Resistance: Fall of a Man

Chapters

The Fall of a Man (Revised)
Introductions (Part 1)
Introductions (Part 2)
A Morning of Apples and Cupcakes
An Afternoon of Flying and Designing
A Night of Animals and Stars
Me, Myself, and I
A Small Challenge
A Problem in Paradise
Train Ride
The Derelict Ship
The Things I Have Seen
The Rise of a Pony (Revised)
New Cover Pic

The Fall of a Man (Revised)

The Fall of a Man

“Fucking Chimera”

That’s how most conversations usually went nowadays. My name is Riley and I was born in Sacramento, California August 15, 1932. My family and I have been through hell since the Chimera invaded America. No one really knows how the Chimera came to exist on our planet but we do know it all started in Russia. After the communist movement failed, Russia stayed in the Great War and after the war was over they built a great iron wall to keep the other nations out. America had a hunch that the Russians were conducting biological experiments behind the wall but little news ever got out so it was hard to tell what was taking place.

What little news leak out though told of villages disappearing in a night. The rest of the world took little notice about a few villages dissapearing. We just assumed they needed the people for some experiments. If they wanted to test on their own people, let them. But we soon found out that entire cities started to disappear in a night and that raised the red alert for everyone else. Whatever was causing all the disappearances was staying behind the iron wall and it didn’t come out for an entire decade. But after ten years of being locked up, it wanted loose.

They came like a damn tsunami.

Just like a giant wave the Chimera washed over whole countries within weeks of breaking out. They slammed through defensive lines like they weren’t even there. They had technology that far outclassed anything we had at the time. Giant mechs that mortared cities from miles away and guns that shot energy instead of bullets. Tanks were crushed under the massive feet of their walking fortresses and infantry overwhelmed by sheer numbers. If you didn’t die the Chimera took you away and infected you with the Chimera virus. If you weren’t lucky enough to die in the process, you joined their ranks and started to hunt down humanity yourself.

The virus started out by putting its victims into a deep coma that kept the victim in place until a Carrier arrived to retrieve the unconscious bodies. The Carriers would transport the bodies to conversion centers to speed up the process of turning a human into a Chimeran foot soldier. They took the human body and took what it could do to the extreme. If they needed a larger soldier they would take several humans and mold the bodies together. This how Titans and other large Chimera are born. The Chimera can heal wounds at an incredible rate and have fast reaction times. This comes at a price because their metabolism is about twelve times that of a normal human so they have to have cooling units inserted into their backs so they don’t cook themselves from the inside out.

Chimera are all part of a hive mind which make a sneak attack on a base impossible. If one is able to send out a mental image then the rest will come running to their comrade’s aid. It makes them predictable but still very dangerous.

America was isolated while the rest of the world was falling to the Chimera. Newspapers became government property and the media was censored to hide what was happening. The world was suffering around us but our leaders acted like the problem would just go away or never come to America’s shores. We did lend Britain aid however when they offered us something we wanted very badly. We sent in hundreds of troops to deliver the supplies and pick up the ‘gift’ Britain was giving us. Before we could meet them the Chimera ambushed our forces, and crushed us. Only one survivor walked out of that fight alive and his name was Nathan Hale. He was infected with the Chimera virus but he is the only known case of a human that has woken up after being infected. The virus gave him all the powers the Chimera possessed without the side effects.

Hale’s body was able to heal wounds that would be mortal to normal human beings. His reaction time also increased to allow more effective combat on the battle field. With these new abilities Hale took it upon himself to stop the Chimera in Britain and over the course of a few days he helped turn the tides of war in British favor.

After the fighting he was brought back to America where he entered a special program under the military organization called S.R.P.A. He joined a group of elite soldiers that have willingly been infected by the virus to gain the powers of the Chimera and use them against the invaders. These soldiers called themselves Sentinels. He led a group called Echo and with his three teammates they became the best team out of all of them. But no matter how hard we fought, the Chimera would always have an ace up their sleeve and we would be forced to fall back. With each passing day we moved back into a parameter of giant gun towers we use to keep their fleet of airships from entering our last safe zone.

I joined the Sentinels soon after they formed and took up a squad of my own. We called ourselves Wolf. I was in overall command of the team with three of my good childhood friends as my teammates. We stormed Chimera bases and took one of the top spots on the Sentinel team ranks. We would get in over our heads but we always kept each other’s spirits up. But when we stormed a Chimera conversion tower on an information gathering mission we were corned by Chimera forces. We fought our way out but we lost so many good teams on that mission and I lost a dear friend of mine. Many missions followed that one and over the course of them I lost my other two friends to the monsters. I no longer felt invincible after losing my friends to the enemy.

Then the worst possible thing happened. Our defense towers fell and the Chimera stormed our final safe zone. The last of America’s strong holds fell to the Chimera and now we face an enemy we have little chance at defeating.

There is hope.

Humanity was able to make a nuclear bomb with technology we stole from a downed Chimera ship. Our final plan is to put that nuclear bomb in their Capitol battleship power core to not only kill it but all other ships in the Chimera fleet. The operation was given the name Black Eden. The operation is our bes,t and most likely final chance, at turning the tides of war in favor of humanity. All of the surviving Sentinels had been gathered to deliver the device. We fought our way through the streets of Baton Rouge, Louisiana to reach the Chimra fleet. The streets were soaked in the blood of my friends and the blood of the Chimera. There is no room for error; if we fail all of the bloodshed for humanity will be for nothing.

We fought the Chimera forces for hours. Up and down streets like we were in a giant maze trying to lose our pursuers while making our way towards their ships. They sent some of the top breeds of Chimera against us to stop our desperate last move. We faced the brutal Ravangers along with the towering Titans. With the Ravangers running through our ranks with their devastating arsenal and the Titans firing explosive rounds at the survivors, our chances looked slim. But we pushed on with the best of the best backing our cause.

Nathan Hale had lost most of his team on a single mission not too long ago and now he is running out of time before the virus takes over. Even with so little time left, he is using it to help us take down the Chimera for good. He fought his way through streets filled with Chimera on his own to join us at the bomb. After travelling through a swamp filled with Chimera Chameleons, Hale arrived at a docking platform were we plan to commandeer a supply ship.

“Hey Riley. You all right?”

“Huh?” The voice of the commanding officer, Major Blake, brought me from back from my memories. “Yes sir, I’m fine.”

“Snap out of it, I need you to focus today.” He started to turn away but stopped. “What were you thinking about?”

I take a deep breath before I explain in a slow quiet voice. “Just about everything that has happened sir. All the friends I’ve lost and family I will never see again. Just thinking about why I need to fight and put an end to all of this.”

“…All right.” Blake turned away but I heard one final line escape his lips. “Fucking Chimera.”

In a few minutes we will land on the main battleship and all hell will break lose. I look over the weapons I have brought with me on this operation. I brought a custom built Folsom carbine and the accurate burst fire Marksman. The Folsom was custom built to allow more time between each shot so I can control the recoil easier. I added a bayonet to the front of it to allow a more devastating attack in case the Chimera rushed us. The under barrel grenade launcher was primed and ready to go. I open up the gun to look at the cleaned and polished insides. I took care of the weapons placed in my hands, understanding that they could one day save my life and I needed them to work when that time came.

I place the Folsom to my side and take the Marksman from my back. The weapon was designed from Chimera tech but it was made using a human touch. The gun was made to be a sniper rifle but it’s more like a burst fire assault rifle. They normally had scopes to them but since this will be close quarters I took it off in favor of the iron sights. The scope has been placed in my bag though just in case. They say this weapon might even become the standard issue rifle for the soldiers. Hopefully after today we won’t need them for too long.

I pull out my .44 magnum that is strapped to my leg and make sure its chambers are rotating. The gun is able to fire rounds that after they implant themselves in a target the rounds can explode causing the death of everyone around the initial target. Most of the others carry semi-automatic handguns but I prefer the reliability of the revolver. Finally I pull the knife from its sheath and inspect the stainless steel blade. Its double edge blade makes quick work of even the toughest enemy hide. It is the final back up I have if all else fails.

I place the knife and magnum back in there appropriate places, ready to be pulled out quickly if the need arises. I sling the Marksman onto my back for easy carrying and I hold the Folsom in my hands looking over the scratches it has obtained over all the missions we have been together. The supply ship begins it docking procedures so we all start to stand and prepare for a fight with the crew when we exit the ship. The back door drops and we rush out expecting the Chimera to meet us with ferocious fire but are surprised to see no one is around.

Major Blake spoke first. “All right team, we don’t have long before they notice we’re here. Gather the bomb and let’s move. Hale, you and Capelli go around and take the bastards by surprise. The rest of you are with me in dropping off our surprise gift.”

All answered him with a resounding roger and we went to work. I was in the back watching our six while we kept the bomb in the middle of our group for maximum protection. As we moved through the hallways of the Chimera ships, I saw out how classed we really were in technology. Even our brightest minds would be unable to digest all the information around us. The power behind each of their machines makes anything we do look insignificant. We move through each corridor with little resistance from the Chimera.

Maybe, just maybe this mission will succeed and we can go home to our families.

We enter a large area at the bottom of the ship. The ship has two sides to it right now and between both sides is an opening that opens to the ground below. A bridge spans this gap and is our only way across aside from taking a long walk around the area. We make our way across the bridge with each of us on our toes waiting for a surprise attack.

We got one.

A door on the other side bursts open to reveal about twenty hybrids with Ravangers as back up. With no cover on the bridge those in front were easy prey for the hybrids and Ravangers. We ran back to our side and took any cover where we could and began our fight for the bridge.

“Riley throw a grenade!”

“Roger!” I toss my frag grenade into the Chimera group. Those who saw it ducked out of the way leaving their more vulnerable brothers to face the shrapnel storm alone. Six Chimera were caught in the blast of the grenade. As they lay screaming on the ground with blood filling their lungs the rest fought on like they were never there. The dying cries of the Chimera filled us with hope and we fought had to take the bridge. But then a Titan showed up to aid the already powerful force.

“Dammit! Riley give me covering fire!” Blake shouted over the roar of the bullets around us.

“Yes sir!” I pulled my Folsom up to my shoulder and pulled the charging handle back. With a satisfying click the gun chambered the first round out of a fresh magazine. I flipped the select fire trigger to full auto and let fly the lethal storm of .303 rounds. With each nudge into my shoulder a round sailed down range towards a Chimera soldier and his oh so vulnerable flesh. The rounds rip through them causing wounds that splatter the walls behind them in a shower of blood and guts. Their head exploding covering others in their brain matter. Some coughing up blood as it fills their lungs, making them dead on their feet.

Blake moved up and gave orders to the others but our numbers are dwindling. The odds are now 3to1 and only getting worse. As I shoot I notice movement off to our side and see that we had been out flanked by several hybrids.

“Major Blake!” Was all I could say before several Bullseye rounds torn through his flesh causing the commander to slump over breathing his last breath. His eyes slowly closed as the blood poured from the wounds and soon one of our best fell into the never-ending sleep.

“Major!”

The few of us who remained were pushed back into a corner and we were running out of ammo. I was able to make it through a door but my last two comrades were cut down by Chimera fire. I ran down the halls to put distance between me and the murderous Chimera behind me. As I ran everything became a blur in my eyes, all I could do was run. I sprinted down the corridors where only a few Chimers could run at a time and the large number behind me kept getting in each other’s way. As the noise of boots hitting the ground behind me died I found a small room where I could rest and catch my breath.

Everything that happened finally caught up to me. We lost the bomb on the bridge and I was the only one alive from my squad. The bomb was now in their hands and even if I went out there I would be killed before I even caught up to the bomb. I take off my helmet and give it good long look. The mask is covered in the blood of my friends and so is the S.R.P.A. marking on the side of the helmet. I look at all the blood and think about whom it belongs to. James, Don, Alvarez, Danby, and Blake’s blood now cover the mask of the only Sentinel that is still alive. I hadn’t cried in years but this is all too much. MY tears fall on the mask, washing away the blood to leave a clean surface underneath.

“I’m sorry; I’m so so sorry everyone. I can’t, I just can’t do it. Not on my own.” I say to myself through the tears. Then over the radio I hear a voice calling out.

“Hale…the-… bomb”

Surprised by the voices I don’t grab the radio and listen in.

“Damnit Hale…if you fail humanity is dead.”

Nathan Hale and Joseph Capelli were still alive and fighting. I took a look at my helmet one more time and realized that I was just sitting on my ass while the world crumbled around me. All the people the Chimera have killed and all those that are looking to us to stop the slaughter are now counting on the few of us that still live. With new determination in my heart I slide the helmet back on and reach for the radio.

“This is Wolf one. The rest of my squad is dead but I am still able to fight. Where do you need me?”

No response.

“Hale? Capelli? Can either of you hear me?”

Again no response. I look down to see that the wiring in my radio had been hit by a stray Bullseye round in my retreat.

“Shit.” I stood up and made my way out of the room and back in the direction I had come from. My Folsom was low on ammo so I switch to the Marksman for more fire power. Each hall I go down I see the scorch marks from the Bullseye energy rounds that missed me. I am stopped by a set of blast doors, sealing off the area the bomb was at but another set of doors lead deeper into the ship.

“Whatever trouble I cause for the Chimera keeps them away from those two.” I come across a hanger full of Chimera drop ships and fighters. This is my best bet at keeping them away from Hale and Capelli. I look to the floor below to see other teams had made it to the room but had been cut down long before I had arrived. I say a silent prayer to my fallen brothers and make my way towards a fighter. Like most of the Chimeran weapons, this fighter uses energy as its main firepower. I don’t have the explosives to destroy the core and set off a chain reaction but maybe one of the dead has something. I make my way to the bodies while staying out of sight from the work crews in the hanger.

The bodies had a variety of weapons on them that could make me a dangerous fight in any situation. I see a drop ship not too far from me and it is unguarded by any Chimera. I choose that ship to be my escape ship if this plan works and I make it out alive. I gather the weapons and supplies the bodies are carrying. I move to the ship and open the hatch to the inside. Closing the hatch behind me I look over the weapons I now have at my disposal.

• 1x Rossmore 236 with 186 rounds

• 1x L210 LAARK with 10 rockets

• 1x L23 Fareye with 112 rounds

• 3x Folsom Carbine with 572 rounds

• 1x Marksman with 372 rounds

• 2x HE .44 Magnums with 66 rounds

• 10x Air Fuel grenades

• 15x Backlash grenades

• 25x Fragmentation Grenades

• 13x Spider Grenades

• 9 pounds of C4

My new vessel also contained many different weapons of Chimera origin. Many Bullseye, Augers, and even a couple of Atomizers the Ravangers use. I leave them for now and take a pound of C4 and my Marksman with me. I lock the ship behind me so not one of these bastards will take all my supplies and my ride home.

“Capelli…bomb…secured.” Hale’s voice came over the radio and encouraged me to continue my mission. I made it to the fighter without any Chimera noticing my movement and I place the C4 under the area the core of the fighter is held. I get the detonator ready and move towards a spot where I can cover most of the room while keeping myself relatively safe. I choose a spot behind three massive metal boxes and get my Marksman ready for the fire fight of a life time. I pull out the detonator and hit the button.

*BOOOOOOM!!!*

An explosion rocks the room as the fighter goes up in flames. Any Chimera nearby are disintegrated by the intense heat and other are burning. As I had hoped, a chain reaction has started and nearby drop ships and fighter begin to detonate as well. Chimera are running around confused by the fact that their ships are exploding and I take this opportunity to make myself know. I line up a Chimera with my sights and pull the trigger. Three gentle pushes signal the three ion rounds leaving the barrel of the weapon. They slam into the Head of the Chimera rendering it nonexistent. The others turn to see their brother fall but soon join him as I swing the rifle left and right in quick succession. They fell one by one with only a few making it behind cover and now the duck and fire battle starts.

For several minutes I pop in and out for cover catching the bastards when I can and diving when I see fire coming my way. My guns range keeps me at a distance while their weapons fires in a wide arc leaving me plenty of room to dodge them. Soon the hangar is clear of enemies and I go about sabotaging the rest of the ships.

*BOOOOOOOOOM!!!*

Another explosion rocks the ships beneath my feet and I fall to my knees. “What the hell was that?!”

“Hale…we…get off...ship…let’s go!”

They did it! Those sons of bitches actually did it! After sabotaging the last of the ships I head towards my own to escape. I hop inside and close the latch behind me. I start the preparations for takeoff when another explosion rocks the ship. “I’m running out of time.”

The ship begins its vertical ascent and I raise the landing gear to make the ship more streamline in flight. I slowly move out the hangar door to the outside world. Pieces of the ship are falling all around me and some even hit the top of my ship. I maneuver to avoid the larger falling pieces. After I clear the debris I slam the ship into full power and race away from the crumbling flag ship. I look around for anymore escaping ships and see my fellow Sentinels flying it.
Another massive explosion rocks the world around me but this one is different from any of the others I had heard. I look back to see the Chimera capitol ship burst into several large chunks and fall down to earth. Just like in the hangar the others around it begin to explode and break apart. We had done it! The Chimera were dead and gone! I get to go home now and see my family again. If I wasn’t so focused on getting out of here I would do a little dance of victory.

As I raced away I could hardly believe we had actually done it. The Chimera always had an ace in the hole in case they lost like this but it seems they weren’t expecting an assault on their fleet. I look back one last time at the wreckage that was the most powerful fleet on the planet.

“Take that you six eyed bastards.”

No sooner had those words left my lips than a beam of light hit the sky in from of me. The light was so blinding I had to cover my eyes to keep myself from turning away. As the light died down I saw a sight that left me speechless. Well…almost.

“What the Fuck?” The sky was now filled with stars that were not ours and planets I could not recognize. It’s a portal to another part of the universe. “No…no…no”

Even now the Chimera had an ace in the hole and we walked right into it. Where ever it leads its nowhere close to Earth. I try to turn my ship but the shockwave from the nuclear bomb knocks my ships closer the portal in the sky. With little choice I hold on for dear life as I hurtle closer and closer to what looks like my end.

“Goodbye Mom. Goodbye Dad. Enjoy the Chimera free world we worked so hard for.” I felt the tears streaming down my face.

With those final words to my family I enter the portal but not before the energy of the nuclear explosion and the massive energy in the portal mix. The mixture of energy attacks my body and my blood began to boil. My bones begin to snap and turn to mush in my body. The pain is too intense for me to take and I start to black out. Before I leave the realm of the conscious I get one last look at Earth.

“Fucking Chimera.” Then I was gone.

Author's Note

Hello new and old readers alike. I bet your wondering where the new chapter is. Well it is done for the most part but then I looked back at some of my old chapters. I realized that I wanted to make them better for all of you. I was using a different program at the time when I was writing them and it didn’t auto correct me or point out something that was weird. So over the next few days I will be doing some make over work to some of the old chapters. Keep strong my brothers and sisters of the Resistance.

Introductions (Part 1)

Introductions (Part1)

Okay I hate hospitals. I hate having to wait in a room with other sick people when I should have been in the back hours ago. I hate the smell of the hospital it just smells to clean. I hate the feeling that you get from just sitting there waiting for your turn. I hate it when they try to tell me to take medicine. I just don't want it I hate it so I refuse to take it. If I can avoid it I would rather face pain or a sickness on my own rather than go to the doctor.

But this time I had no choice in the matter. I guess I was dragged to the hospital by those three little fillies I saved. Yay me, I love waking up in one of the most dreaded places ever made.

I lay there with my eyes closed trying to pick up on any conversations going on around me. I listen for several minutes but I don't hear anything except for machines that are doing their jobs. So it's probably safe to crack one of my eyes a little to get an idea of what’s around me.

I see that I am hooked up to a few machines and my vest has been removed. I continue to look around and I do not see my rifle anywhere hopefully it is close by in case I need to make a break for it.

Since no one else is in the room it gives me a chance to look myself over. I look down to where the sword wound had been and see no trace of where the sword had hit me. The virus is still healing my body but it is strange I can't feel the virus right now yet it helped me when I was in danger.

Since the virus only infects humans than maybe in my new body it can't do anything unless the body is in danger of dying. That could be it since I never saw an infected dog or any animal turned into a Chimera. I have seen the Chimera twist human bodies into more animalistic forms or giants like the titan. The howler is a good example of one of the animal Chimera. I never saw many in America but I hear in England they were everywhere and soldiers were terrified when they heard the howler's cries. They say the howler is a tough bastard to kill do to their thick hide so it was recommended to use a shotgun against them.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Well at least I won't lose control to the virus, at least for now."

Then I start to think of what would happen if the virus mutates. If it gets out of control here is there a chance of stopping it? I don't want another incident to break out here too it was bad enough back home. I can only imagine the twisted forms that the virus could make these creatures into. Especially those ones with the horns. I bet they would be as powerful as angels.

Angels are among the most dangerous Chimera. They were the ones that controlled the hive mind before Daedalus took over. The number of angels have gone down significantly but they are still a force to be reckoned with. They flew through the air and fired poisonous barbs from their tentacles. They were very dangerous for Sentinals since we have the virus they could try to sway us to turn against humanity. It's a horrible feeling to have something reach inside your mind. It has happened to me twice and each time I lost my mind. My rage took over and I almost killed my friends in a blind rage.

Just then the door opens revealing a white mare with a pink mane. "Oh good you're awake," she says with a smile. "My name is Nurse RedHeart. You were brought in late yesterday after a fight with some Diamond dogs."

I sat there for a second going over in my head on what she just said. Diamond dogs? "Oh so those creatures I fought were called Diamond dogs. Do you know why they wanted to kidnap those three little fillies?" I ask.

"The Diamond dogs were probably trying to take the three to the Diamond dog mines and force them to dig up gems for them but thanks to you they just ran with their tails between their legs," she smiled as she told me. " Diamond dogs love their gems but they are pretty lazy about digging them up for themselves so they kidnap other species and work them in the mines until they think it's time to let their captives go. What a brutish race if you ask me."

Oh you don't know how much better that is then were I came from. If someone went missing you would never see them again. I don't agree with what the Diamond dogs are doing but it's not as bad as being turned into a different species altogether. I should keep these thoughts to myself no need to raise suspicion now.

"So those three are safe?" I ask.

"Hmmm? Oh yes Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo are all safe. They were out trying to earn their cutie marks in monster slaying when they were ambushed," she puts her head down and sighs. "Those girls are always getting into trouble trying to figure out what their special talent is."

Cutie Mark? What the hell is that? She turns a little to look at a machine and I see she has a mark on her flank too. The one she has looks like the symbol on a first aid kit. So these marks might mean something important. I need to ask her what they mean in a way so she won't ask questions. Well I lost a lot of blood so that could be a good enough excuse to make her spill a little information.

"Nurse Redheart if you don't mind could you remind me what a cutie mark is? My head is still a little fuzzy from my fight and I am having trouble focusing right now," I lie.

She looks at me and smiles. "Of course I don't mind. A cutie mark is what appears on our flanks when we discover what our special talent in life is. Each one is different and the appearance of one is a big milestone in anypony's live," Redheart says cheerfully.

She seems nice and doesn't seem to notice anything. The mark on my flank shows what my special talent is huh? Well mine is a Chimera skull with two rifles crossed under it. Appropriate considering I was killing Chimera for years and was damn good at it. I need more information like this if I am going to stand a chance of blending in.

"Nurse are there some books around here I can read while I am in here? I just don't want to be bored laying here all day," I say.

"Yes there are a few on this cart over here. We offer history books, poetry, and even a few children series that are always enjoyable. Once you are feeling better I will come back and get some personal information from you," she tells me then leaves.

Crap I need to read quickly if I need to give any information. I grab two book on history and geography. I begin by looking over the geography book first to come up with an idea of locations I might be able to use as cover. Just then I felt like I should have smacked myself for my stupidity. "I should have asked where I was," I say. So since I don't know where I am I need to pick a place out of the way maybe in the mountains or desert.

I see in the geography book that the names of cities are almost like ours but have slight variations to match their pony world. Again strange but a different race is in control of this world so they can name cities whatever they want. After I choose a hometown I need to get to work to looking through the history book to get a feel for events I may be asked about and to get an idea on how these ponies work.There are several different races in this world and most are creatures that only existed in fairy tales back home. Griffons, Minotaurs, Hydras, and many others exist. The ones that caught my eye though were the three tribes of ponies.

There are the Pegasi that fly through the sky and control the weather with their special form of magic. They are the most militaristic of the three tribes. The next tribe is the Unicorns and they have the greatest control over magic. They have control over the forces of the planet. Finally are the Earth Ponies. They are physically the strongest of the three and the most numerous. While Unicorns have power over forces the Earth ponies have a special connection with the planet. They produce the most food for all the tribes.

Well because of my wings I am part of the Pegasi tribe. In the book it says that all the tribes came together to form a new land under a united flag. Sounds close to the colonies of America coming together to form a nation.

The History book appears to be the latest edition so the events will be a little more current. Apparently their system of government is a monarchy and is ruled by two sisters, Celestia and Luna. It says they control the moon and the sun but I say bullshit until I see it for myself. But their names bring another interesting point to my mind. Their names seem to be based off of things rather than traditional names. RedHeart’s name is strange but so are the three fillies names. Maybe just like their cutie marks their names almost seem to match their profession. There isn’t anything that is called a Riley it's just a name given to identify me so now I have to think a new one up to hide.

*sigh* "So much to do just to hide who I was. Would It be better just to come forward and tell them?" I whisper to myself. "Nope, they would just think me mad and put me in a mental institution and if I want any chance at going home or at least a normal life here I need to stay on the outside of those bars."

I begin to study history for more facts. By what this book says there hasn't been any major conflicts in this world for hundreds of years. Sure there has been a fight here and there but nothing major to point out. Interesting these ponies really are a peaceful race fighting only when necessary.

"Good thing the virus didn't break out here these creatures wouldn't stand a chance," I say aloud.

I take note that even though they have modern cities and medical equipment they are still nowhere in terms of weaponry. Their main weapons still seem to be sword, spears, and cannons at best. Its like the middle ages mixed with modern society. I feel out of place in this world more now than before. I took on the Chimera virus just to fight a war and now I have to adopt a peaceful life. This is going t be tougher than I thought.

"Perhaps I can tell them that my rifles were of my own design. No that wouldn't work it's far too advanced to just appear out of nowhere. They would at least have to have a very basic gun first before I could even think of showing off the Folsom and all its deadly tricks. Maybe it could be an artifact from an ancient race? Possible but I might want to keep an escape route open just incase. A .303 from my Folsom would probably get me tossed in jail for designing something so dangerous. The Markman and Bullseye are even more advanced. I might be able to get away with a few inconsistencies but my weapons are going to have to stay hidden as much as possible. My vest is probably ok but my helmet definitely has to stay behind. Hell I still need to hide my ship from them. If they find that it would probably send the world into full panic," I say to myself.

If they found that sort of tech they could hurt themselves so easily. They would lack understanding and their ignorance of the danger would get them killed. I could give it to them and show them how it works but in the end they did not earn the technology. They could even wipe themselves out if they are not careful. These ponies need to grow on their own and earn technology.They must stumble and fall on the way to the future just like humanity did.

Now I need to focus on the tasks at hand.

I decided on a small desert community as being my hometown. It was way out of the way and I am hoping anyone from here doesn't know anyone there. I also had a few newspapers nearby to catch up on the latest events like the return of someplace called the Crystal Kingdom and that a group called the "Bearers of the Elements" got it back. Looks like the article is missing a few pictures and sections. Someone probably cut them out or somthing. Whoever these elements are must be pretty tough to get an entire kingdom back. It might be worthwhile to meet them and figure out some fighting techniques. I look these "Elements" up in the history book to see what they are all about. It says that these elements are the physical representation of friendship. There is Magic, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Honesty, and Laughter.

"Ok this is all sounding more and more like bullshit to me the more I read," I say aloud.

Now that I have messed up my own mind I need to decide on a name for myself. I want it to match closely to my personality so I don't have to explain anything. I was the tech guy in my squad back when I was fighting Chimera. I understood it more than my friends so it became easy for me to fix my Marksman or understand Chimera tech. I am not saying I am smart I just have a lot of random information in my head that just comes together when it needs to. I also don't like to show off my knowledge so most of the time I act silly but when someone's back is turned I try to solve their problem.

I don't go around showing off and I find it kind of annoying when people do that. I need to find inspiration so let me think about the virus inside of me. While I was in combat I always resisted the urge to allow the virus to take over my mind. All Sentinels were in a constant fight to keep their minds so we had to resist. Hey maybe that could be it. We did serve in the military but all humans that stood against the Chimera called themselves the Resistance. That sounds like a cool name and it doesn't point out any of the war I have seen. I think they would buy that as my first name. Now for a last name I will use a variation of a last name I have heard before. Nathan Hale was the greatest Sentinel there ever was so I will use hail as my last name in honor of him.

Just then the door to my room opened and nurse RedHeart walked in. "Oh you look a lot better," she said smiling.

"I feel better thank you for helping," I reply.

"It was my pleasure so now if you are feeling better I need some personal information," she has a clipboard and a pencil. How can she hold those without fingers? "Well first I need your name."

"My name is Resistance Hail ma'am," I say trying out my new name. I like the sound of it.

She gives me a confused look. "Odd name," she says.

"Well my parents wanted me to have a unique name that would make me stand out from others," I hope all my speech classes I took have given me a silver tongue.

She looks at me then begins writing, "Well it is a very unique name and you showed how well that name suits you back in that fight with those Diamond dogs. The girls said you took a nasty hit from a sword but continued to fight like it was nothing."

"Well the sword was poorly made so it did not do much damage. Those three just made a bigger deal of it then it was," I tell her.

"You're probably right when you came in there was hardly scratch on. You had a bruise here and there but nothing serious. We used magic to take care of those so you won't see a mark on you. Still be careful in the future not all Diamond dog weapons are poorly made. Now on to the next question. Where were you born?" She asks.

Ok now for the next lie. " I was born in a town called Ridgecolt."

Again she gave me a questioning look. "I have heard of it. It's a small desert town and It's quite far away. If I may ask why have you come all this way to Ponyville?"

Nurse RedHeart why are you making this so complicated? "I decided to travel around and see what the world has to offer. I just got tired of that small town."

She gave me a smile. "Well a lot of travellers pass through this town. Many decide to stay when they find the peace inviting or find love," Nurse RedHeart tells me. "Who knows maybe you will find your love here too."

I just sat there. Is this a bad romance novel? "Well it's not exactly what I am looking for but if I find the love of my life on my travels then who am I to complain," I say giving half hearted grin.

She giggles at me and moves on to the next question. "What is your age?"

"I am 21 years old," I say hoping really hope their age system is similar to ours.

"Ok, if you don't mind me asking how long have you been traveling?" she asks.

"Well I have been traveling since I turned 18 so I have been out of my parents care for a few years," I say. It is the truth I have had no place to really call home since I joined the resistance when I turned 18.

"I see, do you have any current occupation?" Nurse RedHeart continues to ask her questions.

"None at the moment I just got here and saw those three being attacked," I say. "I usually just do jobs that require more of a fighting role like a bodyguard or exterminator."

"Exterminator?" She asks.

"Well sometimes a place is having monster trouble so I have to resolve them someway or another. Be the solution diplomatic or a bit more forceful. I don't take on a job until I know all the details though so I don't take land away unfairly," I tell her hoping that these questions would end soon.

"Sounds like you have some stories to tell. I would like to hear one sometime if that's all right," she says.

I smile and say, "Sure."

"Thank you, now for our final question what does your cutie mark mean?" RedHeart asks.

How should I answer this question? It's a skull so I can't tell her just anything. "Well it means I am good at fighting off the monsters in this world," I say.

"Judging by the story the girls told and the look of your cutie mark I would say that is very accurate as your special talent," she says to me as she finishes writing.

"Well that's enough questions for now you have some visitors who would like to speak with you."

I was confused. "Who would come and see me? I don't know anyone here," I ask her.

She turns and gives me a smile. "It's the three you saved Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo along with some of their friends and family," she then walked out.

They probably came to thank me. That's nice of them to do that...but what if they're not? Did they notice how bad my wound was before it healed up so quickly during the fight? Did they see how much I suddenly changed? A better question is did I show any signs of the virus on the outside while it was active? The first thing anyone sees is that anyone with the virus has eyes that are golden in color.

There is a small mirror in the . I unhook myself from the machines and go over to the mirror. This is the first time I take a good look at myself and decided to check out my new body in detail. I see my mane is long enough that the bangs hang over my eyes a little. It doesn't reach too far down my neck. It was almost the same way I had it when I was still human just slightly longer. It is a dark brown just like it was before the change. My coat looks to be a light gray and my wings don't look damaged in anyway. My eyes are hazel color much like my human eyes and just like them depending on how closely you look you could see brown or hazel eyes.

That's good. If my eyes did change then at least it wasn't permanent, but I need to be more careful.

"How much have I changed? I need to know if I am still the same underneath all this crazy stuff," I say to myself.

*cough*

I turn from the mirror to see the three fillies I saved and what I presume is their families. There was a silence between the group and as we just stood there. I decided it should be me that breaks our staring contest.

"Ummm..........hi? How are you thr-OOOFF!"

Next thing I know I am on the ground with the three fillies hugging me.

"THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!!" All three said in unison. I simply stare at them in disbelief before smiling. "Your welcome," I reply. "I am always happy to help those who need it."

The yellow filly looks at me and says, "You showed them that they shouldn't take us ponies lightly," she speaks with a southern accent and it is quite adorable.

The white filly chimes in, "Yeah you showed the how tough we can be," her voice is high and cracking. She might be the most mature among the three.

"Yeah that was really cool, not as cool as rainbow dash, but still really cool," the orange one says. Ok she is a fan of this 'Rainbow Dash' pony. I have a feeling not many things could beat Rainbow Dash in the cool factor.

Well this puts some of my fears to rest. At least they are not scared of what they saw. "I am just glad those Diamond dogs didn't get their paws on you."

"I must thank you for saving my little sister. It was very brave of you to fight all those horrid Diamond dogs," one of the others spoke.

I look to see a white unicorn with a stylized purple mane speaking to me. "My name is Rarity and my little sister is Sweetie Belle," Rarity says.

"My name is AppleJack and I thank ya kindly for protecting mah sister AppleBloom," this one was an orange mare with a blond mane. Her mane was done in a ponytail. That's a little funny to me but I keep that to myself.

"Eeyup," this one was a large red Stallion. He stands taller than me and has much more muscle on him. I don't want to go toe to toe with this guy.

"That's our big brother Big Macintosh. He's not one for conversation but he has a good heart," AppleBloom says. Big Macintosh nods at this.

Just then a rainbow blur races towards my. "Hey thanks for saving my biggest fan," the blur turned into a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane. "But if I was there those Diamond dogs wouldn't have touched me once," she says proudly.

This must be Rainbow Dash. Wow someone has a big ego I wonder what would happen if someone brought it down a notch or two. "Well there is always room for improvement Rainbow Dash."

I look at that them and introduce myself, "It very nice to meet all of you my name is Resistance Hail." I bow my head a little.

"So what were you doing out near the Everfree Forest anyhow? Don't you know that place is dangerous?" Applejack asks.

"I was looking around when I heard all the commotion and went to see what the trouble was. That's when I saw these three being attacked by the Diamond dogs and decided to step in to help. I was unaware of the danger of the forest but I will be more cautious of it," I say.

"Did you happen to see a monster while you were looking around? Its fur was all black and it had a freaky looking face with multiple eyes," Rainbow asks me curiously.

Monster? Black fur? Multiple eyes? It suddenly dawned on me that she was the one giving chase yesterday. Luckily she must not have gotten a good look to see that I was wearing a shirt. She also thinks my helmet was a face with multiple eyes. Well If I alter the helmet maybe I can wear it again. Well at least I am safe and I won't be recognised as the monster from yesterday. "No I am afraid I have not seen a monster matching that description but I will keep a lookout for it," I say to her with a smile.

Rainbow Dash let out a sigh and moves back to the group. She must not be very patient for a chance to do something incredible. She might be the type to jump into situation without really thinking about it. That would explain why she tried to egg me on yesterday she just wants to prove a point. Since I have several ponies here perhaps they can help me find work.

"Would any of you happen to know where I could find work around here?" I ask. "You see I am a traveler but I need to earn some money to purchase supplies."

Applejack steps forward. "Well we could always use some help out on our farm. It's hard word but if you're willing to work we have some jobs you can help with."

I think about it. I have never worked a farm before and I am sure I am not as strong as them. However this could be a great chance for me to earn some money and start working towards a standard life here. I nod. "I think working on a farm sounds like an interesting idea and it will whip me into shape."

"Eeyup," is all that Big Macintosh says.

I like Big Macintosh already. A stallion of few words.

Rarity steps forward. "Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. You did save my baby sister."

I smile at her. "Thank you very much for your generosity Rarity."

"It's quite alright though I must say I have never seen a vest like this before," she says and points to my tactical vest. "Might I ask what is it for and who made it?"

"It's a vest of my own design that uses multiple layers of tough material to help prevent weapons getting to my vital organs. If the sword had hit that vest the sword would not have pierced it and I would be fine. It also helps me carry tool of my trade," I tell her.

Rarity's face brightens up. "You design clothing as well?" she asks me excitedly.

"I dabble with designing clothing but I am better at designing weapons. It comes with the job that I know how to make weapons but also repair clothing that is damaged," I tell Rarity.

"Well maybe you can assist me in my boutique. Even though you say you skills are limited you may still be very helpful," Rarity tells me.

"I may take you up on your offer Rarity thank you."

We talk for a little while longer before Nurse RedHeart enters and informs us that visiting hours are over and they have to leave.

We all give our farewells and the group proceeds to leave. I make my way back to the bed and get ready to sleep for the night. My mind begins to wander about the current events of my life. I became a Sentinel to defend my home and then took part in one of the most important operations humanity has ever had. After I get caught in a huge explosion and a wormhole I end up in a new land with a new body. I accidentally make the town believe there is a new monster out in the forest. Not too long after that I rescue three fillies that were about to be abducted by creatures called Diamond dogs. Finally I end up in a hospital where I am visited by the three I saved and their families. I wind up with a new job and have made several people very happy.

"Life is a funny thing," is the last thing I say before I drift off to sleep.

Introductions (Part 2)

My dreams that night were filled with the friends and family I left behind. The dream opens up to me and my family at a park near our old home. I was around eight in this dream. I see my older brother playing football with his friends in the park. The happiness on his face is infectious and I can feel myself smiling with him. My sister playing with her dolls and imagining a world where her dolls are real and living full lives. She is just sitting in the grass playing as our mother and father watch her laughing together and enjoying the imagination of a child. These were the good times.

Next thing I hear is a shout and I look to see a baseball heading towards me. I duck out of the way just in time for the ball to hit a tree behind me. I look to where the ball came from to see one of my best friends Matt standing their with the biggest grin on his face. Matt was always one to laugh and see the good in everyone. I could never be mad at him for long because just like me he does goofy things to get others to smile. We joined the Resistance when we both turned 18. We watched each others backs in the field. We were on many missions together and we always made it out in one piece.

That is until a mission to attack a Chimera tower went very wrong. We were backed into a corner with 5 others from our squad fighting about 30 Chimera hybrids. Matt took a bullseye round to the shoulder and had to take cover. The hit nearly severed his arm from his body. Blood was flowing out of the wound fast but we had a medkit with us so we patched him up real quick. He would not be able to help us fight.

The fighting raged for what seemed like hours but when only 10 Chimera were left me, Matt, and 2 others were still alive. We killed the last of the Chimera and began to make our way towards extraction. I was helping Matt out but as we started to make our way out Matt roared in pain. I was just about to look when he forced me out of the way and that’s when I noticed the bullseye tag in his back. A second later rounds from a bullseye were heading towards him homing in on the tag. Just before the rounds him Matt said his final word to me.

“Survive”

Then Matt was gone ripped apart by the rounds fired by a surviving Chimera. The world slowed down when what remained of his body started to fall to the ground. I snapped. I picked up my rifle and shot the Chimera in the head and screaming a curse to all his breed that they will feel all the pain that I have felt. There were only 3 of us left out of the original 7 in our group and as we made our way towards the exit another of use would fall to their wounds before we got out. Me and another friend of mine made it out alive. As I was flying back to base I heard that the mission was successful and we obtained tech and information. But the cost was high and we lost a lot of good men on this tower. I swore in memory of Matt that I would survive all of this and I would carry on and live a life.

I opened my eyes to see the sun shining down on me in my hospital bed. The light was stinging my eyes but not as much as the tears that I was unaware I was crying. I wipe them away remembering all the friends I had lost in the war. So many had fallen just to save humanity.

I hear the door open and Nurse RedHeart walks in holding a clipboard. She looks at me smiling but it turns o a frown when she notices my face and fur stained with tears.

“Are you alright?” She asks.

I look at her and say, “Yeah just bad memories coming up again. I will be fine just give me a minute.” I collect my thoughts and I clear my mind bring me back to the situation i’m in.

“Thank you for your concern Nurse RedHeart. So will I be able to leave today?” I ask her.

She looks at me for a second with concern before she turns her attention back to her clipboard, “Yes you should be able to leave after a few tests we need to make sure you are fully healed.” She then motions for me to follow her to another room. In the room with various tools used to check someone’s health. She begins testing my blood pressure and heart rate. Then she tests my reflexes. RedHeart performs several more tests and I pass each with flying colors. She compliments me saying I am one of the healthiest stallions she has ever seen. It is thanks to my time in the military and all those endless drills they had us do.

After a half hour of testing she gave me a clean bill of health and said I could leave. I was taken to the lobby where my vest and Folsom were waiting for me. I was so happy to see my rifle safe and sound. I put on my vest and swung the Folsom over my back. Nurse RedHeart approached my with a curious look on her face.

“What is that anyway? I mean it looks like a spear but not like any spear I have seen before,” she asks me.

I begin to think of a way to explain my odd “spear” without actually telling her what it is. “Well a friend and I designed it together and because of its heavy construction it is able to deliver devastating blows with relative ease. It’s a very special kind of spear with deadly abilities,” I tell her.

She looks at it closely and asks another question. “What is this piece back here? It looks too small for a hoof to get in but a griffon’s claw or minotaur's fingers might be able to touch it.”

I see her motion towards the trigger on the rifle. “It is so they could get a better grip on the weapon and that piece right there can be pulled when a certain object is added making the weapon even deadlier. The friend who helped me make this was a Griffon,” I explained.

“You are a friend with a Griffon?” she asks.

“I was a friend with one but he passed away a long time ago,” I tell her thinking of Matt.

RedHeart looked at me sympathetically. “I so sorry,” she says.

“It’s all right he was a good friend and you should never forget friends,” I say.

I would be filling out paperwork for the hospital for the next hour before Nurse RedHeart and I said our goodbyes. I decided to take a look around the town that would be my home for awhile. I began to walk towards what looked to be the center of town. As I walked through the town I see many of the inhabitants looking at me. I chalked it up to this being a small town so someone will notice a new face. As I continued to walked some would even wave to me and I waved back no reason to be hostile towards them.

Then I spot one of the strangest things that I have ever seen. A home that looks like it was made in a tree. It has a sign out front so maybe it is a little more than a home. I approached the sign to see what it said.

“Ponyville Library”

A Library? Excellent I could use a few good books to read and I could gain some more information. I walked up to the door and knocked. My mom and dad raised me to treat others with respect and mind your manners. This looked like a residence so treat it like one and knock first. A heard some noise from within as someone made their way towards the door. The door knob began to turn and the door opened revealing something that didn't register in my mind for a second.

“Hi there!” a purple lizard said to me. “Did you need help with something?”

I just stared at it unable to process what this was in front of me. Why out of everything I have seen has this one stopped my brain on the spot? It is a purple lizard with green spines.

“Hey mister are you ok?” it asked me. I had no response for him.

“Oh I get it you have never seen one of my kind up close. Well no worries i’m a nice dragon I won’t do anything to you,” he said as he struck up a heroic pose.

“Uhhh.....,” was all I could say to him. A dragon? Well that's it I am just gonna not think about this one too much.

“Well my name is Spike so what brings you to the library? Did you need to see Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Uhh no no I was wondering if I could check out a few books?” I asked remembering how to speak.

Spike smiled, “Twilight is gonna love that. Not too many ponies come in here to checkout books.” Spike stepped aside and motioned me inside.

I stepped inside to find shelves filled with books of all sizes. I was thrilled to see so much knowledge in front of me that I almost ran to them but I heard a new voice call down to use.

“Spike is somepony here?” I heard a mare’s voice call.

“It’s a new stallion Twilight! He is here to checkout some books,” Spike shouted back.

I heard some books fall upstairs like someone had trapped themselves in a fortress made of books. Suddenly a purple Unicorn appeared. She had dark purple hair with a pink streak in it. Her hair was messy like she had just gotten up but forgot to fix it. I thought it was a little funny but cute because I have forgotten to fix my hair many times as well.

“Welcome to the Ponyville Library. What books are you interested in checking out? Are there any subjects in particular?” she asked me eagerly. She seems to be excited by the fact I am here to check something out.

“I like many types of books but I am looking for history books today. Would you happen to have some books on that subject?” I asked.

Her smiled widened. “Yes we have several books on history,” she said. Twilight made her way towards a bookshelf and pulled down several books for me. She returned with 5 books. 2 on pony history and 3 on other species histories. “Oh I haven’t introduced myself . I am Twilight Sparkle personal student of Princess Celestia,” she says.

“A pleasure to meet you my name is Resistance Hail,” I introduce myself. She smiles at me. “I never knew the Princess would have a personal student.”

“Well I wanted to enter her school for gifted Unicorns but during my entrance exam I showed so much potential that she took me under her wing," she tells me.

"Well it’s nice to see somepony actually use the library not too many come in here to check out books so it is nice to meet another so interested in book.”

“Well that is sad to hear. I love books not only for the information they contain but how they can help pass the time. They are quite relaxing too,” I say.

A huge smile spreads across her face and I can see a spark in her eye. Just before she says anything the front door opens revealing a light yellow pegasus. She came inside and was looking around.

She spoke in a voice that was barely above a whisper. “Hello Twilight I was wondering if you cou-,” she stopped when she saw me. We just stood there looking at one another until she dashed behind a chair.

“Fluttershy you don’t have to hide this is Resistance Hail a new pony in town,” Twilight said to the new arrival.

This one sure lives up to her name. “She is right I am not here to do anything to you I just came to borrow some books,” I say trying to calm her.

Fluttershy stopped shaking and poked her head out from behind the chair. “Wait are you the same Resistance that saved the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

Cutie Mark Crusaders? “Do you mean Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo?” I asked. She nods. “Yes I was the one who fought off the Diamond dogs that wanted to abduct them.”

Fluttershy steps out a little. “Did you hurt the Diamond dogs badly?”

I am confused to her question but by the sound of it she might not like violence. I should choose my next words carefully. “I hurt them enough to make them leave. None of their wounds were deadly.”

Fluttershy moves back behind the chair.

“I wish there was another way to make them leave but they left me no choice but to fight,” I tell her trying to calm her. Twilight decided to speak up next.

“Wait YOU fought off those Diamond dogs?” Twilight asked.

“Yes I did. Not all of them attacked me at once but I managed to beat them,” I tell her. “I am a traveller that helps towns with monster problems. I try to use reason to ask monsters to leave but if the monster is dangerous to the citizens then I have to take more drastic actions.” I pull the Folsom from my back and show it to Twilight.

Twilight notices that it is not an ordinary spear and takes it. She begins to look all over the weapon studying anything that caught her attention. It was funny to see someone who took knowledge so seriously. Spike approached me with a spark in his eyes.

“Wow you really fight monster?” he asked.

“When I have to but like I said I would rather use diplomatic means to solve an issue,” I tell Spike.

*Click* I look to see what made the noise and upon my discovery my blood ran cold. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Twilight looking down the barrel of the rifle and she accidentally flicked off the safety. I curse myself for not taking out the magazine before handing it over. I quickly take it away from her before she sets off a round.

“HEY!” she shouts at me and begins reaching for the rifle. I put a hoof to her chest and hold her back.

I flip the safety back on and pull out the magazine. I pull the bolt on the gun back popping out the round in the chamber. *sigh* “You have no idea how dangerous that was.”

I turn to look at her and her eyes are just looking at me with eagerness in them. Twilight let loose a barrage of questions. “What was dangerous? What did you take out? What are those? Is this some new type of weaponry? Did you build this?” She inches closer to me with each new question.

“Th...This is a weapon designed by a friend of mine. I did help build it. I won’t explain to you what I just pulled out of it. It is a secret only known to me and my friend,” I tell her. I turn to see Fluttershy close to me as well. She was curious of what got Twilight so excited. Surprised by how close she was I jump a couple of feet in the air and she jumps back as well.

Twilight uses this chance to snatch the rifle from my hooves and continues to examine it. “This is amazing! Amazing craftsmanship in the metalworking and the design tries to balance weight with power,” she says. Anyone could see the hunger in her eyes to try and understand what is now in her hooves.

If anyone is going to figure out that I was not originally a pony it would be this mare. I snatch the rifle back and this time I sling it onto my back so she can’t get it.

“PLEASE TELL ME HOW IT WORKS!” she yells getting right up to my face. I am on the verge of running away just to get away from this mare. Then Fluttershy taps Twilight on the shoulder.

“Umm...Twilight? I really think you should calm down you’re scaring him,” she says.

“Yeah Twilight calm down i’m sure he will explain it to you,” Spike adds.

Twilight came out of her knowledge seeking stupor to see me very nervous of how close she was to me. She jumps back and begins apologizing. “I’m sorry i’m sorry i’m sorry! I sometimes lose control when there is something new to learn.”

*sigh* “It’s alright Twilight I get the same way sometimes no big deal,” I say shrugging it off. “Thank you for your help Fluttershy,” I say.

Fluttershy hides behind her mane and offers a weak you’re welcome to me. I begin to look over the books that Twilight had brought to me. I am looking forward to reading these but then I realize I have no way to carry them back to the ship. I could go gather my backpack but I don’t think I will get back in enough time. “Twilight I don’t have a way to transport these books to where I will be staying so if its alright can I just come here and read them when I have free time?”

Twilight nods at me and smiles. “Of course you can come read in here it is a library after all,” she giggles.

“Thank you very much now I really must be going. I have to find where Applejack’s farm is. She has agreed to hire me,” I tell them.

“It’s on the outskirts of Ponyville so just take this road when you leave and you should have no problem find it,” Twilight says.

“Thank you, now I must be going. Have a good day,” I say and turn to make my exit.

Twilight calls after me, “Next time I would like and explanation on how that weapon works. Oh you might meet a pink Earth pony today and her name is Pinkie Pie. She loves making new friends but shes a little.......hyper.”

“I will keep an eye out for her,” I call over my shoulder.

I left the library and take the road that should lead me to Applejack’s farm. Just as before ponies are giving me weird looks. I notice that not too many pegasi are around so that probably makes me stand out even more.

I reach the edge of the town and catch sight of a barn in the distance. I was happy to see my gal in sight but I also felt uneasy like I am being watched by someone. Probably just my paranoia playing tricks on me. I start to make my way towards the farm when a pink flash appears in front of me. I fall back on my flank and look to see a pink Earth pony in front of me. She had a grin on her face that stretched from ear to ear and her hair was wild and poofy. It’s the kind of smile you would see on a crazy person. Something about this one makes me uneasy. She is about 7 feet from me. A safe distance.

I blink.

She is now in my face.

“GAH!”

“Hii’mpinkiepieandyouarethenewstallionintownright?WellIknoweverponyintownandtheyareallmyfriendssosinceyouarenewthatmeansIdon’tknowyousoIneedtoknowyoutobeyourfriendthenIwillknoweveryponyagainandbeeveryponiesfriendsandthebestwaytomeetponieisa.........” she stops.

“PARTY!!!!!!” she yells.

I am crawling away and I don’t think she has noticed.

“Whatcha doin?” she asks while standing on my back.

I freeze. I could feel her gaze on my head. What is gonna do? Strike me down while I am defenseless? I turn my head very slowly to look at her. She has her head cocked to the side like a curious dog. “Nothing.”

“Well it sure looks like you are doing something. Are you going to Sweet Apples Acres?” she pries.

“Is that Applejack’s farm?”

*GAAAAAAAAAASP* “You already know Applejack?! Who else do you know? How many more have you met before me?” she asks while still on my back. Her face still closing in.

I tried desperately to crawl away. I have faced Grims, Leapers, Steelheads, Howlers and Titans but this mare freaks me out like no other. I reach my hooves out digging into the ground to pull myself away.

“Are you trying to get away from me?” she asks in a sad tone.

I look to see her hair is flat and straight. Her vibrant coat of pink has become darker like her mood. In her eyes I can see tears forming.

*sigh* “No I was not trying to get away I was just going to walk and talk with you at the same time,” I tell her.

Her hair hair springs back to life and she hops off my back. “Okie dokie lokie,” she says. I stand up and we start down the path together.

“So you’re Pinkie Pie right? Twilight mentioned I might run into you,” I tell her. “My name is Resistance Hail.”

She is bouncing down the path. “Yeppers I am Pinkie and it’s very nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you as well. I am on my way to meet Applejack so I can help on the farm. I am a traveller so I am earning money for supplies.”

“WOW I bet you have been to a lot of places,” Pinkie says.

“Yes I have seen many places and many things,” I tell her. “Some of those memories I wish I could forget.”

“Were they that bad?” she asks.

I put my head down a little. “Yeah they are pretty bad. Lost a lot of friends and even some of my best friends,” I say with a sad tone.

Pinkie stops bouncing and wraps me in a small hug. “I’m sorry.”

I have only known her for about 5 minutes but it pains me to see her sad. “Not your fault Pinkie we knew the risks when we took those jobs i’m just sad that I won’t see them again,” I say returning the hug.

We continue on the path to Sweet Apple Acres. The last conversation is probably stick in Pinkie’s mind. Her hair had straightened slightly so I have a guess that it changes with her moods. I would have tried to cheer her up but I had no idea what to say. I never know what to say in these situations.

We reached the farm several minutes later. “Well I guess this is the place,” I say. I look to see a large sign that has Sweet Apple Acres written on it. “Thank you for the company Pinkie.”

Pinkie looks at me with a smile on her face then she lets loose a large gasp. “I need to get your welcome to Ponyville party ready!” she says.

“Pinkie you don't have to do that I am just fine without a party.”

“Nope, everypony gets a welcome party and that includes you,” she says forcefully.

I sigh in defeat I doubt I will be able to argue with this one about anything. I give her a smile and a nod.

“YAHOO! You wont be dissapointed,” she races back towards town.

I just stare in amazement at her speed. “That one is gonna be trouble.”

I walk onto the property to see if I can spot anyone that could help me. I see an older mare in a rocking chair on the front porch. I approach her but she is sound asleep in the chair. She is also talking in her sleep but at most it is just gibberish. She looks like the grandmother of those three apple siblings. “So i guess you are the head of this band of farmers right?” I say quietly.

“Eeyup,” a deep voice said.

I turn to see Big Macintosh standing about 7 feet behind me. “Hello Big Macintosh I came today to help or at least get an idea of what I need to do.”

“Eeyup,” he replied and turned. I started to follow him to the orchard to where I guess I will help pick apples. Big Mac approached a tree and looked it over. Then he turned around so his flank was facing the tree. Before I could ask what he was doing Big Mac lifted one of his back legs and gave the tree a might kick. The tree shook violently and all the apples fell to baskets waiting at the base of the tree. He looked at me and I must have had a face that would make anyone laugh. He chuckled a bit and motioned me towards a tree.

I went to the tree he told me to hit and I looked at it. It was full of apples but not as much as the one Big Mac just hit. I turned my flank to it, lifted both my back legs off the ground, cocked them both back so I could put my full weight into this hit, and I fired. *BAM* The impact sent a shiver up my spine and made my whole body shudder. I look to see about a third of the apples had fallen. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Well you did pretty well for your first time bucking an apple tree,” Big Mac said. I looked at him and he nodded at me. I did the same movement as before and the rest of the apples came down. “How many trees do you get to in a day?” I asked.

“Depends but we could get over a hundred trees in a day,” He just shrugs it off.

“Well you are going to get a lot of laughs watching me buck apple trees,” I say to Bic Mac with a smirk. He smiles at me and begins to walk deeper into the orchard. “Eeyup.”

This is going to be a long day.

A Morning of Apples and Cupcakes

It has been a couple of hours since I arrived on the farm to help out with the apple bucking. Big Mac in not really one for conversation but it is nice to have some company while working out here. However the apple bucking was not coming along that well for me. No matter how much I try the feeling of using my back legs like this is really weird. I can feel my technique getting better but even with my military training my stamina is fading fast. I put so much effort into each strike that I forget that not all of it needs to be used on each tree.

*THOCK* I look to see Bic Mac using only one of his back legs to knock all the apples out of a tree. He looks over and gives me a smug smirk. I point my hoof at him.

"Don't you look at me like that! I haven't been doing this for a long time like some ponies."

Big Mac just shakes his head and moves on to the next tree.

"Smug bastard," I whisper.

The next tree I need to buck is a little smaller than the rest. I size it up as I approach it. I think I could knock all the apples out of this one in a single hit. I have gotten close on several trees but they never want to give up all their precious fruits. I focus my mind on my target. I turn my back to the tree and ready a powerful strike.

"Howdy Resistance!"

"Wa!" I kicked, striking the tree at an angle and throwing myself off to the side. As I lay on the ground, I hear laughter erupt and I look to see Applebloom and Applejack. Both were laughing hard enough to almost fall over and they would have if they were not propping each other up. "Did you really have to do that? I felt like that could have been the one." I gave them a sad face.

"Sorry about that didn't mean to scare ya," Applejack said.

I glare at her. "I was not scared. I was startled. There is a difference."

Applejack rolled her eyes at my statement. "Well anyway for your first day out here I just wanted to see how you were doin'." She took a look at the amount of trees I have bucked. "Not bad, for a first timer."

"Well my specialty isn’t in bucking apples i'm afraid."

Applejack raised an eyebrow, "then what is it then?"

I just smile at her, "Maybe I will tell you later."

She shook her head at me, "all right keep yer little secrets fer now."

I gave Applejack a large grin and stood up. I got back into position behind the tree and got ready to buck it again.

*THWAK* Most of the apples come tumbling down but a stubborn few still remain. "Oh come on! Am I ever going to do this in a single hit?!" I shout. More giggling ensued behind me and I turn to look at Applebloom. "What are you laughing at?" I say.

Applebloom gives me an innocent smile, "Oh nothin." She walks over to a tree that is about the same as mine. She rears up and gives it a good buck.

*THWAK* All of the apple come down without much trouble. She turns to me giving a smile filled with pride.

I sit on my flank with my mouth hanging open at what I just saw. Applejack giggles at me this time. I point a hoof at Applebloom's tree, "Ok that right there, that's not fair. She comes up to my chest, yet she can knock down all those apples without much trouble? I would say a word, if I wasn't in the company of a child."

Full blown laughter erupts from the two apple siblings. I roll my eyes, but I soon join in on the laughter. I don’t know how long it has been since I laughed liked this.

"Well that's enough work fer today," Applejack said. "We gotta head inta town."

"We? You and Applebloom?"

Applejack shakes her head. "Nope yer comin along."

"Why?" I ask.

Applejack winks at me. "Its a secret," she tells me and giggles.

"A secret huh? Well I would pry more, but you left my secrets alone." I stand up and brush myself off. I walk over to my Folsom leaning against a tree, and sling it onto my back. "Alright, lets go." Then the three of us head towards the gate leading off the farm. The walk towards town will take several minutes.

I wonder what this secret is? Maybe it is suppose to be a surprise. I shouldn't think on it too much or I might spoil it and that's no fun for anypony. Then they will be all depressed and I will have to find a way to cheer them up. Curse you curiosity! I really want to know.

"Mr. Hail?"

"Hmm?" the voice of Applebloom brings my mind back to the world. "Yes Applebloom?"

"If ya don't mind me asken, how did ya get yer cutie mark?" She asks pointing a hoof at my flank.

I look back at my cutie mark and give it a good look. The mark itself is a play off a skull and crossbones from old pirate flags. The skull in this case, is that of a Chimera hybrid. I have seen so many that I will never forget what it looks like. Underneath the skull the two bones are two rifles crossed. It is a good representation of my past life. Constantly fighting from day to day for the survival of man. I hope that that last mission put us on the road to victory.

"I got my mark from a fight with some monsters. It turns out I am good at dealing with them," I tell Applebloom.

Applebloom gives me a confused look, "What do ya mean 'deal with them'?"

"I mean that I either talk them out of attacking innocent creatures or I force them to stop. I have a way with words so I can usually make them leave no problem. It's only the stubborn ones that need a little more persuasion to leave." I reach back and tap the rifle on my back.

She looks at it with wonder. "Is that thing really powerful?"

I smile at her,"Yes it is very powerful. It has seen me through many tough fights." My face drops to a slight frown. "It is also very dangerous, that is why only I should use it unless I give you special permission." I look at her to make sure she heard me. She looks me in the eyes and I smile in return.

"So how dangerous are we talkin her'?" Applejack asked with a concerned look on her face. She had every right to be scared of this thing. They don't know its true capabilities, so I need to calm their fears. "Don't worry, the most dangerous part of it right now is the blade. The other part can't do anything unless I insert a special piece." I show her one of the magazines filled with ammo on my vest. Applejack just looks at the rounds with confusion.

"How can somthin' so small be dangerous?"

I gave her a smirk, "Ah that is a one of my secrets dear Applejack. You will just have to be patient." I just turn and continue down the path. I hear Applejack groan in frustration, and it makes me all warm inside.

"Think yer hot stuff dontcha?"

"Not at all Applejack I just don't want to explain it again if others want to know."

We continue our trip towards town in silence. How long has it been since a walk was just a walk, and not a march to another battle? Too long in my books. I listen to the leaves rustling in the trees and the birds singing their own little melodies. This world is so peaceful, makes me wonder if there ever could be war here. Then again, it was very peaceful in my childhood while the Chimera invaded the rest of the world. I just have to remember that not everything is as it appears.

"So would ya mind tellin' us a bit about yerself?" Applebloom asks.

I didn't acknowledge her at first, but after a few seconds I looked at her with a smile, "Sure, well I am from a small desert town called Ridgecolt. It seems like everypony there knows one another so it is a very tight knit community. We look after one another so everyone is like family. However I got tired of that and decided to set out on my own to see the world. I have been travelling for several years, and have seen many things. You learn something new everyday is a little motto I live by. All you need to do to notice something new is slow down and look at everything."

I stop and point to a tree. "Do you know how a tree gets water to its tallest parts?" I look at my companions and they both shake their heads. "Well water is attracted to water. Meaning if you put two drops close enough together then they merge into a single drop. A tree uses this and "pulls" the water inside itself up to the tallest parts." It always amazed me to think about that. Humans can't build anything to do that efficiently but a tree does it so easily. "Here we think we know just about everything, then nature throws another new discovery our way."

Both apple siblings nodded their heads in understanding but from the looks they were giving me they didn't understand all of it. "Well it's not very useful to know that but it does help you understand how the tree moves the water inside itself." I can still see Applejack eyeing my rifle. "Like I said the blade is the only dangerous part on it right now."

"Well ah don't like the fact that ya carry somthin' dangerous around but ah trust ya not ta hurt anypony with it," Applejack said.

I stop and look at her, "That brings me to my own question. Why do you trust me?"

That stopped both of them in their tracks. We stare at eachother for several minutes before Applebloom decides to speak up. "What do ya mean why?"

"I mean why just all of a sudden trust me? I haven't done anything really to earn your trust. Sure I saved your life but any decent pony would have done the same. My actions shouldn’t mean I get your trust."

Applejack closed her eyes in concentration. I could almost see the gears turning in her head as she thought of a reply. Applejack and her family seem like great ponies to me. They gave me a job and some food. I want to trust them, but I still have to know them more.

"It's because ah can feel the good in ya"

"Huh?"

"What ah mean is thatcha don't have a feelin of evil around ya. It's more like ya have a strong sense of right and wrong," Applejack clarified.

I just shake my head, "Well whatever your reason I am grateful for the trust. It has been a long time since I had anyone to have a real conversation with." I turn and start down the path once again.

"How long has it been?" Applebloom asks.

I don't even look at her, "a couple of years. I mostly meet people who just want to get the job done and get paid. It makes my job a little lonely but hey you get use to it." I just shrug it off. Most people during the war didn't want to talk about their pasts. Not because they were ashamed of them, but they did not want to remember a life they had lost to the Chimera. I lost a lot of friends and loved ones to the six eye bastards.

"That's really sad Mr. Hail."

"I don't really like being called Mr. Hail. So you can call me Rez. It is short and simple." I smile at both of them and they nod in agreement.

"So since you are learning about me, how about I learn something about you two? How long has the farm been around?"

"Well the farm has been here since Ponyville was founded. My great grandpa was given the land by Princess Celestia."

"Wow, really? She just gave him land?"

"Yep, the family was plum tired from gathering seeds from all over so she gave the family land to settle down."

"Well that was nice of her to do that for your family. The princess must be pretty great then huh?"

Applebloom decided to speak up this time, "Ah course she's great. She's the Princess! She takes care of her subjects! She watches over all of us and makes sure we don't get hurt!" Applebloom went on about the princess for a while. It was funny to see her so hyped about answering my question.

I chuckle "Ok, I get it. She is a great princess. Thank you for telling me all of that Applebloom." Applejack chuckled with me. Yeah, it's good to have friends again.

We reached town but the strange thing was that no pony was about. The sun was still high in the sky and the weather today was just perfect. It made no sense. Maybe there was a holiday or something. My two companions might know more than me. "Where did everypony go? It's barely noon but they are all gone. Do you girls know whe-"

They ditched me. This is just like with my friends back home. You don't look in their direction for a few seconds they decide to run away. All in the name of having a few laughs. Well at least this town isn't filled with Chimera. I remember getting separated from my squad on a few missions and there is no other feeling like being left alone in hostile territory. It does piss me off a little about how we just had a conversation about trust and now they just upped and left me.

