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Colonial Marine in Equestria: Chapter 4 (Back to Business)

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>Location- Home
>Time- 0900 hours
>Day 10 in Ponyville
>The nightmares haven’t eased up at all.
>Every second I sleep I relive that night.
>Xenomorphs they’re called according to that research I gave Twilight.
>She didn’t go into specifics, but I could tell she was alarmed at her findings.
>There wasn’t much info on the temple itself except that it was incredibly old.
>I didn’t need a bunch of scientists to tell me that.
>Other than that the past week has been relatively calm.
>The hours at work have thrown my whole cycle for a loop.
>I’m sleeping from 0500 to now, squeezing in naps whenever I can.
>I wish I could sleep more, but I still have business to attend to.
>Well, let’s start the day Anon. No burning daylight.
>[End of Entry]
>You open your closet door, deciding what to wear.
>Rarity has been kind enough to stitch you all kinds of clothes.
>You pull out a white t-shirt and corresponding pair of jeans, looking at yourself in the mirror.
>If Evans could see you know he’d…
>You put the clothes back in the closet and grab your fatigues.
>They’re the only clothes you really need.
>You outfit yourself and move on downstairs.
>Can’t even dress yourself without thinking about that place.
>You open the door, grabbing the usual package.
>Inside you find some eggs and venison.
>Fluttershy has kept her end of the bargain well so far.
>You’ve helped build a new coop for her chickens and a fence around her garden.
>In turn, she’s supplied you with some more protein rich food.
>You crack open the eggs and put them over the stove.
>You’re thinking over easy today.
>Pouring yourself a glass of OJ you scarf down your breakfast.
>Unfortunately, you can’t share the experience with anyone.
>No one else eats this stuff besides you. *knock knock*
“Coming!”
>You open the door, Applejack and Rainbow Dash there to meet you.
“Hey you guys, what are you doing here?”
>”We were going to join you in your run today remember?”
“Damn, I’m sorry. It slipped my mind. Come in, I’ll be ready in a minute.”
>You shuffle them inside and close the door.
>You continue downing your breakfast while they wait.
>”You know,” Applejack says jokingly, “That’s a real nasty habit you got there sugarcube.”
>You smile, finishing the rest of your eggs.
“So how’s Big Mac and Applebloom doing?”
>”They’re doin alright, thanks for asking.”
>You clean off your plate and put it back in the cabinet.
>”You going to be done some time today? I hate waiting.”
>Fucking impatient Rainbow. She always needs to have things here and now.
>And you wouldn’t have her any other way.
>Tying up your boots and equipping your trusty sidearm, you and your friends head out the door.
>”So where were you thinking about going today?”
“Probably just around Ponyville a few times and maybe up to Sweet Apple Acres. Any place you want to go in particular?”
>”Sounds good to me, how about you Rainbow?”
>”I was thinking something more adventurous.”
“Do tell.”
>”I figured we could give the Everfree Forest a run. Unless you’re too chicken.”
>”Now Rainbow I don-“
“Deal.”
>They both look shocked at your response.
“What? You want to do it, so let’s do it. Unless…” You pause for dramatic effect.
“You’re too chicken.”
>”Rainbow Dash isn’t afraid of anything. Let’s go!”
>Dash takes off down the road, while you and Applejack jog after her.
>”This really isn’t a good idea Anon, the Everfree forest isn’t the safest place in Equestria you know.”
“Don’t worry AJ, I’ll protect you from the big baddies that lurk within.”
>You wrap your arm around her sealing the deal.
“Now how about we make Rainbow Dash eat those words of hers?”
>”Righty that partner.”
>You both catch up to Rainbow Dash at the edge of the forest.
“Not scared now are you?” you say catching your breath.
>”Nope. I thought I’d give you the pleasure of taking the first step.”
“I’m sure that’s it.”
>You take a few steps into the forest, and you immediately understand why they don’t like it.
>It feels- alive. Almost like it’s watching you.
>”You do it Anon!” Applejack cheers at your resolve.
>If they weren’t here you’d have already bolted.
>This place is just wrong, not creepy wrong, but something shouldn’t be here wrong.
>*gulp* You’re the thing that shouldn’t be there.
>The patter of hoofsteps behind you calms you down.
>”We’re right behind you.” Applejack says.
“Thanks.” Walking further into the forest.
>All pretense of your run is gone, each of you scared out of your wits.
>You can feel eyes staring down at you.
>How the hell can this place even exist?
>You pull out your pistol, keeping it at your side.
>Better safe than sorry? *crack*
>You take aim, the ponies standing behind you.
>Nothing, just some leaves from the trees.
>Fuck this place. Just fuck it.
>”I uh- think we should, you know, head on back.” Rainbow stutters.
