at sneaking around. It's one of the things that have kept me alive for so long." I noticed Fluttershy still passed out on the ground. "Is Fluttershy okay?" Dash turned to the downed pegasus. "She's just in shock. She'll be fine by tomorrow." "I hope so." The sound of hoof beats down the stairs told me that Twilight came back with the first aid kit. I turned to face her and noticed the said first aid was levitating before her. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming. "Twilight?" I asked. "Yes, Artyom?" responded Twilight. "How are you able to levitate the first aid kit?" Twilight continued down the stairs and gave me the kit. "Unicorns are naturally imbued with the power of magic. Do you not have magic where you're from?" "We do. But it's more illusion and slight of hand than levitating an object with your mind." I opened up the kit and proceeded to apply rubbing alcohol on a sterile cloth. I then proceeded to clean the two bite wounds on my body. "Artyom?" "Yes, Twilight?" "Is it alright if I ask you some questions?" "Sure. As long as it doesn't turn into an interrogation." "It won't. I promise." Twilight went back up the stairs, presumably to get a notepad to jot down questions and my answers. "Need any help with that?" asked Dash. "I don't suppose you can wrap my shoulder in gauze can you?" "I'll try." Rainbow approached and somehow picked up the roll of gauze with her hooves. I was going to ask how that was possibly, but I have to remind myself that I'm in a world of talking ponies, so anything could be possible. Anyway, she proceeded to wrap my left shoulder with the accuracy of a professional, which surprised me. She then applied surgical tape so the gauze would stay in place. "Feel good?" she asked. "Great. Where did you learn to do this?" I said. "I've injured myself plenty of times. Me being in a hospital is kinda common." "Heh. Guess it finally came in handy." She chuckled. "I guess it has." I then took it upon myself to wrap my leg wound and tape the gauze on. "Alright, Artyom." said Twilight. The purple unicorn descended the stairs and took a seat on the nearby couch. Twilight was about to speak again when she noticed Fluttershy on the ground. "Rainbow, could you bring Fluttershy back home? I think she needs to rest for awhile." "On it. Take care, Artie." Dash proceeded to open the door and gently pick up the canary yellow pegasus. She then spread her wings and took off into the night sky, leaving me alone with Twilight. Twilight then used her magic to shut the door. "Now lets begin. For starters, what is your name?" inquired Twilight. "You know my name already, Twilight." I responded. "I know, but it's protocol." I sighed. "My name is Artyom." "Just Artyom?" "I prefer to go by my first name." "Okay. Now. Where are you from exactly?" "A place very far from here." "I take it that's why you have that accent." I nodded in agreement. "What is the name of your homeland?" "Russia. Or more specifically, Moscow." Twilight scribbled on her notepad "Mmhmm, and where is it located?" "I told you, very far away from here." "Could you describe your homeland for me?" "Do you want the past or current description?" Twilight ceased her writing. "What do you mean "past or current"?" "My homeland underwent a radical change before I was born. I was told stories of what it used to be. What it is now, is vastly different." Twilight went back to her notepad. "How so?" "My homeland was completely obliterated by war." Twilight looked at me with concerned eyes. "Everything was destroyed. Countless numbers of lives were lost because of the war." I sunk back into the chair as the memories came flooding back to me. "One of which was my mother." Tears were forming in Twilight's eyes. "And if that wasn't bad enough, we had to flee to the underground because the surface had become completely inhospitable. Add that to the bone chilling weather and horrifying creatures that were born from the war, and you have Russia." Twilight stifled a cry. "That's....that's terrible." said Twilight. "Tell me about it." I said. Tears began to freely stream from Twilight's eyes. She must feel bad about me. I got up from the chair and sat next to Twilight. I slowly embraced her. "Shh. There is no need to cry." Twilight sniffled. "Yes there is." The unicorn looked me in the eyes. "How can you carry on with life after that? Knowing full well that everything you know and love is...is destroyed?" "I try to look at the bright side of things. Look for the silver linings. My