Tell it to a Deadman

by theblarglknight

First published 4th of November, 2012

The deadlands. That is the name of the place I walk, it is a place I travel and live in.

The Dead-lands. This is the outcome of the end of the world. Humanity wiped itself out, or tried to at least in a war that it had no hope of winning. It started with the deaths of soldiers, then escalated to cities, and towns.

Gone, all destroyed with nuclear fire, it is here my journey began.

On September 12, 2015.

I was born into this kind of world, It is this world I learned my "skills" to survive in the waste. What I never imagined, was one day waking up to a new world in general.

Survival isn't always easy.

Light. It is all I see as I crack open my eyes to another day in this hellhole. As I look at the sun, its dull light shining over my little spot of dirt I decided to sleep at. Breaking out of my trance, I notice something poking me in my side.

"Well, at least your still here old friend." I say with a smile as I pat my trusty revolver on my belt. Pulling it out, the familiar *click* of the cylinder popping out gives me a sense of security.

I look around in an attempt to see anything that might jump out at me at any moment. Nothing, so far so good. I look back down at the now open cylinder and count the rounds. As I am satisfied with a bullet in every chamber, with one swift flick of my wrist, the cylinder *snaps* back into place.

'Thirteen years' I think to myself 'thirteen goddamn years, and nothing is gonna change' I spot the rest of my equipment. A climbing pick, a duffel bag filled with food and water in case I can't find or hunt for any, and my trusty machete.

"Time to get up, I may be 24 but I ain't old yet." I say to myself while rising off the ground, getting rewarded with a few cracks from my back.

It's been like this for a long time. Waking up, moving, scavenging, trading, rinse and repeat. With the occasional animal/human attack here and there. I am known, as a walker of the waste or a scavenger of the apocalypse. But out of all these names, one stands out to me. Dead-man.

Some dead brush moves to my left. I instinctively draw my gun from it's holster. As I turn, I hear a low growl immediate from the the same direction of the movement. Right as I aim my gun in the direction of the noise, a mutated wolf-like creature jumps out of the brush. It stares at me with eyes intent to kill, another growl comes from its horrid, deformed throat. I recognized this beast, for I have encountered them many times in my travels.

Ankle Biters.

These things are cunning, ruthless, but most of all; always hungry. A memory comes to me of when I first faced them.

A teenage boy is traveling across a narrow dessert with plants scattered here and there. The night air leaving his breath as a cold mist. As he decides this would be a good place to make camp; he hears a howl erupt from the East. Then, more and more howls sound up around him. He was surrounded. Out of no where 7 hound-like shapes erupt from the darkness. Their eyes hunger for the blood of their pray. One jumps to the boy's left and tries to take a bite out of his ankle.

The boy notices and narrowly avoids by jumping to his right. As he succesfully does this, one of the vicious pack of hounds makes his move and tackles the boy to the ground. The boy struggles as the wolf struggle to get it's rabbid infested jaws around his neck. Some of the messy white foam falling onto the boy's.

The wolf slumps over as the boy gets up. A knife firmly implanted into the wolf's neck. Now the pack got ready as the boy yanked the knife from the throat. The bloody, gleaming blade cutting through cartilage and muscle tissue as it was pulled out.

The pack was getting ready to pounce. As they all figured that if they could pounce all at once, their prey will easily fall to them. At that very moment, almost as if someone was watching, a flare goes into the sky. It's red gleaming light lighting up the area in a dreaded red glow. The pack is frightened by this and retreats back to wasteland from wence they came.

"Well, well, look what we got here fellas" the voice made the blood from the boy's face run cold. "New meat boys!"

I come back to reality as the ankle biter growls again. The deep, almost menacing growl confused me. Usually, when these things are out hunting, they howl before they strike. But this one seemed to almost just try to scare me. It is at this realization, that I look back into the brush the ankle biter was hiding in, only to notice two pups watching their mother as she confronts me. So this was a den mother? I have always imagined them to be more mutated.

I take a step forward, only to have the Mother bark and take a step back. She probably was protective of the pups. With a sigh, I holster my revolver and go to collect my gear. The mother of the pups was watching my every move, bearing her teeth as I picked up my machete. With it in hand, I turn it left to right, gotta make sure it has no scratches. I look at the den mother, I smile.

"You hungry eh?" I say in a positive tone.

The only response I got was the mother growling again, except this time, she was getting ready to attack. I have to work fast. I open my bag, and pull out a old zip'lock bag. Or so it seems to the naked eye. One thing I loved about the old world, was the technology they used to create things like these.

I opened the bag, as cold mist rose out of it. I pulled out a raw piece of steak, a gift from a fellow walker of the waste in my travels. I cut open the bag with the edge of the machete. Cows are very rare, and hard to come by. Especially in this time of the month, so when he handed me this, I thought I could hopefully trade it for some supplies.

But it seems fate had other ideas for it. Turning around, the steak in my hand I tossed it to the mother of the two pups. As a instinctive reaction, she jumped back with a bark. Finally she looked down, and started to sniff the piece of meat that was thrown to her. She eventually after several minutes of sniffing, picked it up in her jaws and carried it over to her pups. Tiny, high-pitched barks erupted from the burned, dead brush.

As two little tiny ankle biters tore into the new piece of meat. They looked almost like coyotes, the difference is the ankle biters have less fur. Their tiny, razor sharp teeth ripping the piece of meat to chunks. Tiny trickles of blood flowed out of the meat, but, like I said, even if it's really raw. It's still valuable. As food or as an item of valuable trade.

As the mother and pups feast, I take the liberty to collect my things, and head off west. As I am walking I take out another one my small collection of old world relics. It is a small device I found in my younger days. I think I was 18 at the time, but this device had a collection of music from the old world. I even remember how I found out the name.

I walked into a rare sight in a town. It was called a library, though I have heard of them, I have never seen one in person, until now. I walk up to the building, inspecting the outside of it. Rusted pieces of metal for roof and walls. Held together by pieces of timber, and rotten wood. As I step into it, the first smell that hits my nose, is one of must, and maybe decay. A woman at a table looks up with a annoyed look. Which instantly changes to one of fear.

"H-how may I help you?" she said with that same fear in her voice. I look at her, then instead of talking, I show her the device.

She was a little taken back as I showed her the device. She immediately recognized it, and pulled out a book that looked as if it would fall apart at the seems. She hands it to me a little shakily. As I take it, I read the title of it.

Technology of Today!

It read in big, dark letters. I open it to the index and eventually found the page that had a picture of the device I had. Minus the dirt, and scratches to the case. The device was listed under a chapter called Apple. I found out the device was called an "I-Pod" and it was used to play music of the past.

I nodded with a little grin when I learned how to turn it on. The screen flash with a little grey apple that had a bite taken out of it. Out of no where, it started playing a song .

I smirked at the memory as the song started playing now. As I walked down a dirt road listening to the song, I looked around to get my bearings. Desert. Lots and lots of desert. I have lived most of my entire life in a place called the Dead-Lands. I walk past an old, decrepit skeleton with fire ants climbing over it trying to find any meat left on the bones.

Pretty much your average radiated, nuclear-apocalyptic wasteland. Filled with mutated plants, animals, and even the occasional human. Hate the plants the most though. Let's say I prefer eating them, instead of the other way around. Some even spit acid from one of my more recent encounters. I looked around North-West of my location. Nothing. With a sigh of defeat, I continue walking down the dirt road.

'At least today is going to be a boring one.' I thought to myself.

A few hours later

I sprint to a pile of rocks, hoping the predators that were watching me didn't see my new hiding place behind a pile of rocks.

"Damn! Why now?" I whispered to myself, trying to hide from the danger.

"Come on out Dead-man! All we want to do is talks to ya!" I hear a voice yell, as I here a *click-click* of a kind of pump accompanying it.

Shotgun. I would have to say double-barrel. Damn. I look out at my attackers I notice 4 of them. The one who I guess was the leader, was also the one with the shotgun.

"H-here deady, deady, dead-man! Come on out and play with Billy! I ain't gonna bite ya! Much!" another one of my attackers carrying nothing but a trash-can lid on his left arm and a hammer in his right yelled to nowhere in particular.

'bounty hunters.' I thought to myself. 'They never learn, if I kill 32 of them, that means I'm not worth $400 they put on me.' I think as I pull out the revolver that was concealed at my waist.

"Quit playing hide and seek you pussy!" another one, this one with a handgun yelled.

I have to act fast.

I come out of the cover of the rocks I was hiding in and fire 2 shots at the 4 hunters. One went down without making a sound. Another screamed in agony as one of my rounds made it into is thigh. He crumpled down to the ground dropping the hammer, screaming

"KYLE! KYLE! HE GOT MY LEG!" he yelled as he continued to scream in agony.

It's at this point I smiled. If he's screaming, then the leopard-snake poison that I coated my bullets with was working. A leopard snake is pretty much how it sounds. The only difference between it's venom and a regular viper is that the poison attacks the skin, and the blood. Making sure that who ever or what ever that has been hit with the poison, die a slow painful death.

"You piece of shit!" I'm guessing the leader, Kyle, yelled as he started unloading his shotgun shells into my rock of a cover.

Bits and pieces of rock were flying as I was pinned down. As it slowed down to a stop I took my chance and decided to charge. I exit my cover, sprinting towards my prey.The one named Kyle was busy reloading his weapon. While one of the one with the pistol decided to charge me with a old, rusted kitchen knife that he pulled out of his side pockets.

As we were about to meet, I took the liberty of unsheathing my machete on my back, and as our blades collided, using my other hand with my revolver, shot it point blank in his chest. The blood from his wound sprayed my clothing.

I wasn't done with him yet.

I grabbed the new dead weight just in time to use it as a shield. Just in time, more of the body's blood sprayed onto me as two shotgun shells were unloaded into my direction.

"I will give you one, and only one chance." I said in my most ruthless voice. "Leave now, and I'll let you live." I say.

The one named Kyle looked at his buddy, only to stare back at me as he saw the effects of the poison. I looked at his friend, to see that he wasn't breathing. The skin around the wound was turning a very dark shade of purple. Kyle took the liberty to drop his shotgun, and started running east. After dropping the dead weight for any animal or ankle biters to feed on. I looted the bodies of my attackers. I found four shotgun shells plus the shotgun, a M1911A1 handgun, which was in very, very poor condition. I also found some .45 caliber clips for the gun, though I fear I won't be using it if it falls apart.

And finally, a contract for any Dead-men to be brought back alive for $800 or dead for $400.

"Hmm. Wow, they are never gonna learn. He-he, stupid fucking bigots." I chuckle as I crumple up the piece of paper. After reloading my gun, I start walking along the dirt path, keeping my guard up in case I get surprised again. I start to notice something different in the sky. Dark storm clouds are appearing the closer I get to my destination. As I look up I realize that the clouds are a dark shade of purple, not a dark grey. Looks like its gonna be another quantum storm. I remember the tales of what happen to people in quantum storms. It isn't pretty.

I've heard the rain is acid-like, I remember one tale when I was in a settlement of how two people were found dead in the fields after a quantum storm, their skin singed off. I need to find shelter. I start looking along the road for a hill. Luckily about 30 km away, I spot one. Wasting no time, I run all the way there and to the top. I take out my pack with the rest of my equipment. I pull out a pair of binoculars that are damaged on one side, and a gas mask.

As I see through the damaged binoculars, I spy a small rundown house off in the distance. It'll have to do for now. After applying my gas mask, and thoroughly checking to make sure it works. I start my journey to the building. Praying to anyone listening that it will be abandoned

15 minutes later

'Almost there' I think to myself, for the past five minutes I've been running to my destination. The thunder started, and soon the toxic winds will blow, and the acidic rain will start falling. I look up at the dangerous storm right above me. Purple lightning flashing with a loud thunderous *boom* after each flash. I reach the front gate of the rundown house.

I look back to the east. One last look in case this is it. All my life I've walked these barren dangerous lands. I've been shunned, shot at, stabbed, bitten by more creatures then I could count. All these things, all could end in a toxic radiated thunderstorm.

'Focus, live first, recompense on past actions later' I think to myself.

I enter the building, being wary to watch where I step. The wooden floor boards were decayed and rotted, so any false step could be a death trap. I make my way around the house and find an old rotted door to what seems like a basement.

"Better than sleeping in toxic wind, rain, and thunder!" I yell to myself as the winds picked up only moments before. It was deafening. The wind howled at me from all direction as the thunder seemed to get louder as well. I slam the door shut then I run down the stairs, taking two steps at a time. I crouch low and look for any kind of paper or flammable material. As I find something, the entire house seems to rock back and forth. Sending me tumbling and turning on the ground.

"A fucking earthquake! You gotta be fu-" I never finished the sentence as another wave of violent rocking started. As I reached to grab hold of something, I accidentally pulled whatever I grabbed on top of me, sending objects sprawling to the ground. As I fall down as well, something hits me hard in the side of the head.

As the deafening noise starts to get more far away, I think to myself

'Well, no more running from those fucking snobby bigots.' as I blackout into a deep, dark sleep.

Location: Unknown

In some sort of eternal darkness realm, a certain draconquus sits upon a throne of what seems to be cotton candy. A look of boredom plastered on his face. After seeming like an eternity, the draconquus finally sighs in exasperation.

"uhhhhh... If there is a divine being up there that is watching? Can you PLEASE! cause just a little chaos?" As he says this, he conjures a glass of brown liquid known as chocolate milk. Instead of drinking the substance in the glass however, he drinks the glass containing the the dark, brown liquid. After downing it in one go, proceeds to throw the milk over his shoulder, with a loud sound of glass being shattered following after.

"I mean really? If I have to spend 2000 years in here, I think I'll get even MORE crazy than I already am." He says with another sigh.

If someone took pity, and was listening, a crack of white light appears in the realm of darkness. At the site of this, the draconquus gets a look of curiosity. Then, one of joy that only the most insane of beings can express.

"Ha ha ha ha ha! Look out Equestria! Discord is BACK baby!"

After saying this, Discord flies through the crack of never ending light. One can only imagine what kind of evil intent one such being can create.

(Well now, first chapter is out, hope you all enjoy, if there are some problems, please notify me in the comments below, and I will do some ghost edits later. Also, on another note, this is my second fan-fiction, so please instead of criticizing me for bad grammar or 'not-so-good' beginning, I could use help. As well, don't make nasty comments on punctuation and grammar. Yes, I know lack of ponies in first chapter, just wait until the second chapter, thank you.

Innocense is bliss... and a curse.

A heavily-beaten boy was being dragged across the ground by his leg. His usual rounded white face now bruised, battered, and bloody. Dirt being matted in his black hair. Six men were accompanying him through through their journey. The largest of the group, being the one to drag him. Earlier, he tried to resist, but that only ended up his leg being twisted to a very odd angle that hurt him so. As well as losing his knife that his own sister gave him. But to add insult to injury, he had been beaten almost to the brink of unconsciousness.

Almost.

As he was being dragged across the ground, he took the risk of opening one of his now-blackened eyes. The one dragging him was big to say the least. His arms showed signs of over-weight, but muscle underneath. His face carried scars, with a angry complexion. The others were average, two had brown hair, one had a spiked mohawk, and the largest was bald. The big one had a sledgehammer tied to his back. The others carried things he'd seen protecting him most of his life, that shook him to the very core.

Guns.

Tears started welling in his eyes as he remembered his former home. Finally, after silently crying to himself. One of the other men spoke up.

"We got another one! Open up the damn gate!" the one with the mohawk yelled.

As he was being dragged, he noticed how many filthy looking guards there were, each of them carrying some form of a weapon. The boy had heard stories of places like these as his tears began to fall again. It wasn't until they brought him in and put a collar around his neck that they stopped. The next part scared him as they brought a hot-leaded branding iron with an enigma on it. He didn't even have time to register what was happening when the hot metal pressed against his hand, pain searing through his now scorching skin. as he looked at the new mark in his hand, he knew now that he could never be free again.

After realizing this, he looked at his captors, and with his bloodied hands he flipped them the bird. As the pain from the burn settled in, an immense burning sensation went up his entire right hand. All he could do was stand there and scream.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" he screamed in pain clutching his hand.

Tears falling from his eyes from the agony. As he looked down, he noticed how burned it really was, the flesh was an very sickly shade of dark red. But that was all the time he had to examine it as two giant, burly men grabbed him by his shoulders. Dragging him off.