>”I’m inclined to agree with Rainbow here.”
“Yeah, that sounds li-“
>A pungent odor fills your nostrils making you wheezy.
>”What in the hay is that smell?”
>”Let’s get out of here, now.”
>You don’t know if it’s the retard within, but you need to find the source of that stench.
>You head off the path and into the depths of the forest.
>The odor in wait.
>Every inch of your body is telling you to get out of here, but your brain says go on.
>Deeper you go, following your nose.
>You reach a large tree, the rancid fumes emanating from its being.
>”Anon we need to leave.”
>Applejack and Rainbow are eager to leave this place.
“Just- let me see.”
>You work your way up the decrepit piece of timber, using the vines to your advantage.
>The trunk twists around letting you walk freely.
>You pass through the tree’s tendrils, looking down at your friends.
>There isn’t anything here, just a bunch of vines.
>”Can we go now?”
“Yeah, let’s get th-*snap*”
>You put too much weight on a vine, snapping it and falling off the tree.
>Your vision is hazy; Rainbow Dash appears to be talking to you.
>No noise comes out.
>Slapping yourself a few times, you can faintly hear her voice.
>”You okay Anon?”
“Fanfuckingtastic.”
>They help you back to your feet, finally regaining your hearing.
“Thanks Dash.”
>”Anytime.”
>Your eyes go wide looking at Dash and Applejack.
>That wasn’t them.
>”Turn around…”
>You sweep your gun behind you, freaked the fuck out.
>It sounded like it came from the tree, but there’s nothing.
“You guys hear that?”
>”Hear what Anon?”
>A drip catches your eye, not a leaf, a drip.
>You raise your weapon, trying to find the source.
>The stream gets thicker the higher you go.
>You take a step forward, eyes ascending toward the tree tops.
>The source is right at the top of the forest, dangling above your head.
>Bound within the vines of the trees, dripping with blood, are two skinless ponies.
>Your breakfast rises in your chest, desperate to see the light of day.
>Clutching your mouth closed you turn away.
>”What’s wrong?” Appljeack says trotting next to you.
>She freezes when her eyes befall the corpses.
>”By Equestria…”
>You can almost hear the drips as they hit the floor.
>Your stomach continues to fight against you.
>Vomit fills your mouth and you press your hands tighter forming a dam.
>Rainbow Dash comes up beside you, taking a look herself.
>”I-is th-that…?”
>”Afraid it is, what could of monster could have done this?”
>They continue observing the bodies.
>”It skinned them? Why would it skin them?”
>The dam breaks as you spray your breakfast before your traumatized friends.
>Multi-colored puke covers a nearby bush as you recover.
>You can’t stand this place.
>Grabbing your friends you sprint out of there as fast as you can.
>You don’t even give a second to look back.
>The two bodies are burned into your mind, each thought making you want to purge again.
>The forest is finally out of visual range and you begin to walk.
>No words are spoken on the way back to Ponyville.
>What words could be said, now of all times?
>So you all walk, silent.
>The three of you depart company on approach the town.
>Rainbow having weather duty and Applejack having apple bucking.
>They can drown out the memories with work, but not you.
>You get to sit with your thoughts until the sun sets.
>Twilight needs to know about this.
>Your not sure why, but she does.
>You knock on Twilight’s door.
>”One minute.”
>You run your hand over your face trying to appear as normal as possible.
>The door opens and she ushers you inside.
>”Take a seat; I have such things to show you.”
“Twilight.”
>”I’ve been going over the notes Celestia gave me…”
“Twilight.”
>”Those ruins are quite fascinating, did you know-“
“Twilight!”
>You yell at her trying to get her to listen to you.
>She is bewildered at your attitude, but quiets down nonetheless.
”I- There’s something I need to ask you.”
>”Well then ask.”
>Her voice is mixed with concern and agitation.
“In those notes, does it say anything about skinning people?”
>”Skinning? Not that I recall.”
>You sigh in relief; at least it’s not as bad as you thought.
>”Why exactly?”
“On my run today, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and I… We went into the Everfree forest.”
>You shudder as your thoughts return.
“We found two ponies hanging from the tree tops, they appeared to be…”
>”Skinned.”
“Yeah…”
>Twilight takes out her notes and gives them a quick once-over.
“Anything?”
>”I’m afraid not.” She responds.
“Damn, thanks anyways.”
>You’re about to leave when you remember she wanted to talk to you.
“Umm, what did you want to talk to me about?”
>”I finally finished it!” She cheers happy with herself.
“I don’t follow.”
>”You really have trouble remembering things don’t you.”
>If only she knew…
>”Come on, I’ll show you.”
>She helps you to your feet dragging you downstairs to her cellar.
“I’m sorry if I appear out of it. It’s just there’s too much shit going on right now.”
