- “Anon calling to anyone, do you read me!”
- >Come on, come on, this can’t be happening.
- >Not to you.
- >”Do you always talk to yourself?”
- >Just ignore her Anon.
- >You try again on your radio, the only response being static.
- >You clench your fist in anger but keep it still atop the table.
- >Stay calm. You can make it through this. You always do.
- >”Are you alright?”
- >You stare at her through your visor.
- “What do you think?”
- >You’re having a conversation with a talking unicorn.
- >God, if your friends could see you now…
- >”Are you lost?”
- >You hold the side of your helmet and nod.
- “Something like that, yeah.”
- >She moves closer, slowly sitting in her chair across from you.
- >”Sooo, where are you from?”
- >You look away from her and around her home.
- >You don’t know what their obsession is with houses in trees, they’re horses not squirrels.
- >Though with the way things are going, you can’t be sure if they’re not just robots controlled by miniature squirrels.
- >She invited you into her home so she deserves an answer at least.
- “That information’s classified, nothing personal.”
- >”Come on, just a hint?” she asks with a gleam in her eye.
- >You recognize that look.
- >You had it back when you joined the UNSC, determination.
- >Not that you give in easy, but you just don’t have the strength to deal with any nagging.
- >As long as you stay away from the biggies you should be fine.
- >Besides, it’s not like Eridanus can suffer anymore.
- “I was born on Eridanus II, a secluded colony on the edge of UNSC space.”
- >”You’re not from here?” she asks almost shocked.
- “What gave that away? My looks or the fact that I just told you.”
- >”Well it’s just…” she points to your helmet, or rather the horn atop it.
- “I’m not a unicorn if that’s what you’re wondering.”
- >You’re not quite sure why anyone would add that little piece or why you’d buy it in the first place.
- >Makes a great improvised weapon though and it intimidates the hell out of some Grunts.
- >You remember the first time you charged into a group of the fuckers, the little bastards screaming in terror and nearly shitting their suits.
- >You hold in a laugh and lean back in your chair.
- >Good times.
- >Her eyes dart between you and the floor, another dash and its starting annoy you.
- “You got anything to eat?”
- >”Of course!” she shouts leaping out of her chair.
- >She sets down the stairs and you go ahead and follow.
- >You browse her bookshelf as she makes you something to eat.
- >You swear if she brings you a pile of oats or something…
- >Equines For Dummies. Good enough for you.
- >You give it a quick scan, reading not exctly your forte, and take in anything that could be useful.
- >The only thing that stands out besides magic are the Pegasi.
- >A picture shows one moving a cloud around like it were a piece of furniture.
- >You’re logical mind says it’s bullshit and your imagination is the first to agree.
- >There’s this little thing called science, look it up.
- >But they do have magic, so that kind of shits on your entire argument.
- >Fuck, this place, Equestria you think she called it, is going to be the end of you.
- >Twilight taps your thigh and presents you a dish.
- >You give it one look and begin to rage.
- >Oats…
- “Where’s your kitchen?”
- >You follow her hoof and begin to rummage through her cabinets.
- >”Is this not enough?”
- “I’m not eating that crap, even I have standards.”
- >”Ok…” she replies with a tinge of pain in her voice.
- >It’s all vegetarian crap, no meat. Who called that? Oh wait, it was you.
- >You manage to scrounge up a few eggs from her fridge.
- >It’s barely considered meat, but it’ll do.
- >You whip out a frying pan, some butter, salt and pepper and get to work.
- >Twilight watches as you work your own version of magic.
- >You’re no Iron Chef, but you can work with what you’ve got.
- >Eating straight MREs for so many years sparked a little creativity in you.
- >Good for you, bad for your enemies.
- >If only you were an interrogator.
- >You slide the eggs onto a plate.
- >They’re a little runny, but that’s not gonna kill ya.
- >Twilight directs you to where you can find a fork and knife.
- >You think about asking her why she has these, but you find it better to leave it be.
- >You sit down at the table, Twilight still observing.
- “Do you mind?”
- >”I’m sorry, go ahead.”
- >She doesn’t budge.
- “I don’t like people watching me eat.”
- >”Oh, that’s what you- I’ll leave you to it.”
- >She trots off, trying her best to conceal the notepad and quill she swiped.
- >Thinking back, you do remember a faint humming.
- >Could she have been taking notes behind your back?
- >Let’s find out.
- >You take off your helmet and shovel the eggs down your gullet.