stepfather told me that when I was young and learned of my mother's fate. I try to see the good in any situation, which is why me, and plenty of my kind have survived." "Really?" "Really. Now, clean yourself up. I'm pretty sure you have a lot more questions about my kind." I took two tissues from a nearby tissue box and gave them to Twilight, which she used to clean her eyes. "Better?" I asked. Twilight gave me a weak smile. "Much." "Excellent." I got off the couch and sat back down on the chair. "Now. Ahem. Can you explain your apparel, well, what's left of it anyway?" "This is armor. It's used as protection against attacks." "How effective is it?" "It's good, but there are other kinds that are designed to soak up a ton of damage." "Uh huh. One last question for the night." "Ask me." "Are your kind....carnivores?" There was some hesitation in the question. She's probably wondering if my kind primarily eat meat. "Humans, which is the name of my species, are omnivorous, meaning we eat both meat and vegetables." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. "That's nice to know." "What? Did you think I was going to eat you.? Twilight blushed in embarrassment. "...Kind of." I laughed. "I would never eat something I just had a conversation with." Twilight giggled. "Nice to know you're friendly." She yawned audibly. "It's getting late. I'm going to bed. Are you fine sleeping on the couch?" "It should do nicely." "Alright. Good night, Artyom." "Good night, Twilight." Twilight hopped off the couch and ascended the stairs. "Hey, Twilight." I called out. "Yes, Artyom?" I eyeballed the nearby bookshelf "I don't suppose you have a map or book explaining where I am, do you?" Twilight levitated a big book from the middle of the collection and placed it on the couch. "This might answer you questions." "Thank you." Twilight continued up the stairs and into her bedroom. I looked at the book before me. It was massive. I couldn't read the title because of the caked on dust. I blew away the dust and revealed the title. The Egghead's Guide to Equestria I set aside my pack and took a seat on the couch. I then placed the book on my lap and began to read it. Time to get some answers.
Chapter Four: Welcome to PonyvillePonyville's library was peacefully quite, with the only sound being that of certain purple unicorn lightly snoring and building intricate and expansive castles in her mind. Of course, Celestia's golden rays from her immaculate sun woke the unicorn out of her dream state. With a rather annoyed groan, the unicorn rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes as she sat up in bed. After yawning and contemplating on whether or not to sleep the day away, Twilight got out of bed and proceeded with her usual morning routine. After freshening herself up, Twilight descended the stairs and was caught off guard by what she saw. On her couch, the human known as Artyom was sleeping with her Egghead's Guide to Equestria on his face. She couldn't help but laugh as she could hear the somewhat suppressed snores from underneath her book. Twilight then entered the kitchen and filled her teapot with water. She then placed it on the stove as she began to procure mint leaves for her tea. Before she could continue, the sound of knocking was heard from her library's front door. She went to open it but froze when she remembered that Artyom was still on the couch. Looking around quickly, Twilight spotted a blanket and hastily threw it over Artyom's passed out form. After making sure it wasn't noticeable and saying a quick prayer to Celestia, she opened the door. "Hey, Twilight!" exclaimed Pinkie. A sense of dread began to form in the back of Twilight's mind. "Oh. Hey, Pinkie Pie. What brings you here?" she hesitantly asked. "I haven't visited you in awhile, which made me sad because I feel as if I'm neglecting our friendship. So I'm here to remedy that." Beads of sweat began to form on Twilight's brow. She couldn't let Pinkie in and risk her finding Artyom. Pinkie thankfully still hadn't noticed her couch and why her cover was oddly spread out on it. "That's much appreciated, Pinkie, but I'm kinda busy right now." "But you just woke up. I can tell by the faint smell of mint emanating from the kitchen. That means you're making your morning tea, which also means you woke up no longer than ten to fifteen minutes ago." Twilight's jaw dropped. "How did you know that?" Pinkie pulled a pipe out of cotton candy hair. "Elementary, my dear Twilight." The pink pony than blew