Chapter 1
“Ugh…” Getting up from the beach that housed the wreckage of K.R Zero Twenty (King Raven); a muscular Gear stood up. Getting his bearings, Carmine noticed his helmet was missing. Scanning his surroundings for his trusty helmet, after a second of searching the beach’s sand it came into view. He squatted down to retrieve it, wiping off the water with his wrist-which revealed an abrasion made by a Longshot round-he reacquainted it where it longed to be, on his blonde hair covered dome. A feeling of safety washed over his body, his helmet had saved him from death’s vice many times in the past. Fucking Stranded… couldn’t tell a Leviathan from a cat fish. He thought, remembering the time when Cole, Sam, Baird and he, himself went to Hanover to scavenge for supplies. He smiled underneath his helmet at the fond memories. A groan interrupted his reminiscing; Carmine turned towards the wreckage-where the voice originated from-and spotted the pilot of the Raven sprawled on the beach apparently still alive. He waltzed over to the downed Gear and lifted him to his feet.
The sounds of Gorasni’s air support filled the air. Guess we won; wish I coulda beat the living shit out of that bitch Queen. Carmine thought grimly. Remembering he was still on the beach he raised his arm and waved those towards his position to get a ride back to the buildings.
A helicopter’s driver had spotted the two and began its descent on the beach. Touching down on the sand, Carmine hefted the pilot’s arm over his shoulder and began walking towards it at a slow pace. A cough emitted from the Gear he was supporting.
“Hey man, you okay?” Carmine asked his fellow brother in arms.
“I just survived a helicopter crash,” the Gear replied with a little irritation in his voice. “I think it’s okay to cough a little.” Jeez, don’t have be such an asshole about it… Carmine retorted in his thoughts. An awkward silence ensued as he lifted the man-with ease-into the chopper. Carmine followed suit, standing in the COG helicopter Clayton took a seat. He was met by the friendly face of Sam Bryne. Sam smiled at him then turned her attention to the Gear next that had just coughed again.
“Hey buddy, are you alright?” Sam asked with genuine concern. The Gear repeated what he had said to Clayton earlier; Sam frowned and leaned closer to Carmine. “Wow, what a dickwad.” Sam insulted the Gear with venom in her words. “Yeah, tell me about it.” He agreed with a nod.
“So, how was the beach?” She said hoping to strike a conversation.
“Well, the service was complete shit, but the locals were very friendly.” He said with sarcasm. Sam couldn’t help but let out a light giggle. Something to treasure now a days. Carmine actually liked Sam; she was smart, humorous, intelligent and shared his hatred of the Locust. But the most important thing was she could actually shut Baird up. The woman of his dreams, Ma would’ve loved her.
“Hey. Hey!” Sam said, attempting to gain her fellow squad mate’s attention. Carmine shook his head and gazed upon her. “Day dreamin’ of me, aren’t cha?” Sam teased. Carmine blushed; lucky for him his helmet prevented her from seeing his embarrassment.
H-how did she know? She’s a mind reader? Pfft, wouldn’t count on it bud. Carmine was puzzled on how she was able to “read” his thoughts.
Sam put her glove covered hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. “You know I was just kidding right?” Sam reassured him.
She’s kidding. She’s just kidding. Of course she’s kidding; no one can actually read minds. Smooth move Clay, c’mon say something. Say something dammit! He let out a light chuckle. Whatever, good enough.
“Well, looks like we’re here Carmine.” Sam had announced.
The swooshing of the K.R slowly died down. Glancing out of door Carmine realized they had reached their destination, some facility looking structure. Sam was the first to get out; Carmine’s eyes gazed at her slender curves but he quickly shook his head and mentally slapped himself, for he had remembered what his Ma had taught him about respect. Lowering his head to exit the Raven he caught up to the southern islander. Glancing at his fellow squad member Clayton wondered what they were doing here. Realizing that he wasn’t getting any answers from his mind he decided to ask Sam about it.
“Hey, uh, Sam, what are we doing here?” Clayton question, hoping she knew as well. “Well, I was on my way here but the pilot spotted you and decided you could use a lift,” Sam said, not answering his question. “Oh, we’re going to meet up with Cole and that arsehole Baird. ‘Suppose to clean up any of the Grubs left, starting with this place.” Sam answered, finally. Clayton smiled under his helmet at this information. More Grubs to kill? Nice! Today was going to be a good day for Clayton.