He was dragged by different men, than the ones who captured him. He was leaving a trail in the mud as he was dragged into an area with many barred cells. His visioned blurred by tears and dirt. As he was thrown into an empty cell. All he did was cuddle up and cry until the darkness of his dreams took over. His dreams would be his only sanctuary for a short time to come.

Somewhere at Sweet apple acres...

"CUTIEMARK CRUSADERS APPLE PROTECTORS!!!" three little fillies yelled with joy.

Applejack was having a bug problem with the apples she bucked from the trees. When she first noticed a worm poking out of two of her apples, she figured she could ask her little sister and her friends for a little help, at least to keep them out of trouble. While she was scaring away little pesky worms, the three fillies were doing there best in trying to scare off the worms, and trying to save the apples. Scootaloo was picking up every apple she found and dunking them into an awaiting bucket atop of Applebloom's back. Every *THUNK* of an apple in the bucket earned a smile from Applebloom.

A little worm was slowly crawling to a nice, big, juicy red apple; only to be scared away by Sweetiebelle growling and putting on her best angry face. They continued this until all the apples were picked up. Soon after, they all looked to each others' backsides.

"Awwwwww..." they all cried in unison.

"What the hay! Were never going to get our cutiemarks." Scootaloo says with a pout, sitting her flank on the ground.

"Don't sweat it Scootaloo, I'm sure will get our cutiemarks soon." Little Sweetiebelle says while patting her friend on the back.

"Yeah, besides we can still ask ma sister fer help!" Applebloom exclaimed while helping Sweetiebelle pull Scootaloo back to her hooves.

At this, Scootaloo smiled and shook her head.

"You guys are right. Hey! Maybe we can go help Zecora!" The little filly says with a wide, excited smile.

"Yeah! You're right! Come on crusaders! Lets ask Zecora if we can help her with potion making!" Sweetiebelle shouts with glee.

"Wait! We already tried that remember? We almost started a forest fire!" Scootaloo remarked in a panic, waving her hooves in the air.

"Oh! uh...yeah, hehe. Well, maybe we can ask her if we can get any ingredients for her." Sweetiebelle said.

As her friends were talking about how to get their cutiemarks, Applebloom was becoming a bit worried about going into to the forest.

"Ah don't know girls, ma sister said that we can't go alone into the forest... even ta visit Zecora" Applebloom said interrupting her two friends while pawing the ground with her hoof.

"Why? Rainbow Dash would probably let me go in any time! Or are you chicken?" Scootaloo says with a sly smile.

Applebloom's face went to one of shock, then determination. No pony. Calls her. Chicken!

"I'm not a chicken! Lets go crusaders!" she yells while breaking out into a gallop down the path.

At this, the two young fillies gallop off after their friend on the path to the Everfree forest. But from across the farm, a certain orange earth pony was watching from the distance.

"Applebloom is gonna get the grounding of a life time fer this." the pony known as Applejack muttered under her breath as she started galloping off after her sister.

She overheard the whole thing. But no matter how many times she told her little sister, she knew she most likely wouldn't listen if it meant getting her mark.

She continued to gallop down the path only to stop at the entrance to her farm Sweet Apple Acres, and yell to a rather large red stallion coming out of the barn in a distance.

"Big Mac! I'm gonna go tail Crusaders ya think you can watch the farm fer a bit?" she yelled to her brother.

Big Mac only smiled and let out one of his very numerous "Eyup!"s.

At this, Applejack left the farm on the path to the Everfree forest.

Somewhere in the Everfree Forest

Darkness and pain. Those were my first feelings I felt as I finally regained consciousness.

"Goddamn..." I say to no one in particular.

I wait for my vision to adjust to the darkness, wondering if I had a concussion. I finally decide to pull off the glove on my right hand. As I do, I use my other hand to trace the symbol that was burned into my hand years ago.

'I can never escape...hah, if only Alice could see me now...' I think as I finally decide to cover up my scarred hand.

Alice... if only she knew, maybe then, she could have convinced our town that I was not to be feared or hated.

Years ago...

A boy sits in a small white room with no windows. A blonde-haired woman enters through a door with red cheeks as if she was crying.

"This is unfair and you know it..." she says after hanging her head low, she couldn't even look at the boy. "I tried to convince the mayor to switch the job, or at least wait for you to grow up a bit more, but he says he'll have none of it." she says on the verge of tears again.

"Whats going on? I thought it was a good thing I finally got a job?" The boy asked in concern, a frown coming to his face.

"Not with this job it isn't." she said shaking her head, her voice with no emotion. "Being a scavenger is one of the most dangerous, possibly worst jobs someone in town can ever imagine! I already talked to father, who's threatening to disown you!" she said, tears now falling from her eyes.

"I...I don't understand...?" the boy said, tears welling up in his eyes as well.

He didn't know what was going on. First he was drawn for the job title of "Scavenger", then was dragged away by some of the town guards. Even Lewis, one of his best friends, treated him like he was the plague. As he remembered the way Lewis's face contorted from one of comfort before the ceremony, to one of shock and fear. At the memory of this, the boy's tears finally started falling freely, as he hung his head low.

The woman embraced the little, now crying child. Rubbing his head and hair while whispering words of comfort into his ears. They were like that for the rest of the hour, until an armed guard came and took the woman away...

After remembering, I decided it would be a good time to go. I never was one for staying in one place for too long. Plus,with the memory and coupled by the fact that waiting in the dark with a concussion can be a real mood killer; I didn't even want to lay down. So with a sigh, I blindly stumble across the ground until I finally find the familiar shape of what seemed to be my duffel bag. As I reach it, a searing pain goes through my head.

"Hmm... so a new creature is in Equestria eh? I always wanted to be inside the mind of someone who can cause a lot of chaos!" A voice said.

I look around in panic.

'Who the hell said that!?' I can only wonder as I draw my revolver.

"Hello? Anybody there?" I ask aloud, hoping I could draw whoever said that out in the open.

Suddenly, giant red pupils emerge all over the darkness in a never ending sea.

"What? You thought that you could enter a new world and NOT have a god of chaos know you're here? For shame." the voice said, only to start laughing.

The eyes that were once staring at me in conviction, now turning into ones of glee. I pointed the gun at one of the eyes and pulled the trigger. But instead of the all-so-familiar sound of my revolver firing, I got a little poof of smoke and a small flag emerging from the barrel titled with the word "BANG!".

"Ha hahaha ha! You actually thought I would meet you in the real world!? Oh that is rich!" the voice stated going into another fit of laughter.

This guy is a clown. I. Hate. Clowns.

"What the hell are you!?" I yelled at the eyes with all the anger I could muster. Only hoping whatever the this thing was couldn't sense or smell my rising fear.

"Some one who can help you get home." the voice said again as the eyes finally went back to glaring at me.

"But only... if you help me. You see, I need you to lets say "Get rid of" somepony for me. You do stuff like that, right?" it asked

I will admit. I have.

But, when your just trying to survive, the lines between good & evil tend to blur into a dark or light shade of grey. I would have accepted if it meant getting me out of this nightmare right away, but instinct told me not to trust this guy.

"Why? Why should I help you?" I spit the last part at him, at least it sounded like a him.

"Because, I have already been more kinder to you on our first meeting, if you met somepony else I know; she would most likely have you thrown in a dungeon, never to see the light of day again." it said, a one fanged smile now appearing in the almost never ending wall of eyes.

"Fine. But one last question. Who are you?" I said, slowly reaching down to a concealed knife near my waist.

"Just call me... Discord." it said, taking a dramatic pause to add emphasis to his name.

"Alright Discord, I just have one thing to say, what did the man with a slit throat say to the bar keep?" I said, slowly sliding my knife from its belt.

"Ooooh! A joke! I love jokes! Let me guess. Hmmmm... Oh, I know! He said that I could incinerate you in an instant if you try pulling that knife I see in your left hand!" he said, the eyes still glaring, but this time, there was a hint of insanity in them.

I stopped pulling my knife when he said that.

'How could he know? Is he able to see in this pitch blackness?' I asked myself.

Whoever the hell this thing or guy was, he sure has a bit of skill to know when I'm drawing a weapon in darkness that even I couldn't see well in.

With a grunt, I decide to accept the deal.

For now.

"Fine, but if I decide I don't want to kill whoever you want dead, I'm coming for you." I stated with determination.

Even if I have to walk thousands of miles to find this guy, I'll do it. No one, and I mean NO ONE messes with a Dead-man. There is a reason people are terrified of us. We aren't trained guards, or bounty hunters. Hell, we're not even suppose to be human to some people, but that's what the Dead-lands do to you. It makes you a monster in the faces of people who are too cowardly to do what we do.

"Excellent! Oh and don't worry, you're still asleep. But after this you'll wake up. I suggest you get moving soon, the ruckus you caused is bound to get some unwanted attention! Ha ha!" Discord said, eyes now disappearing.

"Oh! One more thing, the one I want you to kill, her name is Celestia. Don't worry, you'll know her when you see her! Muhahaha!" he laughed menacingly.

"What the hell do you me-" before I could ask, the darkness around me seemed to get darker, and darker still.

Until I couldn't see or hear the eyes and voice anymore.

'What the hell have I gotten myself into?' was all I could think to myself before it felt like I was knocked out again.

Inside the Everfree Forest

"Uhhh... Applebloom? I think we're lost." Sweetiebelle said while looking left and right at the surrounding dense trees.

"We're not lost. We're just uhhh... tryin ta find the road to Zecora's!" Applebloom said with a little anxiety.

"Agh! Face it Applebloom we're lost! I knew this was a bad idea!" Scootaloo said while 'face-hoofing'.

"Wasn't this your idea Scootaloo?" Sweetiebelle said now annoyed.

"Hey! I wasn't the one who ran off!" Scootaloo exclaimed, now glaring at Applebloom.

"Well I wouldn't have done it if ya hadn't called me a chicken." Applebloom said annoyed while blushing at her own ignorance.

"Whatever, let's just go back okay?" Sweetiebelle said.

Before Scootaloo could agree with her friend, a distant howl, and a large *BOOM!* could be heard a little far up the trail.

"D-did you girls here that?" Scootaloo asked, now clearly shaking.

"I-it was kinda hard ta miss..." Applebloom said, shaking as much as her friend.

"Hey! Maybe if we find out what it was, we might get our cutiemarks!" Scootaloo exclaimed, all the fear disappearing from her face.

"I don't know... I thought I heard timber wolves right before that sound..." Sweetiebelle said still shaking from the noise.

"I agree with Sweetiebelle, I think we should go back." Applebloom said with a worried glance up the path ahead.

"Besides, I'm gettin a bad feelin from whatever happened up ahead, and Applejack always says to listen to that feelin." Applebloom remarked.

Scootaloo looked back and forth between her two best friends. Finally after a minute, she sighs in defeat.

"Okaaaaay..." she says with defeat while her eyes go towards the sky.

Right as all three turned around to leave, a long howl emanated all around the area.

"Uh oh!" all three exclaimed as four large wooden wolves erupted from the nearby bushes on their path.

The fillies were paralyzed in fear. Shivering from the size of the wolves. They stayed like that all until Applebloom built up the courage to find her voice.

"RUUUUUUUUUN!" she screamed as she sprinted in the direction of the sound that frightened all of them only moments before.

The others soon following and catching up. They sprinted for what seemed like minutes, not looking back until they finally came upon the origin of the loud explosion.

It was a crater. The mere size of it making the fillies feel incredibly small insecure. They only had a few seconds to examine the peculiar sight until the wooden beast caught up to them. Growling, almost drooling from the mouth. The fillies backed up more and more closer to the craters edge. They were scared. Usually one of their sisters would come and rescue them, but this time none could be seen.

Yet.

Right as the three young fillies were about to meet their, what was thought to be inevitable end, a loud whistle came from behind the wolves.

"Don't you DARE! Lay a single gosh darn claw on my sister and her friends you wolves!" a familiar country accented voice said behind the pack.

"APPLEJACK!" the three fillies yelled.

"Don't ya worry girls! I'm here now!" the farm pony yelled while getting ready for the fight of her life.

Several minutes ago

"Ooh! when I get my hooves on Applebloom! I'm gonna ground her fer a week! How many times do I have to tell that little filly that the Everfree Forest is dangerous!" she said clearly angry.

"*sigh* I just hope her and the girls are safe, I was sure Zecora's hut was back a little ways. But Applebloom has been here more then me." so with another sigh, Applejack continued to track down her little sister and her friends.

Until the moment she heard what was the sound of timber wolves, and a loud explosion that accompanied it.

"What in tarnation was that!?" Applejack exclaimed.

After stopping for a second to recollect what had just occurred, she galloped at a brisk pace. Praying to Celestia that her sister was safe.

But as she got deeper and further down the trail, she heard what sounded like bushes moving and then a loud

"RUUUUUUUUUUUN!" that sounded like the voice of her little sister.

"APPLEBLOOM!" Applejack yelled, now breaking into a sprint.

As she tracked down the wolves, she spotted her sister and her friends.

Present time...

Applejack got into a charging stance. Ready to charge the hungry wolves. She had to protect her little sister and her friends. Though, usually she had help from her friends. Rainbowdash would usually do most of the fighting, but since she wasn't here, she would have to do this her self.

The first wolf charged. AJ turned, and she bucked it in the jaw, sending it flying back. Another wolf began to charge.

As the wolf charged, Applejack repeated the same thing as before. But the wolves learned from their first mistake. As she got ready to kick another wolf, another one jumped and bit her side.

"Agh!" she yelped in pain as the she bucked the wolf off, falling to the ground in the process.

Blood was oozing from the painful bite wound. Applejack got up in pain. Her leg screaming in protest. The wolves got ready to charge again, but the stubborn farm pony wasn't going to let up. With a grunt of pain, she got ready for another assault. The wolves growling in anger that their meal was fighting back.

"Applebloom, you and your friends...run... NOW!" she yelled at her sister.

But her sister's back was facing away from her. So were the other crusaders as they were frozen in the spot by fear. But it wasn't the timber wolves, or the fact that Applejack was heavily bleeding. No, they were staring up at a tall monster that was directly in front of them. It emerged from the crater, it's eyes almost insect-like, with a big nose protruding from it's face where it's mouth should be.

It's skin was a sickly, dirty brown. It's limbs were like those of a monkey's, except longer and thicker. But what was most terrifying, was it was growling...

A few minutes before the battle

'Ow, well, that's one way to say goodbye...' I thought to myself.

The pain in my head was like someone hit me with a bat, and dragged me down a flight of stairs. I know the feeling because its happened before. Still...Ow.

I look around, every tilt of my head and neck sending pain down my body. I seemed to be in some kind of ditch. I try to rise, only to have my body convulse and fall to the ground.

Then, a sound I hope I wouldn't here at a time like this came from up top. The sound of wolves.

"Shit!" I yelled, the sound being muffled by my gas mask.

I forgot I had it on.

After 3 minutes of trying to get up and failing, I finally manage to get to my knees. I hear a commotion going on at the top. Then a sound I prayed were friendly. I heard growling, but what made me panic more was the whimpering of children.

'Dammit! Get up!' I thought to myself.

If I didn't get there in time... the outcome wouldn't be pretty. So, using all my strength, I manage to somehow get to my feet, but with extreme effort.

'I'm no use in a close fight' I thought while drawing my revolver, checking to see if all the chambers are loaded.

Satisfied after a few seconds, I start my difficult climb. Even though it was small climb, every single movement was like sprinting five miles. When I finally was able to see over the edge, I was shocked at what I saw.

Three little equine horses were huddled close enough for me to see clearly distinguished colors that made up there forms. The one on the right was white with a purple mane. There was one in the left who was yellow with a red mane, yellow coat, and had a bow in her hair; probably someone's pet. Finally there was the one on the left, she had a orange coat, purple mane, and... WINGS!?

I had to double take to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Unless they were mutated, I have never seen such... bright, I guess would be the word. I have never seen such brightly colored equines in my life, and one had wings! Wings! I mean; the fuck!?

They were backing up more and more, I was afraid they might fall over the edge on me. But they stopped just about nine inches away from the edge. It was here that I could hear how tired and scared they were.

'Must have been running for a while.' I thought.

What really surprised me was what happened next.

"APPLEJACK!" all three of them screamed in high pitched voices.

