Rebels in Equestria 7

> Pinkie Pie was the first to break the silence

> "Woah woah woah, why is everyp0ny so sad all of a sudden? We should be happy! We've just met a new friend!"  

> The way Pinkie Pie manages to bounce around the room is amusing to say the least.

> "Princess Celestia, why are you crying? Is something wrong?”  Twilight whispers to Celestia “Is there something I should know about?"

> Celestia responds instantly: "My faithful student Twilight, it’s just that I'm just so excited to meet a real live human such as Anonymous I couldn't help but letting out tears of joy!"

> By no means is Celestia a good liar.

> Becuase Twilight clearly isn’t buying it.

> "But Princess, but what did you mean when you just apologized to An-"

> Suddenly you stomach let's out this loud roar. A sure sign of your ever increasing hunger

> You haven't eaten a proper meal in days.

 

> The Princess gladly sees this as an opportunity to change the conversation's subject

> "Well well. It seems our guest is quite famished. Now what kind of hostess am I to let my guest starve?"

> Celestia turns her attention to you and shoots you a wink

"Y-Yeah, some food would be nice right about now."

> "Well I'll be, I was wonderin' when we'd get a bite to eat! I'm starvin' over here! Princess you gotta let try me one of them fancy horderves!"

> "Oh! Oh! Will there be cake and dessert there? You just know how much I looove cake!" Pinkie Pie bounces around the room at an alarming rate

 

> "Wonderful! Twilight be a dear and take your friends up to the dining hall. I'll be up there in a second."

> "But Celestia what abou-"

> "Twilight I'll only be a moment."

> And although hesitant at first, Twilight agrees.

> The girls make their way to the dining hall, leaving you alone with the Princess

 

> Celestia even dismisses the guards situated in the throne room

> She paces nervously in front of you.

> "Anonymous, I don't know what to make of this."

> She stops to get a good look at you.

> Your tattered clothes and dirty appearance don’t impress anyone

> "It just doesn't make sense Anonymous. I don't know how you arrived, nor do I know why. Do you have any idea?"

"You literally know as much as I do Princess"

 

> Celestia takes a moment to think over her options.

> "In our Royal Archives there are some old scrolls that contain spells that can send p0nies to lands separated by great distances and time. Perhaps if you'd like, I could try to find one that works for you? If you like, I could send you home."

 

> Home.

> That word hit’s you hard.

> You'd love to go back and help fight again.

> For your friends.

> For your family.

> For everything you loved.

> ...

> But you can never go back.

> It's impossible.

> You died underneath that bridge, remember?

> To go back would be a complete bastardization of gods work.

> For instead of a heaven or hell, you were sent here.

> To Equestria.

> A land filled with small pastel colored ponies

> You don't know whether this a punishment

> Or a second chance at life.

> Either way, there's no turning back now.

 

"Princess I don't think I can ever go back."

> You begin to gather your things scattered around the throne room

"You saw what happened. Over there? At my home? I don’t exist anymore.

> Your sling your bags over your back and pick up your rifle on the floor.

"I shouldn't even be alive right now."

> You check the rifle one last time, making sure it's not loaded.

 

> “Well it looks like this is your home now, and we’re going to make the best of it."

> Celestia walks closer

> "Anonymous, I've seen what you're capable of. I've seen the great feats you and your species have accomplished. There’s so much more we could learn from each other."

> You juggle the thought in your head.

> Even though you were tossed in the fray for a few short months, it felt like fighting was all you knew.

> What could she possibly learn from you?

 

> Was joining the rebellion really the best course of action?

> Maybe you could have gone with a more diplomatic approach

> You dwell on the 'what if's of the past.

> At the time fighting back seemed to be the only option

> And even though you knew your fighting was justified, deep down you knew that every single enemy you killed was another person

> Another human being such as yourself

> Each one of them with their own friends and family

> You looked down at your hands.

> You've taken the lives of so many with these.

 

> Funny how so far, you haven't seen anyone else here with hands such as your own

> As a species man has always taken pride in their hands. Using them to their advantage

> The ponies here don’t have hands, and they seem to be doing just fine.

> Your thoughts delve deeper into the subject

> An artist can create beautiful works with his hands.

> A musician can make music with his

> A doctor can even save other people’s lives with his.

> But your hands?

> They were tools of murder.

