- >Location- Home
- >Time- 0800 hours
- >Day 3 in Ponyville
- >Those things that attacked me in the temple are here in Equestria.
- >Celestia has asked that I let her handle it, and I’m inclined to agree.
- >My emotions would windup with me dead.
- >Besides, now you have a job.
- >Vinyl Scratch, the owner of a nightclub, offered you a job as a bouncer.
- >Throw out a drunk and get offered a job, good enough for me.
- >I can start making these ‘bits’ and as a bonus I get free drinks.
- >This could be the start of a better life for me.
- >Going out to shoot off some rounds for practice.
- >I’ll go ahead and invite Twilight.
- >She wanted to study me, so here’s her chance.
- >[End of Entry]
- >Slinging a variety of weapons behind your back you head to Twilight’s house.
- >*knock knock* Silence. She should be up by now. *knock knock*
- >”Yeah yeah, I’m coming.” Spike’s voice comes from inside.
- >He opens the door, slamming it when your face is in view.
- >Damn dragons.
- “I’m just looking for Twilight, do you know here she is?”
- >”She went off with Applejack, now go away.”
- “Where did she go?”
- >”Sweet Apple Acres, now leave before I make you!”
- >You tap the door with your foot causing Spike to crash around in fear.
- “I’ll be seeing you then… soon…”
- >You head down the road in search of Twilight and someone called Applejack.
- >You’ve never been to Sweet Apple Acres before instead just hearing about the spectacular apples that are grown there.
- >Trees paint the landscape in a spectacle of green and red.
- >It takes about a half hour to reach the top of the hill, a barn residing at the peak.
- >The more places you visit, the more Equestria looks like Earth’s past.
- >It’s certainly a sight to behold.
- >You patrol the residence, Twilight nowhere about.
- >Where the hell could she be?
- >”Whatcha looking for stranger?”
- >An orange pony wearing a cowboy hat addresses you.
- >She’s got a blonde mane tied back in a ponytail and has a southern accent.
- >I wonder if she works here.
- “Sorry ma’am, I’m looking for Twilight Sparkle. Someone called Applejack is supposed to be with her, have you seen them?
- >”Well, that’d be me. What business you got with Twilight?”
- >She doesn’t trust you, that’s for sure.
- “I was going to test fire some of my equipment and I thought she’d like to watch. Good enough?”
- >She stares at you for a minute, formulating a response.
- >”You’re that Anon kid aren’t you?”
- “I wouldn’t say kid, but yeah, I’m him.”
- >”Figured you’d be bigger,” she says trotting toward the trees, “Twilight’s talked about you something fierce.”
- >You follow her into the lush fields of Sweet Apple Acres.
- >”I heard about that entrance of yours in Ponyville, scared all of ‘em they say.”
- “Pretty sure everyp0ny has by now. Hopefully they won’t mind me being here though.”
- >”Give ‘em a few days, they’ll warm up to you sooner or later.”
- “Hopefully sooner.” You reply giving her a smile.
- >”You know, you’re not as bad as those ponies made you out to be. Guess Twilight was right.”
- “Speaking of that, what exactly has Twilight said about me?”
- >”Just that you aren’t all that different than us, even with the whole ‘meat eating’ thing.”
- “She told you about that?”
- >”She did. I don’t like the thought of it, but I understand.”
- “Pinkie sure didn’t.”
- >”Well that’s Pinkie for you, she never could take a hint.”
- >The two of you make your way into a clearing, Twilight reading those papers you gave the princess.
- >”Hiya Twilight, we got ourselves a guest.”
- >Twilight looks over to you, greeting you.
- >”I didn’t think I’d see you so soon.”
- “What can I say, I missed you.”
- >Placing the papers in her bag she trots over to you and Applejack.
- >”What are you doing here? I thought Celestia-“
- “She’s handling it don’t worry, I just figured you’d like to get your chance at ‘studying’ me.”
- >You ready your pulse rifle.
- “So here’s your chance.”
- >Twilight is brimming with excitement now.
- >She rambles off, spewing out all sorts of different experiments.
- >You don’t know exactly what a Helux Trisplice is, but it sounds terrifying.