~-~-~
Sam and Carmine were strolling down the hallways of Azura’s source of camouflage, still searching for their two teammates. A shocking revelation came to Carmine as he did not bear any weapons. Yes, he could make any he confronted Locust regret they ever met him with his brute force, but it didn’t hurt to have a face full of Gnashed buckshot in their ugly face just in case things went south. Scanning the gory bodies of Grubs’ he found his first weapon, a Longshot sniper rifle.
Why were those Grubs using snipers indoors? Remembering that they were Locust, he brushed that thought aside. Besides, anything or anyone that could kill the Grubs was a friend of his. Not soon after he spotted his best friend: the Gnasher shotgun. He bent over and retrieved it. Satisfied with his load out, he jogged to Sam and began the search once more.
After about another fifteen minutes of patrolling the elegant and body ridden halls of Azura the two Gears heard a pair of familiar voices.
“I told you already, that there are Jacuzzis here!” That voice sounded like an irritated Baird. “Yeah, well the Cole Train ‘ll believe it when he sees it!” The other voice was obviously none other than the Thrashball super star: Augustus Cole. Hearing the friendly voices, Carmine and Samantha sped their pace to a jogging motion.
“Hey, when do ya think Sam’s gon-”Baird’s sentence was interrupted by a noise coming from behind them. Turning around they were met by the friendly faces’ of the rest of their squad mates.
“Well, finally decide to show up Samantha?” Baird asked with a hint of annoyance. “Oh and hey! Cole, look whose back from the dead!” Baird added pointing to Carmine.
“Well shit… you are one tough son of bitch, Carmine.” Cole complemented, glad that he didn’t lose another teammate. Carmine just waved his hand at the two. Looking past them Clayton saw a large metallic door, unlike the fancy wooden ones from the corridors behind them.
“So, are we just gonna lollygag or are we gonna do our jobs?” Asked Sam whom was feeling impatient with her team at the moment.
“Well, if you didn’t take so long maybe we would have been done by now. Hmm?” Baird said in his signature smartass tone. Sam was going to cuss Baird out but Cole spoke up before she would have the chance to.
“Alright, alright, ladies break it up. Now, we gotta get in ‘n search for any surviving Grubs and then we can hit the Jacuzzis! Woooooo!” Cole finished with his signature cry. Cole quickly opened the door and the rest followed weapons at the ready.
Well, I could use a nice bath. And some bacon. Mmm, bacon. Carmine’s mouth drooled at the thought of his favorite crispy food.
~-~-~
This whole “mission” had been a disappointment for Carmine. About halfway through the “Maelstrom Facility” -as Baird called it- Clayton spots a large cylinder with a lever on the side of it.
The battle between curiosity and common sense commences. One side of his consciences he should pull the lever, the other says he should just leave and get back to his team. Thinking about it for a couple more seconds he decides to pull the lever.
Slowly walking up to the lever, Carmine clutches the handle firmly and pulls down. Nothing.
Well, that was anticlimactic. Sorta hoping here that something was gonna happen. Oh well. Clayton thought somewhat disappointed that nothing had happened.
He turned around and took one step forward but stopped. Suddenly, the floor began to vibrate. Carmine spun around to glimpse at the machine he had just activated. It was emanating a vibrant white light; Carmine was in awe to say the least.
“Mother…” He muttered before he attempted to sprint away.
Holy shit… what the fuck did I just do?!? He began thinking as he began to pump his legs to get the hell out of there. Shit shit shit shi- Clayton’s figure was unexpectedly engulfed in a white light. First his vision blurred then everything went dark. He was now in an endless void of black.
~-~-~
Sprinting to the origins of all the commotion in the next room, the three Gears were astonished when they found out that nothing was out of place, except Carmine.
“Bloody hell… where the hell did Carmine go? He was just here a second ago!” Sam said, worried that her friend had disappeared.
“Shit, does this mean we have to spend more time here looking for him? I mean this is already a waste of time since there are no Grubs here.” Baird added, and was rewarded with an elbow to the ribcage by Sam. “Ow! Hey, what was that for?” Complained Baird, confused on why he was assaulted.