> Your actions disgust you.

> You snap back into reality

 

"I doubt there's anything you'd want to learn from me Princess."

> You break eye contact out of pure shame

> "Anonymous. You and I. We're more alike than you think."

> She extends her wing around you and holds you close with her hoof.

> "We've both done things in the past we're not proud of."

> She looks up to one of the stained glass windows.

> The scene depicts a Blue Alicorn standing ominously above the moon.

> "Perhaps there may have been better options. Maybe things didn't have to turn out the way they did."

> A lone tear falls from Celestia's face

> "But the fact is... We need to move forward you and I both. We can't live in the past forever.

"I...I understand."

> You’re still wrapped around the Princess’ wing

> Something about her warm embrace combined with the soft touch of her feathers makes you feel at ease, safe even.

> It made you feel…good.

> Whatever this feeling was, you hadn’t felt this way in a long, long time.

> Much to your dismay she breaks the embrace.

> "Come now Anonymous. Let's meet up with Twilight. Knowing her, I’m she’s become restless by now.

 

> The Princess leads you out of the throne room and through the castle once more.

> Once again you hear the traditional music that fills the castle walls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9BJUFJV_uk

> Yep. Still soothing.

 

> Now whenever you pass by a p0ny in the hall they bow instead of tremble.

> Probably due to your royal escort

> You can still feel their fear.

> [spoiler] It still hurts on the inside. [/spoiler]

> The Princess leads down various hallways and up dozens of staircases

> Before you know it, you've been lead up a tower in the far corners of the castle.

> There are large pieces of tapestry hung about the walls.

> They feature a design that is also tattooed on the Princess' rear.

> Cute.

 

> The doors before you are guarded by two large stallions

> Presumably her personal guard.

> Man, do these guys ever smile?

> They greeted the princess with honor and respect as she entered.

> But when you tried to enter, they blocked your path with spears.

> [spoiler] Dicks. [/spoiler]

 

> "Stand down.” Celestia pulls the spears away. “This here is Anonymous. He is my personal guest. I expect you to treat him with the same respect you give me."

> Despite the Princess’ order, they still gave you the stink eye

> “Do I make myself clear?”  Her tone of voice shifts slightly more hostile

> "Yes your majesty."

 

> With that, you were granted entry into the room.

> Holy shit.

> The room is huge! It's about twice the size of your old apartment!

> There are various windows overlooking the countryside below.

> Many of them have balconies.

"Princess, where are we?"

> "Anonymous, this is my personal living chamber."

> You marvel at the various furnishes in the room

> The center piece is this huge bed in the middle.

> It honestly looks like it's as soft as clouds.

"I gotta hand it to you Princess, this is a pretty nice place you got here."

> "You flatter me Anonymous. But please, make yourself at home."

> With that, you plop down on the nearest chair.

> You lean back against the back rest and plop your feet up on the nearby ottoman.

"Ohh man."

> Holy shit. This is the most comfortable chair you've ever sat in.

> It's almost heavenly

 

> "Anonymous, I have some business to attend to. I'll only be gone for a moment. Stay put alright?"

"Okay Princess. Whateever you saay"  

> This chair is just sapping the life force out of you

> She gives you a childish giggle and steps out onto one of the balconies.

> She’s just out of view from where your sitting.

 

> You're about to fall into a quick cat nap on the chair when it suddenly hits you.

> You're about to have dinner in front of your hostess and her closest friends

> Your going to be having dinner with Royalty

> This is your chance to make first impressions on many of them.

> And right now, you’re dressed in rags and are absolutely filthy.

 

> This shit would not fly if you were back on earth.

> Should your standard of living change just because you're not home anymore?

> [spoiler] Of course not. [/spoiler]

 

> Off in the corner of the room a door catches your eye.

> You walk over to it and open it.

> It's a bathroom

>Jackpot.

 

> You walk over to the balcony to check if the Princess is still there.

> It seems like you just missed her.

> You can spot her flying in the sky to a nearby tower on the West side of the castle.

> Thank the lord.

 

> You take this moment to grab your things and hit the bathroom.

> The bathrooms of this world seem to be the same as yours.

> Sink? Check.

> Shower? Check.

> Toilet? Uhhh.

> Upon closer inspection, the toilet looks like one of those oriental style toilets.

> To you, it looks nothing more like a porcelain hole in the floor.