>”Don’t worry about it; you need to just take your mind off of things.”
>She’s right, that entire encounter has thrown you for a loop.
>”Ah here they are.”
>She pulls out a few objects from her chest and tosses one to you.
>You give it a once-over examining Twilight’s project.
“Is this- my old pulse rifle?”
>”I’ve made some adjustments to make them compatible with p0ny anatomy.”
>That’s one way of putting it, she did a damn good job.
>”I fiddled slightly with the magazine location due to the size constraints of the trigger.”
“Have you given this thing a test run?”
>”I would have, but someone keeps the ammo locked away in their home.”
“Oh… yeah.”
>”Do you happen to have a spare one on you?”
>You feel around in your pockets.
“Nope, sorry.”
>”Maybe later then.”
>The front door slams shut, Spike calling out for Twilight.
>”We’ll finish this later, come on.”
>Putting the weapons away you both ascend the stairs into the entranceway.
“Sup Spike, you doing alright?”
>”Just perfect. How about you Anon, you don’t look so good?”
>You grin and scratch the back of you neck.
“That easy to tell huh?”
>”Yeah, what you need is some sleep man. That club is getting to ya.”
>It’s nice that Spike finally warmed up to you, though he still gets antsy around Rarity.
“You don’t mind if I steal Spike for a moment do you Twilight? I want to send a letter.”
>”Go right ahead.”
>You and Spike sit down while Twilight reads in peace.
“Alright. Dear Princess Celestia, I was hoping to obtain a status report on your investigation. Are there any locations in particular you have sent your guards to investigate, and if so what are said locations? I have some findings of my own, but am unsure if it pertains to said investigation. Any information you can lend will be helpful. ~Private Anonymous”
>”Done and done. So what did you find?”
>Your grin turns sour.
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
>”Sure thing Anon.” *belch* “Don’t expect a reply though; the princess has been busy lately.”
>You’ve got a gut feeling you know why.
“Thanks anyways. I better head out, catch up on that sleep you talked about.
>You open the door, calling back to them.
“Cya later Spike. Bye Twilight!”
>Stepping outside you drop your calm act.
>You can’t get those images out of your head.
>Their carcasses, hanging like cattle, the blood…
>You shake your head to clear your mind.
>Maybe sleep will calm you down, it couldn’t hurt.
>Just a nice nap to soothe your jimmies.
>You put one foot in front of the other on your way back home.
>Taking an apple out of the fridge you retire to your bedroom.
>Even now the sweetness is invigorating.
>Tossing the core in the waste bin, you plop down onto the bed.
>You plant your pistol on the nightstand and flip on your tracker.
>It’s the only way to be sure…
>You drift back into slumber leaving behind your woes.
>Or so you thought.
>*ba bleep*
>You sprint down the hallway, escaping the creatures of your past.
>They’re not going to get you, they won’t.
>Fuck this heat, it’s going to suffocate you.
>You check your ammo counter, 00.
>No breaks…
>You move from room to room, eyes trained for anything out of the ordinary.
>The smell of decaying flesh hits you like a freight train.
>Each step brings you closer to the source, you don’t want to see it again.
>You try and head back though the walls begin shifting to block your escape.
>You’re a prisoner of your own mind, shackled by memories past.
>Dropping your weapon you march forward, no sense in wasting time with it.
>Another chamber lies ahead masked in shadow.
>Drawing your knife you proceed to face your past.
>You’re back in the arena, the walls still coated with the black webbing.
>The scientist’s bodies litter the floor, their chests torn out from the inside.
>Your platoon is tied in the webbing captives of the Xenomorph attack.
>They’re alive staring down at you, pleading for you to help them.
>But you can’t. You know what they’ll become. *ba bleep*
>”Over here.”
>You drop your knife, the end here once again. You face the noise embracing the inevitable.
>The environment seems to bend itself around your adversary. Its body cloaked masking its appearance.
“Just get it over with.”
>It doesn’t do anything, simply watching you.
“What are you waiting for? Do it!”
>No reaction. This is pissing you off. *ba bleep*
>Another wave of the horrendous stench reaches you.
>You peer down into the pit, searching for the source.
>You can see your friends, smiling up at you.
>Their faces alleviate your status, giving you something to look forward to.
>A pair of hands force you to your knees.
“What the hell are you-“
>Another group of cloaked figures approach your friends.
“Please, no…” *shling*
>They don’t take their eyes off of you. Not for a second.
>You try and turn away from them, the hand forcing you to watch every second of it.
>You watch your friends as they’re torn apart, blood splattering against the walls.
