Author's note: if you find any mistakes, please tell me. This is my first fic, and was made 100% on an iPhone 3GS. Enjoy the story!
Alex Johnson, a United States Marine, had just woke from a great sleep. He sat up and stretched out, strangely, still in all his gear. He opened his eyes to an unfamiliar sight. Instead of the normal rows of bunks with other marines, he looked around and saw the inside of a barn. Buckets everywhere, as well as the hay he was laying on. He heard voices outside, but didn't recognize them. Sounded like three little girls. One with a thick southern accent. He looked around and saw his M16 buried in the hay. His M9 on his hip.
The voices were coming closer, he had no idea what to do. Should he hide? Should he go out and ask where he is or how he got there? He decided to hide, he picked up his M16 and ran to a dark corner, right as the doors busted open.
"So what are we going to try and do today?" Said the one with the southern accent. He named her Alpha for now.
"I don't know, we haven't gone into the forest in a while? Maybe there's something we could do in there!" Replied the second. He named her Bravo.
"Are you crazy! We almost die every time we go there!" Said the third. Charlie would be her name.
"Yeah, but AJ and Big Mac are out on the farm getting it ready for apple season." Said Alpha.
"Rainbow Dash has cloud duty today, and Fluttershy's out with the critters." Said Bravo.
Johnson thought to himself, what kind of names were "Rainbow Dash" and "Fluttershy?" He stood in silence in the corner for about five minutes, listening in on the situation, trying to find where he was. His train of thought came to a crashing halt when one of the voices pointed something out.
Alpha said, with a curious tone "Hey! What's that over there in the hay? It's looks like somethin's been layin' in it. And what's that there?"
Johnson looked past the door just enough to see what he left. The magazine to his M9. He quickly retreated back to the corner.
"What is it?" Bravo asked.
"I don't know Scootaloo, I've never seen anything like it!" Said Charlie.
"So Bravo's name is Scootaloo? What the hell is up with these names?" Johnson mumbled to himself.
"It looks metal, but I don't remember Rarity using anything like this on her dresses." Charlie added.
"What do you think it is Applebloom?"
"Awesome, I've got Alpha and Bravo's names, just gotta get Charlie." Johnson said to himself.
"Shhhhhhh! Did you hear that?" Scootaloo asked.
"Scootaloo, you're crazy." Said Charlie.
"No Sweetie belle I swear! It was over there!" Scootaloo said.
Johnson started to sweat. He now knew the names of the three girls, but they heard him talking to himself.
"Really? Why don't you show me what it is then?" Sweetie Belle said.
"Would you two stop arguin'?" Said Applebloom
"Just wait, I gotta prove something." Said Scootaloo
Johnson positioned his rifle into its natural position in his shoulder, ready for anything.
"It came from behind the door!" Scootaloo said as she threw the door open.
Johnson dropped to a knee and pulled the gun up, looking down the sights. What was seen by both the marine and the ponies, was shocking.
Their eyes were locked on each other for almost ten minutes. Neither spoke during that time, just watching each other, trying to figure out what was going on. Eventually, Scootaloo stepped forward and decided she needed to break the silence.
"Ummm... What... what exactly... are you?" She asked
"I am a United States Marine, my name is Alex Johnson. Where am I?" Johnson replied.
"In Ponyville, well, the farm near Ponyville, but we are really in Equestria." Scootaloo said.
"You've got to be joking? Is this some kind of prank?" Johnson asked, while rising up and lowering his weapon. "Alright guys, that was funny, really had me goin' there, I was sweatin' like a whore in church. What are these? Robots? Clever."
"No, this isn't a prank. At least I don't think so? Are you pranking us?"
"No. You're just robots aren't you? You are just programmed to say these things. See, if I walk out of this barn, it will be an Afghanistan desert." He walked over to the barn doors and threw them open. But what he saw was nothing he expected. Instead of a barren desert with tanks and humvees, there was an apple orchard. Trees as far as the eye could see.
"I told you." Scootaloo said, she also turned to Sweetie Belle and stuck her tongue out.
"Mister, what, or where is the... United States?" Applebloom asked.
Johnson turned around "You're being serious right now aren't you?"
She nodded.
"The United States is a country, it's ah... It's a bunch of states... Really big areas of land that are controlled by controlled by a central government, a leader."
"Kinda like us? We have all our cities like Canterlot and Ponyville. And we have Celestia and Luna as our rulers. They're princesses. Celestia controls the day, and Luna controls the night." Said Sweetie Belle.
"Yeah, kinda like that, only our leader doesn't control the day and night."
A voice yelled from down the hill "Applebloom! What are you doing?" The voice was unknown, but Johnson assumed it was either AJ or Big Mac.
"We found this weird feller' here in the barn. Says he's from a United States." Yelled Applebloom back.
"He's from where?" Came a voice from above all of them. A blue pony with a mane of multiple colors. This was obviously Rainbow Dash.
"This is a dream. Just a bad dream." Johnson said as the pegasus flew down to see what all the commotion was all about. "I'm still in my bed, this isn't real."
"I don't know what to tell you buddy, but you're as fake to us as we are to you." Rainbow Dash said.
Johnson thought for a moment about what he'd read online about dreams, that your hands won't always be normal, you can't remember how you got there, and you can breathe with a plugged nose. Besides remembering how he got there, all the tests were normal. He had all ten solid fingers and couldn't breathe with his nose pinched.
"Maybe we should get her to Twlight? Maybe she knows what the United States is and, well, what you are." Said, Johnson assumed was AJ.
"The vampires?" Johnson asked. The whole crowd of ponies looked at him like he was a complete idiot.
"Vampires? Twi's another Pony like us? But she's good with magic, and lives in the library." AJ said.
"Alright, let's go, maybe she can find a way to make this right." Johnson replied. He felt a nudge on his leg, and saw Scootaloo holding the magazine. He bent down and put it back in his belt.
She asked "Whst is that?"
"It's a magazine." Replied Johnson
"Like what we read? You can read those?"
"Not that type of magazine, you see this hunk of metal..." He pulled the pistol from its holster "... is a very dangerous tool. In my work, it is very important though. Now, the magazine, is like the power for the tool..." He put the magazine in the pistol and chambered the first round "... now, this tool has saved me many times, you see, as a marine, I am in the heat of combat a lot, and this tool, known as an M9, and the one on my back, known as an M16, are my best friends. And what this does, you may want to cover your ears..." Johnson pulled up the pistol and shot an apple off one of the trees "... is fire another piece of metal, so tiny, you wouldn't think it would do anything, but in reality, it's a nightmare if you're on the receiving end."
"I think we need to get you home as soon as possible!" AJ said, still staring at the apple that now had a hole right in the center.
"Sounds good, the sooner the better I guess."
The walk to the library was very silent. Almost nothing was said. Occasionally Johnson would ask about something in this universe, or visa versa. As they got closer and closer to the library, ponies in the town started to look out their windows at the mysterious creature. A being, standing on two legs, wearing all sand colored clothes, with multiple hunks of formed metal all around him. Standing at about Celestia's height. When they arrived at the library, Johnson realized that getting there wasn't the problem, but getting into the library.
When they got to the door, instead of a pony, a lizard answered the door. Johnson was trying with everything he had not to laugh. But the lizard didn't see him, which was probably best.
"Spike, where's Twilight?" AJ asked
"She had to run to Zecora's for some tips on a spell she's been trying to get. Why, what's up?" Spike said.
"Well, we've kinda got a problem. We was hoping she would know what to do about it." AJ said
"Hey! I'm her assistant! I could probably tell you exactly what to do with as much as I have had to read. So what's the problem? Pinkie clone herself again? Rainbow Dash lose her wings?"
AJ just extended her hoof in Johnson's direction. The lizard looked over, and his face went blank. Johnson couldn't hold it in any longer, he burst out in laughter, almost crying.
"This is our problem. Says he's from a United States. Got any idea what or where that is?" Rainbow Dash asked
Spike thought for a moment, then finally said "Looks like we're gonna have to wait for Twilight."
A small voice came from behind Johnson, but he was the only one who heard it. He turned to see two big eyes peeking out of a bush, shaking. He turned and bent down to talk to it, but it retreated into the bush. "Calm down, I'm not gonna hurt ya."
About the time he was about to reach into the bush, to find whatever was in there, a cannon shot and hit Johnson in the side. He absorbed the impact, rolled, and was on one knee with his pistol out. Confetti flying everywhere.
"PINKIE!" Both Rainbow Dash and AJ yelled. "You can't do that to people you don't know! He could have killed you!"
"Why would he do that? He's just a pony in a costume for Nightmare Night."
"Pinkie... Nightmare Night isn't for another two seasons." AJ said with a blank look on her face.
"Then who is this pony? And why is he dressed up all scary?" She bounced up to Johnson and tried to take his "mask" off. Johnson picked her up and threw her off.
"Pinkie, I am not a pony. I am a human. You have never seen my kind before." Johnson said.
Pinkie was rattling off questions left and right, do humans use magic, what's that metal on your back, what's the gloves for, and on and on and on. Eventually, Johnson asked if he could go for a walk on his own, until Twilight gets back. The ponies kinda looked at each other, then finally said yes, but they recommended he stay on a certain path, it'd be easier to find him when Twilight got back. He set his rifle on the ground near the library, and took off most of his gear, so he was in a T-shirt and his pants.
He started walking down the trail, ignoring all the looks from the curious ponies. He wondered about how long he would be stuck in Equestria. What was going on back home? Did anyone know he was missing? Was time different from here and home? How real was this place anyway? He walked, for why seemed forever, but in reality, was only about twenty minutes.
"You seem pretty lonely." A voice said
Johnson turned around to see Rainbow Dash hovering over the ground "You could say that, this isn't exactly normal where I'm from."
"Wells what's it like where you're from?" Asked Rainbow Dash
"Well, it's not this colorful. Everything is the same colors, grey or desert camo. Lots of loud noises. It's quiet here. Peaceful. I haven't had to watch over my shoulder. I have been, but there hasn't been anything."
"Sounds horrible. We have our times here, the changelings, Discord, Nightmare Moon. Other than that, nothing really happens that makes us paranoid."
"It's different where I'm from. My job is to go into the tense situations. That's what I signed up for."
"Like the guards in Canterlot, their jobs are to protect the royalty."
"Yeah, like that, only difference is I am aiming to protect a whole country, not a queen or king."
A voice screamed behind Johnson and Rainbow Dash "Rainbow Dash! What IS that?"
Rainbow turned to her friend "Rarity, this is Alex Johnson, he's not from around here."
"Well I'll say, what a mess!"