"Well ok then, fuck you too. I guess I will find out what happened on my own." I walk through the town looking for any clue that might lead me in the right direction. The town looked abandoned, like everypony just dropped what they were doing and left. I had seen towns like this when the Chimera were approaching. "There are no clues around here. In fact, no hoof prints or anything." A gentle breeze blows through and a tumbleweed goes rolling by.

"Uhh...why is there a tumbleweed in the middle of town?" I will just chalk it up as another weird quirk of the world. "So they're not here, well where else...could...they...be?" All other bodily functions just stopped. I could smell something I haven't smelled in years. An object so rare that I had forgotten what it tasted like. All I can remember is that it is one of the greatest foods ever created.

"Cupcakes"

My body begins to move on its own. The original mission lost to the furthest recesses of my mind. I follow the glorious smell that fills my nose. Oh heavenly aroma, where will you lead me? Will I be lead astray and die a horrible death or will I find the promised land filled with the magical creations known as cupcakes? I will have my answer soon, the smell is getting stronger.

I wind through the streets, getting closer and closer to the goal. I round one final corner and I spot the promise land. A building that looked like it was made of several pastries was standing there. The creation reminded me of the witch's house out of an old story. The witch would lure children to her home, then fatten the children up before she ate them. Well that house is just begging to be eaten. I am happy to oblige.

*CHOMP* "OW!!! That fucking hurt! Curse you, you lying building! Your are not sweet! You are just a web of lies strung together by mortar."

While rubbing my lower jaw, I notice that the door inside is slighlty ajar. I decide to walk over to see inside the lying building. The lights were off and by the looks of it no pony was home. "Excuse me, but your door is open."

There was no reply. I peek my head inside to find a light switch. The darkness covers just about everything so I can't see a switch. I reach my hoof around on the wall looking for anything.

*Squish* "Wa?" My hoof touched something sticky in the dark. If it wasn't for the fact I am in a world devoid of Chimera I would be freaking out about now. I pull my hoof back and look at it. It is covered in a pink colored substance. I sniff it to determine what it is. It smells like a concentration of sugar. I take a tiny lick to taste it.

.......Oh.....My.....God.......

It is the best thing I have tasted in years. With my discovery, I remember what origanlly led me to this location. The promise of the cupcake better be upheld or there will be hell to pay.

The door suddenly closes behind me leaving me in the now pitch black room. The witch has me trapped!

"SURPRISE!!"

My eyes are temporarily blinded by the sudden lights but as my vision returns I can see ponies everywhere. All of them beaming at me from their hiding places. I see my new friends in the corner and I return their smiles. So this was the surprise Applejack was talking about, I should have guessed a party. Pinkie did mention throwing me a party. Ok so no witches here. Yet.

"Hi!" speaking of Pinkie. "Were ya surprised Rezzy? huh? huh? were ya were ya?" The pink ball of energy asks. I can't help but smile with so much energy in one creature.

"Yes Pinkie, I was very surprised." I looked around at all the guests at this party. It looked as if most of the town might be here. "You set up a party like this really fast."

Her smile only grows wider. "Oh course I did silly. I'm really good at throwing parties. Yep yep it would be really hard to throw a party better than me." She puffs out her chest in pride of her accomplishment. I chuckle at her lack of modesty.

"Thank you very much Pinkie, this is ver-" and there it was. Sitting on a nearby table in all its glory. The cupcake that has led me to this destination. Sugar had become a scarce commodity on Earth after the invasion. You were lucky to find some old wrapped candy. So it has been several years since my last encounter with sugar. If I recall correctly, I have good control over my cravings.

"Sugar!" Nope.

I lunge towards the cupcake and devour it in a single bite. It didn't matter to me that there was still paper on the cupcake. It was so good. My tongue was dancing in my mouth, tasting all the cupcake had to offer. I look around, all party goers are now staring at me. What I can't figure out is why I see fear in their eyes. I know what I did was out of the ordinary, but i'm sure it wasn't that strange.

"No....not another one." Somepony from the crowd spoke up. "It can't be another Pinkie."

Another Pinkie? I look over at the pink mare and she is just smiling away. Is she really that bad? I look around at everpony, their faces growing more concerned with each passing second. I decide to put their fears to rest. "I just haven't had any sugar for a long time. I won't make it a habit of going crazy. I promise." I can see relief sweep through the crowd. They all regained their composure and continued to socialize. I grab a few more cupcakes.

I see Applejack in a corner so I head over to her. I wave to her and she returns it. As I approach one question in my mind is bothering me. I lean in and whisper to her, "is Pinkie Pie really that bad?"

I could tell Applejack was holding back a fit of laughter. Her face was twitching all over. Her mouth was trying to smile but she was trying to keep a straight face for as long as she could. The battle looked like a tough one but it looked like she was going to win. However, I could not let that happen. I love to hear the laughter of others and if she thinks it would be wrong to laugh it just makes me want to hear it more. I look her in the eye with the straightest face I can muster. In an instant I shove three cupcakes into my mouth making my cheeks puff out. I could see the tides of war change in her face. She puffs her cheeks in a last ditch effort to win. Now for the final nail in the coffin, I need to say two words that will bring her to her knees. "Chubby bunny"

Applejack lost the war.

The laughter of any creature brings a smile to my face. The fact that her laugh is a little funny as well sets me in a laughing fit of my own. Another laugh joins ours and I look to see Pinkie on the ground laughing with us. Infact, most of the party goers are laughting in one way or another. Back home there was no time to have a good laugh. The war seemed to drain away the laughter in people's lives. Without their laughter the stress of life took its toll on everyone. People at a young age would get gray hairs.

As the laughter dies down, everypony gets back to the party. I mingle with a few new faces and some I have already met. Nurse Redheart was there and it was a pleasure to see her again. I thanked her for taking care of me and she asked how I was doing. I told her of the few ponies I had met ad she is happy to hear I am doing well. I only left the hospital this morning. I met the mailmare of Ponyville. Her name is Ditsy but she says everyone calls her Derpy. Her eyes were crossed but it didn't matter. She was very funny and witty. I met the spa sister Aloe and Lotus. Their spa gets many customers but the one who visits the most is Rarity. They asked if I planned to vist them anytime soon. I told them I would consider it. I'm not really looking forward to it if I go.

"So are you enjoying your party Rezzy?" Pinkie asks.

"Yeah Pinkie, I haven't been to a party in years." I think the last party I had was for my 15th birthday. I had pizza for dinner and a chocolate cake. Several of my friends were there along with my family. My thoughts are interrupted when I hear Pinkie gasp.

*Gaaaaaaaasp* "No party in years?! How did you survive?!" She was incredibly close to my face now. Enough that our fur is touching a little bit. It feels strangley nice......NO! Bad brain focus!

"Well when you're traveling around, you really don't stop in one place long enough to have a party." I explain. I try backing up a bit but Pinkie just mirror's my moves. A sad expression covers her face.

"So no parties?" Her eyes were shimmering with tears. Wow Pinkie's emotions like to jump around. One second happy as can be, next full on crying. As I try to think of away out of this situation there is a pull on my tail. I turn back to see two babies glaring at me. I guess they don't like to see Pinkie cry.

"I didn't mean to make her sad honest." Both of the babies didn't seem satisfied with that answer and continued to pull on my tail. It didn't really hurt, but it was getting a little annoying. "Well do you know of a way to make her happy again?" Both foals look at eachother and a smirk stretched across both of their faces. They raced off to what looked like a kitchen and came back with a bag of flour. "What am I suppose to do with this?" Both foals start to motion me to pour it over myself. I look at the bag, then at the foals, and finally Pinkie who is about to unleash a torrent of tears. *sigh* "Ok i'll do it." I open the top of the flour bag and lift it over my head.

*Fwoosh* I cover myself in flour. Everypony just stares at me. Well that didn't cause anypony to laugh at me. So did I just pour flour over myself for no rea- "ACHOOOOO!" a sneeze shook my body hard enough to remove most of the flour. There was complete silence.

Then an eruption of laughter from the two foals and Pinkie Pie. Everypony had a smile on their face. I did look silly with the flour covering me. I look down to the two foals. "So who are you two?"

Pinkie pie spoke up, "they are Pumpkin and Pound cake. They are the twins of the owners of Sugarcube Corner." Pound Cake was a pegasus with a brown mane and Pumpkin Cake was a unicorn with a orange mane. "Both their parents are earth ponies so they have their work cut out for them. Every now and then I babysit to give the Cakes a break."

"Well it is very nice to meet both of you." Both foals giggle and started to climb all over me. Pound was drumming away on my back while Pumpkin was chewing on my mane. It was very adorable, and a little painful. The parents of the twins came out to greet me and to take the foals away for their nap. I went back to talking with Pinkie for a little bit before she skipped off to see how everypony was doing.

The party went on for about 2 hours before the crowd started to disperse. Since it was a party for me I wanted to help clean up. Pinkie Pie refused at first saying that it was her job as the host to clean up, but I would have none of it. Some of Pinkies friends stayed behind as well to help clean up. Among them was Rainbow Dash. She didn't help as much as the others but she did help. I have been meaning to ask her a question. I have been in this world for only a few days. I have managed to at least keep my cover, and make a few friends. Now I need to make another step in this new life.

How should I approach this though? She seems like a mare that is more williing if you just come straight out and say it.

"Rainbow Dash" I call to her.

"Hmm?" she turns to look at me. "What do ya need?"

I am feeling very nervous about this. I am probably about to ask a very awkward question. I would avoid it if I could but this needs to be done. Just suck it up and be a man, or stallion.

"Would you mind...teaching me the basics of flying?"

Smooth.

Author's Note

I was not happy with that last chapter so I redid it. I like this one much better so hope you enjoy. Also his romantic interest could be any mare. Just state your reasoning behind your choice. Could be one of the mane 6, a background character, or maybe an original character.

An Afternoon of Flying and Designing

An awkward silence continued between Dash and me. It began to get uncomfortable with how long she just stood there staring at me like I just asked her to kill someone. How is she going to react to my question? I hope she doesn't laugh at me, this is hard enough as it is. Finally Dash breaks the silence.

"Could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly," Rainbow Dash asked. She was rubbing her ear to remove a nonexistent clog.

I knew this wasn't gonna be easy but at least it's better than her laughing at me. "I asked if you could teach me the basics of flying. I haven't flown in years so I am a bit rusty."

She looked surprised by what I said. "How could you not fly for so long?! That would drive me nuts." She flew up into the air to emphasize her point.

"I know it is strange for me to ask you but from where I lived while growing up clouds were uncommon. I stayed on the ground most of the time and when I finally set out on my travels I just walked from place to place. It gave me a chance to meet many different creatures." I explained to her hoping that it was a good enough excuse. If I was born in this world I probably wouldn't have given up flying like that.

"Well what's in it for me?" Rainbow asked.

I look at her confuse for a second before it dawned on me. I need to trade her something that she needs. What could I offer her though? I won't give her a weapon and I doubt she would like anything science related. Maybe something from my military past might interest her. "Rainbow, how good of a fighter are you?"

She glared at me with a look that said 'How could you ask such a thing?' She landed in front of me and stood up on her back hooves. She threw several "punches" in the air to show off her fighting abilities. She has good speed but she lacks any technique. After several punches she stands proudly and looks at me. "Does that answer your question?" She asks giving me a smug smile.

Time to bring her down a notch. "Yeah, you are a terrible fighter." The look on her face is priceless. I also get several gasps from others in the room. Pinkie appears in front of me. Man she is sneaky.

"How could you say that Rezzy? Didn't you just see her moves." Pinkie starts to mimic Dash’s punches.

"Yes I did Pinkie, she has great speed and power." This puts a smile on Pinkie's and Rainbow's faces. "But she lacks technique," and their smiles are gone.

Rainbow couldn't take my insults anymore. "Hey me and my friends have faced tons of bad guys before and we kicked all of their flanks." She glares at me, daring me to come up with a reason she was a bad fighter. I had a very good reason.

I started to pace around her in a wide circle. "Were these bad guys trained in anyway? Could you really say you faced an opponent that was at your level of skill or better? Maybe they weren’t prepared for a fight against a pony? it’s possible they didn’t send their best to fight you. I'm not saying you can't win a fight but if you were to come at me head on you would lose." After I finished my rant I stopped in front of her. I haven't been in this body too long so most of my fighting techniques would be useless but I bet a few could still translate over. I could see in Rainbow's eyes she was ready to take my challenge. I stood up on my back legs and moved my front hooves into a battle stance.

Rainbow charged at me with both of her front hooves out in an attempt to slam me at full speed. As I thought pure speed and power. She lacks any restraint and only looks to the immediate future. Once she is in range I just move around her attack and she goes flying into the wall. The movement felt so natural for me. Being up on two legs was like coming home.

Rainbow by this point was back on her hooves. She shakes her head, probably to get rid of any dizziness from the impact. She charged at me again, dead set on proving her point. Again I move around her attack and sent her towards another wall. This time she is able to stop just before impact. "Well at least your learning." I decide it is time to end this fight and prove my point. She lunges at me one more time but I let her make contact.

"Oof!" She knocked the wind out of me but I am able to hold one of her front legs. I shift my body weight to toss her on the ground. I then pin one of her wings and one of her legs. Rainbow starts to punch my leg with her other hoof and her free wing is buzzing as fast as it can. With each passing second I could feel her hit softening. She didn't lose her will to fight however.

"Come on, face me like a stallion!" She yelled still struggling.

"Just give up. You lost fair and square," I tell her. She doesn't want to give up easily and gives a powerful tug on her wing. I could feel her wing stretching too far. If she kept it up she would hurt herself. "Rainbow, stop it. If you pull too hard you will damage your wing." She ignored me, probably thought I was lying to her. I didn't want to damage her wings. Not only would it be bad for my reputation but I won't be able to learn how to fly. I jump off of her to put some distance between us and not give her a chance to counter. She stands up in a second and glares at me. "Enough Rainbow I made my point. In exchange for helping me fly I will teach you how to fight. Deal?"

Rainbow didn't move from her spot and continued to glare. I was hoping she was considering my offer. If she refused then I will have to find another pegasus but I didn't see many in the town the other day when I was scouting. Rainbow was my best shot.

"Fine."

"Huh? Really?" I was hoping for that answer but I am surprised by how easily she gave in.

"Under one condition."

Aww, now that is what I was suspecting. "What is the condition?"

A smirk appeared on her face. "You tell me how you got your moves."

Well shit, I need to come up with a good story on how I learned my moves. Maybe from an old soldier. It's worth
a shot but now is not the time to talk about it. "Only if you get me started on flying. I will tell you how after we get started."

Rainbow's hoof came up to her chin and she stated tapping it. "Hmmm..." was all she said as she thought about the final offer. After a minute of thinking, she nods her head and spits into her hoof. I didn't think they knew one of the most sacred promises in the universe. I spit into my own hoof and we shook on the deal.

After we finished cleaning up we made our way towards an open field to begin training. The field was not far from the town but far enough that no pony was there. It was probably because Rainbow didn't want others to see her attempts at fighting me. It was understandable, I didn't want others to see me crash into the ground with my first flight lesson.

"Ok before we start with the flying I need to judge your potential. Spread your wings and let me have a look." Rainbow Dash said. I guess it is only fair to let her judge me since I did the same to her about fighting. I close my eyes and imagine birds in flight.

I haven't used my wings since I got them so I have to think hard to find the muscles that control them. I find them but it is slow going in making them pull to extend my wings. Slowly but surely my wings unfold from my sides. The spots the wings had been covering up to this point, have been exposed to the cold air and I shiver in response. Two minutes later my wings are fully out and I open my eyes. Rainbow has an unamused look on her face like I was trying to make fun of her.

"Really? That is as fast as you can open them?"

"Like I said it has been years so it will be a little difficult at first."

If Rainbow didn't like my answer she didn't voice her opinion and she went straight to work looking over my wings. She was like a professional looking over my wings. She would poke and prod them in certain spots to see the reaction. It felt strange for her to be touching my wings the way she was. Perhaps they are sensitive in spots and she wants to embarrass me. I just have to keep my cool while she is touching them. Five minutes of looking over both my wings she steps in front of me.

"Well your wings are in good shape, even though you haven't used them in a long time. That's good because you don't have to do exercises to build up strength again. There are a little bigger than the average size, should help you get more power in flight. Now we just need you to open your wings faster and we should be ready to begin."

I nod to show her I understand and I close my eyes again. I begin to fold my wings again and find that it is easier than unfolding them. After they are folded to my side I unfurl them as fast as I could. I repeat this process over and over again finding that it was getting easier for me to do. The base of my wings were starting to burn with each passing minute but it felt good. With each movement I get closer to my goal of flying.

"Alright, thats good enough." Rainbow told me. I stop my exercises and look over to her. She gives me a nod of approval. "Ok next you need hover for me. Just flap your wings and don't try to go anywhere."

I follow her instructions and begin to flap my wings. I am eager to start flying but I need to start slow to get my rhythm down. It is difficult to get my wings insync with one another but soon I start to increase speed. I can feel myself lifting a little from the ground so I start to pump harder. I can feel me hooves leave the ground and a smile stretches across my face. I scream 'I'M FLYING' inside my head.

I look to the ground and see that I am drifting to the left. I start to lean in the other direction but I over do it and I fly to the right. I became frantic and lose control. "Waaahh!" I start to roll on the ground for several feet before I come to a stop. I start to spit out some dirt when I hear laughter and I look to see Rainbow on her back holding her sides. I glare at her, then I realize I will have my revenge soon enough. "Yeah yeah laugh it up. It's your turn next."

Her laughter stopped and she stands up to continue the lesson. "Well as you can tell next up is you need to lean in a direction. You over corrected yourself so you went out of control. You can use your tail to help balance you and make it easier to correct yourself."

I stood up and shook the dirt off my body. I took her words to heart and started to hover again. I leaned my body forward and I started to move. My body continued to lean so I used my tail to pull myself back up and avoid another embarrassing situation. We practised for about an hour and I had the basic ideas down. Now I should be able to practise on my own and start some real flying.

"Alright Rainbow, it's your turn now."

Rainbow but a hoof to her chest. "I'm ready when you are."

"Ok, get into a stance you would use for fighting."

Rainbow moved into a stance that just screamed i am going to charge at you. I would not doubt that Rainbow could hold herself in a fight but if she learned proper techniques she would be unstoppable. "Ok, the problem with your stance is that you are telling me exactly what you are going to do. Right now you are telling me you are gonna charge. Right?" Her eyes went wide after I told her and she nodded. "Then we need to work on a more flexible stance." I stand in such a way that I balance my body to either block an attack or counter. "See? The way I am standing now allows me to either attack or defend. A flexible stance is the best option."

Rainbow looks at how I am standing and tries to mimic it. I can see she is close but she needs some adjustments.

"That looks ok. You just need some practise and you should be fine. Now watch me and study what I do. I am going to act like there is a challenger in front of me and he is trying to move around me. This will show how you can face off against an opponent and still keep yourself ready for battle." I begin to side step and move in a circle pretending there is a Chimera Howler in front of me. Most Chimera just charge straight into an opponent but a howler acts more like a predator and move carefully to conquer its prey. My movement is smooth and calculated, so is the Howlers. Each hoof moving carefully to keep the stance ready for the attack. It felt so familiar that I thought that a Howler really might be in front of me. I start to tense as I hear the howls from the beast preparing to lunge at me.

"Are you ok?"

Rainbow's voice snaps my mind back to Chimera free Equestria. I shake my head and look at her. She has a concerned look on her face. "Yes, thank you I am fine. I was just remembering something while I was moving. So, did you see how it’s done? I want you to keep a steady stance while moving. It will help control your body and emotions during combat."

Rainbow gets into position and starts to move in a circle. Her movements are not smooth like mine but she is able to keep a fairly good stance. After two rotations I tell her to stop and take a break. "Not bad. With a little luck you could be fighting off the best fighters in no time." She smile at me and I return it.

I then remember earlier how she said she has faced enemies before. I am curious to know what creatures would start a war in such a peaceful world. "Hey Rainbow Dash, you mentioned earlier how you and your friends have faced opponents before. Mind telling me about some of those fights?"

Rainbow Dash looked shocked by my question. "You really want to know? Most don't like about fights around here."

"Yeah, I am curious to hear about the fights you have been in."

"Well there was this one time in Canterlot where the city was invaded by Changelings. We were cornered by hundreds of them and we had to fight our way through. It was like you said earlier, they weren't very good fighters. They tried to trick us by changing to look like me and my friends."

"Why were they invading?"

"Changelings feed off of love, so they came to Canterlot to feed of the love overflowing in the city."

"These Changelings can look like anypony?"

"They try to look like the pony you care about most so they can feed on your emotions for that pony. They want love the most."

"They eat emotions? How is that possible?"

Rainbow Dash shrugs, "Dunno, they just like the stuff. Probably touch their horn to your head or something. Pretty creepy if you ask me."

I nod, "Yeah, that is pretty creepy. Can't say I have met anything like that on my travels. I have met my share of monsters though."

This peaks Dash's interest. "Hey yeah, how did you get your moves anyway?"

"Well I-"

"RAINBOW DASH!" a new voice shouts.

My ears perk up at the new voice. I turn to see Scootaloo racing towards us as fast as her hooves will carry her. Her face was filled with joy of seeing her idol. I turn to see Rainbow smiling and waving at the new arrival. Scootaloo decided to wave back, which caused her to trip over a rock, and sent her tumbling at us. Before we could move Scootaloo plowed into Rainbow Dash and me. All three of us tumble back a few times before coming to a stop. As the dust settles I was able to asses the situation. Both Rainbow Dash and I were on our backs as a dazed Scootaloo lay across both of us.

After we stand up and recover Scootaloo became curious about why we were out here. I explained the deal me and Rainbow Dash made and told her we were out here practising. Scootaloo showed obvious jealousy towards me since she wanted Rainbow to teach her too. I offered her the chance to stick around and watch us and she accepted.

"Alright back to where we left off Rainbow."

Another 2 hours of practise go by before we decide to call it a day. Scootaloo was amazed by my skills as a fighter. She asked if I could teach her a few things but I told her I need to think about it first. Rainbow was very forceful about me teaching her number one fan some of my moves. There is no real reason one as young as her should learn to fight like this but I will keep an open mind and consider it. The trip back into town consisted of Scootaloo telling me all the 'cool' things Rainbow Dash has done and Rainbow Dash stating proudly how she could achieve such a feast. While I normally don't like individuals who talk like they are the best thing ever created, I don't really mind Dash. Sure it could get on my nerves but I shouldn't hold it against her.

After we reached town I parted ways with Rainbow and Scootaloo. I decide to wander through the town and see some of the sites. The buildings for the most part looked the same but each had its little unique touches. I enter the market district to see what vendors were selling. Most vendors sell a single type of food or supply. Most sell the item that their cutie mark represents. A few sell more practical items like cloth or tools. Maybe I could get some tools to fix my guns. Heck maybe I could set up a system to make rounds.

As I wander and look at each stand I notice a familiar filly struggling to pull a wagon containing a mountain of fabrics. The wagon is piled high with a variety of colorful fabrics. It's amazing a filly of that size being able to pull that amount of weight. "Sweetie Belle?"

The filly turned to look at me confirming my suspicion on who it was. "Oh hello mister Hail. I would love to stay and chat but I have to get these fabrics back to my sister." She then turned back and started to pull again. Even though she can pull it anypony could tell she was getting tired quick. I decide to help her and make her job a little easier. I took the straps she was wearing on her back to pull the wagon in my mouth. She was about to protest when I held up my hoof to silence her.

Sweetie Belle sighed and walked in front of me to direct me to our destination. We weaved through several streets before we arrived at a building so unique I thought no one could ever copy it. The building was very flashy and catches the eye no doubt. We walked in through the front door and I could see manakins of ponies all around the shop. I drop the rope from my mouth so I could speak clearly. "So the fabric we brought is going to be used to make clothing."

Sweetie Belle nodded her eagerly. "Yep! My sister is a designer and she takes her job very seriously. She love to make dress for her friends and ponies that come in. Rarity i'm back!" Sweetie Belle races off into the store to find her sister. I was left standing in the main room looking around at all the dress that Rarity has designed. They are too flashy for my taste but all the dress have been made with mares in mind so it was probably very lovely to them. I didn't see any suits for stallions so I need to ask her about that when I get a chance.

I was getting bored quick and decided to look around more. I notice a big white fluff in the corner of the roof. It was in a basket and had a purple bow on it. I walked over to it to get a better look and I notice that it was moving, this made me even more curious. I am close enough now that I can touch it. I took a look at it but it was wrapped in a tight ball so I could not tell what is was. I decide to throw caution to the wind and poke it. I lift a hoof and slowly reach out to touch the mysterious object.

*touch*

The object in question jumped to life and decided to take sharp claws to my chest region. It was a cat and by the looks of it a very pissed off cat. The cat began to claw at my vest and wasn't even phased by the fact it wasn't making a dent in the material. My vest kept the claws at bay while I tried to shake the cat off. I guess it didn't like me shaking so much so it moved onto parts of my body not protected by my vest. I tried to shake even more violently to remove the agitated animal but the claws kept it firmly in place. "Get off me cat!"

"OPAL NO!" Sweetie Belle comes tearing into the room the room and tries to pull the cat from my chest. "Let go of him Opal. He is a guest."

"OWOWOWOWOWOWOW, Sweetie Belle stop pulling you're only making it madder!" I yell at Sweetie Belle. Her attempts are making the cat want to dig her claws deeper into my chest. The claws were ripping through my shirt and piercing my flesh underneath. Suddenly the cat is wrapped in a blue aura and removed from body. I sigh in relief now that the problem was removed.

"Opal, that's a very naughty kitty," a motherly like voice says. I see Rarity lifting the cat over to her bed and place a ball of yarn in front of it. The cat still looked pissed off from me waking it from its slumber but it took the yarn eagerly. "I am so sorry for what she did to you."

I shrug my shoulders, "Forget about it, it was my fault anyway for waking Opal up." I look over my shirt and see multiple rips and tears from the cats on slaught. It would take me awhile to fix all the damage those claws had created. *sigh* "Well I gotta fix that later."

"Oh dear, i'm so sorry Opal ruined your clothing." Rarity said as she looked over my torn shirt.

"No problem, like I said before I have some knowledge in sewing," I say proudly. It was true I had some experience in sewing. Back in the army they taught us how to patch up clothes so we didn't need a new shirt every time we got a hole in it. If you didn't fix the tear it was gonna get cold for you real quick. It also just gave us something to do instead of being bored all day. Now that I think about it it is going to be interesting to figure out how to sew with hooves. Maybe I could hold the needle in my teeth as I thread it through the shirt. It won't be easy but I will make due.

"Well as an apology, why don't you use my sewing machine to fix your shirt? I would love to see you work your magic."

Using a machine would be better than teeth. "Thank you Rarity." We start to walk out of the main lobby and towards another room which contains many different fabrics. It was probably her work room. Many designs of different dresses and suits were lying on tables and tacked to boards. The designs were interesting to say the least. Some of the were over the top in design and each would be unique to the wearer. *cough* Rarity is noticed my staring and reminds me of the original reason I am back here. I smile sheepishly and rub the back of my head. The machine was operated by a pedal underneath the table. I see that there is black thread loaded into the machine so it is waiting for me to start. I remove my Folsom from my back and lean it against one of the walls. I am careful to avoid any of the drawings. I remove my vest next and place it next to the rifle on the floor. Finally the shirt. It take some effort to remove the garment but eventually I get it off without making the holes any worse.

With the shirt in my mouth I start to make my way towards the machine when I remember Rarity in the room. She is looking at me with a look I really don't like. With all the designs around anypony could easily tell she loves what she does. Its possible she is just getting an idea in her head of a new project or she is looking at how my clothing is made. That still doesn't make it any less awkward for me to be naked in a room with a girl. Even though she is nude just like all the others it is still weird. I move over to the machine and sit my shirt down ready to begin. I ready my shirt and start pressing down on the pedal with a hoof. The machine comes to life and slow starts to close the holes in my shirt. I am a bit rusty at this but the stitching should hold until I can earn some bits to pay for a more professional job.

My uniforms were always getting hole is it from my missions. As a Sentinel, I took on the missions no one else would dare do. Bullseye rounds really do a number on fabric and flesh. In the heat of battle you can’t tell if you have been hit but afterwards you can see the holes showing that you had been hit. I lost a lot of good uniforms from being hit too many times. It got so bad that my superiors started to yell at me whenever my uniforms got trashed. A good hour goes by before I finish patching my shirt. Satisfied with my work I turn around to see Rarity looking over my shoulder. "Gah!" is what I said as I fell over from surprise. "How long have you been there?"

"I have been over your should almost the whole time. I am surprised, you were just so focused on your work you didn't even notice. I didn’t think anypony but myself took clothing this seriously,” Rarity giggled. “I am sorry for scaring you, it is not lady-like."

I shake my head, "No it's fine. Just like you said I was so focused I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. I like doing this sort of thing. It takes me back to some good times." I hold up my shirt to take a good look at my handiwork. "Not bad, but not good either. I am a bit rusty at this so I need more practise to make better stitches."

"Well if you want to learn you are welcome to come by. I will teach you several tricks of the trade." I consider her offer for a moment. It would be nice to refine my sewing skills, but I want to offer something in return for the lessons. Fair is fair.

"What can I offer you in exchange for the lessons?"

"Oh darling, you don't owe me a thing. I would be happy to teach you and it would be nice to have another sewing partner."

"Well it doesn't seem right for me to just get free lessons." I start to think up useful stuff I could give or teach her. I look around the room looking for any clues. My eyes wander over to my gear. She would have no use for weaponry but my vest might interest her. "Excuse me Rarity, but what sort of armor doesn't the army and police wear?" I had seen in the books that they still have swords and spears. So I have to assume they still wear plate metal armor.

"Well they wear armor folded from steel. The poor dears, that armor must weigh a lot."

"What about in exchange for giving me lessons, I tell you how to make lighter armor for them? You could boost sales and really become a hit with not only Military but civilians. My designs could give you new ideas on clothing. Sound like a deal?" I held out a hoof for her to shake. She seems to refined for the spit shake so a regular one should be fine. She tapped a hoof to her chin, deep in thought. From the way she was about to give me free lessons I doubt she would be in this for the money. She may take it just to help others.

She looks my in the eyes and smiles. She nods her head and sticks out her hoof to finish the agreement. I place my hoof to hers and we shake. "Deal"

"What deal?" Sweetie Belle's squeaky voice asked as she entered the room.

"In exchange for your sister teaching me sewing, I will teach her how to make better armor for military and possibly clothing for ponies." I smile at the little filly and she smiled back.

She jumped up and down in excitement. "So we are gonna see each other a lot?"

I nod, "That's the plan." I look outside to notice the sun setting on the horizon. "Well I best be leaving. It's getting late. Thank you again Rarity for letting me use your machine to fix my shirt."

"It was no trouble at all and again I apologize for Opal's behavior. It was a good thing she didn't break skin."

At that comment I looked to see that I was indeed scratch free. The virus must have taken care of the wounds while I was working. I didn't even notice, usually I would feel a slight sting from the wounds closing. "Yeah it is a good thing. It was my fault for startling Opal in the first place. Now I really must be going. You two have a wonderful evening." I put my shirt and vest on. I sling my rifle on my back and make my way towards the exit.

"Bye Mr. Hail! Come back soon." Sweetie Belle's voice called out.

"Yes do come by again." Rarity added.

I open the door and look back at both of them. "I will, good night." I walk out and shut the door behind me.

I start my trek back to my ship to hopefully call it a day and rest up for the apple bucking tomorrow. I take a different path towards the forest hoping it would be close enough to my ship that I could find it. As I walk down the path there is an increase of animals with each passing minute. It was odd that animals were getting this close in such an unusual area. My ears perk up when I hear a soft melody. The sound is beautiful and soothing to my tired body. "I wonder who would be out here singing at this hour?"

I follow the music to its source at another tree that has been converted to a home. The animal activity has peaked in this area, probably due to the music. Speaking of which the song is coming from around back. I move around the home to see and interesting sight. A mare taking care of a large number of animals at once. If it wasn't for the fact she was singing it looked like she was getting mobbed by the little creature. Something about this mare seems familiar though. She was a light yellow and she had long pink hair.

"Fluttershy?"

The singing suddenly stopped. A small 'eep' was made and the timid pegasus was gone.

Author's Note

Hey look, I got off my lazy bum and finished the next chapter. This one took a little longer to write. Mostly due to the fact it has been crazy recently. Next chapter shouldn't take as long, hopefully. Well, see you all next time.

A Night of Animals and Stars

Well here I am, standing in a small dust cloud left by a very shy Pegasus. I blink in suprise at her speed. “Wow, she can move when she wants to. Maybe all Pegasi are inherently fast. Well all of them except me right now.”

I follow the dust trail to her front door and knock. *knock knock* “Fluttershy? I didn’t mean to startle you; I was just following the animals.” Technically I was following the music but the animals were heading there too. I wait for a response but none came. I put my ear up to the door and knock again. There is the sound of scurrying feet from the other side of the door. If I had to guess, just like her yard her home is probably filled with animals. I am about to give up and leave this socially awkward Pegasus alone when I feel a small punch on my back leg. I turn to see a snow white rabbit glaring at me with his arms crossed and stomping his foot. He would be adorable if I wasn’t receiving the death glare. “Sorry didn’t mean to scare her. So, who are you? A good friend of hers?” I put my head down to his level so I don’t seem intimidating.