>Their flesh is removed from their bodies, but they continue to smile at you.
“You bastard! Let me go!”
>They string up your skinless friends, raising them to your level, still smiling.
>You couldn’t save them…
>The cloaked creature throws you against the wall, your friends hanging just behind him.
>You fight to hold back the tears, losing your comrades again.
>They open their mouths, talking to you in turn.
>”Why didn’t you help us?”
>“Where were you Anon?”
>”How could you let this happen?”
>Each p0ny wanting an explanation, something you can’t give them.
>Your captor uncloaks, revealing a large metallic mask.
>”We hold…”
>You bolt out of bed in a cold sweat.
>Another fucking nightmare to add to the list.
>The sun is starting to set outside your window, signaling your departure.
>You replace your drenched fatigues with a t-shirt and jeans.
>The tracker is going to accompany you tonight, for old time’s sake.
>Locking the door, you run over to Vinyl’s nightclub.
>People are beginning to enter as you approach.
>Vinyl is going to be pissed when she finds out you’re late.
>You rush through the back door and change. Gotta go fast!
>The ponies are already having a good time when you enter the room.
>At least nothing started while you were changing.
>Vinyl walks over to you as the music continues.
>”Rough day?”
>You feel like an open book, everyp0ny knowing how you’re feeling.
“You can say that, I’m sorry about my tardiness. It won’t happen again.”
>”Just try not to make it a habit. We’ll talk when your shift is done, alright?”
“Roger that.”
>Vinyl goes back to her stand, keeping the music flowing.
>You see Raúl passing out drinks, so you stop by and help.
>”You ok Anon? It looks like you need a drink.”
>He places a glass in your hand and you eagerly gulp it down.
“Could be better. You?”
>”Same, the wife’s been acting a bit wacky though.”
“Really? Do tell.” You egg him on, trying to get your mind off of things.
>”She’s been hearing strange things is all, creaks on the roof, scratching at the door. Fillies these days, am I right?”
“Right,” you reply unpacking the last crate, “Keep it safe okay.”
>”Will do.” He gives you a brohoof and returns to his customers.
>You should do the same.
>You wonder how Applejack and her are handling things, it isn’t everyday they experience… that.
>Some drunks were able to get your mind off of things.
>Two rowdy guards, probably fresh out of academy, had taken one too many shots and thought it’d be fun to test out their new position.
>You proceeded to kicking them out on their asses.
>Duff had your back when one of them tried to cheap shot you, bucking him back to his mother.
>He turned out to be a real pal, drinking with you whenever Rainbow Dash didn’t show.
>You continue your patrol seeing both AJ and Dash in the corner of the club.
>Alcohol would do the trick alright.
>You sit down with them, joining them in their sorrow.
“How you guys holding up?”
>”About as good as you look sugarcube.”
“That good huh,” you laugh to yourself, “I’m sorry about this morning. I shouldn’t have forced you both into that.”
>”Don’t be all down on yourself, I chose to go, same with Dash.”
>”Yeah, we chose.”
“I could have stopped it,” you think back to your nightmare,” I could’ve…”
>You wince at the memories.
>”Anon?” Rainbow asks, “What’s wrong, we’ve got your back.”
“Dreams Dash. Terrible fucking dreams.”
>You sit with them the rest of the night. Nobody talking, but everyone knowing what the other was thinking.
>”We’re locking up. Head on home everyp0ny.”
>You wave to your friends as they leave.
>Raúl and you brohoof as he returns to his wife and child.
>It’s nice to see somep0ny have something to look forward to.
>You’re envious of him on that account.
>You finish changing and chat with Vinyl for a bit, offering to walk her home.
>She graciously accepts your offer.
>The moon is high in the sky, illuminating your path to Vinyl’s abode.
“I always liked the night you know. You can go on undisturbed, nop0ny interrupting you. Know what I mean?”
>”I do. It has a rhythm of its own, far more natural and serene than any I could play.”
>The two of you continue to converse all the way to her house.
>It’s far more modern than most of the other homes in Ponyville.
>”Thanks for the escort; it’s a pleasure to know there’s still a gentleman in town.”
“Well, I aim to please.”
>You touch the handle, a gooey substance sticking to your hand.
“What the hell?”
>You wipe off your hand on your pants, getting the shit off of you.
“Someone let out a hell of a sneeze your handle. It’s kind of-“
>No, it couldn’t be.
>You pull a little more of the gunk off the handle and rub it between your fingers, memorizing the texture.
>This- this can’t be. She said she had it under control.
>You draw your pistol and survey the surrounding area.
>”Anon what’s wrong?”
“No time,” you say flipping on your tracker, “We just need-“ *ba bleep*
>You aim towards the roof, a shadowy creature meeting your gaze.

