GunAnon 5 Part.1- Worst Kinds of News

>You're in the library. Twilight, in a fit of temper, had left to go visit Fluttershy at the hospital while you're here answering questions from the pony that just had a very large calibre cannon pointing at you.

>Despite that you feel pretty calm being around him, like he's somehow going to be a good friend of yours. But first this business must be taken care of.

"Want something to drink Shooter?"

>Looking up from the table he is sitting at he gives a slight smile.Just some water please if you will.

>Giving him a nod you walk into the kitchen and grab two glasses of water. Trying hard not to drop them you also snatch a bag of what looks like chips.

>Walking back into the main room Shooter looks up from a book he had opened. You didn't catch the title as he flips it closed and puts it back on the shelf beside him.

>Putting down his glass of water on the table in front of him he mutters a thank you as he goes to reach for it.

>Curious on how he's going to hold that glass you sit across from him and idly observe what he's going to do.

>His right hoof emits a mechanical sounding clicking noise. And four finger-like digits make themselves apparent, along with what looks like a thumb on the inside of his hoof. Then he grips the glass like any human would.

>Look just like your hand actually.

"I will have to admit Shooter that is pretty damn cool"

>He looks to you as he takes a sip of water "What, the hoof? Yeah after I had my two front hooves blown off I needed replacements. Luckily I was able to build these for myself; it took me a long time to get the little digits down so I can grip things but in the end it worked out"

>Still amazes you how those limbs work like they do, but you've seen stranger things so far in this land.

"I'd hate to ask but, blown off? How did that happen?"

>Shooter's face grows sullen as he puts his cup down on the table with a resounding clack "Let's say that Equestria wasn't always in a peaceful state, I was one of the ponies that made it the way it is now"

>He continues "I paid the price, and I may act like an asshole at times but in reality every time I see a happy family out and about. Or a group of colts and fillies playing I always get a nice feeling of worth inside me, and I would gladly give my two front legs to have that again."

>Shooter adopts a more serious tone. Bringing his already deep voice a tad deeper "Now Anonymous, I do want to apologize for my earlier actions in the town square. With things the way they're getting I can't take risks, especially when a six foot bipedal creature that nopony has seen in their life turns up at random. You know where I'm coming from?"

>You give him a nod in agreement. You have to admit to yourself you would do the same.

"I completely understand, that's why I'm here answering your questions and not putting multiple holes in your skull for pointing that cannon barrel at me".

>You both let out hearty chuckles at the same time. This guy really isn't so bad, looks like he was just doing his job.

"So what questions am I going to be answering?"

>He sits a little straighter in his chair and releases the digits for his left hoof so he can grip the cup in both hooves.

>"Anonymous, I want you to recount the events leading up to this morning. Well, all I want to know is how you got here, or how you survived for 800000 years".

>800000 years? What the hell is he talking about?

"I don't know what you're getting at with the whole 800000 years deal, but I was just driving my car in my own world and a bright white light flashed in front of me. Next thing I knew I woke up in my car in the middle of the woods out there".

>You point over to where the woods would be outside the library.

>Shooter's face tenses in a seriousness you rather would not see "This isn't good then, I was hoping you did the 800000 year deal. That means something has brought you here, now I can tell you for a fact that neither of the Princesses have done so. Reason being is that even though they can move planetary bodies and essentially destroy this world at will. Bringing a being across 800000 years of time and space is not a task even they can achieve. In fact I had doubts that anything could even come close to doing it until now".

"See there's that '800000 years' thing again. What are you talking about?"

>He looks up from his cup, eyes slightly wider and a tinge of nervousness in his voice, "You don't know yet?"

>You're confused now this is grating on the nerves.

"Know what? The only thing I know is that I'm in a world of magical ponies where logic and science don't exist in any proper form".

>With a slow hang of his head, Shooter lets out a tired sigh and gets up from the table "I didn't want to be the one to tell you this Anonymous, but you are on what you would call 'Earth'".

>What?

"What're you talking about? My world is far away from here".

>Shooter shakes his head side to side as he walks around the library room, apparently looking for something. "Ah, there's a map".

>Getting a large roll of paper out of a cylindrical bin he unrolls it on the table.

>On it is multiple land masses, colored differently depending on the territory.

>You spot the nation of Equestria, which is sitting in a continent that looks a little like...

>At that moment your heart stops. Time is slowing down as you stare at what obviously looks like the United States. The center of Equestria being about where North Carolina would've been. Spanning up to Pennsylvania and down towards Miami, Florida.

>Hands trembling, you run a finger over the area.