If it wasn't for the mask my jaw would have hit the ground. They talked. They. Fucking. Talked! Never have I seen such a sight as this.

'I wonder if this is what that psycho was talking about when he said "new world"...' I honestly was speechless.

I looked ahead of them, there was a larger orange equine with a blonde mane and a hat... Wow, she looked like a sheriff. Her mouth moved but I was too far away to tell what she was saying. All of a sudden, one of the wolves, which had brown fur I think, charged while she turned around. If she was like any of the horses I know, I knew what was going to happen next.

*THUMP* I watched as the orange horse's hind legs connected with one of the wolf's face. As the wolf landed, it got back up; a little dazed, but not out of the fight. Another wolf began to attack, but if these things are anything like ankle-biters...

They learn.

After the dazed one shook his head and recovered, he growled and barked at the others. Sadly I was right, another wolf charged from the side while the other one was attacking. I would have said something, but knowing that there are three little horses in front of me, I didn't want them to become these bastards next meal. As the wolf's jaw clenched around the horse's leg, I could only wince in pain at the memory when that happened to me once; it was very painful.

I couldn't take it anymore, I decided to get out of the ditch.

'strange, the edge seems almost circular.' I thought to myself as I used my strength to lift my body out of the ditch and on to my feet. The commotion I caused made all three of the little ones' turn their heads at me in complete and utter fear.

"Get behind me." I said, only praying that the muffling of my gas mask let the message be clear.

The little horses backed up in fear.

Damn, so much for asking.

With a sigh, I looked up and noticed the wolves, and the orange one's head all looking toward me. The wolves began to advance upon me. The little horses still haven't moved a muscle. Before I could move them out of the way, one of the wolves began to charge.

Time seemed to slow down. I analyzed my opportunities, and I went with the one I thought best. With one hand, I scoop and slide all three of the little ones aside, they screamed as I slid them out of danger. Then in one fluid motion; I raised my arm to the charging animal's head.

Too slow.

It tackled me to the ground. Before it could deliver a killing blow, I grabbed it's head trying to keep the jaws off me. These bastards wanna fight. Then I'm gonna give it to them!

I punch the hound in the face with the barrel of the gun with enough force that the familiar *CRACK* of a an unstoppable force hitting a hard place. The beast flew to my left, using my hands, I positioned myself, and leaped back to my feet. Raising my arm again, I cocked the hammer with a *click* then fired.

'Please don't be a fucking flag.' I prayed as the familiar *BANG!* of the gun rang in the air.

The one closest to the little ones head exploded into... what looked like wood.

'Kill first, wonder what the hell they are later.' I thought to myself cocking the hammer again.

Two charged at once, hoping to surprise me. I dodge to my right as one leaped right past me. The other jumped trying to pounce, but met the barrel of my gun to it's face. As the gun connected with the wooden face, I pulled the trigger. The result being the beast's entire head blowing into pieces. The final one I didn't see, jumped up and chomped down on my left arm.

With a grunt of pain, I swung the wolf up; the sudden inertia causing it to let go.

"Time to make fireworks!" I yelled as I aimed and fired.

The wolf took a shot straight to the stomach, the bullet cutting through it's wooden bark body like tissue paper. I fired again, this bullet hitting it near it's genitalia region. That had to hurt. As the body fell and made contact with the ground, it made a loud *CRACK!* as more wooden splinters came off the now dead wolf.

I turned to see two more wolves jumped out of some bushes. Growling at seeing their comrades fall so easily, both rush me; both of them moving left and right in the process so I couldn't get a good shot.

Unsheathing the hidden knife, I get ready for their assault. The first one tries to pounce. Spinning in a tornado like fashion, I twirl the blade so with a powerful thrust, it meets the throat of the attacking beast, lodging itself into the wooden skin. Letting go, I duck when the next one jumps over my head. Aiming the gun again, I let out two shots, each hitting the wolf in quick succession.

The final wolf that still had my knife in it's neck looked at it's fallen pack, then at me. With a angry bark and a growl; it jumps into the bushes, taking my knife with it.

"Oh come on!" I yelled in anger at the sight of the wooden beast running off with my knife.

After yelling at it and shaking my fist in the air for a few minutes, I turn around to see the orange horse standing protectively in front of the three little horses.

'Maybe a mother?' I wonder as she paws the ground and snorts out hot air.

Applejack couldn't believe her eyes. One minute, she thinks the monster is going to attack her little sister. The next, he saves them and defeats ALL of the timber wolves. She cringed when she used the word "defeat" when in truth it killed all but one. As it was growling in anger, she took the liberty to limp over in front of the crusaders as they were staring in shock, awe, and disgust.

Applebloom looked to her sister with an expression of worry.

"Sis! You're bleeding!" she said almost on the verge of tears.

"I'm al'right Applebloom, I'm just glad your safe." she said as she nuzzled her little sister weakly.

She turned back to the strange creature that saved them and took a defensive stance when it look at her. It may have saved them from the wolves, but that didn't mean it couldn't hurt them still.

As it looked at them, it said something that was complete an utter gibberish. As it tried to talk, Applejack stopped for a second to watch what it was doing.

"Beg yer pardon?" she asked with a look of confusion, trying her best to stay conscious.

'Man! I hate this stupid thing' I thought when the orange one spoke.

Since this stupid mask was muffling my voice; I might as well take it off. I just hope the air isn't toxic. As I reach, wincing in pain from the recent bite wound; I find the strap and start the process of removing the mask.

After a minute, I finally manage to take the stupid thing off. Feeling the wind and cool air on my sweaty face felt good. I looked at the orange creature, which was now in awe for some odd reason. Smiling I said

"I see you're bleeding, we should probably get you medical help." I say with a smirk as I point to her injury.

She stares at me for a minute; finally she collapses to the ground unconscious.

"APPLEJACK!" the little yellow one screamed in panic as she huddled close to the one named Applejack.

"Le-leave us alone!" the orange one yelled, almost on the verge of tears.

If I didn't do anything soon, the creature would most likely die...

"We need to get her some medical treatment, she passed out from the blood-loss; I know you don't trust me, but you three can't carry her by yourselves... besides, those things could still be out there." I say the last part looking around gripping the my gun.

As I looked back, they all seemed to be staring at me, most likely trying to decide if they should trust me or not.

"Fine. But if you even think of hurtin my sister, you'll be sorry!" the yellow one finally said, giving me a glare.

"Right, so where is the nearest town?" I ask as I approach Applejack's body.

Slowly, painfully slowly, I lift her body with ease over my shoulder, being careful not to bring any discomfort, should she wake up.

"Follow us! Ponyville isn't far from here! Hurry!" one of them said as all three started galloping in some direction.

'Sure hope the locals are friendly' I thought to myself as I started carefully jogging to catch up.

(Okay! Finally got the chapter out as I did this ALL at the local library. If there are any mistakes on grammar please let me know, also, I am sorry if it isn't as good as the first chapter... I think I could've done better. Anyway, laterz!

"Pain is the only thing I have left..."

Echoes of boots range through the empty hallway. A man dressed in riot armor was escorting a small boy. The boy was little worse for wear. His tears dried hours ago as he said his goodbyes to his sister. Now though, was not the time to cry in fear and worry. He was determined to see what the world outside the walls had to offer. He could only hope he would survive.

As metal double doors appeared around the final corner at the end of the hall, the boy breathed in for what he was about to face.

The guard came forward and opened the door, getting a stern look as he faced the boy. As the boy went through the large metal doors, he was immediately hit with noise that almost sounded like a riot. The boy could only look around in confusion as angry faces of people he once knew were yelling at him in utter anger. The boy felt something he never thought he would feel in the town he lived in for all his life.

Fear.

"Move. Don't look at anyone. Don't talk to anyone. Do you understand?" the guard behind him spoke as he looked at the angry mob of people all around, his expression hidden behind a bullet proof helmet.

The boy just looked at him, confusion clearly shown on his face. The guard pointed, and as the boy turned his head; he now noticed a path of guards keeping the mob at bay. Now noticing the path, the boy began to walk through the line of guards. As he was walking, he could not help but listen to what the rioting people were yelling.

"He doesn't deserve to be released!"

"Kill'em! kill'em!"

"I hope the wasteland is enough for you, Dead-man!"

It was impossible to tell who was yelling and who was trying to grab him as sets of arms could be seen trying to pass the guards. The sight of it all was anarchy. As he neared the end of the line; he could see the gate that lead to the outside. When he approached, a group of guards escorting the mayor approached.

He looked tired, and seemed to have not slept well. As he spotted the boy, his face morphed to one of disgust.

"Well now, look what the dead-lands will claim this time." the mayor said with a sneer.

"To think that such a nice town as ours would get something of the likes as you." he said, motioning his guards to open the gate.

"I am guessing you're wondering why the whole town hates you now, hmm?" he smirked with bemusement.

"You see, Dead-men are considered as outsiders, mainly because they actually have to 'live' in the outside world; tis a hard job, but, they are usually the filthy ones to begin with.

The boy could only look at him, not knowing how to respond.

All his life, he has wondered why he could never talk to the masked men that entered his little town. Why they taught him to hate them; to despise them. It was almost as if they were treated as filth. Yet the town gets supplies from them; but why do they hate them then?

So many questions.

Not enough time.

The angry mob was getting restless; they all began to yell at him in an attempt to get him leave.

As the mayor was getting ready to tell the boy to leave, a blonde woman breaks through the crowd.

"Wait!" she yells out of breath.

The guards rifles instantly raised at the ready as the mayor turned to see who would be brave enough to fight through the crowd. As the blonde woman got closer her features were soon made out.

The boy wanted to cry out; to run and hug her before he had to depart.

It was his sister.

It was his sister; Alice.

"Wait!" she yelled again in an attempt to stop the proceedings..

As she finally approached the group, the mayor became furious.

"What did I tell you young lady!?" he roared in hate.

Alice merely glanced at him, before approaching her little brother. Crouching down to his height with a smile, before finally looking at the mayor directly.

"I didn't come to try to persuade you." she states as she looks back at her brother.

"I came here, to give him this." she says as she pulls a hidden sheathed knife from a small pack mounted at her waist.

As he was handed the knife, the boy could not help by unsheathing the blade; studying it's every detail.

The metal was definitely reinforced steel. The back of the blade had a sharp, curved edges to it that would make it easier for cutting objects in a saw-like fashion. It was covered in splotches of grime from wear and tear; but all-in-all it seemed to be in almost perfect condition.

The boy looked up at his sister with smile. Alice returned the smile as she pulled her little brother in for one last hug before his departure.

"Look here, I want; no, I need you to be careful out there, ok?" she says, tears running freely from her eyes.

The mayor could only look at this display of emotion in disgust. As he motioned the guards to get the last of the boy's essentials; he could only smile as he got to break up this display with his power over the people.

"I know you two are having a moment right now, but I suggest he leaves now preferably." he finished motioning to the riot that was starting to win against the barricade of guards.

As the two siblings glanced with unease at the form of display, the guards that were sent away mere minutes ago finally returned carrying a duffel bag and a very grimy, very worn out leather trench coat. As the boy glanced at the coat, he noticed it was 3x too big for him.

The mayor, noticing the boy about to ask a question about the coat, answered it for him.

"You'll grow into the coat, it is not like we're giving it to you for no apparent reason." the mayor says with an un-kindly smirk.

Alice could only look up at the mayor in anger and annoyance that he wouldn't even give him a coat that grows with the user's height, and weight; like she knows the town has. The mayor just shrugged his shoulders in arrogance at the cold glare from Alice.

The boy only put on the coat, the tail and sleeves being very baggy. He then looked toward the gate with determination. Still holding the knife, he then found a built-in holder for all sorts of various things among the coat and placed the knife inside. Finally grabbing the duffel bag, he hauls it to his side, noticing it wasn't empty, he looks back up to the mayor.

"We wouldn't send you out the nothing my boy, now that would be just rude." he says with the warm smile the boy remembered him with before all this happened.

As the guards opened the gates to the outside, the boy finally noticed this was it. But before he could take one step forward, a man burst through the guards sprinting rapidly. The guards, once again raising their rifles, took aim at the approaching man. As the boy turned he recognized the man just by the limp in every step he ran.

It was his father.

The boy scowled as his father approached, anger clearly in his eyes. But those eyes weren't looking at the mayor, or the guards. No, the boy knew those eyes were directed at him. As his father approached, his sister stood up and yelled at the man.

"Why! Why did you come here!" she yelled in anger as the man came closer and closer.

His father only glanced at Alice, before raising his hand and smacking her to the ground. At the sight of this, the boy had to clench his teeth not to run and fight his father. Alice could only sniffle as her hand was clutching her cheek tentatively. As his father approached, the boy got ready to hear anything he had to say.

"Well don't you look special." he grunted.

"To think, that your loving mother; may she rest in peace, would give birth to the likes of you." he said sneering directly at the boy.

"You listen here, and you better listen good." his father stated, crouching down to look directly in his eyes.

"Pain. Pain is the only thing your gonna have left, ya hear? No one will ever want to be near, let alone even love the likes of you!" he yelled, spittle spraying in the boy's face.

As the man in front got up, he walked over to his sister who was still crying softly on the ground. Grabbing her by her arm, he lifted her up and started to drag her to the the line of guards, and through.

"Well now, that was... interesting." the mayor could only watch as the boy's father left with his sister.

The boy turned around, saying two words with pain clearly in them.

"I'm ready."

As the mayor heard these words, with a nod he gestured for the boy to leave through the opened gates. As the boy began walking, he took his chance to study the outer wall of his town. It was made out of metal of an unknown variety. It's surface was rugged and dented from weathering and attack. The color of it looked almost like obsidian, but without the glass texture. As he studied these, he did not look back as he heard the sound of the double door gate shutting. No, he only kept walking as he said the words his cruel father said to him.

"Pain is the only thing I have left?"

Outskirts of Ponyville

"Come on! Hurry up!" The small orange horse yelled at me.

I swear, the one I'm carrying maybe small, but weighs a lot more than I had originally thought.

"I'm coming! Do you think it's easy to run with a small full grown horse on your back!?" I yelled in return trying to keep up with them.

"Fer the last time, it's pony!" the one with the red mane yelled.

"Besides! We need to hurry, you promised me you'd get ma sister help!" she said as she started to slow down to get right next to me.

I wanted to complain if I didn't know she was right.

Judging from the almost unnoticeable trail of blood that was leaving, I knew if we didn't hurry, the little one's sister would not be long for this world. I could only hope that whatever doctor in the town they had could help her at this state.

Almost as if on cue though, I heard the sound of thunder in the distance. It didn't take a genius to know that it was about to rain. I soon felt the cool, wet drops on my face as we were nearing a town of sorts. It was nothing like I was used to as we entered it; with me still trailing behind the three little ponies, I took notice to how the buildings looked. Instead of rusted buildings made out of metal and scraps of rags, I saw houses made out of stone, and what appeared to be straw for roofing.

I also notice a few windows slamming shut as we got further in.

'Figures even in another world, people are still terrified by the sight of me...' I thought to myself as I heard doors locking as I passed them.

We finally were coming up on a fairly larger building. The sight of it reminded me of an old world building from my world with the red cross on it. As we entered into the lobby, a few ponies looked in fear as I passed them. When we finally reached a desk; the pony looked like a receptionist. She was reading a magazine of sorts, with red hair, and a white coat.

Without even looking up, she spoke without a care in the world.

"Welcome to Ponyville hospital, is there anything I can assist you with..." she took the liberty to look up.

Her mouth could only gape at my height, but what made her start shaking was the blood that covered almost every inch of me. I looked her dead in the eye as I told her about the wolf attack; the three little ones filling in any details. As they were talking, I could only glance at the unconscious hors- mare, I think mare is the female horse.

Anyways, as the three little ones finished their side of the story, the receptionist looked up to me. She could only stare at me for a few seconds before calling the doctors. In a few minutes, a stretcher was brought in by two winged ponies to which I laid the "mare" down on. As they wheeled her away, I could only look at the three little ones; the yellow one with the red hair looking the most troubled.

"Will you three be alright?" I said as I crouched down so I wasn't at my full height.

They all looked at me, for a few seconds they huddled together to whisper things I couldn't hear. After a few moments, they finally looked back to me.

"Uhhh... thank ya fer saving my friends mister. But, if ya don't mind me askin; what are ya?" the yellow one said.