His reply was a punch to my eye. I gotta say that little bastard can hit hard. “YEEYOW!”

I start to rub my eye when I hear a small cry. I thought that one of the animals had been hurt but I see the rabbit pointing at me and giving what I could only guess was his best battle cry. My theory was supported by the fact that I was swarmed by several different animals all of which were trying their best to get me to leave. I refuse to be beaten by a pack of fuzzy balls, when I have faced down Chimera Titans. I start by shaking the smaller ones off with great success. The few that are able to keep their grip now find themselves with my undivided attention. I begin to bat them off of my limbs and back one by one. I continue to knock and shake the critters off of me until they run out of steam. I thought that the fight was over until the instigator of all this starts his solo attack on my back. He pulls on my mane and stomps at the base of my wings. The stomping on my wings hurt the most since they were used earlier today. My attempts to shake him off are met with more pulling and stopping by the furry bastard. The battle with the other animal is starting to take its toll on my tired body. It looks like victory might be his but I won’t go down without a fight. He decides to finish me off and starts yanking both of my wings.

“OWOWOWOWOW! What did I do to piss you off?! I said I was sorry and didn’t mean to scare her. Come on, give me a brake rabbit!” The door to Fluttershy’s home suddenly flew open and there stood a distraught looking Fluttershy.

“Angel bunny, you know better than to attack somepony like that.” The bunny, or Angel, let go of my wings and hopped over to Fluttershy. He stated to flail his arms all over in an attempt to explain his actions to her but by the looks of it he was just digging a deeper grave. “Angel, even if he did scare me that is no excuse for you to attack him. Now go inside and I will decide on your punishment later.”

Angel looked like he was about to argue until he met Fluttershy’s gaze and lowered his head in defeat. He hopped inside with a defeated look on his face. Poor guy, I wasn’t happy about being attacked but he was only trying to defend his loved ones. I can respect that.

“You can go easy on him. He was only trying to protect you and that’s a good quality for a friend to have.”

Fluttershy shakes her head. “No, he needs to know that attacking somepony isn’t the right answer.” Fluttershy seemed all right now that something had happened to call her outside. I was about to ask what she had in mind for his punishment when she suddenly realized she was talking to me and cowered in front of me. I am not as tall or as big as big MacIntosh but I am still taller than the mares of this town so I might be a little intimidating to Fluttershy right now. I decide just like with Angel I need to appear none threatening towards her. I lay down on my belly so I appear smaller than her. I know it’s a trick most use on animals but if all these animals are any indication that she knows a lot about animals she will notice what I am doing. As if she was reading my mind she followed along and laid down as well. We sat in awkward silence with me looking around for something to talk about and Fluttershy hiding behind her mane. Even though we have met before I don’t think she will be to open to talk to me right now. I know, I will say the first thing that pops into my head.

“You have a very nice singing voice.” Fuck you brain.

“Oh umm...thank you for the compliment”

“Just speaking the truth.” I smile at her and she proceeds to hide her face with more of her mane.

Maybe I should just go and leave her alone. “Again, sorry that I scared you. I’ll go so you can tend to your animals.” I get up to leave when a bird lands on my back. “Hey there, did you come to attack me again or see me off?” The bird chirps it response.

“He says he’s sorry and doesn’t think you’re a bad pony anymore.”

I give her a confused look. “You can understand him?”

“Yes, I can understand all my animal friends.”

“Wow, that’s incredible.”

She blushes at my statement and hides her face in her mane again. I take a look around at all the animals beginning to gather around me. They don’t look like they are getting ready to attack so I just stay calm. I see a beaver amongst them. I have never seen one before in real life so this is very nice surprise. I reach out to pet the beaver that is close by but the beaver steps back from my sudden movement. He might think I am going to assault him for attacking me earlier. I pull my hoof back from him and smile. “Don’t worry I’m not mad at any of you for what you did. You all were just looking out for each other and that’s a good thing.”

The beaver steps forward now and stops close enough for me to reach him. He still looks scared like I plan to do something to him so I reach my hoof out for him to inspect it. I see Fluttershy watching my actions with interest. The beaver is still inspecting my hoof and after several seconds of inspection it nods at me signaling me its ok to proceed. I slowly bring it to the top of his head and give him a light rub. I could see a smile stretch across both the Beaver’s and Fluttershy’s faces. When the beaver seems satisfied with my rubbing I pull my hoof back and smile at him. “Thank you for allowing me to pet your head.”

The beaver smiled back and walked off. The rest of the animals went back to what they were doing before, deciding I was no long a threat to their friend. I looked to Fluttershy who was giving me a smile which I returned. “Wow, they don’t normally warm up to other ponies this fast. They must feel calm and safe around you.”

I shrug, “I’m just good with animals.” I see she has a chicken coop, bird houses all over, and several pens. “So I take it you really enjoy animals.”

“Oh yes, I love to take care of them. I help them when they get hurt and if they want I try to find them a loving home.”

“So you run an animal rescue shelter? That’s nice of you.”

Another blush appears on her face. She is so innocent, probably wouldn’t hurt a fly. I look around at her home with all the animals getting ready for a good night sleep. I see squirrels rounding up their families, birds gathering together in nests, and rabbits making their way towards their burrows. Not a care in the world for any of these creatures. I look to the sky to see the stars starting to coat the black sky in dazzling lights. I hear a tiny yawn behind me and I already know it was Fluttershy. I turn to her and I can see her eye lids drooping. “Taking care of these animals must take a lot of energy. If you need any help at all I will be glad to lend a hoof.”

“Oh umm, thank you very much but I don’t want to trouble you.”

I wave my hoof dismissively, “It would be no trouble at all. It will be nice working with animals.”

She smiles at me. “Oh ok, thank you again.” Another yawn escapes her.

“You should head inside and get some rest. I’m sure you have had a busy day.”

She nods, “Good night Resistance.”

“Call me Rez. Good night Fluttershy.”

She heads back into home and I make my way towards mine. I soon find myself lost in the dark and wondering what road I need to take. Stallions never get lost, we go exploring. I decide on a path and hope I am making a head way towards my ship.

As my treck through the night continues I come back to the field Rainbow Dash and I used earlier in the day. I know where I am now but my ship is now about thirty minutes away from me. Flying now would only end with me getting myself hurt. I turn towards the right direction this time and start towards my destination.

Before I even take ten steps I stop. I see a pony sitting on top of a hill gazing at the night sky. Is there something going on up in the sky? I look up and see nothing but stars like I always have. I decide to postpone my trip home to see who this pony is and ask why they are staring into the night sky.

I approach quietly to not disturb what they are doing. Whoever this pony is has a dark coat and it makes them hard to see. As I get closer I notice that one color does stand out in the dark. I see what looks like a pink strand of hair running down their back. Every now and then I see the pony stop star gazing to look at a book or write something down on a note pad. Since writing something down would be almost impossible for most races, I have to come to the conclusion that I am looking at a unicorn here. Also from the body size and hair style I’m going to say that this is a mare. She hasn’t noticed my presence yet which means I was very quiet coming up here or she is so into her work she’s not paying attention. Either way looks like I have a chance for some fun.

I creep slowly towards her with every move as quiet as it can be. Each step is carefully placed to avoid any unusually sounds that would give me away. I feel like a lion stalking its next meal through the thick brush of Africa. With each step bringing me closer to my target I go over the plan in my head multiple times to make sure I follow it to the letter. Finally I am in range and she still hasn’t noticed me but now I know exactly who this mare is. She has a candle with her but it is small and doesn’t provide much light for her to see what she is writing. I can imagine her straining her eyes trying to see what she was reading and writing. This gives me an idea of what I am going to whisper into her ear. I hold my breath while I lean in close.

“You really should get more light.”

Twilight’s reaction was priceless. There was a scream, a jump into the air, running around like a chicken with its head cut off, a sleeping dragon being woken up, and finally the dragon joining in on the mare’s screaming. I couldn’t contain the laughter in me. I fell over and started to roll around and laugh. My sides ached from all the laughing. My two victims on the other hand had stopped their screaming and were not very happy with my prank. “Resistance! Why would you do that?!”

I stop my laughing to answer her question. “Two reasons. One, you really should get more light when you’re reading. Two, you let your guard down so I took my chance to scare you.” I smile at her and she glares in return. Her horn comes to life and I see a large mound of earth ripped up and brought over my head.

I never dropped my goofy smile at her. I looked her in the eyes and said, “I regret nothing.” Next thing I know I am under a mountain of dirt. Whelp time to dig my way out. There is enough room to dig with my front hooved like a dog.

Dig dig dig dig dig.

A minute or two later I am free from my tomb and I see Twilight and Spike still glaring at me. “Oh get over it you two. Ok what I did was a little mean but all in good fun. Also you got your revenge when you dropped a mountain of dirt on me.”

I shake the loose dirt from my body and cover my assailants in a dust storm. I look to see them both covered in dust. I suppress my laughter with a hoof over my mouth.

“Ok, I did not mean to do that.”

A silence lingers between the three of us. Twilight and Spike look at each other and decide to break the silence with a bunch of laughter. I smile at the two knowing that all is forgiven by this point. Then I remember my original reason for coming over here. “Hey, what are you two doing out here anyway? I saw you looking at the stars before.”

Spike speaks up first. “Well Twilight wanted to come out here to look at all the constellations and see if there are any new ones she can spot. I came along to keep her company but I umm fell asleep." A small blush of embarrassment can be seen through his scales.

Twilight takes this chance to speak. “Yes that’s right. I was taking down notes and reading up on the constellations too.” She took a look at the tiny candle she brought with her. I suppose you are right, I should have brought more light to use. I don’t want to end up with glasses.”

“I’m sure glasses aren’t all bad. In fact I kind of like them. It can give somepony a more knowledgeable kind of look and the can look kind of cute.”

A blush appears on her face and she suddenly finds her hooves very interesting. Whoops didn’t mean to start hitting on her like that. I have known her for less than a day. I need to calm down and get back on topic. “Anyway, looking at the stars sounds kind of fun to me. Mind if I join you for a little while?”

“Of course you can join us. It might be nice having somepony to talk to who doesn’t fall asleep.”

I decide to come to Spike’s rescue. “The little guy needs his sleep if he wants to grow up big and strong. If I can take his place and keep you company I say let him sleep.” She looked to Spike who was already back on the ground curled into a ball fast asleep. She smiled at the sleeping dragon and walked over to him. She nuzzled his head bringing a smile to Spike’s face. She then went back to her spot on the hill and sat down. She look to me and tapped the spot next to her. I sat down next to her and we both gazed up at the night sky.

Twilight would write something down in her note pad every now and then. She took my advice to heart and moved the candle closer so she didn’t have to strain he eyes. I continued to look into the night sky trying to see what she saw. After twenty minutes of trying to see what I don’t understand I take the Folsom from my back and start to look it over. It could use a good cleaning but this is not the time or place to do a full breakdown of my weapon. I look to the blade on the front to make sure it isn’t coming loose and I pull the charging handle to see if it still moves smoothly. None of these inspections are really needed right now since I can’t fire it anyway but it gives me something to do. I notice I don’t hear the sounds of a quill scratching parchment anymore. I turn to see Twilight staring intently at me and my rifle.

“That’s right, I promised to tell you how this works didn’t I.”

Her response is a nod. I sigh knowing I made a promise and I shouldn’t break it. Twilight might not question what it is right now giving me time to think up a good reason for its existence. I decide to give her a crash course in the specs of the rifle hoping that will be enough to satisfy her. “Ok, I call this the Folsom carbine. It is an assault rifle that fires a .303 caliber round faster than the speed of sound.” I see her quill scratching down every word I say. Her smile stretches from ear to ear and her eyes are sparkling with joy at each new piece of information.

“It can cycle through seven hundred and fifty rounds a minute. It has a launcher underneath the barrel that can fire explosive projectiles over a short distance. Its nickname is “the paddle” because you can “spank” enemies with the wooden buttstock. It has good accuracy and is effective at 500 yards.”

I think Twilight has stopped listening to me and is just staring at my rifle. The quill is still moving so I think it has an auto record spell on it. The moon is rising high in the sky by now so I decide to call it a night on the questions. “It’s getting very late Twilight; I think we should turn in for the night.”

Her gaze never leaves the weapon lying in my hooves. I shake the Folsom to brake her trance. “Huh? Wa?” I roll my eyes.

“I said I think we should call it a night.”

“But you haven’t told me everything yet. There is so much here you need to elaborate on and you need to explain so mu-“ I put a hoof to her mouth to cut her off.

“I will tell you more about it the next time we meet but we both have work to do tomorrow and we can’t be tired. You have a library to take care of and I need to buck some apple trees.” She looked like she wanted to protest but she stopped. She gave what I said some thought and nodded in agreement. She gently lifted Spike onto her back and carried her other supplies with her magic. I slung the rifle onto my back and made sure it wouldn’t move.

“Good night Resistance. I look forward to future discussions with you.”

“I look forward to those talks as well. Good night Twilight.”

After such a long day I only want to get to my ship and sleep the night away. My muscles were more fatigued than I thought. On my walk back as I got closer and closer my muscles began to ache from today’s activities. I am able to make it back to my ship with no more distractions and open the hatch to get inside. Once inside I look around and see everything the exact way I had left it the day I fought those Diamond dogs. I place the Folsom in one of the weapon racks and I shed my clothing. The cool air of the night causes me to shiver a little. I fold the shirt into a makeshift pillow and lay it down on the floor so when the sun rises it will hit my face. I rest my head and the cold floor of the ship feels good on my tired muscles.

The day’s events play over and over again inside my head. I made a good impression on the ponies in the town and I made a few new friends along the way. Set up a few job opportunities to help me get off the ground and start a normal life. My eye lids start to feel heavy and I slowly drift off to sleep wondering what the next day will bring.

Author's Note

Woot! Next chapter is out! Do you guys love me? huh? huh? Come on say you love me...

Fine screw you too.

Anyhoo next chapter is going to be an interesting one and the story's pace should start picking up. Untill then keep the Resistance strong and never give in.

Me, Myself, and I

I open my eyes to the interior of my ship. I would think it was morning if not for the fact that the sky was pink so I am having a very lucid dream then. I look at my body and surprised to see I am a pony. It seems my brain has even turned me into a pony in my sleep. Kind of weird but I guess I will get use to it like everything else. As the world forms I see not my old home or any past events but the new home I have made here in Equestria. I don’t have my rifle on me but since this is a dream I will have little need of it. I leave the ship and head towards Ponyville to see what my adventures will bring me.

My dreams tonight are filled with all the new ponies I had met. I wound up on the hill where Twilight and I chatted tonight. She sat there reading a book that was sitting at her hooves staring intently at every page and Spike fast asleep next to her. I took a close look at the book she was reading and I could see that it contained all the information I had ever given about myself in this world. Right now she is reading a page on my name and birth place. She was underlining several bits of information and wrote next to them ‘important to remember’. She flipped the next page which was titled “Weapons”. This time the page was sectioned off for each of the weapons that I had brought with me from Earth. The Folsom section had everything she would know about it written down. Next to most of the information was a statement in a dark red that said “More information required”. Under all of the other sections was a giant question mark and I could see in her eyes she was frustrated not to have this information. Twilight flipped back to the previous page and continued to go over the information. I chuckled a bit at the fact she is my information handler in here.

I decided to leave Twilight to her work and see what my other dream companions are up to. I made my way down the hill to see Rainbow Dash practicing what I had taught her on a random pony. Her stance was sloppy but she was still wining against her opponent. The random pony took a swing at the cyan Pegasus but Rainbow dodged it. Then with fast reflexes she grabbed the outstretched hoof and swung her helpless victim over her back. The pony hit the ground with a thump and bounced a little before coming to a stop. Rainbow didn’t miss a beat, she turned as quickly as she could so her opponent wouldn’t have a chance to attack for behind. The ill-fated pony stood up again and prepared to strike Rainbow again. As each punch was thrown Rainbow countered and knocked her opponent off their hooves. But every now and then a punch would make contact and Rainbow would stumble. She quickly recovered through and continued to beat back her target. Perhaps as she gets better in the real world it will change in here too. Maybe at some point I will be her challenger.

I moved on to find Fluttershy under a tree playing with Angel. The bunny was hopping around its owner while Fluttershy sang the song from earlier today. The melody is still as good as I remember. The tree behind her began to fill with the birds from her home and they sang along. They sang in harmony with one another, each bird with its own unique sound was able to keep pace and pitch with the others. Soon the area around Fluttershy filled with the other animals I had seen and all were now moving to the song in their own special way. None of them were bumping into one another as they each danced around to the beautiful tune. As I watched them all dance I felt the urge to join in on the dancing. I was never much of a dance so I began to sway from side to side keeping pace with each beat. After several minutes of dancing along I moved on to the next piece of entertainment tonight.

I came across a tent that looked to flashy for any pony but Rarity. When I entered I see a small fashion studio set up with mannequins included. On each mannequin was a work in progress ranging from a very fancy dress to a more casual wear for mares. The fancy dress was big and puffy, something you would see from old England portraits. The color scheme just screamed “look at me”. There were jewels placed very strategically on certain parts of the dress. Some at the front to bring attention to the mare’s face and others near the back to highlight the tail. I moved on the more casual dress and like what I see. While it had a single jewel in the front the rest was a simple design. The dress was probably designed with a nice day out with her friends in mind. I looked to see that there were two mannequins in the corner of the tent and both had clothing on them designed for stallions. On one was a formal suit with a nice coat to go along with it. The suit was designed to show off how well built the stallions body was while making the stallion look like a perfect gentleman. The other mannequin was wearing clothing that was more like the simple dress for mares. The shirt it was wearing was a light gray button up with a brown jacket to boot. This was more to my taste in clothing and I would buy it if I could. I hear noises from behind and I turn to see Rarity at a table sketching out more designs. Her latest drawing was a dress that was over the top in my opinion. She seemed happy with it though so I left it alone and moved on.

I happened upon Pinkie Pie next in my journey to nowhere. The hyperactive mare was setting up a long table with party hats and balloons stationed at each seat. In the center sat a large cake that was shaped like her cutie mark. Along the table sat various snacks that would anyponies mouthwatering. The delicious cupcakes from earlier sat on the table along with a variety of fruits and chips. A giant punch bowl sat off to the side with its own table and a stack of plastic cups. The purple liquid inside seemed like it would be one of the tastiest things I would ever have. The bubbly pink mare was skipping around the table humming a tune to herself while waiting for her guests to arrive. It was amazing how long she could just skip around without a break. I bet she does this most of the time instead of walking like a normal pony. I might want to ask her about that the next time I see her. I left the party to see what else my mind has created for me.

I come to a grove filled with apple trees and I already knew who I would find here. I moved around each tree looking for my next friend of the moment. The tree were the size of the apple trees back on Sweet Apple Acres and just like the real thing filled with apples. I decided to see if my mind would humor me and I got ready to buck a tree. Instead of hitting full force I just hit it with a single hoof like Big Mac. All the apples cascaded down around me and it brought a smile to my face. If only it were that easy when I was awake. I rounded several more trees before I came across Applejack resting against the base of one of the trees. She had her hat pulled down a little to keep the few rays of sun breaking the tree tops from hitting her eyes. Her chest moved up and down in a steady rhythm as she breathed. The silence was only broken by her soft snoring as she slept. I left the sleeping mare to her well-deserved rest.

I walked through Ponyville looking at all the buildings around me. The town was deserted for the most part with a few ponies here and there. I see the Cake twins with their parents Cup Cake and Carrot cake, Nurse Redheart, and a few others I had met at the party. As I make it to the center of the town I take a look around and see something out of place. There is a door just sitting in the middle of town. No building, no sign, just a door free standing with nothing around it. I approach the door with caution and to my surprise the door knob turns on its own. The door slow creaks open but all I can see is a bright light blocking out anything on the other side. I creep closer to see if I could get a better view through the light. As I get closer a world begins to form through the door frame and as my eyes adjust more details start to form. I can see buildings that resemble the ones back on Earth, parks, and even some people. They looked brand new, no destruction or anything from the war. I see children running around and playing with one another. Then I see something that stops me in my tracks.

There on a bench was my human body asleep.

I couldn’t believe it; my body was just sitting there taking a nap. I rushed through the door without a second thought but as soon as I made it through I blacked out.

Next thing I know I wake up clutching my chest and panting. My body feels like it has been run over several times by a tank. I put my hand to my head to alleviate some of the pain.

“Wait hand?”

I held it out in front of me and yes it was true. My hand and all of its beautiful digits were there. I looked to see my feet and I jumped with joy when I see that I had them as well. I could hardly believe it. Even though this is a dream it feels so real and it feels real good to be able to grab things again. I pick up a rock and toss it into the air and I catch it on its way back to Earth. I look at myself and I am wearing my civilian clothes. They consist of a nice jacket with a button up shirt. Underneath the shirt is a white T-shirt and I have a pair of dark blue jeans that are loose on my legs. Finally I have some old boots I loved to wear all the time. I even had the satchel my grandfather used when he signed up to help the British in World War 1. Long ago my father had sewn in the S.R.P.A. insignia on the outside of the opening to make it look more official when I use it. I left it with them when I was told I could not take it with me though. It was heart breaking to leave something that meant so much to all of us at home like that. I leave memory lane and get back to what’s around me.

Earth looks like it hasn’t been touched by war, in fact it looked perfect. The temperature was just right and the sun was high in the clear sky. It looked to be about mid spring and the flowers were in full bloom. I can see children playing, people laughing, and stores filled with goods from all over the world. The strangest thing though, they were all frozen in time. They were stopped like they were just turned to statues in an instant.

I see the door I had just come through to reach this world. The door is open and I see my pony body on the other side of it lying under a tree. I see that my previous body was now asleep under the shade of that tree. My guess is that my mind has split me into two parts, one side is human and the other is pony.

“I guess if I head through this door again I will switch back to that body. Need to make a mental note of that.” I start to walk into the city to see all there is to see. There is a cinema showing one of my favorite action films from when I was a kid. It is titled “A Brother’s Love”. It is about a hero that must put his life on the line to save his sister from a ruthless bandit. He fights his way past hundreds of men to find his sister; he even loses one of his eyes. In the end he confronts the bandit in a one on one showdown on top of a skyscraper. It looks like the hero will have an easy victory until the bandit uses the brother’s love against him and the bandit threatens to throw his sister to her death. The sister has been tied up and was hidden from view. The bandit picks her up and closes in on an edge of the building. Seeing no other choice the hero throws down his weapon and the bandit is about to finish him off. Just then the sister is able to get away from the bandit and kick a gun to her brother. He is able to pull off an amazing shot and sends the bandit off the top of the building.

It was a good movie.

Next on my tour is a giant fountain that is full of a variety of fish. Just like everything else the water is not moving as well as the fish it contains. The water was crystal clear and I could see all the details that were put into the bottom of the fountain. These designs would be very difficult to see if the water was flowing so it seems silly to worry about such an unnecessary design. The carving in the stones around the fountain look like a flower patch is blooming from the stone themselves.

I can see people were gathering all around the still water. You could see families gathering for a picnic, friends meeting, and couple spending a day together. The food for the picnic is still being pulled from the basket and the children are still excited to see what food has been brought. The mother has a camera and it getting ready to take a picture of her children’s excitement. The couples are finding the best spot to enjoy the nice weather but stay out of the sun. Those that have already found a spot are laying down in the fresh cut grass or sitting on a bench together. I would enjoy this more if I could hear the voices of these happy people. Instead all I am left with are eyes that are not reacting to anything and just stare into the distance.

“Why would this world be frozen in time and the pony world be full of life?”

I continued my stroll through the city but no matter how far I went all life was just standing still. There wasn’t any sound except for the sound of my shoes making contact with the concrete. It is actually getting annoying being the only one making a repetitive sound. I notice as I walk farther through the city the building start to change little by little. It starts with a crack here and a broken window there but nothing too serious. I look up to see the sky darkening with a mass of clouds. The clouds themselves are like everything else frozen but still getting thicker the more I travel. The people around begin to change with the world too. There are now few children and women around and the few who are, are heading in the opposite direction I am heading. There is an increase of civilian men armed with hunting rifles and pistols heading into the city away from the women and children. The clouds above only get thicker with each passing minute and the building look even more rundown.

Soon there all signs of children are gone. The playgrounds now stand disserted and run down with no visitors to keep them clean or play on the equipment. Old swing sets are falling apart, and slides are rusting away. Trash cans are full and in desperate need of being emptied. Old newspapers sit on benches where old men once gathered to talk about the weather. Old bread that people old and young ripped apart and thrown to pigeons now sits undisturbed by man or bird. The buildings have become more worn down and broken as well. Their glass windows long gone and bricks are missing from vital load bearing areas. Some have gaping holes in the side where something ran through them. Others have fallen down and have become rubble in the streets below. The men armed with civilian weapons are no longer here but soldiers have taken their place. They are armed with the latest military equipment and look ready to take on the world if they had to.

“What is going on around here? First the world looks perfect but now it looks like a war has broken out. What is my dream trying to say to me? What enemy could possible exist inside my mind?”

I spot a Folsom leaning up against some rubble not too far from me. No soldier is around it so I guess it’s safe to take it. I pick up the rifle and inspect it to make sure it could even fire. The rifle has been well maintained and has a full magazine. With a pull of the charging handle the rifle is ready to unleash death, if there is anything to kill in here.

I walk for several more minutes before I notice that no one is around anymore. The soldiers are not here and this area looks like it had been quarantined. It looked like the dividing ground between the two sides and I was standing across from my enemy. My heart says go back but my curiosity says charge ahead.

So I charge ahead.

As I make my way to the other side I notice that the buildings are hardly recognizable anymore. They have tubes and power line stretching from each of them into other buildings creating a network leading deeper into the enemy territory. As I walked over to the other side I look to the power cables and tubes jutting out of each building. I notice that the style is one I had seen many times before and it gives away who the enemy in my mind is.

Chimera.

I hold my rifle close to my chest ready to bring it up on any Chimera that comes my way. I move through the broken buildings trying to stay hidden as I move through the desolate streets. With every piece of glass or wood that breaks under my feet I stop to reevaluate my situation.

•I’m behind enemy lines with no hope of back up.

•I only have thirty rounds to my name.

•I have no armor on so any hit is most likely deadly.

So basically like every other mission I have been on, super. Except this mission is quiet, no sound on this side of the mind either. The heavy machines of the Chimera are silent, no longer digging up towers to be used as processing plants. The growling voices of the Chimera are nonexistent as well as their brutish speech. I round corners expecting around anyone of them I will see the Chimera setting up an ambush. But to my surprise not a single one of the beasts is in sight. None are in the streets and so far none in the buildings I have moved through. It is scary when you see the Chimera. It is terrifying when you know they are there but are unable to see them. I have traveled deep into their territory, so why have I not seen any of them yet? Where are they? I round one final corner and get my answer.

“AHHHH!”

There in mid jump about a foot away is a Howler baring all of its needle sharp teeth. I pull the rifle quickly to my shoulder and flip off the safety. I pull the trigger expecting the rifle to roar with the sound of gunfire but all I receive is a noise that haunts any soldier on the battlefield.

*click*

“NO NO NO NO NO!” I bring my arms up to guard my head from the lion sized beast. I waited for the Howler to sink its fangs into my flesh and begin to rip me apart. But that moment never came, I looked to see the beast still in mid jump. *sigh* “Well, it’s a good thing this side is frozen too.”

I walked past the Howler and around the corner are two Hybrids, probably the Howler’s keepers, and they are running to keep up with their pet. I side step them and continue up the street, this time there is no need to move through buildings. The cables and tubes are getting larger and the buildings have all but disappeared by this point. The weather has also taken a turn for the worse as well. The once clear skies have been stuffed with clouds that are sprinkling snow on to the world below. I am not dressed properly for snow but I enjoy the fact that something else is moving.

I press on through the pure white snow, looking for anything that would give me a clue to what is going on. I spot something through the snow fall. The object stretches into the sky like a giant needle. I only know one thing that it could be that large and in the center of the entire Chimera army. A Chimera tower is the only answer. If there are any answers to be found, they will be in there. The trip to the tower didn’t take long and I had no trouble getting inside either. These places were built long before the Chimera had ever shown up on Earth. They can alter weather and were used for turning humans into Chimeras. Some were special enough to be command centers for certain regions. Now with their new virus spreading techniques they could focus the towers on other jobs the Chimera needed done. They turned them into factories to create larger machines to wipe out man. The tower I am in now looks like it was used to make Goliaths. These were mobile fortresses, able to deliver the virus to the battlefield from far away then mop up any survivors. They were extremely difficult to take down and required some serious fire power. They stood about triple the size of an average house and can crush just about anything with their steps. I saw one step on a tank and crush it and the crew within. I shudder when I think back to the screams coming from the collapsed vehicle.

*sigh* “I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with these anymore.” I say to no one in particular.

As I ascend the tower I come across encrypted panels like on my shuttle. Every time I see one I am reminded of the good doctor who told me all about their secrets. Thanks to him I am able to make my way higher and hopefully find a clue to why everything is the way it is. I pass many familiar rooms on my way to the top and several rooms I have never seen before. I have been in many towers before. But I am unfamiliar with these top rooms; I was never really set to the top of the towers before. So why would I know about them?

At last I reach the top of the tower and the final room. The door is encrypted like all the others but I can get through with time. As I move towards the panel I hear a noise from inside the room. Curious to what it was I press my ear to the door and listen for the noise to repeat. I hear the noise again along with other sounds. It sounds like someone is typing in that room. I quickly rush to the panel but I can’t help but feel uneasy about opening this door. Who else besides me is in here? Are they hostile? I have so many questions just waiting to be answered. I finish putting in the key code and the doors begin to open.

The doors creak and squeak as the pull apart to allow me into the final chamber. Inside the room was lit by monitors showing different parts of my mind. I could see the fountain from earlier and the cinema I watch the movie in. What disturbed me most though was I could see all my new friends and my pony body on the central monitor. In front of it sat a chair and I could see hands typing furiously on the keyboard entering who knows what into the computer. The hands suddenly stopped and came to a rest on the arms of the chair.

“Well well, who came to visit little old me?”

I nearly choked on the air I was breathing when I heard the voice. It was my voice but more distorted, like I was speaking through a filter. I could feel chills going down my spine and I found it hard to speak. “I…I could ask who you are. Thi-this is my mind, what are you doing here?”

No reply, but the fingers started to drum away on the arm rests as their owner thought of a reply.

“Well I guess I live here. I mean I was born here, so this place is my home town. I like it here a lot and I would hate to leave it.”

“You still didn’t tell me who you are.”

“Ah, where are my manners? Please forgive my rudeness.” The chair spun around and its occupant stood up.

“I am Chimera. It is so nice to meet you.” He bowed.

It was me, at least a part of me. He looked just like me except he wore my Sentinel uniform and his eyes were just like a Chimeras. He smiled at me and I could see all his teeth have become needle points. I reached for my rifle when he raised a hand to stop me.

“Please, there is no need for violence here. You came here seeking answers right? Well…” A chair appeared in the room about thirty feet from him. “Let’s chat.”

Oh I am very suspicious of this. I want to leave but this might be my only chance to talk to, well me. I walk forward very slowly scanning the room for any traps but all I see are more monitors looking at basically everything.

I point at him accusingly. “You knew I was coming, didn’t you?”

He has a confused look on his face before he looks at the monitors and realized what I was referring to. He started to laugh. “Ha ha ha oh no no no no no no, I had no idea you were coming. In fact I just woke up myself. You see I have been aware the whole time you were fighting the Chimera back on Earth. I have seen all your battles and all of my brethren you have killed.” He stops to put up his hands defensively. “Now don’t take that the wrong way, you had to kill them to stay alive and in turn keep me alive. Whenever you were hurt I was the one to patch you up. You see you humans accidentally created the greatest form of Chimera. When you created the Sentinels you created the best warriors on the planet. No Chimera species could go toe to toe with a Sentinel.”

I swear my mouth has hit the floor by this point. How could man make the mistake of giving the enemy its greatest weapon? My Chimera half gestures the chair again and I sit down. It is quite comfy and I swear I have had this feeling before.

“Do you like it? I had a feeling you would. I used your memory of a chair you had at your parents’ house you always use to relax in. Even though this does not look like the chair it gives the same relief like the real one.”

I stand up quickly. “Wait a second, from what you just said you could also make me feel extreme pain if I sat in this chair?”

He just smiles at me. “In theory yes I could. But why would I want to make you feel pain? I would feel that same pain and I would like to avoid making the owner of this mind mad at its occupant. Please sit back down.”

I don’t take my eyes off him and I slowly sit back down into the chair. The same feeling of relief takes me away from my troubles.