>"You see it don't you."

>Looking up you catch Shooter's hard-as-steel gaze lingering over you.

>"I'm going to explain this in simple terms. According to our nation's greatest minds, coupled with those of the surrounding nations. We have come to the conclusion that the species of creatures known as humans have lived and thrived on this planet up until about 800000 years ago. Until what looks like a major catastrophe had fallen over the planet, humans and nearly all other living things had appeared to be wiped out."

>He continues to pace slowly around you.

>"Whatever made that light didn't bring you across dimensions, they brought you across time and a lot of it. In short Anonymous, you're the only human in the world. And it pains me to say it, but you're extinct."

>Despite your revelations the night you arrived in this world, you still couldn't help but have that sense of loss come over you again.

>Hands shaking, you grip your cup in both hands in a useless effort to try and steady them.

>It was different before. You knew you would never see anybody again but you knew they were alive, that they were safe. But now...

>They're all dead. Your mother, father, your brother, your friends, Kimberly, everyone...

>Gone.

>Trying to contain yourself is proving to be difficult.

>A weird noise between a cough and a sniffle escapes you as you try your best to keep the tears back.

>A cold, metal hoof touches your shoulder. Looking towards it Shooter is looking straight in your eyes.

>"Anonymous, I know losing those you love is painful; I know this all too well, but you're a strong willed human. I didn't show it but I was shocked when the first thing you did was place yourself in front of that mare Twilight in the square today after I had my guns pointed at you. And I know you only knew her for barely a day, that in itself speaks volumes of what kind of man you are."

>Despite his words you let your head sink back in between your arms, staring at the dark space inside.

>He lowers his hoof, "Look at me Anonymous"

>You slowly raise your head, Shooter's steel gaze still fixed on you.

>"Loss hurts but it can always be directed into something good. Something you can do to right the world your in. It's what I have been doing my whole life since Princess Luna had found me as a young colt. Tattered and broken in a wasteland of nothing but dirt and changelings. I want you to do the same, I want you to direct that loss you have. I want you to work towards something that matters to you, something that you can hang your hat on."

>He walks back towards the table and sits down, facing you.

>Looking up to him you see that gaze piercing your very being. Those emerald green eyes not so much as blinking as he waits.

>"Well?"

>He's right. You're torn up right now and you feel like screaming, but he's right.

>No amount of despair and depression will bring your loved ones back. Plus, they most likely lived full lives, who says they died in...whatever went on? He never mentioned what year it was when it happened.

>Get your shit together Anon. Your dad didn't raise you like a damn soldier for nothing.

>Stiffening up you down the rest of the glass of water and look up to Shooter, his gaze still piercing you like one of his cannon shells would.

>The side of his mouth turns up into a smile "There's the look of a determined man there"

"You're right"

>Getting up from your seat you stand straight, staring forward to Shooter.

"I'm not going to let this bother me. I'm not going to let this bring me down. I'm moving forward"

>"Good. Now, I have a proposition for you. Since, you seem to have well enough experience with your weapons and also the fact that I am curious of your character I'm going to offer you a job."

"A job?"

>That would be good. Can't freeload off Twilight forever.

>He answers you with a nod of his head "Yes, a job. Quite a simple one if you're not stupid. Which I doubt you are, but a job with me, as a...guard. Pay is nice, and you can do something you're already familiar with by the looks of how you handle that bitty gun. I do hope you have a bigger one somewhere huh? That might not stop an Alpha Manticore or a dragon you know."

>You think about his proposal. It really can't be that bad, these ponies seem peaceful enough. You can't even imagine why they need someone like Shooter in the first place, strikes you as kind of overkill.

>Then again they seemed pretty scared of him, especially the older looking ones.

>Wonder why.

>You know what,  you couldn't get into the military on earth. Might as well do it here right?

"I'll do it. Work with you? Sure, then you can tell me how you got those cannons and jet wings on your back."

>A small laugh escapes Shooter as he gets off his chair and faces you "That's a story we will definitely touch on later. Well"

>He releases the digits in his right hoof and holds it out. "We have a deal?"

>With a smile on your face you grab his hoof in a handshake. A slight twitch from the feeling of cold steel on your palms.

"We have a deal Shooter. You seem like an okay guy."

>Shooter nods towards you "Good" he opens the door "Oh, I forgot to ask you about this weird carriage thing you got here"

>He exits the library towards your car. You follow after him, walking outside into the sun you find him circling your baby. Hoof to chin at points and seeming very interested in it.

>"How does it move?"

>An idea popped in your mind.