“Hey dickhead, open your eyes. One of our own is missing, and we have to find ‘em” Samantha said simply so Baird could get the idea.
Cole decided to pipe up seeing as they were doing more arguing than searching. “Well, we ain’t gonna find ‘em arguing and standing her! Let’s get movin’!” Cole attempted to get his teammates moving. The three soldiers started a slow jog out of the room and started their search.
~-~-~
Once more Clayton felt himself drained of all strength and the will to get up. His eyes fluttered open and his vision became clear. He was astonished at what he was staring at. Trees and grass-that aren’t dead or withering away- and little bunnies (that were running away from him…)! Once more the Gear stood up. Taking in the immersive sight in front of him, he began to take in his current situation.
Oh man… where the hell am I? And why is it so fucking cartoony? Where in Sera am I? Wait… am I even on Sera. I have to be? Right? Maybe I’m dead. Fucking stupid-ass me having to go and mess things up. Well, at least I can see Benjy, Ant and Ma. Many thoughts on the situation were running through his mind.
To test his theory that he was indeed dead, reached for his back but felt his weapons still equipped on his back. Still not convinced he’s alive he slides his right hand inside his armor. There he feels three COG tags. Two of them belonged to his deceased brothers: Anthony and Benjamin. He reaches further down into a concealed pocket and picks out a plastic bag. Unlike the COG tags, the contents of the bag could be stained my blood, hence the bag. Inside there were many folded letters that Benjamin, Anthony and Ma wrote to him.
If I was dead, how can I still have these? Proving his theory false he realized to what extent his fatigue brought him.
Yawning, he decided he would go to the nearest tree and take a little nap.
Sitting in the shade of nature’s oxygen bringers, he closes his eyes.
~-~-~
A certain timid Pegasus was tending to her animals but was interrupted by a pack of bunnies scampering forwards her. She smiled, but it quickly turned to a frown to see that they were obviously terrified.
In a soft, concerned, mother like voice. “Oh my! What’s wrong friends?”
A brown coated bunny creature hops forward, and points its paw toward the open field behind them.
“I-it’s over there?” The bunny nodded. “Well, alright, I’ll go and check.” She was a little hesitant at first, but when she glanced at the bunnies she knew that whatever was over there was bad. With that Fluttershy was off to see what scared those animals half to death.
Arriving to the clearing that the bunny directed her to, she did not see anything besides the usual: grass and trees. She decided to investigate further, just to be sure. Since there was obviously no one in the field she decided to check the trees.
Trotting cautiously, Fluttershy hears what she believes is snoring. Although it doesn’t sound like normal snoring, instead it sounds almost distorted. Now scared, the cream colored pegasus is starting to feel regret coming here.
Looking at each trees’ base, she finds nothing. But the snoring is getting louder as she progresses her search. After a minute there is only one more tree to check. Gulping, Fluttershy peers around the corner and was terrified at what she saw.
There, sitting against the tree’s trunk was a bipedal creature. In what appeared to be a helmet and armor that had blue lights emitting in certain spots. It didn’t have any fur on its body (or what she could tell what was its body) instead it was replaced by skin-which possessed a light peach tone- looking at its fore hooves she noticed the arms were very muscular. As she moved in front of it she read the words: Grub Killer. Horrified at the writing she let out an ‘Eeep!’ she quickly put a hoof to her mouth to stifle her noise.
About to run away she remembered her animals and how frightened they were of this thing. Erasing all fear with determination-going against every sane thought-Fluttershy reached one of her frontal hooves to lift the creature’s helmet up...
Author's Note
Alright, first chapter of my first fic. I would like to say thank you for taking time to read my story. I am willing to take in all constructive criticism.
Chapter 2: At the End of the Day
Chapter 2: At the End of the Day
Slowly reaching out to mysterious creature’s metallic and luminous helmet Fluttershy began to have doubts if this was the right way to go about this situation. But those poor innocent bunnies seemed so scared of this, I have to know what it is! She thought giving a silent sigh of reassurement. Perhaps if Fluttershy was not in such distress at the moment she would have noticed the rhythmic breathing of the creature change slightly to a controlled pattern.