- >You put your hand over her mouth shutting her up.
- “I have a better idea.” Removing your hand from Twilight.
- “I thought you might enjoy a demonstration.”
- >”B-but I can-“
- >”Don’t push it Twilight, he’s trying to be nice here.”
- >”I guess…”
- “So, which one do you want me to test out first?”
- >”How about that one?” Applejacks says pointing to your pulse rifle.
- “I see you have an eye for guns, this here is the M41A Pulse Rifle, the backbone of any military platoon.”
- “It’s got a 99 round magazine containing10x28mm caseless bullets. It features an underhand grenade launcher firing 30x71mm grenades. If handled correctly, this bad boy can unleash a world of hurt.”
- >Twilight is hastily scribbling down your every word while Applejack looks bored out of her mind.
- “Something wrong Applejack?”
- >”Just waiting something to happen.”
- >Impatient isn’t she.
- “Give me a target.”
- >Whipping out a lasso she snatches an apple out of a nearby tree.
- >”This big enough for you?” She asks mocking you.
- “Just throw it.”
- >She tosses the apple to Twilight, who holds it with her magic.
- >”Ready?”
- >You nod, aiming toward the open field.
- >The apple speeds off into the sky as you take aim.
- >You squeeze the trigger, the familiar recoil pounding into your shoulder.
- >Before you can blink the apple explodes into a citrusy mist.
- “Still bored AJ?”
- >”That’s what I’ve been waiting for! Do it again!”
- >Three apples later, and she’s ready for something new.
- >You go over the ZX-76 shotgun and your VP-78 Pistol, both giving the same reaction.
- “I think that’s about it.”
- >”What about that last one there.”
- >You forgot about that one.
- “I don’t think you’re ready for that one just yet. Besides I’m getting pretty hungry.”
- >They both sigh in disappointment, wanting to see it.
- >*sigh* You draw your last weapon.
- “This is the M240 Incinerator Unit, it uses pressurized Napthal fuel to… well you’ll see.”
- >You take a step back, turning to each of them.
- “I’d advise putting on your safety helmets, cause I’m about to blow your mind.”
- >Easing on the trigger, a cone of flame jets out of your weapon, scorching the air above.
- >This is the first time you fired on of these outside basic, and boy is it worth it.
- >The fascination is almost primal.
- >You let go of the trigger, both p0nies in utter amazement.
- “I told you…”
- >Slinging your Incinerator, you stand between the two of them.
- “Knock knock, anyone home?”
- >Twilight comes to first and jots down a few more notes.
- >”That was uh-“
- >”That was bucking sweet!” Applejack hollers.
- “I aim to please.”
- >”Let’s head back, me and Anon need something to eat. How about you Twilight?”
- >”Huh?” She says picking up her head.
- “I’ll take that as a yes.”
- >You, Twilight and Applejack walk back to the barn, bellies rumbling.
- >Twilight and you sit down at a table while Applejack prepares some food for you.
- >You set down your guns on the seat next to you lightening your load.
- >”Why do you wear that all the time?” Twilight asks.
- “The armor?” She nods. “Regulation and such.”
- >She shakes her head, “You’re not in the military here though, so you’re not forced into wearing it. So why then?”
- “I just- I like wearing it. Why does it matter so much?”
- >”I’m interested in your behavior, the more I know the better.”
- >Applejack comes in carrying a platter of food on her back.
- >”Eat up, I know I will.”
- >She bumps the platter onto the table and starts to dig in.
- >You help yourself to some salad and apples.
- >”So Anon,” Applejack says chewing her food, “Where can I get one of them doohickeys?”
- “Can’t I’m afraid. Besides, you couldn’t even pull the trigger.”
- >”I’m sure Twilight could do something, couldn’t you?”
- >She swallows before replying, “I’m not sure, I don’t even know how it works.”
- “Even if Twilight could make it pony-friendly, I wouldn’t give one up.”
- >”So that means you’ve got more of ‘em?”
- >You really don’t like where this is headed.
- “These aren’t toys Applejack, I got a bit carried away with them myself, and I’ve had training with them.”
- >”So you just don’t trust us? Is that it?”