- >She’ll likely wait a minute before spying on you, and you just happen to be able to finish up in less than that.
- >Before long the plate is barren except for a few scraps.
- >You’d finish them off, but time’s of the essence.
- >You pry the door open a smidge, put on your helmet and cloak.
- >The door she exited through opens a little and you can see her eye gazing through the crack.
- >When she discovers you’re missing she bursts through, visibly worried.
- >She gallops over and throws the door open, her breathing heavy but quick.
- >You move behind her, the notepad levitating in air beside her, and grab it.
- >”HEY!”
- >There’s a little resistance, but you manage to pull it out of her influence.
- “What do we have here huh? I’m many things Twilight, but blind isn’t one of them.”
- >’Name: Anon (Strange)’
- “So you were taking notes behind my back. I trust you just a little and you betray it. Unacceptable.”
- >She attempts to explain but you hush her.
- >’Born on Eridanus at the edge of UNSC (Country?) space (Literal meaning?).’
- >It was smart of you to avoid Earth. She’s basically taking your words verbatim.
- >’Subject shows considerable strength. I believe it to be a male due to the tone of voice, but this theory must be confirmed.’
- >Subject… That’s a nice touch.
- >’The subject is quick to act, implying a lower level of intellect or possibly ignorance. Note: Take precautions not to anger him. If he can take on a Manticore like that…’
- >You shake the notepad in your hands and try to find something to say but come up speechless.
- >What do you say to something like this?
- >She spoke about you as if you were just some feral beast.
- >”I just thought- it’d be wise-“
- “Have you no respect? You didn’t drag me here tooth and nail, I came willingly and this is how you repay me.”
- >You toss the notepad to the side and she takes a step back.
- >”I had to do it. After what you did to the Manticore I had to. I don’t expect you to understand.”
- >Oh lord. How did you not see it before? It’s so obvious and yet you sailed right over it.
- >It really isn’t her fault, it’s just her nature. You chuckle and hold you head.
- “You’re an egghead.”
- >”Ugh, why does everyp0ny say that?”
- “Because that’s what you are.”
- >”That’s not nice.” You serious the fuck up.
- “Neither was going behind my back.”
- >She looks to the floor, “I’m sorry.”
- >You’re not sure if it’s because you have a full stomach or what but…
- “I forgive you.”
- >”You- you do?”
- “Did I stutter?”
- >You grab her notepad and sit down on the stairs, tossing her the pad.
- “Next time, ask first.”
- >She practically squees with delight at the opportunity.
- >You give the basics, species, eating habits, stuff like that.
- >She was particularly intrigued when you mentioned your omnivorous nature.
- >Most are skeptical to reveal that type of information due to fear of being persecuted.
- >When you ask if she would she shook her head, “We’re not like that.”
- >You shrug and let her continue on.
- >”It’s nice to know I was right about you being a guy.”
- “Indeed, that would’ve been one awkward conversation.”
- >She laughs a bit, “So Anon, do you have any brothers or sisters?”
- >Your skin turns cold at the question.
- “No.”
- >”How about your parents?”
- “No,” you say trying your best to stay calm.
- >”Anyone?”
- “I said no!”
- >You catch yourself before you can carry on.
- “I’m sorry Twilight. I didn’t mean to yell.”
- >”It’s ok, I shouldn’t pry.”
- “No no, it’s my fault. I have uh, a temper problem. I hate repeating myself see?”
- >”That’s quite the problem.”
- “I try to work on it.”
- >She drops the subject thankfully and yawns.
- >The clock on the wall says it’s around 3:00.
- >”I think we should leave it at that for today. Do you have a place to sleep?”
- “Not exactly.”
- >”Would you like to stay here for tonight?”
- “If you wouldn’t mind.”
- >She grins, “Just set up wherever you want. I’ll see you in the morning.”
- >She heads up the stairs and to bed, leaving you there where you drift to sleep.
- >You don’t dream often but when you do they’re generally pretty nasty.
- >It came as a surprise when this one was different.
- >You were in a room, the walls fuzzy and glazed over.
- >A soothing feeling comes to mind as you sit in the corner.
- >Your limbs are numb and weak so you must stare into the empty room.
- >The room itself was small, but the light made it seem vast and inviting.
- >It was warm as well, as if it wrapped itself around you in safety.
- >All your woes seemed inconsequential as you sat in luxury.
- >No Covenant, No P0nies, No War.
- >Just peace.
- >But that is but a dream.
