Stuck in Equestriaby Gaming_KnightChaptersOne way trip (Re-EDITED)Welcome to Manehatten (Edited)The Assassins Apartment (edited)Truth and LiesSoar HighThe ReasonThe Black KnightInterlude 1: Free FallOne way trip (Re-EDITED)The elevator rose to the 25th floor as the door opened to the, somewhat bland, hallway. The building itself was inside a walled area surrounded by armed guards 24/8 and was also guarded inside by 3 separate AI constructs. However, the man in the elevator could care less about these things. He strode down the hallway with purpose as a man on a mission. Although he was just an informant for the pentagon, he carried a 9mm pistol in the inside of his coat. When the man had arrived at his destination, he knocked 3 times on the office door at the far end. The doorplate read 'Monroe'. "James! You in there?" he called. No reply. “James, it’s Matthew! We need to talk!” Still no response. Matthew sighed. "Im coming in." He opened the door to the lavishly decorated office. Some elegant paintings hung on the walls while the solid oak desk supported a trio of monitors. A towering locker stood in one corner (likely with more storage than necessary for a man of James’ position) while a large window filled out the back wall behind James’ desk. His chair was facing this window.” When Matthew entered the room, the chair spun to face him. However, the person in the chair was not who he was expecting. "Shawn?" "Del Ray," Shawn replied calmly. Mathew Del Ray shifted his weight a bit and adjusted his coat. "Ahem, Shawn, I'm looking for James. Is he here?" "No, he isn't,” Shawn replied. “What is it you need from him?" "I need his response to the newest threat." "Which is?" Ah yes, go ahead, feign ignorance! Not like I have any better things to do than answer stupid questions while more urgent things are at hand! "What is he doing about the rifts. You know, the ones, if I remember (and perhaps, not you), that were caused by the disastrous Worlds Apart portal built by Alex, who, by the way, hasn't been seen in 3 years?" "Alex wasn't in the best place when he built that thing,” Shawn admitted calmly. “It has been… tinkered with, to be safer. But we haven't powered it. We still need to deal with the rifts it created. As for James, he's currently dealing with one of them." "So where is this rift?" Matthew asked. A long, barren, desert road lay quiet disturbed only by the occasional tumbleweed or scuttling insect. In the distance, a low roar filled the air and the ground shook as the approaching vehicle sped down the road at speeds much faster than intended. This 1966 Ford Fairlane GT had only one passenger, its driver. I, James Monroe, had the radio blasting a song I know all too well (perhaps I should branch out? Nah). I belted along to Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen as I sped down the dusty road. “Oh-oh, Thunder Road!!! Sit tight, take hold, ThUnDeR rOoOoOaAaD!!!!!!!!!” And then my jam session was rudely interrupted as a different voice muted the radio. "Sir, We are approaching the destination," O.W.E.N said. OWEN is my personal AI. He helps with everything in and around E.C.O. "ETA?" "10 minutes," he replied. I pushed the pedal to the floor, “Make that 10 seconds sir…” and then slammed the brakes upon reaching my destination. I got out of the car and saw exactly what I came for: A literal rip in space-time the size of Bruce Springsteen’s biceps (okay, maybe it was bigger, but still). One of the side effects of project Worlds Apart was that rifts in the space-time continuum would spontaneously form. Luckily, they could be contained quickly. I opened the trunk and pulled out a small portable containment field generator (a necessity in every space-rift-closer’s toolbox). Alex, you have overdone yourself with these! What a shame you’ve gone missing without a trace. Wonder what happened… I adjusted my faded military jacket and deployed the containment field. At first, it was working just fine. The rift began to dissipate and shrink until it was the size of a peanut. But, just as it was almost closed, the rift grew and become unstable. I grabbed the car to hold myself down only to discover that it was being sucked in too. Ah shit… I got in and pulled the hand brake to try and keep it in place to no avail. As soon the car and myself were sucked in, everything went dark and I couldn’t feel a thing. I don’t know what’s just happened, but I get the feeling I’m about to find out. Now to just wake up… Author's Note Re-edited by my amazing editor Majestic_Donut She helped out my wriiting so much on this first chapter so enjoy the NEWLY EDITED Chapter one of Stuck in Equestria. -Knight Welcome to Manehatten (Edited)I awoke slowly, head spinning, and there was red liquid on the dash. Shit, that better not be mine. I felt my head and found the same red liquid. Yep, that’s my blood… shit, I must have hit my head… I looked around and realized my sixties muscle car nose down in a river bank. Damn it! I just had the paint job fixed… I glanced around a moment more and then sighed. The car had stopped running, so that meant it was dead. I decided now was as good a time as any to actually get my rear out of the car and look for civilization (and maybe an aspirin). In the distance, a large city loomed, while on the other side there was a large ocean. -sigh- Better start walking. I reached inside the car and opened the backup computer since O.W.E.N. wasn’t responding. "Computer, activate the flex shield." As confirmation, a low hum filled my ears. The shield wasn’t gonna hold for as long as it would have before the crash, but I knew it would hold for the time being. I grabbed my guitar and other essentials before walking toward the city. However, as soon as I entered the city, I noticed something really, REALLY weird... Ponies. Lots of them. Everywhere. Mingling and walking around as humans would do. Then someone screamed and I found a mare pointing a shaking hoof at me. Crap. I immediately threw up my hands in surrender. "I mean you no harm," I shouted getting on my knees. Please don’t call the Calvary on me… Then, a pony clad in golden armor walked over. Damn it… "I just need to know where I am! I’m a traveler from Las Vegas." The soldier stared at me for a moment. "I don't know what you are but...Welcome to Manehatten." "Manehatten..." I said wondering if that was a play on the name Manhatten. "What is the name of this country?" "Equis." "President?" "Um, we have Princesses. Celestia and Luna." I was about to ask another question when suddenly, there was a splash of red liquid and an arrow in the guard's neck. I stood and turned towards where the arrow had come from. Atop a building, a shadow vanished from view. A few more guards appeared a moment later. "Still Warrior! -checks pulse- He’s dead…” Oh snap, James thought, I hope they don’t think I did this… “We need to inform the captain." "What do we tell him?" one asked. I smiled. "Tell him I'm in pursuit." I jumped to the top of the building and took off after the murderer. "STOP!" I called. But they kept going. I tapped into my elemental powers and everything slowed down. Welp, as long as I’ve got the time, I guess I’ll just take a quick look around. I mean, sure, I could catch this idiot now, but… where’s the fun in that? He’s not going anywhere fast… well, actually, he’s galloping as fast as his legs will carry him… but that’s irrelevant compared to my super speed. So I took a “quick” look around. First I noticed this castle-looking building made of crystals. "It wasn't as big as a typical castle, but it's still probably the largest building in this entire town." I noticed several other ponies just going about life in slow motion. A pony was selling something that looked like apple beer, but the sign said apple cider. Sure, whatever you say. Then I saw a mare who seemed to be sitting in a very familiar to me way… Why is she sitting like a human? As I continued to watch these normal ponies going about their normal lives, something dawned on me. You know, everyone here has something I don’t… a choice. A Normal life. A chance to just live and not worry about things like good or evil or even rifts in the space-time continuum sucking them into another dimension!!!"