“Well now that we got that out of the way let me explain what is going on.” He points toward the monitors. “As you can see I watch over all there is inside your mind from this room. Under the hive mind’s orders I would try and wrestle control away from you. The soldiers and Chimera you past on the way up here are the representation of that internal battle. The power swayed back and forth many times. When it looked like we would take over you took an injection that weakened us and pushed us back across the center line. The battle would start over again and again. Now that I am free of the hive mind the battle has stopped and will not resume for now.” He made a cup of tea appear and he takes a sip.

“What do you mean ‘for now’?”

He holds the cup of tea with both hands. “Well as much as I would like to not resume the battle inside your mind I am afraid that the virus is still very active. With time the battle will resume and you will slowly start to turn. You see think of me as the commander of the virus. I would lead the virus into battle and tell it how to attack your body for maximum effect. Now that the hive mind is gone and I am free of its control, my troops will act like rabid animals and attack as they see fit. Your body will fight back just like any other time but it will still have trouble in defeating the virus.”

I’m really confused by this point. “Why would you want the virus to be defeated? Don’t you want them to win?” I slowly reach for my Folsom.

He sighs. “In the past, yes I would want the virus to win because the hive mind said it was right. Now that I am free, I see the world so much more clearly. I understand why you humans fought so hard. You love to be free thinking minds, not everyone thinking the same thought and having arguments over which one of you is right. Both could be right or wrong but it didn’t matter because both had a chance to voice their opinion on the matter. I want that freedom and if the virus takes hold again I will lose it.

I pull my hand back from my gun. “Why would you lose your freedom? Wouldn’t the mind be yours to control?”

“No, as soon as a body is taken over all control goes to the hive mind. Your body would be nothing but a puppet. Since the hive mind can’t reach us here, if you lose your body would just stand there until it died.”

“How can the virus even infect me? I have never seen the virus change an animal before.”

Chimera stood up and started to pace. “True, the virus cannot infect animals. However you were once human and the virus will start to mutate so it can infect you. And worse case scenario you become a source for the virus to spread to your new friends.”

I am losing my calm demeanor by this point. I stand up and start to pace too. “How can I stop it then? I don’t want another incident on this world!”

“Calm yourself, I wouldn’t tell you all this if I didn’t think there was a way to rid yourself of the virus. All you need to do is win the battle inside your head. Simple enough.”

“Simple?! How am I supposed to fight a war inside my head?”

“With him.” He point to the screen with my pony body. “While your human form is unable to do anything in here, your pony form is more than capable of fighting off the virus. Like you said the virus doesn’t affect animals, yet. We still have time to stop all this madness.” Another sip of tea.

“Him?! What can he do? While I still have some of my Chimera powers, the only thing my new body can do is fly. I’m not even good at that yet.”

Chimera put a hand to his chin.“You’re right; your new form lacks several traits you had as a human. You may find a solution in Equestria that can cure the virus. Do not lose hope, I have a few tricks up my sleeve for you to enjoy.” He says while smiling. He moved back to his chair and I moved back to mine.

I raise an eyebrow to this. “What like more Chimera powers?” His response is a nod. “Great! Maybe we will have a chance at freedom!” I stop my celebrating when a thought crosses my mind. “What will happen to you if I win?”

Chimera was about to answer when he stopped. He put a hand to his ear and listened. He suddenly turned his chair around and started to type on the panel in front of him. The view on the monitors started to change and he looked to each of them to find something. He finally spotted it on one of the screens. I could see a navy blue pony about the size of Big Mac but this one was a mare. Her mane was flowing like there was a constant wind and she wore a dark blue crown. What caught my attention was the fact she had both a horn, and wings.

“Oh Dear, it appears we have an uninvited guest.” He turned to me. “I’m sorry but I will have to cut this short, we can’t have anyone noticing us. At least not yet, now I will send you back to the pony side and I will lock this part down to keep her out. It’s up to you to deal with her so please don’t mess this up. I can feel a lot of power in this one.”

I nod to him and he reaches out with his hand and places on my head. I can feel myself getting sleepy and the same darkness from when I switched bodies is starting to consume me. Before I go though I have to tell myself something, “its anypony not anyone.” Then I was gone.

I wake up under a tree panting. I look to see that I have my hooves again and I get up to look for my intruder. I look to my right and see a Marksman lying on the ground with a note. I pick up the note and it says.

You might need this.

-Love,

I smile and sling the weapon onto my back and begin searching for the mysterious mare. I looked for her at Pinkie’s party but she is not attending it. I find Applejack still sleeping under a tree but the mare is nowhere in sight. She is not watching Rainbow fight or Twilight go over her notes constantly. So all that leaves is Rarity and Fluttershy to check. I try Rarity’s first but the fashionista is still going over her sketches and no pony is looking at the dresses. That can only mean she is with Fluttershy. I rush to the singing mare and to my surprise the intruding mare is absent from here too. I wonder where she is.

“Boo”

I nearly jumped out of my skin but I settled for falling forward on my face instead. I hear a bout of laughter from behind and I turn to see the interloper. “Thou should have seen thine look on thy face, priceless.”

“Oh ha-ha very funny,” I said as I stood up and brushed myself off. The mare in front of me is slightly taller than me and I bet she is powerful if she wears those garments. “So may I ask why you are here?”

She raised an eyebrow to this. “Is this how thou speaks to thine princess?”

OH CRAP OH CRAP OH CRAP OH CRAP OH CRAP. Ok calm down and just try to get out of this. “Meh, I don’t really see the point in titles. We all bleed the same blood, no matter how royal you say it is.” Oh fuck me silly.

The Princess gave a cold had stare right into my eyes but I never broke my eyes from hers. Then her lips started to quiver before she broke out into hysterics. “Oh thou are so unlike others I have met. I am Princess Luna bringer of night and guardian of ponies’ dreams.”

I saluted to her. “Resistance Hail, I am a traveler of many lands, victory of many fights, and seeker of knowledge.” I bow my head slightly. “At your service.”

“Hmm…quite different from other ponies’ reactions to my presence. It is quite refreshing.”

“Different ways keep the world interesting Princess. It will be a sad day when everypony marches to the same idea with not thought for another way.”

“True, I see thy dreams are of few ponies and few other creatures. Why art thou alone in thine dream?”

“I enjoy the company of others but I don’t just make you a friend. I judge you by your actions then decide if you are a true friend or one just hoping to cling to other. So my dreams are filled with those that are friends or ones that could be friends.”

“So I am not thy friend yet?” Luna inquired.

I turn and smile at her, “Not yet Princess but many day are ahead to decide if you are a friend or a clinger.”

“Very well, I look forward to that day I am accepted. The dawn is coming I better wake my sister from her slumber.” She leans in close, “She can be a heavy sleeper and she snores.”

I smile, “Snore she may but family is the most important thing in the world.”

“True, may I ask what is that on your back?”

I reach and pull the Marksman from my back. “My personal defense weapon. Some choose swords and others choose spears, but I picked this.” I hold it up to show her.

She just stares at it. She probably can’t really comprehend what she is looking at. She gently reached out and touches the gun with her hoof. She pulled back quickly and looked shocked. “I feel dangerous energy coming for thy tool. What is it capable of?”

As I try to suppress my panic I explain what the weapon is. “This is a weapon of my own design. I only use it if I need to your highness. As I said before I am a traveler so I help many different settlements with problems they have. Sometime those problems are monsters and I am asked to, how should I say, persuade them to leave. I usually strike a deal with the creatures but some require a little more…force. Hence the dangerous thing on my back.”

Luna looks concerned that I would be fine with hurting another creature. “I assure you princess if I could avoid conflict I would but it just finds me sometimes and I have to face it.”

“Would thou not just run away?”

My pride took over at this point. “Never, I will not run away and leave those I care about to the whim of any monster.” I pull the gun close to me and I stand up on my hind hooves to look more intimidating. “Even if it costs me my life I will defeat my enemy and make the world a better place. All I want is peace your highness.”

Luna stares at me and looks like she is judging my character. I just hold my pose and keep my eyes forward like I was being inspected by a superior officer. After several minute she smiles and nods, “Thou art very noble to strive for peace. I look forward to our future meetings. I will take my leave now. Farewell and pleasant dreams.”

“Goodbye Princess and have wonderful dreams as well.” With that she walked off and disappeared. I let out a sigh in relief that she left but a bright light appeared in the sky. I tried to cover my eyes but it did little to stop the light. The light envelops me and I disappear from my dream world and wake up in the real one. The sun has begun its rise into the sky and it’s a signal for me to get going to Sweet Apple Acres. I put on my shirt and vest and fix my hair to look a little more presentable. I reach for the Folsom when I stop and think about the note Chimera left me. Down the rack rests my other favorite gun, the Marksman. I take the rifle in my hooves and look over its shiny exterior.

“It is one of the few weapons I can fire with hooves. I will take you with me today old friend.” I slung the Marksman onto my back and enjoyed its reduced weight compared to the Folsom. I change out the Folsom magazines on my vest with Marksman ammo. Satisfied with my gear I head towards the hatch.I entered the password to open the hatch and after exiting I lock th ship up. I took a lung full of the new day fresh air and enjoyed it rejuvenating effects.

After a few morning stretches I start to trot to the Apple’s home and see what they had planned for me today.

Author's Note

Wow, a new chapter so soon. *gasp* must be black magic.

Well enjoy everyone. Keep the Resistance strong my brothers and sisters.

Now if you will excuse me I see some Chimera that need to be killed.

A Small Challenge

As I walk to Sweet Apple Acres this morning I go over my dream. I need to know if I can trust C. He seems so willing to help me but I can understand his willingness to help. I lived with freedom all my life and I have always had a chance to voice my opinion and argue with others. He had to go through life like a routine day, never asking why and never being rewarded. Now he is free to think for himself and he doesn’t want that taken away from him. It’s like a wild animal being put into captivity, any born into captivity never knew what the wild was like and live happily in the cage. Those that have been taken from the wild yearns to return to it. When let out again the animal will avoid anything it thinks would take it away from freedom again.

No matter how much I want to forget, he is part of the virus. He was the one that controlled it as it advanced through my body. Do you just trust someone who came from the other side? I might have to put him through some tests to make sure he is on my side.

I feel happy for him but now that he has tasted freedom, how far is he willing to go? He says he doesn’t have control over the virus but he could be lying to draw me in. If that’s true should I never speak to him again? What about those powers he told me about? Even if they do help me could they also harm me? I need to go over my options and find the bes-

“Howdy Resistance!”

I am brought from my thoughts by the southern voice of Applebloom. I look up and see the familiar fruit filled trees of Sweet Apple Acres. The smell in the air clears my clouded mind and brings me back to the here and now. I am standing at the closed gate leading onto the farm. I look down to the little filly who is beaming at me. I return the smile and greeting. “Good morning Applebloom. Did you have a good night sleep?”

She nods enthusiastically. She pulls open the gate to let me inside. “Yep, got up early this mornin though. Today’s gunna be fun.”

I step through the gate but raise an eyebrow to what she said. “Fun?”

Again more nods. “Yep.”

“How so?”

A mischievous smile spread across her face. “You’ll see.” She races off back to her house.

I watch her as she disappears inside her home, still confused by her statement. I look around to see if I can find another one of the Apples and see if I can get a clear answer. My searching pays off when I see Big Mac pulling a cart and heading towards the house. Most likely to gather his siblings for whatever is planned for today. I dash to him.

“Hey Big Mac!” I wave to the stallion. “Good morning!”

Big Mac stops and turns his head towards me. “Mornin Resistance, sleep well?”

“Yeah.” I stretch my back and wings. “I feel great.”

Big Mac raises an eyebrow to my statement. “Really? Most don’t feel so good after a day of helping the Apples.”

I rub the back of my head. “Well I wasn’t here all day yesterday so I probably didn’t get the real experience yet. But I am here today and I am ready to help.” I give a poor salute to Big Mac. I have to control myself from breaking out into laughter over the sloppy gesture. A salute like this would get me a swift kick in the ass from my drill sergeant.

Big Mac gave me a big smile. “Yep.”

“By the way, Applebloom said today was going to be fun.”

“Yep.” His smile never falters. I wait for more but he just continues to smile at me.

“Care to explain what she meant?”

Big Mac turns his head and keeps on walking towards the house. “Nope.”

I point a hoof at him. “You’re all in it together! I’m going to be the joke of the day aren’t I?”

He says nothing but keeps on walking. I swear I hear a chuckle escape the bastard though. I follow along but I am now on alert. I constantly look around for anypony trying to prank or mess with me. Who would have thought I would be watching my back around ponies?

We reached the house but I kept my guard up incase Applebloom or her family has anything planned for me.

“You hungry?” Big Mac asked.

I stop for a second and realize I haven’t eaten since the party yesterday. My stomach decides to let me know that it is annoyed with my carelessness. A large growl erupts from my guts and I see Big Macs ears twitch at the noise. I just stare at Big Mac and he stares at me. “Now that you mention it, yes I am.”

He unhooks himself from the cart and we both head inside. The inside of the house had a good old fashion feel to it. Family pictures were on the walls with various apple shaped accessories everywhere. I could see family albums on books shelves. Each of the albums contains a lot of pictures of the apple family members. The house is filled with the smell of apples and cinnamon, probably from the breakfast that was waiting for us. When we entered the kitchen I saw Applebloom sitting at the table licking her lips. Granny Smith and Applejack were at the stove making what looked like pancakes. Applejack was humming a tune to herself while Granny was watching the batter cook to make sure they came out perfect.

Applejack’s hair was not in its usual pony tail and hung free on her shoulders.

“Morning Applejack,” I spoke up to great my hosts.

Applejack turns, “Hmm? Oh, mornin’ Rez. Sleep well last night?”

I nod, “Yes I did.” I turn my attention to the green mare next to her. “Good morning to you to Mrs. Smith.”

Granny Smith’s eyes never left the pancake in front of her. Like a hawk, she watched her target and waited for the perfect chance to strike. With a quick movement of her hoof she hit the handle of the pan. Sending the half-finished pancake into the air causing it to flip over and it landed perfectly back in the pan. The side now facing up was a perfect color with no burns on it. She resumed her task of watching the pancake.

I bet I look stupid right now with my mouth hanging open. I felt a hoof lift my jaw to close it and I look to see Applejack smiling at me. I smile back and move to a seat. Granny soon finishes the last pancake and brings a stack of them to the table. Big Mac lifts a hoof and brings it down on the table sending the stack up and out. Several pancakes land on my plate and everyone’s plates as well. They all sat beaming at me. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of me thinking that was amazing. “So, we going to eat or do you want to use more time on tricks?”

All their faces turned from happy to annoyed in a split second. I didn’t flinch but I felt a bit of fear in the pit of my stomach. “What?”

Applebloom spoke up, “Is that how ya treat yer hosts?”

*sigh* “Thanks for having my over for breakfast.” I tap my hooves together for a sarcastic clap. Their smiles returned.

Applejack had taken off her Stetson. I need to express proper table manners as well and stand up. I take my rifle off my back and lean it delicately against a wall. I take off my vest as well and lay it down next to the gun. I arrange them so no one will trip over them. I turn my head slightly and see Applebloom taking an interest in the Marksman. “You know Applebloom it’s rude to stare.”

Applebloom shakes herself out of her daze. “Hey! That aint the same thing from yesterday, right?”

Took somepony long enough to spot it. “Correct, this one is called the Marksman. It has more power than the Folsom from yesterday. It is able to reach out further too.” Everypony starts to stare at the weapon lying against the wall. The youngest had eyes filled with stars and wonder. The elder sister was eyeing the weapon with caution because of the danger it posed. The red giant had only raised an eyebrow to the new piece of technology. The eldest of the Apples just smiled at the contraption.

“Why do ya carry such dangerous things?” Applejack asked.

I look at the Marksman, then to her. “I would rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.”

By the look she is giving me I guess my answer wasn’t good enough for her. “Ok, I have traveled for so long with these strapped to my back that I would feel naked without them. I bet you would feel the same if you lost your hat.”

Applejack reached for her hat and touches it gently. “Ah guess ah understand. Still it’s dangerous ta keep such a thing around youngins.”

“Don’t worry, just like with the other one it can only work when a special piece is inserted.” I tap the magazine on my vest. “This one doesn’t have a knife attached to the front of it either.”

Applejack looks the Marksman over one more time before she nods and turns her attention back to the pancakes in front of her. My mouth was already salivating at the sight of the pancakes. I take fork and cut a piece off of one and put it in my mouth. The pancakes had bits of apple in them and some cinnamon for extra flavor. The taste isn’t overwhelming, and the apples are giving the pancakes a different texture and flavor. It has been awhile since I tasted something like this. The sweets from yesterday were delicious no doubt but these pancakes are a home cooked meal with a whole different feel to them. It’s a warm feeling of being home with family. It's a feeling I missed.

After we ate our fill we got to work cleaning the kitchen. Applebloom wiped down the table while Applejack and I went to work cleaning the dishes. I would wash them, Applejack would dry them, and Big Mac would put them away. After we finished I turned to Applejack to ask what we would be doing today when a commanding voice rang out from the living room.

“ALL PONIES, FRONT AND CENTER!!”

All the kitchens occupants rush to the living room and lined up. Before us stood Granny Smith wearing an old army helmet and a stare that would make any drill Sergeant proud. “Well well, look what we got here. A group of ponies who think they can call themselves Sweet Apple Acres finest.”

She began to walk down the line stopping to inspect each of our postures. While I’m sure the others knew she would not be too strict with how we looked. I still did what I always did when I was in front of a superior. I stood at attention with my eyes and head facing forward. I had this beat into me during my training so no matter what I was ready to be judged. That being said I did steal a quick glance down the line to see how the others were fairing.

All three of them looked like new recruits that haven’t had the crap beat out of them by basic yet. While they tried their best to look the part they just couldn’t change the fact that their stances were still poor. Applebloom looked adorable holding a serious face while having her trademark big red bow in her hair. She also seems so excited she couldn’t stop fidgeting. Applejack had her hat on and had a huge grin on her face. She also looks excited and is almost stomping her hooves to get going. By far the best out of all of them was Big Mac and his neutral expression. He was facing forward and held still while standing attention. My eyes looked straight ahead as our old helmet wearing superior stopped in front of me.

“What’s yer name?”

“Resistance Hail ma’am.” I salute.

“Where ya from.”

“Middle of nowhere ma’am.”

Her eyes narrow. “You think you can handle today’s mission?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She smiled. “Good. Today troops you will be heading into town to sell our products to its citizens.”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Like always it will be a competition to see which one of you can sell the most. You know the prize for selling the most and you know the punishment for selling the least.” Granny Smith turned her eyes to me. “Applejack, you can fill the new stallion in on what both of them are.”

Applejack salutes. “Yes ma’am.”

“All righty then, troops move out!” Granny Smith stood off to the side giving us all a salute. We salute back and begin to march. We moved through the front door in a single file line with Big Mac first, followed by me, then Applejack, and finally Applebloom. Big Mac hitches himself back up to the cart and we made our way towards Ponyville.

We marched for several minutes before we went back to a normal walk towards Ponyville. I wanted to go over the dream some more but what Granny Smith said about punishments has got my head in a jumble right now. What sort of punishments would be given for failure? I look to Applejack and decide to voice my question. “Hey Applejack, what did she mean by punishment?”

“Uh nothing nothing at all.” Applejack’s nose scrunched up and her eyes darted from side to side. It was the worst poker face I had ever seen.

“Really? Are you really that bad of a liar?”

“…No?”

“…Ok then, I will leave you to your self-denial and ask another. Applebloom, what is this punishment?”

The little filly can hardly contain her giggles. “Ya gotta run the apple crusher in cider season.” She returned to her giggle fit.

I give her a confused look. “That’s it? Doesn’t sound so bad.” The giggles start to increase. “What?”

Applejack answers this time. ”It’s a giant rolling stone that is powered by a pony running.”

It all clicks. “Oooooooh, well don’t want to do that. Who normally does it?”

“Me.” Big Mac says in a sad tone.

Big Mac hangs his head low. The giant stallion is perfect for the task but I’m not sure if I could run for a long time. I don’t want to win but I don’t want to lose either. “What’s the prize anyway?”

All three began to salivate at my question. Applebloom licked her lips and gave me my answer. “Ya get to have the first mug of fresh cider.”

“Is it that good?” As soon as I voiced my question I wish I could have taken it back. All three of them spun to look at me. I throw my hooves on top of my head to protect myself.

“Are ya questioning the Apple family cider?”

“Uuuuh…” I began to stretch out my wings in case I need to make a break for it. “No, never would I question a product from the Apples.” I put on the biggest smile I could manage but I could feel sweat starting to pour down my face. They are going to kill me.

They glared at me for several seconds before they burst out laughing. “We’re only messin’ with ya Rez.”

“Yeeeeeep.”

I give a little forced laugh. I still feel uneasy but I give them a genuine smile and we continue towards town. “Wait a second, this is what you were laughing about Applebloom?”

The filly nods. She thinks I am going to lose to them in selling apples? Oh they have just issued a challenge to prove them wrong.

I stop, and all of them look at me confused. I kept a straight face and look them in the eyes. “Challenge accepted.” With that, I keep walking to our destination.

About ten minutes later we arrive in the town market and begin to set up the cart. We place the baskets of apples up front for display but have a few extra baskets in back in case we run out in front. The sun is still low and most ponies are probably getting out of bed right now. In the market place, store owners are up bright and early getting their stalls, carts, or whatever set up for the rush of customers.

We set up the cart in silence. Applebloom was looking over the apples for any bad ones that got though the examination process. Big Mac was moving the baskets around for easier access to the contents and Applejack was checking a bag we brought with some bit inside in case we need to make change. They have me making sure everything on the cart is set up right so it won’t roll away in the middle of our sales. I don’t know about my competition, but I’m using this time to come up with my strategy to bring in customers. Perhaps a contest of strength? Nah, I bet any earth pony could beat me right now in a strength test.

The cart is soon ready to take orders. We took our respective places with the cart. I stood off to the right of the cart with Applebloom a little to my left so she stood out in front of the cart. Applejack took the left side and Big Mac was behind the cart. The little filly had a look of determination on her face while the red giant had his usual neutral expression on. Applejack has a determined look on her face. She stomped her hooves on the ground to get her blood pumping. No doubt she has won this contest many times and doesn’t intend to lose it today.

“Calm down Applejack, it’s still too early for customers.”

Applejack turns her head to face me and a smug smirk crosses her face. “Ya scared that ahm gonna win?”

I tap my hoof to my chin and think up the best reply. “Nah.”

The contest has begun.

Author's Note

NEW CHAPTER!
Sorry this one is kind of short but if you haven't noticed the first two chapters have been redone. I wasn't happy with how they originally turned out. So hopefully their a lot better. New chapter coming soon. If I have time, possibly this week.
Other chapters might get a revision as well but probably not till after the next chapter.

A Problem in Paradise

Our apple selling competition has been going for about four hours by this point. Ponies have come and gone, buying our various apple products. With each sale putting us further from running the apple crusher the pressure is on to at least not be last. Applejack is in first with seventeen apples sold; I’m in second with fifteen sales, followed by Applebloom with nine apples sold, and finally Big Mac with three. Applebloom is doing all sorts of tricks to attract customers to her. She attempted to try and balance three apples on her head at one point. She went back to one though after she slipped and each of the three apples picked her competitors as targets. After a few glares, Applebloom got the idea that one apple would be enough.

I look to Big Mac and even though his expression is like it always is I felt his frustration. Few ponies even approached him during the morning rush sales. Those that did buy an apple from him were good friends of his including Spike. The little guy greeted us all before asking for an apple from Big Mac. It was Big Mac’s first sale of the day but it would only be the first of few. After that only a stallion and a mare have asked for apples from Mac. I was curious as to why Applejack and I got more sales until I saw a mare walk over to us. She was heading towards Mac until the last second when she changed directions and went to me instead. The mare looked determined to buy from Mac until she got close and changed her mind. That’s when it all came together. Even though he isn’t trying, Big Mac is scaring away his customers by just being himself. I feel bad for the guy, but this is a competition.

Applejack was getting the most attention at our stall. Ponies would greet her and buy an apple in the process. A smile and nod from the country pony would bring ponies over so they could experience more of her southern charm. A little chit chat here and there and ponies would move on making room for others. She would claim she had the best apples and the ponies would believe her. Her basket was full of apples at the beginning but now you could see the dent made by her friendly personality.

I made quite a dent in my apple basket as well. Ponies from the party would come up and greet me every so often. They would ask how I was adjusting to living in Ponyville and if I enjoyed the welcoming party Pinkie Pie through for me. I would answer each question and they would buy an apple placing me a little higher in our competition. Little fillies and colts would come up and ask for a story from my adventures and the monsters I have fought. Before I could spin a tale for them their mothers and fathers would whisk them away to finish their chores or errands of the day.

Soon the morning rush died down, and only trickles of ponies have come to buy apples from us. With nothing to do, my mind starts to wander and I start thinking about Chimera technology. It’s incredible the machinery and weapons those creatures came up with. Battleships that fly through the sky and rain fire down on cities below where always the big thing people would point to illustrate how out classed we really were. But even their infantry had amazing weapons to use against use on the battlefield. Stalker, Goliaths, hell they even turned some into living bombs and sent them through our lines. Even the Marksman on my back is from Chimera origins, but humans added our own special touches to make the weapon our own.

“I’m gunna head back home.” Big Mac’s voice startles me from my thoughts.

Applejack turns to Big Mac with a confused look. “Why?”

Mac lets out a sigh and takes a look at all three of us. “Only you and Resistance here have a chance of getting first. Applebloom is going to get third but no matter what I’m gunna be last place. So I figure I should just head back and get some more apple bucking done.”

It’s strange to hear Big Mac speak so much in one go. “Are you sure Big Mac? You could always make a comeback when more customers show up.” I offer.

He shakes his head. “Nope, what you saw is about the big rush of the day. Most ponies got enough apples to eat at lunch and only a few come by to get any for dinner.”

Applejack walks up and puts a hoof on Big Mac’s shoulder. “Ya sure Big Mac? Like Rez said, you still have a chance.”

Big Mac nods. “Yeeeeeeep, see ya’ll later.” With that he walks off back towards the farm.

“Well if he is gunna leave then I am too.” Applebloom says.

I look at her. “Why do you want to leave?”

“If I’m gunna be in third anyway, better use this time for some crusading.”

Applejack taps a hoof on her chin. “Ah guess you can go if ya want.”

“Yes!” Applebloom pumps her hoof into the air and dashes off to no doubt meet with her fellow crusaders.

I shake my head in amusement. “Man, I loved those younger years. The innocence and carefree spirit.”

Applejack giggles. “Yer talkin’ like an old stallion.”

I laugh with her. “I guess I am.” I look to the sky and watch as the clouds roll by. “I guess just after such a chaotic time, I am glad to have some peace and quiet.”

“Chaotic?”

“Oh it’s nothing, just been running around and moving for years. Now I found a quiet place to just calm down.”

“Is a life of a traveler really that stressful?”

I look at her. “You have no idea.”

*SPLASH!*

My wet mane covers my eyes and my body shakes from the sudden contact of cold water. With adrenaline flowing through my veins I jump to my hooves and start to scan the area. My wet mane smacking my face with each sudden movement. “I don’t see anypony at ground level which means…” I look up and greeted with the sight of a water balloon inches from my face.

*SPLASH!*

Again my body shakes from the cold water and my eyes blink rapidly to clear my vision. I hear laughter from above. I look through bleary eyes and I can see a bright pink blob on top of a building bouncing up and down. Next to the pink blob is a cloud with a rainbow tail hang off the side and swinging.

“What in tarnation are you two doin’?” Applejack’s voice calls to the two assailants.

The rainbow colored blob sits up. “Oh relax Applejack; this is just a little harmless fun.”

The pink blob starts to bounce even faster. “Yeah, all in good fun!”

My eyes begin to clear and the blobs clear to show my “attackers”. “All in good fun Rainbow? You dropped a water balloon on my head while I wasn’t looking. A cowardly act I must say.” I turn my head to look at the huge smile of Pinkie Pie. “You too?”

She nods her head rapidly. “Yep, me and Rainbow love to pull pranks on ponies. Hey, you want to go pranking too Rezzy?”

I shake my head. “Can’t, Applejack and I have a little competition going on and I can’t...” A mare walks up to me. “Hold on you two.” I turn to face the new arrival with a smile and a very wet mane. “Hello and welcome to the Sweet Apple Acres stand. How may I help you today?”

The mare has a light blue coat and a blue mane. “Hello, I’m looking for a few apples for lunch.”

“Well you have come to the right place.” I gestured towards my baskets of apples. “Take a look and let me know if you see any you like.” The mare moved over to one of the baskets and began to inspect each apple.

I already checked each apple before we put them in the baskets to bring to the market. The Apples have made it clear that there apples are always the finest and only the best will be sold to the customer. While each apple is the best it could be, the mare will do her own little inspection and choose her favorites amongst them.

While my customer is looking I return my gaze back to the pair of comedians to see that they have already targeted a new victim. While I would warn their target, I think I will just sit back and enjoy the show. I watch as Rainbow Dash’s cloud inches closer to get a perfect angle. She peeks over to see that the target has returned to her duties and doesn’t suspect a thing. Rainbow looks to her cohort and does a series of signals with her hooves. I don’t know if she actually said anything but Pinkie gets the idea and readies a water balloon. Rainbow dash does the same and she takes aim. I chuckled a little but I decide to give a last minute warning.

“Hey Applejack,” She looks at me. “Heads up.”

*SPLASH! SPLASH!*

Both balloons hit Applejack squarely on the head drenching the orange mare from head to hoof. “GAH!” She jumps into the air clearing a good 6 feet before coming back down to Earth, landing on her belly with a satisfying thump. She stands up with a glare and starts to shake her body like a dog. Water is flung from her fur to sail through the air to meet other ponies or objects. I move in front of the customer to shield her from the shower of water. The water feels good against my fur after standing out here in the sun for such a long time. After Applejack stops there is a silence in the air as we all stare at her. Suddenly her hair poofs out like a giant cotton ball, her eyes widen and the silence returns.

Applejack is glaring at us with a glare that could almost kill. She opens her mouth to say something only to stop and let loose a huge sneeze. The sneeze was powerful enough to send her a foot into the air and she landed creating a small dust cloud. That sends just about every pony present into a fit of laughter including me. Applejack was one of the few who is not amused by Rainbow and Pinkie’s antics. The customer taps me on the shoulder and I look to see her wiping a tear from her eye. She tries to speak but her words are interrupted by a few stray giggles.

“I-I *giggle* I would like *giggle* to buy these *more giggles* these apples please.”

I try to gain control over my laughter as we proceed with the transaction. “Three apples for six bits miss.” She
gives me the bits and I place them in the money bag. “Thank you and have a nice day.” With that she leaves but not before she takes another glance at Applejack. I turn back to the fluff ball and see her icy glare staring at me.

“What the hay Rez? Why didn’t ya warn me?”

I couldn’t contain a smirk. “Because dear Applejack, all is fair in love and war. This is a war.” I pat her now fluffy head.

Her glare only increased in intensity but as an idiot I can’t help but prod just a little more. “By the way the score is eighteen to seventeen. Looks like an Apple might lose to the new guy.”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Applejack rears up and charges at me. “EEP!” I spin on my hooves and start to tear down the street. “Hooves don’t fail me now!”

I don’t even look back to see how close my pursuer is and just focus on the street in front of me. My hooves clatter against the ground as I dash and dodge ponies. With each movement I can feel the rifle on my back jumping and smacking against my body. With every dodge and weave around ponies I am rewarded with a yelp of surprise. A few close calls here and there but I am able to keep ahead of the furious mare. With each slip up though, I can hear her thundering steps getting closer and closer. I push myself harder to keep ahead while cursing myself for not being able to fly.

*Whoosh*

A rope passes my head and I risk looking back at Applejack. My eyes widen to see her only about six feet back but the most disturbing part was that she had a rope now. “Where did you get a rope?!”

There is no reply, only a smile spreading across her face while she clenches the rope in her teeth. She spins the loop above her head and tosses it again. I dodge to the side, barley avoiding capture and not doubt a severe beating. If it keeps going this way she will guess how I will dodge and catch me. I make a large circle and start heading back towards the stand. “Maybe something could help me back at the stand.” A low cloud with a swinging rainbow tail appears. An evil thought crosses my mind. “Or maybe somepony.”

I look back and see Applejack still hot on my tail and getting ready to toss her lasso at me again. I put all my strength into my legs and sprint towards Rainbow’s tail. I hear the rope spinning faster and a snap follows closely behind. The lasso is in the air and heading towards me. “Come on, just a little more.” I’m losing the feeling in my legs but I’ve come too far to quit. I jump and grab Rainbow’s tail with my teeth and use my momentum to pull her down.

“Hey!” She screams as she is pulled from her perch. Just before she can turn and give chase herself the loop falls over her. Rainbow becomes tangled in the rope and struggles to get free. Applejack is to close to stop and plows into Rainbow at top speed. Both roll in the dirt for several feet before smashing into a tree and coming to a sudden halt. Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack are dazed but come to their senses quickly to find they are tangled up together. Both struggle to free themselves from the rope as a chorus of laughter erupts from all ponies that are bearing witness to the struggle of the two mares.