I could tell them many things.

Assassin. Monster. Murderer. Savior. Guardian. Hunter. Trader. Walker...

So many things I have done, yet I couldn't help but smile as I decided to tell them only the half-truth.

"I'm a dead-man." I said with a smirk.

All three of them could only gain a look of curiosity.

Until the orange one asked a question with a smile.

"So whats your name then?" In truth, I was a little taken back by this.

No one has ever asked my name. Usually, they call me by my profession. Even I have not bothered to use names.

Names, can carry many messages about a person.

They're a lot like couriers.

I snapped out of my thinking as I realized three pairs of eyes were still staring at me, awaiting their answer.

"Uhhh... Jacob, my name is Jacob." I say.

'I really hope their as smart as children usually are.' I thought to myself.

All three seemed to burst into smiles. Finally they all told me their names.

"Well, ma names Applebloom!" The yellow one said.

"My names Sweetiebelle!" The white one yelled in a high voice that could only make me wince at the volume.

"And my names Scootaloo, personal trainee of the one, the only, Rainbow dash!" The orange one proclaimed.

'Must. Not. Laugh.' I thought trying my hardest to only keep a smile.

Sadly, I seemed to have only gotten confused stares as I could only keep a grin on my face as I chuckled.

"Hey! What's so funny?" Scootaloo asked in annoyance.

I waved her question away.

"Nothing, nothing, I just remembered a good joke is all." I lied.

"Anyway, I should probably go tell ma brother that Applejack is in the hospital." Applebloom said with a bit of anxiety.

"Yeah! I need to tell Rarity that Applejack is here too!" Sweetiebelle said with urgency.

"Rainbow dash probably wants to know if Applejack is okay as well." Scootaloo stated.

All three of them looked up at me, there eyes showing a bit of sadness in them.

"Relax. I'll be fine, I actually have to go back into the forest anyway, I had to leave a few things that are very important to me." I didn't want to tell them that some of those things are dangerous.

But the main reason I needed to get back there was that I needed to finish the job.

As we left the building, the three little ponies took off in various directions. I looked back to the direction I came.

'One way or another, I'm getting your gift back Volm. I'm getting it back.' I thought as I started my small journey back to the forest.

As I passed by, I swear I could feel the eyes of the entire town on me as I walked through this-so-called "Ponyville". It was only a matter of time before either I leave, or the "ponies" of this town make me leave. I stop to look at some building that seemed to be made of some kind of... cookie? The very notion of this world makes me think that I'm crazy. But this. This takes the cake.

Huh, I made a pun. That would be a first.

As I finally reach the outskirts of Ponyville, the rain finally stops pouring. I continue down the path, passing by a small river with a stone bridge leading across it. But as I looked closer, it lead to some cottage of sorts. I couldn't help but chuckle as I remembered old memories of cottages out in the Dead-lands.

I was walking for what seemed like hours of endless night. I knew it was around here somewhere, I just had to look for the light. Finally, after what seemed like hours, I see it.

Like a shining beacon of hope and happiness.

I smile as I start walking toward the warm glowing light that offered sanctuary. As I approach, it seemed to look like a cabin of sorts. Wood paneling lining the walls, with an almost dome shaped roof adorning the top of it. As I climb up small wooden steps, the stench of rotting wood enters my nostrils. At first it was a disgusting smell. But it is at this I realized it was better than the smell of piss or blood.

I approach the door still smiling. After I knock on it a few times, a man opens it. He had a look of shock on his face.

Before finally turning to one of fear.

"No! I...I still have a few days left..." the man whispered as he backed away from the door.

I walked in after him, the smile never leaving my face. As I entered, I smelled something that made his conviction true.

The stench of rotting bodies.

The man turns around and runs up the stairs trying to escape. I smiled even more now that I saw his fear. As I pass the stairs, I enter the kitchen through a hallway. I could only lose my smile as I changed it to one of disgust as I saw where the smell was emanating from.

Like out of a nightmare, bloodied cages lined some of the walls. Skeletons of past victims still remaining inside of them. Others weren't even bones, but skinned corpses that had faces of pain, and agony painted on them like some twisted form of art. As I looked toward the cooking area, there was pot from which steam was arising out of it. I saw a cutting board that seemed to have a chopped in half liver, a long intestine stuffed with what looked like cheese, and a heart that had a tomato inside of it.

I could only grunt as I tried hard to keep the lunch I had earlier in my stomach. I walk over to the pot and open it up. Inside was what looked like remains of a hand, along with eyeballs that now looked broiled and twisted to little tiny peas.

The smell from the pot was nauseating to say the least. I closed the pot. Partly saving my nose from the smell. I turn and walk out of the kitchen, drawing my machete from my bag, and my revolver from it's holster. As I climb the stairs, I hear what sounds like crying. I smile deviously as I reach the top. the hallway had two doors on the left, and one on the right. At the end of the hall was a plaque. As I walked toward it, I started reading what it had to say:

Through winters, through nights...

Those that give us shelter, that gives us food...

Family is always there; tis' what gives us warmth...

tis' what gives us love...

tis' what gives us loss...

But most importantly...

It gives us the strength to go on.

I could only stare as I read the final lines. My heart ached as I read it, but as I came back to reality; I remembered what I was here for.

I turn back around, the sound of crying louder and louder as I approach the second door on the left. As I open it, I could only stare emotionless at the scene.

It was a bathroom of sorts. But I was not focused on anything else except the bathtub, and what lay in it.

It was a little girl.

She looked up in me in fear, sobbing uncontrollably. The bathtub seemed to be filled with pounds upon pounds of ice. The girl herself was... skinny and pale.

But it was not from hunger.

She looked at me, her eyes pleading. I could only put on a sad smile as I crouched down next to her, pointing my revolver point-blank at her head. She could only mouth the words "thank you" for her tongue seemed to have been cut out.

As I pulled the trigger, I looked away. Not wanting to see the sight as I ONLY heard the *SPLAT!* of blood hitting the wall. As I finally look at what I had done, tears fell freely as I saw a bullet hole in her head. Sadness over took me as more tears fell.

It was soon replaced by anger

I exited out of the bathroom, entering through the door beside it. It looked like a broom closet of sorts. I noticed how it had a gasoline canister, along with a box of matches. I thought of an idea.

If there were a devil, he would only react in fear if he saw the almost psychotic smile I had on my face as I grabbed the canister and lighter. I turned around, envisioning the screaming of the bastard's torment as I kicked open the last door with a loud *BANG!* as it fell off the hinges and collided with the floor. The man seemed to be praying to a God that would offer him no mercy, finally looking up as I walked through.

Fear was on his face as he saw me. As I got closer, he started crawling on his back, trying to get away.

"No! No please!" he screamed.

"I... I have money! Lots of money! Please just have mercy!" he cried.

I almost felt sorry for this poor, sick son of a bitch.

Almost.

"John Craster... that's your name now... isn't it?" I asked with malice in my voice.

The man shook his head vigorously, tears staining his face.

He was about to speak before I cut him off.

"Your wanted for murder, cannibalism, rape, and torture... any last words?" I say.

The man looked at me as if I were his own personal demon, here to perform his execution.

"Please! I...I know what I did was wrong! But... you have to believe I was just doing it to survive!" Craster screamed.

"Survive? Hehe... Survive!?" I grabbed him off the ground and threw him into the opposite wall of the room.

"No! What you're doing isn't survival! It's murder," I pick him up and start punching him repeatedly.

"Cannibalism!" I punched him, feeling the *CRACK!* as I broke his nose.

"And TORTURE!" I scream at him as I grab his head and slam it into the wall, leaving bloody cracks against it's white paint-job.

Craster's face looked dented, bloodied and broken. He was still crying in agony as he lay there.

Time for the finale.

I grabbed the canister and open it, the smell of gasoline penetrating the stench of blood and death.

Craster whimpered as I started pouring it all over his face and body, spitting up blood and gasoline as it entered his mouth. I made sure to drench him in it, but to also make sure to save some for later. As I backed away, he looked at me through bloody, blackened eyes.

"preash! Saup!" he tried to yell with broken bloody teeth leaving his mouth.

"People say Dead-men are walkers of the waste, they look at us as monsters... When in truth, it is people like you! Who are the true monsters." I say with hate rolling off every word.

He raises his hands in an attempt to stop me. I pull out the matches, taking one; and only one out of the box. As starts screaming.

"Mommy! Mommy please!" he screamed, knowing his end was near.

"There's no mother where your going..." I say as I light the match, the flames dancing and flickering.

As I get ready to throw it, I say some final words.

"BURN IN HELL!" I yell with all my anger as I throw the match.

As the match landed on the twisted form of John Craster, the flames ignited and started to scorch his skin as he screamed in agony. His screams only brought a half smile to my face, for I wished I could do more.

Picking up my machete from when I started punching him, I grab the canister in the other hand and cut it open, it leaking gasoline in the process of cutting through the plastic. Trailing the leaking gasoline canister, I walk with it all through out the cabin. As I exit the cabin bringing the leaking canister with me, I still hear Craster screaming like a little bitch as he burned alive.

Dropping the canister and turning around, I pullout another match and ignite it.

I was having that feeling you get when you see your handy work and are proud of it.

I smile as I drop the match on the trail of gasoline, seeing the fire catch to it and trail up into the house. I start walking away as I smell the smell of burning wood and smoke. Looking back, I see the flames, for it was not a beacon of light at all, but a trap of agony, pain, and death...

As I remembered it all, I couldn't help but smile; though it turned to a frown as I realize that I'm starting to turn very twisted.

"Man, I'm fucked up in the head..." I said to myself.

I looked up ahead and noticed the treeline of the forest from where I started my journey in this new world. I smiled again as I pulled my revolver out of it's holster. Twirling it around with precision and skill, I then cock the hammer.

'Time to get to down to business.' I thought as I started walking to the entrance.

Ponyville Hospital

Applejack awoke with a start, breathing heavily as she looked at her surroundings. As she notice she wasn't in the Everfree forest anymore, she was still curious on how she arrived here.

Before she could call a nurse, her friends along with her older brother come quietly through the door. But as they look at her and see she's awake they cry her name in relief.

"Applejack!" the all cry as all of them group hug her. Being cautious as to not hug her too tight.

Twilight Sparkle was the first to talk.

"Applejack! What happened? I was rearranging all my books when Rainbow dash flew over and told me you were in the hospital!" Twilight said in distress.

"Uhh Twi, I'm al'right but I-" she never finished as she was interrupted by Rarity.

"Darling! Whatever happened!? Sweetiebelle came in and said something about a timber wolf attack and something called a "Deadman" was it this "Deadman" that did this to you?!" Rarity said in concern.

"Actually yall, it was him tha-" Applejack tried to speak, but is was Rainbow dash that interrupted.

"Oooh! When I get my hooves on this thing! Just you wait AJ, I'll show it no one messes with the world's fastest Pegasus in Equestria's friend!" Rainbow dash said in her boastful demeanor.

"Girls you have a mista-" Applejack was again interrupted by none other than her brother.

"Now don you worry sis, if I see this thing I'm gonna make it pay. You understand, you just lay hear and heal, I'm gonna get some of the town to help me hu-" Big Mac was never got to finish as AJ raised her voice.

"WILL EVERYPONY CALM DOWN AN LISTEN TA ME!" AJ yelled.

The room fell silent as Applejack eyed everyone in the room.

"Thank ya. Now it wasn't this "Deadman" that hurt me; it was the timber wolves. If there's anything ta do about him it's to thank him, not only did he save Applebloom and the crusaders lives, he saved mine." Applejack said with determination.

"But umm... I have one question though, if he saved you, then umm, where is he?" Fluttershy said in a timid manner.

As the group of friends all turned to look at her, Fluttershy made an *Eep!* as she tried desperately to hide behind her mane.

"Actually, yeah, Fluttershy your right, Applejack do you know where this creature is?" Twilight asked.

Applejack didn't know what to say. All she remembers is the creature saving her and the crusaders, then she passed out.

It was at this moment that Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere.

"He's in the Everfree forest!" she yelled as she started bouncing around the room.

The group could only look at Pinkie's hijinks; at least until Twilight spoke up.

"Um. Pinkie, how do you know that?" Twilight asked, wondering how Pinkie Pie knew that.

"Easy. The writer wrote him there after writing about an old memory of his." Pinkie said, smiling at Twilight.

Twilight just rolled her eyes and guessed it was Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.

"Well, if that's where he is, then can you girls go and make sure he's alright?" Applejack asked as she looked pleadingly to the others.

There was a silence that fell upon the room as they seemed to look at each other and think. Finally, after what seemed like hours but was mere minutes, the five friends came to a conclusion.

"Don't worry AJ, you can count on us!" Rainbow dash hovering in the air.

At the sight of this, Applejack released a breath she had apparently been holding.

"Thank ya girls, this means a'lot." she said rearranging her body, trying to get in a comfortable position.

As the five friends turned to leave, Twilight spoke up to everypony.

"Before I forget, I should probably write to Princess Celestia about this "Dead-man" as Rarity called it. Ooh, but I forgot my quills and paper at the library." Twilight said with a frustrated sigh.

It was at this moment Pinkie Pie appeared and handed her a quill and paper.

"Here you go Twilight, hope this helps." Pinkie said as a purplish glow hovered around the two objects.

"Thanks Pinkie. Now then..." Twilight said as she began writing to Celestia.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I, your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, have heard news of a mysterious creature that seems to call itself "Dead-man", it seemed to have saved Applejack, her sister Applebloom, along with Applebloom's friends Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo. This creature has apparently went in to the Everfree forest; if you have any information on this mysterious creature, I ask that you write back immediately.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

P.S. I think Rarity said it looked like a hairless ape of some kind.

As Twilight finished writing the letter, with a blast of her horn the small rolled-up paper vanished.

"Alright girls, lets go." Twilight said with determination, only to realize her friends were leaving her behind.

"Hey! Wait up!" Twilight yelled as she started galloping to catch up.

The Everfree Forest

'Man! I should have brought a torch, or even better; a lantern.' I thought to myself as the place was actually hard to see in.

I continued trying to "re-trace" my steps, but so far I've only managed to fall down not once, not twice, but seven times! I couldn't wait to get out of this stupid forest. As I continued to move blindly, I start to see old tracks.

'Bingo!' I thought in success.

Now that I found the tracks, I dug around in my pocket, as I lifted the I-pod out; I put in the headphones and decided to listen to a song.

Now listening to it, I couldn't help but smile as it sounded like a song played for the old-world "Cowboys" that was over a thousand years ago. As I continue to follow the tracks, my head starts bobbing up and down as it got a few minutes into it. After a few minutes, I finally arrive upon the ditch, but as I look at it, I couldn't help but gape at it. The edges were circular, and it was slightly deeper than I first thought. But as I looked at it more, the realization came to me.

"This isn't a ditch... It's a fucking crater!" I yelled as I saw how beaten the ground looked.

'and I...I did this...' I couldn't quite think clearly.

As much as I wondered how the hell this happened, I realize that my duffel bag; though clearly roughed up, was still in the middle of it. I race down the crater, being careful not to lose my balance, I then skid onto my knees directly in front of it.

I prayed silently that everything was still at least "partially" intact. As I zipped open the bag, I noticed that my machete was neatly placed in side. I smiled as I grabbed the hilt and pulled the blade out of the protector. Not only was it intact... it was polished! I most likely had the stupidest grin on my face as I stared at it. Putting it back in it's protector, I then go through a mental check-list of everything in it.

'Canteen, check. Ammo, check. Shotgun! Definite check.' And finally, I pulled out the most important thing in this bag that would be a fortune to sell.

It was three fairly small sized magazines. But I knew what they really were, since they were labeled with three big letters titled "XXX" on the pink cover of all of them.

I smiled as I remembered when I first realized that sex is a hard thing to come by in some towns. So, porno magazines are the next best thing to a lot of people.

'I wonder if these things would still be top-dollar?' I wondered to myself as I stared at them.

Carefully placing them back inside, I zip up my bag and shrug it onto my shoulders. Hoisting myself out of the crater, I turn to leave this stupid forest. At least I thought I was, right before I heard something in the bushes.

"GRRRRRRRRRR!" was the sound coming from them as a giant monster came out of it.