… or having to catch MuRdErErS!!!!! That’s when I noticed that the stallion was still very slowly running away. Oh yeah, still gotta catch that guy… Have you ever seen one of those football slow replays of an epic touchdown? The quarterback is running to keep up with the ball, he leaps for the end, catches the ball, and slams down into the ultimate touchdown! THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!!! Well yeah, catching the stallion was kind of like that… except he’s the ball, there’s no crowd cheering your name, and upon touchdown I put the knife from my cybernetic arm to his throat. "Who hired you!" I asked. "I'll never talk!" the gruff stallion replied. “Are you so sure? I have my ways of making people talk.” James retorted. “But I’m a- woah!” At that moment, James hoisted the nameless stallion up by the mane and precariously dangled him over the edge of the 10 story building. "Tell. Me. NOW." James shouted spewing a few drops of spit and shaking the body while we’re at it. "I can tell you." what the jfksbejdn?!?!? I almost dropped the stallion. No one sneaks up on me that easily! I glanced over to spy a purple mare with a messy blue mane and a horn peeking through it. A unicorn. I realized, my mythology knowledge coming back to me. "You can put him down. He's just a small time compared to the Big Stallion," she said. "I'm Sharp Shooter. Best shot in Manehatten." Sharp said with a cocky arrogance in her tone. I set the other pony down and he made a break for it. The mare had my full attention. "Go on." I encouraged. "I used to work for him, but I’ll never sell him out to… whatever you are." "A human." I stated plainly. Somewhere in the distance, I think I heard another mare shout something like “I TOLD YOU THEY WERE REAL!!!” but I don’t know what that was about… “You got a name, human?” Sharp asked. "Monroe, James Monroe." now would’ve been a good time to have the last name Bond… Sharp Shooter stared at me for a moment. "James huh? Alright, James, the crime boss around here is very elusive. However, all you need to know is he is don’t mess with him, or you’ll get killed." "Seems like he just sends lackeys like you to do his dirty work." She opened her mouth to say something, but then she froze for a moment. "Not something I'm proud of," she mumbled just enough that I could hear. "Let’s go somewhere more conversational shall we?" she offered. We both sat in a small bar at a table near the back. “The BS-“ “Wait a minute,” James interrupted, “did you just call him bs?” “Yes, and it suits him well because I want him dead. Very dead.” Sharp Shooter replied. “Is there any way I can help?” I asked. “Hmm, I’ll think about it…” Sharp answered. “In my line of work, that usually means no.” Then I saw a mic stand on the stage vacant. I grabbed my guitar and walked up. Moving it up to my height I gave a test strum of my guitar and then took a breath and began to sing. “You know I want to help.” “What is he doing?” Sharp asked to no one in particular. “It’s not a secret I try to hide.” Insert dramatic strum here. “I know you want me. So don’t keep saying ‘I’ll think about it’!” Bum da da dum “You think I must be insane, to think that I could ever be good and help and be trustworthy. But I’m here and I’m fast, so don’t keep me waiting for looonger than one minute thirtyyyyyyy!” “What are you doing?!” Sharp asked. “How can we kiiiiiill theeeee big boss! With a bit of heeeeelp frooom me. There’s no way that ooouuur plaaan could fail, that is, if we-ee had a plan.” We do still need a plan… “It’s up to you, and it’s up to me, and no one can tell us that we’re craaaazy. So how can heeeelp you kiiill the big boooss? Just leeeet me help you kill Big Boss. TONIGHT!!!” Bwaaa daaa da, bwaaa daaa daaaaaa… BIG STRUM FINISH!!!! Once I had finished I walked back over to the table. She had her mouth open as did all the other patrons. "That was..." "Amazing?" I offered. "One of my many talents." "You spoil yourself," she remarked. "I know but back to business. I don't have a place to stay." Yet another lack of planning… though you can’t really plan for getting sucked into an inter-dimensional portal… "You can crash at my place if you want." "Nice. Lead the way." Together we walked off into the fading afternoon. Author's Note Hey everyone this story has spent a lot of time on paper and I am just now putting it out there with a LOT of revisions to the OG. I wanted to try and make this better but with a lack of an editor (For Now), I have to be creative and have been using Grammarly since it served me well in the past. So please comment and leave your feedback it all helps. Thanks -Knight The Assassins Apartment (edited)I walked up the three flights of stairs, down the hall, and to the room Sharp had stopped by. "Here we are! My humble abode..." she announced. She pushed the door open with the tip of her crossbow and stepped inside. I stood outside and drew the Colt revolver from the holster inside my jacket—the revolver Williams had given me. "For luck, may it serve you well." I armed the revolver and followed Sharp Shooter inside. The apartment was nothing too impressive... It was your standard living quarters with a small living area, a kitchen, two separate rooms, a bathroom, and a bedroom. However, this one had a balcony. I moved over to the balcony, pushed the door open, surveyed the area for potential threats lurking in the many dark corners, and then, satisfied, I announced, "Clear!" (an old habit) before closing the door. I turned again to find Sharp Shooter on the couch, setting her crossbow on a small table. "What's that?" she asked, gesturing to the gun at my side. "It's kind of like your crossbow but louder and more deadly." Her eyebrows shot up at this. "Sweet." Sharp admired. I put the Colt back in its holster and grabbed my luggage from outside. One item was an ebony black case, long and slick. I opened both latches and then the case. I smirked at what lay inside. The black SKS Rifle lay slightly disassembled just as I left it. I lifted it out of the case and put the scope and stand on, then cocked it back, loading a fresh magazine. I leveled it at a crudely made target on the wall. I took a breath, lined up my shot, and pulled. The bang of the rifle shook everything on the walls while the bullet went through the target and then the outside wall. Sharp Shooter was staring at me, stars in her eyes. I grinned back at her and set the SKS down. "That was the power of American Firearms." "That was so loud but so awesome!" she exclaimed. "Well, I didn't have the silencer on, so it would have been quieter, but it kills the bullet punch," I said with a shrug. "How many of those do you have?" "Just the two. The Colt and the SKS." I lied. I was not about to tell her about the extra sidearm in my suitcase. I glanced out the window at the setting sun. "So, you want me to sleep on the couch or..." I trailed off and I watched her saunter off into the bedroom. "You know, I don't mind if you sleep with me," she said in a tone that made me uncomfortable. "I really don't think..." My reply was cut short as her horn lit up, and her magic grabbed me. Welp, I guess this is happening... I thought to myself as she pulled me into the bedroom. She set me down and went to the bathroom, and I stripped off my Jacket, leaving a plain white tee and some faded jeans. Sharp Shooter came back and settled into bed. I took a moment to sit on the edge of the bed. I removed the black glove on my right hand, watching the fading sunlight reflect on the silvery metal that made up my appendage. I clenched my hand into a fist and then put the glove back on. I turned to Sharp Shooter, who lay facing me with one eye cracked open, which she closed when I looked over. I climbed into bed and turned away from her. "Good night, James." "Good night, Sharps." "Sharps? Pet names so soon?" "It's just easier to say than your full name." "Alright, whatever you say, James." With that, I shut my eyes and soon after drifted off. Truth and LiesI awoke and decided to set two things into motion. 1, Find a way to reach O.W.E.N so he can help me out. 2, Find a way to 'possibly' get the Fairlane working. Thankfully both of the things I would need resided currently in a small river bed. I unzipped my bag and pulled out the third firearm I had brought an almost futuristic hand cannon called The Executor. I pulled down the weathered grip opening the breach. Inside was one round, the max the weapon could hold and fire. There in lies the genius of the gun. It only needed one round. I strapped the holster and set the sleek gun inside smirking as then I realized that if anything tried to stop me, they wouldn't get very far. I stepped out into the kitchen/living room to see Sharp Shooter sitting on the couch fiddling with her crossbow. On the coffee table sat the SKS fully assembled and ready to use. "Nice job putting the rifle together," I commented lifting it and staring down the sights. "It wasn't too hard..." She set the crossbow down, I noticed a slight blush on her cheeks. "...I didn't think it would be right, you made it look so easy." I hefted the rifle, pulled the slide back, and pulled the trigger... nothing but a loud click. I was reminded then of a youtuber who would insert a "You got jammed." clip at something like this. I glanced over at Sharp Shooter. "It Jammed, not too bad but something to watch out for." I set the rifle back on the table. "I'm going out for a while but i'll be back in due time," I said walking out onto the balcony "What for?" she asked walking over and standing next to me as I stared out over the city. "I have arrangments." "Arrangements that require a large firearm." "Possibly." The trek back to the Fairlane wasn't too hard and I reached it in half the time than I had previously thought. I opened the driver's door removed the black lining around the shifter and then removed the metal between the two seats, under the sheet metal was a small black box with the letters. O.W.E.N. in blue on it. I carefully removed the box and set it on the seat. Opening a small panel on the back I removed a small chip. I then grabbed the one other item I had brought with me. Two black rings, I slipped them on my wrists. Then I took an earpiece and connected it to the chip. There was a slight crackle and then. "Ah good morning sir, nice to see you're still alive." "Did you ever doubt me?" I asked. "No Sir." "Alright O.W.E.N I need you to do a full scan of the car. See what needs to be fixed. "It seems sir that a few small things like body work are slightly damaged however the biggest problem I found was the radiator damage from the landing and we