"You know I'm right here right?" Johnson said to Rarity with a bit of concern.
"Of course I know you're here! But what is that you're wearing?" Rarity started tugging on his different articles of clothing "This is hideous! Even for a male!"
"Well I'm sorry that the things that keep me safe from sand storms don't appeal to your eyes."
"What is going on here?" Another unfamiliar voice said.
"Twilight! We need your help!" Said Rainbow Dash
"With what?" She looked up at Johnson and squealed "It worked!"
Johnson looked down at the purple pony "What worked?"
"I've been trying spells to summon creatures from other dimensions, and so far it's been unsuccessful. The closest I got was last night, everything that was supposed to happen, except the creature never appeared."
"You're the one who brought me here?"
"I guess, where did you wake? It only works on creatures that are sleeping, and they appear in the relative position of where they were to here."
"Does it matter where I woke? Just find a way to get me back!"
"Oh... Umm... I was actually wanting to do some tests if that's alright?"
"Are you fucking serious? You bring me into this world without my knowledge, I wake up fearing for my life, almost take the heads off of little girls, and you want to test on me?"
She lowered her head "Well... I didn't expect the creature to be intelligent, I thought it would just be an animal."
"Can you just get me home. Please."
"I'm afraid to tell you that it's not that simple. It took me months just to bring you here, and I have no idea how to send things back."
Johnson stood there expressionless. He didn't know what to think. The rest of the ponies had gathered around, spike carrying all Johnson's gear. No one knew what to say, even Pinkie was expressionless. Johnson bent over and put all his gear back on and started walking towards the city on the mountain in the distance. The bigger the city, usually more people, someone had to know what was going on.
After about an hour of walking, he heard a train. He looked over to see his ears did not deceive him. He ran over and jumped on the caboose, it would be much quicker and less energy. It turned dark quick, almost in five minutes. He assumed that was the night princess or who ever's doing. He layed over and tried to sleep, but his mind was racing. Eventually after tossing and turning on the cold floor, he was able to sleep.
"Get up!" A voice commanded
Johnson opened his eyes to see multiple unicorns with their horns glowing. They had on gold armor, these had to be the guards. He put his hands up and slowly rose to his feet. He was no longer on the train, but on the platform at the station. The sun was just coming up. "I need to speak with your leader. Please." Johnson said to the guards.
"Ha! That's funny, there's no way in hell were going to let some creature speak with our princess!" Said the largest guard. He looked familiar almost, but Johnson couldn't tell from where.
"Please. I just want to go home, one of the ponies down in... Ponyville brought me here. I think your princess can help me."
"You really think I'm going to believe that?" Said the guard. Suddenly, Johnson recognized how he was familiar. It was like one of the ponies down in the little town.
"You're related to one of them aren't you? Twilight. Are you her father? Brother?"
That triggered something in his eyes, both rage and confusion "How do you know Twilight!"
"She's the one that summoned me, now, take me to see your princess so I can get out of your hair."
After negotiating for almost ten minutes, the guard decided to let Johnson see Celestia, but Johnson had to surrender all his weapons, and his hands bound together. When they arrived in the castle, Johnson couldn't believe his eyes. A pony with both wings and a horn. Standing as tall as him. Mane flowing in a graceful pattern. She was talking with a black pony equally graceful. He could tell by the marks on their flank that the white pony was for the sun, and the black was night. The guard walked forward to talk to the princess, but kept getting shooed away for another minute. Until the black pony saw Johnson and gasped.
"What is it sister?" Said Celestia, she turned to see Johnson standing there, hands bound, multiple unicorns with their horns glowing surrounding him. "Oh.... That's not something you see everyday."
"I just want to go home. Do you know how?" Johnson asked. He was getting tired of asking that question, it seemed it was having no effect on anything.
"We'll we don't even know how you got here. How can we send you somewhere we don't know?"
"Well your subject Twilight seemed to do pretty well at getting me from somewhere she didn't know."
"This was Twilight's doing?" She asked, she stood and started walking towards him "Shining Armor, release his hands, I can handle this."
"Yes Celestia." Shining Armor replied. The binds on Johnson's hands vanished, he rubbed his wrists while the large white pony motioned towards him, the smaller black one following behind her.
"Tell me what has happened since you have been here." Celestia said. Johnson went through every detail. When he reached the part about his pistol, the guards immediately moved his rifles farther away from Johnson, in fear of an assassination attempt. In the middle of his story the doors burst open, with the six ponies rushing in.
"Celestia! I did something that..." Twilight started to say, then realized Johnson was already in the room.
"Twilight, it is your responsibility to get this man back home. The sooner the better. I don't care what it takes." Celestia said in a booming voice.
"Celestia, I have no idea where to start! I went through all the books in my library! There was nothing on returning creatures back to their home! And where will he stay?"
"I guess you better find out. This man is away from everything he knows. Best thing to do now is help him get settled in until we can find out what to do." Celestia said as she turned and walked away. Everyone in the room was once again expressionless. Johnson had to rely on these ponies for everything. Food, shelter, work, and a way home. He turned and retrieved his gear.
"So... I guess I am relying on y'all for... Well... Everything." Johnson said, looking at the ponies, holding back everything he wanted to say. "I really don't know where I'm going to stay."
"You can stay with us." AJ said "We can set you up in the barn until we get something built for you. We could also put you to work for some pay, in case you want to get some things while you're here."
"I could make some clothes for you to wear instead of that hideous thing you've got on." Rarity said, still hating the uniform.
"I'll find you a way home, trust me." Twilight said
"Sounds good. Let's get going. Say, what do y'all eat around here? I haven't eaten since I was home." Johnson said. On the way back to the train station they stopped to grab some lunch, and talked more about what they were going to do until Johnson was home.
Once they arrived in Ponyville, AJ took Johnson back to the barn where they made a makeshift bed for the night until they could make something better. Before he went to sleep, he found a river to bathe in. He knew tomorrow would hold all kinds of tasks.
Instead of waking up to AJ, a rooster, the sun, or naturally, he woke to his M16 discharging a bullet into the barn wall. Johnson was on the floor with hands over his head just seconds after the discharge. He looked over to see the three little girls, Scootaloo laying on the ground, the bruise already showing, and the other two looking at each other.
"What the hell was that!" AJ said as she burst through the barn doors.
"Scootaloo thought maybe this would get her a cutie mark." Applebloom said
"I think I need to put these in a safe place, away from children." Johnson took the clip out and emptied the chamber. "Didn't really think about it. You alright down there?" Johnson asked
"My shoulder hurts right now. I thought it would be like the little pistol you had. I didn't know it would pop me like that." Scootaloo said while holding her shoulder.
"Do you guys have any ice? We'll want to ice this down before it swells too much." Johnson said
"Yeah, I'll go get some." Said AJ, she ran off an brought back a back of ice.
"Now, this is going to be cold and uncomfortable, but it'll help, I swear." Johnson took off his belt and wrapped it around Scootaloo to hold the ice in place. "Keep it on there for about thirty minutes, then take it off and give me my belt. Sound good? Awesome."
"Are you a doctor too?" Asked Sweetie Belle
"No, but when I was younger I played a lot of football. Cuts and bruises were common, ice takes down the swelling, my mama would always wrap me up in ice after a game. Then I learned about ice baths, changed everything."
"What's football?" Applebloom asked, nudging Scootaloo.
"Well, it's a sport, a game. Eleven versus eleven. The field is fifty-two yards wide, one-hundred twenty long. You have to score as many points as possible in four quarters, maybe sometime soon I can teach y'all how to play." Johnson said, seeing the girl's eyes light up at the idea of a new game to play. "AJ, do you have anything for me to do today?"
"You can call me Applejack, but yes, we were actually coming up to get you when your thing went off. We need to get ready to get the apples. You can help Big Mac put the buckets under the trees for when we get ready to buck."
Johnson was taking a drink and about choked to death "Did you say you say out the buckets under the trees for when we get ready to fuck?"
"No! Buck. B-U-C-K."
"My bad! My ears are ringing a little."
Johnson stayed on the farm almost all the time, except to eat and bathe. He only conversed with the Apple family, they took him in as their own almost. He very rarely went into town, only to check up on Twilight's research. He found a place to hide his guns and ammunition until its needed. Rarity made him some clothes that were tough for work on the farm, and some for when he is doing something elsewhere. His house was eventually built, decent sized, but nothing giant. A bedroom, kitchen, and small living room, with Applebloom's clubhouse within rock throwing distance. He became a brother figure to them. He taught them how to play football, and helped make occasional renovations to the clubhouse. Everything was pretty calm for about a month. Then Applejack burst open Johnson's door one day.
"Listen, Twilight was kidnapped. We were wondering if you wanted to help us get her back, considering she's your way home." Applejack said
"Give me a couple minutes to get ready." Johnson replied, already up grabbing his gear.
"When you're ready, we'll head down to the library, from there we have to go into the forest. I forgot you've never been there. It's very dangerous, be sure you are one-hundred percent ready."
Johnson dropped his M9 into its holster "They won't know what hit them."
"You sure about this? I ain't an expert on what you do, but don't you think a little over a month without any experience isn't exactly the safest?"
"It's like riding a bike, you never forget." Johnson looked over to Applejack with a puzzled look on her face. He'd have to explain later, no time.
They ran to the library, Johnson was glad he had been working on the farm, or there would be no way he could keep up with the pony in full gear. Once they arrived at the library, Johnson almost collapsed. He hadn't ran that long, that fast, and with all his gear in a long time.
"You alright? We haven't even started yet." Rainbow Dash said, with a bit of concern in her voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just been a while since I ran like that." Johnson replied.
"Alright, then let's get going!" Applejack said
Johnson went to protest but they were already moving. He decided he could at least ask them to slow down a little. They said the walk into the forest to the temple she is being held in is about a mile in, not to far normally, but through thick vines and tree roots, it takes a while. When they arrived at the temple, all the ponies were looking around the door, looking for ways to get in.
Johnson walked forward "Does this temple hold any sentimental or religious values?" The ponies shook their heads. Johnson took his only grenade from his belt and planted it at the bottom of the door. "You will want to get behind cover and plug your ears." Johnson waited until they were all behind cover, pulled the pin, and ran. He and Rainbow Dash shared a tree, the blast blew a hole big enough for even Johnson to fit through without ducking, the temple was not well built.
Johnson walked in first, M16 up to his shoulder, flashlight switched on, as well as Rarity's horn shining. Whatever moved and wasn't purple, was considered hostile.
"Where do you think she is?" Fluttershy asked
"I don't know, but just stay close. It's too dark to wander off." Applejack replied, hurrying Fluttershy right behind Johnson.