I only stared at this beast. It had the body of some large cat maybe, a tail of a scorpion, and what looked like wings! Oh fuck. This thing is gonna be hard to kill if it can fly. It only looked at me with malice in it's eyes. Finally, I drew my gun and pointed it directly at the beast.

"Well, bring it on! You ugly son'a'va bitch!" I screamed at it.

I could only pray that I didn't just make the stupidest mistake of my life...

(Well now! You gotta love cliff hangers! If there is any grammar problems and or stuff that I need to fix, please let me know and I will edit. Also, constructive criticism is also appreciated now.

Battle of the beasts

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" I yelled in panic.

I've been sprinting for what seemed like hours without end. My lungs feeling like they had burning lead shoved into them did not help me move any faster.

'How the hell did I get into this!?' I thought to myself as I heard the roar of the beast, still in pursuit.

A few minutes ago...

"Bring it on you sun'a'va bitch!" I yelled in anger.

The beast only roared at the challenge as it put weight on it's hind legs. I could tell this was going to be tougher than fighting a grizzly bear... I almost chuckled as I remembered how many cuts I got during that fight. As the beast pounced, I took my chances and duck & rolled to the side, firing a shot into the creature's side. It howled in pain as it turned to me again.

I only had enough time to move, as a scorpion-like stinger impaled the ground where I once was.

"Damn! Your a lot faster than you look." I said to him, hoping to piss him off.

It worked as the beast howled in anger, pawing the ground.

'A frontal charge huh? This'll be fun!' I thought to myself as I stuck out my hand.

Giving him the "bring it on" sign, I then pulled back all my fingers except the middle one. Wiggling the insulting digit at the creature. It took this as a sign, and charged without slowing.

As it was about to pounce, I raised my gun. But instead of firing at the body, I aimed at the paws, releasing 2 shots into his right as he jumped up. I had only a few seconds to dive forward under his legs. I'm not sure, but I might or might not have kicked it in the balls.

To say it wasn't pissed would be to call a grandma a little young girl. I cringed when I remembered the hangover I got after that night. I came back just as soon as the beast began pawing the ground.

It began to charge again, limping only slightly as it closed the distance to me in only a few seconds. As I tried to barrel-roll out of it's path, the creature struck me with one of it's bat wings. I couldn't think as pain enveloped my entire chest. When I regained my senses, I realized I was flying through the air.

Oh, this is gonna hurt.

I landed on the ground hard, barely able to hear the *THUMP!* sound when my body landed. My back felt as if it could break at any second, while I think I may have bruised a few ribs.

'Okay, plan B... Fuck this!' I thought as I got up and sprinted and or quickly limped into the nearby brush, hoping that I can get away.

I could only look back in wonder at how I had gotten away. Only to for my head to turn in front again as I noticed the beast barreling right after me. I took a chance, and fired one shot in it's direction; hearing the howl of pain brought a smile to my face. But I knew I wasn't out of the woods yet.

Another pun!? What is with me and this new world?

I broke into a clearing, mentally face-palming myself as I realized I had just sprinted in a wide circle, arriving where I first fought the beast. I at least spotted my duffel, sliding to it, and unzipping it in under a second; I pulled free the machete, as that was all the time I had before the beast came crashing through the bushes. Steam bursting out it's every breath.

Yep, it is definitely, without a doubt... pissed.

As I realized this, it tried to strike me with it's stinger. Like the wolves, my instinct took over as time seemed to stop. I analyzed the beast's parts. The stinger should be the first to go, considering it could inject poison, even if I were to kill it, I would be dead later within the day. I then looked at the wings, with those it could just fly around and find me again.

Decisions, decisions...

I went with the tail. And in one fluid movement, I arced down the deadly sharp blade, and severed the tail in one swift motion. The beast howled in pain, as it pulled back only half of it's tail. Pointing my gun at it's face, I see that my previous shot hit it in the eye, as blood was pouring out of the new wound.

Snapping out of my trance, I fire into it's face yet again, hitting it directly up & through it's right nostril. It roared again as it's blood sprayed out everywhere, covering me as well. Get up to it's hind legs to take a swipe at me, I ducked to the right as I shot it in the other paw. Howling in immense pain, the creature jumped back; barely missing a swipe from my machete. I smiled as it was wounded beyond recognition.

"Sorry big guy, time to be put down." I said aiming my revolver for the kill shot.

*CLICK*

I paused.

*CLICK* *CLICK* *CLICK*

I could only stare in utter stupidity as I realized I used every shot. The beast looked at me, it's eyes spewing hatred.

'Well fuck...' I could only think as I started sprinting down the path, shoving my revolver in it's holster, and grabbing the duffel, not losing an ounce of speed.

'God damn it!' I thought as I sprinted through more forest brush, the beast charging right after me.

I continued sprinting for a few minutes, panting heavily as my adrenaline was making me sprint at a faster rate. I jumped through bushes as I saw what made my heart soar.

Foot prints.

Without wasting any time, I started running as fast as I could toward the direction I had come from the town. I didn't look back as I could hear angry roaring in the distance; this was gonna be a close one. As I was nearing the edge of the woods, I spotted five more colorful ponies.

I was considering on stopping, until I heard the roar of a mad animal hellbent on tearing my apart. As I came ever so closer, the five ponies could just stare in fear and awe as I approached them.

That look of awe finally turned into full fledged fear as another roar emanated from behind me. I finally was close enough for talking, but instead; I decided shouting would have to do.

"Run, run, run, run, run!" I yelled at them.

As I past them, all the others except one ran. The last one, a butter-yellow winged pony stayed behind. As the beast approached it, all the ponies, including I, stopped dead in our tracks. I could only look in utter horror as the beast came slowly toward the little pony. But what sent me into confusion was not the fact that she was about to get eaten; but the fact she was trying to talk to it.

I was close enough to hear a little of what she was saying, but it was more like a calming whisper.

"There, there; It's gonna be okay..." she whispered.

I stood there with the other ponies and gawked; I noticed the beast's next action. It had started to raise one of it's bloodied claws in the air, about to hit the poor yellow equine. All the other ponies looked in total horror as well. As the little butter-yellow pony looked up, she could only lose all her courage and compassion as the beast claw was raised as high as it could go.

I had no idea how I could help, so I only prepared for the inevitable.

Yet it never came.

I watched as the mutant creature brought it's paw down. Only to miss the poor pony by only a few inches, I looked closer to see small darkish-purple areas all around it's body, mainly on the head. I smiled at another old memory.

I sit in a small cave with a dying fire. A man sits across from me, taking small swigs of whiskey as he sharpens a knife across a whetstone. Finally, he looks up at me as I dunk another small bullet into a dark, greenish liquid. I only look up as he groans and points a finger at me.

"Why in God's name do you do that?" he asked in annoyance.

I merely stared at him. With a shrug, I say a comeback.

"Well, why do you always drink before we do a job?" I retort.

The man's face contorts to a sneer as he places the whiskey bottle into a small, grey duffel bag.

"Alright, that's enough out of you." he said.

"Still, why do you do it? I'm pretty sure if anything alive has tons of bleeding holes in it, means it's dead." the man stated, glaring at me while raising an eyebrow.

I shrug at this. I dip another five bullets in as I come up with an excuse. Finally, I think of one.

"Because, it doesn't waste ammo." I said, raising an eyebrow back.

The man's face turned to one of shock. Then one of joy as he burst out laughing.

"Ha! Fine, I'll accept the excuse for now. We best be moving, don't want the bastards to get away with any of the others now, do we?" he exclaimed as he sat up, sheathing the knife in the process.

"No. No we do not." I say as I join him in standing.

The smile never left my face as I approached the poor yellow pony. I stare at the creature as more of it's skin turns from a darkish-yellow brown, to dark-purple. I look at the small equine, her eyes were just... staring at the beast. I merely bent down, as I heard her whisper one word.

"Why?" she whispered.

I couldn't hear her, so I bent closer, saying "What?" as I did it.

"Why?" I heard her say.

Her words only confused me, before she finally turned and glared directly into my eyes. Her eyes brought pain, but not the physical kind. The eyes felt as if they were piercing my very soul. I couldn't even think as she shouted.

"WHY!?" she roared.

"It was hurt! It only wanted me to help! So I ask you why!?" she screamed, tears going down her face as she bore her eyes into mine.

I felt something I never felt before. Something that feels so wrong, yet you cannot help it.

I felt shame.

Shame for taking the beast's life. Shame for ending it, without reason.

Then, I felt something else.

I felt empathy. I continued to stare into those eternal orbs as they brought up these feelings. Finally, as tears fell freely, I said the only thing I could.

"It would've killed you..." I said as I got up, fearing her gaze as I turned my back to it.

I could still feel the pony's stare as I turned my back to look at the others. They all looked shocked as they continued to stare between myself, the creature, and the butter-yellow pony.

I stared at them as I found a new feeling from the yellow one's stare.

Anger.

I turned back toward the little pony. Glaring at her as she flinched at my sudden movement. Her eyes still trying to recuperate into that stare.

"It would have killed you, if it wasn't for the poison. My poison. It would have torn you limb-from-limb as it bit into you, and chewed on your organs," I stated without any emotion.

The pony, which now I saw had wings. So the "pegasus" merely looked shocked at me as I went into some detail of what would have happen. She looked in fright as I took a step closer. Shaking as more tears trailed down her face.

"That creature, is a monster." I stated as I pointed to it.

It is a shocking revelation; considering what I have done. The blood of hundreds stain my hands. And yet, I find peace in knowing they cannot harm those who cannot protect themselves. I soften my glare, as the pony could only sob as she turned her head to the ground. With a mighty sigh, I decide to do something I haven't had the liberty of doing in a very long time.

Taking care not to spook her too much; I walk up to her, crouching to her height. She didn't even look up, as I leaned in closer. Finally, I wrap my arms around the sniveling pegasus. She only flinched but for a moment as she came to embrace me the same. Sobbing into my shoulder.

I could only remember the hollow words that were taught to me by none other than the person who treated me as an actual son. No. An actual living mortal being that's still human. His words echoed in the back of my mind.

" We are only as immortal, as the things we kill. If we do not stop those that would kill not for the greater good, but for purpose like that of greed and sin. Then are we truly the same as them?" the voice said, making my eyes water.

I could only smile at the request that came after, remembering how I chuckled at said request.

"Oh, and before I forget. Go grab my 7th bottle of booze, I need to get drunk. Or else I'm not gonna have the energy for tomorrow. Those slavers are gonna learn that if there's anything more dangerous than a Dead-man, it's two Dead-men and one who's drunk! Ha ha!

I let go of the still sniveling pegasus, I looked to her; knowing that it was sorrow and anger that took hold of her heart. I turned to the other ponies, staring blankly at there shocked faces. As I try to say something, but the yellow pegasus beats me.

"Thank you," she whispered, trying to contain her tears.

I looked down, and smirked. She bent her head down low, but before she could apologize, I lifted her chin so that she could face me. Her face was matted with tears. I could merely chuckle as I reminded myself of my sister, when I was young.

"Do not apologize, for something that you thought had to be done. You felt pity for the creature, therefore that pity turned to anger when confronted with it's killer." I stated, my smirk turning to a smile, as I saw understanding in her eyes.

She trotted over to her friends, who for many still had their mouths agape. Finally after a few minutes, a purple horned pony, a unicorn, decided to speak up.

"Uh, are you the creature that saved our friend Applejack?"

I processed the question. Even if I did answer truthfully, I would most likely be untrusted merely for my size, and the fact that I killed a creature that seemed to upset the pegasus. I stared at the unicorn for a minute before replying.

"Does it matter?" I asked, knowing that they were most likely going to bring me back with them.

"Well, we wanted to thank you, but, if I may ask? What are you?" she asked.

I merely shrugged, which seemed to get a small annoyed eye-twitch out of her.

"Well, could you please come back to ponyville, not only does Applejack want to thank you, but I also need to inform Princess Celestia of your actions."

I stopped breathing for a few seconds. Did she say Celestia?

'That was the one Discord wanted me to kill, so if this purple unicorn can bring her to me; then I could get back home even faster than I realized.' I thought to myself, smiling to the group of ponies.

"Go, I'll meet you there in an hour or so." I say, pointing the direction out of the forest.

The pony merely looks at me, confusion spread across her face. Realizing she most likely wanted to keep me in her sight, I decided to end the conversation.

"I lost something special to me, I have to get it back, Go." I say while turning around, walking deeper into the forest.

Those were the last things I said as I walked back down the path to the crater. I didn't look back, but I knew they left. Rain poured down again as I continued down the trail. I thought of what I was gonna do when I got to the town, but first I have to find the knife. I approached the crater, the rain erasing almost any evidence of a fight. I searched until I find a small amount of bark pieces leading off into the bushes.

'Now, the real hunt begins.' I think as I reload my revolver.

I decided to count how many rounds I have left. I empty the small bag in my hand, counting how many filled my palm.

"9... fuck, guess after this I'll be using my blade and my wit." I said to no one in particular.

"Heh, who am I kidding; only my blade." I chuckle.

As I finished returning the bag of bullets to the duffel, I turn around and start to approach the bushes. As I look back at the crater, I could only imagine what that storm did to me. One way or another, I'm going to find out.

This Discord thing maybe powerful, but nobody is ever truly immortal. Right?

Well, can't worry about it now.

Author's Notes:

Well, I know there's probably grammatical errors here and there. But I at least got it out.
Hope you all enjoy! Sorry for the wait!

Two sides of the same coin

Out of all the times I said it. I will say it again.

'I. Hate. Fucking. Nature!'

At the mere inner dialogue I had with myself, I immediately tripped over yet another thing. Guess what? No, really; take a damn guess. Another tree root.

I have killed mutants, cannibals, even a giant robot bat creature that was a malfunctioning ice-creme machine that shot flames and rockets. Flames and rockets! Yet, this world of insanity and madness decides to screw me over with a forest with too many damn trees. I now know why in the past that trees were grown in things called "Parks" in the over-grown death traps that people used to call "cities."

Then again, that "Mr.Batty Freezy" at least was shoot-able. Unlike this forest, unless I wanted to shoot at random trees and wild life and waste my very little precious ammo. I merely sighed as I continued to follow the bits and pieces of broken bark, and what looked like dried tree sap to my prey. Clearing away small brush, I step through it to find what I was looking for. There was a dead wooden wolf creature laying against part of what seemed like the entrance to a small cave.

As I approached, I noticed the object of importance I was searching for buried in the same place I stabbed it. With a mighty pull, I yanked it free with an audible *CRACK* of wood being splintered. I stared at the knife, memories of better times making me smile just a bit.

Years ago...

"Look there!" a voice whispered to my right, a almost invisible dark hand pointing toward where to look.

As I turned, I saw what said hand was pointing at. It was a group of people, 12 to be exact. 9 people I recognized from the armor they wore, the other 3 were unknown to me as they were chained up in a cage fitted with wheels. At the mere sight of them, I couldn't help but growl in wait as I wanted so badly to torture the armored guards.

"Slavers," I whispered, immediately going for my gun.

As my hand gripped the handle, the voice to my right immediately pulled me out of my rage induced trance.

"Don't even think about it, ya bloody twat; watch, then attack." the voice said in manner one would use to scold a child.

I merely stared at the dark crouched figure. I wanted to end these miserable waste of spaces. But I then realized that by attacking them now would only endanger the slaves. So with a reluctant nod, I holstered my gun. We sat there for what seemed like hours, but were only mere minutes. I couldn't help but listen in to two of the slaver's conversation.

"No! Ya fucking idiot. It goes comrades, then hookers, then a sandwich." one said while thwacking the other in the back of the head.

"Ow! Hows' I supposed ta know wat ta choose over de other!" the other one in poor grammar yelled.

"Watcha mean!? You mean to tell me you'd rather choose to save a whore over me!?" the other said stopping and glaring at the other in disbelief.

"Well at least a whore could offer me better ser; servie?" as the dumb one was trying to come up with word "services" the hand I knew belonged to my mentor tapped my back; signaling that it was the time to strike.

Slowly moving behind him, we moved from tree to tree. Trying our best to be seen as mere darkness and shadows, which was not hard, do to the dense tree cover that offered protection against the acidic rain that was indigenous to the region.

"Wait." he said barely above a whisper.

With a grasp of his hand, he signaled me to stay behind the cover of two compacted trees. Moving with the skill of an experienced hunter, he slowly made his way around the small encampment that the slavers had put up. I looked across the small encampment, the three slaves still in my sight.