bubbles out of said pipe. "Riiiiight." said Twilight as she dragged out the one syllable word. Pinkie quietly puffed more bubbles before asking "You gonna let me in or not?" The sense of dread began to grow, making her heart rate increase. With a fake smile, Twilight responded. "Sorry. No can do." Pinkie squinted her eyes and got uncomfortably close to Twilight's face. Pinkie's cerulean eyes burrowed deep into Twilight's mind. It felt as if the pony before her were reading her soul. After a few tense moments, Pinkie removed herself from Twilight's face and smiled. "That's okay, Twilight. I'll come back when you're ready." With that, Pinkie turned around and walked into Ponyville. Twilight closed her door and sighed in relief. The purple unicorn removed the cover from the still sleeping human and proceeded back into the kitchen. Twilight prepared her mint tea and was about to enjoy her first sip when the sound of glass breaking was heard from the main room. Oh no. Twilight dropped her tea and sprinted into the main room of the library. To her astonishment, she saw Pinkie on the ground, knife to her neck, with Artyom on top of her. "Artyom?" "I take it that she is one of your friends, right?" asked the human. "Yes. Now would you please let her go?" The human sighed as he began to remove his weight and knife from the pink pony's body. Pinkie stared in amazement as Artyom stood up and showed Pinkie his tall form. There was a tense silence in the air until Pinkie's mouth began to form a smile. "OMG IT'S A HUMAN!!!" I had gotten a decent way into the book Twilight generously allowed me to read last night. The description of Equestria, the name of this land, was like something out of a fairy tale. Mystical creatures from dragons to phoenixes, to creatures only heard of from Ancient Roman and Greek myths. Before I slept, I decided on asking Twilight if I could tour the local town and get my bearings, but that decision was made for me by a rather hyper, and rather talkative, pink pony. "OMG IT'S A HUMAN!!!" was the first sentence uttered by the pink pony. Not the reaction as I was expecting. I was waiting for something along the lines of Don't kill me! or I'm too pretty to die! Something along the lines of that. One thing that kinda creeped me out was the pony's smile. The pony just smiled at me, almost akin to Hannibal Lecter smiling before a kill. "So, your name's Artyom, right?" inquired the pink pony. "Yes. And your's is?" I responded. The pink pony got up on two legs and began to shake my hand like a madman, well, in this case, madmare. "I'm Pinkie Pie and I'm super fantastically glad to make your acquaintance." "Thank you. Nice to meet you to." I managed to say as Pinkie continued to shake my hand. "Pinkie. Would you please stop shaking Artyom's hand?" asked Twilight. Pinkie's face turned alight red as she released her grip on my hand. "Sorry. Got kinda carried away there." "No worries." I said. ....Wait "Ms. Pie?" I asked. "Yes, Artyom?" "How did you know that I'm a human?" "Oh that's easy. There's a pony named Lyra that's believed that your kind exist and has tried to prove it." "So you know from her." "I have a very open mind." I chuckled. "I figured as much." "Uh, Pinkie, now would you kindly explain as to why YOU BROKE MY WINDOW?!" asked a rather annoyed Twilight. Pinkie turned to Twilight. "My Pinkie Senses told me that you were hiding something. And I was right." "But did you really have break my window?" "I couldn't break through the door, silly. Wood is much harder to break through than glass." Twilight placed a hoof to her face and groaned. "Pinkie Sense?" I asked. "It's like telepathy, or ESPinkie." the pony laughed at her joke. I turned to Twilight. "Twilight?" "Yes, Artyom?" responded Twilight. "I've been meaning to ask you something. Is it possible to--" "Give you a tour of Ponyville? Of course! It would be rude if she didn't." interrupted Pinkie. I was taken aback by Pinkie completing my sentence for me. Twilight was also stunned by this. "Pinkie, how did you know--" "What he would say next? I told you, Pinkie Senses." heavily emphasized Pinkie. "Have to admit. That's pretty cool." I said. "Before we get off track, you were saying something about wanting a tour, Artyom?" "Yes. I would like to gain my bearings of this place. That, and get something to eat." As I finished, my stomach groaned in agreement. "Got ya covered, Artyom." said Pinkie as she procured a bag from her curly hair. "Might I ask what exactly is inside that?" I asked. "It's