“Ehhh.”

> You didn’t really need to take a piss this moment anyways, you can hold it ‘till later.

> You strip off of your battle garbs and head into the shower.

> Fortunately for you this happens to be Celestia's shower, so it's built tall enough to fit your height.

 

> Turning on the shower, you are met with a pleasant surprise

> Oh my god.

> Is that hot water?

> You haven't had a hot shower in ages.

> Back in your Resistance Days, hot water was a luxury you could not afford

> The feeling of hot water hitting against your body is pure bliss.

 

> You use some of Shampoo and Conditioner you find in the shower.

> ‘Mane and Tail Deluxe Shampoo’

> Smells like L’Oreal

> It gives your hair a sort of tingly clean sensation

> Strange.

> Is this what girl's shampoo feels like?

> Quickly you finish your shower drying up with some fresh towels lying about

> They all have the same insignia from the tapestries.

> A small yellow sun.

> Cute.

 

> You pull out your toiletries from your back pack.

> You apply fresh bandages to some of your wounds.

> Right now, the situation best calls for a clean shave.

> By now, you have worked up a beard that would even make Iroquois Pliskin proud.

> You used a traditional barber’s knife and carfully trimmed the massive beard.

> You chuckle to yourself as you remember your first experience with a razor blade.

 

> No matter how well your father guided you, you still managed to make a bloody mess of your face.

> With time, you learned how to avoid unsightly cuts and scrapes.

> There’s a loud bang at the door that startles you.

> “Anonymous!? Are you in there?”

“Yeah, I’m just freshening up. Just give me a sec, I’ll be out before you know it.”

> As you look in the mirror, you see blood running down your face.

> Damn, you cut yourself.

> There goes your streak.

> The cut isn’t too deep, it’s nothing a little toilet paper can’t fix.

 

> You rummage inside your bag for a more formal change of clothes.

> With a quick polish, your boots shine as good as new.

> Good thing you’re prepared for just about everything.

> You fold your tattered battle garments and place them in your bag

> And you put on quick dab of cologne just for good measure.

> Before leaving, you make sure everything was cleaner than when you got here.

“A little common courtesy never harmed anyone, right?”

 

> You step out back into the bedroom to see a waiting Celestia.

“Just how long were you out here waiting for me?”

> “Not too long. Don’t you recall? I said I’d only be gone for a moment.”

“Right. Anyways, shouldn’t we be going? I’m sure they’re all patiently awaiting us.”

> With a silent nod, she leads you out into the castle once more.

> The main dining hall just so happened to be on another tower on the opposite side of the castle.

> Fuck.

> You picture yourself strolling through the castle with style and grace.

> Not everyone seems to think the same way though.

> There’s something about a well dressed man holding a semi-automatic rifle that put’s the castle’s dweller at unease.

 

> The sounds of music and laughter fill the hallway

> You can easily recognize some familiar voices.

> Namely, Pinkie Pie’s.

> Her laughter echoes through the hall.

> As you get closer, you can make out more voices.

> “Oh lighten up Twilight! I’m sure they’ll be here any minute!”

> An agitated Twilight responds: “Pinkie! You don’t understand! There’s just so much to learn from him! I have so many questions to ask him! We don’t know how long he’s going to stay and I want to make sure to take advantage of every second he’s here!”

> “Ah’ dunno Twilight. Ah’d be a little more careful around him. Don’t ya remember in the forest? He almost got us killed with that staff of his!”

> When you enter the hall, you find Twilight nervously pacing back and forth.

> Twilight giggles with glee when she realizes you’ve arrived.

 

> “Finally!”  Pinkie Pie exclaims. “Now what everyp0ny is here, let’s eat!”

> You find place to sit between Rarity and Twilight.

> Slinging the rifle across your back, you sat cross legged in the “chair”

> Seat’s are a bit uncomfortable, but you managed.

 

> Twilight wasted no time with those questions

> “Anonymous! What happened to all your fur?”

“My what?”

> “All the fur you had on your face! Where did it go?”

“Oh. Uhh I just gave myself a quick shave. It’ll grow back soon.”

 

> “Oh my Anonymous, this outfit is just absolutely fabulous! It’s so simple, yet so bold! And the material is just excellent! Just where did you get it?”  Rarity asks.

> Apparently, you have an excellent taste in clothing.