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>Location- Home
>Time- 0900 hours
>Day 10 in Ponyville
>The nightmares haven’t eased up at all.
>Every second I sleep I relive that night.
>Xenomorphs they’re called according to that research I gave Twilight.
>She didn’t go into specifics, but I could tell she was alarmed at her findings.
>There wasn’t much info on the temple itself except that it was incredibly old.
>I didn’t need a bunch of scientists to tell me that.
>Other than that the past week has been relatively calm.
>The hours at work have thrown my whole cycle for a loop.
>I’m sleeping from 0500 to now, squeezing in naps whenever I can.
>I wish I could sleep more, but I still have business to attend to.
>Well, let’s start the day Anon. No burning daylight.
>[End of Entry]

>You open your closet door, deciding what to wear.
>Rarity has been kind enough to stitch you all kinds of clothes.
>You pull out a white t-shirt and corresponding pair of jeans, looking at yourself in the mirror.
>If Evans could see you know he’d…
>You put the clothes back in the closet and grab your fatigues.
>They’re the only clothes you really need.
>You outfit yourself and move on downstairs.
>Can’t even dress yourself without thinking about that place.

>You open the door, grabbing the usual package.
>Inside you find some eggs and venison.
>Fluttershy has kept her end of the bargain well so far.
>You’ve helped build a new coop for her chickens and a fence around her garden.
>In turn, she’s supplied you with some more protein rich food.
>You crack open the eggs and put them over the stove.
>You’re thinking over easy today.

>Pouring yourself a glass of OJ you scarf down your breakfast.
>Unfortunately, you can’t share the experience with anyone.
>No one else eats this stuff besides you. *knock knock*
“Coming!”
>You open the door, Applejack and Rainbow Dash there to meet you.
“Hey you guys, what are you doing here?”
>”We were going to join you in your run today remember?”
“Damn, I’m sorry. It slipped my mind. Come in, I’ll be ready in a minute.”
>You shuffle them inside and close the door.

>You continue downing your breakfast while they wait.
>”You know,” Applejack says jokingly, “That’s a real nasty habit you got there sugarcube.”
>You smile, finishing the rest of your eggs.
“So how’s Big Mac and Applebloom doing?”
>”They’re doin alright, thanks for asking.”
>You clean off your plate and put it back in the cabinet.
>”You going to be done some time today? I hate waiting.”
>Fucking impatient Rainbow. She always needs to have things here and now.
>And you wouldn’t have her any other way.
>Tying up your boots and equipping your trusty sidearm, you and your friends head out the door.

>”So where were you thinking about going today?”
“Probably just around Ponyville a few times and maybe up to Sweet Apple Acres. Any place you want to go in particular?”
>”Sounds good to me, how about you Rainbow?”
>”I was thinking something more adventurous.”
“Do tell.”
>”I figured we could give the Everfree Forest a run. Unless you’re too chicken.”
>”Now Rainbow I don-“
“Deal.”
>They both look shocked at your response.
“What? You want to do it, so let’s do it. Unless…” You pause for dramatic effect.
“You’re too chicken.”
>”Rainbow Dash isn’t afraid of anything. Let’s go!”

>Dash takes off down the road, while you and Applejack jog after her.
>”This really isn’t a good idea Anon, the Everfree forest isn’t the safest place in Equestria you know.”
“Don’t worry AJ, I’ll protect you from the big baddies that lurk within.”
>You wrap your arm around her sealing the deal.
“Now how about we make Rainbow Dash eat those words of hers?”
>”Righty that partner.”
>You both catch up to Rainbow Dash at the edge of the forest.

“Not scared now are you?” you say catching your breath.
>”Nope. I thought I’d give you the pleasure of taking the first step.”
“I’m sure that’s it.”
>You take a few steps into the forest, and you immediately understand why they don’t like it.
>It feels- alive. Almost like it’s watching you.
>”You do it Anon!” Applejack cheers at your resolve.
>If they weren’t here you’d have already bolted.
>This place is just wrong, not creepy wrong, but something shouldn’t be here wrong.
>*gulp* You’re the thing that shouldn’t be there.
>The patter of hoofsteps behind you calms you down.
>”We’re right behind you.” Applejack says.
“Thanks.” Walking further into the forest.

>All pretense of your run is gone, each of you scared out of your wits.
>You can feel eyes staring down at you.
>How the hell can this place even exist?
>You pull out your pistol, keeping it at your side.
>Better safe than sorry? *crack*
>You take aim, the ponies standing behind you.
>Nothing, just some leaves from the trees.
>Fuck this place. Just fuck it.