may have a piston or two missing." "How the hell did that happen? Shawn's block isn't cracked is it." "Negative sir the engine block is not damaged, there are minor parts that need to be rebuilt." "Great, Where am I going to find a way to repair it.." I trailed off and remembered that Sharp Shooter and I had passed a Blacksmith shop earlier. "A blacksmith could reforge the pistons I need." I gathered my things and made my way back into town and to the blacksmith. A sign read "Blacksmith Owner and Smith: Sky" I knocked on the door and waited. The door opened to reveal a teal blue pegasus with a long blue mane adorned with white streaks. The one notable thing about the pegaus was the gold necklace they wore. The pennant at the end was a sword. The pegasus gazed up at me with skeptical purple eyes. "Can I help you?" they asked the male pegasus. "Um...yes." I was taken by surprise by the voice since their appearance suggested they were of the opposite gender. "I was hoping you could help me reforge some items." "Come inside then," Sky said. I followed him inside to your average blacksmith shop. Swords and other weapons hung on the walls. Shields adorned another wall behind the counter. Sky smiled and their eyes went wide when I set the cracked piston on the counter. "h-how!?" they stammered and they picked up the piston examining it. "Shawn made these how did...?" They turned back to me. "I can help you remake these. How many do you need?" "Two." "TWO!" they paused. "I um, of course." They turned away from the counter and began to fill out a piece of parchment with a quill. The whole time humming a song I knew...a song a pony souldn't have known. They turned around and froze because now I had the Executor aimed right at their head. "Who. Are You." I demanded as I clicked the safety off. "Now..we can talk about this." "That song you were humming it was "How to save a life" by "The Fray" how do you know that." Sky paled, and I tightened my grip on the ribbed handle of the hand cannon. "I...um...let me explain." "You go two minutes fill it with words." The pegasus sighed and grasped the necklace and broke the chain and with a flash of golden light a brilliant golden broadsword was at their side. The sign of a wielder of the hero's power. "That's not possible." I dropped the Executor and stared not believing what I saw. "Hello, James.. It's me," Alex said smiling. Soar HighAuthor's Note Taking a break from James for a bit but well go back to him soon. Soar High Sorin sighed finding himself once again in a bar. Country music of some kind played on a record somewhere off in a corner. Sorin tipped the barpony for a drink and got up to leave, on his way out he spotted a poster for an open mic. 1st prize was 100 bits. Huh, not bad. He thought for a moment, Well I am out of a job, Why the hell not. He tore a slip off the bottom and walked back to his small apartment. At some point, he heard a knock on his door. What the- his thought was cut short as his door burst open and a small object landed at his hooves. It started spewing smoke so he kicked it under his mattress. Coughing and finding it hard to breathe Sorin made his way to the door. Once he reached it something akin to a brick wall hit him in the back. Sorin spun around to find a burly pony clad in all black obscuring their features. "Been looking for you for a long time now." the pony said. "Now time to take out the trash." Sorin grits his teeth and kicks the pony in their fetlock causing the assassin to go down. He dived back into his room and searched around for something through the smoke that still lingered. Where is it? His hoof connected with the case latch after a moment. Yes! He opened the case and retrieved what lay inside. Inside was what looked like a wing brace but it was anything but, rather it was a very innovative weapon. Concealed blades that any pegasus can wear for self-defense. Sorin strapped on his quickly and turned back to face his attacker. The smoke stung his eyes but he could see the pony's shape regardless. He opened the wingblades fully and dove toward the pony that dared to attack him. He slid past the pony into the hallway but he felt the blades connect before his head connected with the wall. Ow.... Sorin rubbed his sore head before standing and bolting down the hallway. He busts into the stairwell and runs down to the lobby floor only to encounter a second black-clad pony holding a crossbow out before them. Sorin brought up the blade quickly as they fanned out to form a shield to block the bolt. He heard it clang against the metal and then sideswiped the pony knocking them aside. He propelled himself into the sky once outside and as far away from the apartment building as he could. What the hell! Wouldn't Spitfire be a bigger target? Well she does have security for this reason. Not that she cares for me anyhow. Sorin sighed as he once again found himself in a bar. The bar gave him deja vu. He was here for the open mic. A small crappy-looking stage had been set up for the performers He sat backstage with a few others. He spotted a peculiar creature. He was tall and he was making all the news recently. He was holding a guitar in one hand and was sitting by a drumset seemingly unsure of which to use. Sorin approached carefully. "Need some help?" he asked "I could, yes. Can you play an acoustic?" "Yes I'm no pro but I'm okay." "Good. Can you sing?" "Now that I can do pretty well. I have been told I have pretty good pipes." "Alright, I have a song we can do if you're willing to duet. We can share the winnings." "That's fine. Let's do this." The man stretched out his hand. "James Monroe." Sorin returned it with his hoof. "Sorin." "Alright, Sorin. Let's rock." The ReasonI lowered the gun letting it drop to my side. "But how?" I stuttered trying to make sense of the situation I had brought upon myself. Sky smiled and set the gleaming blade aside. "It's a long story, you might want to sit down." After a long explanation Sky finished his story. "So let me get this straight. You got shot through space-time by a fragmentation grenade and ended up here and got saved by a spirit of chaos?" I asked almost dumfounded. "Yeah, Discord was essential to my survival. Without him we wouldn't be taking." The room grew quiet for a moment before Sky stood. "Come on, I want to show you something." Sky led me to a back room where there was a workbench with some tools scattered on the top. They shoved them to this side and opened the top of the bench as the tools clattered to the floor. Sky pulled out a large roll of parchment. They spread it out on the bench and set two hammers on each end that they recovered from the floor. For the second time I was speechless. I was staring at the blueprints for Project Worlds Apart. "No way. It's here!" "Not here as in here. It's at my shop in Ponyville." I stood staring at the blueprints. "This is great we have a shot at going home!" "You have a shot at going home. Sky corrected. I glanced at him. "You don't want to come with?" "Listen James even if we do get that thing up and running there's no guarantee it will hold for two people, and besides," Sky glanced out a window at the street growing darker as night approached. "I've grown attached to this place." I sighed. "Alright but once I get Worlds Apart working I'm out of here." I turned to walk out of the shop and saw a open mic poster on a lamp post. Lets see if I still got it. Upon arriving I found myself torn between the drums or the guitar. Both I could play but which do I choose. That's when I met him. He was a pegasus a very light blue almost white coat, with a spiky blue mane and matching tail. He walked in and I saw something in him. He had potential. I approached him. "Hey there." "Hey, Names Sorin," "James. Can you play?" "Yeah." "Can you sing?" "Sure" "Cool, Alright Sorin, Lets rock!" I showed Sorin the ropes of what song I wanted to play while we waited for the others to go first. "I think were ready to do this." Sorin commented after we finished the song for the third time. "Once more were not quite in tune yet." I replied. "You say that like you've done this before." "I have." "Okay Once more." When our turn came I stepped up to the drum set while Sorin tuned the guitar. I spotted Sharp Shooter in the back of the room talking with a pony in a black cloak, the pony quickly exited after glancing at me. I caught a glimpse of a hazel eye under the hood. I brushed it off for now I would ask her about it later. I turned to Sorin who nodded, I began to tap out the melody before Sorin began the guitar and shortly after he sang. "I'm not a perfect pony, There's many things I wish I didn't do, but I continue learning, I never meant to do those things to you, so I just have to say before I go." The music swelled as he strummed the guitar. "That I just want you to know! I found a Reason for me! To change who I used to be. A Reason to start over new, and the Reason is you." As Sorin sang I sat back at the drums in awe, he was perfect how had he not done this before. I joined him on the second verse since my voice was lower than his my voice blended quite well. "I'm sorry that I hurt you." I could join him on the high notes as my voice wasn't as deep to not hit them. "And the REASON IS YOU!!!" We both hit the line at the same time harmonizing in a way we hadn't in practice. I fell back focusing on the drums letting Sorin take the song. Once he was done the crowd was