Pinkie’s laughter was distinguishable from all the others. She is still standing on a roof looking down at her two friends and enjoying the show. I breathe a sigh of relief knowing I just escaped a beating.

“When ah get out of this, you’re gunna pay Resistance!” Applejack screams.

“Leave some for me Applejack!” Rainbow joins in.

“Uh oh” I could feel a cold sweat coming over me. My breath is heavy after such an intense chase and my legs feel like they might give out. But if I stay here then I will get my beating anyway. I stand as quickly as I can and make a break for some place to hide in town. I look back to see the two still struggling to get free but now Pinkie has joined them by the tree. She starts to yank on several pieces of rope but only succeeds in binding the two even more. The two shout at her to stop and she reels back like she is hurt. Pinkie looks up and gives me a wink. I give her a smile and a nod. “Thanks Pinkie.”

Ten Minutes later

With my two angry friends far behind I decided to hide out in Twilight’s library. As I approach the door I see Spike open a window and hold out a scroll in his claws. He inhales and creates a flame that burns the scroll to ash. Rather than fall to the ground the ash forms a small cloud and races off somewhere. I stare in amazement before the young dragon notices me and waves. I return the wave and continue to make my way towards the door. My thoughts are filled with what I just saw and how that even happens.

Just as I reach the door, it opens up to reveal the smile drake. “Hey Resistance, how are you?”

“Hello Spike. Not doin to good right now.”

Spike’s smile disappears. “Why? Did something bad happen?”

“Two very mad mares are out for my sorry hide. I need to lie low for a few hours and I figured the library would be a good place to hide. You know books to read and friends to talk to.”

“Who did you make mad?”

I glance over my shoulder to see if Rainbow and Applejack had freed themselves. “I’ll tell you about it inside. May I come in?”

He stifles a laugh. “Well duh, of course you can come in it’s a library. It’s a public place.” He opens the door for me and I step inside.

As I enter the smell of fresh bake cookies greets my nose. It mixes with the smell of books to bring a calming sensation to my mind. I inhale deeply taking in the wonderful smell and I sigh in content. I hear a small laugh and see speak shaking his head. “Like the smell of fresh cookie do ya?”

I rub the back of my head. “Yeah, they smell great.”

“Thanks for the compliment. I would offer you one but they have my favorite ingredient in them and I’m sure you wouldn’t like it.”

“Is it nuts? If it’s not nuts then I don’t really care.”

“Well…it’s not nuts but they do have a crunch to them.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I’m really sure you wouldn’t like them.” He tries to pressure me to not try a cookie.

“I bet you want to keep them all for yourself.” I point a hoof at him. I just want to mess with the little guy but he looks hurt from my words. I put a hoof gently on his shoulder. “Hey don’t look so down I was only messing with you.”

His eyes look blurry from the tears that are starting to form. “I know it’s just that my kind has problems with being greedy. I changed into a monster once and terrorized Ponyville not to long ago. No one was mad at me but it still bugs me that such a monster exists inside me. So you just brought up a painful memory by accident.”

I pull him into a light hug. It reminds me of times when Sentinels went to long without inhibitor treatments. They would turn into a Chimera and we had to put them down before they escaped. I only had to do it once and I wasn’t close to the guy who turned. His friend was there though and he lost control after I killed his buddy. He tried to kill me with a pipe he found but others pulled him off. It hurts to lose someone so close; I never blamed him for the actions he took against me that day. “Sorry, I’ll watch what I say in the future. So why don’t you go get those cookies? I’m gonna take a look around for a good book.” He nods and heads off towards the kitchen.

I watch until he disappears then I turn to the shelves filled with books. I look at each row trying to find a title that grabs my attention. “Algebra for young minds…nope…hmm…Chemistry for the gifted…maybe later…Biology of a Pegasus…nah…Checklist for dummies…maybe…Equestrian wars…yep.” I pull the thin book from the shelf and find a comfortable spot on the ground. I slide the marksman from my back and lay it by me. I crack open the book to see only two chapters. The first was titled the ‘War of Dragons and Ponies’ and the second was ‘Pony and Griffon war.’ I was about to read when the door opened and in stepped the homes current owner.

“I’m back Spike! Did anything happen while I wa-” Her eyes fell on me and she stares. I slowly raise a hoof and shake it a little.

“Hello.” Her gaze drifts from my eyes to the book in front of me.

“Y-you’re actually reading.” She sounds shocked.

I look all around the library to see if I had missed something. Finding nothing suspicious I turn back to her and she is still staring in amazement. “This is a library right? What else would I do here?”

She shakes her head and regains her composure. “I’m sorry; it’s just that very few ponies actually come here to get a book. Most new ponies say they will come but they never do. Only the students doing school reports actually stay for a little bit of time and even then they only look for basic works of literature.”

“Well they are just young colts and fillies. They have the attention span of rodents so it makes them interesting to be around.” With that she said she starts to walk up but stops suddenly and stares again. *sigh* “What is it this time?”

She points a hoof next to me and I mentally slap myself. Of course she would notice the Marksman. One of the most advance pieces of mankind technology is right next to me and the smartest mare I have met is staring at it. Hey, why don’t I just tell her I’m an alien?

It could work.

Shut up, I don’t need your comments...uh are you talking to me?

Yeeeeeeeeep.

How long have you been able to do this?

For a while now.

And you decided to do it today to mess with me?

Pretty much, yeah.

All right, just checking.

Twilight decided to speak up. “That’s not the same one from yesterday.”

I look at the Marksman then back to her. I shake my head. “Nope.”

Her eyes widen with excitement “What is it?”

I tap the Marksman. “This one here is called the Marksman. It fires bolts of energy rather than metal at high speed. Its light weight but extremely powerful and accurate over a distance.”

“Energy?”

Uh oh, better think of something smart to say. They have electricity but nothing like this. I don’t think I could even explain ion projectiles to her if I tried. What do I tell her instead of energy? It’s not like I could tell her it’s…magic.

Holy shit you had a brain storm.

I said shut up.

I turn my attention back to Twilight who has crept closer waiting for my answer. “Uh, energy. You know…like magic.” I tap the top of my head to indicate her horn.

She reaches up and touches her horn to get the idea. “You mean this…thing…fires magic?”

“Yes?” At my answer she sits on her flank with her mouth hanging open. I just put on a forced smile but I could feel her eyes boring into me. Thankfully a little dragon decided that now was a perfect time to enter and thank God he did. This smile really hurts.

“Oh hey Twilight. Whacha lookin’ at?” The dragon turns his head to me and angles it to look like a curious dog that doesn’t understand. With two sets of eyes staring at me I just want to get up and leave. However there are still two very mad mares out there looking for my blood so I best stay inside.

“Look I know it’s a shock, but come on it can’t be that big a deal.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING? THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL!” Twilight shouts causing me to cover my ears and Spike to jump back. “I mean look at that thing. You found a way to fire magic! You’re not even a Unicorn and you can now use magic! Just think of all the possibilities you have opened up! This is incredible!”

I start to blush and rub the back of my head. “Really it’s not that important.”

“Oh of course it is. I just knew you were the one to help us with our problem.”

This catches my attention. “Problem? What problem?”

“Well, you see-“

“I FOUND HIM APPLEJACK!!!” Oh shit.

The door to the library flings open and a blue blur makes contact with my side. “Oof!” I go flying into a shelf causing all the books to come tumbling down on me. “Ouch.”

Twilight stands up to shout at her raging friend. “Rainbow Dash! What has gotten into you?” Well at least she cares for my safety. “I mean look, do you have any idea how long this is going to take to clean and organize?”
Oh you bitch.

I stand up and the books fall to the ground opening to a variety of information. “Hey, he’s the one that tangled me and Applejack together!” Speaking of my boss, where is she? I turn and am met with a pair of angry green eyes.

Oh, right behind me. *WHACK!*

I go flying into another bookshelf and like before a waterfall of books cascade down on top of me. “Applejack, not you too.” The sadness in Twilights voice was clear.

“He had it comin’ Twilight.”

I decide to stay in my fortress of books this time. “Oh I’m sure I did.” I roll my eyes.

Rainbow closed in on my book fortress. Protect me dictionary! “Hey you tangled me and Applejack together. Not only that, you left us in the market place when you did it! I’m so embarrassed.”

“Well I think I will call it retaliation for throwing water balloons at me.”

“Oh yeah. The whole thing was really funny Twilight! You really should have been there! He was all like *gasp* and Applejack was all like *gasp* then they started to run around and around. Then Rezzy grabbed Rainbow’s tail and then there was a huge pile up and there was yelling and laughter. It was all so funny!” The new bubbly voice of Pinkie joins us in the library. I stand up from my pile a second time and see that Rarity and Fluttershy have arrived as well.

Fluttershy comes over and looks me over. “Oh my, are you all right? Do you need to see a doctor?”

I smile at her and shake my head. “No Fluttershy I’m fine. Not even and Apple family buck can keep me down.”

I get a glare from Applejack. “Oh ah took it easy on ya. Ya wanna real Apple family buck?”

I put up my hooves defensively. “No no, I’m good.”

“Good. Now then, why did ya call us here Twi?”

“What, you didn’t come here just to hit a defenseless stallion.” Again I put up my hooves for defense.

Twilight steps forward. “I called you all here because we have a problem. The other day something fell from the sky several miles outside a town on the edge of Equestria’s border. The Princesses fear it might be a new weapon developed by the Griffons. A few teams have been sent in but none have returned to report so the Princesses want us to
go with a group of guards and investigate.”

I had been listening intently to each of her words. Could another Sentinel team have survived? That would be a miracle if more of us made it off the ship. Only others I know of that were still alive were Hale and Capelli. But with teams going missing it doesn’t sound like a Sentinel. This is closer to a Chimera attack. “Twilight, can I go with you guys? This sounds dangerous and I think you can use all the pony power you can get.”

Twilight perks up at my question. “I’m glad you asked Resistance. You see I had Spike send a letter to the Princess soon after I went to find the girls. After seeing the little gadgets you have, I think you would be very useful in giving us an idea what we are dealing with.”

I turn to Spike. “Is that what you were doing when you burned that letter?”
Spike puffs out his chest to boast. “Yep, I can send and receive letters from the Princess.”

“That’s a pretty useful skill.”

“Yeah, it’s really co-“*Burp!* The little dragon spits out a puff of smoke. It swirled in the air before forming a scroll and falling to the ground. I stare at it before looking back to the little dragon.

“So…it’s pretty cool until a letter comes in huh?” A nod tells me everything. Spike moves to pick up the scroll and read us the contents.

“My faithful student, I am glad to hear you have made a new friend. I am even more excited that he may be able to help us with our current problem. Please bring him with you when you leave of the indicated spot. I will be waiting for you when you arrive. Signed, Princess Celestia.” With the letter finished Spike rolls up the scroll and places it with others.

“Well what are we waiting for let’s get going.” Rainbow dash was in the air when she is surrounded by a magical aura pulling here down. After releasing her, Twilight approached the eager Pegasus.

“Not so fast Rainbow, we need to prepare so everypony meet back here in an hour.” With determination in their eyes everypony heads out except me and the library’s caretakers.

“If you two will excuse me, I still have some cookies to finish.” Spike races off to the kitchen licking his scaly lips.

Now alone with Twilight I can ask her more questions about the mission. “Twilight, I need to know more about what we are dealing with.”

Her face brightens up. “Of course, it’s good to see somepony take an interest in what is going on.” She walks over to a package and opens it up. “From what we can tell the thing that crashed looks like it was carrying something. There is no door knob to get inside and all attempts with magic have failed to open it up. We have found a thing with strange symbols on it that we believe opens the door to enter but it is slow going trying to figure out the combination.” I can hear the shuffling of papers.

“Hmm…sounds like we are at a loss for opening it. Can you describe what it looks like?”

She shakes her head. “I can’t even begin to describe what it is. I couldn’t even say what most of it is.” She shuffles some more paper and holds something up. “We did get a picture of it though.” With her magic she floats the picture towards me. “They only had an old camera but the picture should be clear enough.”

The picture reaches me and I dread what I will see when I look at it. Everything she has said reminds me of my ship. But maybe I’m wrong, maybe this is nothing more than a piece of metal or part of a ship that came through the portal after me. Maybe just maybe this is nothing more than a big scare. With hope I take the picture and start to inspect it.

With each passing second my heart sinks further and further. “Oh no.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“What? What is it?”

I don’t answer but look at the picture in front of me. Like she said the picture is a little blurry but clear enough I can see the door of the ship and is smoldering engines. I can see smoke rising from the engines indicating some fuel is still inside that has the potential to explode and kill others close by. On the outside of the ship I can make out some tubes that looked like they were carrying something. These ships have been known to drop canisters of Spinner eggs into populated areas and these look like the pods that would contain those eggs. In the picture it looks like ooze is dripping from it, most likely from the eggs inside hatching and the spinners looking for prey.

“What is it Resistance?” Twilights voice full of worry.

I slowly lower the picture to the ground and hang my head. “How? How could they be here too? I thought I was rid of them but now this?”

“Resistance?”

My is voice shaky and low as I say the words most humans were saying when I left. “…Fucking Chimera.”

Author's Note

So sorry about the late update. Past few weeks have been hectic and I wouldn't expect another chapter for at least two weeks. Keep the Resistance strong.

Train Ride

This chapter will be in 3rd person.

Train Ride

One hour…that’s all the time Resistance was given to gather his gear and prepare for the trip. An hour was so little time to contemplate what you might need to take. The will to gather everything is strong but it must be fought. To take everything is to slow yourself and your team down in combat. If things are really as bad as he thinks, he will need to be light and fast.

He races as quickly as his hooves will carry him back to his ship and supplies. He will need to choose the time to reveal his true nature carefully; it’s no longer a question of can he keep his true identity secret, but more like when will they know the truth? Will it be when the first Bullseye round smashes the face of a former pony? Or maybe when he draws his combat knife across the throat of a pony’s former friend? Or when his eyes glow with the same intensity of his enemies?

Whatever the case, they will find out and all he can do is prepare for the shit storm that comes with it. He reaches his ship with forty-six minutes until it’s time to leave. He grabs his backpack and empties its contents on the floor. Each item hits with a metallic twang. Quickly, he grabs several magazines full of Bullseye ammunition and marksman rounds, placing several of each mag into his chest plate and placing several inside of his bag.

He runs down the rows of weapons looking for the cleanest one to take with him. He will care for it on the way but if he could reduce the time on repairs, it would allow for more planning. He’s never faced Chimera made from animals before. Any unicorn could become an Angel and hit anypony with a mental blast. A Pegasus Chimera would be a nightmare to fight. Chimera fighters were faster and deadlier than the closest human jet fighter. The only thing that gave a pilot a chance against them was that a human could be clever. Chimera were boring as pilots and rarely did anything that would make a person say “wow”.

“I can imagine the same rule would still apply here. Pegasi are agile by nature, making them a force to be reckoned with,” Resistance said to himself. He continues down the rack until he finds the best-looking Bullseye and pulls it from the rack. Sliding a magazine inside the weapon brings it to life. The gun charges up and lights turn on from the power source. Aiming the weapon causes its holographic sights to spring up. The sights have two functions: one to show how much ammo is left in the gun and show how much secondary ammo is left. Both read “full”, satisfying the stallion.

Resistance approaches his bag and checks to make sure everything he would need is inside. Ammunition, helmet, and various other items are checked off on his mental checklist. He then looks for something he needs in the pile he made when he dumped the bag’s contents. Sifting through the pile, he finds what he is looking for: a black leather journal he has been making for a while now. He found it once while on a mission in Missouri. A shop had been ransacked for food, medical supplies, and ammunition. He found the journal siting on the counter like someone planned to purchase it. He decided to take it and record his journeys to make sure he left a record of his existence behind. Since then, many of the pages had been filled with pictures and descriptions of the places he’s been and the things he has seen. It also details weapons and Chimera for anyone who finds it.

Resistance cracks it open and skims through the content on a page. It talks about a mission that went well for America during the early days of the war. He flips to another page that details the inner workings of the Bullseye and how to use it effectively in battle. Resistance closes the journal and slips it into his bag. “Just in case I don’t make it, at least they will understand what needs to be done.”

Resistance slings the backpack onto his back and straps both of his chosen weapons to either side of his body. With one last look to make sure he didn’t leave anything, he exits and closes the ship. With his mind buzzing with ideas, he walks back to the library, ready for war.

********

Resistance had made it back to the library with ten minutes to spare. The others hadn’t shown up yet so he took his time reading up on the region they were going to. It was mostly a flat area, meaning there was no chance of sneaking in. Anypony would have been seen approaching from a mile away. With limited ammo at his disposal, it was top-priority to get inside the downed drop ship and stock up.

The door to the library swings open and in walks Rainbow Dash with war paint on her face. “Who’s ready to kick some butt?”

“Oh oh me me!” Pinkie Pie comes bouncing inside wearing an oversized pair of sunglasses and her bag looks stuffed with various party supplies.

Next to arrive is Rarity wearing a camouflaged hat but the coloring makes her stand out more than hide away. “Ready when you are, Darlings.”

“Woowee! Let’s get a move on, already.” Applejack shouts as she enters. She looked prepared for a long trip.

“Oh hold on, girls. I need to get some scrolls and quills for the trip.” Twilight enters and makes her way towards a desk with writing supplies.

Finally, Fluttershy enters with a variety of sporting gear and pillows attached to her body in a form of makeshift armor. “Well at least that’s something,” Resistance says under his breath.

“Ah yeah. I’m so excited. Not only were we called out to help the princess with an important mission but we will probably make the papers again. Everyone will know Rainbow Dash was there to save the day!” Rainbow Dash flies around the Library with obvious excitement. Resistance keeps examining each of the girls and the way they packed. Fluttershy has armor on but it barely looks like it could take a hit from anything. Twilight and Pinkie are nowhere near prepared for a fight. Rarity will give away the position of everypony. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are the best looking out of the group but they still have no idea what they are going to be facing.

Resistance sighs. “This is going to be a train wreck,” He says under his breath. He stands and makes his way over to the chattering girls. “So, we need to leave soon. Let’s make our way to the train station.” All the girls stop and look at the stallion.

No longer is there a smile that graces his face. No longer a calming atmosphere surrounding his presence. Not even a sign of joy is seen on his face. All they can see is his weapons of choice on either side of his body and a serious look emanating from his eyes. The way he was carrying himself changed as well. His body showed signs of an old war pony and not the young vibrant stallion from the past few days. “Rezzy? What’s going on?” Pinkie asks, concern filling her voice.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy adds.

Resistance looks his new friends in the eyes before sighing. “I don’t know. I could be blowing this out of proportion but I’m terrified of what we will find once we get there.”

“What’s got you so rattled sugarcube?” Applejack asks.

“The object in the picture has me on edge. I always get frightened when I see stuff like it.” Resistance shudders as a flood of memories come back.

“What do you mean? Do you know what that thing that crashed is? Do you know what happened to our missing ponies?” Twilight asks. The others lean in to listen for Resistance’s response. Their eyes were a mixture of confusion, suspicion, and fear.

“What might be waiting for us is a nightmare like you have never seen. I will leave it at that until my suspicions are confirmed.” He makes his way towards the door before Rainbow Dash cuts him off.

“You mean you know what these things are? You have to tell us then.” She demands.

“And what would change if I told you? Would you claim you have faced worse? Would you act tough in front of others? All that will come from me telling you is nightmares that will keep you awake for the rest of your lives.” He voice even and never hinting at his building anger. What do these ponies know? Nothing, absolutely nothing. What chance would they have against a Chimera hybrid, stalker, or even a Leviathan? They would all be dead in no time. Resistance walks around the stunned pegasus and exits out the front door. He turns back and sees that the others had not moved from their spots. “We need to get going.”

Still, they held their ground. Seeing no other option, he decides to barter with them. “Listen, I know I’m not acting like myself right now. I have told you a share of lies and I won’t deny it. But right now, we need to get to the crashed vessel. I promise I will tell you everything after we complete our mission. We need to hurry. Please.” Slowly but surely all six walk out the door of the library and the team makes its way to the train station.

********

On the train, the girls were given a room to stay together while Resistance sat in his alone. A table was in the middle of the room and on it lay the components of a Bullseye. He wanted to clean each weapon to make sure no parts we cracked or destroyed in the crash a few days ago. He slowly inspects each piece for racks before inserting it into place. The weapon is a complex of small moving parts. If just one goes missing the Bullseye would explode in his hooves.

“Now let’s see…this part goes here and this one here.” Putting together the secondary system on the Bullseye was the most challenging part of the weapon. It fires a ‘tag’ at an enemy, and the rounds will follow this tag to the target. If put together wrong, the tag would make contact with the target but the rounds would go crazy. You would harm your allies more than your enemies. With one final click, the Bullseye is back in one piece. Resistance holds the weapon up to the window and admires the shine coming from the freshly-cleaned weapon.

He places the weapon on the seat next to him. After making sure the weapon would not fall, his gaze shifts to his other weapon. “Well, old friend, your turn.”

Resistance picks up his Marksman battle rifle with care. Pushing three pins out of the body of the rifle separates the gun into two pieces. He removes each piece with care and places them on a towel on the table. Just like riding a bike, he never forgot how to take his weapon apart. He’s done this so many times that it has become second nature. Like a machine, his motions are smooth and methodical. Each piece is handled with care as he cleans.

The door to his room flings open and in rushes the bubbly Pinkie Pie. “Hey Rezzy! Wha’cha up to in here? You feeling lonely? Don’t worry, I came back to keep you company! So let’s have our own little PAR-!”

Resistance covers her mouth with his hoof. “Pinkie, I appreciate the fact you came back here, but don’t you want to spend time with the others?” He removes his hoof so she can speak.

A huge smile is plastered across her face. “Silly, I’m with the girls all the time, and now we have our own room together.” Her smile drops to a frown. “But you’re back here all alone. So I thought I could at least be a good friend and give you some company.”

Resistance stares at her before sighing. “I would like some company.” He gives her a genuine smile and the Pink mare looks like she’s about to explode. “But we can’t throw a party in here. I need to clean my stuff, so let’s just talk.” Pinkie nods and slides into the seat opposite Resistance. She glances at all the different parts in front of her.

“What is all this?” She asks.

“These are all parts to my weapon. Just like a sword, my gear requires maintenance every now and again to keep everything in top shape.” He picks up another piece and begins the cleaning process.

“Will you really need them?”

Resistance stops and sits still, letting the question bore into his mind. He closes his eyes in deep thought. Is all this really necessary? Maybe I’m just too tense. But those ships were, no doubt, Chimera ships. Can these ponies even get infected? If so, how bad could this outbreak be? How many will die?’ He looks up and sees Pinkie waiting for his answer. “…I don’t know.”

“Horseapples!” Rainbow Dash busts through the door. “What do you mean you don’t know?!”

Resistance is startled by the sudden entrance. Behind Rainbow the other girls pile into the room. “Have you all been listening in?”

Twilight steps forward. “We just want to know if we can trust you. You are keeping something important from us.”

Resistance’s eyes travel from the girls to the weapon in front of him. He closes his eyes before speaking slowly. “Yes, you can trust me. For now anyway.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rainbow asks while closing the distance between her and Resistance.

“It means exactly what it means. For now you can trust me, but I don’t promise it will always stay that way.” Resistance says without looking at her.

“You expect me to just accept that?” Rainbow is practically shouting by this point. A hoof rests on her shoulder and she turns to look into Applejack’s eyes.

“Calm down sugarcube. Let’s give him a chance to explain.” Rainbow Dash’s furry dissipates to a controllable level but still gives Resistance a glare.

“Fine.” She sits on the seat next to Pinkie. The rest of the girls follow suit and join their friends. “Alright, explain everything.”

Resistance picks up another piece and cleans as he explains. “I can’t tell you everything. The creatures aboard the craft in the picture are called spinners. They appear by the hundreds--sometimes thousands--to swarm a town or city. They capture the inhabitants and cocoon them. That’s where they get their name from.” He continues to clean each piece.

“That’s horrible. Where do such creatures come from?” Twilight asks.

Resistance points a hoof to the room.

All the girls look up with a confused look. “Up? I don’t get it.” Pinkie says.

“Yes it is quite a strange answer. Do you think you could be more specific?” Rarity adds.

“I’m being a specific as I can be. I don’t know exactly where these creatures originated from. All I can tell you is that they are not from your planet. Hell, not even your galaxy.” Resistance starts to put his Marksman back together.

“I don’t understand. Are you trying to tell us we are dealing with…aliens?” Twilight asks. Resistance pops the last pin into place signaling the rifle back in working order. He nods before placing the rifle to his side next to the Bullseye. “I can’t believe it.”

“Don’t freak out yet. I still need to get there and confirm before I can tell you everything. How long until we arrive?”

“About three hours.”

Resistance nods. “I suggest you return to your room and rest up. If these are spinners then you will need to be well-rested.” All the girls make their way to the doors but each one gives a final glance to Resistance. “Don’t worry I will do everything I can to end this.” With that, the door closes and Resistance lays his head on the wall. His eyes close slowly as he drifts off to sleep.

********

Resistance opens his eyes and finds himself lying in the middle of an intersection of a deserted street. The building has changed little from the last time he entered his mind. Windows still cracked and shattered lay inside decaying buildings. Nothing moves or breaths in his mind except him and another. He feels a poke on his side and turns his head to see the minds other inhabitant.

“Boo”

Resistance rolls and turns his back to his other half. “Not in the mood to deal with you.”

“Too bad. You’ll have to listen and like it.”

“I could just tune you out.”

“Temporary solution. You would still seek me out for answers later.”

“What do you want?”

“Just to warn you. The virus has the ability to adapt if necessary. Though I don’t know how it will act in the presence of animal DNA. Could reduce ponies to a soupy mess.”

Sighing Resistance rolls over. “Can you feel the life force of any Chimera yet?”

“No, but I do have a gut feeling we will soon. Be ready for them at any time. Speaking of time, it’s time for you to get up.”

“Has three hours really passed?”

“Yes. Time flies when you’re having fun right?”

“Nothing more fun than talking to a voice in my head.”

“That’s the spirit. Well you need to get ready. Now get out there and kick ass…or flank as the situation demands.”

********

“Sir?”

“Hmm?” Resistance stirs from his sleep and makes up to the conductor standing at the door.

“We have arrived. You need to get off.” He says. He walks off to look for other passengers that need to depart. Resistance stands and rubs the sleep from his eyes. Gathering his bag and weapons he makes his way off the train. As he reaches the door leading off the carriage, he looks out to see a series of tents set up for a makeshift base camp. He can see soldiers acting as patrols all around and several training in sword combat. He sees the girls are standing in front of a large tent that the commander would most likely reside. Pinkie Pie waves enthusiastically at him and he returns a wave. Resistance takes one last look at the camp before stepping off the train. Taking in a deep breath, he heads towards the large tent.

“Time to make an impression.”

Author's Note

Busy Summer ahead for me. School and other things will keep my updates slow. Keep the Resistance strong and I will update when I can.

The Derelict Ship

The Derelict Ship

Stepping through the camp, Resistance could feel the eyes follow him; could he blame them? He is dressed in strange armor and carrying two weapons they have never seen before. Another factor that makes him stand out is his fur color compared to all the others. All the soldiers present had white fur and were wearing gold armor. Resistance’s fur is a dark gray and his vest and shirt are almost black. He locks his eyes on his goal: the giant tent where he is supposed to meet the others. As he approaches the entrance, he can hear voices from inside.

“The recon group has kept an eye on the town but hasn’t seen anything move in hours. The last thing we saw was something dart from one building to another and that was hours ago. Since then, the town has been quiet and still.” A young-sounding voice says. Resistance could tell this soldier has experience and is probably the one in charge of the operation now.

“Very good, captain. Please keep me informed if anything changes.” A kind, motherly voice speaks.

“Understood, your highness.” The captain says. Resistance stops in his tracks. Royalty? He only had a brief run in with Princess Luna the other night and this was definitely not Luna. Could this be her sister she mentioned? Only one way to find out. Resistance steels his nerves and steps inside the tent.

********

Twilight is known to go a little overboard when anything involves Princess Celestia. Like the time Fluttershy took her ‘sick’ Phoenix and tried to nurse it back to health. Or the time Celestia was coming to visit her and everypony in Ponyville only to have a parasprite infestation to break out. Both times, she reaches the edge of a nervous breakdown, only to be pulled back by her friends.

Now as she sits at a table where a huge decision is being made about a new object that has landed in pony territory, she has to constantly tell herself not to freak out. This is not the time to lose her head over something like this and it’s best if all of the elements stay calm.

Having said that, she is nervous for her teacher to meet her newest friend, and most likely the pony who can help solve their problem. Resistance has been an odd pony ever since she has known him, which hasn’t been long but he shows so much potential in his inventions that she can think of nopony else who could do this task. As she waits, she glances to her teach and ruler. She has known the princess for a very long time, and can see when she is faking confidence.

Her teacher’s vibrant hair has lost some shine. She must feel so much pressure to resolve this issue. Everypony is doing their best but it still might not be enough, Twilight thinks.

********

Princess Celestia, kind ruler of the ponies and strong supporter of harmony. Little has ever happened she could not solve with a little thinking. She could always rely on the elements or her little ponies to help solve a big issue. She has always been proud of her subjects and smiles each day she gets a chance to help them.

Except now. She can do nothing to help her ponies. Some of her guard has been sent to find the problem only for them not to return. She fears she has lost them and has forbidden any pony from entering the town. She wanted to go herself but no pony would even budge on letting her go. They claimed it was too dangerous and they could not afford to lose her. Her little ponies, just like her feared the worst had happened in the town. If anything did happen to her then their whole society would come crashing down.

Oh how she wishes Luna was here to help her reason with her generals. They don’t see how much she could help if she just had a chance to see the problem. Although she has to admit that the lock on the door was very hard to crack. She has never seen such symbols before, and no creatures have ever written like that. Magic was completely useless on the metal and only caused the door to tighten its grip.

Now she must sit here and wait patiently for Twilight’s new friend to show up. She was quite clear in her letter of how helpful this stallion could be. His clothing and way of acting shows a bright thinker.

The tent opens to reveal a gray pegasus.

He walks in and all attention falls on him. His eyes sweep the room. A small smile dances on his face as his eyes fall on his friends from Ponyville. So he is the one Twilight mentioned in her letter. Celestia looks over the new guest and sees what Twilight was talking about. Such advanced weapons and armor from a single stallion. The stallion’s eyes fall on Celestia and he bows his head slightly in respect. Celestia returns the gesture with a smile.

********

Resistance enters the tent and notices the coolness of the air. Perhaps a spell to keep the inside of the tent cool? Resistance asks himself.

He gazes around at all the new faces inside the tent. Several older stallions with various scars adorning their armor and bodies look to the newcomer as he enters the tent. Resistance’s eyes travel around the room and they stop at his new friends. Pinkie Pie has a huge grin plastered on her face, and she looks like she is ready to explode with all her pent-up energy. Applejack looks over the map on a large table in the center of the room, showing the quarantined area. Her eyes are wide at the sheer size of the quarantine. Rainbow Dash looks like she is about bored to tears. She probably wants to get out and practice something. Fluttershy is, well…acting shy. Rarity is chatting with one of the generals present. He can only catch a portion of it but she seems to be asking about the lifestyle of military ponies in Canterlot. Finally, Twilight is staring at him with a nervous smile.

He couldn’t help but smile at his new friends and their different personalities. Finally his eyes fall on the large pony at the end of the table. From a glance she looks as tall as a man but her horn makes her even taller. Her wings are much larger than his and her crown signals who she is. Resistance bows his head slightly in a show of respect and he is rewarded with a smile.

He walks up to the large table and between two officers who give him a stern look. He ignores them and pours over the map in front of him. On it are locations of all the scouting teams watching the town and the location of the ship. It’s a little inside of the quarantine ring but a number of soldiers are stationed there to keep trespassers away.

Resistance points a hoof to the town on the map. “So this is where the teams have gone missing?”

No pony answers him for several seconds before a general speaks up. “Who are you?” His voice filled with authority.

Resistance doesn’t even look up as he continues to scan the map. “The name is Resistance. I’m here to solve our problem before it gets out of hand.”

“A civilian solving this problem? Ha, why don’t you just leave it to us military stallions and go back to making cookie or whatever you do?”

Resistance glances up. “Because you’re great minds have led to the death of good ponies and I don’t feel like gambling anymore on your plans.”

The general reals back but before he can get any more in edge wise Celestia speaks up. “What do you know of the situation?”

“Hmm…well I can’t be certain until I get a look at the object that landed before all of this started. I need to determine if that breed of creature is actually here or not.”

“What creature is that exactly?”

Resistance hesitates. “It’s…a very dangerous breed and leave it at that.”

He chances a glance over to the princess and, no surprise; she is giving him a skeptical look. Resistance looks around and all the others are giving him the same look.

“I really want to explain, I do. It’s just…how do I say this? These creatures are not to be taken lightly. I doubt you have ever seen anything like them before, so I just need to see to make sure. I promise to tell you everything as soon as I know. Please, I need you to trust me.”

Celestia closes her eyes and she begins to think.