- “No, I just can’t take the chance that somep0ny might make a mistake and harm somep0ny else. It’s too risky.”
- >”He’s right Applejack, you saw what those things could do, if something were to happen…”
- >”Shucks, I know. Sorry I went all crazy on ya.”
- “Forget about it.”
- >The rest of lunch was fairly uneventful; Applejack’s sister, Applebloom, and her friends came over.
- >They call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
- >You never liked children, and they don’t seem to change your opinion.
- >Applejack had to continue work, so you and Twilight said your goodbyes and headed back to town.
- >You’ll have to go back sometime; AJ seems pretty down to earth.
- >You follow Twilight back home, not having to go to work until the sun starts to set.
- >”So did you reconsider some of my experiments?”
- “I think I’ll stave off judgment for now.”
- >Twilight walks around grabbing various books of the shelf and clearing a circle in the middle.
- “Where’s Spike? I had hoped to scare him a bit.”
- >”He’s probably off with Rarity, another one of my friends.”
- “You seem to have a lot of those. I may have to steal a few if you don’t mind.”
- >“You’re doing good so far. Fluttershy and Applejack seem to like you.”
- “Yeah well, my devilish charm can only take me so far.”
- >She laughs and heads into another room before bringing a large machine back with her.
- >What have you gotten yourself into?
- >Unfolding the monstrous piece of metal, it appears to be some sort of treadmill.
- >”This is a little invention of mine. I use it to record various bodily functions for whatever research I see fit.”
- “And all you need me to do is run right?”
- >”Yes actually,” her bewilderment quite evident, “You know what this is?”
- “It reminds me of the treadmills in medbay, they used it the same way.”
- >”How fascinating, I’ll have to record that.”
- >You unfasten your armor and strip off your shirt.
- >”W-what are you doing?”
- “If I remember correctly, you’re supposed to place those cable things on me. My clothes interfere with that.”
- >”Of course, good thinking.”
- >After configuring the machine and attaching the cables to you, Twilight fires up the machine.
- >The ramp inclines a bit as the track gains speed.
- >Putting one foot in front of the other you walk.
- >Sheets of paper flow out as Twilight inspects every inch of them.
- “How lon-“
- >”No talking please. It throws off the results.”
- >You nod and continue to walk.
- >The track continues to accelerate, putting you into jogging pace.
- >More paper flows out of the machine, Twilight barely able to keep up.
- >You look at the timer, only about half an hour left.
- >Five minutes left the machine jumps up another notch.
- >You’re in a full-on sprint now. They never required this in medbay.
- >Twilight doesn’t bother with the results, now keeping her eye on you.
- >Sweat collects on your chest, the exercise getting to you.
- >Two minutes left. You begin moving backwards, unable to beat the track’s speed.
- >One minute left. This won’t beat you; you sprint as fast as you gaining ground.
- >”Time,” she reports turning off the machine.
- >You only slip under the change of speed, but you are able to stay balanced.
- >”Good job Anon. Only a few ponies have gone through the full cycle.”
- >She tosses you a towel to dry off.
- “Well, I’m not a p0ny now am I?
- >You both laugh as you cool down.
- >You dab the towel against your body, absorbing the extensive amount of sweat that had formed.
- “So how are the results doc,” you joke, “Will I make it?”
- >”You’ll be just fine Mr. Anon, the results were negative for Hay Fever.”
- “I would hope.”
- >The front door opens, Spike and a white unicorn stepping through.
- >”Oh hello you two. What have you been up to?”
- >”I was helping dig up gemstones for her.”
- >The unicorn doesn’t say anything, fixating her attention on you.
- >Why does everyp0ny do that…?
- >”I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you two. Anon this is Rarity, Rarity this is Anon.”
- >You stand up and extend your clean hand.
- “Pleasure to meet you Ms. Rarity.”
- >She hesitantly shakes your hand, still staring at you.
- >Spike doesn’t seem to like the attention she’s giving you.
- “Um, Twilight do you mind if I use your shower and wash my clothes? It’s a long walk to my house, and I need to get going.”
- >”Sure no problem, it’s upstairs and on the left.”
- “Thanks, I’ll leave you two to it then.”