a cupcake, silly! I wouldn't put anything else in it." "No offense, but I'm a bit apprehensive to eat something you pulled from your hair." "Trust me. My hair is super clean, perhaps the cleanest, aside from Rarity's." Pinkie assured I was about to continue my argument, but my stomach protested against that idea. "Fine." I took the cupcake and closely examined white treat with pink frosting. After being thoroughly satisfied that this baked good wasn't a trap, I took a hesitant bite into it. Thanks to my curiosity, I was rewarded with an explosion of delightful taste. "This is good." I said with my mouth still full. Pinkie's mouth grew into an enormous smile at the sound of my compliment. After I finished the treat, I turned back to Twilight. "Any ideas as to how we can go about this tour without causing mass panic?" Twilight put a hoof to her chin and began mumbling under her breath. It wasn't long before Twilight's face started to beam in excitement. "Wait here." said Twilight as she bolted up the staircase. "May I ask who Rarity is?" I said to Pinkie. "Rarity is the town's dressmaker. She runs a clothing shop called The Carousel Boutique." answered Pinkie. "I take it by her name and job description that she is a woman of high standard, right?" "Exactly." "You think she can make some casual ware for me? My clothes have seen better days." "Possibly. She is quite generous when it comes to this kind of thing." "Excellent." "Also, why are you wearing your armor now? Isn't hot in there?" "Not really. I feels cozy in here, save for the mild pain in my shoulder and leg." "What happened?" "I was attacked by a pack of timber wolves." Pinkie gasped. "Don't fret, believe me, I have experienced much worse." "How much worse?" "Ever ride a motorized handcar down an abandoned train tunnel while horrid monstrosities try to chase and kill you?" "....No." "Then this is practically a paper cut. In a sense." Before Pinkie could interject, a loud crash was heard upstairs. "You okay, Twilight?!" shouted Pinkie. "I found it!" exclaimed Twilight. "You found Narnia?!" "No! My invisibility cloak!" Pinkie hung her head down. "Awww." Twilight then came running down the stairs, levitating a pure black cloak. "That's supposed to turn you invisible?" I skeptically asked. "Oh ye of little faith. Pinkie, why don;t you prove him wrong." said Twilight. Pinkie instantly perked up as she grabbed the cloak. "Feast your eyes." Pinkie through the cloak over herself and sure enough, disappeared. I stood there, stunned and bewildered. Did...did that just happen? I walked over to where Pinkie used to be and felt around. She was gone. "That's freaky." I said. "Freaky, but totally awesome!" said Pinkie. I swung around to see if she was behind me. Nothing but the bookshelf. I turned to Twilight. "May I try it out?" "Sure. Pinkie, take off the cloak." ordered Twilight. "Sure thing!" Pinkie then materialized before me, cloak in hoof. "Try it." I took the cloak from Pinkie's grasp and threw it over myself. Sure enough, I could see through the cloak perfectly as if I wasn't wearing it. "Can you see me?" I asked. "Nope. All I see is my library." answered Twilight. "I don't see you, Artyom. Where are you?" asked Pinkie. I didn't answer. Instead, I quietly moved behind Pinkie and waited. "Artyom! Where are you?" I carefully removed the cloak and put my head on her shoulder. "Behind you." I said in growling voice. "Ah!!!!" screamed Pinkie as she rocketed toward the ceiling in fright. Twilight and I did nothing but stare as Pinkie broke through the ceiling and disappeared into the morning sky. "Well...that escalated quickly." I said. "Indeed it did." responded Twilight. "I'll just put the cloak back on and have you guide me. How does that sound?" "Sounds fair. Oh, and Artyom?" "Yes?" "Please warn me the next time you try to scare Pinkie." "Will do." Pinkie then came screaming back down into the library and landed with a loud thud. "You okay, Pinkie?" Twilight. Pinkie started giggling "Of course, silly. That was a good scare by the way Artyom." I smiled "Thank you." "Now." Twilight said as she moved toward the door. I put on Twilight's cloak and waited for her to continue speaking. "Welcome to Ponyville, Artyom." Twilight then swung the door open. Meanwhile in the Royal Palace.... Celestia woke from her slumber. Her sun was shining brightly through her window. Luna raised the sun for me. I will have to thank her later. The alabaster alicorn stretched her wings and yawned away and straggling