> Ironic isn’t it.

“Hmm. I’m pretty sure I bought this when I visited Gracemeria”

> “Gracemeria? I’ve never heard of such a place”

> Just another cold reminder that you’re definitely home anymore

“Gracemeria. It’s the capital city of my home country Emmeria.”

> “Now ah’ve never heard of any country like that! Ya sure you haven’t gotten the name mixed up? Ya did hit yer head mighty hard today”

“No, trust me I’m sure.”

 

> Twilight looks at you with worried eyes.

> “Anonymous. There is no nation of Emmeria here. There never has been.”

 

> Rarity pokes you in the rib

> “Anonymous, just exactly where are you from?”

> You don’t even know how to answer that right now

> There really is no simple answer to that question.

> You formulate your response after much thought.

“Rarity. I don’t know how I got here. Actually, I don’t exactly know where ‘here’ is. All I know is that I’m not from here and I’m not supposed to be here.”

> “Anonymous, you’re in the Canterlot Castle in Equestria! Did we not make this clear already?”

“No-no-no, you don’t understand. I mean, where I come from it is only inhabited by Humans. There are no talking p0nies.”

> Twilight pulls out a piece of paper and begins taking notes

“Before I showed up here I lived on a place inhabited by humans, other people. Never in my life have I heard of Equestria before. The concept of unicorns and Pegasus are only found it old legends and fairy tales. I’ve never seen anything like you all before.”

> No one seems content with your answer

> Twilight wouldn’t let it go, pushing deeper with her questions.

> “Well then, do you remember how you got here?”

> You were about to explain your situation when you can felt a telekinetic tug on your leg.

> Celestia’s horn is glowing slightly

> Looking up to her, she gives you a shake of her head.

> Yeah, maybe telling them that you’re actually a martyr isn’t the best idea

> In fact, it’s a terrible idea.

> All that is behind you. Nothing more than a bad memory

 

“Well I lived in a big city, and I rented out this apartment. I lived on my own. It was just like any other night. I had gotten into bed and fallen asleep. When I woke up, I was lost in a forest. I don’t know what happened.”

> “That’s all you remember?”  Twilight asks suspiciously.

“That’s it.”

> Lielielie

> “Well that seems like a rea-”  Celestia is cut off by Twilight

> “Well, what all those things you were carrying? I never seen anything like them before”

“Those are just some of my possessions. I don’t know why, but I woke up with them scattered around next to me. I didn’t necessarily pick out the things I have on me now, they just appeared. I guess it’s all I have left.”

> “Well, do you intend on staying here or going back home?”

“Well, uhm. I’ve already talked it over with Celestia, and we’ve concluded that there is no way of me going back home. It’s impossible. I’m stuck here.”

> Twilight’s eyes glitter with joy.

> “Oh my gosh, we can learn so much from each other!”

> Your glad that someone is going to benefit from all of this

 

> Celestia nods in approval of your cover story

> “Oh you poor thing!” Rarity tugs at your shoulder

> “Anonymous, as the Element of Generosity I cannot idly stand by and watch you live in the streets! I insist that you come and stay with me for as long as you need!”

“Oh. Well I don’t know. I don’t want to be a burden.”

> “Oh non-sense. I’ve got plenty of room in the Carousel Boutique

“Ah, well thank you. I appreciate it.”

 

> Soon enough, various waiters came into the hall.

> They placed various drinks and dishes on the table.

> Your stomach growled in response

 

> The chefs prepared everything from salad, to pasta to cakes.

> You did notice the distinct lack of meat in these meals.

> It did made sense. Horses are naturally herbivores.

> Regardless, the food is delicious.

> You take time in enjoying the Equestrian cuisine

 

> A lone bottle on the table catches you attention.

> Much to your surprise, it’s a bottle of red wine.

> Without a second thought you pop open the bottle and pour yourself a glass. You could definitely use a drink after today.

> Finishing the glass, you come to the conclusion that it’s much weaker than the wine you had back home.

> It actually tastes more like juice than wine.

 

> The dinner goes by quickly.

> It wasn’t long before everyone finished their meals.

> As the p0nies conversed, you just sat, listened and drank.

> You can make assumptions based off their conversations.

> You learn of their lives in a town called P0nyville

> They tell you of their various adventures.