- >The icy water cascades down your body, instantly relieving you of your discomfort.
- >You make quick work of her shampoo, lathering yourself up and rinsing off.
- >Dilly-dallying was always looked down upon, and you won’t start now.
- >You step out of the shower, holding the towel around your waist.
- “Twilight! Where’d you put my clothes?”
- >”They’re just down the hall.”
- “Thank you!”
- >You pick up your fresh set of clothes and put them on.
- >They could’ve used a good wash days ago.
- >Rarity, Spike and Twilight are talking amongst themselves when you make it downstairs.
- >”Oh,” Rarity remarks, “I’m so sorry about my behavior before. Let’s start over.”
- >”My name is Rarity, how do you do.”
- “Quite well, I’m Anon, nice to meet you.”
- >Well that wasn’t so hard now was it?
- >You check the time, still having about an hour before you head in for work.
- >Rarity and you make small talk to pass the time, much to Spike’s displeasure.
- >She works at a boutique, making clothes for most of her life.
- >She offered to make you a few sets, to which you eagerly agreed.
- >Wearing the same set of clothes gets old fast.
- >The sun begins its descent, cueing your exit.
- “Hey Twilight can I talk to you for a second?”
- >”Sure Anon.”
- >You both walk into another room so you can speak in peace.
- >You strip the magazines and fuel tank from your guns, handing them to Twilight, except for your pistol.
- “I want you to have these, for research.”
- >”But you said-“
- “I know what I said, and I lied. It’s only a precaution, but I want you to do some research and make these usable for ponies.”
- >She hesitates at the offer, though you can understand.
- >If these were to be misused all of Ponyville would be in danger.
- >”Just a precaution?”
- “Can you do it? That’s all I need to know.”
- >She sighs, “Yes I can, but let’s hope we never have to use them.”
- “My thoughts exactly.”
- >She locks them in a nearby chest and you both depart.
- “It was a pleasure to meet you Rarity; I hope we meet again soon.”
- >You don your armor and head out the door.
- >”The pleasure is all mine Anon. Do stop by the boutique.”
- “I will.” You reply as you head to your first day at work.
- >The nightclub has a line out the door.
- >Each p0ny frantic to get the night started.
- >Vinyl and Raúl are going to have their hooves full tonight.
- >You slip in the back door and head to the locker room.
- >Stripping out of your fatigues you place them in your locker.
- >The regular bouncer uniform was fitted to ponies, but Vinyl pulled a few strings and got one altered to your measurements.
- >How she got them so exact is still questionable.
- >Whatever, at least you’re not wearing some raggedy garbage.
- >You put on your clothes and set off into the club.
- >The club hasn’t opened yet, each p0ny still setting up.
- >You see one of the bouncers from yesterday, a unicorn, reviewing a clipboard.
- >He grunts when he sees you, giving you a warm welcome.
- >”He’s just mad you got his position, nobody likes getting demoted,” Vinyl clarifies.
- “I hear that, so what exactly am I supposed to do?”
- >”Just keep watch for disgruntled p0nies and make sure they don’t cause a ruckus. “
- “And kick them out when they do.”
- >”Correct, we’ll be opening in a couple minutes so stay sharp.”
- “Roger that ma’am.”
- >You help Raúl stock the bar with some crates.
- >He’s quite happy you signed up with them.
- >The bouncers didn’t just get creamed last night it seems, but basically every few days before that.
- >Business has declined since they couldn’t keep the rampaging drunks in check.
- >Now that you’re here they’ll have to step up their game.
- >Ponies start moving into the club signaling the opening.
- >You and Raúl brohoof, letting him return to his duties.
- >Settling up against the back wall, you peer over the patrons starting the night off.
- >The night proceeds smoothly with Vinyl’s music keeping everyp0ny happy.
- >You saw the drunk from last night take a seat at the bar.
- >He’s a bit passive now that you put him in his place.
- >The dance floor managed to keep your attention, playing a game of the wills with you.
- >You had to hold back from laughing at how they looked like a bunch of fish out of water.
- >You probably couldn’t do much better, but you certainly couldn’t do worse.
- >Nothing much is happening so you stroll over to the bar.
