Rise

A story by somedude726

RISE

Chapter 9: The Roads of Canterlot

It was as if time slowed down, that very moment. The soldiers watched in awe as their fellow Echo member did the unthinkable. It was something you just wouldn't do in a situation like that, but he did it. Through the rain and fog, it did make the enemy's rounds a bit off-center, but that wasn't really much of an excuse for what he did. Rockets blown away the dirt around them, and a line of .50 caliber fire kept the Echo Team suppressed into their cover. All to protect the bomb. When it detonated, they would go down with Echo, and of course, the bomb itself. The nuke would destroy everything in its path, and they were just outside the city of Vancouver. Not for him, though. It was indeed stupid what he was attempting, but just like his squad member said, it was an idea.

The brave soldier flipped himself over the table and dashed to a nearby piece of cover. Rounds actually paused for a moment, either in pure confusion or guns heating. The soldier rushed up against a shelf, putting his back to it and taking deep breaths.

"Fuck this. Echo, let's move!" a soldier shouted, pulling the same move, running to the same cover as their friend.

The two soldiers now standing behind a large wooden shelf, rounds began to fire again. Once more, hot .50 calibers surrounded each soldier. The cover of their last squad members was cracking, about to be destroyed. Not good.. a soldier thought. He glanced over at the timer on the bomb in the middle of the warehouse, and just a few feet away from them.

"FIFTEEN FUCKIN' SECONDS!"

He yelled to his squad, before trying to get a plan together.

"What do we do, Echo-Four!?" the soldier next to him yelled.

"I got it, hold on!"

***

Alpha Squad moved through the trees and bushes, cutting low branches and vines. A small opening began to enter their vision, as they stopped for a moment to scan the area. Looking around with their IR goggles and weapons, they could only see trees and moss. After confirming they were alone, the squad continued moving into the clearing, taking slow steps.

After a few more moments, they had reached the edge of the trees and could now see the clearing without anything obstructing their view. It was quite small, but just as Carver said, there was a hut right in the middle. It was tiny, perhaps just big enough for one room. Masks littered the area around it, and large windows were on each side. The grass was somewhat green around it, a nice opposition to the dead, black blades throughout the trees. Motioning for the soldiers to follow, Sarge crouched down and walked slowly over to the hut.

The five got to the front door, and took glances inside the windows. Not wanting to be spotted, they only looked for a second, not giving them much time to see. It was somewhat dark inside, and without binoculars, it was hard to see inside. Sarge went right in front of the door, and the rest of the squad stood behind him, waiting for his go. He signaled a short countdown as he aimed his weapon at the door.

'3.'

'2.'

'1.'

Sarge attempted to kick open the door, as the squad raised their weapons. Except, the door didn't budge. It was locked shut. Signaling for the soldiers to back away, Sarge tried another tactic. This time, he put some distance between himself and the door, before breaking into a sprint at the door, and did a small jump as he kicked at the hinges of the door once more. Once again, it didn't budge. This was odd, considering Sarge had done numerous breaches before, doing this exact kick. The door would usually fly off the hinges and inside the room, and that's when his squad would move in and take out the hostiles if there were any. Sarge had another idea, but his thoughts were halted as the five suddenly heard a voice from within the hut.

"Why must you smash, when the door could crash?"

It was a female voice, and had an accent to it. Whoever it was spoke in a rhyme, however, it was as if they had meant to. After the voice spoke, they heard steps coming to the door. But, it sounded off. It didn't sound like what they'd usually hear. Oddly enough, it sounded as if it was a set of four, which didn't seem right to the soldiers.

After a moment, the door opened.

"What in the fucking shit fuck."

"Please excuse while I fall over and die."

"Well this is different than what I was expecting."

"I KNEW IT!"

"Why is there a little cute zebra thing at the door? Wait-- oh. It fainted."

The soldiers stepped away from the now-opened entrance. Inside the hut, was just as they thought, what seemed to be a little zebra. Carver was right, there was indeed a zebra in the hut. And it just fainted. It definitely didn't look like a zebra they had seen before, it was much smaller. Around four feet, maybe. It looked cartoon-ish? The eyes on it were huge, and the fur didn't seem as heavy. It wasn't natural, in their eyes, why, it looked like it'd be from something children watched.

"Okay, well, I am officially scared. You guys go ahead and do things, I'm gonna work on getting the hell outta here." Kendrick spoke before walking away from the hut.