> Their p0ny society was do different

> Here there was no fighting

> No blind hate

> No wars

> You absorb every word of it.

> Before you knew it, you went through 3 bottles of Equestrian Wine

 

> *BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

> There goes the alarm on your watch

> Should you still be at home, this would mark the beginning of your patrol shift.

> After silencing your alarm, you notice everyone is staring at you.

> “Anonymous. What was that?”  Twilight asks.

“Oh. Sorry. It’s just an alarm.”

> “No, I mean, just what is that thing?”  She points to your watch

“Oh come on. You mean you’ve never seen a one of these before?”

> You take off your watch and hand it to her

> “I’ve seen watches before, but none like this. I mean it’s so obscure! Just where are the hands? How do you wind it?”

“ Seriously? You’ve never seen a digital watch before?”

> Everyone at the table shoots you a confused look.

> “Digital? I don’t think they make these here.”

“Oh come on. A digital watch? They’re pretty common where I come from.”

> You’re only met with more confused stares.

“Do you know what a digital watch is?”

> They can’t be serious.

> Do they not know what a fucking watch is?

> Come to think of it, you haven’t seen any advanced technologies since your arrivals

> There were no cars, no signs, no light bulbs, no power outlets. It seems as if they haven’t harnessed electricity yet.

> Hell, the guards around the castle carried spears and swords.

> In retrospect, just about every single thing you came across looked like it has hand built with high effort and care by a skilled artisan

> Have they not reached the industrial revolution either?

> You juggle the thought in your head.

> You look around at your surroundings one last time.

> Everything in the room looked handmade by some sort of skilled craftsman.

> Yeah, they definitely haven’t.

 

> “Anonymous, what other functions can this do?”

> You decide to go with it and flaunt man kind’s technological genius.

“This little guy? It’s just one of the various devices humans back home have developed. It does the basic functions any clock would do and more. It tells me the time for multiple time zones, the date, it has an alarm, it can be used underwater, it’s got a stop watch and it can be used in the dark and it can even run on solar power.”

> Now you’ve even gotten Celestia’s attention.

> “Solar power?” Celestia asks.

> You pour yourself another glass of wine.

> This was going to be a long night.

 

> You spent the next few hours answering questions as they popped up.

> You tried your best at dodging any concepts that had to do with fighting or war.

> Instead you told the ponies about your civilian life before the start of the war.

> You showed them some photos of your friends and family from your wallet.

> Using Twilight’s paper, you sketched the topography of your homeland.

> However, everyp0ny became more interested in the way you held the quill in your hands. Apparently, you were one of the few species on this planet to have opposable fingers

> That ultimately led to a quick course on bone structure in human beings.

> Which then led to a crash course in human anatomy and an explanation of modern medicine.

> Twilight nearly fainted when you explained the concept of the artificial heart to her.

 

> You even shared some of your personal life.

> Turns out the p0nies have a similar ideology to yours

> Ultimately revolving around the pursuit of happiness.

> The conversation was lively and cheerful.

 

> Hell, you even got Fluttershy to warm up around you.

> When she noticed your razor cut, she went through hell and back to make sure you were all right.

> Her intentions were sincere, but misguided.

> By the time you had finished speaking; Twilight had written hefty stack of notes.

> In turn you asked questions as well.

> You were given the basics of Equestrian living.

> You learned about Unicorn’s magic and the Pegasus’ weather control.

> And as vague as it was, much of the phenomena here could just be explained with just “magic”

> The lack of a logical explanation bothered you.

> But then again, here you were in a magical fairy tale land inhabited by 4 foot tall pastel colored equines.

> You should be dead right now, so you can’t really complain.

 

> You make your way back upstairs to the bed chambers

> You’d be sharing a room with Twilight and Rarity.

 

> As soon as Rarity opens the door you dash inside and jump on the nearest bed.

> POMF.

“Dibs.”

> “In that case, I suppose this one is mine.”  Rarity walks over the bed next to yours and places her luggage at the foot.

> Twilight on the other hand, heads straight for the desk situated in the corner.

> She’s going to be busy going over her new notes.

 

> It was getting late.

> You take out your rifle and your cleaning kit.

> You took the time and care making sure everything worked as it should.

> Most of the parts where affixed in a mickey mouse job. So they required constant maintenance.

> You loaded the magazines you had with rounds and loaded some into the rifle.