>”I uh- think we should, you know, head on back.” Rainbow stutters.
>”I’m inclined to agree with Rainbow here.”
“Yeah, that sounds li-“
>A pungent odor fills your nostrils making you wheezy.
>”What in the hay is that smell?”
>”Let’s get out of here, now.”
>You don’t know if it’s the retard within, but you need to find the source of that stench.
>You head off the path and into the depths of the forest.
>The odor in wait.

>Every inch of your body is telling you to get out of here, but your brain says go on.
>Deeper you go, following your nose.
>You reach a large tree, the rancid fumes emanating from its being.
>”Anon we need to leave.”
>Applejack and Rainbow are eager to leave this place.
“Just- let me see.”
>You work your way up the decrepit piece of timber, using the vines to your advantage.
>The trunk twists around letting you walk freely.
>You pass through the tree’s tendrils, looking down at your friends.
>There isn’t anything here, just a bunch of vines.
>”Can we go now?”
“Yeah, let’s get th-*snap*”

>You put too much weight on a vine, snapping it and falling off the tree.
>Your vision is hazy; Rainbow Dash appears to be talking to you.
>No noise comes out.
>Slapping yourself a few times, you can faintly hear her voice.
>”You okay Anon?”
“Fanfuckingtastic.”
>They help you back to your feet, finally regaining your hearing.
“Thanks Dash.”
>”Anytime.”
>Your eyes go wide looking at Dash and Applejack.
>That wasn’t them.

>”Turn around…”
>You sweep your gun behind you, freaked the fuck out.
>It sounded like it came from the tree, but there’s nothing.
“You guys hear that?”
>”Hear what Anon?”
>A drip catches your eye, not a leaf, a drip.
>You raise your weapon, trying to find the source.
>The stream gets thicker the higher you go.
>You take a step forward, eyes ascending toward the tree tops.
>The source is right at the top of the forest, dangling above your head.
>Bound within the vines of the trees, dripping with blood, are two skinless ponies.

>Your breakfast rises in your chest, desperate to see the light of day.
>Clutching your mouth closed you turn away.
>”What’s wrong?” Appljeack says trotting next to you.
>She freezes when her eyes befall the corpses.
>”By Equestria…”
>You can almost hear the drips as they hit the floor.
>Your stomach continues to fight against you.
>Vomit fills your mouth and you press your hands tighter forming a dam.

>Rainbow Dash comes up beside you, taking a look herself.
>”I-is th-that…?”
>”Afraid it is, what could of monster could have done this?”
>They continue observing the bodies.
>”It skinned them? Why would it skin them?”
>The dam breaks as you spray your breakfast before your traumatized friends.
>Multi-colored puke covers a nearby bush as you recover.
>You can’t stand this place.

>Grabbing your friends you sprint out of there as fast as you can.
>You don’t even give a second to look back.
>The two bodies are burned into your mind, each thought making you want to purge again.
>The forest is finally out of visual range and you begin to walk.
>No words are spoken on the way back to Ponyville.
>What words could be said, now of all times?
>So you all walk, silent.

>The three of you depart company on approach the town.
>Rainbow having weather duty and Applejack having apple bucking.
>They can drown out the memories with work, but not you.
>You get to sit with your thoughts until the sun sets.
>Twilight needs to know about this.
>Your not sure why, but she does.

>You knock on Twilight’s door.
>”One minute.”
>You run your hand over your face trying to appear as normal as possible.
>The door opens and she ushers you inside.
>”Take a seat; I have such things to show you.”
“Twilight.”
>”I’ve been going over the notes Celestia gave me…”
“Twilight.”
>”Those ruins are quite fascinating, did you know-“
“Twilight!”
>You yell at her trying to get her to listen to you.
>She is bewildered at your attitude, but quiets down nonetheless.

”I- There’s something I need to ask you.”
>”Well then ask.”
>Her voice is mixed with concern and agitation.
“In those notes, does it say anything about skinning people?”
>”Skinning? Not that I recall.”
>You sigh in relief; at least it’s not as bad as you thought.
>”Why exactly?”
“On my run today, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and I… We went into the Everfree forest.”
>You shudder as your thoughts return.
“We found two ponies hanging from the tree tops, they appeared to be…”
>”Skinned.”
“Yeah…”

>Twilight takes out her notes and gives them a quick once-over.
“Anything?”
>”I’m afraid not.” She responds.
“Damn, thanks anyways.”
>You’re about to leave when you remember she wanted to talk to you.
“Umm, what did you want to talk to me about?”
>”I finally finished it!” She cheers happy with herself.
“I don’t follow.”
>”You really have trouble remembering things don’t you.”
>If only she knew…
>”Come on, I’ll show you.”