"I can show you. Hop in here"

>You unlock the car and open the passenger door. Shooter looks at it carefully and looks up too you "I ain't fitting in that. These wings and guns take up a lot of room"

>You grunt a little. You really wanted an excuse to hoon about in the car.

>You don't have much gas though. Might want to ask Twilight if there's any type of fuel around here.

>"How does it work though? Must have some kind of engine. Hmmm" He walks towards the back, his eyes widen slightly.

>"Thruster engines? How much poundage do you run? How fast does it go?"

>What. Thrusters?

>Walking back towards him he's examining your exhaust pipes.

"Those aren't thrusters. Those are exhaust pipes. For the motor"

>Realization comes over the half metal stallion.

>"Ah, combustion? Interesting. You're even further back in time than I thought".

>Huh?

"what's that supposed to mean"?

>He looks up from the exhaust "Oh, well humans before their, demise, had jet thrusters as a main form of propulsion for their vehicles. Seems that your vehicle is older. I was just thinking that you came across more time than I had originally thought. I had assumed you came from the earliest reach of time".

>You have no idea what he said as he walks towards the front "Is the engine in here"?

>He points a mechanical hoof at your hood.

"Yeah it's in there. Here I'll show you".

>Opening the drivers side door you pop the hood.

>Walking up to the front of your car you reach under the hood and feel around for the latch release. Finally finding it you give it a tug and lift the hood up.

>Putting it up to the top you look down at the monster that powers your beauty.

>6.0L Twin Turbo V-12 kicking out a nice little 744HP. Gets you going where you want to go. At 200 miles an hour.

>Shooter whistles a low tone as he looks at the engine and surrounding parts with a piqued interest, "That's one big engine, does it go fast"?

>You crack a smile at him.

"I let off the throttle at 202 miles an hour before, that's as fast as I got it".

>With a satisfactory nod he looks over the engine bay, "Not too shabby, 200 is a good speed. I won't embarrass you and tell how fast I've gone with these", he taps the wing on his left side.

>You cross your arms and give him a skeptical look.

"Sounds like a race Shooter"

>He flashes a grin at you, "That does, but not mow. We have to get you to the hospital to go meet with the purple bitch. She said to bring you there when we were done"

>As the two of you begin to walk through town towards the hospital you engage in small talk. Despite your breakdown, you feel calm again. This world really is magical.

"You don't like Twilight too much huh?"

>Shooter kicks a rock out of his way with a forehoof. Sounds of moving metal and hydraulics moving about, "The only thing I don't like about her is her reliance on her oh-so-mighty Celestia. I've always been of the mind that you should rely on yourself and only yourself. Though I guess all ponies are raised differently".

>You nod in agreement as the two of you walk towards town. Random ponies are giving the two of you more looks of fear, or repulsion. But the two of you pay no mind, you both exchange more small talk and banter as you both approach the hospital.

>"Well, here we are. I'd walk you in but...There's somepony in there I couldn't bare to see in their current state. So I'll take my leave then", he slightly bows with his head and spreads his wings.

>Mechanical noises resonate from the wings as they unfold and set themselves into place.

>Both thrusters ignite, sending a crackling torrent of hot air towards you. Forcing you to lift your left arm to shield your eyes from the wind.

>In a rush of jet thrusts and air Shooter lifts off the ground, and in another crack he's gone. Already zooming towards the forest outside of town.

>Damn he is fast. You're not so sure about that race now.

>Shrugging you open the door to the hospital, finding the same nurse from last night at the counter.

"Hey, I'm here to visit Fluttershy if that's okay"

>The nurse smiles warmly at you "Of course it is dear. You saved her life after all, this way".

>It just hit you that she's right. It never occurred to you but you DID save Fluttershy's life.

>In a much better mood than you were before you follow Nurse Redheart as she leads you to a room at the far end of the hall. Multiple voices are echoing off the walls, paired with the clip clop of hooves and the heavy steps of your boots makes for quite a din amongst the quiet hospital. You can recognize three of voices as Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie. But the other two you can't place. Must be her other friends you were supposed to meet.

>Approaching the door you poke your head in as Redheart walks back towards the front desk.

>Lightly tapping the side of the door all six ponies look up to where you are in the doorway.

>Twilight gives you a smile and gets up from her seat, "Hey Anonymous, you're here!"

>You give the ponies a heart warming smile.

"That I am. Hello Rarity, Pinkie Pie. And Fluttershy, you seem to be doing okay, that's good"

>Fluttershy nods meekly from her bed in the center of the room, a grateful smile on her face, "I'm doing fine Anonymous, thank you so much for saving me. I don't know how I can repay you"

>You give her a dismissive wave.