Finally after what seemed like an eternity the hoof, shaking slightly, found its place under the headgear slowly lifting. After a second or so of carefully lifting, Fluttershy had seen a dirty and furless chin and mouth and she seemed to be revealing what looked like a nostril. Wait… but those poor, innocent, bunnies were terrified of this thing, but it has a nose, mouth, chin, like us, but a different shape and its not covered in fur. Oh I wonder if it can talk! Fluttershy’s nervousness was instantly perished in discovery of the strange being’s features and was now replaced with curiosity.
=*=*=
“Hmmm… what ar-” Fluttershy was cut off as one of the arms quickly swiped the hoof that was lifting the helmet off. Clayton pushed the pony backwards sending it tumbling in an attempt to gain some type of advantage in the encounter.
Carmine quickly stood up and pushed his helmet back down so that his eyesight would not be obstructed anymore. Fight or flight instincts quickly kicked in, he raised his clenched fist and searched for whoever was messing with him. C’mon, Clay, you know the basics of CQC so this should be no problem, you’re just gonna fuck up whoever was fuckin’ with you. Well, once you find them that is. He did not see anything in front of him, so naturally he gave up. He bent over to retrieve his rifle until he was met with a horrified face, well, terrified is more the word now.
“Ah! God damn thing, you scared the livin’ fuck outta me heheh,” Clay chuckled as he realized how cute and adorable the yellow thing at his feet was. Usually, the soldier was much more questioning about creatures he met, because well, things just loved to devour you on Sera, but this seemed different, besides it looked pretty adorable. Squatting down, Clay received an audible ‘peep’ out of the yellow thing as it began to hide behind its rosy mane. “Aw, look at this cutie right here, who’s a cute widdle… uh thing, you are, yes you are!” Clay was giggling, at this point, it’s been a while since he met an animal that he didn’t kill because A, they needed it for food, and B, it was trying to kill him.
Using his large, partially gloved he began petting the thing. stroking its head and scratching its ear. Man, this thing is really getting into the petting, like it’s panting and purring, but it’s not a cat or it doesn’t look like one… eh whatever it’s not like it’s trying to eat me so it’s pretty cool with me. Clay sat back down abandoning any plan of leaving, he still wanted to relax for a bit since relaxing peacefully was a rarity. Leaning his back against the tree, he picked up the thing that now grew quite a blush on its yellow furred cheek, and placed it on his lap. It froze itself in place, most definitely startled, until Clayton resumed the petting. After another minute of glorious massaging of the head, it opened its eyes and looked at Clayton.
“Um, excuse me, Mister, thank you for the massage it felt, really good, but um, uh… what are you?” The yellow coated creature spoke softly, and with uncertainty.
“Did you just talk, Thing?”
“Um… yes? I’m sorry if that bothers you…” Again it spoke, softly and little disheartened. “And my name is, uh, Fluttershy…” She introduced herself while stepping off of the bipedal and sitting on her haunches looking at the strange being.
“Fluttershy? That’s your name? Strange name, but eh, a name’s a name I guess.” Clayton said surprisingly calm for just meeting a talking animal. “Well, nice to meet ya, Fluttershy, I’m Clayton Carmine.” Sticking out his hand for a hand/hoof (?) shake.
She happily accepted his hand with the weird things that looked like claws but they were much more blunt. Noticing that this new found creature, named Clayton, have some manors eased Fluttershy’s nervousness and brought a slight grin to her face.
“So… um, what are you? If you don’t mind me asking,” Fluttershy asked while Clayton crossed his legs.
Slightly confused at the question Clayton answered. “I’m ya know, a human, with the hands and fingers?” He chuckled slightly, as he extended his arms waving his digits showing Fluttershy. “So, what about you I’ve never seen uh, thing, like you, talk or look like that before.” He asked intrigued.
“Um… I’m a pegasus pony,” She says, slightly extending her left wing to show the human.
Pony? Talking? Pegasus? Wings? Well that’s pretty fuckin’ neat. But yeah, this place has got to be one of those weird ass islands down south, probably uncharted too. Clayton logically came to a conclusion with himself and his current situation. ‘sides I’m too damn tired to freak out, I mean I didn’t even get a good rest, and I did survive a Raven crash, and I mean that nap was sorta interrupted by Flutter- ohh, she must’ve been messing with me, aw shit I hit her um, hoof, yeah hoof.