>She helps you to your feet dragging you downstairs to her cellar.
“I’m sorry if I appear out of it. It’s just there’s too much shit going on right now.”
>”Don’t worry about it; you need to just take your mind off of things.”
>She’s right, that entire encounter has thrown you for a loop.
>”Ah here they are.”
>She pulls out a few objects from her chest and tosses one to you.
>You give it a once-over examining Twilight’s project.
“Is this- my old pulse rifle?”
>”I’ve made some adjustments to make them compatible with p0ny anatomy.”

>That’s one way of putting it, she did a damn good job.
>”I fiddled slightly with the magazine location due to the size constraints of the trigger.”
“Have you given this thing a test run?”
>”I would have, but someone keeps the ammo locked away in their home.”
“Oh… yeah.”
>”Do you happen to have a spare one on you?”
>You feel around in your pockets.
“Nope, sorry.”
>”Maybe later then.”
>The front door slams shut, Spike calling out for Twilight.
>”We’ll finish this later, come on.”
>Putting the weapons away you both ascend the stairs into the entranceway.

“Sup Spike, you doing alright?”
>”Just perfect. How about you Anon, you don’t look so good?”
>You grin and scratch the back of you neck.
“That easy to tell huh?”
>”Yeah, what you need is some sleep man. That club is getting to ya.”
>It’s nice that Spike finally warmed up to you, though he still gets antsy around Rarity.
“You don’t mind if I steal Spike for a moment do you Twilight? I want to send a letter.”
>”Go right ahead.”
>You and Spike sit down while Twilight reads in peace.

“Alright. Dear Princess Celestia, I was hoping to obtain a status report on your investigation. Are there any locations in particular you have sent your guards to investigate, and if so what are said locations? I have some findings of my own, but am unsure if it pertains to said investigation. Any information you can lend will be helpful. ~Private Anonymous”
>”Done and done. So what did you find?”
>Your grin turns sour.
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
>”Sure thing Anon.” *belch* “Don’t expect a reply though; the princess has been busy lately.”
>You’ve got a gut feeling you know why.
“Thanks anyways. I better head out, catch up on that sleep you talked about.
>You open the door, calling back to them.
“Cya later Spike. Bye Twilight!”

>Stepping outside you drop your calm act.
>You can’t get those images out of your head.
>Their carcasses, hanging like cattle, the blood…
>You shake your head to clear your mind.
>Maybe sleep will calm you down, it couldn’t hurt.
>Just a nice nap to soothe your jimmies.
>You put one foot in front of the other on your way back home.

>Taking an apple out of the fridge you retire to your bedroom.
>Even now the sweetness is invigorating.
>Tossing the core in the waste bin, you plop down onto the bed.
>You plant your pistol on the nightstand and flip on your tracker.
>It’s the only way to be sure…
>You drift back into slumber leaving behind your woes.
>Or so you thought.

>*ba bleep*
>You sprint down the hallway, escaping the creatures of your past.
>They’re not going to get you, they won’t.
>Fuck this heat, it’s going to suffocate you.
>You check your ammo counter, 00.
>No breaks…

>You move from room to room, eyes trained for anything out of the ordinary.
>The smell of decaying flesh hits you like a freight train.
>Each step brings you closer to the source, you don’t want to see it again.
>You try and head back though the walls begin shifting to block your escape.
>You’re a prisoner of your own mind, shackled by memories past.
>Dropping your weapon you march forward, no sense in wasting time with it.
>Another chamber lies ahead masked in shadow.
>Drawing your knife you proceed to face your past.

>You’re back in the arena, the walls still coated with the black webbing.
>The scientist’s bodies litter the floor, their chests torn out from the inside.
>Your platoon is tied in the webbing captives of the Xenomorph attack.
>They’re alive staring down at you, pleading for you to help them.
>But you can’t. You know what they’ll become. *ba bleep*
>”Over here.”

>You drop your knife, the end here once again. You face the noise embracing the inevitable.
>The environment seems to bend itself around your adversary. Its body cloaked masking its appearance.
“Just get it over with.”
>It doesn’t do anything, simply watching you.
“What are you waiting for? Do it!”
>No reaction. This is pissing you off. *ba bleep*
>Another wave of the horrendous stench reaches you.
>You peer down into the pit, searching for the source.