"Fuckin' hell, let's move out squad." Sarge backed away from the zebra and closed the door, before examining the area once again.

"Sarge! There's a path here."

***

"Wait, stop, stop! I'm not gonna eat you!"

"How should we trust you!?"

"Oh, I dunno, maybe the written letter from the goddamn Princess?"

"You probably fabricated that with your weird hoo-mayn magic!"

"I don't even have magic!"

Stepping outside was not a good idea. Ponies here aren't exactly as accepting as Ponyville. I, currently, have a mob of ponies chasing me because I'm an alien. As soon as I walked into the main area of the town and got noticed, they ran after me. So what do I do?

The only idea anyone would do-- Engage Assassin's Creed mode.

I put all my energy into my legs and thrust myself forward with each step. I needed to go as fast as I could, the ponies actually had torches and pitchforks. I ran through the streets, sidestepping around other ponies on the street as they just added more to the ranks of the mob. Unicorns, thankfully, couldn't magic me over to them, or them to me. I think they were busy holding weapons or maybe too focused on catching up? Pegasi were just about right on my tail, however. My non-existent one, anyway. I have a feeling I'd probably offend some ponies by saying that. Wait, why am I thinking about what I should say around ponies?

I noticed a restaurant to my left, with a big apple on it. I would assume it is an apple place. Anyway, it was on the corner of a T-intersection, and I could either go left or right. Left-- restaurant, buildings around the same size, eventually opening into a bit more space. Right-- A dead end with dumpsters around. Huh. A left sounds about right. Wait.

Whatever. I ran to the alleyway behind the restaurant. Oh, yeah, you know what I'm doing. Conveniently enough, there were some cardboard boxes in the alley, that led to a pipe, of which led to the roof. The flat roof. Yeah, let's do this. This is stupid. Stop it. Shut up brain. I ran into the dark alleyway as the boxes got closer in my sight. The alley was quite narrow, causing a bit of trouble for the mob, making them have to adjust so they aren't completely overwhelming each other. Ha. I got to the boxes, and started my climb. Yep, climb.

You are going to fall. Don't do that. I successfully executed a high jump, bending my knees and goddamn landing on the boxes perfectly. There were like three medium sized boxes there, and they were full I believe, or at least from what I can tell about the top one. The mob stopped for a sec and just looked shocked at the jump I did, like no one could-- oh right. Ponies most likely can't jump like that. Hell, I didn't even think I'd be able to make it. I turned to the metal pipe, and jumped right to it. Thankfully it wasn't necessary to do a high flying-jump again, and it was kinda easy. Did I ever mention that I climbed before? Well that'd be a lie. I'm just trying to give myself confidence. This is the first time I've ever did parkour. Shit.

I awkwardly climbed up the pipe, with a bit of trouble getting my legs up, but got up nonetheless. It led to the roof, to which I extended my arm to the edge and grabbed onto it. Taking a quick look down, I had noticed the unicorns were now trying to use their magic, if their lit up horns meant anything. And the pegasi were now flying up to me. Oh. I swung my other arm over to the edge, and pushed myself up and toward the roof. I put all my weight into my now-burning arms, and raised myself up. Finally, I was able to get my leg up, and so I swung that over, and flipped myself up. I rolled to the roof, and-- wait, rolled to the roof?

It would appear that you are on a roof.

I am on a rooftop. Oh shit. Let's do this?

Yes, yes, let's do this.

To my left were a ton of buildings, stores, other restaurants and such. All with small crevices between them. Ahead that way was the square, the center of town. Alright, well, let's go! I took a quick look behind me to see that some of the pegasi were already up the roof, and unicorns were popping into place, or teleporting whatever. I went back to face the buildings, and broke into a sprint. The building was pretty big actually, so I had some time to get some speed. The wind blew past my face as I ran, behind me and all around. The breezy winds alongside the warm weather was something to die for, when put next to Earth's weather. I was running for my life-- but I never felt more alive.

Eventually I came to the ledge of the rooftop and knew I need to do this now. I need to keep moving. I can't stop this run, I have to keep going! Once I was at the edge, I let myself be controlled by adrenaline and started the jump. I crouched down, closed my arms closer to me, and as the mob started to corner me... I jumped.