- >You open your eyes, your HUD flickering back to life.
- >There’s a knocking from the door, likely what woke you.
- >The sun’s shining brightly from the windows. You must’ve overslept.
- >Might as well answer the door while you’re up.
- >You stand up and work your way to the door, light piercing through the gap as you open it.
- >Below your towering figure lies the perpetrator, a tiny purple lizard thing holding a backpack.
- “Sup.”
- >The lizard goes wide-eyed at the sight of you and turns tail and runs, the little bastard screeching like a banshee.
- >Was it something you said? Oh wait, you’re a giant. That’s right.
- >”Hold it right there ya abominanation!” a hick voice calls out.
- >You shut the door, unfazed by her terrible grammar, the mare kicking the door open behind you.
- >It’s that weird mare from yesterday, she’s got the same hat and everything.
- >”What’d ya do with Twilight you monster?!”
- “Isn’t this breaking and entering?” you ask questionably.
- >”TWILIGHT!” she calls out, “You alright?!”
- “She should be fine. You horse things can regenerate limbs right?”
- >A look of terror comes across her face, soon replaced by seething anger, “I’m coming Twilight!”
- >You stand your ground as the p0ny charges at you, not bothering to defend yourself.
- >She swivels her hips and bucks you in the chest, at least she would’ve if your shield wasn’t active.
- >A dazzling display of sparks erupts from your shield as it repels her attack, the p0ny backing away in defeat.
- >”You- what are you?”
- >You check your shields, a sliver depleted.
- “Huh? You packed more of a punch, well, kick, than I thought you would.”
- >”Ugh… Applejack?” you hear Twilight grumble from the top of the stairs.
- >The orange hick is relieved to see her, but keeps her eyes fixed on you, “I got him cornered Twi, let’s git him.”
- >You look to Twilight expectantly, not that she can see your expression.
- “A little help here?”
- >”It’s alright Applejack, he’s good.”
- >”Good? He sent Spike screaming off into the sunset.”
- “You mean that lizard? All I said was hello.”
- >”I don’t doubt that,” Twilight replies.
- >”Don’t you remember anything from last night? Remember what he did?”
- >Twilight steps down the stairs, “He was trying to protect us.”
- >”And just why would he do that?” she asks staring daggers at you.
- “I’m just a good guy like that.”
- >”So you just go around saving people?”
- “I’m not batman, but I do what I can.”
- >All of her questioning is starting to annoy you.
- “Look Applejack, that’s your name right? If I wanted to harm any of you, why haven’t I done so yet? Why didn’t I defend myself when you attacked me?”
- >”You attacked him Applejack?”
- >She stammers at your combined questioning before bowing her head in shame, “I did.”
- “I may have, just by chance, implied that I chopped off some of you limbs though.”
- >Twilight slowly turns her head and stares at you long and hard, “Really?”
- “Too much?”
- >Maybe you were a bit too- What’s the word? Sarcastic?
- >They hardly know you so you can’t expect them to understand.
- “I think we got off on the wrong foot, my name’s Anon,” you extend your hand.
- >The orange mare gives your metallic hand a once over.
- >”I ain’t gonna get shocked again?”
- “Only if you move too fast,” you reassure.
- >She’s timid at first, her limbs shaky, but once her hoof is in your hand she loses her fear.
- >She gives it a firm shake and you detect a hint of a smile on her face.
- “That wasn’t so bad now was it?”
- >”I guess not.”
- >Twilight seems satisfied enough with your results.
- >At least you got this problem off your back.
- >Applejack clears her throat and retracts her hoof, “I uh, better get Spike.”
- “Tell the little lizard not to worry. I’m not big on scales.”
- >She forces a laugh and backs out the door.
- >As she closes the door you sigh in relief.
- “Damn, I thought she’d never ease up.”
- >”She’s very protective of friends and family. Be glad it wasn’t Applebloom or Big Mac.”
- >You raise a brow at their names.
- >As if reading your mind she speaks up, “And yes, they all have names related to apples, except Granny Smith…”
- “That’s the name of an apple.”
- >She throws her hooves in the air, “Well never mind.”
- >You chuckle at the display and lean against the wall opposite of her.
- “Are all your friends like that?’
- >”Applejack’s one of the tamer ones actually.”
- “No shit? When do I get to meet the rest of the gang?”
- >”Whenever you feel like it really.”
- “Like my old drill sergeant used to say, there’s no time like the present.”