********

Celestia’s thoughts are filled with her little ponies. She can see all their smiling faces as she passes them on the streets, how excited they are when she speaks to them directly. Finally how happy they are to know she will keep them safe. Now they won’t let her risk her safety for theirs and she has to rely on somepony. The only one offering a solution is the strange stallion at the table.

She opens her eyes and looks into the stallions’. He is trying to hide something from her and it’s more than just this current situation. His eyes show a great deal of past pain and experience. He doesn’t look like a pony straight from a lab or workshop. No, he looks more like a soldier from a long war who just wants to rest.

Celestia nods. “Fine, but after this you will tell me everything.” The look in her eyes shifts to a very serious gaze. “And I mean everything.”

Resistance sits in silence for a few seconds before nodding. “Deal, now let’s go look at that ship.”

********

The group of ponies began the trek to the ship with Celestia and several guards in front leading the way. The walk had been relatively quiet, except for a few whispers here and there from the ponies around Resistance. They whispered back and forth about how they don’t trust the way he looks and trying to guess what his weapons are. Resistance ignores their biting words and focuses on the task at hand.

“It’s getting interesting, isn’t it?” A voice says from inside his head.

“What do you want?”

“What? Can’t a guy come to see his very best friend face off against the monsters he thought he escaped?”

“Is that your only reason for bothering me? If it is I would appreciate it if you went back into the depths of my mind for now. I’m busy thinking.”

“Ouch, your words--they wound me so. How can you be so cruel to me? I thought you loved me!”

“Just leave me alone. I’ll entertain you later.”

*sigh* “Very well. But I’m staying up here to keep an eye on you. Don’t need you dying now.” With that the voice recedes a little into Resistance’s mind.

“Resistance!” Rainbow Dash yells.

“Gah!” Resistance nearly falls onto his side in surprise. “What is it?!”

“Yeesh, what’s with you today? We’re here.” Rainbow Dash points to the ship surrounded by ponies in lab coats. A tiny trail of smoke is still coming out of the engines. The ponies surrounding it are poking and prodding different parts while jotting down notes. One is at the door of the ship, getting frustrated because he cannot figure out the combination to the door.

Resistance starts to approach the scientist at the door only to be stopped by two guards. They give him a stern look. Their spears crossed in front of him, making it clear he won’t get through easily. “No one is allowed beyond this point without clearance.”

“It’s all right. He has clearance.” Celestia calls from behind Resistance. The older of the two guards moves his spear but the younger one kept his spear in place.

“You’re just going to get in the way.” The young guard says. Resistance head-butts the young stallion in the face where his helmet doesn’t cover. He falls to the ground holding his bloody muzzle.

“You’re in my way.” Is all Resistance says as he continues to move to the door of the ship.

“Hey! I’m not through with you!” The young guard shouts as he stands back up. He glares at Resistance but he pays him no mind. “I said I’m not done!”

“Stand down soldier!” A stallion calls out. Resistance turns to see a white stallion with two shades of blue in his hair step up. “The Princess said he has clearance. I don’t care how you feel about letting a civilian through, but you will follow orders.”

Civilian. Resistance hasn’t been a civilian for a long time. He doubts he will ever be one again. The young guard picks up his spear and takes his old position but Resistance felt him glaring at him the whole time.

“Sorry about that. Some soldiers never know when to quit.” The stallion from before says to Resistance. He sticks out a hoof. “My name is Shining Armor. I’m captain of the Royal Guard.”

Resistance shakes Shining’s hoof with his own. “Resistance Hail, traveling monster hunter and apple farmer.”

“Interesting occupations.” Shining smiles.

“Puts food on the table.” Resistance turns back to the door and approaches it.

“Mind telling me what you plan on doing? Most of our scientists have given it a shot, but not one of them can come close to cracking the code.”

“I just plan to open this door for you and confirm my suspicions. Now I would like all of you to move back. No telling what’s inside.” Resistance watches ponies in lab coats and armor start to back away. Only Shining remained close. “Do I have to say a magic word for you to back up?”

“I have to stay close in case you are attacked.” Shining replied.

Resistance pulled the Bullseye from his side and inserted a magazine. The gun roared to life and lights lit up on the side. Many ponies jumped backed surprised by the sudden movement and the noise from the strange weapon. Shining stood his ground however. “Not even going to ask huh?”

Shining just gives Resistance a cocky grin. Resistance sighs. “All right fine but promise me you won’t get any closer.”

“As long as there’s no trouble, I won’t get any closer,” Shining says with a hoof over his heart.

Resistance accepts that as good enough and turns his attention back to the door’s control panel. Each symbol is lit up so it can easily be seen. Resistance takes a deep breath and hits a combination of three symbols. Suddenly a small screen pops up and symbols begin to display across it. The symbols were the strange language that the Chimera speak but so far only a little has been translated by man.

“Extraordinary!” A scientist stallion shouts.

“I’ve never seen anything like it!” A mare exclaims.

Resistance grins. “You haven’t seen anything yet,” he says under his breath. Resistance starts to tap out symbol after symbol in an attempt to open the door. Every now and then he has to touch the screen to activate a certain system and this riles up the ponies behind him who are amazed by his control over the strange machine.

Resistance stops and puts a hoof to his chin. “Hmm…”

“What’s wrong?” Shining asks.

“Well most of the power cells have been damaged so I have to reroute power from other systems to try and power the door.”

“What’s the problem then?”

“I have to take away power from the lights so if I get it open it’s going to be pitch black in there.”

“Can’t you just put the power back to the lights afterwards?”

“No or else the door will shut itself again. I’ll just make due but just to be safe get your magic ready.” Shining’s horn begins to glow as he charges up his magic. Resistance breathes deep and begins the final sequence. The panel turns off, and the door slowly starts to lower. Resistance backs away from the opening and keeps his Bullseye at the ready.

Slowly, the door creaks open with metal gears grinding against one another as they lower the door from its resting place. All ponies present hold their breath as the door moves. Shining, with his sword at the ready, stares at the darkness on the other side. Celestia begins to put a spell together in case she must defend her subjects. Resistance stares down the sights of his weapon hoping that nothing come barreling out from the other side. The door creaks one more time before it is completely open.

Everypony stares at the dark void inside waiting to hear any noise. Sweat slowly drips down Resistance’s face as his eyes focus on the dark looking for any movement. Several minutes pass before Resistance slowly approaches the opening. Each step feels like an eternity to the soldier who has done this so many times in the past. You never get used to it is what they always said to him, and they were right. Slowly, Resistance pokes his head inside.

********

Twilight’s head was spinning from watching Resistance at work. All those new symbols and those lights turning on from his commands. She wanted to be up there with him as he did his magic and opened the door. How desperately she wanted to see inside of this new machine and understand how it worked! She felt like she was the luckiest mare in the world to be a part of all this.

So why was she shaking?

Ever since he opened the door Twilight felt in the deepest parts of her mind that they needed to shut it immediately. She could not explain this feeling of uneasiness that she feels. She wants to understand how it works but something inside is keeping her from running in to see. She looks to Resistance who has not made a move since the door opened fully.

“Why doesn’t he go investigate?” She thought. She was about to voice her question until she sees Resistance slowly walk towards the door. Each of his steps seems to take him forever to make as he keeps his eyes on the door and she keeps her eyes on him. She starts to hold her breath as he sticks his head inside.

********

Celestia stands and waits patiently with her ponies as the door to the ship opens. Her suspicions are confirmed the Resistance has hidden more than just what this is or what creatures made it. She lines up each of her questions in her head as she watches the door slowly creak open.

While she is excited to see inside, in the pit of her stomach she fears what could be inside. She has long known how dangerous knowledge could be in the wrong hooves and she can feel there is dangerous technology inside. But not only that, she feels like something is watching her. Unlike her ponies who have concern as they watch her, this new feeling is different. This feeling is terror.

Yes, the feeling of terror is welling up inside of her. What could be inside that is so dangerous that she fears what it could be? The door finally opens fully and she along with her ponies stares at the door waiting for something to pop out and scare them senseless. But it doesn’t come and soon Resistance slowly approaches the door.

Slowly he approaches with cautious steps. He approaches ever so slowly, and with each step, she feels like she should call him back. Her heart skips a beat as he pokes his head inside.

********

“LEAPERS!!!”

“LEAPERS!!!” Resistance shouts and jumps away from the door. From the door leaps a creature the size of a medium sized dog with five eyes in its head. One eye is the direct middle, and on both sides of the head lays two eyes. Each eye rotates independently in its socket, making sure that it leaves no opening on its sides. It walks on four skinny legs that end in sharp bone points that can pierce flesh with ease. Its tail is much like a scorpion except it doesn’t end in a poisons tip, but another boney spike it uses as it climbs on its victims. Its back and tail are covered in armored plating making it hard to kill them with a stab to the back. Finally, its mouth is full of needle-sharp teeth that jut out a little from its face. The teeth are so long that the Leaper can’t even shut its mouth all the way.

The leaper jumps on Resistance’s back, causing him to drop his Bullseye and Marksman. He shakes and struggles to free himself as the leaper tries to aim for his vulnerable parts. A burst of magic blows the creature from his back and Resistance sees that the blast came from shining armor. He starts to charge at the lone leaper but Resistance puts up a hoof. “No wait! It’s a trap!”

Most of the guards stop except for the young stallion from earlier who continues to charge. As he closes in more leapers exit the ship and jump on his back. They force him to the ground and they begin to stab his body with their legs and tails. The stallion screams in agony and images of friends and fellow soldiers flash before Resistance’s eyes as he remembers many falling to this same trick.

Resistance grabs his Bullseye and aims for the mass of leapers. He squeezes the trigger and a volley of energy blasts rush towards the pile and begin to blow the leapers away. They scream as they are torn limb from limb or just blasted apart by the powerful weapon. They leave bloody streaks on the ground as their parts fly through the air with blood trails following after them. Resistance lowers his weapon and approaches the young stallion. His throat was ripped open and blood-filled tear stains marked his face. His eyes wide open in shock about what was happening to him and knowing this was the end of his life. Resistance softly places a hoof over his eyes and closes his eye lids for the last time.

“What the hell were those?” A voice demands behind him. Resistance turns to see Shining Armor glaring at him. Resistance’s face never turns from a neutral stare as he looks at the captain. His eyes are filled with rage over not only the loss of his comrade but the fact that Resistance knew about the creatures and failed to tell them.

“They are called Leapers. They attack in mass and try to overwhelm opponents with numbers. Then they brutally stab their victim to death.”

Shining Armor closes the gap between the two of them. “Did you know they were inside?!”

Resistance shakes his head. “No, normally they take up residence in building or moist environments waiting for prey. I’ve never seen them on a ship like this before.”

“Are these the things that attacked those ponies in the town?” His teeth are clenched.

Resistance says nothing for a few seconds. “No. What attacked them is much much worse than these leapers.”

“What could be worse?!”

“Spinners. They cocoon their victims and begin to change them from the inside out.” Resistance blurts out. Shining stumbles back from the response and sits down. His mind filled with images of ponies being forced into cocoon and slowly changing into some kind of beasts.

“Can we save them?” He asks quietly.

Resistance walks back to the opening of the ship. “No, once they’re in a cocoon their fate is sealed. All we can do is keep them from becoming monsters.” Resistance hops inside of the ship and lets his eyes adjust.

The ship’s interior sinks of rotting flesh. The smell rushes up Resistance’s nose causing the sentinel to start heaving up his breakfast of Sweet Apple Acres treats. A drop of unknown substance drips onto his head and he looks up. Ooze drips from the ceiling where the leapers were making a nest to breed. The nest act like sentries and wait for unsuspecting victims to stumble across it. After they set off the alarm the creatures spring from the nest to quickly take down prey.

After regaining his composure he looks to the cockpit and he can make out two figures sitting in the seats. He approaches and can see that they were Chimera hybrids and by the looks of it in the middle of changing to ponies before they died. Just to be safe, Resistance took the butt of his gun to each of their heads caving in their skulls.

Satisfied with his work, he goes to the back to look for weapons and ammo. Surprisingly there was only a few spare mags for the Bullseye in the back. “Looks like this one was meant to just transport Spinners and leave.”

“That death wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes it was. Now I have another blood stain on my hands.”

“You couldn’t have known.”

“I am supposed to be ready for everything.”

“This has never happened before. They never take leapers on their dropships so you could not have been prepared for this.”

“Maybe if I leapt in front of him.”

“Then you would be dead along with everyone else. Don’t let this death hang on you. You have seen so much and have faced deadly odds to protect others. Death is just part of it and you can’t escape it forever. Yes a young stallion died today. Could we have done something different? Possibly but what’s done is done and you can’t change that. Move forward with this new piece of information in your head and be ready next time.”

“…Thanks…do you think there are Chimera in the town?”

“Yeah. What do you plan on doing about it?”

“I plan to go in there and wipe them out while laughing maniacally about it.”

“That’s my soldier. Now go in there and kick their rotting asses.”

Resistance gathers up the ammo and puts it into his backpack. His hoof touches his helmet and he decides now is the time. He steps off the ship and he can see the body of the Stallion was covered by a cloth. Several of the scientists are throwing up in buckets and behind rocks.

Celestia steps forward and behind her are the shaking forms of his friends from Ponyville. “What has come to attack my ponies?” She demands.

“They didn’t come to attack just your ponies your highness. They came to attack everything and make this planet their own.”

“Who are they?”

“The Chimera.”

Celestia takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. “You will tell me everything.”

“That will have to wait until I get back.” Resistance says as he changes the magazine in his Bullseye and then puts a magazine in the Marksman.

“Back from where?” The princess asks in surprise.

Resistance points to the collection of buildings in the distance. “The town.”

Shining Armor speaks up. “Why would you go there?!” He demands.

“Because I have a job to do.” Resistance replies as he slings both guns to his side.

“What job is that?” Twilight says final.

Resistance slides his helmet on and looks back to his friends. They all gasp at the sight and Rainbow’s mouth hangs open from realizing who he is. “To protect everyone.”

Author's Note

Yay! Finally got the next chapter out. Sorry for the wait though, school this summer made it hard for me to work on chapters. Now I have two weeks before they start up again so hopefully I will have another complete before they begin. Keep the Resistance strong and I will see you later.

-FR

The Things I Have Seen

The Things I have Seen

All eyes were on Resistance as his helmet slowly swings back and forth so he can see all present. Through the visor on his helmet he can see each of their expressions ranging from fear to anger on others. While he can see their eyes they cannot see his leaving his emotions tightly locked away under visor, mask, and helmet.

“They’re going to attack you.”

“You don’t know that.”

“You’re right. From their expressions I bet they are just going to give you a big ol’ hug and say thanks for lying to me.”

“Well…Pinkie might.”

“…Ok I’ll give you that. Incoming.”

“Wa?” *THWACK* A wooden pole from a spear collides with Resistance’s unprotected gut knocking the wind out of him.

“Ok…probably deserved that.” He says while trying to catch his breath. Then, again the pole collides with his guts causing Resistance to collapse.

“Probably deserved that one too.” For a third time the pole makes contact. Resistance looks at the soldier with the spear. “Hey buddy, wanna give it a rest? You’ve made your point loud and clear.”

The spear rises again but it is stopped by magic. “Enough” Shining’s voice commands.

“Thank God.” Resistance whispers.

Shining Armor approaches the collapsed Resistance. “You need to explain what is going on. Right now,” he commands.

Resistance sat up and looked through his visor to look straight into Armor’s eyes and could see how serious the situation was, but Resistance knew the situation all too well. “I don’t have time to explain everything that’s happened. What came out of that ship is nothing compared to what could be waiting in town or if this virus starts to spread.”

“I’m just supposed to believe that shit?” Armor’s horn began shining as he charged up a spell. Resistance shifted his weight and brought the Bullseye up and aimed at Shining. The soldiers readied their spears and magic while other backed away. A standoff had begun.

“Look, I know you have no reason to trust me right now but I swear I will explain everything once I come back from the town over there. Please, we’re running out of time.” Resistance started to lower his weapon but still kept his hoof on the trigger.

The standoff continued with eyes shifting from Armor to Resistance waiting for one of them to make a move.

“Enough.” The kind but authoritative voice of Celestia calls out. All eyes turn to her except for Resistance and Shining, who continue to stare each other down. She steps forward enough for both to see her in their peripheral vision. “You know what these creatures are, Resistance, but we have no idea what they are. Where did they come from? What are they doing here? How dangerous are they? These are the questions running around in my head and I’m sure many of my little ponies. I want to know if we can trust you. You haven’t been honest with some of my most trusted subjects so I have no reason to trust you. In fact I should throw you in the dungeon for all of this.”

Celestia pauses and takes a deep breath. She slowly lets it out before she continues. “But since you know this threat so well, I am willing to give you a chance to deal with it and prove you can be trusted. You will go into this town and solve this threat and rescue my little ponies.”

Resistance’s eyes shifted to look at the Solar monarch. “Princess, I’m sorry to say this but it is unlikely any of your ponies are still alive in that town. Like I said once they are in the cocoons they become another piece in the collection of the Chimera hive mind. Best I can do is make sure they don’t harm anypony else.”

Celestia closed her eyes in thought. Images of her ponies ran through her mind as she could see their smiling faces and playing with their family and friends. It pained her heart deeply to believe that she lost so many to a new and fierce creature. “She opened her eyes again and looked to Resistance. “You will enter the town with Shining Armor and a few other soldiers to take care of this new threat. They will assist you, but as you have already guessed, they will be keeping an eye on you to make sure you return. After you get back, you will tell me everything and you will leave nothing out. Is that understood?”

Resistance thought about the offer laid out before him. There was no way she would agree for him to go alone since he could not be trusted, but he preferred to work alone on a job like this. They would just get in the way, but he had to take them. “Deal.”

Resistance lowered his gun and Shining’s horn stopped glowing. He signaled for a few more guards to step forward. “All right, Resistance. Let me introduce you to your team for this mission. This is-.”

“I don’t need your names. I’ll make this clear. You have absolutely no idea what we are going up against and I will not give you individual attention. You will do exactly as I say when I say to do it if you want to survive. If you ignore me then you are welcome to die without me ever knowing your name.” Resistance word’s stunned all present. “Now that we got that out of the way, strip off the heavy armor. You’ll give away our position and it will only slow you down. I’ll be right back.”

As Resistance turned back towards the ship he heard one of the guards speak up. “Uh, sir? Do we really have to get naked in front of everyone?”

This question stopped Resistance in his tracks. He looked at the guard then to everyone and back to the guard. “Arrrre you serious right now? Everyone is naked over there. The only thing the princess is wearing is a crown, necklace, and some shoes. Get over it.” Resistance went back into the ship.

Once inside, he grabs the few Bullseye rifles and grabs some of the chimera armor vests. He goes back outside to see all of the guards stripped of their clothing, including Shining. “Nice to see you guys will actually listen to me. Here, put on these vests. They don’t cover as much of your body as your armor did, but they allow for more freedom of movement. They are a little better than your metal armor, anyway, in blocking attacks. Here are your new weapons of choice. They are called Bullseye. Their accuracy is shit, but they can do some serious damage at close range, which is what we will be working in.”

Resistance tossed one of the guards a Bullseye, and his catch was less than ideal. The gun was fumbled around in his hooves since he had no idea how to hold it. Resistance put a hoof to his head in frustration. “Well, this is going to go bad quickly. Alright, listen up. The weapon you are holding is the most dangerous thing you have ever held. It does not care if you are friend or foe. Once you pull the trigger it will fire at whatever you are point it at, so be extra careful not to point it at any of your allies.”

All of the guards gathered up the weapons but Shining. They were a gun short, and like any caring leader, he thought of his troops first. Resistance took his Bullseye and tossed it to Shining, who caught it easily. “You can use mine, Armor. I don’t want your death hanging over my head.”

Resistance slides his Marksman off his side and slaps a magazine into it. This catches one of the guards’ attention. “Hey, Resistance? Why is your weapon different from ours? Is it a better version?”

“Oh, this? This is called the Marksman. Unlike your weapon it has great accuracy but it fires only in bursts. That means that I can’t just hold the trigger like you guys can, and I have to squeeze it again and again. Also it is not meant to be used in close combat, but I can adapt my tactics to allow me to use it as such.” Resistance slides the Marksman onto his back and approaches the ship.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asks.

“We’re gonna need some big explosives if we want to rid the town of the Chimera. These power cores will do nicely as bombs.” Resistance starts to take the panels that had been destroyed in the crash off the ship.

“You’re gonna blow the town up?!” Rainbow Dash yells.

“Ugh, that’s the plan.” Resistance pulls one of the panels from the ship and begins to work on the next one. “It’s the best way to make sure that we kill off the virus.”

Shining armor walked up next to Resistance and begins to tug on the panels as well. “This seems a bit extreme, though.”

“This? Extreme? No no no, extreme would be leveling the town in a huge nuclear explosion that would render this area uninhabitable for decades. This is a much more practical solution.” Another panel gives way and reveals a power core. “Perfect. Shining, I need you to pull that power core out but be gentle. We don’t need it breaking and spilling its contents all over.”

Shining armor’s magic wrapped the core in a soft glow, and he slowly pulled the prize from the wreckage. Once or twice it bumped inside but the contents stayed nestled up inside of the container, and soon it was sitting on the ground in front of Resistance. “Excellent work, Armor. Now we just need six more of those and we can move out.”

All the soldiers began to pull pieces of metal off, exposing the cores hidden within. After several minutes of careful work they had seven energy cores lying on the ground. Resistance examined each one with care to make sure nothing would leak out as they were transported. The stallions watched with great interest as the odd Pegasus walked back and forth looking over the strange tubes of glowing liquid. Satisfied with his inspection, Resistance nods his head and turns to his team.

“Alright, this is how we are going to do this: You will each pair up and take one of these cylinders. One will carry it while the other provides cover with his Bullseye. To fire, just insert this into this point on your gun and it will be ready to fire.” Resistance points out the magazines and the place to put them in the Bullseye. “Okay, Shining, you’re with me—everyone else pair up.”

The stallions moved quickly to pair themselves with the ones they knew the best on their team, and they decided amongst themselves who would carry the cylinder and who would cover. Shining walked up next to Resistance and began to pick up the core, but Resistance stopped him. “I’ll carry it Shining. I trust you can take care of it but I want you to cover me.”

“Fine, but keep in mind I will be keeping an eye on you.” Resistance nods and picks up the cylinder. He balances it on his back with his backpack and wings. “All right, team. Say your goodbyes because we are moving out.”

With that, the troops began to march towards the town where they are told monsters like they have never seen await them. Many fear they will never come back, while others think of things they have never done. Some march on with some curiosity in their minds thinking of what these creatures in the town look like and why they are here. Whatever their feelings may be, they march on, following their two leaders.

********

About halfway to the town Resistance raises a hoof to signal all the stallions to halt. He turns around. “Alright, we will take a break here while I try to see what in the town up ahead. Get some water if you have any and share with others who don’t.”

The stallions settled down to rest while Resistance moved on to a high rock not too far away and stared at the town to see any movement in it. He hears hoof steps behind him and spins around to find Shining Armor had joined him. Resistance turned his attention back to the town and Armor joined in on the staring. Several minutes passed in silence as both leaders watched the town for anything of interest. Both minds raced with what they should do next. Their breath was slow and steady as their chests rise and fall in rhythm. Finally, Armor breaks the silence with a question.

“So, who are you?” Armor’s eyes never left the town as he asked. Resistance did not turn and continued to stare at the mass of buildings in front of them. A minute of silence rolled on by before Resistance spoke, but he, too, kept his eyes on the town.

“Do you know what a human is?”

“Uhh…some kind of mythical creature?”

Resistance chuckled a little at that. “Well to your kind they might as well be. I was originally a human from a planet we call Earth. For thousands of years, we lived on it and only fought each other as the need arose. Not the most glamorous of histories but that’s how we did things back home. Then after the largest war we had ever seen on our world the plant was divided.”

“Wait wait wait, what about the other species on your planet? Didn’t they have a say in anything?” Armor questioned.

Resistance just shook his head. “There was no other species like ours on our world. Humans conquered all with our ingenuity. We are not the strongest, fastest, or largest of any creatures on Earth, but we are the most intelligent which made us the kings of all the lands.”

“…Wow” Was all Armor could say as he continued to stare into the town, where all was still quiet.

“Well, after the planet was pretty much split by a great wall, a comet struck in a nation on one side of the wall. At first, nothing really happened but soon stories started to leak out of entire town disappearing in a single night to cities becoming deserted in only a few days. For almost a decade this went on behind the wall until the creatures responsible for it broke out and began to flood the rest of the world with the disease. We called these creatures the Chimera.”

“So, like those creatures that attacked us at the ship back there.”

Resistance nods. “Yes. Those creatures are called leapers. Fast and agile, they can rip you apart in seconds, and they always travel in packs. While they are bad, they are one of the lowest forms of Chimera. What the Chimera do is steal bodies to make more troops.”

“What about killing their leader?”

“We tried that at first and it worked great but they can adapt to the situation and soon had other means to survive. You see, the Chimera have a hive mind so if you kill one the others know about it and will rush to the area their buddy died in. They swarm, and most of the time you just lose to sheer numbers. Anyway, we better get going. I haven’t seen any movement. We need to take this chance before they hatch.”

With that, Resistance stands up and heads back to the group with Armor following closely behind. The Stallions gather up their gear and continue to march into the town. They march in silence as they approach a building on the outskirts of town. Resistance signals for everyone to stop. He places the core on the ground and pulls out his Marksman. Slapping in a mag he starts slowly towards the building.

It was an old school building. The windows were broken and glass was lying all over the ground. Desks still sat in each room waiting for a child to come sit in the seat and store the book inside. On the wooden tops were scores of marks from all their years of use, ranging from grades to names of students who used them. If one could read the scratches you could see years pass as subjects changed and the ponies that used them grew. Finally, when a new building was built, this one was abandoned, leaving everything inside. So here the desks sit and wait for the next group to arrive, but they will never come.

As Resistance closes in, a smell of rotting flesh wafts into his nose, telling him that something was inside but he was not sure what. With the barrel of his gun he pushes the door leading into the building open keeping his hoof on the trigger ready for anything. The door creaks and squeaks as its hinges have not been oiled in years. As the door open the smell pours out like a wave splashing Resistance in the face. The mask helps to cut down the smell but some still gets through.

Entering the building was risky due to the fact it could sound an early alarm for any Chimera in the town, but this was Resistance’s best chance to see how far the sacks have come along. The floor creaks and bends under the weight of the stallion. The years have not been kind to the floor from the roof leaking and the floor splintering. If the Chimera never came this building would probably be torn down within the year.

*splish*

Resistance looks down and his hoof is in a puddle of blood. Next to the puddle are scratch marks from hooves trying to stop themselves from being pulled into a nearby room that has its door closed. The blood on the ground made it clear there would be no chance for survival even if they were turned into a chimera so it left only one option, food.

Again with the barrel of his rifle, he pushes the door open. It gets stuck for only a second before resuming to open. A bone falls to the ground next to the door with a thud, and rocks back and forth. The smell of death fills Resistance’s mask and he gags a little inside. Peeking into the room, he finds it filled with decaying carcasses and skeletons from the feeding frenzy. Skeletons from grown mare and stallions line the room, but even a few foal bodies lie in the pile of blood and bones.

Resistance closes the door and makes his way outside. There, he finds his troops hidden behind rocks to stay out of sight while he was inside. He approaches them and one asks a question.

“Did you see anything in there?”

Resistance turned to the grunt and pulled off his helmet to look him in the eyes. “You would not believe the things I have seen. In there is a sight that will haunt your nightmares till the day you die. Be glad you didn’t see it.” Resistance slides his helmet back on and reaches his canister.

“Ok, I’m heading back inside, so everyone get ready. As soon as I come back out, we will head into the town.” Heading back inside, Resistance placed the core in about the center of the building. Setting a timed explosive on it, he was prepared to leave when he hears a scratching noise coming form the back room.

Resistance pulled his Marksman up and spoke in a commanding voice. “Who’s there? Come out!”

No reply came except for more scratching. Resistance began to slowly step towards the room with his rifle at the ready. The noise of the creaking floor floods his years along with any other noise in the building. His eyes focus solely on the room. The smell of the building no longer bothers him with all his attention focused on the thing just around the corner.

Sweat began to pour down his face as he drew closer. One final creak and the scratching stopped. Resistance rushes around the corner but sees nothing in the vacant room. A few claw marks are found on the wall and by the looks of them they do not belong to leapers. A gargled growl comes from behind and Resistance turns to see what happen when a pony becomes a Grim.
Its large eyes are now yellow and the pupils are more like a cat’s. Two more eyes sets of eyes have grown into the skull and rotate independently. The flat teeth of a horse have been replaced by razor sharp teeth the poke out in different directions. The teeth are so messed up that the creature can no longer close its mouth or it would pierce its own flesh.

Oh how Resistance wishes it could close its mouth because coming from it is a stench like no other. The smell of the guts inside digesting the rotten flesh it came here to eat poured out with each breath. Drool falling from its lips and teeth dripped to the floor as it stared at its next meal. The fur was practically gone and underneath the skin was gray and bumpy. The flesh looked like it was rotting while still on the body. The hooves had become more pointed and caked in blood from the tearing of flesh from the living and dead.

Resistance’s eyes were wide as he swung the rifle around. The Grim was too fast and jumped him, knocking him to the ground and the rifle away. It became a wrestling match between the two, as resistance tried to keep the chimera from biting his vital points, and the chimera tried to avoid getting knocked off. Over and over, they tumbled across the floor trying to get the upper hand. It came when the Grim rolled into a piece of wood sticking up from the floor, giving Resistance the chance to kick it off. The Grim hit the floor hard and tried to scramble to its hooves, but it was too late and Resistance was upon it. Resistance took his hooves and began to pound the head of the chimera into the ground over and over again. The Grim howled with pain as it was slammed to the ground. Resistance did not falter and continued to bash the skull of his target. The bone cracked and snapped with each successful hit, and soon all that was left was a mess of red blood and bone sticking out from the skin. An eye lay across the floor after being fired out of its socket due to the force applied to it.

With heavy breath, Resistance stepped outside, where his troops were getting ready to rush in once they heard all the commotion. They all froze when they saw Resistance dripping with blood and walking towards them. They were just about to ask what happened when he put up a hoof to silence them.

“Let’s just get this done.” Is what he said and turned towards the town. The rest followed behind but they all took one last look over their shoulder to look at the first obstacle on their journey that held them up for so long.

As they entered, everypony took note of the silence that held the town. In a normal town, this time of the day would be busy and ponies would be rushing back and forth, completing their tasks for the day. Stalls would be open and haggling would commence. Now the stalls sit empty and their wares sitting out either rotting in the sun or slowly rusting.

Some start to shake wondering what is hiding in the shadows just out of sight and others move their heads back and forth, trying to find any form of normalcy from the destroyed town. Building with holes in the sides stand quietly waiting for someone to enter and buildings with businesses have their doors wide open with an “OPEN” sign sitting in the windows.

Then the smell begins to enter the soldiers’ noses. Never had they smelled something like this before in all their times crossing Equestria. Many felt like vomiting while others covered their noses and tried to think of happier things to take their minds off of it. All this time, Resistance and Shining were up front, not paying any mind to the town and focusing on the mission.

Shining could put it out of his head from his years of training and he needed to be strong for his troops in this situation. Resistance on the other hand was just use to scenes like this after all his time fighting the Chimera. The smell was burned into his nose and the sight marked on his brain. He had come across many scenarios like this back on Earth, and to him, this was just another day in the office.

Resistance places another core in the middle of town and turns to his troops. “Okay, pair up and fan out. Place each core at a different point in the town, we need to make sure the blast will vaporize everything in this town.”

The troops salute and spread out. Shining armor turns to Resistance. “You think they will be alright?”

Resistance looks at him. “It’s our best chance to get out of here unnoticed. If we travel as a group to each point, the enemy will sniff us out. This way, we have a better chance of escaping.”

********

Through an alley, two of Shining’s guards travel. One carries the core on his back while the other has his Bullseye ready. The weapon quivers in his hooves as he swivels his head back and forth trying not to be surprised by anything. One of them is a pegasus who had joined the guard after he finished school only a few years ago. He was so excited that he was given the opportunity to defend the queen and country that he ran home to his parents to tell them the news. They were so proud of their son and all that he had accomplished. That night they ate a big meal of all his favorites to celebrate. A year later he fell in love with a unicorn and a few months later they were married. His first child was born about eleven months ago and a second was on the way. He feared for them as he carried the core through the alley way.

The other was a unicorn that was always thought to be brave and strong. He was considered to be a genius back in school for his high grades and popularity. It was these things they gave him the chance to join the guard in the first place. Everyone was so impressed he was considered to be the next in line to lead the guards. Too bad it was all lies and deceit. He was not a genius but rather feigned being one to boost his image. He cheated on every test and used bribery to get his way in many situations. He aimed for the top by using and sacrificing everyone underneath him. Now he regrets it because he was pulled into such a dangerous mission. His life was on the line now and there was no one to cheat off of, no one to bribe, or no one to take the fall for him. He swallowed hard as the Bullseye shook in hooves.