Manors kicking in Clayton put his attention to Fluttershy instead of his own thoughts. “Hey uh, Fluttershy,” He said getting her attention. “Um, sorry ‘bout ya know, smacking your hand, I sorta get defensive if someone’s messing with me while I sleep sorta an instinct I learned when I was a kid.” Fuckin’ Anthony, always fuckin’ with me with his fuckin’ markers and fuckin’ food coloring.
Fluttershy had almost forgotten about that due to the magnificent petting she had received by Clayton. “Oh, um, it didn’t hurt and I was just a little startled by it and uh, I don’t think I should have tried taking your helmet thing off, I’m sorry for doing that.” She apologised looking at the ground, a bit disappointed that her curiosity overcame her manners.
“Shit, I’m just glad you weren’t trying to eat my sorry ass.” he snorted trying to break the tension he built.
Fluttershy grimaced at the comment, somewhat shocked but still keeping her posture. “ Um, Mr. Clayton if you don’t mind me asking but how did you get here, um, it’s just that, well I’ve never seen a, um…”
“Human, and well I was raised in none other than Jacinto, probably way up north from here” Clayton said helping the pony find the word it was looking for.
“Yeah, that. So you didn’t come from the Everfree Forest?” Another sense of relief washed over Fluttershy as she let out a sigh.
“Uh, that place?” He turned his back and pointed at the dark forest behind him. The yellow pony nodded answering his question. “No, that place looks pretty fuckin’ cool though. Maybe I should check it out sometime,” Clayton said as his curiosity kicked in. “Actually, I came from right there,” He said pointing a finger to the middle of the meadow.
“Uh, in the middle of the meadow?” Fluttershy asked, slightly confused.
“Yep.”
“But um... how? That doesn’t really make sense?” She asked, her confusion only deepened.
After about an hour or so of explaining his situation, with the facility and that damn machine he finished explaining how he got here and only that, he hadn’t mentioned anything about the Locust or the Lambent. He even explained more about him, who he is as a soldier. You know, now that I’ve said what happened to me out loud it sounds fucking stupid… like super fucking stupid, it doesn’t even make sens-
“Um… I’m sorry, but I don’t really… well, um, understand what you said, about you getting here, I’m sorry it is just, strange…” Fluttershy said, her words getting softer as she feared she irritated Clayton with her inability to understand what he was talking about.
“Heh. you know what, Fluttershy, I don’t even know what the hell happened. I mean at the end of the day I’m just glad I’m not fighting for my life again, I mean this place seems pretty alright.” He said, Fluttershy seemed taken aback by his statement leaving an awkward silence between them. Why would he have to be fight for his life? Maybe it’s… it is dangerous! Speculations ran through the yellow pony’s mind but quickly she extinguished all fear. But that’s not right, I can’t assume that it is, it has been talking to me for quite some time without doing anything but swear… but they are the really bad ones...
“Oh my, it’s getting late… ohhh, Angel must be so worried about me!” Fluttershy said out of no where, realizing how dark the sky had become during the long discussion with the human. She quickly got up on all fours, she took a step in the direction of her little enclave and immediately stopped remembering her new found creature just sitting there against a tree.
“Oh my, I’m so sorry, I-I was just worried about my bunny Angel, it’s been a while since I’ve left my house and…” An idea popped in her head almost immediately. “Um… do you have a place to stay Mr. Carmine?”
“Heh, I’ve grown pretty attached to this tree, don’t worry I’ll be fine here, you go back home,” He insisted patting the bark of the tree.
“Oh… um, okay. If you say so, Mr. Carmine... are you sure?” Fluttershy said slightly defeated.
“I’m sure,don’t worry, really, I can take care of myself, I’m a big boy,” he snorted waving her off. “See ya, Fluttershy, it was nice meetin’ ya!”
Still slightly worried, Fluttershy smiled at the human and said her goodbyes and began her little journey back to her house.
=*=*=
After a minute the pony he had just met disappeared, leaving him and his rifle and shotgun to their thoughts. Well, she was pretty nice, a bit awkward but eh, she was actually really nice. Sighing, Clayton began to gaze at the sky, he saw bright stars materialize before his eyes. Man, the stars look really pretty tonight. Clayton has always seen stars, but for some reason this was different, definitely a new feeling, he couldn’t quite fathom it, but it was nice.