> When you finished you placed it underneath your bed.

> You quickly clean out your Revolver and place it on the night stand.

> This was a routine you picked up while in the resistance.

> Some habits just never change.

 

> It’s about time to call it a night.

> You change out of your clothes, leaving only your boxers.

> You can hear Rarity gasp behind you as you remove your shirt.

> “Anonymous!”

“Hmmm?”  You’re completely oblivious to their shock

> Twilight points to your exposed body.

> It is covered with scars and burns.

> The bloodstained bandages where proof that some wounds were still fresh.

 

> “Wha- What happened to you?”

> You had forgotten about the scars, evidence of your past life.

> The battlefield left a heavy toll on your body and mind.

> Calmly, you try to play it off.

“Oh, this? It’s nothing, really. No big deal.”

> You put a T-shirt on and climb into your bed, ready to fall asleep.

> Twilight lifts you out of bed and removes your shirt. “No big deal? My gosh, just look at this! This looks like it hurt. Some of these are still bandaged!”

> “Does it hurt?”  Rarity pokes at your bandaged shoulder, pain erupting in response.

“Arrgh. It kinda does.”  You shudder in pain.

> Twilight brings you over to where she was and gets you at eye level with her.

> “Anonymous. Is there something you’re not telling me? Listen, I know you and the Princess discussed something when we weren’t around.”

> Your palms were getting sweaty.

> What if she could pierce into your thoughts as well?

> I mean, she was the Princess’ personal protégé.

> No, you would have felt it by now.

> “I just want you to know, even though we’ve only met today, you can trust us. We’re the Elements of Harmony after all.”

 

> Elements of Harmony

> You still didn’t understand the concept behind all that.

> It was a nice title though.

 

> “That being said, are you sure you don’t want to tell me anything?”

> You consider your options.

> Was all this really worth hiding?

> Why don’t you just tell them the truth?

> A glint of light from your revolver catches your eye.

> Oh yeah.

> You’re a murderer.

> That’s why.

“I’ve told you everything Twilight. I have nothing to hide.”

> You stare coldly into Twilight’s eyes. Hoping she would buy your bluff.

> Her gaze as cold as yours.

> “Alright Anonymous.”  She places you back on the bed “Good night then”

> Twilight is obviously agitated with your response.

> She knows you’re not telling her the truth.

> Rarity pokes you once again.  “Are you sure you don’t want me to get fetch a doctor? It looks quite painful.”

“No Rarity. I’m fine. Honest! It doesn’t hurt.”

> You give yourself a quick punch, and even though it was excruciating, you suppressed any signs of pain.

“See? Nothing!”

> “Well alright, whatever you say Anonymous.”

> You tossed on this warm smile that reassured any doubt she had.

“Rarity?”

> “Yes Anonymous?”

“Call me Anon. Only strangers refer to me as ‘Anonymous’”

> “Alright, Anon.”

> Using her magic, she blows out the lights.

> Except for the sound of Twilight’s writing, the room was silent.

> You had an excellent view out the window from your bed.

> The moon was full and the stars glittered proudly.

> You tried to stay awake and reflect on your life.

> So much has happened in the past couple days, it’s ridiculous.

> It felt as though your life was been on hiatus since start of the war.

> You try to remember the last time you had a normal day like this one.

> This train of thought doesn’t last long, soon your eyelids become heavy.

> It’s not long before you fall asleep.

 

> There’s light shining in your eyes.

> It’s blinding

> Instinctively, you avert your gaze

> Looking around, you take in your surroundings.

> There’s a thunderstorm overhead, and you’re soaked to the bone.

> You find yourself prone in a muddy ditch, your clothes covered in mud and dirt

> You’ve been waiting in this position for hours.

> Most of your muscles have fallen asleep.

> A voice rings from your headset.

> “Alright boys, you know what to do.”

> You remember this place all too well.

> That blinding light?

> Those were a pair of headlights.

> Some military vehicles are traveling the road in front of you.

> A few halftracks, jeeps and a technical make up this convoy.

> That HMG on the technical puts you at unease.

 

> The tires on the first truck explode.

> The spike strips worked.

> The convoy screeches to a halt, and one by one the soldiers disembark.

 

> You gripped the assault rifle in your hands.

> Slowly bringing it up a suitable firing position.

> There’s a round in the chamber and the safety’s off.