drowsiness. Celestia then got out of bed and proceeded to go about her normal morning routine. She proceeded into the bathroom and levitated her toothbrush and toothpaste before her. She then turned on the tap, wet the toothbrush, and placed a line of toothpaste on it. The sun princess then began the task of cleaning her precious teeth scrupulously. After a while, Celestia brought over the mouthwash bottle and filled the cap with cleansing liquid. After she spat out the foam from the toothpaste, Celestia took the minty liquid and began to swish it around her mouth. She then bent over the sink and spat out the mouthwash. As she came up to look at herself in the mirror. Instead of seeing her reflection, Celestia instead looked into the eyes of a solitary Dark One. The two locked eyes for what Celestia felt was an eternity. .....We only wanted peace...... .....Why can't you see that.....? Celestia began to sweat as she felt a pressure growing in her head. .....We do what we must...... .....To protect our kind..... "Sister?" called Luna distantly. .....Why can't you understand.....? Luna opened the door to Celestia's room. "Celestia?" ANSWER!!!! "NO!!" screamed Celestia as she brought her hoof up and broke her mirror. The sun goddess began panting heavily as the pressure receded from her head. "Celestia!" shouted Luna in concern. The moon princess saw Celestia on the bathroom floor, sweating and bleeding from a cut on her hoof. Luna sighed "The Dark Ones?" "Yes, dear sister. I believe we must eliminate this threat at once." said Celestia. The wound on her hoof began to close up and heal as she talked. "You know they mean no harm, Celly." "Don't be so naive, Luna. You know what they did." bitterly said Celestia. "They did it out of defense!" "THEY TOOK INNOCENT LIVES" Luna slowly backed out of bathroom. "Just leave. I'll be ready shortly."
Chapter Five: Blown CoverPonyville. While I did miss my home station, the welcoming atmosphere of the small town did help me adjust and forget about my homesickness. The town was full of color not only from the buildings, but from the multitude of citizens as well. I would've seen more, if it weren't for an unexpected guest. Twilight swung the door open, allowing the morning sun to shine through. "This way, Artyom." said Twilight. The purple unicorn exited her house. Me and Pinkie followed suit. She then closed the door behind us and began to explain my surroundings. "This is Ponyville, Artyom. You won't find friendlier ponies anywhere else. To your left is Time Marches On, a clock shop owned by our very own Time Turner." "I'll keep that in mind. I could use a few alarm clocks." I said. "Should I even ask?" asked Twilight. "It's best you didn't know." "Alright then. Now, to our right is--" "OH! OH! Can I do it, Twilight?!?!" excitedly asked Pinkie. "Sure." said Twilight. "To our right is Sugarcube Corner. It's also the best place in the world since I work there!" "A well chosen place to work, I might add." I said. "Sugarcube Corner produces the best baked goods in all of Equestria! And that's a scientific fact." "To her science at least." quietly mumbled Twilight. I chuckled at Twilight's remark. "Next is Town Hall. Home of Mayor Mare." "...Um...what?" I asked. "Her name is actually Mareylin, but she preferred Mare for short, which lead to ponies calling her Mayor Mare. It's stuck ever since." "Huh. That's interesting." "I'll skip the political stuff, but the town square is also the political hub of Ponyville." "I figured." "Now to the left of town hall is As The Vinyl Turns. It's a music store owned and run by our local DJ, Vinyl Scratch. She's quite famous for the type of music she creates." said Pinkie. "And that music is?" I asked. "It's called "dubstep" and focuses...." "Mostly on electronic beats and glitchy sounds." Pinkie turned and gawked at my invisible form. "I had the unfortunate experience of listening to it during my time in the metro. It's not terrible, but not my taste. I prefer either orchestra or rock." "Orchestra....and rock?" asked Twilight. "There wasn't much choice of music thanks to the war. Beggars can't be choosers." "You're becoming more interesting by the second, Artie." said Pinkie. "Heh. Thanks." "Now next is---" Twilight was cut off by a burst of red light hitting her on her right side. She hit the dirt hard, grunting while attempted to stand. I turned my attention back towards Pinkie to see her hovering in the air, enveloped in vivid red energy. I ducked into a nearby alley and watched as