>You can see your friends, smiling up at you.
>Their faces alleviate your status, giving you something to look forward to.
>A pair of hands force you to your knees.
“What the hell are you-“
>Another group of cloaked figures approach your friends.
“Please, no…” *shling*
>They don’t take their eyes off of you. Not for a second.
>You try and turn away from them, the hand forcing you to watch every second of it.
>You watch your friends as they’re torn apart, blood splattering against the walls.
>Their flesh is removed from their bodies, but they continue to smile at you.
“You bastard! Let me go!”
>They string up your skinless friends, raising them to your level, still smiling.
>You couldn’t save them…

>The cloaked creature throws you against the wall, your friends hanging just behind him.
>You fight to hold back the tears, losing your comrades again.
>They open their mouths, talking to you in turn.
>”Why didn’t you help us?”
>“Where were you Anon?”
>”How could you let this happen?”
>Each p0ny wanting an explanation, something you can’t give them.
>Your captor uncloaks, revealing a large metallic mask.
>”We hold…”

>You bolt out of bed in a cold sweat.
>Another fucking nightmare to add to the list.
>The sun is starting to set outside your window, signaling your departure.
>You replace your drenched fatigues with a t-shirt and jeans.
>The tracker is going to accompany you tonight, for old time’s sake.
>Locking the door, you run over to Vinyl’s nightclub.

>People are beginning to enter as you approach.
>Vinyl is going to be pissed when she finds out you’re late.
>You rush through the back door and change. Gotta go fast!
>The ponies are already having a good time when you enter the room.
>At least nothing started while you were changing.
>Vinyl walks over to you as the music continues.

>”Rough day?”
>You feel like an open book, everyp0ny knowing how you’re feeling.
“You can say that, I’m sorry about my tardiness. It won’t happen again.”
>”Just try not to make it a habit. We’ll talk when your shift is done, alright?”
“Roger that.”
>Vinyl goes back to her stand, keeping the music flowing.
>You see Raúl passing out drinks, so you stop by and help.
>”You ok Anon? It looks like you need a drink.”

>He places a glass in your hand and you eagerly gulp it down.
“Could be better. You?”
>”Same, the wife’s been acting a bit wacky though.”
“Really? Do tell.” You egg him on, trying to get your mind off of things.
>”She’s been hearing strange things is all, creaks on the roof, scratching at the door. Fillies these days, am I right?”
“Right,” you reply unpacking the last crate, “Keep it safe okay.”
>”Will do.” He gives you a brohoof and returns to his customers.
>You should do the same.

>You wonder how Applejack and her are handling things, it isn’t everyday they experience… that.
>Some drunks were able to get your mind off of things.
>Two rowdy guards, probably fresh out of academy, had taken one too many shots and thought it’d be fun to test out their new position.
>You proceeded to kicking them out on their asses.
>Duff had your back when one of them tried to cheap shot you, bucking him back to his mother.
>He turned out to be a real pal, drinking with you whenever Rainbow Dash didn’t show.
>You continue your patrol seeing both AJ and Dash in the corner of the club.
>Alcohol would do the trick alright.
>You sit down with them, joining them in their sorrow.

“How you guys holding up?”
>”About as good as you look sugarcube.”
“That good huh,” you laugh to yourself, “I’m sorry about this morning. I shouldn’t have forced you both into that.”
>”Don’t be all down on yourself, I chose to go, same with Dash.”
>”Yeah, we chose.”
“I could have stopped it,” you think back to your nightmare,” I could’ve…”
>You wince at the memories.
>”Anon?” Rainbow asks, “What’s wrong, we’ve got your back.”
“Dreams Dash. Terrible fucking dreams.”

>You sit with them the rest of the night. Nobody talking, but everyone knowing what the other was thinking.
>”We’re locking up. Head on home everyp0ny.”
>You wave to your friends as they leave.
>Raúl and you brohoof as he returns to his wife and child.
>It’s nice to see somep0ny have something to look forward to.
>You’re envious of him on that account.
>You finish changing and chat with Vinyl for a bit, offering to walk her home.
>She graciously accepts your offer.

>The moon is high in the sky, illuminating your path to Vinyl’s abode.
“I always liked the night you know. You can go on undisturbed, nop0ny interrupting you. Know what I mean?”
>”I do.  It has a rhythm of its own, far more natural and serene than any I could play.”
>The two of you continue to converse all the way to her house.
>It’s far more modern than most of the other homes in Ponyville.
>”Thanks for the escort; it’s a pleasure to know there’s still a gentleman in town.”
“Well, I aim to please.”

>You touch the handle, a gooey substance sticking to your hand.
“What the hell?”
>You wipe off your hand on your pants, getting the shit off of you.
“Someone let out a hell of a sneeze your handle. It’s kind of-“
>No, it couldn’t be.
>You pull a little more of the gunk off the handle and rub it between your fingers, memorizing the texture.
>This- this can’t be. She said she had it under control.
>You draw your pistol and survey the surrounding area.
>”Anon what’s wrong?”
“No time,” you say flipping on your tracker, “We just need-“ *ba bleep*
>You aim towards the roof, a shadowy creature meeting your gaze.

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