quiet even Sharp Shooters jaw was practically on the floor. Sorin let out a nervous chuckle. I leaned into the mic. "Maybe you aren't ready for that one yet, but your foals are going to love it." I said quoting one of my favorite movies. Slowly a steady clap rose and grew as we exited the stage. I bought Sorin a drink later congratulating him. "You absolutely crushed it!" "Nah I can't take all the credit." he said smiling at me. "So..." Sharp Shooter came trotting over. "How did the famous Wonderbolt end up here?" Sorin's face fell at this. "I quit. Its a long story, for another time." Silence fell over the table. I took this moment to lean over to Sharp Shooter. "Who was that pony you were chatting up before the show?" I asked my gaze fixed on her. "Just my informant. Helping me undermine Cinder by cutting down his best assassins." She replied coolly. I nodded and took another sip of my drink. -Ponyville- "SPIKE!" Twilight cried in joy embracing her #1 assistant, former #1 assistant. He was taller now with muscles rippling under his scales. His body was covered in scars old and new. Shiny silver armor adorns most of his body. A scabbard adorned with her colors and her cutie mark was slung at his waist. In many was Twilight was different but she was a princess after all. "Hello Twi, how have you been?" Spike asked. Gone was his younger voice replaced by a lower tone but it was still Spike. "I've been great Spike. Did my brother train you well?" "I think the scars prove he didn't go easy. Oh right." Spike froze on the spot and stood ramrod straight saluting to the Princess. Twilight giggled. "You don't have to salute to me Spike. Were friends." "Force of habit around my superiors." "Twilight was is taking you...."a new voice said as the owner rounded a corner. Spike stared at them he hand going for his sword by instinct. He looked at Twilight and then the other pony. "You have GOT to be kidding me." Author's Note Read my brothers story Skyfall for Sky's origins The Black KnightJames kneeled on the roof of Sharp Shooters apartment building, he pulled out the SKS and looked down the scope, in a tall building about a 40 yards away there was a party going on. James could care less who it was for or why but he had his eyes on one pony in particular. Golden Goblet a older, wealthy unicorn that cornered the market on a gold mine a few years back. James spotted him on the third floor talking with some guests. Of course as with most wealthy nobles he had a past rooted in crime and dark dealings. Now James waits. Sharp Shooter moved through the crowd her gown flowing behind her almost getting stepped on a few times. She hated long dresses and such. Too cumbersome. She couldn't bring her crossbow inside as it couldn't be concealed, so she had James Lucky Knife as he called it strapped to her leg. Easy to hide under a long gown like the one she wore. She spotted old Golden talking with a white unicorn with a elegant purple mane. She got closer to them. "-have to indulge me another time Miss, I'm a very busy Stallion." Golden said with a smile. The unicorn frowned slightly but a smile snapped back to her face in a second. "Oh of course, I understand perfectly Darling." "I mean what would people think seeing me in a drab little town like that." Golden replied his laugh causing the mares eye to twitch her smile becoming more forced. "I see, well I should be going a pleasure speaking with you." The mare said rather hastily as she removed herself from the old unicorns presence. She moved over by the table Sharp Shooter was near and grabbed a glass downing it in one sip. "The nerve of that old..." The mare stopped and Sharp realized that she was looking at her. Horse Apples "Um Miss, did you need something?" the mare asked. "Ah No, I was just admiring the decor." She replied quickly. The mare paused and narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me but I must ask who made your dress." Sharp Shooter paused and shrugged. "Not sure a friend of mine gave it to me." "Well its rather elegant but its a bit too ruffled for my liking and the seams aren't straight and..." The mare continued to rant. Sharp Shooter stared at her before the mare noticed and stopped. "Oh my apologies, you could say I have an eye for these sort of things." "I can tell." It was then that Sharp Shooters earpiece beeped and James voice came through. "Were out of time, He's isolated I'm taking my shot." Sharp Shooters head shot up seeing Golden over by a large window a glass of wine held in his magic. Knowing the angle of James shot it should piece his skull and...the Chandelier! "Wait!" she said and the mare raised an eyebrow. "Wait? What are you..." The mare never finished as the window shattered followed by a splatter of red as the bullet hit its mark. Well not quite, James shot was off. Golden stumbled and blood dripped from his cheek. There was a crack and a loud snap James bullet struck the chain and the large light began to fall. Cinder Brick never cared for civilian casualties, merely collateral damage. Sharp Shooter did care. Sharp Shooter prepared her magic, but there was no way she could stop it in time. Blue magic enveloped the oversized light and it halted its decent long enough for the ponies underneath to move out of its way. Sharp Shooter glanced to her right as the white unicorns horn glowed blue as she held her gaze on the chandelier. She let it fall and panic ensued shortly after. She stared at the mare wide eyed. "How did you..?" "It wouldn't be the first time I've saved ponies from danger Darling." She replied with a small smirk. "Right, Thanks I have to go." Sharp Shooter left the mare and ran out the door into the street. James voice came through her ear again. "SHIT, I missed he's making a run for it." "How did you mess up a shot like that?" "Some dumb pegasus got in my way, had to chance it." "I'm going after him." Sharp said and threw her dress off and galloped down the street after the fleeing unicorn. She followed him to a small park where she blasted him off his hooves. Under her dress she wore her black suit which hid her body from anyone nearby. She didn't have time to pull on the mask. So she cornered him around the back of a building. Golden turned and blasted back knocking her down. Sharp Shooter struggled to stand back up as he blasted her again. "What don't think a unicorn like myself can defend himself from the likes of you!" A blast of magic struck the ground as Sharp Shooter moved just in time. "I've delt with your kind before." Sharp Shooter then heard a low somewhat metallic voice reply. "What about my kind?" Sharp Shooter glanced over in time to see Goldens head get twisted almost 180 degrees as his neck was broken followed by a thump as his body hit the ground. A looming figure stood over her. Tall and imposing as it stared down at her. "Lets go." The figure says reaching out to her. "James?" Sharp asks. "Later." He says lifting her onto his back and running away cloaking himself in the shadows before getting back to her apartment. None of them noticed the subtle flash in the darkness. -One Week Later- Shining Star rubbed his temples as he scanned over the pictures on his desk of a large figure clad in black armor of some sort. He looked across his desk to acknowledge his visitor. "Any ideas at what this thing could be?" Star asks the dragon in the room. "Could be a dragon under all that armor." Spike replies. "Maybe, but we need more evidence." "I'll call the detective. Ivory Eye." "Thank you Spike, we need to find out who this is and fast." Interlude 1: Free FallCloudsdale a wonderful place for all the pegasi in equestria, full of the ritch and famous and the home of the Wonderbolts. However all was not glitz, glamor and ritches as two pegasi were about to find that out. Sorin finished stuffing his saddlebags full of what belongings he could. His last straw had been drawn and there was no going back now. "Sorin!" came a voice from outside the door. Sorin winced. "I thought I told you to leave me alone!" he shouted back. He zipped the bags shut and threw them on. He opened the door to the tear streaked face of the mare who broke his heart. Seeing his captain like this, seeing Spitfire like this tore him up inside but he could'nt regret this desition now. "Sorin...I didn't-" she was cut off abruptly by a crying foal. She sighed and walked over to the crib. "Shh Free. Not now." As she tended to the foal Sorin took the oppotunity to grab a few more things. He glanced over at his uniform. No that Sorin is gone. He grabed a small case from under the bed and slung it on his back. Spitfire turned back to him her eyes still red with long lost tears. "Sorin, I'm sorry...for everything." He rolled his eyes. "Sure you are." he replied letting his sarcasm show. This set her off. "Don't you play that card now! Your just as responsible!" "OH I Am! Funny that never occured to you when we made the biggest mistake of our lives." Spitfire recoiled the hurt in her eyes evident. "Well I'm done making mistakes. The wonderbolts will have to make do with a captain full of regrets." "What should I tell the others?" "Tell them I left. Simple. I need a better life for myself and I wont find it here." He took a step out the door and let it shut behind him. He glanced over the edge of a cloud at Equestria far below. He smiled ruefully and chuckled. He walked off the cloud and let himself fall. He smiled whistfully. I'm free.