"Don't worry about it, I was glad to help you out".

>A blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and deep magenta eyes flies in front of you, holding out a hoof, "The names Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in all of Equestria! Anypony that's a friend of Fluttershy's is a friend of mine."

>You take her hoof in a...shit you can't mix "hand" and "hoof".

>An orange pony with no wings or horns takes her hat off and holds her hoof out also, "Howdy there Anon. Names Applejack, I run Sweet Apple Acres here in Ponyville. I sure wanna thank yah fer savin' Fluttershy's life. Anytime you need a good home cooked meal head on over to muh farm yah hear? We'll fix ya up somthin' good".

>Damn that's a heavy accent, but you take her hoof in a shake also.

"Nice to meet you too. Hope we can all be good friends here".

>Nods and words of agreement spread across the six ponies as all of you encircle the bed Fluttershy is resting on.

>"I hope I'm not interrupting anything"

>That motherly voice almost forcing you to turn around you notice two things.

>All the ponies besides Fluttershy drop into a bow, and a small purple lizard walks over to Twilight as she stands back up.

>"Hey Spike! Did you get everything taken care of?"

>Spike gives her a thumbs up, "Yep, got it all done in a jiffy"

>The other ponies give Spike their hellos and fills him in on what happened as a very tall pure white pony with wings, a horn, crown, and various other jewellery approaches you from behind, "You must be Anonymous. I'm Princess Celestia, the ruler here in Equestria. Would you care to step outside with me? I'd like to share some things with you"

>Share some things? Something about the way she asked you to step outside with her strikes you as an order, not a request.

"Sure, yeah that's fine".

>With a slight nod and a smile she exits the room with you in tow. No one else seems to have noticed you two have left. With Spike and them talking to Fluttershy.

>Weird that Twilight didn't even say anything to her. If Shooter's right she would have a fangirl fit at the sight of the Princess.

>"I used an attention director spell if that's what you're wondering"

>Well, either she can read minds or that was a really good guess, your luck it'll be the former.

>"And yes, I can read minds. It's a little taxing so I don't do it much but I'm making a special case for you"

>Well drop you off a cliff and call you Mr Pancakes.

>Before you ask her what she needed she begins to speak, "Before anything else happens I need to preform a spell on you. It'll let me go through your memories, your thoughts, and see your intentions and your general attitude. It shouldn't be painful but I cannot say the same thing for you, as you're not a pony".

>Well she IS the ruler. You don't know if she'll kill you for resistance so your best bet is to let her do her thing. According to Shooter she can move the fucking sun, so it's best not to piss her off.

"Alright, go for it. I have nothing to hide".

>She gives you a stern yet warm nod, "Very well, please hold still"

>She closes her eyes as the lowers her horn to your forehead.

>A slight tingle is running from where she touched your forehead down to your toes. A warmth erupts afterwards.

>This isn't so bad.

>As you stand there an odd feeling of dizziness washes over you. Trying to keep your balance you stumble at bit and fall to your knees. Celestia, seeing this, stops her spell and looks to you in a worried fright.

>"Anonymous? Anonymous what's wrong? Anonymous"!

>Unintelligible whispering goes through your ears when you start to shake. Trying to calm down brings nothing, flashes of some creature are appearing in front of your eyes. Whatever it is, it's laughing maniacally.

>Flashes of your own life start to play in front of your eyes.

>Getting your first gun, a Ruger 10/22.

>Camping with your dad, bagging your first deer.

>Kissing a girl on the lips for the first time in 6th grade.

>The night your horse Jenna had gotten shot by the neighbours...

>The next week you spent in a drunken fit of misery.

>Your dad shipping off to Iraq.

>The knock at the door, with the soldiers telling you what happened to your dad.

>Sniper caught him while he was getting some civilians into cover from an ambush.

>The funeral afterwards. Trying to hold yourself together while your mother wailed in your arms was no easy task.

>Your brother standing stock still, as silent as ever. Staring into the casket.

>Your highschool life going by, partying, getting involved in other shenanigans while you try to drown out the pain from losing your father.

>You don't know why, but you start to scream. The other ponies have exited Fluttershy's room to see what was the commotion about.

>You can barely hear Twilight over the laughing in your head and your screaming, "Anonymous! What's wrong?! Why are you screaming!?"

>A slight crackling sound comes over your ears as a flash of white blinds you.

>Slipping out of awareness you fall to the ground, silent.