As I looked closer, I noticed a foreign shadow move closer to the slaves. If it wasn't for the fact I could tell from here who said shadow was, I would have been worried for the people's safety. Looking back at me, the shadow then made a series of hand gestures. It only took me but a second to realize it was sign language.

'Watch and learn,' he motioned.

As I watched his shadow come out, I saw in complete awe that he dropped most of his weapons.

"I want a slave!" he cried.

All the slavers in the camp froze as they stared at him. Immediately after a few seconds of realization, they all trained their guns on the mysterious newcomer.

"Oi! Who're de bloody 'ell are you!" the one who was hit earlier yelled.

"I noticed your nice set up, so I decided I want to do some business." he stated

The slaver looked at him, then back to the group. As the group all wore angry surprised expressions, the one who seemed to be the leader spoke.

"Fine, Jerry! Bring out the merch!" the leader yelled at the dumb one from earlier.

As "Jerry" was about to speak, he realized he couldn't. As the pain and realization set in, he noticed blood leaking down his head, and a very sharp looking edge poking just above his brow. As Jerry collapsed, there was a sickening *CRUNCH* as another of the slavers fell with a bloodied hammer landing right next to him.

The slavers opened fired as my mentor ducked behind the large stack of firewood. I took the chance to sneak out of cover as the slavers attention was focused on my mentor. Crawling across the clearing, I make it to the cage. After unzipping my duffel, I pull out a rusty bobby pin and screw driver.

"Ha! I think we got'em!" one of the slavers yelled.

I froze as I listened to their footsteps; putting down the two items in my hands, I focused on hearing. There weren't coming towards me, but I un-holstered my revolver just to be sure. Staying to the shadows, I watch as three of the slavers slowly approach the now bullet-filled pile that use to be firewood. As they approached, I lay my revolver down and try to finish up the lock. With a satisfying click, I slowly swing open the door; not making a sound in the process.

Inside the slaves flinched towards my direction, motioning to them the best I could, I slowly get them to sneak out of the cage.

"Oi! The fuck did he go!?" one of the slavers yell.

As I turn around, I notice a small circular object fly right into the mass of the group. They stare at it for a few seconds before an explosion occurs. Two seconds before, I think one tried to scream,

"GRENADE!" before getting blown to pieces.

There were about four left, one having a hunting rifle gripped tightly in his hands, while the others seemed to have bit's and pieces of debris in their hands.

A haze moves, running to their right. Two slavers fall to the ground, clutching their now slit tendons on their ankles. A large *BANG* followed by a *CLING!* of metal hitting metal sounded as the haze shot a hidden gun directly at the rifle, knocking it from the man's hands. One of slavers rushed behind the attacker, raising a rocking in his right hand, brought it down.

Only to be caught by the man's hand. Throwing the arm into the air, he sent the slaver into an unbalanced stumble. Taking his chances, he turned around in time to shoot the slaver with the rifle from earlier (now taking aim at him) in the stomach.

As the man fell to the ground without a sound, he turned back to the final standing slaver.

"This here is your chance to escape. Now, I may be an polite man; but for people like you. Well, just go to hell." he smiled as he fired into the man's head, blood splattering out of the newly ripped hole above is brow.

Turning around, he turned towards me; only for his smile to drop.

"BEHIND YOU!" he shouted, but before I could comprehend anything at all I felt a heavy pain in my head as I fell to the ground.

As the world diminished around me there was a loud *BANG* as I drifted into unconsciousness.

I looked back the direction I came.

'Still trying to find you Volm...' I thought as I started walking back.

As I found the path again, I started walking towards the town. As I finally exited the forest, I noticed it wasn't raining anymore. With an inaudible sigh, it is then I realized just how tired I was.

*GROOOWWL*

I looked down to my stomach smirking.

"Heh, wonder if they have a any good food here? I could really go for some eggs. Man how I miss eggs." I said as I felt hungry for my favorite meal.

Smiling, I continued on my way.

MURDERER

I stopped smiling.

MONSTER

I realized I was having another episode.

KILLER

Trying to cover my ears, I clench my eyes tight as the pain starts.

WHY!?

WHY!?

I stopped as I clutched my head, doing my best to make the voices go away.

You can't escape us we will always be with you!

"AURGH!" I screamed as I collapsed to the ground.

I couldn't fight as it felt as if my brain was trying to tear itself in two. As the voices were reaching a crescendo, they began to chant.

"KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL!!!"

I couldn't scream, I couldn't yell. As they continued to chant, I froze when one voice rose above the others.

"stop"

They ended. As I realized I seemed to be on the ground, I slowly try to get back up. Succeeding, I look around to see if anyone was around to notice. Seeing no one, I continue on my way. As I finally come into distance to the town, I notice how it is still empty of life. As I pass by a giant tree, the purple unicorn from earlier burst through it with a frantic look on her face.

"There you are!" she yelled.

As I was about to talk, I found myself being lifted into the air by some purple force. I didn't dare move as I was trying to comprehend what the fuck was happening.

As the unicorn was talking about something, I think books? I was trying to remain as calm as I could without seeming to be scared shitless.

'I'm flying...I'M FUCKING FLYING!?' I yelled in my mind.

I always heard of old world machines that have the ability to soar through the air, yet I never imagined to be doing it myself. Just as soon as it began however, it ended as next thing I know I'm being dropped onto a wooden floor.

*THUMP*

Apparently on to my face, as there was a collective *gasp* I couldn't help but laugh in my mind at the irony of me remembering myself blacking out earlier.

'Hello unconsciousness, my dearest friend...'

____________________________________________________________________________________________

As the girls gasped as Twilight accidentally dropped the creature on it's head; it seemed to have been knocked unconscious.

"Twilight!" Rainbowdash yelled.

"You totally just hurt him!"

Twilight was shocked, she was telling him she might have a book Celestia gave her once that might have his species in it. But when she let him go he had apparently moved around when she dropped him.

"Heh, heh, sorry." she said shamefully.

"Well at least now we can throw a welcome to Ponyville party!" Pinkie yelled in her cheerful way.

"I hope the darling is okay, I mean, I couldn't imagine wearing those rags for more than a few seconds!" Rarity said as she eyed his attire of darkish trench coat, large duffel bag, and the series of underclothing underneath his coat.

"Rarity! This is important! I just knocked out the only creature that could prove another species has been discovered in Equestria!" Twilight yelled, her hair becoming frazzled.

"Don't worry twilight, I'm sure he'll be okay." Fluttershy said as she put a hoof on Twilight's back.

"Well, I just hope that Princess Celestia doesn't come until-" before she could finish there was a bright flash as a dark blue alicorn appeared in the middle of the room.

"PRINCESS LUNA!" the mares all yelled as the princess of the night appeared in the room.

"Greetings my little ponies, I have come on behalf of my sister; she is currently dealing with the gryphon ambassador at the moment." she says as she approaches Twilight.

"Miss Twilight, has the creature you wrote about come here as instructed?" she asked as she rose an eyebrow, wondering if she would have to find it, or if it might be afraid.

"Ummm... actually, it's right behind you." Twilight said.

As the Princess turned, she was shocked to see a creature that was like only one she saw once before. As the creature began to rouse from it's unconscious slumber.

"Hello there human, it has been a long time since one of your kind has come here." she with a voice filled with surprise and suspicion.

As the human rose half way in a sitting position, it started laughing maniacally.

"HA HA HA! Pretty pony!" it said, before falling back unconscious again.

Author's Notes:

Okay, so short chapter I know, but I'm doing my best; I'm thinking of holding my first Q/A of this story to clear up some of the stuff. Relax, I will do my best to avoid spoilers or anything of the sort. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the chapter. Still can't believe I wrote this in two blocks straight, if there are any errors, please notify my below.

Beauty and the beast, and the monster from the East.

"HA HA HA! Pretty pony!" I said somewhat excitedly. I couldn't form the words I wanted to say, so my brain did the job for me.

God I wish I didn't take so many blows to the head after so many jobs. But, even if I have a tumor, at least I can find a nice comfy place and settle down. Maybe somewhere out in Wastelands of Africa? I didn't know how to contemplate.

As I think about this, I start hearing murmuring from the dark abyss of my mind. As I listen closer, I realize the voices were female.

'Probably waking up' I thought with annoyance.

As I listened to the talking, I couldn't help but over hear a few words.

"*muffle* dangerous monster!"

"*muffle* saved *muffle* life!"

"*muffle*...waking up."

At that very moment I opened my eyes. Probably should have done it slower. As they open, I'm blinded by white light. As the blurriness ends, I eventually make out blobs of colors; eventually becoming the ponies I spoke to earlier. With a new addition being the blue pegacorn-thing that had both wings and a horn.

"Please. *Groan* never do that...again." I stated as I started rubbing my head, finding that it was bandaged.

"Well now, at least you are okay." the blue pegacorn spoke.

"Who, and what the hell are you?" I asked.

Next thing I know, I'm face to face with a new pony that was wearing a purple helmet and had grey fur, but the detail I noticed the most was the yellow reptilian eyes.

"Watch your tongue creature!" it yelled in my face.

"Buddy. I'll give you one chance, and one chance only." I stated.

"Get the hell off me, before I take that helmet; and I shove it up your narrow ass."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY SCUM!?" it yelled back.

"Guard! That is enough." the pegacorn stated.

"But Princess!"

"No buts." she said while giving a glare, to which the asshole backed off.

"Now. To answer your question, I am Princess Luna; and I am an alicorn."

O...kaaay. I shake off the ridiculousness as I realize I haven't said anything to her.

"Alright, Luna, do you know where the hell I am?" I asked, I needed to know if I'm in Candy-land or some other place of madness.

"You are in the land of Equestria, and yes; that is very far away from your home." she said the last part like I was a bit slow.

"You do realize that I'm literate, right?" I asked, smirking while raising an eyebrow.

She seemed to blush, if that's even possible for a pony; though no one noticed.

"I...Er, sorry. The last human we had hear was...Well, not the brightest star in the sky." she said cautiously.

Well at least I'm not the first human to ever come here.

"Okay, one more question," I said as I raised one finger.

I then dawned a serious stare as I asked her said question.

"Is this Celestia I hear about a tyrant?" I asked.

Everyone in the room jaws' dropped as they stared at me and the Princess. She looked a tiny bit surprised, but not as surprised as everyone else.

'She's been asked this before.' I thought as it took her a minute to come up with an answer.

"My sister is the kindest, most understanding pony I will ever know." she said, the way she said it almost made me want to believe her; but the way she didn't react...

"And I suggest that you do not do what Discord wants you to do." she stated.

The guard from earlier immediately crouched into a combat stance, as all the others; except the one called Fluttershy, grew on a sneer as they all backed up. Well, aren't I the odd one out.

"I KNEW IT! SEE TWILIGHT! I TOLD YOU WE COULDN'T TRUST HIM!" the cyan pony with the gay pride hairdo yelled.

"MY LITTLE PONIES!" Luna yelled with a voice so powerful, it made me deaf for a few seconds.

Recovering, I noticed she was explaining something...

"MY LITTLE PONIES!" Luna said in the royal canterlot voice.

All the ponies stopped as they just stared at the Princess in shock.

"He may have been asked by Discord to do something, but that doesn't mean he HAS to do it." Luna deadpanned.

"How do we know he's not a spy!?" Rainbow said.

"He was asked by Discord because the last human that was here was asked by Discord, and; he actually attempted it."

"Umm, Princess? What exactly did the last human try to do?" Twilight asked with curiosity.

Luna faced Twilight, noticing the human's head lean in closer.

"The last human here almost assassinated my sister." Luna said with a sigh.

Immediately the human got up to a standing position, while at the same time the Princess's royal night guard charged towards him...

After hearing her talk about the assassination, I immediately noticed the reaction on the asshole's face, getting up cause I didn't want to be at a disadvantage; the guard charged. As he jumped in the air, most likely trying to tackle me.

Time stopped as I began to analyze my attacker.

The way he was in the air suggested he was going to do a downward dive tackle into my chest. He seemed to be attacking out of anger and loyalty than out of pure instinct. His sweat on his coat proved to be he was worried or suffering from anxiety. Finally, his breathing seemed to have increased when he leaped.

As time began to go again, I ducked down under him; punching him in his stomach and side. As he landed on his face, he got back up and began charging again. As I was going to roll out of the way, I noticed I was being lifted up. Looking up, I noticed the gay pegasus from earlier holding and lifting me up by my shoulders. I could tell she was straining.

Seeing the guard charging, and I couldn't move cause of the stupid gay pegasus; I deemed it was time to act serious.

Fun and games are over.

I grab onto the pegasus, surprising her and the guard. As he jumps into the air, I swing my arms down while still grabbing the pegasus. As the momentum and speed, plus by the pure surprise, I managed to throw her back directly into the guard.

As they collided, I hit the ground with a *THUD* as my boots connected to the hard wood. I look to see the guard and Skittles (decided to name her after that old candy wrapper) rubbing their heads after the collision. I cross my arms as I lean against a wall, watching. As Skittles and asshole get back up, they take another ready stance before Luna spoke with the voice of God again.

"WILL YOU ALL PLEASE! STOP! FIGHTING!"

I covered my ears, doing my best to stop the ringing and pain. As it dissipates again, I look back to see the asshole guard in one corner, an angry scowl on his face. I then turn to the group to see the pink pony comforting Skittles.

Luna glared at me.

I glared back.

This staring match lasted for what seemed like thirty-minutes. Finally, I decided to speak first.

"They attacked first, so don't blame me." I said with a shrug.

"Yes, but Rainbow and Star Storm were only provoked when YOU stood up."

"You act like I'm a prisoner; I'm not." I stated as we continued to glare at each other.

"*SIGH* I forgot how hard-headed your kind was." she said while shaking her head.

'I like her.' I thought as I smirked.

'She at least ain't a prissy Lil' bitch like the other Princesses I know. Wonder if she can help me?'

"Well, I gotta admit. This isn't the worst meeting I've ever had." I smirked with a shake of my head.

She looked at me quizzically, before developing a smile.

"Well your kind ARE from a dangerous world last time I heard." she said.

"True, how bout we start over? Name's Jacob." I said, reaching my hand out.

"Luna, Princess Luna." Luna extended her hoof.

As our hand/hoof shook we ended with a smile as we let go. As I looked back to the others, I noticed how shocked they were.

'Wonder if I should fuck with them?' I thought as I came up with a good joke.

But before I could say anything, I noticed the guard again. Still glaring, still being a total asshole. It was then I had to ask the question that was buggin me.

"You said there was a human here before? What was he like? Every detail could help." I said as I looked back towards Luna.

She seemed to shuffle a bit at this. Probably trying to find a polite way to say something.

"Well... You see, when he arrived he was good enough, but after twelve years of drinking; he changed. He became more violent, he snapped at everyone, and eventually he eventually tried to attack my sister." she said with sadness.

"No one knows if it was Discord's work, or if he just went mad."

"After the incident, Celestia banished him from Equestria; when I asked her where, she only said 'to the East' after that though. We started hearing stories of a monstrous warrior fighting all kinds of creatures. Hydras, manticores, timber wolves, kappas, even the death stalkers!" she put a lot of fear of the last one of the creatures.

"After that, he just vanished without a trace."

I stood for a long time, just staring into space. Finally, I asked her the final question.

"What did he look like?" I said, staring into her blue eyes.

She smiled as she reminisced about happier times I suppose. When she finally spoke, she seemed sad yet happy at the same time. If that's even possible.

"He had dark, dirty brown hair. He had a beard that went down to his neck, he also was wearing things called overalls and was a farmer from where he came." she said.

I was right. The last time there was a storm, I heard there was a charred body of a woman, but her husband was no where to be seen. Could it be that the electrical storm did the same thing to me like it did to him? If so, will I lose just like him? I could only shutter as I thought about the possibilities. My already dwindling sanity is enough to drive me to kill, but would I kill something like these ponies?

Jacob stood there for a long time. Luna noticed him shutter at one point, the silence was almost maddening. She noticed her guard had calmed down, but still had a glare on Jacob. She would have to discipline him when it came to the human. She noticed the five others were whispering too quietly to hear. She wondered where young Applejack was?

Her train of thought was broken however as there was a loud rumbling through the room.