the events unfolded before me. The source of the red energy evidently stemmed from, what I could see, a cloaked form in the distance. Following it were six dog like creatures that walked on their hind legs. They weren't as looming as a Librarian, but the makeshift weapons in their paws said otherwise. They were clothed in what appeared to be make shift leather armor. "That's the one, boss. The annoying pink one." spoke one of the dogs. "I know, Spot, I know." "Hey, I know that voice! It's Tri---" Pinkie was cut off by being flung into the town hall at speed. She made a rather large hole, which was later peeked through by a pony with a pale amber coat and light bluish gray mane. I could only assume that that was Mayor Mare. "Mewling cur." said the cloaked pony. It then turned it's attention to Twilight. "Hello, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight looked at the figure with a glare. "Trixie, what a rather unpleasant surprise." The pony removed her cloak, revealing an azure colored unicorn, wearing an interesting looking amulet around her neck. The color drained from Twilight's face when she saw the amulet. "The Alicorn Amulet." Twilight looked Trixie eye to eye. "You really are petty pony, aren't you?" "Have you forgotten the humiliation you put me through?!" yelled Trixie. "Not my fault your magic can't do jack-squat against an Ursa Major. Oh, I'm sorry, minor." Twilight was hit by another blast of magic from Trixie. Evidently, the amulet acts as a power amplifier. This was bad, very bad. I had to act fast. Maybe if I caused a distraction.... Trixie approached Twilight's limp form "Any last words before I cast you out?" "I hope you get whats about to come to you." retorted Twilight. Trixie magically grasped Twilight and brought her to eye level. "Farewell, Twilight Sparkle." Before she could toss Twilight out of Ponyville, a she heard a metallic thunk beside her. She looked down to see a metal pipe. "Bone? BONE!" yelped one of the dogs as he pushed his way toward the pipe. Trixie was knocked aside, losing focus on Twilight and letting her drop. The dog giddily clapped his paws as he examined his prize. He took it up and brought it to his eyes, where he finally noticed something. "Hey. Why is this black rope on---" The pipebomb exploded, turning the dog into a rather meaty mess and alerting the residents of Ponyville to what was happening in town square. Trixie had put up a shield to protect herself from the explosion, but her ears were ringing like church bells. "Rufus!" cried one of the dogs. "Argh." Trixie got up off the ground. She turned to where Twilight should've been, and saw nothing. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!" exclaimed the enraged unicorn. The distraction worked as I had hoped. The dogs' lack of higher brain function of course played a major part in the plan. After that, getting Twilight to safety was my main concern. After I picked her up, I ran her over to the back of the music store and removed the cloak. "Artyom. Was that you?" asked Twilight weakly. "Yeah. My plan worked like a charm, huh?" I answered. "You couldn't have done it sooner?" "I had to wait for the perfect moment to strike." "So...what are you gonna do now?" "What my motto tells me." "And that is?" "If it's hostile...." I showed Twilight my revolver "...you kill it." "Rufus! He had so much to live for!" cried the Diamond Dog. Two of the remaining five dogs were busy consoling the grieving canine. "Shut it!" snapped Trixie. She then pointed her hoof at the second pair of remaining dogs."Names." she stated. "Uh, I'm Mike, and that's Kip." said Mike. "Hey." said Kip with an added wave. "Go find Twilight Sparkle, I'll deal with the townsfolk." "On it boss." saluted Mike. Kip did the same thing. "No sweat, we'll find that pony in no---" A loud bang echoed from somewhere, causing Trixie to scan the area around her. Mike's face was covered in blood as he watched his friends body go limp and hit the ground like a sack of bricks. Mike just stared at the body in shock, was this really happening? "Hey!" yelled Trixie. Mike snapped out of it and turned his attention to her. "Stop standing there and go find her!" "Understood." Mike drew the machete off his back and began looking around. A fire burned inside him. He wanted vengeance. As he scanned, he saw a shadow duck into a nearby alley. "Found you!" yelled Mike as he sprinted into the alley. Trixie watched as Mike entered the alley. A few seconds later, a second bang went off, and a loud