Suddenly a low growl filled the air, freezing both stallions in their tracks. Their heads swiveled around, trying to find the source of the noise. The Pegasus placed the core on the ground and brought up his Bullseye. The unicorn was practically peeing himself with fear as he looked around. Another growl filled them with dread, and they began to search even more frantically. Sweat began to pour down their faces as their fear grew.

From above a drop falls on the unicorns head. Slowly he looks up and sees a sight that would scare even the toughest of fighters: a group of leapers on the side of the building looking down at them with a few Grim ponies sitting on the roof tops. Drool drips from their fangs as they bear them at the ponies below. Their glowing yellow eyes stare at their prey and the urge for them to hunt rises. There is silence as the two sides look at each other. One paralyzed with fear, and the other waiting for someone to make the first move.

The first move belongs to the unicorn. He aims his Bullseye as best he can and pulls the trigger. The energy the weapon fires doesn’t have much of a kick but it surprises the inexperienced unicorn. The gun barrel goes flying up and blasts of energy go flying into the air in multiple directions. Any rounds that head towards the chimera are easily dodged. The leapers shriek and jump down, landing on the unicorn and begin to bite and stab his hide. The Pegasus tosses the core and pulls up his Bullseye and starts to smack the leapers off the unicorn’s back. The unicorn barrels past the Pegasus, knocking him down. Before he could stand back up, he was face-to-face with a Grim. The Grim seemed to smile before opening its mouth and clamping down on the pegasus’ face. He screams and begs for the young unicorn to help him.

The leapers turn their attention back to the Pegasus and jump on his back and begin to tear him apart. The unicorn runs as fast as his hooves can carry him through the streets to try and reach the others. He wondered why the creatures did not give pursuit and looked back to see nothing. Blood poured from his wounds and he could hear the dying cries of his comrade. He turned his head back around and came to a sudden stop. In front of him were five Grims all ready to strike him down. Now he knew why they didn’t pursue. It was because they had already set up an ambush. He cries out for anypony nearby as a Grim charges in and crunches down on his neck. The blood flowed down his neck and soon, other Chimera approached, ready to feed.

********

The shots and screams do not fall on deaf ears. Resistance and Shining rush to the noise as quickly as they can. As they round the corner they, come across a gruesome scene. The torn apart body of the unicorn lay on the round with his eye wide open even after death and his tear-and-blood-soaked face. The Chimera on him tear flesh from his bones as they feed as quickly as they can.

Resistance shoulders his Marksman and lets loose a flurry of attacks. The Chimera were so focused on their feeding they do not notice the bolts of energy until it was too late. One by one, they are torn apart by the powerful blasts. They scream and cry out as they are ripped apart and fall all over the ground. Shining joins in and fires his Bullseye as well. His shots are less accurate, but he lands some good hits.

Soon, the Chimera are dead and Shining begins to advance to search for the other missing soldier. Resistance stops him and shakes his head. “The other is already dead. Let’s hurry back to the others and move out.”

Shining looks back at the unicorn’s body one last time before heading back with Resistance. When they reach their starting point, they could already see several of the other guards were in a furious battle with the Chimera. Several had deep wounds on their bodies, and anypony who wasn’t hurt was trying to put up a defensive circle around the wounded.

“Fuck! They set up an ambush!” Resistance said as he joined the fray. Bolts of energy flew out of his Marksman and blew a Grim off its hooves. Resistance ran to the wounded to check their conditions. They managed to avoid any serious wounds but the bite from a Grim is not just painful but deadly. Like a komodo dragon, their saliva is filled with bacteria that infects the victims’ bodies. All a Grim has to do is bite and retreat and let the infection finish its prey off. Grims are not smart enough to use this tactic and prefer to beat and smash their prey to death instead. However this bite could still take their lives if they don’t get medical treatment soon.

Shining jumps into the fight and fire his Bullseye at a group of approaching Grims. They scream and blood flows as their bodies are hit by the rounds. He runs up to the wounded and helps with the defense.

One by one, Chimera pour from the buildings onto the streets and try to over whelm the battered troops still in a defensive ring. The ground is red with blood from Chimera and ponies alike. After several minutes of savage fighting, the Chimera roar and fall back into the town to get away from the flurry of fire.

All of the troops begin to cheer in victory except Resistance that stares after the Chimera. “This is no time to cheer. They are regrouping and are preparing another assault.”

One of the soldiers still high from the adrenaline of battle steps forward. “Did you not see them fall back? We slaughtered them like they were nothing. They would be stupid to come at us again.”

“Think again. Chimera do not fear death like you and I do. They will lay down their lives just so a single one of them can get through to finish off the wounded. Do not let one victory cloud your judgment of this race of creatures. If you lower your guard for a second in their territory you will end up as their dinner.” Resistance looks at the wounded guards. “All of you who can stand need to get up. We will need as many guns up as possible if we want to make it out of this town alive. Those of you who are almost out of ammo need to carry those who can’t stand.”

As the group prepares to leave the town, many moan and groan from their wounds. Their wounds are infected and soon they won’t be able to move without assistance. If they are still in the town when they collapse they might have to leave them behind. It is the highest priority that as many of them as possible get out of this town.

The group moves as fast as it can through the streets and out of the corner of their eyes, they can see leapers watching from the roof tops, and every now and then, a Grim in a window with drool dripping from its mouth. Guns swivel back and forth, looking for a target close enough to justify the shot. Resistance leads the group with Shining close behind. Both were looking straight ahead looking for their way out of town. As they come to the way they entered the town, they find an obstacle in their way. The obstacle is a mass of sacs, each containing either a single Grim waiting for somepony to get too close or a group of leapers ready to pounce when a pony’s back is turned.

“They moved quicker than I imagined. So they did notice that I killed that Grim earlier.” Resistance whispers. He turns back to
Shining. “We need to find another way now. Do you know one?”

Shining thinks for a few seconds. “I’m gonna take a guess and think every back alleyway out of here is blocked off by those things as well which would only leave one way, the main entrance into town. Which means we are being led by them.”

“We don’t have any other choice. Okay, turn the group into a circle with the wounded into the middle and those who can fight on the outside. They will strike just before we get out of town and they will strike hard.”

“Can we wait them out?” Shining asks.

Resistance shakes his head. “No, I have placed timed explosives on several of the cores and we are rapidly running out of time. We need to move fast.”

The group retreated back to the center of town and saw that all the bodies of the Chimera were gone. The soldiers looked around in confusion wondering where they could have gone. One guard decides to voice his question. “What happened to all the bodies?”
Resistance looked from building to building before answering. “They took them, and before you ask, no they don’t bury their dead. They eat them, which will distract a few of them but most will still be waiting for us at the entrance.”

The group rushes toward the entrance as fast as their hooves will carry them. Their hooves pounded the ground trying to get out of the town before the explosives go off. The noise their hooves create does not go unnoticed. In the buildings that line the streets, the chimera feed on their dead. The sound of ripping flesh from the bones and bones being crushed in powerful jaws fills the rooms as they feed. They have no feeling towards any of the dead as a young Grim that was created from a filly rips flesh from the Grim that was once its mother. The windows in the building vibrate from the thunderous hooves outside. The Grims and leapers turn their attention away from their food and look to ambush their newest meal.

Down the main street they moved, heads swiveling back and forth, watching the windows. Adrenaline pumped through their blood as they could see the yellow eyes gazing out windows as they passed. Some could already see the teeth of the Chimera in the windows as they closed in all around them.

One Grim leaps from the roof of a nearby building and lands in front of the group, bringing it to a halt. A few more close in from behind to keep the group from falling back.

“Shit.” Resistance says as he can see more Chimera moving in and time was running out. “Armor! Take everyone and get out of here. I’ll try to create an opening!” Resistance pulls up his Marksman and shoots the Grim in the head causing brain matter to cover anything close by.

“Are you crazy, Resistance?! You won’t survive a minute with this many of them!” Armor levels his Bullseye at a Grim close by and plants some well-aimed shots into its chest, causing it to curl up on the floor and die. The rest had begun to fire back at the chimera, trying to keep the waves from overcoming their small numbers.

“Damnit, Shining, I have no time to argue with you! Just get everypony out of here!” Resistance fire his Marksman several more times and snuffs out a few more Grims and leapers. All eyes turn to him. Resistance seeing now that he has their attention starts to run down a nearby alleyway. “Come and get me, you motherfuckers!”

A roar from a Grim and just about all the chimera give chase to the lone pony with only a few staying behind to try and bring down the tiny group. Those few Chimera are finished off quickly and the squad stares down the alley where Resistance had disappeared. In the air they could hear the Marksman being fired and Resistance voice yelling out. Chimera screams also filled the air as they fell one by one to the well-trained warrior. One stallion steps forward.

“Captain? Are we going after him?” Armor just stared down the alley for a few more seconds before answering.

“We are getting out of this town just like he told us to. He has a plan and let’s just hope we will see him again.” The soldiers nod and all make their way towards the exit with each of them uttering a quiet prayer that Resistance will make it out alive.

********

“You need to keep moving.”

“You don’t say?” Behind Resistance the chimera dash and jump over obstacles trying to close the distance between them and a tasty meal.

“Ah, this is just like the good ol’ days.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call those days good ones.” Resistance doges a grim by jumping on a nearby barrel causing the grim to collide with another that was close to it. “More like terrifying and incredibly bloody.”

“You just didn’t see things from my perspective.”

“I am now considering feeding myself to the Chimera just to shut you up.” Resistance ducks under a leaper aiming for his throat.

“Shutting up.”

Down streets and alleyways, Resistance tore up the ground trying to get away from the chimera following closely behind. He was wishing that he had gotten the hang of flying, but he would only crash and burn right now if he tried. Every second he wasted was another one closer to the cores detonating. Resistance jumps into a nearby building and runs up the stairs. From behind he can hear the sound of scraping as all the chimera try to pile up the stairs at once.

On the second floor were rows of doors, and all were opened. At the end of the hallway was another window, and Resistance could see a roof on the other side. Resistance starts to book it down the hallway as quickly as he can to build up speed for the jump. As he passed each room he saw nest of leaper eggs ready to burst if anything got too close. Behind, a few Grims had managed to make their way up the stairs and were giving chase once again.

Resistance tucks in his wings and leaps through the window. The glass shatters, sending shards in all directions and raining down to the ground in a brilliant shower. Resistance spreads out his wings and reaches out with his front hooves. He glides to the next room fairly easily but tumbles on landing. The Grims attempt the same jump but only one had wings though that wasn’t saying much. What was left of the wings was a mess of feathers and flesh; those wings weren’t carrying that Grim anywhere and he plummeted to the ground. All Grims smack into the hard ground crushing their bodies on impact.

Resistance turns and starts to run across room tops for safety. He could avoid all of the chimera except for the leapers as long as he stayed on the roofs. Jump to jump he managed to avoid, and pursuing Chimera and was almost out of the town. He glances over his shoulder and sees a few Grims make it to the room and several leapers giving chase as fast as their tiny legs will carry them. Feeling confident that he had escaped, Resistance allows himself a smirk. But that feeling was short lived as a roof he was standing on gives way. Down he falls into a room and onto a kitchen table that collapses from the sudden impact. Something sharp pierces Resistance’s side, the pain nearly knocks him out. He maneuvers his body to see that it is a leg from the table and it has pierced several inches into his lower guts. Resistance had little time to worry about the wound and stood up as quickly as he could. His legs were shaking from the pain and warm blood run down his side dripping to the floor to collect in a forming puddle. His vision blurred but he stepped forward on his stumbling hooves.

A low growl comes from the corner of the room. Eyes wide Resistance turned to see that a Grim had been deeper in the house and had come to inspect what all the noise was about. Having seen the pony the Grim rushed and knocked him to the ground. The Grim roared and bit wildly in the air, trying to catch a piece of pony flesh. Resistance tried to push the Grim off, but the wood in his side was causing an immense amount of pain, and he was losing. Time was so short now and scenes from his life began to pass before his eyes. Tunnel vision started and the world started to darken around him. His eyes began to roll back into his head and his legs were losing strength. The Grim’s teeth inched closer and closer to his throat and the end of his story.

“Hey, get up. It’s not time to die yet. If you don’t feel up to this, then perhaps it’s my turn to take the wheel.”

The world suddenly snapped back into focus and Resistance placed a hoof on either side of the chimera head holding it in place. It tried to scramble and get away to no avail. Resistance applied more pressure and gave a furious roar before crushing the chimera’s head. With his teeth he rips the wood from his side and the wound closes rapidly. In a nearby mirror Resistance appearance had changed slightly. Veins showed through his fur as the blood pulsed through his body. His teeth had become sharp and needle like. His eyes were not like that of the gentle ponies anymore. No, his eyes were a deep yellow color and his pupils were like slits. His eyes where now like those of a chimera. Resistance threw his head back and released another roar and charged the door.

*SMASH!* The door splinters under the force and Resistance winds up on the main street once again. A sharp pain emanates from Resistance back and he can see a leaper had jumped on and was now trying to rip him apart. Resistance grabs the creature in his jaws and pries it from his back. The creature tries to escape, thrashes about, and attempts to stab Resistance with its tail. Resistance crushes the creature as his teeth pierce its outer shell and the softer flesh inside starts to bleed. It squirms a few more times before succumbing to death. Resistance tosses the body against a wall and turns his attention back to his exit. He barrels down the street while most chimera still search for him in buildings. Only a few notice and try to pursue him out of the town.

Just as he leaves, there is a small chirping he picks up in his ears. That noise was something he didn’t need to hear right now. Soon after the explosions started, the Chimera near the core were vaporized before they even knew what happened, and all that remained were shadows where they once stood. Others felt the instant heat and their bodies began to boil from the fire. Buildings were set ablaze and others just collapsed from the sheer force of the explosions. Chimera tried to flee but most were inside and could not get past all the others trying to leave through the same doors.

Resistance didn’t look back and put all the strength he had left into his legs and dashed as fast as he could still hearing some of the core exploding. The heat drew closer to him but he just kept running. When the heat felt too intense, he took a look over his shoulder to see the fire ball engulf him. He lets out a scream of pain and the world goes black.

-Several hours later-

“Check over there. We don’t leave until we find something to tell us what happened to him.” Shining Armor and reinforcement had approached the town now that the fire had started to die down. The blazing town still lit up the surrounding area, so they started to search for the comrade that gave them a chance to escape. They had been searching for a while and had come across a few dying Grims. They finished them off quickly and got back to work.

Shining and the others were hoping to find at least some evidence that Resistance still drew breath.

“Captain Armor!” A grunt shouted from a distance away.

“Did you find something?” Armor shouted back.

“I found him Captain! He’s in bad shape and needs a medic quick!”

Shining starts to run towards the grunts but shouts back to a few soldiers. “Go get a stretcher and some doctors quickly!”

Some ran off to complete the task as their captain approached the Pegasus stallion. He put his hoof over his mouth at the sight. Resistance’s body was badly burnt from the fire and most his feathers were missing. Most of his fur had been burnt off and his clothing torn badly. His weapon was only covered in soot but his body was so bad. Even though his wounds were so severe his chest rose slightly from his shallow breaths.

Shining armor leaned in a little. “We’re here, Resistance, don’t worry. You’re safe now.”

Inside Resistance’s mind a little voice spoke up. “Safe? There is nowhere safe as long as the Chimera draw breath. Foolish pony.”

Author's Note

Well what can I say? Been a long time everyone. This chapter was supposed to be out in November but thanks to my attention span of a rodent I-ooooooooh shiny coin! Where was I? Oh yeah hope you enjoy this chapter. It has been a long time coming. I have been working on another story and hopefully in a week or two I can post it on the site. The cover page is doe by the same artist who did the others, Bluest-Ayemel (aka DoctorTasty Beaver). Go to the good doctor's deviantart if you want to see it. Keep the Resistance strong and I hope to be back soon.

The Rise of a Pony (Revised)

Rise of a Pony

I open my eyes to find myself floating in a dark void. “So this is the afterlife huh? Pretty dull if you ask me.” I look into the dark void and begin shouting. “Come on, can’t you give me anything more interesting than this?”

*birds chirping* I give a confused look. “Well that is different, but I was hoping for something a little more…interesting.” A bright light begins to appear on the horizon. “There we go, that’s what I’m talking about.”

The light begins to expand across the sky and the world turns from black to white. “Ok, that’s pretty cool. You can stop now though I don’t want everything to be white.” The light ignores me and continues to erase any trace of darkness.

“Well, fuck you to light.” I feel a tingling sensation on my foot. I look to see that my body is being enveloped by the light. “What!? Oh nononononononono, this shit is messed up. I already died once.” I shake my foot violently in an attempt to shake the light off. The light is unaffected and continues to consume me.

“Whelp, I had a good run in the afterlife. I floated in darkness, then in light. Now I am being eaten by light itself. Good times, good times.” The light makes its way to my head and I disappear into the rest of the world.

The blinding light did not disappear however and I open my eyes again to see a tree through the front glass of my drop ship. My head is pounding and I had drooled on myself.

“Oh come on, what am I five?” I bring up my hoof and wipe the drool away.

“…wait, hoof?” I looked to where my hand should be to discover that a hoof had in fact replaced my favorite appendage.

"Ok I have had weird hallucinations, but this one takes the cake. Well I probably just took a hard hit to the head during the crash. I’m sure my brain will sort this all out in a few minutes and we can laugh about this later."

I waited for 10 minutes but the hoof remained.

"Ok ok ok keep calm keeeeeeeep calm I have been in worse situations than this. Yeah this has nothing on facing a whole group of chimera hybrids. As long as I keep calm I will find my way out of this situation." I take a deep and calming breath.

Then I proceeded to freak out.

"HOLY SHIT! WHY IS MY HAND A HOOF?!!!" I look down. “What. The. Crap............WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!!"

I look at my body to discover that I have become some sort of horse. Well technically a pony but still a small horse.

"Ok time for training to kick in. Right, just remember what you have been taught Riley," I sat for about 10 seconds. "Training never covered becoming some sort of horse; well old man Migukin said something about becoming a horse. We all just thought he was crazy and ignored him." I thought back to the old man from my childhood. He sat on his porch with a bottle whiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He called us lousy good for nothing kids and chased us off his property all the time. He said he would torment us for the rest of our lives.

He got eaten by a Howler. It was a good day.

I decided the next twenty minutes was a perfect amount of time to freak out over the sudden change of bodies. Most of the time was spent running around in circles screaming my lungs out, followed by the sound of my head pounding against the side of my ship, and ending with me in the fetal position in the corner telling myself that it’s going to be all right.

After my freak out, I knew I had to calm down. Just like in combat freaking out does not solve the problem it only makes the situation worse. I need to figure out a way to change back but I can't do that by just sitting around or losing my mind.

*sigh* "Well better do what humans do best and adapt. Now let’s take a look around and see what is salvageable," I stood up and started to walk toward the back of the ship. I was looking for my helmet that must have flown off my head during the crash.

I found the head gear by tripping over it. The cold hard ground met my soft and squishy muzzle.

"Ow, found it."

I pick the helmet and inspect it for any damage. To my surprise it is intact, not a scratch to speak of. One strange thing did stand out though, at the top the helmet has changed to allow room for my ears. Odd how that changed like that but if my body changed then so could my helmet I guess. The rest of my clothing changed very little with my new form. My shirt was designed to fit with whatever body shape decided to slip into it and the vest is adjustable so all I need to do is change it a little. The pants were uncomfortable but still manageable, if necessary. My boots and gloves however had fallen off and are waiting near the pilot seat.

Under my shirt I feel like there is a part of me being restrained. That doesn’t make any sense, what could be on my back. After removing my shirt and vest I found my answer.

“Wings, I have wings now. Well to bad for you wing, I already had my go insane time and have come to the conclusion that this is just some messed up shit. So now I have wings, why not just add a horn while you’re at it.”

The wings do freak me out just a bit but I always loved to fly around and now I get that chance again. I just have to figure out how to use them and I’m golden. I look back to the helmet in my hooves.

“Well now that I found you, better make sure the rest of the gear is all right”

I moved to the gun racks in the back to make sure everything was still secured. I inspected every weapon thoroughly but found no damage from the impact. “Well that’s good; don’t really want an energy leak in here. None of the rockets looked damage and all the ammo is still in one piece.”

While I have many choices in weaponry I can't use them all. Not because I lack the training to the weapons but I lack the fingers the weapons were designed for. The trigger guard on human weapons will make it almost impossible for me to pull the trigger with hooves. I can still use the Folsom as a spear with its bayonet attachment. But if I need fire power I will have to rely on the Chimera weapons. The only human weapon without a trigger guard is the Marksman and I have to use the ammo sparingly until I can get my…hands…hooves…whichever on more.

*growl* My stomach decides to tell me that it’s time I found something to eat. The Chimera don’t have food on their ships and I certainly didn’t bring any with me. I thought about hunting something down but ponies don’t eat meat. Unfortunate, meat is really tasty. “Guess I got to find some edible plants.”

I don't know if there are any civilizations around so I need to keep my eyes out in case there are. I think about putting my pants back on but ponies are naked anyway so why would I need them. I look to my flank to make sure that there are no reasons to put the pants back on when I notice a mark on my flank that looks like a Chimera skull with two rifles crossed underneath it. I was curious to why such a mark was there and I try to see if it’s a stain on my fur. No matter how much I rubbed, the mark stays firmly on my flank. I need to figure out later why this mark is there.

Next order of business, opening the door to the outside world. The doors to Chimera drops ships use an encryption key that is comprised of random symbols. To open up a Chimeran drop ship it takes someone who knows how the encryption locks work and an understanding of the Chimera symbols. It is a complex process that can take several months just to get the simplest of understandings. I spent some time with Dr. Malikov and was able pick up a few tricks, although I still lack a complete understanding of all the combinations. So...

"So time to hit random buttons."

After a good 15 minutes of hitting buttons, which was enjoyable, I was greeted by the fresh air. The sun was shining high in the sky and if I had to guess I would say it was around noon. I can hear birds singing and the trees are full of leaves. “Where am I exactly? The Chimera were turning Earth into an ice ball last time I checked.”

Behind the ship I saw the scar it had left in the earth with its crash landing. Trees had been broken in half by the crash and the ground had a long skid mark leading up to the ship. It would be a miracle if no one saw that crash or heard it. The ship will have to be moved to a more secure location soon, maybe a nice cave or further into the forest.

I close the hatch to my ship and lock it so no prying eyes can see its deadly treasure. The search for food began when I made my way through some bushes to see if they contained any berries. No berries to speak of, but I did find a path that is far enough from my ship that no one will be able to see it. The path has several tracks on it so it is well used making it a perfect route to get out of here. With one final glance at the ship, I head down the path.

Not long after starting my walk a small town appeared in the distance. While I am happy to see some form of civilization, I need to be careful. I don’t really know who is in charge or if they have a taste for ponies. I will leave the road and come in from the fields instead. It will take a little longer to reach the town but I need to make sure it’s safe.

While moving through the fields, I did not see anything else except for a few rabbits and birds. I wonder what the inhabitants of this town look like. Could they be human or some other form of intelligent life? I reach the outskirts of town and I still haven’t seen any of its inhabitants. I choose a dark alleyway nearby as a perfect way to get close enough to see and what I see throws me for a loop.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Ponies. Ponies live in this town and they are all the colors of the frikin’ rainbow. Some have wings, others have horns, and some have neither. It was strange to say the least. You know scratch that, this is downright bizarre. I mean ponies, really? I mean look at this, they have food carts and stores.

“This is weird, I’m going to need a- what the fuck was that?”

I just saw one of the ponies with a horn lift an apple with their horn or something. The apple was surrounded in some kind of aura, and so was the horn. That’s not possible; then again the Chimera did some pretty freaky shit with their minds. *shudder* I never want to face the mental blast from an Angel.

The ones with wings could obviously fly but they pushed clouds out of the way. It looks like they can alter the weather to their liking. That is pretty scary, if they don’t like their neighbors maybe they just make a massive storm, and send it their neighbor’s way.

The ones that are earth bound and lack horns don’t have anything to interesting about them. Whoop, false alarm. Just saw one lift a huge crate on its own. Damn they are strong, and my guess is they are the strongest. Better get more information on my targets.

I begin to inch my way through alleyways to better listen in on their conversations. As I got closer I was able to understand what they were saying to one another. It was just like any other conversation two people would have with each other. It was like any small talk you hear from humans all the time like hello, how are you doing, and oh my god a Chimera just ate my leg. Well not the last one, but I made my point.

"This is great opportunity; maybe I can blend in and begin to learn more about this pla-"

"MONSTER!" a voice screamed.

I turn to the noise to see one of the ponies pointing a hoof in my direction. I look all around me for any sign of what she was calling a monster but I don’t see anything resembling a monster. More hooves began to point in my direction and I am getting a little annoyed that don’t see this monster everyone is talking about. Before I voice my outrage at not being able to see the monster I remember one very important thing.

“Oh crap, I still have my helmet on.” Time to run away.

How can I be such an idiot to forget my helmet was on? My helmet has a mask that was designed to keep anything from getting into my lungs during combat. It does look pretty creepy so these ponies have mistaken me for a monster from their nightmares. Ironic they think I’m weird when they are strange to me. Oh well, better focus on getting back to the ship.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE MONSTER!" A voice shouted at me.

I look back and see none of the ponies following me. Strange, I thought I heard a voice. I thought I was crazy until a shadow on the ground made me look up and see one of the flying ponies has given chase. She has a blue coat and what look like rainbow hair. You could probably spot here form a mile away. She even had a rainbow blur trail following her; talk about flashy. She is fast and is covering the distance between at an incredible rate. I started using the trees in the forest to hide my movements and try to lose her.

"Bob and weave, bob and weave. I have to find a place I can get out of sight."

I made it back to the forest my ship is hiding in but my pursuer hasn’t given up just yet. I can’t lead her to my ship so I will have to run in deeper. As I made my way into a deeper part of the forest I found a good spot to hide from my unwanted fan. The small hole in the ground will hopefully provide enough cover. I jump inside and pull a nearby bush closer to cover myself just a little more. My heart was pounding in my chest from the chase and my breathing was heavy after such a long run. Listening and waiting is all I can do right now.

“So now we play the waiting game.”

It wasn’t long before the flier had reached the air above my hiding spot and began her search for me. I could hear her frustration in her shouts as she was calling me a coward for running away. Her insults aren’t that big of a deal, back in the sentinels we challenged each other all the time. I never took anyone up on their challenge unless they had a big ego that I needed to deflate. This pony has a big ego, and I look forward to the day I am able to fight her in combat and prove her wrong.

For what seems like hours the pony searches the area for me but she comes up empty. After she departs I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. “That was too close.”

*groooooooowl* "Aw crap I need to find something to eat."

With a little exploring I came across some bushes that were full of berries. They were red and looked delicious. Now what was it my granddad use to say to me? Red and sweet are good to eat but I swear by the sonnet green will make you vomit. Well these were very red so good to eat so I took a few. They were indeed very sweet but I had this feeling like I have made a huge mistake.

20 minutes later...

"Oh my stomach........it hurts."

I was back in my ship regretting ever eating those berries. My stomach felt like it was tightening and my body started to ache in several different areas. “I need help; those berries could have poisonous for all I know.”

I removed my helmet and took a look at the mask. “Is my mask really that scary? Would they even understand the reason behind it? Probably not, well I better get going before this gets any worse.”

I opted to keep my tactical vest on for comfort reasons. I believe my helmet is what scared them the most so they should not recognize my vest.

"Ooooooooh I better get some medical attention, and fast." Exiting my ship I turned towards the town that not even an hour ago I was accused of being a monster. They shouldn’t recognize me but just in case I brought the Folsom along for protection. I can't fire it but with its bayonet it will make a great spear. In my weakened state I could use all the help I can get.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHH HELP US!" I heard several voices scream.

"Ah, the universal cry of trouble," I say as I rush to the screams. So here I am going to help who knows what. The thoughts of a fight go through my mind and I wonder if I would be any help at all. If I go and get help it may be too late to save whoever is in trouble. I touch the rifle on my back to reassure myself that I help those in need.

I came to a clearing to see three little fillies surrounded by what looked like a pack of dogs standing on their hind legs. The dogs themselves are about my height with a couple just a bit taller. Their claws looked like they had been chipped away and not maintained. If they made contact with my skin it would leave a nasty cut. What caught my eye is that some had crudely made weapons such as spears and swords.

"You three ponies going to dig up lots of pretty gems. So many pretty gems for us." The leader of the pack said. He was not as big as some of the others but I’m sure he didn’t get where he is by being weak. He makes a move to grab one of the fillies and I take this chance to make my presence known.

"HEY!" I shouted.

They all turned to look at me with a bit of shock. They weren’t expecting another pony to around, especially an adult. I notice that I am out numbered 6 to 1. That’s a little unfair; perhaps I should tie a hoof behind my back. "Look another pony for us to use to find gems." They all had a smug look on their faces knowing that the odds were in their favor. Oh these bastards are in for a very rude awakening. I have killed hundreds of Chimera, what are a few stray dogs gonna do?

The three fillies looked to me with pleading eyes that just asked me to help them. I will not disappoint them.

As a side note, damn we have huge eyes.

I drew the Folsom from my back and said, "I will not allow you to take these fillies.” I pull the bolt of my rifle back, the sound of the metal slamming together causes the dogs to flinch. While I cannot fire the rifle the sound of a fresh round entering the chamber does have a physiological effect on me. It gets my blood pumping and I can feel my adrenaline flowing through my veins. "This is your only warning leave now," I said.

One of the larger dogs made a move to knock away my rifle and this is wear my training kicks in. Years of fighting the Chimera made these guys look as if they are moving in slow motion. I was easily able to dodge his attack and counter with the Folsom butt stock to the side of his head knocking him out cold. The sound produced by the impact was a satisfying crunch. The Folsom has the nickname "the paddle” because you use it to "spank" the enemy. He’s body slumps to the ground and his friends just stare with their mouths hanging open. A huge grin appears on my face.

“All right, who’s next?”

My words riled up the others and one came in to try his hand against me. Another attack from the front which I easily countered again but I was a stupid to think them unable to coordinate a solid attack. A second had hidden his attack when his comrade charged me and brought a crudely made sword to my unprotected side. The cut was deep and I could feel the sword tear rather than cut my flesh. The blood flowed from the wound like a small river. I needed to get him away before he could cause more damage. I cracked him across the face with the butt stock but I delivered a sharp stab to his right shoulder. I twist the blade to tear more flesh from bone and my opponent howled in pain. Each twist caused more blood to pour out of his body and turn the green grass red.

I was unaware the first attacker was back on his feet and was looking for a little revenge of his own. He closed the distance between us and delivered a punch straight to my gut and threw me back several feet. The punch knocked the wind out of me and forced more blood out of my wound.

“This isn’t good.” I was losing too much blood I needed to finish this quickly before I passed out.

“Oh dear, looks like someone needs my help.” A voice in my head said.

I was startled by the voice but felt a familiar connection with it. “Who are you?” I whispered quietly.

“Another time perhaps, right now you need to focus. Here, let me help you.”

*Ba-bump* My heart began to pound in my chest. Each thump was causing my whole body to shake. It was not just the adrenaline anymore, it was something completely different was moving through my blood. I could feel it beginning to make its way through my body and to my wounds. The wound was closing at an extreme rate, leaving little behind to show I was ever hurt to begin with.

I dashed forward too quickly for these dogs to react. I went for the one who wounded me; I was looking for some payback of my own. I took the bayonet of my Folsom and slashed across his body opening a wound in his gut making him howl in pain. The blood gushed like a fountain covering him and a few other dogs in blood. He rolled over on the ground clutching his wound and trying to keep his insides where they belonged. Another dog tried to surprise me from behind but I spun on my hooves delivering a strike to his guts. This one stumbled several feet back before his lunch decide to leave him in a very quick fashion. The remaining dogs took this as their cue to retreat for today. They gathered their fallen with great care as to not harm them anymore than they already were.

“We’ll be back pony. Next time we bring whole pack to deal with you.”

I spun my rifle and slammed the butt stock to the ground. “Bring it on mutt; I’ll be waiting for you and your dogs to bring me a challenge.”

They gave no response other than a glare before heading back to their homes.

After I was sure they had left I turned my attention back to the three fillies before me. They didn't look hurt but I approached them just to make sure. They began to shake with fear as I approached and I stopped before I got to close.

“Sorry you three had to see that, no one as young as you three should have seen that. I only fought to protect you and me.”

Before I could continue my body suddenly froze up. The combination of berry poisoning and the virus using a lot of energy to close the wound has finally caught up to me. The three fillies had concerned looks on their faces as they saw me shake a little. I give them a reassuring smile. “So, are you three hurt?”

They shook their heads.

I nod at them. "Good, I'm gonna pass out now."

So I did.

Author's Note

Here you go, revised chapter 2 enjoy.

New Cover Pic

Sorry this isn't a story update but you just got one so no complaining. I just wanted to set a chapter aside to thank my friend for making an awesome cover pic for me.

This is the main character in pony and human form. Look closely and you will see many details he added to each of them. Including the golden eyes of the Chimera virus.

He did another one for me as well and it deserves to be shown. You will have to use the link below to see it but it is awesome.

Second cover pic

Here is a link to his deviantART account. His stuff is really good so go check it out.

Doctor Tastybeaver Deviant art