*GRRRROOOOOOWWWLL*

All the ponies in the room immediately looked at Jacob.

"Uhh... Heh, guess I'm hungry..." Jacob said as he smiled bashfully.

Luna merely smiled, as did Twilight and Pinkie. So with a nod, Luna announced she would be off as she teleported herself and her guard back to Canterlot. As they did so, Jacob stared in shock.

"D-did they just tel-teleport!?" he yelled as he looked around frantically for any signs of the guard and Luna.

Twilight facehoofed, as did Rainbowdash. They could tell from the human staying, that this was going to be a very difficult thing to explain.

A few minutes later

Okay, so after my stomach growled again as I tried not to freak out too much after the whole teleportation and talk about magic; the rest of the ponies decided to leave, leaving me and the purple unicorn named Twilight Sparkle.

"Uhhh... So, about that food." I said, not sure how to proceed with the conversation.

"Hm, oh! Right I am terribly sorry!" Twilight said in embarrassment.

"I'll have Spike get something for you, in the mean time I guess you could just read a book. But after you eat, do mind if I ask you a few questions?" she asked as she started walking out of the room into a very fancy kitchen.

'How the hell do you keep a kitchen this clean?' I thought as I saw how shiny and white the room was.

As I was about to ask, Twilight yelled very loudly.

"SPIIIIKE! Do you think you can fix Jacob some dinner?" she asked as she levitated a few scrolls and feathers.

"Okay Twilight, who-" as I turned to the sound of the new voice, I froze in place.

There, standing on the top of the stairs, was a giant, purple creature that I recognized from my world.

"GECKO!!!" I yelled as I flipped the nearest table and took cover.

As I drew my revolver, Twilight at that moment rushed into the room.

"What in the name of all that's Celestia is going on here!?" she yelled as she ran to me.

As I was about to tell her to take cover, the gecko screamed.

"ALIEN!" it yelled as it ran back to the room it was originally in.

It returned a few seconds later dressed in what looked like a apron. A very girly pink apron. As well as a bucket on it's head, and a broom in it's hands.

"Twilight! I'll save you!" it yelled as it jumped down the stairs swinging the broom at me.

Okay, what the fuck.

I ducked the first swing, grabbing the handle as I yanked it from it's grasp. I then barrel rolled to it's side as I kicked it across the room. Raising my hand, I aimed the gun right at the body of the mutated talking gecko.

"STTTOOOOOPP!" Twilight yelled as she levitated my gun from my hand.

I merely stared in utter stupidity, as Twilight ran towards the gecko.

"Spike! Spike! Are you alright!?" she asked as she frantically sat up the creature.

"Wh-what!?" I managed to yell as I stared at the two.

Twilight looked up at me, tears in her eyes.

"What did you do!?" she yelled in anger as I had to step back a little.

"ME!? You didn't tell me you had a man-eating mutated gecko in your home!!" I yelled.

She looked at me as though I just murdered Celestia, which is funny since I was gonna do that before I met Luna.

"What!? Spike isn't a gecko! He's a baby dragon!" she said as Spike laid up rubbing his head.

"Ugh, what happened." He said.

As his eyes stopped spinning; no idea how they did that, he spotted me before shaking fearfully. All that stopped however as Twilight comforted him.

"Spike; this is Jacob, he's gonna be living with us for a while..." Twilight said.

'Wait, since when did we agree that I would be living hear?' I thought.

As I noticed Spike giving me a glare, I decided now was probably the time to apologize.

"Look, uh; sorry for trying to kill you and all that. You kinda looked like a dangerous creature where I'm from." I said as I rubbed the back of my head.

His glare didn't let up, but it at least wasn't as intense as before. He grumbled as he walked into the kitchen. As I was about to say something, Pinkie burst into the room.

"Is that a cannon?" was all I was able to ask as she pulled the cord.

Next thing I knew I'm falling into unconsciousness, with the taste of cake in my mouth. Note to self, get a helmet; and maybe hire a therapist...

Author's Notes:

Okay! So, another chapter out. I'm on a role! Now, I need you all to vote for who shall fall in love with "Jacob". So here are the choices.

A. Luna
B. Applejack
C. Trixie
D. Celestia
E. Octavia
F. Twilight

So please pick from those choices. I don't really know how I'm gonna do this since this is my first time doing anything like this, but I guess leave your choice in the comments below, and the one with the most votes will win.

Q/A time!

Okay! So this is my very first Q/A EXTRAVAGANZA! I'm am Theblarglknight, and here beside me I have the one and famous! Pinkamena Diane Pie!

"Hi everypony! Oh, and it's just Pinkie Pie blargl."

But it sounds cooler when announcing.

"Still, I prefer to be called Pinkie."

*Sigh* fine. Anyhow, I think it's time we get this show on the road, and also at the very end we shall be announcing who will be Jacobs new fuck-buddy!

"Don't you mean special some-pony?"

In the many words of Big Mac; Nope. Alright, question one.

Will Jacob ever use his gas mask again?

Well, considering the air of Equestria is a lot less polluted and dangerous then in the dead-lands, he probably will not.

"What about if somepony tooted! Or if there was say, a building on fire he was in. Would he use it then?"

Well Pinkie, if the fart was REALLY that bad then most likely yes. Alright, second question.

How long is the story gonna go for?

Well, I haven't really put into that much planning yet. I at least want to make it 30 chapters. But if the fans want more than I'll give' em more.

Next question.

Will him being from a post-apocalypic earth have much bearing on future events?

This one is interesting. Unlike say Fallout capital wasteland, and other things. Imagine this one a combination of the Hungergame's Panem. As for him acting differently, Jacob hasn't really seen that much kindness; especially during his line of work. So if you were supposed to be a heart-less killing machine, what would you do if you were thrown into a world where friendship is magic?

Next question.

How far into the future is this set?

In all honesty I would have to say maybe the year 2030 now. The world still has lot's of technology, but the wasteland is still very new. Plus hyper advance bomb shelters were also created to protect people (unlike vaults from Fallout) so let's just say the government actually cared for it's people.

Finally, last question.

Has him being a pariah among humans caused his social skills to be quite rusty?

The answer to that is both yes and no. Yes, he has been socially inept before now; but he still knows how to talk to people. Mainly from his mentor and from him going into bars to where he has to confront people.

Well now I think it's time for the finale! When I announce the lucky mare then!

*Clears throat* Through voting and analyzing...

Jacob's lucky mare...Is...

Let me just go ahead and say I really wish you guys posted more questions...

"STOP DELAYING!"

Okay, the lucky mare is...CELESTIA!!!

"Yay!"

Well I guess the next time you see Jacob he will be in an adventure (or a fight) of his life! I'm your host the blargl knight, and my co-host Pinkie, would you like to say anything before the show?

"Yes... *inhales deeply* BE SURE TO SEND US EVEN MORE QUESTIONS NEXT TIME YOU STUPID LITTLE FU-"

*Blargl clamps down on Pinkie's angry mouth before she can say the word* I really shouldn't of took you to 4Chan...

Questions time! Please ask questions!

Okay, so now is the time for questions so I can do my first Q/A for my story: Tell it to a Deadman.

Ask your questions in the comments of this chapter below and those that have been asked the most I will answer. I will keep it spoiler free, but I will also go into a little detail about certain questions.

So please send in yo-

*Pinkie breaks into the room, leaving the door at an odd angle* "WAAAIIITT!" she yells.

*Sigh* Pinkie, that's the second door this day, what do you want?

"Did you tell them of your other stories your working on!? I just got done reading Life is-"

Pinkie. No. One. Cares! Plus I'm still working out the details of that story...

"Well at least tell them! They might want to read at least the FIRST chapter!"

*Sigh* What Pinkie says is true, I am also currently working on the first chapter of a more happier story, don't know when I'll post it, and I don't really care at the moment. So, ask your questions and I'll be waiting.

*Pinkie waves at screen before being grabbed by Blargl and shoved into computer screen* STOP BREAKING THE WALL! IT WASN'T MEANT TO HANDLE THIS MUCH STRESS!...

Teacher, friend...Family

I awoke with a start. I remember the last thing was the Pink pony bursting through the door like a riot guard, and then a cannon. Not questioning why I was alive, I decide to sit up. Looking around, I notice that I'm in some kind of bedroom of sorts. There's a small book shelf across the room; I look towards the floor and notice a basket with a blue blanket and pillow inside it. I take several minutes to notice the other things in the rooms such as paintings and such, until I come to a realization.

"This is the softest bed I have ever sat on." I stated out loud for no one.

Getting out of it was difficult for it's extreme plushness. Finally sitting with my feet to the ground, I notice that my boots have been taken off. Getting up, my hole filled, sock covered feet feel the cold, hard wooden floor. It's been awhile since I felt something like this. Taking a few steps forward, back, left, and right; I do my best to get the blood flowing through my feet.

Deciding that I could walk straight, I begin to walk towards the stairs; each footstep a silent pad against the floor boards without my boots. As I approach the open way, I decide to listen in to a conversation being held down them.

"I don't know Twilight darling, he seems a bit; eehh, brutish." a voice with a posh accent said.

'Great, MORE biggots.' I thought to myself as I continued to listen in.

"He seems like a nice pony to me. Plus I feel really bad about knocking him out with my party cannon," said a voice with a hyperactive tone to it.

That must have been the pink pony; Pinkie if I recall correctly. Note to self; be careful around her.

"Well I think he's alright, plus he seemed to get along with Luna, so he MUST be at least some what decent." said a intelligent voice.

That must be the one I've talked to before, the purple one named Twilight.

"I don't trust him! And I can't believe you guys would! I think if AJ was here she would agree!" a arrogant and brash voice said.

"Darling you forget that HE was the one that SAVED Applejack." said the posh voice.

I decided it was time to make myself known.

"Will someone please tell me why the last thing I remember was being hit by a giant girly cannon?" I say as I step into the open view of the stairs.

The ponies from before all turn to me. Surprise written on some faces, while for the rainbow pegasus from earlier wore a scowl.

"Sorry about that, Pinkie can some time get a little too excited when meeting new poni- er, people." Twilight said while blushing.

With a sigh, I turn to the nearest window I see. As I notice how dark it was outside, I realize I must've been out for three to four hours. I turn back to ponies.

"Where are my boots?" I ask as the wooden floor felt unknown to my sock covered feet.

"Oh! I put them outside, the dirt and the smell was starting to revolt everypony." the white unicorn said.

'Well, at least she's honest.' I thought.

"Fine. I'm going to need a place to sleep, but if you want; I would gladly sleep outside." I say as I shrug.

Before anyone could say anything, Twilight decided to speak.

"What are you talking about? You're staying here aren't you?" she said as she gave me a quizzical look.

I merely stared at her as I sighed again.

*Sigh* "fine, but let me get one thing straight." I say as I glare towards all of them.

"If I even suspect someone's trying to capture, kill, or use me. I will find you all. And let's just say my face will be the last thing you ever see." As I finish the sentence the rainbow bitch flew right into my face, anger and rage plastered on there like a mask.

"HEY! You do NOT! Threaten my friends! You got that!" she yelled as I merely stared at her.

The staring contest lasted for a minute before I started to raise my eyebrow. A trick Volm taught me, is that if you raise the eyebrow without showing emotion. You will most likely make the enemy feel unnerved.

As I did this, I could see the all-familiar glint in her eyes. Now, if some one tried this, they might think the glint dangerous, or even hostile. But in reality, it means that a tiny bit of nerve has been moved.

The rainbow pony backed off, still keeping her glare on me, but I could tell she was somewhat fearful now.

*GGRRRROWWWWLLL*

I froze as I was still starving.

The ponies looked at Jacob with mixed faces. Rarity, a look of disgust on her face; mainly due to how battered and dirtied he looked. Twilight, one of curiosity. Rainbowdash, one of distrust and hate. Pinkie pie, one of happiness; and pure adrenaline. Finally, Fluttershy was the one to speak out of the five that were there.

"Um, if you don't mind Twilight. But, um, I think Mr. Jacob is hungry." she said.

As Jacob turned towards her, she immediately hid behind her hair with a *meep!*. The ponies cast worrying glances (except Rainbowdash, who still had on a scowl) towards Jacob and Fluttershy. His unwavering gaze made the butter-yellow pegasus remember what happened in the forest. What happened to the maticore.

What happened to her.

Nopony besides her knew this, but when she was angry enough to use the stare on Jacob, she felt something. But it was only until he stared back that she felt it's true force.

Pain.

Pain, suffering, loneliness, fear, anger, madness; these things she just couldn't describe. So as she sat there cowering, Jacob let out a long sigh.

"I'll be out near the forest if any of you need me." he said as he began to walk out.

"Wait!" Twilight exclaimed as she got in front of Jacob.

"I thought you were going to stay here, at the library?" she asked, looking a little hurt.

Jacob merely scoffed at her attempt at puppy dog eyes. Hell, he's seen people eat puppies.

"So far I've been tackled by skittles and that ass-hole of a guard, knocked unconscious by a cannon, and almost killed your baby dragon. I think I'm better off camping than staying here." He said, as he walked past and opened the door.

"I'll be near the forest, just look for the fire; or the strange smell." was the last thing he said before walking out and closing the door.

It was harsh, but it had to be done. I couldn't take being there, being with them. I grunted as I rubbed my head to get rid of the sharp head-ache. Why? Why was this happening now. I've had breakdowns in the past but they were never like the one before. The words still echoed in the darkest corner of my mind.

...Killed her...

I paused. I remembered what happened that day. The day where being a Dead-man became more of a burden than a pleasure. I snapped out of my thought as I was approaching the edge of the forest. This forest is home to animals that can tear apart these ponies in under a few seconds. Wolves made out of wood, creatures that can fly, poison, and maul you to death all rolled into a single creature which has a thick hide that bullets have trouble piercing. Who knows what other creatures are in there.

Just like home.

I find a small clearing just out of sight but is still see-able from an angle. Dropping my bag, my hands automatically go to work at getting the sleeping mat that was rolled up. Putting it aside, I take out the small rock and tiny bit of iron. Going over a mental check-list, I make sure I have the supplies to make a fire.

'Let's see, flint & tinder? Check. Sleeping mat? Check. Firewood?' I stop my check-list as I realize that's something I don't have.

Getting up from a crouched position, I start my trek closer to the edge. Looking closely, I start my search for sticks, and branches that I could use. Finding a few sticks, I test each one to see whether it's too wet. Finding one with some fungus on it, I remembered what Volm told me about mold.

"If it's green or yellow, it will be flammable. But, if it's red; careful, it's explosive when exposed to intense heat."

This mold was a light green, which I decided would be suitable. Picking up the rest, I start walking back to my small clearing. Volm. To think that old bastard was more of a father than my birth parent. As, I finally appeared in the clearing again, I set the sticks down in the middle of my make-shift camp. I never thought about it, but I found it funny how I met Volm. Even after the predicament I found myself in.

The boy was there for days. Not only was his hand scarred and still in pain. But he found the less he used it, the more he started to miss his home. Tears fell again as he curled up into a ball. Starving, battered.

Broken.

"...And this is the merch we found four days ago." a female voice claimed from outside his iron cage.

"Ha! Look'at em! A sniveling little whelp ain't he? He won't last a week!" a harsh male voice called out.

Followed by a gunshot that made him curl even tighter as he sobbed more and more into his arms.

"We don't insult the merchandise. Especially while we have buyers in the fort." a man with an upper-class accent said.

"Yes, Mr. Burtchell." The woman's voice said automatically.

"Good. You know what I do with disobedience."

The boy shivered at the response. The man's words cut through him like a knife through milk-butter. Merchandise. He was merchandise. All his life, he never imagined being a slave. Having to be forced to serve hand 'n' foot to the man or woman that bought him. Finally, he sat up. His tear stained face stricken with pain and fear as it adjusted to the sun's bright rays. He looked around his cage. Rusted iron bars standing as pillars of torment, weathering, and pain.

'Why me?' he thought as he got up.

He walked to the nearest set of bars. He froze as he gasped at a few of the bars. At first it looked like rust, but no. It was a darker color, that smelled of iron. Not rust.

Blood.

Dried blood was on some of the bars, some covered in rust while others seemed almost stained with it. Doing his best, he avoided looking at the bars as he approached and started looking around the encampment known only to him as "The Fort". Focusing back on looking around, he noticed many other cages around his; it looked almost like a thing he read in a book once, before his father burned it in the fireplace. A zoo was what he thought it was called. It was used to hold animals, exotic animals even.