- >Well, that and to get my head out of my ass and man up, but you’ll leave that one out.
- >”Are you sure? Being- Well… Being you will be sure to attract some attention.”
- “I’m no stranger to the murmurs of civilians. I’ll be fine.”
- >Twilight tries to sway you away, but you won’t have any of it.
- >If you’re going to be here for a while then you’ll need to meet the locals.
- >And by the responses you’ve been getting on the comm., there won’t be a rescue squad coming for you anytime soon.
- >So you face the unknown head on and follow Twilight out the front door.
- >All chatter ceases as soon as you exit her front door.
- >Apparently they’re not used to seeing a giant robot man. Who knew?
- >They’re not much different from a lot of the citizens you grew up with.
- >They all do their thing and they all have a fear of the unknown.
- >You shrug off their uncomfortable gazes and walk behind Twilight.
- >If you saw your radar under other circumstances you’d piss yourself.
- >It’s like your walking through a lake of enemies.
- >Thankfully, this enemy is a bunch of tiny p0nies that couldn’t hurt you even at full size.
- “So who are we meeting first?”
- >”You’ll find out soon enough.”
- >You follow her to another structure about the size of her home.
- >It’s certainly unique, but at least its not another fucking tree.
- >Reminds you of the carnival actually.
- >You lean beside the door as she knocks.
- >The door opens slowly, “Why good morning Twilight. What do I owe this pleasure?”
- >”There’s someone I want everyone to meet. Do you promise not to freak out?”
- >”Come now Twilight, have you so little faith in me? I am a lady after all.”
- >You catch her eye roll, “Rarity I’d like you to meet Anon. Anon this is Rarity.”
- >You make yourself seen, a pearly white unicorn staring wide-eyed at you.
- >Oh boy this is too easy.
- >You turn to Twilight questionably.
- “Can I eat it?”
- >Rarity gasps, eye’s rolling back, and faints.
- >”Again Anon?”
- “Hey, it’s kinda my thing.”
- >Twilight shakes her head, “Well help me carry her inside.”
- “Certainly madam.”
- >You heft her over your shoulder, taking extra care not to ruin her flowing orchid mane.
- >”Why couldn’t you talk like that to her? She would’ve loved that.”
- “I’m not here for her to love let me remind you.”
- >”Yeah yeah, you’re going to leave the second you can, but can you at least try to be polite to my friends? Please?”
- “Damn, you said the magic word. Now I have to do what you say.”
- >”Really?” she asks as you lay Rarity down on the couch.
- “Not a chance in hell.”
- >”I should’ve known.”
- “Alright fine, I’ll try and tone it down a bit. You have my word as a soldier.”
- >”So you’re a soldier?”
- “I didn’t- Fuck. Alright, I’m a solider. Couldn’t tell by the armor?”
- >”That’s armor?”
- >You’re just telling her everything now aren’t you?
- “How about we change the subject? Does this place have running water?”
- >”Yes, but I don’t-“
- “Could you get me a glass please?”
- >Twilight ponders your intent but does as you ask anyways.
- >As soon as she leaves you return to Rarity.
- “Wakey wakey, hands on snakey.”
- >No response. Welp, time for Plan B.
- >You flick the tip of her horn, her eyes almost bulging in response.
- “Good, I like them lively.”
- >She lets out the most ear-shattering scream you’ve ever had the unfortunate luck to hear.
- >You muffle the noises in your helmet as Twilight comes rushing back in with a glass of water.
- >Rarity grabs the glass and begins to chug it like it was the last one in the world.
- >Twilight shoots you the death glare again and you can’t help but giggle.
- “Okay that was the last one.”
- >For now…
- >”You’re going to have to have some restraint if you want to live around here.”
- “’Want’ is a very questionable term.”
- >”You know what I mean.”
- >She does have a point though; you can’t have the local populace brandishing the pitch forks.
- “I’m sorry Rarity. It was unkind of me to act in that manner and I apologize fully.”
- >She stops her shivering with a nod from Twilight, “Well, it certainly seems you’ve made an impression on some of us.”
- “I have an irresistible charm,” you reply heavy in sarcasm.
- >”I wanted to introduce him to some of our friends. At least he’d get to know some of us.”
- >”I’m honored you thought of me first.”
- “It’s an honor to meet such a beauty,” you cringe saying.
- >The mare turns crimson, “Why thank you.”
- >Just be nice. Be the kind gentlemen that your…
- >Damn. You wanted to keep them out of mind for a while longer.