A dark figure started moving on the wall, Johnson whipped his gun and tried to find the head of whatever was moving.
"Greeting, you are looking for your purple friend, no?" The thing said "Allow me to enlighten you, your friend is at the top of the temple, but for her release..." Johnson found the head and pulled the trigger. The figure dropped from the wall, blood from the head running on the stone floor.
"Let's move! We know where she's at! Lets get her and go!" Johnson yelled, running up a flight of stairs.
At the top, a cage holding Twilight, and three creatures, all holding a tool that looked like it was made for carving a pumpkin. The rifle cracked three times, dropping the hostiles. Fluttershy started crying, she had seen critters die, but because of natural causes, not being blown apart by a hunk of metal from a different dimension. While Rainbow Dash and Applejack tried to soothe the broken pony, Rarity and Johnson worked at finding a key to the cage.
"It's no use! The key is somewhere inside the temple! You have to go back in and find it." Twilight said. A bit of annoyance in her voice.
"Bull shit, I am not going back in there!" Johnson stated. He pulled up his M9, blasting the lock off.
When he pulled the cage open, he hear something click. A boobytrap. He looked around to see a rock start rolling towards Rainbow Dash, on her way over to the lock. Johnson jumped to push the pony out of the way. In doing so, leaving him in its way. He started to crawl, but the boulder rolled over his leg. He felt the bones crush under the weight, he wouldn't be able to walk on the leg in a while.
"What was that fo... Oh my Celestia!" Rainbow Dash ran over to Johnson. "We've got to get you back to Ponyville so the doctor can fix your leg!"
"And how am I going to walk a mile through thick forest wearing all my gear and a broke leg?" Johnson snapped, his adrenaline was pumping, he didn't mean what he said. It still seemed to hurt the pony though.
"Here, if Fluttershy and Rainbdow Dash hold your arms up, me and Rarity use our magic to help ease the pressure off your leg, and Pinkie and Applejack carry your gear, would we be able to get back to ponyville faster?" Twilight asked. However, none of the ponies waited for a response, they immediately started doing their job. Johnson didn't resist, he just let then carry him. He kept trying to start a conversation with one of them, to keep his mind away from his leg, but it was almost like they were ignoring him. He started to black out. The pain was becoming unbearable, and without any of the ponies talking to him, it hurt even worse. After walking for five minutes, he did eventually black out.
Alex Johnson woke, staring at a grey ceiling. He closed his eyes and chuckled to himself "So it was a dream." He lay there for a moment then decided it was time to get up and get ready. When he went to stand however, his leg was locked in place. He looked down to see his leg in a hard cast. Looking around, he saw beds with monitors occasionally occupied with a pony in a similar looking cast. To his right was the monitors for him, from all he could tell, he was stable. To his left was a table, multiple "Get well soon!" balloons tied onto it, with a plate of food, a glass of water, and a pill. At the end of his bed by his feet, was a mound of blankets. He looked at it for a minute then realized the blankets had a steady rise and fall. Something was asleep under them. Johnson wanted to move the blankets, to see who was sleeping with him, but he decided not to disturb its slumber.
"Ah, you're awake." A voice said, Johnson assumed it was the doctor. "You've been out for almost a week, the way your leg shattered was probably the cause, too much pain." The Doctor walked over to flip on the X-ray results. Johnson's leg looked like broken glass. "So we have good news and bad news, what do you want first?"
"Bad news."
"The bad news is you will have to go into rehab and won't be able to walk for a long time. The good news, is if you commit to rehab, you will be able to walk again."
"How will I get around then? Can I use crutches?"
"Could you draw what they look like? We only have crutches for ponies, never thought we'd have someone like you."
"Sounds good, hey Doc, who is this?" Johnson asked, pointing at the mound by his feet.
"That's Rainbow Dash, she's been here as long as you have, only left to eat and use the restroom." The doctor said as he turned to exit the room.
"Why?"
"You saved her life, sacrificing yourself. By my understanding, that meant a lot to her." The doctor said, as he closed to door behind him.
Johnson laid his head back down on his pillow. "You saved her life." "That meant a lot to her." Were the thoughts repeating in his head. He looked down at his feet again, moving the blankets so he could see the blue pony. That must've woke her, she stretched out her legs and wings. She hopped onto the floor, not realizing Johnson had woke. She sighed and looked over at the X-rays, she knew that was what her whole skeletal system would look like if she wasn't pushed. She tried to count how many pieces the bone broke into, but lost count several times, she finally just assumed a lot. Johnson tried to prop himself upright, but moved his leg too quickly, shooting pain through his body. Rainbow Dash heard movement and quickly turned, a smile appearing on her face.
http://luxehdwallpaper.com/wallpaper/2012/09/-Ponies-Rainbow-Dash-My-Little-Pony-Friendship-Is-Magic-Hd-Wallpaper--.jpg
"You're awake!" She flew straight into his chest hugging him, pain shot though his leg, he still wasn't in a comfortable position, she saw the pain in his face and quickly let go. "The doctor said if you hadn't of pushed me out of the way, I would've been crushed. When you tried talking to us on the way back, we didn't want to startle you any, you kept asking how bad your leg was. It was pointed in the wrong direction, but then you passed out. We took brought you here and X-rays were taken almost immediately. Applejack and Pinkie took your stuff back to your house. Twilight was trying to find a spell that help speed up your leg's recovery." She looked at the balloons "Everyone in ponyville heard about what you did. Spike even sent a letter to Celestia about what you did."
"It's my job. I was trained to do that. I told Applejack I could do it, that it was like riding a bike."
"I wasn't talking about killing them, I was talking about saving me."
"I don't understand why it's that great."
"Because, without you, one of the bearers of the elements would have died. Any evil could have taken over Equestria in a matter of minutes." She looked down and her face showed a little red "And because no one has ever done that for me before, I've always been the one saving people, not the other way around. They knew they were in danger. I had no idea, you just shoved me, and I was pissed at you, until I saw the boulder crush your leg."
"Yeah, that wasn't the most pleasant experience. I couldn't just let you get crushed." Johnson said. "The doctor told me you've been laying there since I got here"
She blushed even more, a smile smile on her face "Yeah, I just wanted to be the first pony you saw when you woke. But I guess you saw the doctor first."
"No, I saw a pile of breathing blankets first, assuming it was a pony, just didn't know which."
Rainbow Dash was silent for a moment, then finally spoke "Twilight found out some more information about incidents like this. You being in our dimension. It was said that the human didn't feel welcome, being the only of his kind. So he had a choice. The wizard made a soup, that would make the human into a pony, Twilight was able to get it into pill form..." Rainbow Das pointed at the grey pill "...it said it turned him into a unicorn, because of his personality. I don't know what it'll turn you into, but it would help you seem normal. She's already got the other pill that would turn you back for when she learns how to send you back."
Johnson looked at the grey pill. He thought how great it would be to walk like them, have the same abilities as them, and not have to worry about special nutrition that was expensive. If he turned into an Earth pony, he could help Applejack even more, if he turned to a unicorn, he could help Twilight with her research. If he was a pegasus he would be able to help Rainbow Dash with the clouds.
"Does it hurt? When I transform?" Johnson asked, holding the pill.
"Twilight said it'll knock you out almost instantly, you'll be out for thirty minutes, but when you wake, the transformation will be complete."
"Well... I guess I have nothing to lose" Johnson dropped the pill down his throat. He was out cold in a matter of seconds. Instead of waking immediately however, nightmares entered Johnson's head. A boulder came rolling down a hill, smashing Johnson after running forever it seemed. When he woke, he sat straight up, drenched in sweat.
"It worked!" Twilight jumped up and ran over to the bed "How do you feel?"
"I had a horrible nightmare." Johnson looked around to see all the ponies with their mouths open, eyes bewildered. Rainbow Dash started to smile.
"What's your cutie mark?" Scootaloo yelled.
"Yeah, or does he have one?" Applebloom stated
"Pull the blankets off, let's see if he does!" Sweetie Belle said
"Now girls, I don't think he even knows what's going on right now." Applejack said "So, how do you feel?"
"My leg doesn't hurt anymore. Wait, did you say it worked?" Johnson looked at his hand, which were now hoofs, the same color as his gear. "My God..."
"So did you get a cutie mark or what?" Scootaloo asked
"Ummm... It's on my ass right?
"Yeah it's on your flank!" Sweetie Belle said
"Well let's just see!" Johnson hopped down from the bed, in the place of a cutie mark was the U.S. Marine insignia.
"What is it?" Sweetie Belle asked, looking at the cutie mark with a weird look on her face.
"It's the symbol for the United States Marine Corps, the world, anchor, and eagle. That was much less painful than getting a tattoo on my shoulder. Hey, what are you touching?" Johnson turned to see Pinkie's mane.
"Your wings are all folded in different directions." Pinkie said, popping the wings into their correct places. Johnson hit the ground, it hurt at first, then a feeling of power overwhelmed him.
"Don't try anything too big right now, we've got to get you used to them first." Rainbow Dash said, folding his wings back into their natural position at the side. "You may actually want to walk around for a while, get used to this new position. I'll teach you to fly tomorrow."
"What am I to do about my guns? I can't shoot them like this." Johnson said, admiring his new self.
"We'll worry about that later, as for now, we need to get you home and fed. You may find our food a little more tasteful now."
"I'm really not hungry, I really just want to get my legs. And not gonna lie, I've always been kinda jealous of the air-force."
"Then let's go for a walk Marine." Rainbow Dash nudged Johnson
"Well first I have to clean up this room and pay the doc."
"You don't owe me anything, you saved two ponies is just a minute of each other, you are not going to be charged anything, you won't have to clean up either, we'll have the nurses take all your things to your home." The doctor said, apparently he was working on another patient when Johnson came to.
"Wow, thank you!" Johnson turned to Twilight "Thank you for the chance to experience things the way you ponies do." He then backed up, almost falling, to see all of them. "And thank you all for carrying me all the way here from the forest. Without you, I would still be laying at that temple, slowly dying."
"Well we couldn't leave you after saving one of us from death." Twilight said. All the ponies in the room nodded in agreement. Rainbow Dash nudged Johnson again and motioned for the door. Johnson started walking, step by step, like a newborn. By the time they reached the doors to the hospital, he had it down.
"Where to?" Johnson asked
"Let's just get your legs under ya first, we'll go for a walk around Ponyville." Rainbow Dash started walking, then realized she had to wait up for Johnson. Even as a pony, Johnson got strange looks, he was a new pony, with a unique cutie mark, walking with Rainbow Dash!