- >Plopping right next to the drunk.
- “How are we doing tonight?”
- >He doesn’t answer, his body shaking.
- “I’m not going to hit you unless you deserve it, so just relax.”
- >He calms a little, but still trembling.
- “What have you got there? Not a beer from the looks of it.”
- >”It’s uh- an A-applejack Daniels.”
- “Like Applejack applejack?” He nods.
- “Hey Raúl, care to hook me up with one of these?”
- >He slides it across the bar and into your hands.
- “Applejack Daniels. Whiskey huh?”
- >You give it a whirl.
- “Damn this stuff is strong.”
- >”Only the best,” he comments his nerves quenched.
- “What’s your name? I’m Anon.”
- >”Bottoms-Up Duff, but my friends just call me Duff.” You clink glasses.
- >You pat him on the back, “Nice to have met you Duff.”
- >Grabbing your bottle, you continue your patrol.
- >A few ponies begin roughhousing, but they cool off when they see you staring.
- >Doesn’t take much to quiet these guys, are you really that intimidating?
- >”I said another!”
- >Oh boy, here we go.
- >Some cyan Pegasus is hollering at your bro.
- >Bitch please.
- >Raúl gives you a quick glance, needing some assistance.
- >You take the hint and saunter over to the bar.
- >”I’m sorry, but you’ve had enough miss.”
- >“Like hay I have. This is only my…”
- >”Eighth, at least try something lighter.” Raúl retorts.
- >“I wouldn’t be caught dead drinking anything else; don’t you know who I am?”
- >”Yes, you’ve been rambling on for a while now.”
- “We got a problem here?”
- >The lady flips her rainbow mane around and looks at you.
- >”Who’re you?”
- “I’m Anon the bouncer, do we have a problem here?”
- >She chuckles a little bit, “If you’re like the other ones then you shouldn’t be.”
- >She bucks you in the face before you can react, stumbling backwards.
- >You look back, the girl sipping at her drink probably thinking she got you down.
- >Everyone is staring at you, Vinyl judging her new bouncer.
- >This lady’s fast you’ll give her that, but you’re a marine.
- >You walk back over, now prepared for her.
- “So I’ll take that as a yes.”
- >She looks at you blankly before attempting to deliver another blow.
- >You grab her legs and hold them in your arms.
- >”Let go of me!”
- “No.” you reply dragging her off her stool.
- >She flails wildly, the crowd cheering for you.
- >You can feel you grip loosening as you continue walking towards the door.
- >Just a little- *pop*
- >She manages to get her legs free and rushes into the air.
- >”I said to let me go.”
- >She propels downward preparing to collide with you.
- >You catch her in a headlock, somehow, and continue towards the door.
- “And you never answered my question.”
- >Managing to make it outside you sit her down on a bench.
- “Are we still going to have a problem?”
- >“Not now,” she says cracking her neck, “I was hoping somep0ny would put up a fight.”
- >She eyes you over, “You may not be a p0ny, but a fight’s a fight.”
- “Wait, you pulled that stunt so someone would fight you?”
- >”Duh, nop0ny would try and take me on without some incentive.”
- >You take a seat, trying to comprehend what she even means.
- >“So you’re that Anon? I hea-“
- “Yes, that’s me. Who the hell are you?”
- >She’s taken aback by your words.
- >”I’m Rainbow Dash! I can’t believe you haven’t heard of the fastest flier in Equestria.”
- >Pompous isn’t she.
- “Look, I need to get back to work, are you through with your little scheme?”
- >”For now…” You don’t like the sound of that.
- “Well, if you’re done then you can come back inside.”
- >”You gonna stop me if I don’t.”
- “Don’t test my patience missy.”
- >She humphs and returns to the club with you.
- “She’s cool.” You shout upon your return.
- >The ponies go back to their business, drinking and laughing as usual.
- >Rainbow apologizes to Raúl at your behest, clearing any tension that had arisen.
- >”Why don’t you join me in a drink?” she asks.
- “Sure…” you say sitting with your back to the bar.
- >Her demeanor has certainly changed, but at least it’s for the better.
- >The two of you tap drinks and talk, sharing the night together.