Wherever this place is, it doesn’t seem that bad, nothing’s has tried to kill- Clayton’s thoughts came to a halt as he heard snarling coming from behind him, he grabbed his rifle in haste and stumbled to his feet turning his attention to the noise that emitted from the forest. Staring at the dark, 6 pairs of green eyes began popping in from the darkness simultaneously.
Gulping, Clayton prepared himself for the worst, not worrying on what the beast or beasts are but rather how he was going to defend himself. Slowly they inched towards the human, until they’re forms’ materialized out of the darkness the forest created. First the wooden snouts emerged, then the bodies followed suit. Six wooden wolves stood in front of the Gear, snarling and ready to attack. Their height reached to about his stomach and their length seemed to reach about four feet. But the one in the middle reached probably reached his chest and was about a couple feet longer than the others.
“The fuck-” Mid sentence the one farthest on the left began running towards Clayton at full speed, it pounced on the soldier sending him on his back with a furious animal now on top of him attempting to sink its wooden teeth in Clayton. Recovering quickly the soldier extended his arm and wrapped his hand around the neck of his attacker, with a firm grip he laid his other hand on the grass and pushed himself up into a standing position. Standing with the wooden wolf, who was still attempting to gnaw at the soldier, in his right hand, Clayton loomed over the five other wolves. Two of them began to make their way over to Clayton but stopped halfway and began circling him, toying with him.
Taking one last breath Clayton tightened his grip on his right hand until it crushed the wolf’s throat leaving it lifeless and motionless. He released his clenched fist letting the husk of the wooden wolf drop to the meadow. The two circling Clayton stopped and stared at their fallen brethren, they began snarling again and decided to inch closer to Clayton who had picked up his trusty lancer. Grabbing the lever on the side of the barrel he pulled it down revving the mounted chainsaw up. Smoke emitted from the side as the sinister blades began to move, hungry for a victim.
“C’mon, fuckers, bring it!” Clayton taunted as the two sprinted towards him again, seeking revenge.
One stayed its course and was looking to pounce as the other began to flank the human. Pouncing, extending its surprisingly sharp wooden claws it was met with the blades that longed for something to sever. As the blades tore through the bark of its adversary Clayton drove the wolf onto the ground, yelling he pushed the blades into the wolf’s neck, after a few seconds of revving and bark snapping the beast had finally stopped its movements. Taking the weapon out of his defeated foe Clayton looked up in surprise as he saw all three of the remaining wooden wolves leaping towards him. Two of the creatures hit their mark sinking their into Clayton’s exposed flesh, Clayton sank to his knees as the thrashed his arms with their jaws.
“AHHHHHHH!” Clayton screamed in pain as the nerves in his body sent their signals of pain to his brain.
As the blood seeped out of the plugged holes in the COG’s skin, he looked up to see the largest wolf out of the pack, methodically step towards him, one paw in front of the other, until it was snout to face with Clayton. Raising it’s claws, ready to struck, it gave a final growl at Clayton and brought it’s sharp claws down on Clayton’s clothed stomach, creating four lacerations across the human’s abdomen. It seemed that the strike had not finished their prey.
Both of the wolves that held Clayton’s arms released their jaws and began backing up, for their Alpha was about to finish of their prey. Carmine still on his knees, groggily looked up and the claw winding up again preparing for the finishing blow. With one final push of strength Clay grabbed the Alpha’s throat just like the first wolf and stood up with a battlecry. He gripped this wolf tighter than the first, as it clawed his right arm the Cog lifted the beast up and slammed it into the dirt causing it to yelp in pain and struggle. Raising his boot, Clayton took a final look at his attacker he stomped his feet down on the creature. The sounds of branches breaking and scampering came after that. The soldier sank to his knees again, his eyesight began to blur, but he did see the other two wolves running away.
“Fuck…” he whispered as he finally collapsed, crimson soaking the earth, corpses of the wolves surrounded him.
Author's Note
It may have taken a year for me to finally get back to this, which I apologies again for. Here we are! I hope you enjoy this chapter the fight scene was real fun to make! Point out any errors and all that, and give me your thoughts I really wanna hear them! Thanks!