Johnson was stretching his new wings, he wanted so bad to try them. Almost like Rainbow could read his mind, she lead him to an open area just outside Ponyville, an area that if something went wrong, nothing would be destroyed.
Somehow she got a hat and whistle "Alright, you're flying skills, if you can even get off the ground, are most likely like Derpy's"
"The pony that delivers the mail?"
"Yes, she runs into everything, and can't exactly fly in a straight line."
"Ok, so do I need to put my wings out straight or does it matter?"
"Whatever is most comfortable."
"It's hard to control them, not used to things I can move coming out of my back. This doesn't seem possible anyway."
"You see me fly all the time, and yet you question if it's possible? Push-ups! Now!"
"You're joking right?"
"No! Get on the ground and give me twenty!"
"Shit, okay." Johnson dropped to the ground "One, two, three..."
"No! No! No! Not with your arms! Arms behind your back, wings only!"
"I can barely put them out to my side, and now you want me doing push-ups with them, seriously?"
"Do you want to fly or not?"
"Dammit." Johnson tried all he could, but after going down once, he couldn't force his wings to straighten out, not because they were weak, but because he had little control over them. "How do I go back up?"
"Just flex, come on, you can do it!"
"I just flex huh?" Johnson put his nose in the dirt, then flexed with everything he had. He launched himself thirty feet into the air.
"Flex again and you'll fly!" Rainbow Dash yelled from the ground. Johnson thrust his wing towards the ground, lifting him even higher. He learned the harder the flex, the higher you go.
"This is so scary. Why'd I sign up for this?" He said to himself
Rainbow Dash pulled a cloud under Johnson "I swear to you, this is the most comfortable seat you can ever sit in. Nothing softer than a cloud." Johnson lowered himself onto the cloud, amazed by how soft it was.
"So I know how to fly up, now how do I go different directions?"
"We have to make sure you can control yourself right now before we start going places. Let's just get the basics down, like hovering and landing safely. We don't want you hurting yourself."
"Okay, then let's get to work." Johnson and Rainbow Dash worked on the basics for about an hour, until it was almost a natural feeling, being able to hover and fly. It was more work than he thought, once they landed on another cloud, he rolled over breathing hard, the most workout cardio mix he'd ever experienced at one time.
"You look tired Alex."
"Nah, I'm good, and please, call me Johnson, it sounds better."
"Whatever you say Johnson, you ready to learn how to fly in different directions?"
"Gimme a minute, I gotta admire this cloud first, it's really soft. You know, this isn't even remotely possible where I'm from, you'd just fall through."
"You keep thinking the way things work around here are going to be like where you're from. Haven't you learned by now?"
"It takes time, breaking the laws of physics isn't something we do on a day to day basis."
"Then break some today, come on, you've almost got it. This time, lean forward to go forward, and side to side to turn."
"Can I just lay here for a minute? It's only.... I don't even know what time it is."
"There's a clock in Ponyville, I think you're good enough to fly into town."
"Come on, do I really have to fly all the way into town?"
"It's just over there, come on."
"You have to persuade me like a coach." Johnson quickly realized his mistake. Rainbow Dash blew her whistle, while kicking the could into pieces.
"Let's go! You gotta fly to survive now! The clock's that way, we'll grab something to eat while we're there." Rainbow Dash was right, he had to fly, or he would just splat on the ground.
Johnson recovered himself, hovering in place. He didn't really know what she meant by lean, just, tilt your head forward? Or did you have to put all your body weight forward. Maybe it was a combination of both, along with some different kind of wing movements.
"Come on Johnson! Fluttershy can fly faster than you!"
"Fluttershy has also been doing this for years! I just got these things! Who says you're fast anyway? I haven't seen you fly fast at all really!" Rainbow Dash took that as a personal insult, and a challenge.
"Oh really? Get ready Johnson, I'm about to blow you away!" Rainbow Dash jumped from her cloud, flying straight towards the sun, then stopping, just long enough for Johnson's eyes to focus. She came straight down like a bullet, Johnson had to admit, it was fast, but he would blame it on gravity, just to make her mad. Then, an explosion of color and sound that shook his whole body. A giant ring made of multiple colors formed in the sky, along with a Rainbow following the blue pony. She came to a stop just hovering above the ground, sweating, breathing hard, water in her eyes.
She looked at Johnson who had landed next to her, a smartass look appeared on her face "Fast enough for ya?"
"I was going to blame gravity, but gravity can't pull anything down that fast, I'll admit, I'm very impressed. I will now fly to the clock in Ponyville." Johnson hovered above the ground, then tilted himself forward, he started quickly accelerating, he reared back, only to find himself flying backwards, he folded his wings and landed on the ground. "It's like a Segway! Okay! I got this."
Johnson started flying as if he'd done it since birth, fast, slow, backwards, he even succeeded in doing a flip. Rainbow Dash watched from the ground, proud of her instructing techniques.
Rainbow Dash Eventually yelled at Johnson "Are we going to get something to eat or are we going to stay here all day while you do tricks?"
Johnson fell to the ground by Rainbow Dash "Lead the way Dash. I don't know where to eat in ponyville, I always ate at my house."
"Once we're done eating I'll help you make a house out of clouds. Like mine."
"I've never seen your house, the whole time I've been here I've been on Applejack's farm."
"Really? How did that work for ya?"
"Kept me busy. Better than sitting around doing nothing all day."
"You should help me with the clouds, we'll get with the mayor tomorrow."
"You know, I was wondering, how often do you get into intense situations like that? In the forest."
"Not too often. Usually it takes a lot longer than how you did it, puzzles, a maze, things like that. You just ran in and got what we were going for."
"Gotcha... Why is everyone looking at me like I just killed someone?" Johnson asked as they say down at the restaurant. "It's like I just committed murder."
"You're just new and hangin' with me, don't worry."
The waiter came over to their table "Hello Rainbow Dash, the usual?"
"Of course."
"And... I'm afraid I don't know you. What is your name sir?"
"I am Alex Johnson, but please, just call me Johnson."
"Alright then Johnson, what'll you have?"
"I ah... I really don't know. What do you suggest that's cheap?"
"A sandwich"
"Sounds good. I'll take it."
"I don't mean to sound rude, but, where are you from? I've never seen you before, and I've been around."
Johnson looked at Rainbow Dash, who gave a reassuring nod "I'm not from Equestria, it's a long story."
"Alright, I'll get your food to you as soon as possible."
Rainbow Dash and Johnson in unison, both thanked the waiter. Johnson looked around to see multiple eyes on him, he decided not to say anything, just keep his mouth shut. He started to think about home again, seeing those other human faces. Interaction with something he knew was real, with no doubt in his mind. No flying ponies, no unicorns, no dragons, no magic. Just physics. Something that never changes.
Then he started thinking about what he was doing. On Earth, he was just a soldier. He had his duties, his gun, and his bunk. His family had died long ago in a car accident, he was sent to military school. He was beaten down by everything he knew, always paranoid of what was going to happen next. But here, everything is different.
He hasn't had to worry but once if something was going to get him from behind, if there was an I.E.D on his path. Everyone here was nice to him, the apples took him in as family, Rainbow Dash taught him how to fly, and the rest kept him from dying. He started to think of reasons why he should go back, but got cut short when he saw someone new approaching him out of the corner of his eye.
"What kind of cutie mark is that?" Said the little pony, probably in the same class as Scootaloo
Johnson looked down with a bit of curiosity "I'm afraid I've never met you before, what is your name?"
"Diamond Tiara. But back to my question, what kind if cutie mark is that?"
"It's a long story."
"I have time!" Said the little snob, a smile on her face that suggested she thought he had him cornered.
"I don't, so shoo, go to your parents or who ever."
The smile quickly turned into a frown as she stormed off. Johnson tried to zone out again, but heard his name called from a distance, he turned to see spike running with a brown box. He set it down, out of breath.
"It's something from Twilight, she found a shrink and duplicate spell."
Johnson opened the box to see a custom holster for his now pony sized M9, as well as multiple full clips and bullet belts. He slipped on the holster and belts to find that when his wings are folded at his side, the weapon and ammunition is completely concealed.
"That's a nice look you got goin'" said the waiter as he set the food on the table "Now, is this two separate tabs or just one?"
"Just one" Rainbow Dash said, pulling money from under her wing. The rest of the evening was smooth. Johnson practiced his flying skills more, and started to learn about how you could alter the way the clouds worked. You could make them rain, lightning, whatever.
The next two months were very uneventful. Johnson made a house near the Apple family's farm, just in case, near Ponyville for quick access to goods, and near Rainbow Dash's house to visit when he got lonely. Which was often. He would almost never be in his house. He would always be flying around or helping someone with chores. He always wore his holster, though he has never had to use it. The ponies stopped giving him weird looks, realizing that he wasn't anything strange. Sure he carried an alien weapon, but he never used it. Every day he tried to com up with a reason to go back to his old home, but his daily list kept getting shorter and shorter. Everything here was better, he was around smiling ponies twenty-four seven. They had accepted his as their own. He never had to worry about an child with an AK-47 running up to him and blowing his brains out.
He considered just staying in Ponyville. The thought of a peaceful environment almost all the time sounded good to him. He was still protecting people, or ponies in this case. He had a clear view of the town, and much of Equestria, anything that happened, he could get there pretty quick, and with Rainbow Dash instructing him on how to fly better every day, he was getting faster and faster. He got to the point he barely walked, flying almost everywhere he went. He realized that exposed his firearm, but he didn't care, he actually preferred others to know he was armed. A deterrent to anyone.
He told Twilight to slow her research on the pill to return him. He wanted more time to consider his options. Either ponies or humans. Each had its benefits and disadvantages. Some larger than others. But he knew he had to make a choice, this wasn't where he belonged. Or, he didn't think so. Sure a spell turned him into a pony, but that's not what he really was. He was a human. While yes, the food did taste pretty good now, it just isn't the same as well cooked steak. He decided to talk with Celestia. It couldn't be that hard to make a decision for a princess right?
"I don't know what to do either." Celestia said, a hint if compassion in her voice "Either way, there are good and bad things that even everything out."
"It's hard to make a decision. I just don't know what to do. Should I stay and embrace everything around me? Or should I try to go back and leave all this behind?"
"In both worlds, there are people who care for you, and want you. Leaving would hurt the ones here, one deeply, but the ones in the other world may already be hurt."
Johnson looked at Celestia with a puzzled look "One would be deeply hurt?"
"Yes. Can you not see it?"
"See what? I am blind, help me see."
She laughed a little "I feel as though if I told you, I would lose her trust."
"I really don't care who it is, I just don't understand what you're saying about one will deeply miss me."