I extended my legs out with all my strength, and did a Superman pose as I flew over the gap, and onto the next building. I rolled a bit before getting myself together, sitting on the ground. The entire mob came to a standstill after seeing what I just did, all of the ponies completely shocked. There were a few pegasi that just stayed floating in the air, and some ponies who couldn't climb just sitting there staring. Well, they're gonna start coming after me again, so, I decided to keep going. Getting back up on my feet, I turned to see the buildings of Canterlot. The roof I was on was smaller, maybe half the size of the restaurant, while the next one was just about the same size-- but higher up. Meaning I'd have to do another high jump, while going forward, making the whole jump much harder.

I was losing breath, but I didn't let myself be stopped. I once again rushed forwards to the next building, and I could hear the flapping of pegasi wings. I came to the ledge quicker than last time, and well, if I wanted to escape, I had to do the same thing. And so I did. I completed the same whole thing again, crouching my legs and closing my arms.

"Come here, you thing! Why don't you go back to your own world!?" I heard one pegasus yell, almost cutting off my attention as I started to pass the gap. But I didn't let them. I leaped upwards, doing the same Superman pose, and reached my hands out as far as I could, as they got more and more tired. Soon enough, I finally made it to the ledge of the next building, hanging off the end with my hands. Crap, come on, gotta get up. I put my weight into my arms, and slowly pushed myself up. As much as I hated to acknowledge, I was getting tired.

I could feel my legs being tugged on. I was being pulled away, but I kept pushing forward. I took a look back, and seen a blue pegasus hovering behind me, grabbing on my shoe with their teeth. Not long after, more came up behind me and started the same thing.

"Why won't you leave me alone!? I don't want to be here either! Leave me alone!" I yelled, as my grip loosened. I need to get away!

"Well who do you think you are!? You're an alien, you aren't even from this world!" the blue pegasus retorted, letting me know it was female. Yeah, didn't know otherwise, didn't get a good enough look.

"I didn't fucking try! I was brought here! By something from, here! Your damn ponies stole me from my home! I didn't ask for this!" I was being taken away. I couldn't go on any longer. My right hand fell from the ledge, and my left was just barely hanging on. I didn't want this! I didn't want to be shunned for being, well dammit, who I am!

"You think you can lie to us!? Well just wait until the princess comes, she'll put your sorry flank in a dungeon! You came here for a reason, didn't you!"

"God dammit, do any of you even listen!? I don't want to be here! This is your fault, someone here took me! I'm only running because I don't want you taking me again, I'm only trying to go back home!" I screamed back, as fingers started coming off from the ledge. I was being stretched away, felt like I was being ripped apart.

But, I think that's what made the dent in them. A few of the pegasi flew underneath me upon hearing me, and went together to pick me up. I let my hand go from the ledge, as the ponies had me in their hooves and slowly flew to ground level. The Earth ponies from the earlier mob stood around and looked at me with sorrowful faces, as I descended from the rooftops. I was put onto the sidewalk, in front of the building I tried to climb to, just across the street from the square of Canterlot. The blue pegasus walked in front of me, frowning. She had a brown mane with a pink headband in it, matching her tail which was pretty much the same-- brown with pink in it. She had a few freckles under her eyes, too.

"Oh man... look, I... I'm sorry. I thought you might have been like, a threat or something. But you really aren't supposed to be here, are you?" she looked up at me with sad eyes, and asked.

"No. I should be home right now. Home was depressing, for what's been going on in it, but I should not be here. I need to find a way back." I sighed, and replied.

"How did you get here, then? Do you know?" another pegasus walked up and asked. This one was a stallion, he had an olive coat with a dark green mane.

"No clue. I was just about to have something to eat, then all of a sudden my TV turns on and tells me I'm going somewhere. Next thing I know I'm in a place full of magical horses. Where I come from, we don't even have magic, or pegasi." I rubbed my temples as I thought over everything. Doesn't make much sense.

"TV?"

"Yeah. It's too complicated to explain right now. Basically, it needs power to turn on, and everyone has been out of power for like the whole year. Then it gave me a message, and I end up waking up here."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. How come you've been out of power?" the blue mare spoke.

"Well, where I come from, we don't exactly control weather. Whatever wants to happen, happens, and we just have to deal with it. And, for the past seven months, about the entire world has been thrown into hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, you name it. It's been hell on Earth, as we'd say. All this destroyed our power sources, internet, everything. You'd think I'd be happy to be here, but... I'm not sure just yet." There was a long pause, before anyone said anything.

"Well... I do hope you can find yourself a way back to your family, and your kind. But you know what? You've proven to us, me at least, that you can be a part of us. You're always welcome here." she walked up to me, stood on her hind legs, and wrapped her hooves around me. The hell?