One way trip (Re-EDITED)The elevator rose to the 25th floor as the door opened to the, somewhat bland, hallway. The building itself was inside a walled area surrounded by armed guards 24/8 and was also guarded inside by 3 separate AI constructs. However, the man in the elevator could care less about these things. He strode down the hallway with purpose as a man on a mission. Although he was just an informant for the pentagon, he carried a 9mm pistol in the inside of his coat. When the man had arrived at his destination, he knocked 3 times on the office door at the far end. The doorplate read 'Monroe'. "James! You in there?" he called. No reply. “James, it’s Matthew! We need to talk!” Still no response. Matthew sighed. "Im coming in." He opened the door to the lavishly decorated office. Some elegant paintings hung on the walls while the solid oak desk supported a trio of monitors. A towering locker stood in one corner (likely with more storage than necessary for a man of James’ position) while a large window filled out the back wall behind James’ desk. His chair was facing this window.” When Matthew entered the room, the chair spun to face him. However, the person in the chair was not who he was expecting. "Shawn?" "Del Ray," Shawn replied calmly. Mathew Del Ray shifted his weight a bit and adjusted his coat. "Ahem, Shawn, I'm looking for James. Is he here?" "No, he isn't,” Shawn replied. “What is it you need from him?" "I need his response to the newest threat." "Which is?" Ah yes, go ahead, feign ignorance! Not like I have any better things to do than answer stupid questions while more urgent things are at hand! "What is he doing about the rifts. You know, the ones, if I remember (and perhaps, not you), that were caused by the disastrous Worlds Apart portal built by Alex, who, by the way, hasn't been seen in 3 years?" "Alex wasn't in the best place when he built that thing,” Shawn admitted calmly. “It has been… tinkered with, to be safer. But we haven't powered it. We still need to deal with the rifts it created. As for James, he's currently dealing with one of them." "So where is this rift?" Matthew asked. A long, barren, desert road lay quiet disturbed only by the occasional tumbleweed or scuttling insect. In the distance, a low roar filled the air and the ground shook as the approaching vehicle sped down the road at speeds much faster than intended. This 1966 Ford Fairlane GT had only one passenger, its driver. I, James Monroe, had the radio blasting a song I know all too well (perhaps I should branch out? Nah). I belted along to Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen as I sped down the dusty road. “Oh-oh, Thunder Road!!! Sit tight, take hold, ThUnDeR rOoOoOaAaD!!!!!!!!!” And then my jam session was rudely interrupted as a different voice muted the radio. "Sir, We are approaching the destination," O.W.E.N said. OWEN is my personal AI. He helps with everything in and around E.C.O. "ETA?" "10 minutes," he replied. I pushed the pedal to the floor, “Make that 10 seconds sir…” and then slammed the brakes upon reaching my destination. I got out of the car and saw exactly what I came for: A literal rip in space-time the size of Bruce Springsteen’s biceps (okay, maybe it was bigger, but still). One of the side effects of project Worlds Apart was that rifts in the space-time continuum would spontaneously form. Luckily, they could be contained quickly. I opened the trunk and pulled out a small portable containment field generator (a necessity in every space-rift-closer’s toolbox). Alex, you have overdone yourself with these! What a shame you’ve gone missing without a trace. Wonder what happened… I adjusted my faded military jacket and deployed the containment field. At first, it was working just fine. The rift began to dissipate and shrink until it was the size of a peanut. But, just as it was almost closed, the rift grew and become unstable. I grabbed the car to hold myself down only to discover that it was being sucked in too. Ah shit… I got in and pulled the hand brake to try and keep it in place to no avail. As soon the car and myself were sucked in, everything went dark and I couldn’t feel a thing. I don’t know what’s just happened, but I get the feeling I’m about to find out. Now to just wake up… Author's Note Re-edited by my amazing editor Majestic_Donut She helped out my wriiting so much on this first chapter so enjoy the NEWLY EDITED Chapter one of Stuck in Equestria. -Knight
Welcome to Manehatten (Edited)I awoke slowly, head spinning, and there was red liquid on the dash. Shit, that better not be mine. I felt my head and found the same red liquid. Yep, that’s my blood… shit, I must have hit my head… I looked around and realized my sixties muscle car nose down in a river bank. Damn it! I just had the paint job fixed… I glanced around a moment more and then sighed. The car had stopped running, so that meant it was dead. I decided now was as good a time as any to actually get my rear out of the car and look for civilization (and maybe an aspirin). In the distance, a large city loomed, while on the other side there was a large ocean. -sigh- Better start walking. I reached inside the car and opened the backup computer since O.W.E.N. wasn’t responding. "Computer, activate the flex shield." As confirmation, a low hum filled my ears. The shield wasn’t gonna hold for as long as it would have before the crash, but I knew it would hold for the time being. I grabbed my guitar and other essentials before walking toward the city. However, as soon as I entered the city, I noticed something really, REALLY weird... Ponies. Lots of them. Everywhere. Mingling and walking around as humans would do. Then someone screamed and I found a mare pointing a shaking hoof at me. Crap. I immediately threw up my hands in surrender. "I mean you no harm," I shouted getting on my knees. Please don’t call the Calvary on me… Then, a pony clad in golden armor walked over. Damn it… "I just need to know where I am! I’m a traveler from Las Vegas." The soldier stared at me for a moment. "I don't know what you are but...Welcome to Manehatten." "Manehatten..." I said wondering if that was a play on the name Manhatten. "What is the name of this country?" "Equis." "President?" "Um, we have Princesses. Celestia and Luna." I was about to ask another question when suddenly, there was a splash of red liquid and an arrow in the guard's neck. I stood and turned towards where the arrow had come from. Atop a building, a shadow vanished from view. A few more guards appeared a moment later. "Still Warrior! -checks pulse- He’s dead…” Oh snap, James thought, I hope they don’t think I did this… “We need to inform the captain." "What do we tell him?" one asked. I smiled. "Tell him I'm in pursuit." I jumped to the top of the building and took off after the murderer. "STOP!" I called. But they kept going. I tapped into my elemental powers and everything slowed down. Welp, as long as I’ve got the time, I guess I’ll just take a quick look around. I mean, sure, I could catch this idiot now, but… where’s the fun in that? He’s not going anywhere fast… well, actually, he’s galloping as fast as his legs will carry him… but that’s irrelevant compared to my super speed. So I took a “quick” look around. First I noticed this castle-looking building made of crystals. "It wasn't as big as a typical castle, but it's still probably the largest building in this entire town." I noticed several other ponies just going about life in slow motion. A pony was selling something that looked like apple beer, but the sign said apple cider. Sure, whatever you say. Then I saw a mare who seemed to be sitting in a very familiar to me way… Why is she sitting like a human? As I continued to watch these normal ponies going about their normal lives, something dawned on me. You know, everyone here has something I don’t… a choice. A Normal life. A chance to just live and not worry about things like good or evil or even rifts in the space-time continuum sucking them into another dimension!!!"