"Johnson, one of the ponies has feelings for you."
It hit Johnson like a ton of bricks. He suddenly realized he had been blind this whole time. He knew the exact pony too. "Thank you Celestia!"
She just smiled and nodded. Johnson retrieved his gear from Shining Armor. He never liked Johnson. Ever since he came the first day, he's had an eye on him. He always thought that he would try something. Johnson put on his gear outside the castle, then sped in the direction of Ponyville.
On his way, he heard something behind him. He turned to see three figures in all black following him. He knew he would have to confront them eventually, so he found an open area to land in. He turned to see them fall behind him, ready for a fight.
"Alright, now, I don't really know you. And you don't know me. Just leave me be and no one gets hurt. This is your only warning." Johnson said to the ponies in black. He pulled out his M9, ready for anything.
"We want that, your weapon. Give it to us and nothing happens."
"That makes a lot of sense. Fuck off."
The ponies charged at Johnson. The pistol cracked three times. Johnson looked down at the ponies in black. He was sure to hit somewhere that wouldn't kill them, but immobilize them. He was determining either to leave them or bring them to some kind of authority. His train of thought wasn't on the bandits for long, he realized he still needed to talk to the special pony. He took off, leaving the bleeding cursing bandits to fend for themselves. Surely something heard the gun go off.
He starting thinking, what was he going to do with Rainbow Dash? Where could he possibly go that would impress THE Rainbow Dash. He didn't even know where she would be. She was always flying around, doing something, or just lounging on a cloud. He decided he should start at the house. He was on his way, when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and tore him in two.
He saw Rainbow Dash in a dress, fitting her perfectly, with a blue colt in a tux. Flying towards her house. Johnson wanted to hear what was being said, or at least where they went. He didn't have much time or many options, he had to make it look like he just ran into them. He decided not to do anything. He needed to blow off some steam. He wanted a paper first, maybe reading would help a little.
"What in tarnation is going on here!" Applejack screamed as she entered the barn.
Johnson was unloaded clip after clip after clip into a makeshift target. He turned to face the orange pony, tears running down his face "How the fuck does this even happen! I want to go home!" Johnson collapsed, dropping the M9 in the hay. Applejack didn't know what to say.
"Ehhh.... What's wrong?" She asked, confusion in her voice.
"I killed them.... All three of them..."
Applejack was now more confused than ever "Killed who?"
"Them..." Johnson replied, pointing at the paper.
Equestria Daily
You may have heard of them before, the black pegasus organization, was shut down yesterday. The group was a female terrorist organization, stealing arms for a revolt on the Princess in the near future, however, their plans were quickly stopped when the top three of the organization, were found dead yesterday, lying in an open field. They had major injuries on their legs, though that was not what killed them. Being immobilized, they were unable to evade the creatures of the night.
Applejack turned to Johnson, who lay on the floor, eyes still watering. "You stopped a terrorist organization? That's great!" This only made Johnson worse. "What's wrong? You did a great thing!"
He looked at her, anger and sadness in his eyes "I killed three women! And you say that's a good thing! They were mothers! There are children out there, that are now without a mother!" Johnson tried to continue, but his tears became too much. It became very clear to Applejack, killing men was one thing, women, that was a completely different story.
"I ahhhh.... Can't really say I understand you, because I've never been where you have."
"I just... I thought someone heard the shots. It cracked three times! Surely someone heard it!"
"Something did."
Johnson became suddenly furious "If I would have gone and alerted someone, there would be three breathing mothers right now! But I was too ignorant, and too full of lust, that I decided that the safety of children was irrelevant!" Johnson picked up his M9 and sped out of the barn. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew no one would find him.
Johnson lay on the inside of a fairly large cloud, away from ponyville. He laid inside for hours, crying, thinking of the things he'd done. He didn't see their faces when they died. The moments replayed over and over and over again in his head. He tried to sleep, but his mind kept racing. There was nothing he could do now. He hadn't killed any mothers on Earth. He knew that for a fact. All his kills were male. He closed his eyes. Trying to fight the tears. He felt something rest on his shoulder, he whipped around, M9 drawn. Rainbow Dash was at the end of the barrel.
Johnson broke down again, dropping the M9 through the cloud. Violently shaking, Johnson ran out of tears to cry, he just sat there sobbing. She came around and embraced him. Johnson's shaking slowly stated to go away.
"I was looking around for you earlier, Applejack told me what happened." Rainbow Dash said, as sweet as possible. Johnson just sat there, not wanting to say anything he would regret. "She said you got angry and flew off. I had to find you."
"Why? I thought you would be busy fucking around with Mr. Tux!" Johnson immediately wished he had any kind of skill in magic, to rewind time, take back what he said.
"Excuse me? What did you just say!" Rainbow Dash screamed, letting go of Johnson, his body started skating again as he tried to hide his face in the clouds "That was one of the Wonderbolts! We were taking about maybe getting seats for one of their performances, but I guess you wouldn't want to go, too busy destroying families!"
Johnson's anger and sadness turned to violence, he pulled his head from the cloud, and grabbed the blue pony by the throat "Now you listen here, bitch! I...." Was all Johnson said, realizing what he just did. "Rainbow Dash.... I..." Was all his meek voice could say, before she started to cry. She flew out of the cloud at high speeds. Johnson sat in the cloud alone. He didn't know what to do.
"Give us everything! Now!" Ordered Jaspine. She held a knife up to the grey colt's throat.
"Alright! Alright! Here's everything I have on me! Now please... Don't kill me!" The colt cried, emptying his saddle of everything he had. This was his first time he had ever encountered a group of the Black Pegasus.
"Very nice, now get!" Jaspine commanded. The other two laughed as the colt ran off.
"Jaspine! We found something!" One of the sisters said.
"What is it sister?"
"I don't know, I've never seen anything like it!"
"Show me!" Jaspine yelled. Ever since her mother was killed, she has had the pressure of the entire gang on her shoulders. The sister brought her a black piece of metal, shaped like an 'L'. Small enough for a pony.
"What does it do?"
"I don't know, what's this thing here?" The sister pulled the trigger. The weird object cracked, spitting fire, and leaving a hole in her leg. She dropped to the ground in pain.
"Sister!" Jaspine ran over to embrace her sister, she was bleeding, not enough to kill her, but she would be out of commission for a while. She looked at the weapon lying on the ground, then the wound in her sister's leg. Similar to the wound in her mother. This is what killed her. That had to be what she was after when she died. This was what would take down the empire!
"Applejack, have you seen Johnson? It's been days since I've last seen him!" Twilight said, a bit of concern in her voice.
"Afraid not, Rainbow Dash is the last one that saw him, they yelled at each other and she flew back here."
"They yelled at each other? I didn't know that, what'd they yell about?"
"Well, he thought he saw her with someone, and she accused him of destroying families, if you ask me, she said the strongest words."
"What do you mean he destroyed families?"
"Those three Black Pegasus members dead? His doing."
"Really? That's great!"
"Not to him, it was tearing him apart when I spoke with him."
"Well where's Rainbow Dash?"
"She's up at her place, won't talk to no one. I think she feels bad about what she did, but he did grab her."
"How?"
"Around the throat, he got pissed. He let go almost as soon as he realized what he was doing."
"I'll see if I can talk to her, maybe we can find Johnson." Twilight said, she made her way to Rainbow Dash's house. The enormous cloud structure stood tall, but you could hear a weeping voice on the inside.
"Rainbow Dash!"
A desperate voice came from inside "Twilight.... What did I do?"
"It wasn't your fault."
"It was my fault! I called him out on something he did, something that was gnawing at his soul!"
"We need your help finding him. You're the fastest one here! You can cover more ground than we can."
"He hates me."
"No he doesn't." Twilight tried to sound as sure about that as possible, she really wasn't sure. "He just needed some time, I bet he would be glad to see a friendly face right now!"
Johnson wasn't sure what to say as he waked up to the bright house. "Jaspine" on the door. He already visited the other two families. While they wouldn't accept his apologies, he at least felt better that he told them. Every house that he went to, the family had no idea that the mother was a part of the organization. He knocked on the door, and waited. Finally, someone came to the door.
"Hello, who are you?" Said the red pony, a knife as her cutie mark, he assumed she was a chef of some sorts.
"I am Alex Johnson, I came here to tell you I am terribly sorry for what I did."
Jaspine looked confused "What did you do?"
"I am the one that killed your mother. It was in self defense, she came at me. I didn't expect her to die, I didn't even know she was a mother."
"It was you?"
"Yes. I am so terribly sorry."
"Did what you kill her with look anything like this?" Jaspine pulled the M9 from under her wing, pointing it at Johnson "Get in the fucking house."
"How did you get that?" Johnson asked, much concern in his voice.
"No questions! Move!" That was the first time Johnson had ever been on the receiving end of his own weapon, he knew that unless he acted fast, he would surely die.
As he walked in, he 'tripped' a little, causing his wing to hit the safety. Jaspine would have no idea what to do. Once Johnson was inside he turned and spoke "Alright, this is what's going to happen. You're going to give me my gun back. I'm going to leave. And we're going to pretend like this never happened."
"Tough luck bud, this is for my mother!" Jaspine squeezed the trigger. Nothing. She looked at in in confusion, squeezing the trigger, with no action. Johnson took this to his advantage, he flew forward, and in one fluid movement, retrieved his weapon, took the safety off, and discharged a round into her wing. She screamed in pain as Johnson holstered the pistol and flew off. He shut the door behind him. While he did shoot a female, this was not fatal. It would take a lot of blood loss for it to be, and she looked smart enough to patch herself up.
As he flew, he heard a voice from behind, he didn't dare look back, just increased his speed. He was afraid if he looked back, the gang would catch up to him, killing him. He flew as fast as he could, but the voice kept getting louder an louder "Johnson! Johnson!" He knew that if they caught him, he would be dead in a matter of seconds. It was a bad idea to release his name. He heard the wings furiously flapping behind him, getting closer and closer every passing second, he needed a way out, fast. He tucked his wings to his side, rolled, then pointed himself at the ground, he remembered from an old war movie he watched. He would pull up right before he hit the ground, causing the enemy plane to hit the ground as well. Or at least that's what he thought happened.
The wind was making his eyes water, he could barely see anything, much less the tree limb that came out of nowhere. The limb clipped his wing, making it impossible to pull up, he hit the ground so hard, it left a small crater. His back right leg was broken, as well as his left wing, the one that hit the tree. He was bleeding, but he didn't know from where. He knew his pursuer would be on him any second, possibly with a weapon thy would end his life. He tried to crawl away, just causing himself more pain. He heard the wings come in behind him, then a pony land. This was the end. He tried to reach for his pistol, but his wing was pushed to the side. He closed his eyes, waiting for a death blow, his own pistol, a knife, magic, something.