thump was heard. The azure unicorn sprinted to the alley to find her dense minion with a rather large hole in his chest. "By Celestia, do we really suck, or is this pony really that good!" yelled the grovelling dog. The dog stood up and drew a wicked sharp knife from his pocket. "Let's go boys." The dogs entered the alley, snarling and barking, weapons drawn. "Show yourself, coward!" yelled one dog. The three decided it was best to split up due to the branching paths of the alleys. As they continued looking for their target, another bang was heard. The remaining dogs ran to the source of the sound, and found their friend dead with a bullet in his head. "Damn it!" cursed one of the dogs. "Who is this pony?" asked the other. "No pony." said a voice. The two dogs turned and came face to face with as tall as they were. The two stood there, paralyzed with fear. "Just me." The two dogs snapped out of their trance and pounced their attacker. Trixie was, for the first time since wearing the Alicorn Amulet, afraid. She had no idea what was happening. What had started as simple payback, is currently turning into a massacre of her hired help. The gathering townsponies weren't helping the situation either. "Get back!" screamed Trixie as she sent a wave of magic at the crowd. The ponies promptly dispersed and hid behind whatever solid object was available. Three bangs echoed from the alley where her minions entered. She turned around and decided to seek the matter out herself. Burying her fear, the arrogant unicorn entered the alleyway and stepped over Mike's corpse. She looked around and saw the remaining three dogs, each with a sizable hole in their head. Trixie's rage boiled over as she stomped out of the alley and drew forth her magical power. The sky turned blood red as she drew in more power. "I've had enough of these games!" yelled Trixie as she fired a bolt of magic into a nearby flower shop. "Reveal yourself!" The town grew deathly quiet. The wind blew through the town and Trixie swore she heard something. Behind you Trixie violently turned around and cast her magic at the area behind her. The blue unicorn was growing paranoid. She began scanning the town square feverishly. Over here Trixie looked at the approximate source of the voice and launched her magic at the area. Still nothing. Trixie began to panic. She was breathing a million miles a minute. She finally cracked. "WHERE ARE YOU?!?!" she yelled as she cast a violent red wave of magic around her. "Here." said a voice. Trixie swung round and expected to see another pony. What she got was a creature as tall as a Diamond dog, but whole lot scarier. Trixie's eyes shrank "....Wha..." "Surprise, motherfucker." said the creature before knocking the unicorn's lights out. I whacked the unicorn as hard I could with my revolver. As much as I would've just loved to permanently end her and rid the world of her rather annoying voice, I'm pretty sure Twilight has more than a few questions for her. "Some motto you got there." said Twilight. I turned to her. "Could you blame me?" I asked. I noticed that the townsponies were now staring at me. Mostly in fear, although a mint green unicorn in the back was staring at me with a rather large grin. "Guess the secret's out." I said. "Don't worry. I won't let anything bad happen to you." "You do realize that I'm going to hold you to that, right?" "Whatever helps you sleep at night." replied Twilight with a smirk. "Ha. Now, lets get---" A blinding white light cut off my conversation with Twilight. As I shielded myself from the blinding rays, I couldn't help but think what I was going to face next. As the light faded, I laid eyes upon what could possibly be the ruler of this land, if the crown didn't give it away. I quickly reloaded my revolver and aimed it at the monarch's head. It was WAY bigger than any of the other ponies. Twilight was about knee height, while this thing was practically as tall as me. It's horn was also longer than Twilight's, which probably meant that it knows more magic than her. The white pony flared it's pair of wings at my appearance. Her eyes were faint red, as if she was just recently crying. I kept my finger on the trigger, just in case. "That's not going to help you." spoke the pony. Before I could say anything else, I was enveloped in white light. Twilight averted her eyes from the light. When it finally died down, she noticed that Princess Celestia was nowhere to be found. Worse, Artyom was gone as well. "Oh, buck me." cursed Twilight.
