//------------------------------// // Second Chance // Story: Be the Weapon // by Master4871 //------------------------------// Alcatraz sat on the cold hard ground. Taking in what just happened to him. Last he checked, he was to be spiraling about New York on a Ceph structure that had come out of the ground, but this...this was different. He was next to a pristine lake, accompanied with a gorgeous mountain view. Perhaps, this was the afterlife, but last he checked, Hell wasn't all peaceful and picturesque. Also, he still had the Nanosuit attached to him. Granted he didn't want to take it off due to the fact that it was the only thing keeping him alive, but the thought of being without a suit is a great thought, one too push for. Alcatraz got off the ground, something he was used to doing after falling down so many times. He reached for his M12 Nova that sat beside him, attaching the optional silencer to the gun. Not knowing what was ahead, was a sure precursor to be quiet and stealthy until he was certain he could make noise. He decided to begin his trek northwards, heading for God-knows-where. Perhaps the higher ground the mountain offered could give him an advantage in this time of desperation. The marine started to walk, letting the Nanosuit get readjusted and rebooted. As soon as the suit's A.I. system cleared the soldier to go, he ran towards his waypoint he marked while sitting on the ground. Perhaps he could learn something from all of this. <.._________________________________________________________ ..> Pinkie Pie walked around Ponyville, smiling her life away and bringing joy to everypony that walked by. She said "hello" here and a "hi" there, just being the usual friendly Pinkie Pie she usually was. The day was quite beautiful, making her general mood even happier than if it was a cloudy day. But to every good day, there is something bad going on in the world, and today, Pinkie felt something odd. Something was out of the ordinary, but she didn't know what it was. Perhaps, a threat. No, not a threat. What creature would threaten Equestria on a beautiful day like today. Perhaps, a new pony is moving into Ponyville, and Pinkie could throw them a party. She just couldn't put her tongue on it. Her new Pinkie sense, was obviously out of control. The ideas swarming through her head of what it could be, didn't detour the pony one bit. In fact, she seemed more energetic than before. She was on her way to the park to visit Twilight and Rarity when the new 'sense' hit her again. The sharp pain that tore through her spine was excruciating, maybe something to see Dr. Whooves about. The pain, however, went away as fast as it came, and the pink party pony was fine once again, continuing her stroll through town and making her way towards her friends. Soon enough, her friends were in sight, accompanied by another familiar looking pony. This peaked Pinkies curiosity, making her shiver with excitement at the thought of meeting a new friend. She made her way up the hill, greeting her friends. "Hey girls." Pinkie gave Twilight and Rarity in a physics defying hug, extending her forelegs to wrap both of them perfectly into a pile of pony. After being released, Twilight introduced her friend, whilst catching her breath. "Pinkie, you remember Flash Sentry, from the Crystal Palace." "Yep." The pink pony replied. "Well, Pinkie, Flash, Flash, Pinkie." The two ponies exchanged a hoof shake. "Flash and I are sort of, dating." A little squee could be heard from Rarity. Twilight just rolled her eyes. Flash donned a smile upon his face, "Pleasure Pinkie." Pinkie nodded in return, "Right back at'chya. And a hardy congrats to both of you!" "Thank you!" They both said in unison. Twilight unveiled a picnic basket that was hiding behind the bench they all sat on, prior to Pinkie's arrival. The same basket that they used for each time they had a picnic. They all helped set up the picnic area, finally getting ready to eat lunch. "So, how goes the Boutique Rarity?" Twilight was the first to start conversation. Rarity was relieved she could talk to somepony about her shop, "Well, I have three orders from Manehatten, due to leave in four days. The parcels will be carrying priceless dresses for an auction." Flash perked his ears up, confused as to the packages destination. "Why would dresses that you just made go to an auction?" He laughed a little, taking a sip from his glass of water. Twilight gave him a rather, unpleasant look. Making his laughter on the outside, switch to laughter on the inside. "Sorry." "Oh no it's quite alright dear." Rarity chimed in. "I don't rightfully know why either, but I don't really question my customers." Flash gave an 'oh' expression before taking another sip from his glass. Pinkie was smiling the whole time, nothing new, but she still concerned her friends. "Pinkie, is something wrong?" Twilight asked, putting a little worry into her question. Pinkie snapped out of her trance and looked at her friend in bewilderment. "Why would something be wrong?" She asked. "Well..." Twilight paused, choosing the right words. "It's just, you aren't as talkative as you usually are. And to add to that, you haven't even eaten anything yet." Twilight gestured towards the food on her plate that has been untouched. Pinkie was probably more surprised than anypony else that she was not eating or talking, her two favorite things. She gave the situation some thought, "Well...I have been thinking about this new Pinkie sense I have." Twilight was shocked that there was another Pinkie sense, immediately running under the bench in fear. "What's this one telling you?" Flash was confused. "Uhh, Twilight?" "Sorry Flash, but last time there was mention of the Pinkie Sense. I had tons of heavy things fall on me." Twilight looked upwards from under the bench. Making sure nothing was coming down. "To be honest, I don't want to talk about." "Okay." Flash just continued eating, sure that this, Pinkie sense, was just a bunch of hooey. Pinkie intervened, "It's not objects falling, but it does have something to do with our lives." Pinkie got serious, something that probably won't ever happen again. This alone was enough to get Twilight out from under the bench. "What is the sense then?" Rarity questioned. "I don't know. But it happens when I get a sharp pain through my back." Pinkie huffed and got up. "I think I'm going to go." "Okay, Pinkie. We'll see you later than?" Rarity asked. "Sure." The pink pony slumped away, still thinking. "I hope she'll be okay." Twilight thought out loud. <.._________________________________________________________ ..> Alcatraz made his way down the mountain, sure that he was supposed to make it to the village he saw from his vantage point. Maybe he was still on Earth? If he was, he was sure it was far away from New York. The trees in the forest were dense, but could easily be maneuvered through, even without a Nanosuit. The wilderness seemed almost perfect, a little too perfect.