He finally said "Just kill me and get it over with! Fuck!"
"Not that easy." The pony that had been pursuing him said "This will be slow and painful, just like theirs." She cut Johnson in multiple places, then on the last strike, she left the knife in him.
The pegasus flew away, leaving Johnson to die. He had no medical equipment, and multiple large bleeding wounds. If he wasn't treated quickly, he would bleed out. Johnson assumed that this was it. His run was over. He did everything he could, but still failed. He was blacking out, wasn't the first time, but it was most likely the last. He prayed to his god, and closed his eyes.
When Johnson opened his eyes, he saw a bright light, he was sure he was dead. He knew there would be no more pain, no more suffering. He was safe, until he laughed to himself. Pain shot through his body.
"We'll this isn't what the book said..." He looked around to see he was in another hospital room, he just happened to be under a light. The room was empty, except for another patient on the far end of the room. He heard voices from outside, both male. He stretched to listen in
"....he is." The first said, Johnson entering the conversation late.
"We don't know, he had cuts all over, and a knife protruding out of him. He had some alien weapon on him too, it wasn't to rob him."
"Until he wakes up, we really can't tell anyone what happened."
"We'll then let's just peek in and see if he's up."
The doctors walked in the room, surprised to see the pony near death awake.
"My name is Alex Johnson. Please, tell me what happened." Johnson said, mixed emotions in his voice.
The first doctor spoke "You were found with cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Unconscious, a patrol found you in an open field, thought you were dead."
"I thought I was too."
"They brought you to me, I patched you up pretty good I think, you'll be able to do normal tasks in a week at maximum, but tell us, is there anyone we should alert of your condition?"
"Well... Yeah, some of the ponies in Ponyville. Applejack or Twilight."
"Awesome! We'll bring them in as soon as possible!"
The doctors left the room, Johnson realized the second doctor didn't speak at all. But that wasn't important, he lay in the bed, sleepy and hungry. There was no food, so he decided he would just sleep. When he woke, Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash were all in chairs sleeping. He didn't know if he should wake them, or let them sleep. After a minute of thinking, he decided he would see if he could find a snack. He rolled out of the bed, legs trembling. He was walking down the hallway, when a nurse came out of the other room looking at him funny.
Finally she spoke "Mr. Johnson, I am afraid you can't be walking around yet, let me help you back to your room."
"I'm hungry. I need something to eat." He replied
"Ok, I'll bring you something after we get you back to your room."
She walked him back to the room, helping him get back in his bed. She woke Twilight, telling her to watch him, make sure he doesn't get up again. Once he ate and the doctor left, he laid back, thinking about what to do next.
"You know, she didn't mean it." Twilight said.
"Mean what?" Johnson said, confusion in his voice.
"Destroying families, she was just a little upset."
"I wish I could take back what I did. I didn't mean to grab her."
"What exactly happened? How did you get all these cuts? They said you were found like this."
"I went to apologize to the families, one was rather unhappy."
"How unhappy?"
"She had found my M9, I was on the receiving end." He told her the rest, how he was being tailed, cut, and left for dead.
"That's horrible! But, there's something I have to tell you, outside of the problem."
"What's that?"
"I found a spell that can send you back, to your world."
Johnson's heart sank. He love it here, sure the violence wasn't that great, but at least it wasn't a kid killing him, it was a trained professional. "How long?"
"A week to prepare."
"What'll happen?"
"By my understanding, the times in our worlds are different. A day here is a week there, or something like that. It will send you back to your world, as well as back in time, a day before I brought you here."
Johnson looked at Rainbow Dash "I won't be able to communicate with you at all will I?"
"No."
"Alright, and when do I need to turn back human?"
"Whenever."
"You wouldn't happen to have the spell with you would you?"
"No, but may want to actually heal up first."
Johnson laid down, he needed more rest. This week would be huge.
He woke to Rainbow Dash poking him. She wanted to talk to him.
"I am so sorry for what I said. I just wish I could take it back. I didn't mean it. You are the first... human to ever save my life. You brought down a terrorist organization, and stole my heart without even trying."
"Stole your heart? Huh, never heard anyone say that before."
"Alex, I love you, you don't even realize how much you mean to me." She had a tear rolling down her cheek "I want to make this week as special as possible, I don't care what it takes."
"A lot of aspirin!" He started laughing, then had to stop, it hurt to laugh. "How do you want to make it special?"
"Well... Umm..." She looked around, she was the only pony in the room not injured "Like this." She leaned in, kissing Johnson. He tried as hard as he could to return the kiss, his wounds restraining him from putting everything he could back into it.
The door opened, Rainbow Dash backed up from Johnson. Johnson hasn't loved like this since high school.
"Hello nurse, come here to give Alex some painkillers?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Not quite." The voice said. Johnson head that voice before. Jaspine. He turned to see her walking towards him, trying to hide a blade beneath her wing. Johnson reached under the bed with his right wing, grabbing the M9.
Jaspine saw this, and charged at the injured patient. Johnson prayed the gun had a bullet in the chamber, he saw the clip, but didn't have time to cock it. He pulled the trigger. The pistol rocked back in his wing, the bullet leaving the gun, hitting its target directly in the forehead. The assassin dropped to the floor, the blade crashed to the ground. He let out a sigh of relief. His M9 saved him again. Multiple ponies ran into the room, seeing Johnson with a pistol, a dead pony with a hole in her head, a blade at her side.
"What happened!" A doctor yelled, checking for a pulse.
"Black Pegasus, she came at me with a knife. Had no choice." Johnson said. He looked over to see Rainbow Dash on the ground, hooves covering her eyes. "Dash, what's wrong?"
"I've never seen a pony die. And you killed her, like it was nothing." She replied between small sobs.
"Dash..." Johnson rolled out of the bed, sitting by Rainbow Dash "I had to. If I didn't, there's a very good chance we would both be dead."
"Why would she kill me?"
"You would be a witness, can't have those." He wrapped his arms around her, he suddenly realized this is how it was when he was in the cloud, only the positions were switched.
Johnson looked over to the pony being put in a body bag, then he realized, why didn't he feel bad about what he just did? He just watched a female lose her life by his doing, so why wasn't he as upset when he hit the initial three? Maybe because this dead was quick, she probably only felt the pain of where he shot her the other day. He felt like he should feel worse than he did. Then he realized, in ending one life, he saved two. His own, and the sobbing blue pony's.
He felt like that made up for it. Killing wasn't something he just did, it was for survival. He didn't find pleasure in it, he didn't find it fun. He saw it as necessary. If he didn't kill one, then the one would kill two. It was his job to protect the people around him, even if that meant having his leg crushed into hundreds of pieces.
A doctor walked over to Rainbow Dash and Johnson "Are you two alright? You seem a little shaken."
Rainbow Dash collected herself long enough to say "Yeah, I'm fine."
Johnson had to get the pony's mood up, he had to find a joke fast "Well that kinda ruined the moment didn't it?" He said as he nudged her
She laughed, it worked. "Yeah, it kinda did didn't it?"
A guard walked over beside the doctor, asking him to leave, then he turned to Johnson "I'm going to need you two to come with me."
"What for?" Johnson asked, he assumed questions about the incident.
"The Princess wants to speak with you."
"I spoke with Celestia just a week ago, what could she want now?"
"Not Celestia."
"Luna?" Johnson looked at the door to see two ponies in black military armor, the moon all over it. "What could she possibly want us for?"
"She wants to speak to you about the way time travels in your world compared to ours, she spent a thousand years on the moon, she could know a thing or two."
"That's it?"
"Just get up, we don't have much time." They waked into the hallway, Johnson's right wing wrapped around Rainbow Dash to both stabilize himself, and comfort the still sobbing pony. The guard left, leaving them to the guards in black.
"We will be escorting you to Luna. You are needed for information about the Black Pegasus." The ponies said in unison.
"Really? I've already killed four, isn't that all I have to deal with?"
"Afraid not, but we're going to have to ask only you to come."
Johnson looked over at Rainbow Dash, she looked like a baby, crying, not paying attention to what was going on around them "I'm afraid I can't do that." Johnson said, looking the guards in the eyes. They were cold, soulless.
"Marine, we are going to ask you to come with us alone, or we are required to use force." Their horns started to hum.
"I really don't know who you two are, but if you think for one second I'm just going to leave Rainbow Dash, you've got another thing coming." Johnson positioned his wing on his pistol.
"Mr. Johnson, do not make us use force, you will not like it." A slight glow started to come from the horns.
"Johnson, don't worry, we'll take care of her." Twilight said, taking Johnson's wing off the pistol, making sure not to bend it wrong.
Johnson looked at Rainbow Dash for conformation, he got a reassuring nod that she would be alright. He took his wing off her, watching to make sure Twilight and Applejack had her safe. He then turned to the guards, horns no longer any noise or any light.
"Are you ready now Mr. Johnson?"
He looked back one more time at the ponies, he walked over, pecking Rainbow Dash on the cheek. He turned back to the guards "I am ready, let's go."
"This way." They said, everything they said had a dark, monotone voice. No emotion. Almost like they weren't really living, breathing creatures. Robots almost. These were the kind of people Johnson knew would kill anyone, and not think twice about how or why they did it.
Johnson followed them all the way to the castle, occasionally looking to see if their expressions would change at all. Nothing. The same blank face the whole way. He could see tension rising with the guards wearing armor that glistened in the sun. They looked at the dark figures like they were a completely different race. Why did they care? They were protecting virtually the same thing. Johnson assumed it was like the different branches back home, while they all protected the same thing, they all have each other hell over everything, but when it comes time, all differences are set aside. But this was on a much larger scale, the difference literally day and night.
Johnson nodded to Celestia with a smile on his face as they passed the main room. She had an odd face on her, more concerned than anything. Two of Luna's guards with an alien that had scars and bandages all over. That had to mean something happened, he would explain later if Luna didn't get to her first. He then realized how fucked up he really looked. A sandy colored pegasus, scars all over along with bandages, an odd saddle with something hidden under his wings, and a cutie mark that only the few he told understand.
"Nice of you to join me Johnson!" Luna said, Johnson looked up, suddenly realizing he was in Luna's chamber.
"Oh, hello Luna, I was told you wanted to see me." Johnson looked around the room, charts everywhere.
"You know why you're here don't you?"
"Black Pegasus?"
"Exactly. You seem to be the only one that has made any progress in stopping them."
"What are you getting at?"
"We need you Johnson, our best couldn't even take one down, and you managed to eliminate the top four."