- >”It was nice seeing you Rarity, but we better keep moving. I want to have him meet the others by sunset.”
- >”But of course. Perhaps next time it’ll be under more favorable circumstances.”
- >Twilight glares at you, “Sorry about that. He’s not quite used to all this yet.”
- “I’ve been here for a day. I wouldn’t expect much.”
- >Rarity shows you to the door, “If you ever need anything, don’t be afraid to ask. Anon, correct?”
- “Correct you are Miss Rarity.”
- >She smiles, “Until next time Mr. Anon.”
- >You wave goodbye and follow Twilight once more.
- >When you’re sure you’re out of sight you sigh in exhaustion.
- “Gag me.”
- >She smacks you in the arm, your shields lighting up in response.
- “What did I do?”
- >”I’d appreciate it if you didn’t insult my friends while I’m around.”
- “Oh come on, you can’t tell me that she doesn’t give off that pretentious vibe. She needed a good wakeup call.”
- >”I don’t care, she’s my friend, and I don’t like you being rude. Are you going to keep this up or do you want a fresh one?”
- >You chuckle at her sarcasm and assure her that you’ll try to behave.
- >The crowd parts as you pass through the more crowded sections of the town.
- >You sense her trepidation and place your hand on her neck.
- >Your silent courage does well to calm her.
- “So who’re we meeting next?”
- >”A very good friend of mine and just about everyone here in Ponyville.”
- >”She’s a little eccentric, so bear with her.”
- “Please Twilight, there’s nothing I, can’t… handle?”
- >You stare at the building before you, its auburn roof and pearly trim, the vibrant pinks and purples on the adjoining walls.
- >And right on top sits the largest cupcake you think you’ve ever seen.
- “Twilight, get a doctor. I think I just contracted Diabetes.”
- >”So you were saying something?”
- “I- What?”
- >”That’s what I thought,” she laughs and leads you to the door.
- “How can anyone live in a place like that? I’d be on a permanent sugar rush.”
- >”Oh you haven’t met Pinkie yet. She’s more than a mare can handle.”
- >You take a deep breathe before she opens the door.
- “I’m ready.”
- >She opens the door and steps inside, the interior reminiscing an actual building.
- >It’s certainly a store by the looks of it, sugary treats displayed under glass and a pair of p0nies behind the counter.
- >You’ve got a tall lanky stallion on one side, his color that of a pumpkin and there’s a shorter plumper mare beside him and it looks like someone threw up go-gurt on her.
- “Hello,” you say with a wave, trying your best to sound sincere.
- >They glance towards each other, “Morning Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Is Pinkie in?”
- >”Yeah, um… Who’s your friend?” the mare asks shakily.
- >”Oh, this is Anon. He’s uh, new around here.”
- >”No doubt about that,” the stallion replies in a cool tone.
- “Nice to meet you folks.”
- >The kindness… it burns us…
- >”Is it alright if we head upstairs?”
- >”Sure, no problem Twilight. Just…”
- >She darts her eyes at you hoping you wouldn’t notice, but you do.
- >”Alright Mrs. Cake. Thank you.”
- >You follow Twilight up the stairs, your mouth barely holding out against the urge to snap at her.
- >”It’s only natural that she worries about you. She doesn’t exactly know you. Hay, I don’t even know you.”
- “Sure whatever,” you groan.
- >Why the hell should you care what she thinks? She’s a fucking pastel farm animal and you’re a god damn Spartan of the UNSC.
- >You grind covenant skulls into dust and don’t afraid of anything. She should be in awe!
- >Oh god, if Twilight could hear this… You’d be on a manhunt by an entire p0ny army.
- >That’s not necessarily an appealing thought.
- >Until you find a way off, where this is, you’re going to have to fit in.
- >And if that means stowing your dick between your legs and barking like a dog then that’s what you’re going to do.
- >”Hey Pinkie? You here?”
- >No one responds.
- >”Strange. Usually she’d be bouncing around like a mad mare.”
- >Or she could be taking a nap. God knows that’s what you could use.
- >”Hey Pinkie!”
- “I don’t have time for this,” you say opening the door, “Hey is anyone-“ *splat*
- >Your visor’s completely covered in some type of puffy- Is that shit frosting?
- >How do you work the visor wipers on this thing?
- >You clear the frosting from your eyes manually, first world problems right?
- >But that’s when you see them, two giant sky blue eyes, inches from your visor.
- >So this is Pinkie?
- >How swell…