Then just as she said that, the entire mob of ponies that were once trying to kill me came up to me and did the same. Oh my god, they're hugging me. I'm in the middle of a group hug of two different species. I couldn't help but smile at this, as I wrapped my arms around as many of the ponies I could. You know, I'm happy here. It's nice to know I'm accepted, perhaps even loved. I didn't want it to end... I didn't want to leave. These ponies are making me want to stay here.

"So. I sorta skipped through the letter today. What's your name, big guy? I'm Violet Sprint."

"Name's Jason--"

CRACK!

The group hug disassembled at the unmistakable sound of a lightning bolt hitting the ground. I stepped back, and scanned the skies. What did I see? The entire sky was filled with clouds. Just a second ago it was completely clear! No, no, no, there can't be a storm! I started to barely hear the patting of rain hitting the ground, as I continued to step away. I need to get everyone inside somewhere, dammit, this is not right at all!

Everyone started looking in the direction of the castle simultaneously, as a sight came into our vision. A pony that looked like Luna, with the horn and wings, but white, was flying in the air and towards us. She looked familiar, I think there was a portrait or something of her in the castle.

"Princess Celestia?" a pony spoke, just above a whisper.

"QUIET, FOALS!"

Well this isn't good.

So the Princess Celestia I heard so much about, just left from the castle. The sky was now dark, the sun covered by clouds. Lightning started hitting around Canterlot, as the thunder echoed throughout our ears. Rain started dropping on the roads, hitting my clothes. There's that feeling again. I was cold, and of course, wet. I felt helpless again. Useless. The wind picked up, and gave the same harsh freeze from back on Earth. The one with the humans. Hail. Hail appeared. The weather just suddenly turned from beautiful to miserable and cold. Celestia flew down, and landed in front of me, glaring at me. She was entirely grey. Her coat, mane, and tail all lost their color. Her eyes were just dead. No feeling in them whatsoever. No emotion. Just a grey pupil staring back at me. She wore armor, but it was dull and shared the same color as her coat. She also wore a crown, but it was cracked and broken, as if someone had purposely destroyed it.

"WHERE ARE THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY?" she shouted to me, taking a step forward.

I backed away once again. The Elements, shit, I genuinely don't know where they are. I couldn't remember if Luna or Spike took them. I couldn't even think straight. The rain... no, I thought I escaped! I thought I wouldn't need to be in rain again! I was sure of it, I wouldn't need to see this shit!

I dropped to my knees, and closed my eyes, gritting my teeth.

I could hear the clopping of pony hooves running to and fro down on the streets, but all I could think was one thing.

Well, two perhaps.

"I am not telling you shit.. Where the fuck are they? Twilight... Rainbow Dash... Applejack..." I started recalling the six ponies' names, keeping my eyes shut.

I started thinking of any possibilities. She must know where they are, right? They probably aren't in Canterlot at all, I thought. This princess/queen pony must be pretty powerful as well, changing the weather so much like thaaaaaa...

OH.

Wait a fucking minute.

"THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! WHERE ARE THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!? WE KNOW YOU HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH STEALING THEM!"

I balled my hands into fists, and slowly opened my eyelids. I looked up to the grey pony standing over me, who of which was in a state of rage, I could tell. Her eyes, they now held emotion. All it was, was hatred.

And she wasn't alone.

"Celestia... you.. y-you..."

Everything started clicking into place...

"Hey! What the fuck is going on?"

Wait, what? Who said that? Ponies don't swear, do they?

"Oi, I dunno mate. I think that's the queen, Sunbutt or somethin'!"

Oh. I knew that accent anywhere. Ponies wouldn't have that sort of accent...

"Oh my! Look! That's another human there!"

***

"My baby.. my baby's missing!"

An older woman wailed onto the phone, talking to a friend of hers, as a grave problem had aroused. In a moment of sheer luck, the phone actually worked.

"J-Jason's not picking up either... And Robert called too, he said his son and his friend disappeared... they were together, at his house, up in his son's room, and after a few hours they were just gone. Apparently this happened last night after dinner... I-I don't know why his friend would leave the house, but he did..  how long has it been since you found out your daughter...?"

"A-Around the same time.. after dinner.. she wouldn't accept my calls, and I requested the police search for her... and she wasn't in the house.. she'd never leave, she'd never leave! What happened.. what happened.."

"I-I don't-- kn-- krrrrrrrshh an-- Beep. Call disconnected."