"Not interested, I don't find killing women that great."
"Please Johnson! We have been fearing for both Celestia's life and future of Equestria!"
"Twilight is going to be sending me home in a week, is that enough time?"
Luna thought for a second, then replied "I can get Twilight to postpone the spell, that would also give you more time with Rainbow Dash."
Johnson looked at Luna like she was crazy, she winked and started going through different maps "So how am I going to do this anyway? Even if I want to?"
"You were able to find three of the families just by reading the paper and asking around, who's to say you can't find the remaining ten members?"
"Ten members are enough to take down a whole empire?"
"You don't know out history do you? A while back, I almost tore the empire apart. Twilight and her friends saved me."
"When will I start?"
"When you're at full strength, whenever. However, the sooner the better."
"How will I know where to look?"
Luna pulled out a map, holding it up for Johnson to see "We have the general location and times of many attacks marked on this map, we may have to use some of your friends though."
Johnson looked at the map, he had been attacked in the largest spot on the map "So you want someone like Twilight to be waking through one of these areas, and I take the shot when she gets attacked?"
"That's exactly what we want you to do."
Johnson weighed his options, then decided he could help this empire one last time before he left "I'll do it."
"Alright sisters, you ready?" Scarlett said, pulling the mask over her face. A purple unicorn with an orange earth pony, easy pickings.
"Yes, let's get them!" The three ponies in black wielding knives jumped from the trees, flying straight towards the helpless victims.
Once they hit the ground, it was obvious this wasn't a normal pony. "Listen here, we want your money and any weapons you have, not your life, hand it over now!" Scarlett motioned forward, knife ready.
The orange pony stepped up "Now you listen here, we won't be bullied by some ponies in black costumes!" This would be fun.
Scarlett motioned at her sister, she stepped up, knife ready as well. A crack rang through the valley, blood splashed into Scarlett's eyes, she turned to see he sister falling to the ground, red already seeping into her mask. Another crack, her other sister screamed in pain as she fell to the ground, a hit in the throat. Another crack silenced her, blood exploding from her chest. A grip tightened around Scarlett's throat. She saw the purple pony's horn glowing brightly. A well planned ambush, as she could do was think of how stupid she was. This shouldn't have happened.
"That was too close Johnson! That was one bullet too many!" The orange pony said. This was bullshit.
Johnson aimed down the makeshift sight. He knew the M16 was accurate, but the scope that was attached would only be good for one shot really. He watched as Twilight and Applejack made their way through the clearing. The pegasi should come out any second. He relaxed for a second, popping his neck. When he looked back down the scope he saw three black pegasi coming in hot from the trees "Show time" He said to himself.
He positioned the bead right on the closest pony's head. She motioned at Twilight with a knife. The rifle kicked his shoulder, breaking the makeshift sight. When he looked back, he the crosshairs were cracked, he pulled the trigger again, hitting the farthest in the chest, that wouldn't kill though, he moved the rifle up and to the left. Headshot. He saw Twilight grab the middle one, his work was done. He packed up his rifle and started to fly down to the ponies.
" What's your name?" The sand colored pony asked Scarlett. She refused to answer. She would not be interrogated by something she already left for dead. She remembered on the way to Jaspine's house, the weapon cracking, the pony flying away, and her cutting him up.
"Just tell us your name and this will be over soon." The purple pony said, in a much more sincere tone.
"I am known as Scarlett. I am the second oldest in the family." Scarlett said, trying not to sound beaten.
"You're a family? As in all related, or something you just call each other?" Johnson had to ask.
"We are sisters of the same idea." She said.
"What is the point if this organization?"
She looked at him, death in her eyes "Why should someone be born with the crown? We want to control Equestria."
"You know I can't let you do that right?"
"Obviously, or six of us wouldn't be dead."
"I can't kill you. I have had a conversation, I have learned your name, if I killed you, it would be personal."
She had a sick smile appear on her face "So I'm free?"
"Not quite." Two of Luna's personal guards fell behind Johnson "These gentlecolts have no problem with killing. You are at their biding." Johnson motioned for Applejack and Twilight to follow, let the dark magic do its work.
Johnson made his way back to his house, but instead of his old normal routine, paranoia had again set in. He had to clear every room before he could sit in his chair. He threw all his weight into it, trying to push what he did away from his mind. Three more dead, two by his hands. Seven to go. How was he going to be able to drop at least two more squads of female?
Nothing would matter if he didn't get a reliable scope to take them down at a distance. He didn't expect it to practically shatter when the first round left the barrel. He started to think of the last pony, Scarlett. What did the guards do with her? They were emotionless, he didn't know if they made it a quick death, or drug it out. He tried to push it out of his mind, failing again. He needed someone to talk to. He would make a new scope later, he had to find Rainbow Dash. He had to stay sane. For just a little longer.
Johnson looked for Rainbow Dash for over an hour, with no luck. He decided maybe he needed to design his scope first. Just a couple more targets, should be able to take them down relatively quick. But damn, it gnawed at him every time he thought about it. He almost got sick every time he thought about killing women. Just, thinking that a could be mother could have just died. He shuddered as he lay on a cloud above where Rainbow Dash first taught him to fly. He started drawing his idea. He wanted a scope that would help hit a fly at a hundred yards.
His art wasn't exactly the greatest, when he was done, it just looked like a stick with rings on the end. He threw the design away, and began the next. After five sketches, he realized he wasn't cut out for designing scopes, he needed an artist.
"You want us to do it!" Applebloom and Sweetie Belle squealed.
"I don't want anything to do with that thing!" Scootaloo said, looking at her shoulder. It had healed, but she'd never touch anything like it ever again.
"Come on Scoot, the sooner it's done, the sooner it'll be out of your clubhouse. And I swear it won't do what it did the first time." Johnson said as he put the weapon on a table. He took out the clip, made sure there was no bullet chambered, and had the safety on.
"Come on Scootaloo, it'll be fun! And Johnson here has helped us do so much with our clubhouse, a little thing for him isn't anything." Sweetie Belle said.
"I won't leave you here alone with it, I have to stay and help, make sure none of the Bl.... just make sure it's safe." Johnson hoped the little ponies didn't notice his mistake, they didn't.
Applebloom traced the weapon on a rather large piece of paper. "What's the shape like?" She asked, eager to help the Marine with his project.
"Well the part closest to my eye needs to be kinda large, then it gets narrow, and goes back to another big part, but not as big."
"What color?"
"Black."
"Why black? Why is all the stuff you have that surrounds those things have to be black?" Scootaloo said, still eyeing the M16, almost like it would place itself back in her shoulder and fire.
"It's just better, black goes with everything."
"Rarity hates using black in her dresses." Sweetie Belle added in, feeling left out.
"Well.... This isn't exactly a dress." Johnson said, smiling. He thought he heard something strange outside, he dismissed it, probably just the wind or Applejack.
"There's little girls in there!" One of the sisters said.
"Then don't hit them!" The leader said. With only seven left in their organization, she was forced to adopt the newest member into her squad.
"So what exactly are we going to do? There's little girls, the bastard, and both of his weapons." She asked again.
"He's not paying any attention to the windows, none of them are. If we are able to sneak in through there, we could grab the one on the table and take down the bastard. Then we'll get Celestia!"
"What if he hears us?" One of the more experienced members asked.
"Turn and run, but really try to grab the gun." She said, anger started to show in her voice.
"So who's gonna go in?" The experienced member asked. All the members looked at the newbie, rather a new member than someone who is important.
"How will you be able to see out of it? If you can't put your eye right on it?" Applebloom asked.
"Well you aren't supposed to have your eye right on it, back a little." Johnson heard something creak, just the wind he said to himself, paranoia was getting to him again.
"And it looks like a plus? With dots for how the bullet falls?"
"Yup, helps me hit things at a distance." Johnson heard metal moving, close. He knew it wasn't his imagination. He turned to see a pegasus in all black picking up his M16, the window open. "I know why you're here, girls, look away."
"Why John... Oh my! Wh..."
"I said look away. Now!" Johnson said, grabbing his M9, acting like the M16 was armed.
"Ha! You fool! You are dead!" The pony said, squeezing the trigger. Nothing. Fear overwhelmed the pony's eyes when Johnson tackled her, creating a massive hole in the wall of the treehouse. He would fix it later, he didn't want the girls seeing someone die. Johnson jumped into the air, swinging himself around. The pistol cracked. The pony lay on her stomach, a hole in the back of her head. She had no idea that Johnson would hear her, let alone kill her.
"She's in! He didn't even know!" All the ponies started laughing, he was as good as dead. They got back into their positions, watching as he turned to see the newest member with the weapon.
"Why doesn't she kill him?" One of the members asked.
"Probably trying to get the other one too. It shouldn't take too long for them to..." They watched as Johnson slammed himself into the newest member, creating a massive hole in the wall.
"Go! Go! Go! Run!" The leader screamed as a loud crack came from the black object in his wings. The newest member was dead, only six remained.
"What was that?" Twilight asked Pinkie as the walked towards Applejack's.
"It sounded like a firework!" Pinkie said.
"Kinda, but why would someone be shooting fireworks off during the day?" Twilight looked at the sky to see three pegasi in all black, flying away as fast as they could. "Pinkie, that wasn't fireworks, it was Johnson. We need to hurry!"
Johnson flew back into the clubhouse. The girls were all huddled in a corner, tears running down their faces "Are y'all okay?" Johnson asked, slowly moving towards them, trying not to add any pressure on them. They all nodded while sobbing.
"Who was that? Why did you do that?" Scootaloo asked.
"Ermm.... I really can't tell you who that was, except that they were going to hurt me very bad, and very possible you three." Johnson said, trying to ease the stress. He really wanted someone besides himself to explain. He didn't have an excuse for killing.
A scream came from below, someone found the body. Then a voice, Applejack's "What happened here! Johnson? Applebloom? Scoot? Sweetie?"
"They're all in here Apllejack, give me a second and I'll be down there." He looked at the girls "Will you guys be alright?" They nodded. He flew down to Applejack who was staring at the body.
"What did you do?" She asked, fear in her voice.
"Black Pegasus. Had to." He replied, looking at the M16 pinned under the body.
Twilight stood beside Johnson. She noticed his eyes starting to turn red and water. "You alright?" Twilight asked.
"Where's Rainbow Dash?" He asked, trying to hide his sorrow.
"She is still at my library getting a book."
"Do you know what to do with the body?"
"Yes." Twilight said. Johnson immediately took off towards Ponyville. He couldn't control his tears as he made his way to the library. When he busy through the doors, instead of seeing Rainbow Dash sitting in a chair or looking for a book, instead he saw three ponies in all black, the blue pony pinned to the ground. A knife to her throat.