… or having to catch MuRdErErS!!!!! That’s when I noticed that the stallion was still very slowly running away. Oh yeah, still gotta catch that guy… Have you ever seen one of those football slow replays of an epic touchdown? The quarterback is running to keep up with the ball, he leaps for the end, catches the ball, and slams down into the ultimate touchdown! THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!!! Well yeah, catching the stallion was kind of like that… except he’s the ball, there’s no crowd cheering your name, and upon touchdown I put the knife from my cybernetic arm to his throat. "Who hired you!" I asked. "I'll never talk!" the gruff stallion replied. “Are you so sure? I have my ways of making people talk.” James retorted. “But I’m a- woah!” At that moment, James hoisted the nameless stallion up by the mane and precariously dangled him over the edge of the 10 story building. "Tell. Me. NOW." James shouted spewing a few drops of spit and shaking the body while we’re at it. "I can tell you." what the jfksbejdn?!?!? I almost dropped the stallion. No one sneaks up on me that easily! I glanced over to spy a purple mare with a messy blue mane and a horn peeking through it. A unicorn. I realized, my mythology knowledge coming back to me. "You can put him down. He's just a small time compared to the Big Stallion," she said. "I'm Sharp Shooter. Best shot in Manehatten." Sharp said with a cocky arrogance in her tone. I set the other pony down and he made a break for it. The mare had my full attention. "Go on." I encouraged. "I used to work for him, but I’ll never sell him out to… whatever you are." "A human." I stated plainly. Somewhere in the distance, I think I heard another mare shout something like “I TOLD YOU THEY WERE REAL!!!” but I don’t know what that was about… “You got a name, human?” Sharp asked. "Monroe, James Monroe." now would’ve been a good time to have the last name Bond… Sharp Shooter stared at me for a moment. "James huh? Alright, James, the crime boss around here is very elusive. However, all you need to know is he is don’t mess with him, or you’ll get killed." "Seems like he just sends lackeys like you to do his dirty work." She opened her mouth to say something, but then she froze for a moment. "Not something I'm proud of," she mumbled just enough that I could hear. "Let’s go somewhere more conversational shall we?" she offered. We both sat in a small bar at a table near the back. “The BS-“ “Wait a minute,” James interrupted, “did you just call him bs?” “Yes, and it suits him well because I want him dead. Very dead.” Sharp Shooter replied. “Is there any way I can help?” I asked. “Hmm, I’ll think about it…” Sharp answered. “In my line of work, that usually means no.” Then I saw a mic stand on the stage vacant. I grabbed my guitar and walked up. Moving it up to my height I gave a test strum of my guitar and then took a breath and began to sing. “You know I want to help.” “What is he doing?” Sharp asked to no one in particular. “It’s not a secret I try to hide.” Insert dramatic strum here. “I know you want me. So don’t keep saying ‘I’ll think about it’!” Bum da da dum “You think I must be insane, to think that I could ever be good and help and be trustworthy. But I’m here and I’m fast, so don’t keep me waiting for looonger than one minute thirtyyyyyyy!” “What are you doing?!” Sharp asked. “How can we kiiiiiill theeeee big boss! With a bit of heeeeelp frooom me. There’s no way that ooouuur plaaan could fail, that is, if we-ee had a plan.” We do still need a plan… “It’s up to you, and it’s up to me, and no one can tell us that we’re craaaazy. So how can heeeelp you kiiill the big boooss? Just leeeet me help you kill Big Boss. TONIGHT!!!” Bwaaa daaa da, bwaaa daaa daaaaaa… BIG STRUM FINISH!!!! Once I had finished I walked back over to the table. She had her mouth open as did all the other patrons. "That was..." "Amazing?" I offered. "One of my many talents." "You spoil yourself," she remarked. "I know but back to business. I don't have a place to stay." Yet another lack of planning… though you can’t really plan for getting sucked into an inter-dimensional portal… "You can crash at my place if you want." "Nice. Lead the way." Together we walked off into the fading afternoon. Author's Note Hey everyone this story has spent a lot of time on paper and I am just now putting it out there with a LOT of revisions to the OG. I wanted to try and make this better but with a lack of an editor (For Now), I have to be creative and have been using Grammarly since it served me well in the past. So please comment and leave your feedback it all helps. Thanks -Knight
The Assassins Apartment (edited)I walked up the three flights of stairs, down the hall, and to the room Sharp had stopped by. "Here we are! My humble abode..." she announced. She pushed the door open with the tip of her crossbow and stepped inside. I stood outside and drew the Colt revolver from the holster inside my jacket—the revolver Williams had given me. "For luck, may it serve you well." I armed the revolver and followed Sharp Shooter inside. The apartment was nothing too impressive... It was your standard living quarters with a small living area, a kitchen, two separate rooms, a bathroom, and a bedroom. However, this one had a balcony. I moved over to the balcony, pushed the door open, surveyed the area for potential threats lurking in the many dark corners, and then, satisfied, I announced, "Clear!" (an old habit) before closing the door. I turned again to find Sharp Shooter on the couch, setting her crossbow on a small table. "What's that?" she asked, gesturing to the gun at my side. "It's kind of like your crossbow but louder and more deadly." Her eyebrows shot up at this. "Sweet." Sharp admired. I put the Colt back in its holster and grabbed my luggage from outside. One item was an ebony black case, long and slick. I opened both latches and then the case. I smirked at what lay inside. The black SKS Rifle lay slightly disassembled just as I left it. I lifted it out of the case and put the scope and stand on, then cocked it back, loading a fresh magazine. I leveled it at a crudely made target on the wall. I took a breath, lined up my shot, and pulled. The bang of the rifle shook everything on the walls while the bullet went through the target and then the outside wall. Sharp Shooter was staring at me, stars in her eyes. I grinned back at her and set the SKS down. "That was the power of American Firearms." "That was so loud but so awesome!" she exclaimed. "Well, I didn't have the silencer on, so it would have been quieter, but it kills the bullet punch," I said with a shrug. "How many of those do you have?" "Just the two. The Colt and the SKS." I lied. I was not about to tell her about the extra sidearm in my suitcase. I glanced out the window at the setting sun. "So, you want me to sleep on the couch or..." I trailed off and I watched her saunter off into the bedroom. "You know, I don't mind if you sleep with me," she said in a tone that made me uncomfortable. "I really don't think..." My reply was cut short as her horn lit up, and her magic grabbed me. Welp, I guess this is happening... I thought to myself as she pulled me into the bedroom. She set me down and went to the bathroom, and I stripped off my Jacket, leaving a plain white tee and some faded jeans. Sharp Shooter came back and settled into bed. I took a moment to sit on the edge of the bed. I removed the black glove on my right hand, watching the fading sunlight reflect on the silvery metal that made up my appendage. I clenched my hand into a fist and then put the glove back on. I turned to Sharp Shooter, who lay facing me with one eye cracked open, which she closed when I looked over. I climbed into bed and turned away from her. "Good night, James." "Good night, Sharps." "Sharps? Pet names so soon?" "It's just easier to say than your full name." "Alright, whatever you say, James." With that, I shut my eyes and soon after drifted off.