"Listen here you bastard, we have yo..." The pistol cracked three times, blood splattering over Rainbow Dash. Johnson's heart was racing. Johnson dropped the M9, collapsing to his knees. Seven in one day. He began crying uncontrollably.
"Alex... Please... Don't cry... You saved me again." Rainbow Dash said, getting up from the ground.
"That's seven... Just today..." Johnson said, his hands in his hooves.
"Alex..." She wrapped her wings around him "how often are you required to kill females back where you're from?"
"This is the first time I've ever had to... It's horrible!" He said, returning her embrace. He smelled the blood that stained her beautiful mane, but it didn't matter. Where he was at, he felt safe. At home.
A guard busted into the library "What was that?" He looked at the bodies on the ground, realizing they were Black Pegasus members.
"I have it under control." Johnson said.
"Under control? There are three bodies on the floor! Someone has to take responsibility!"
Johnson stood up "Stand down! I was assigned to kill them, I am working under Luna, you have no right to take me into custody!"
The guard stated at Johnson, then turned as left the room, as Twilight came in. She looked at her library, blood covering the floor and splattered on her books.
"Johnson... You realize there's only three left right?" She asked, teleporting the bodies.
Johnson walked back one to Rainbow Dash, wrapping his wing around her. "Yeah, they'll be the hardest."
"You know what they means right?" She asked, concern in her voice.
"No, what?" Johnson had confusion in his voice.
"I have to send you back."
Johnson looked at the ground, realizing she was right. Once he killed the last three, he had to go back to his world. His time in this world was limited. "But... I am not sure I want to leave?" He said, sadness filled his voice.
"I'm so sorry Johnson, but when you kill the final three... I have to send you back."
"Alex..." Rainbow Dash grabbed him tightly "I don't know what to do without you. You've saved me numerous times and I... I... I love you."
Those words hit Johnson like a freight train. "I love you too Dash." He replied. What had he just said? He was maybe a week from leaving Equestria, forever, and he's announcing his love for someone he'll never see again.
Spike came downstairs, just waking from a nap, how he slept through the gunshots was a mystery. He looked at the mess on the walls, floors, and Rainbow Dash "What happened here?" He said, eyes wide. He then burped a letter up, Twilight grabbing it.
Twilight read it aloud "Twilight, it has come to my attention that the human "Alex Johnson" has almost brought down the entire terrorist organization, the Black Pegasus, singlehanded. We ask him and all your friends to come to Canterlot. Luna and I wish to speak with you all." She put down the letter "I wonder why for? Doesn't matter, looks like we're off to Canterlot!"
The train ride was horrible. Johnson sat at his bed, all his gear in a suitcase, his M9 under his pillow. He couldn't sleep. He eventually went to the caboose, and leaned over the railing, watching the scenery go by. He heard soft footsteps behind him, he turned, expecting to see three black figures, threatening his life. That's all he has turned around to recently. Instead, the three little girls were coming up behind him.
"What are you three doing here?" He asked, turning again to face the scenery. Beautiful. A shame he had to kill in such a majestic world.
"We didn't wanna stay in Ponyville, after what happened in the clubhouse." Scootaloo said.
"Yeah, we were scared they would try t' get us!" Applebloom said.
Johnson laughed to himself, the assassins wouldn't kill little girls. Would they? Johnson was killing females and felt horrible, what could a mindless killer do? "They wouldn't come after you, girls. They wanted me." He said, trying to make even himself believe it.
"So... You did kill that pony? The one that took your thing?" Sweetie Belle said, she was tired.
Johnson tried to come up with an excuse. He was unable, instead, he recited his favorite quote. "You must kill the spider to get rid of the cobweb."
"What does that mean?" Applebloom said.
"It means, that someone could just keep destroying something, like how Luna was sending in wave after wave after wave of troops to destroy the organization that is trying to kill me. But unless you kill the whole thing, the spider, the cobweb will keep coming back."
"So what you're saying, is if you don't do it, they would just keep coming back?" Scootaloo asked.
Johnson nodded "I am doing what I was told. I do not like it, not one but. But it's my job."
"Then why don't you quit?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"It's not that simple." He said.
"How so?" They asked in unison.
"I pretty much promised my entire country. I promised that I would protect it at all costs. It's near impossible to break a promise like that." Johnson said. The memories of training started to flash through his head.
"What do you think is happening now?" A new voice said.
Johnson turned to see Rainbow Dash standing behind the children. "How long have you been there?" He asked.
"Long enough. Girls, could you am Johnson leave us alone for a minute?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Sure thing!" They said, they ran into the next car.
"You must kill the spider to get rid of the cobweb?" She had an odd look on her face "You make that up?"
Johnson shook his head "No, after my first kill in Afghanistan, I was shocked at what I did. That quote gave me the most peace. Have me assurance that whatever I was doing, had some good in it."
"You know why we're going to see Celestia right?" Rainbow Dash asked, a deep sadness in her voice.
Johnson shook his head "Not a clue."
"The three remaining members of the Black Pegasus surrendered themselves yesterday. They said that they were all newer members and had no idea what to do now that every high rank was dead."
Johnson's heart sank "So she's sending me back?"
"Alex, once we get there, you are to be returned to your normal form, and Twilight will preform a spell that will send you back, five minutes before you were summoned here last time."
"Why wasn't I told earlier?" Johnson asked, anger in his voice.
"We didn't know how to tell you, and only me, Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and now you know."
"You weren't going to tell me until I was human weren't you?" Johnson turned to Rainbow Dash, she was looking at the ground.
"I... Alex you..."
"I what? Do I not get to know what's about to happen to me? That I don't get to see any of you anymore?"
"Alex..."
"Dash, I am about to lose you. I'm about to lose everything this world has given me. And you girls keep it a secret."
"I'm sorry." Tears started to mass in her eyes.
"Rainbow Dash, please, don't cry." Johnson's anger quickly vanished as he put his wing around her. He escorted her back to her bunk.
"Alex?" She said, already drifting to sleep.
"Yes?"
"I know it's a little early, but I'm going to miss you."
Johnson smiled, and kissed her on the cheek "I will miss you too." Johnson flew to his bed, seeing all three of the girls passed out on it already, he took the floor. He closed his eyes, passing out.
When Johnson woke, he was still on the floor, but they were nearing Canterlot. He started to stretch his wings, then his arms. It was strange, he didn't feel the ground on his wings. He opened his eyes and looked around, still in the same car. He rolled over, about to push himself off the ground, when he saw it. Instead of hooves, his human hands were touching the ground. He looked at himself to see he was in his full gear. The train door opened, Twilight's horn glowing. Johnson got up to charge the pony, his anger and adrenaline pumping.
"I'm so sorry." Twilight said as she pulled Johnson out of the train. Guards surrounded them all the way to the palace. Helping Twilight carry the pissed, cursing marine.
When they reached the main chamber, Celestia had used her magic to draw strange symbols on the floor. "Twilight, set him in the middle, and we will begin."
Johnson looked to see Rainbow Dash being held back by two guards, her eyes like waterfalls. She was screaming to let him go. That wouldn't happen. A strange sensation overwhelmed Johnson's body. He looked to see the strange symbols on the floor start to circle him.
"Celestia, will this work?" Twilight asked.
"No doubt in my mind." She answered. Johnson's legs started to disintegrate, leaving just his arms, torso, an head. He saw a strange fire start to eat at him, it didn't hurt though.
Twilight screamed over the noise of the spell "This should send him back just five minutes before I summoned him the first time!"
A horrified look came across Celestia's face "Five minutes before! Twilight! What have you done?"
"I don't understand?"
Celestia looked at Johnson, only his head remained "You have just created a time para..."
Johnson! Get the fuck down!" Johnson looked around to see that him and his squad were dug into a trench on the side of the road. An I.E.D. had hit their convoy, they were holding out until air support arrived.
"Johnson! Get that look off your face and start laying down cover fire!" Someone screamed. Johnson didn't even remember his name, but did what he was told.
An Apache helicopter flew in from behind them, laying down a barrage of missiles and bullets. A voice came over from the radio "Everyone get in the Humvees and let's get the fuck outta here!"
Johnson did just that. He hopped in the nearest humvee, and sped off.
"Johnson, you about got fucked up man!"
"It's like you forgot everything you knew in five seconds man."
"Say, what's that?" One of the marines pulled a feather out of Johnson's helmet. "A blue feather? When the hell'd you get that?"
"No idea." He replied.
"Johnson, you alright, you look kinda sick?"
"Nah, I'm fine." Johnson's memories ran wild. The firefight, Black Pegasus, Rainbow Dash, Equestria, it just wouldn't stop.
"You know, I heard that Jorge considers himself a 'brony'"
"What the fuck's a brony?"
"Someone who watches a show, My Little Pony."
"Are you fucking serious?"
"Yeah man, he says that shit's crazy. His favorite character he says is called 'Fluttershy', what kind of name is that?"
Johnson's head shot up "Fluttershy?"
"Yeah dude, says she's all nice an' shit, reminds him of his mama."
Johnson looked out the window. They had been on the road for about three minutes. "That's funny. I knew someone named that."
"Johnson, are you sure you're alright?"
Johnson started seeing spots. "No, I'm seeing stars."
"You created a time paradox for the poor man!" Celestia cried out. "Do you know what that is?"
"No?"
"Remember when you sent yourself back in time to warn yourself to not worry?"
"Yeah."
"It's like that!"
"I remember, I was knocked out about four minutes after the spell too! So... I caused another time paradox?"
Celestia shook her head "Nothing we can do now."
"Johnson! Johnson look at me!"
"I am!" Johnson yelled back. He was losing consciousness.
"My God! Sarge! Look at his legs!" A black fire started to creep up Johnson's body.
"Water! We need water!" Water was poured on the fire, but nothing was happening.
"Johnson! Stay awake!"
"No... I know what's happening. I want to sleep."
"Johnson! We'll get the fire out! I..." The humvee hit a giant rock in the road. Johnson's head crashed into the door. The flames had him completely covered. Then vanished. Johnson was no longer in the vehicle.
Alex Johnson, a United States Marine, had just woke from a great sleep. He sat up and stretched out, strangely, still in all his gear. He opened his eyes to an unfamiliar sight. Instead of the normal rows of bunks with other marines, he looked around and saw the inside of a barn. Buckets everywhere, as well as the hay he was laying on. He heard voices outside, but didn't recognize them. Sounded like three little girls. One with a thick southern accent. He looked around and saw his M16 buried in the hay. His M9 on his hip.