Truth and LiesI awoke and decided to set two things into motion. 1, Find a way to reach O.W.E.N so he can help me out. 2, Find a way to 'possibly' get the Fairlane working. Thankfully both of the things I would need resided currently in a small river bed. I unzipped my bag and pulled out the third firearm I had brought an almost futuristic hand cannon called The Executor. I pulled down the weathered grip opening the breach. Inside was one round, the max the weapon could hold and fire. There in lies the genius of the gun. It only needed one round. I strapped the holster and set the sleek gun inside smirking as then I realized that if anything tried to stop me, they wouldn't get very far. I stepped out into the kitchen/living room to see Sharp Shooter sitting on the couch fiddling with her crossbow. On the coffee table sat the SKS fully assembled and ready to use. "Nice job putting the rifle together," I commented lifting it and staring down the sights. "It wasn't too hard..." She set the crossbow down, I noticed a slight blush on her cheeks. "...I didn't think it would be right, you made it look so easy." I hefted the rifle, pulled the slide back, and pulled the trigger... nothing but a loud click. I was reminded then of a youtuber who would insert a "You got jammed." clip at something like this. I glanced over at Sharp Shooter. "It Jammed, not too bad but something to watch out for." I set the rifle back on the table. "I'm going out for a while but i'll be back in due time," I said walking out onto the balcony "What for?" she asked walking over and standing next to me as I stared out over the city. "I have arrangments." "Arrangements that require a large firearm." "Possibly." The trek back to the Fairlane wasn't too hard and I reached it in half the time than I had previously thought. I opened the driver's door removed the black lining around the shifter and then removed the metal between the two seats, under the sheet metal was a small black box with the letters. O.W.E.N. in blue on it. I carefully removed the box and set it on the seat. Opening a small panel on the back I removed a small chip. I then grabbed the one other item I had brought with me. Two black rings, I slipped them on my wrists. Then I took an earpiece and connected it to the chip. There was a slight crackle and then. "Ah good morning sir, nice to see you're still alive." "Did you ever doubt me?" I asked. "No Sir." "Alright O.W.E.N I need you to do a full scan of the car. See what needs to be fixed. "It seems sir that a few small things like body work are slightly damaged however the biggest problem I found was the radiator damage from the landing and we may have a piston or two missing." "How the hell did that happen? Shawn's block isn't cracked is it." "Negative sir the engine block is not damaged, there are minor parts that need to be rebuilt." "Great, Where am I going to find a way to repair it.." I trailed off and remembered that Sharp Shooter and I had passed a Blacksmith shop earlier. "A blacksmith could reforge the pistons I need." I gathered my things and made my way back into town and to the blacksmith. A sign read "Blacksmith Owner and Smith: Sky" I knocked on the door and waited. The door opened to reveal a teal blue pegasus with a long blue mane adorned with white streaks. The one notable thing about the pegaus was the gold necklace they wore. The pennant at the end was a sword. The pegasus gazed up at me with skeptical purple eyes. "Can I help you?" they asked the male pegasus. "Um...yes." I was taken by surprise by the voice since their appearance suggested they were of the opposite gender. "I was hoping you could help me reforge some items." "Come inside then," Sky said. I followed him inside to your average blacksmith shop. Swords and other weapons hung on the walls. Shields adorned another wall behind the counter. Sky smiled and their eyes went wide when I set the cracked piston on the counter. "h-how!?" they stammered and they picked up the piston examining it. "Shawn made these how did...?" They turned back to me. "I can help you remake these. How many do you need?" "Two." "TWO!" they paused. "I um, of course." They turned away from the counter and began to fill out a piece of parchment with a quill. The whole time humming a song I knew...a song a pony souldn't have known. They turned around and froze because now I had the Executor aimed right at their head. "Who. Are You." I demanded as I clicked the safety off. "Now..we can talk about this." "That song you were humming it was "How to save a life" by "The Fray" how do you know that." Sky paled, and I tightened my grip on the ribbed handle of the hand cannon. "I...um...let me explain." "You go two minutes fill it with words." The pegasus sighed and grasped the necklace and broke the chain and with a flash of golden light a brilliant golden broadsword was at their side. The sign of a wielder of the hero's power. "That's not possible." I dropped the Executor and stared not believing what I saw. "Hello, James.. It's me," Alex said smiling.
Soar HighAuthor's Note Taking a break from James for a bit but well go back to him soon. Soar High Sorin sighed finding himself once again in a bar. Country music of some kind played on a record somewhere off in a corner. Sorin tipped the barpony for a drink and got up to leave, on his way out he spotted a poster for an open mic. 1st prize was 100 bits. Huh, not bad. He thought for a moment, Well I am out of a job, Why the hell not. He tore a slip off the bottom and walked back to his small apartment. At some point, he heard a knock on his door. What the- his thought was cut short as his door burst open and a small object landed at his hooves. It started spewing smoke so he kicked it under his mattress. Coughing and finding it hard to breathe Sorin made his way to the door. Once he reached it something akin to a brick wall hit him in the back. Sorin spun around to find a burly pony clad in all black obscuring their features. "Been looking for you for a long time now." the pony said. "Now time to take out the trash." Sorin grits his teeth and kicks the pony in their fetlock causing the assassin to go down. He dived back into his room and searched around for something through the smoke that still lingered. Where is it? His hoof connected with the case latch after a moment. Yes! He opened the case and retrieved what lay inside. Inside was what looked like a wing brace but it was anything but, rather it was a very innovative weapon. Concealed blades that any pegasus can wear for self-defense. Sorin strapped on his quickly and turned back to face his attacker. The smoke stung his eyes but he could see the pony's shape regardless. He opened the wingblades fully and dove toward the pony that dared to attack him. He slid past the pony into the hallway but he felt the blades connect before his head connected with the wall. Ow.... Sorin rubbed his sore head before standing and bolting down the hallway. He busts into the stairwell and runs down to the lobby floor only to encounter a second black-clad pony holding a crossbow out before them. Sorin brought up the blade quickly as they fanned out to form a shield to block the bolt. He heard it clang against the metal and then sideswiped the pony knocking them aside. He propelled himself into the sky once outside and as far away from the apartment building as he could. What the hell! Wouldn't Spitfire be a bigger target? Well she does have security for this reason. Not that she cares for me anyhow. Sorin sighed as he once again found himself in a bar. The bar gave him deja vu. He was here for the open mic. A small crappy-looking stage had been set up for the performers He sat backstage with a few others. He spotted a peculiar creature. He was tall and he was making all the news recently. He was holding a guitar in one hand and was sitting by a drumset seemingly unsure of which to use. Sorin approached carefully. "Need some help?" he asked "I could, yes. Can you play an acoustic?" "Yes I'm no pro but I'm okay." "Good. Can you sing?" "Now that I can do pretty well. I have been told I have pretty good pipes." "Alright, I have a song we can do if you're willing to duet. We can share the winnings." "That's fine. Let's do this." The man stretched out his hand. "James Monroe." Sorin returned it with his hoof. "Sorin." "Alright, Sorin. Let's rock."
The ReasonI lowered the gun letting it drop to my side. "But how?" I stuttered trying to make sense of the situation I had brought upon myself. Sky smiled and set the gleaming blade aside. "It's a long story, you might want to sit down." After a long explanation Sky finished his story. "So let me get this straight. You got shot through space-time by a fragmentation grenade and ended up here and got saved by a spirit of chaos?" I asked almost dumfounded. "Yeah, Discord was essential to my survival. Without him we wouldn't be taking." The room grew quiet for a moment before Sky stood. "Come on, I want to show you something." Sky led me to a back room where there was a workbench with some tools scattered on the top. They shoved them to this side and opened the top of the bench as the tools clattered to the floor. Sky pulled out a large roll of parchment. They spread it out on the bench and set two hammers on each end that they recovered from the floor. For the second time I was speechless. I was staring at the blueprints for Project Worlds Apart. "No way. It's here!" "Not here as in here. It's at my shop in Ponyville." I stood staring at the blueprints. "This is great we have a shot at going home!" "You have a shot at going home. Sky corrected. I glanced at him. "You don't want to come with?" "Listen James even if we do get that thing up and running there's no guarantee it will hold for two people, and besides," Sky glanced out a window at the street growing darker as night approached. "I've grown attached to this place." I sighed. "Alright but once I get Worlds Apart working I'm out of here." I turned to walk out of the shop and saw a open mic poster on a lamp post. Lets see if I still got it. Upon arriving I found myself torn between the drums or the guitar. Both I could play but which do I choose. That's when I met him. He was a pegasus a very light blue almost white coat, with a spiky blue mane and matching tail. He walked in and I saw something in him. He had potential. I approached him. "Hey there." "Hey, Names Sorin," "James. Can you play?" "Yeah." "Can you sing?" "Sure" "Cool, Alright Sorin, Lets rock!" I showed Sorin the ropes of what song I wanted to play while we waited for the others to go first. "I think were ready to do this." Sorin commented after we finished the song for the third time. "Once more were not quite in tune yet." I replied. "You say that like you've done this before." "I have." "Okay Once more." When our turn came I stepped up to the drum set while Sorin tuned the guitar. I spotted Sharp Shooter in the back of the room talking with a pony in a black cloak, the pony quickly exited after glancing at me. I caught a glimpse of a hazel eye under the hood. I brushed it off for now I would ask her about it later. I turned to Sorin who nodded, I began to tap out the melody before Sorin began the guitar and shortly after he sang. "I'm not a perfect pony, There's many things I wish I didn't do, but I continue learning, I never meant to do those things to you, so I just have to say before I go." The music swelled as he strummed the guitar. "That I just want you to know! I found a Reason for me! To change who I used to be. A Reason to start over new, and the Reason is you." As Sorin sang I sat back at the drums in awe, he was perfect how had he not done this before. I joined him on the second verse since my voice was lower than his my voice blended quite well. "I'm sorry that I hurt you." I could join him on the high notes as my voice wasn't as deep to not hit them. "And the REASON IS YOU!!!" We both hit the line at the same time harmonizing in a way we hadn't in practice. I fell back focusing on the drums letting Sorin take the song. Once he was done the crowd was quiet even Sharp Shooters jaw was practically on the floor. Sorin let out a nervous chuckle. I leaned into the mic. "Maybe you aren't ready for that one yet, but your foals are going to love it." I said quoting one of my favorite movies. Slowly a steady clap rose and grew as we exited the stage. I bought Sorin a drink later congratulating him. "You absolutely crushed it!" "Nah I can't take all the credit." he said smiling at me. "So..." Sharp Shooter came trotting over. "How did the famous Wonderbolt end up here?" Sorin's face fell at this. "I quit. Its a long story, for another time." Silence fell over the table. I took this moment to lean over to Sharp Shooter. "Who was that pony you were chatting up before the show?" I asked my gaze fixed on her. "Just my informant. Helping me undermine Cinder by cutting down his best assassins." She replied coolly. I nodded and took another sip of my drink. -Ponyville- "SPIKE!" Twilight cried in joy embracing her #1 assistant, former #1 assistant. He was taller now with muscles rippling under his scales. His body was covered in scars old and new. Shiny silver armor adorns most of his body. A scabbard adorned with her colors and her cutie mark was slung at his waist. In many was Twilight was different but she was a princess after all. "Hello Twi, how have you been?" Spike asked. Gone was his younger voice replaced by a lower tone but it was still Spike. "I've been great Spike. Did my brother train you well?" "I think the scars prove he didn't go easy. Oh right." Spike froze on the spot and stood ramrod straight saluting to the Princess. Twilight giggled. "You don't have to salute to me Spike. Were friends." "Force of habit around my superiors." "Twilight was is taking you...."a new voice said as the owner rounded a corner. Spike stared at them he hand going for his sword by instinct. He looked at Twilight and then the other pony. "You have GOT to be kidding me." Author's Note Read my brothers story Skyfall for Sky's origins
The Black KnightJames kneeled on the roof of Sharp Shooters apartment building, he pulled out the SKS and looked down the scope, in a tall building about a 40 yards away there was a party going on. James could care less who it was for or why but he had his eyes on one pony in particular. Golden Goblet a older, wealthy unicorn that cornered the market on a gold mine a few years back. James spotted him on the third floor talking with some guests. Of course as with most wealthy nobles he had a past rooted in crime and dark dealings. Now James waits. Sharp Shooter moved through the crowd her gown flowing behind her almost getting stepped on a few times. She hated long dresses and such. Too cumbersome. She couldn't bring her crossbow inside as it couldn't be concealed, so she had James Lucky Knife as he called it strapped to her leg. Easy to hide under a long gown like the one she wore. She spotted old Golden talking with a white unicorn with a elegant purple mane. She got closer to them. "-have to indulge me another time Miss, I'm a very busy Stallion." Golden said with a smile. The unicorn frowned slightly but a smile snapped back to her face in a second. "Oh of course, I understand perfectly Darling." "I mean what would people think seeing me in a drab little town like that." Golden replied his laugh causing the mares eye to twitch her smile becoming more forced. "I see, well I should be going a pleasure speaking with you." The mare said rather hastily as she removed herself from the old unicorns presence. She moved over by the table Sharp Shooter was near and grabbed a glass downing it in one sip. "The nerve of that old..." The mare stopped and Sharp realized that she was looking at her. Horse Apples "Um Miss, did you need something?" the mare asked. "Ah No, I was just admiring the decor." She replied quickly. The mare paused and narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me but I must ask who made your dress." Sharp Shooter paused and shrugged. "Not sure a friend of mine gave it to me." "Well its rather elegant but its a bit too ruffled for my liking and the seams aren't straight and..." The mare continued to rant. Sharp Shooter stared at her before the mare noticed and stopped. "Oh my apologies, you could say I have an eye for these sort of things." "I can tell." It was then that Sharp Shooters earpiece beeped and James voice came through. "Were out of time, He's isolated I'm taking my shot." Sharp Shooters head shot up seeing Golden over by a large window a glass of wine held in his magic. Knowing the angle of James shot it should piece his skull and...the Chandelier! "Wait!" she said and the mare raised an eyebrow. "Wait? What are you..." The mare never finished as the window shattered followed by a splatter of red as the bullet hit its mark. Well not quite, James shot was off. Golden stumbled and blood dripped from his cheek. There was a crack and a loud snap James bullet struck the chain and the large light began to fall. Cinder Brick never cared for civilian casualties, merely collateral damage. Sharp Shooter did care. Sharp Shooter prepared her magic, but there was no way she could stop it in time. Blue magic enveloped the oversized light and it halted its decent long enough for the ponies underneath to move out of its way. Sharp Shooter glanced to her right as the white unicorns horn glowed blue as she held her gaze on the chandelier. She let it fall and panic ensued shortly after. She stared at the mare wide eyed. "How did you..?" "It wouldn't be the first time I've saved ponies from danger Darling." She replied with a small smirk. "Right, Thanks I have to go." Sharp Shooter left the mare and ran out the door into the street. James voice came through her ear again. "SHIT, I missed he's making a run for it." "How did you mess up a shot like that?" "Some dumb pegasus got in my way, had to chance it." "I'm going after him." Sharp said and threw her dress off and galloped down the street after the fleeing unicorn. She followed him to a small park where she blasted him off his hooves. Under her dress she wore her black suit which hid her body from anyone nearby. She didn't have time to pull on the mask. So she cornered him around the back of a building. Golden turned and blasted back knocking her down. Sharp Shooter struggled to stand back up as he blasted her again. "What don't think a unicorn like myself can defend himself from the likes of you!" A blast of magic struck the ground as Sharp Shooter moved just in time. "I've delt with your kind before." Sharp Shooter then heard a low somewhat metallic voice reply. "What about my kind?" Sharp Shooter glanced over in time to see Goldens head get twisted almost 180 degrees as his neck was broken followed by a thump as his body hit the ground. A looming figure stood over her. Tall and imposing as it stared down at her. "Lets go." The figure says reaching out to her. "James?" Sharp asks. "Later." He says lifting her onto his back and running away cloaking himself in the shadows before getting back to her apartment. None of them noticed the subtle flash in the darkness. -One Week Later- Shining Star rubbed his temples as he scanned over the pictures on his desk of a large figure clad in black armor of some sort. He looked across his desk to acknowledge his visitor. "Any ideas at what this thing could be?" Star asks the dragon in the room. "Could be a dragon under all that armor." Spike replies. "Maybe, but we need more evidence." "I'll call the detective. Ivory Eye." "Thank you Spike, we need to find out who this is and fast."
Interlude 1: Free FallCloudsdale a wonderful place for all the pegasi in equestria, full of the ritch and famous and the home of the Wonderbolts. However all was not glitz, glamor and ritches as two pegasi were about to find that out. Sorin finished stuffing his saddlebags full of what belongings he could. His last straw had been drawn and there was no going back now. "Sorin!" came a voice from outside the door. Sorin winced. "I thought I told you to leave me alone!" he shouted back. He zipped the bags shut and threw them on. He opened the door to the tear streaked face of the mare who broke his heart. Seeing his captain like this, seeing Spitfire like this tore him up inside but he could'nt regret this desition now. "Sorin...I didn't-" she was cut off abruptly by a crying foal. She sighed and walked over to the crib. "Shh Free. Not now." As she tended to the foal Sorin took the oppotunity to grab a few more things. He glanced over at his uniform. No that Sorin is gone. He grabed a small case from under the bed and slung it on his back. Spitfire turned back to him her eyes still red with long lost tears. "Sorin, I'm sorry...for everything." He rolled his eyes. "Sure you are." he replied letting his sarcasm show. This set her off. "Don't you play that card now! Your just as responsible!" "OH I Am! Funny that never occured to you when we made the biggest mistake of our lives." Spitfire recoiled the hurt in her eyes evident. "Well I'm done making mistakes. The wonderbolts will have to make do with a captain full of regrets." "What should I tell the others?" "Tell them I left. Simple. I need a better life for myself and I wont find it here." He took a step out the door and let it shut behind him. He glanced over the edge of a cloud at Equestria far below. He smiled ruefully and chuckled. He walked off the cloud and let himself fall. He smiled whistfully. I'm free.