He also noticed how many of the cages seemed empty, some clean; others, seemed to have blood covering almost every inch of space inside the cages. The boy looked up. Vultures, or at least; what he thought were the carnivorous birds, were circling the entire camp.

His sight-seeing was cut short as commotion was coming at the far end of the long row of cages he was in.

"We had a deal!" a male voice yelled in anger.

"Yeah, well the deal's off." Another voiced replied.

"Volm be reasonable! This operation depends on-" the voice; which now the boy realized was the man named Burtchell, was cut off.

"Fuck your operation!" The other voice yelled, followed by clicking of multiple guns.

"Your outnumbered Volm. Even if you kill me, another will just take my place."

He listened for what felt like an eternity, waiting for the answer; will he get out of the horrid place? He could only wonder.

"Fine, but I at least want to purchase one." the man's voice said, seeming tired and sad.

"Hmm. Change of heart about slavery then? I thought as much." The man known as Burtchell said.

"Well now, which one?" Burtchell asked with curiosity.

"Why; the boy who's been a listener to this entire conversation" he said, followed by footsteps that were leading to the boy's cage.

He scrambled back in fear as a man dressed in brown leather trench coat approached his cage. The man was old, or at least seemed like it due to his gray hair and dark-gray 5'0 shadow. The boy noticed a duffel bag draped across his shoulder, similar to the bag he once had once he left the safety of his town. The man noticed his stare.

"So then slave, do you want to come with me?" he said as he stared at the boy.

The boy finally came to a conclusion, but decided to ask a question first.

"Are you a dead-man?" his voice came out in almost a croaked whisper.

The man gained a look of surprise, normally slaves didn't care as long as they got out of The Fort. But, he didn't really care at the moment.

"Yeah, yeah I am. Now, answer the question. Yes, or No?"

The boy didn't need any second thought.

"Yes."

The man smiled; turning back toward the man named Burtchell, he spoke up.

"I'll take him" was all that he said.

Handing a bag filled with jingling objects of an unknown nature, the cage was opened as the boy was pulled out. The boy was shoved to the man's feet. Looking up, he noticed the old-man glaring at the guards that shoved him. He didn't look back, but somehow knew the guards were afraid.

Standing up, the boy noticed two guards carrying his old things. As the worn out duffel bag was thrown into the mud, he immediately bent down to pick it up. Only to hear a *CLICK-CLICK* of a pump-action shotgun pointed directly at his head.

"Boy, you even try it; and I'll blow yer goddamn head off." The man stated with a smile, hoping the boy would do it.

He stood there looking at the man, trying to decide if he was kidding or not. But before he could do anything, the old-man behind him gasped as they brought out a leather trench coat very similar to that of his own. As that was also thrown into the mud, the old-man gathered his duffel and coat and hoisted the two over his shoulder.

As he walked away, he merely said one word.

"Come."

At that moment, the boy followed the grizzled old-man. As they exited the front metal gets of The Fort, the boy looked back towards the place, then to his burned hand. The old man took notice of this.

"That burn's gonna leave a scar, we might want to patch you up before we travel too far lad." he said as they continued walking.

"Now, I have a questions; I want you to answer all of them truthfully." the old-man said as they stopped.

He turned towards the boy, his unrelenting glare making the boy very nervous.

"Where did you get these things?" he asked.

The boy contemplated whether or not he should answer.

"Sir, I was given them. B-by the mayor."

The old-man was silent for a long time. Every movement of his face the boy tried to read to get understand the man's judgement for him. Finally, after what seemed forever to him; the old-man spoke.

"Tell me, did the mayor ever use the term Dead-man before?" The old-man never stopped glaring at the boy, almost as if he's never stopped glaring since his birth.

The boy shook his head to the question, choosing to stay silent and safe then to say the wrong thing and get punished. The old-man finally lessened his gaze a little, realizing this boy was thrown into a very, very dangerous world.

"The name's Volm, for now on I'll be your master; and you, my apprentice. Do we understand?" he asked as he handed the large coat to the boy.

The boy while slipping on the coat responded with a small nodding as he moved his arms through the long sleeves. Volm merely scowled at the boy's quiet and timid nature.

"Answer me, enough of this nodding, I'm not the bloody devil." Volm said in displeasure.

The boy paused, before finally speaking up.

"Yes, master."

2 Years later...

"I...I don't know..." A teenage boy said as he held a dirty hunting rifle.

Volm and the boy have been hiding in the bush for an hour. After hearing a few sounds, Volm saw a very rare animal that would soon become their dinner.

"You know we don't have any more provisions. It's either it dies, or you do." Volm whispered harshly as he eyed the magnificent mauler that was grazing on dry nearby shrub.

The creature had dirty brown hair, and was about the size of a ankle-biter. It stood on 4 hooves, and had one large antler growing out the top of it's head. As the boy breathed in, he started aiming the rifle. The creature looked up, looking around cautiously to find any sort of predator that might be in the area.

The boy lined up the sights, as he squeezed the trigger, the rifle let out a loud *BANG!* as it kicked back into the boy's shoulder. The creature let out a cry as it fell to the ground.

"Ha! Finally, now lets-" Volm was cut off as there was a slightly muffled squeal.

Looking back, the old-man and the boy noticed the creature was panting as blood flowed from the newly acquired wound in it's body. Volm's face changed from one of excitement, to one of sadness. He turned to the boy, now noticing tears rolling down his eyes.

"Well? What're you standin there for? Go finish it." Volm said with a solemn expression.

The boy merely looked back to the old-man. As realization came, he got up from the bushes, and slowly approached the injured creature.

The creature was trying it's hardest to breathe, as the boy approached it, he got a good look at where he shot.

"I missed your heart by a mere two inches..." the boy said as he scanned the creatures wound.

"I'm sorry." Was all he said as he aimed the rifle, and shot the mauler point blank between the eyes.

When the deed was done, the boy shouldered his rifle as he went to work picking up the creature to bring back to the make-shift campsite. The creature's fur was matted with blood and dirt as the boy picked it up; the blood dripping onto him and his dirty and worn coat. He turned around as he noticed Volm walking back, taking his leave, he followed. The sun was hot on them as they traveled across the barren wasteland known to the boy now, as the Dead-lands. He, was a Dead-man, he traveled the wasteland; accepting jobs, and bringing supplies to nearby towns and such. Dead-men were feared, they say each Dead-men had their own motive for doing anything.

Some for money.

Some the thrill.

But for most, it was for mere survival.

It was a hard life filled with danger. The boy's been traveling with the old dead-man known only to him as Volm. He's had to learn how to kill and hunt for survival, he's even had to eat things only to throw them up hours later. He occasionally thought back to the life he had before, back when he didn't need to do all this. Hunt, gather, learn the difference between edible, flammable, and poisonous plants. He hated all of it; yet, he seemed to stop thinking about it as soon as he remembered the judgement. With a sigh, the boy finally saw the sight of camp; Volm, already sitting by the fire with empty spit upon it.

"There you are, I was wonderin if you were eaten or shot." Volm said as he got up to help unload the dead mauler from the boy's back.

"Volm, do you ever wonder what it was like?" The boy asked.

"Like what?" Volm replied while giving a curious glance back towards the boy.

"Before the Dead-lands, you know? Before the war?"

Volm sighed at the boy's question. He hated answering things that were hard to answer, he mainly preferred to either put a bullet in the questioner's head; knock flat on his ass, or just walk away.

Yet, he found the boy's company almost enjoyable besides the silly questions.

"No. The past is the past boy." Volm said, roasting the carcass of the dead creature on the fire.

"If we dwell on the past for too long, then we won't be focusin on making a better future." he said, while taking out a orange bottle of whiskey.

The boy was silent for a long time. As they waited for their meal to finish, he thought about what his master said.

"Volm?"

"Whaaat?" Volm said annoyed.

"What was the first thing you ever killed?" the boy asked, staring at his master with an emotionless attitude.

The Old Dead-man paused. He merely looked back to the boy, wondering why he would ask such a question.

"Oi! What brought this on all of a sudden?" Volm said, avoiding the question entirely.

"*Sigh* if you didn't want to answer you could have just asked." The boy said as he went back to staring into the spit.

"And you need to answer me when I ask; what brought this on?" Volm said coldly as he glared at the boy.

The boy merely shrugged at the man's glare, having spend so much time with him that it became useless. The old-man sighed again as he took a big whiff of the cooked meat.

"Smells like dinners ready." was all he said as he started carving it up.

7 Years Later...

"Come on! Hurry it up!" A man said as firing of bullets hailed down on his tiny bit of cover.

Drawing a revolver, the Dead-man fired a small volley in the direction of the oncoming fire.

*BANG!* *BANG!* *BANG!* The sound of his revolver went off as he blindly fired from the cover of a small stack of barrels.

Frenzied towns people were running to their houses and locking their doors, while others were finding cover to hide from the battle.

"Ha ha! I love when fists turn to guns!" An old man yelled as he fired a shotgun in the direction of the hail of bullets, eliciting a scream of pain followed by a *THUMP* of a dead body hitting the wooden porch of the saloon they had taken cover in.

"You know I can hate you so much sometimes you crazy, old bastard!" The young Dead-man yelled to his mentor as he sprinted to a new bit of cover.

As he ran, bullets whizzed past his body, while some caught his old, worn coat; which cause of years of misuse looked like a heavy torn duster. As he made it to a small upturned wagon, he noticed a woman and her child staring at him in complete and utter fear. The boy had tears in his eyes as he clutched his mother tightly, while the mother was trying to cover her son from oncoming danger.

The young Dead-man merely frowned at the fear on their faces as he took aim and fired from the cover of the old wooden wagon.

Thirty minutes.

Him and his old mentor have only been in the saloon for thirty minutes when Volm chose the moment to break a whiskey bottle over some poor bastards head for spreading old rumors and myths about the Dead-men. After the incident an entire bar fight broke loose, which is now why they were here; firing their weapons at the attacking drunks and thugs.

The Dead-man leaned out of cover, spotting a shooter with a hunting rifle. Taking aim, he fired a round aiming for the guy's head. The guy drops down in pain, covering his bleeding, blown off ear as he dropped the rifle and retreated to cover.

"Nice shot kid!" Volm yelled as he ducked and weaved from cover to cover, seeming to not even care at all the very close shots that came close to his head.

"But next time," Volm aimed an fired a shotgun, blowing another shooter's head into a gory mess.

"Aim a little to the left." he finished as he ducked back into cover.

Finally, the firing stopped, a few clicks were heard, while one idiot decided to yell "Dammit! I'm out!" followed by the sound of a glass bottle breaking over bone. As I peaked over to Volm, I saw that he was standing up; shotgun raised and aimed towards the saloon. Joining him, we slowly begin to walk backwards, both our weapons aiming at the saloon that was now dark on the inside.

The silence was maddening. Shutters and doors cracked open, spectators wanting to see who was dead and who was the victor. Both Dead-men were keeping their eyes trained on the saloon.

"Boy, look back and give me an estimate on how far the gate is." Volm said quietly, but with the deathly silence, he could have been yelling for all the Dead-man knew.

The Dead-man looked back, seeing the gate maybe about forty-seven paces from their current position.

"I'd say it'd take about five minutes if we sprint. Seven if we keep our guard up." The Dead-man said as he aimed his revolver toward a curious head that was poking out one of the shot out windows of the saloon.

Immediately, the head ducked after seeing the revolver aimed at it. After the bluff, the Dead-man sighed as they walked backwards slowly coming closer to the gate. Glancing behind them, they noticed that the drunkard that Volm knocked out standing there with a very angry scowl. But that was not what the old and young Dead-men noticed. No, it was the dirty and dent AR14 that he had aimed at the both of them. The gun itself was in decent condition, but if it had ammo; the two didn't know. It still a rarity to both how they find some of the most rarest weapons in the hands of the most stupidest of them.

"Well now, I still owe ya you for that bottle you bloody fuckin wank!" The man said as he started aiming the rifle.

The young Dead-man tensed up, not knowing how to defuse the situation. However, Volm had other ideas than talking.

*BANG!* The sound of his shotgun went off as it tore apart the drunkard's leg.

"AHHHH!" He screamed as he fell to the ground, clutching the remaining pieces of flesh still attached to his leg.

The wound itself was ugly. Large chunks of muscle and tissue were missing as it was bleeding heavily. The man's face froze as Volm approached the injured drunkard, holstering the shotgun to draw his large sharp hunting knife

He crouched in front of the drunk, waving his knife very closely to his face.

"Now you listen here." Volm said, grabbing the man's head as he lowered his own to eye level.

"You never fight a Dead-man, without learning what it means to fear us." He said as he pressed the knife against the drunks face.

"Tell me good sir, do you know the definition; of insanity?" He said, a creepy smile growing on his face.

"Insanity, is when things happen over and over again, expecting things to change. HAHAHA!" Volm laughed maniacally as he stopped suddenly, his smile dropping; he stared back into the wounded man's eyes.

"You can never understand; no, comprehend what we do on a daily basis." He said as he pressed the knife near the man's throat.

"I've been killing long before you've been alive. Over and over again, I have seen men, women, and children raped, murdered, tortured, even eaten by people a lot like yerself." He said as his knife cut just deep enough into the skin to let a tiny trickle of blood flow.

"Now, I don't want you spreading rumors about me or the lad back there again. Because if you do; I'll come for you. And not even this entire town will stop me from getting to you." With that, he retracted and re-sheathed his knife.

Getting up, Volm started walking towards the now open gates. The Dead-man could feel his mentor's anger as he followed. But he could also feel fearful and prying eyes even as he left the town. He could only wonder if his master's drinking will lead him into more fits like this in the future.

Four years later...

"Lad...Lad wake up." Volm said as he was shaking the knocked out man.

The man couldn't believe he had been knocked out by a simple slaver, well; at least he wasn't killed.

"What happened?" He asked his mentor as he rubbed his head while sitting up groggily.

"A slaver got the drop on ya, if I hadn't had shot'em, you would have got decapitated by a shovel." Volm stated while getting up from his crouched position.

"D-did the slaves make it?" The man asked, hoping that none of the slaves were hurt.

"Ay, yes they did; one of'em was pretty shocked being rescued by Dead-men and all. But if you think about it, we probably should have killed all the slavers before we released the slaves." Volm said while scratching his small, grey beard.

"So, what's next on the list?" the man asked as he looked back up to the old-man.

The old man looked to his former apprentice and smiled.

"Next stop, the fort..." Was all Volm said as he started walking while picking up a few weapons here and there.

"Here." He said throwing a weapon towards the man.

As he grabbed it out of the air, he realized what his former master had just given him.

"A machete? Really?" He asked, a tiny bit confusion in his voice.

"Ya, so? Laddy, you see; that there tool can be used to slice 'n' dice vegetation, and severe the head from a body." He said while pointing towards the blade.

"What about my knife?" The man asked as he unsheathed his old knife that once was given to him by his sister.

"Ehhhh, keep it hidden; you never know when you might need it." Volm said as he stored the looted gear into his duffel.

With a sigh, the man strapped the machete to his back, making sure to adjust the strap to his body build. Following his old mentor, the man set off on the quest that he had been waiting most of his life for.

The quest, for payback.

The memory brought salty tears to my eyes as the fire was dying down. I realize that I needed more firewood, though I couldn't imagine that it had been that long. As I get up, I pick up a nearby stick and prod the burning embers to keep the flames up. Putting it back down, I start my small trek near the edge of the forest again. It had been years since I've seen that old dirty bastard. Ever since... the fire.

I shivered as I remembered the incident. All those dead bodies of people I use to know. But the worst, was what my father had done.

I was shaken from my thoughts again as out of the corner of my eyes I spotted a few small rotted logs.

Perfect.

Picking them up, I heard a rustling coming from the bushes near me. I froze with anticipation as I waited for something to happen. Finally, the strangest bug I've ever seen came from the bushes. It had a very small blue spherical body. Tiny wings that buzzed like a fizzer, and two eyes that seemed to be just one main color. I could also depict; a smile?

The creature buzzed as it began to hover in the air and move towards me. I seemed transfixed at how smile and happy.

It annoyed me.

As it came closer it began to sniff me, most likely smelling my scent; but as it got two whiffs, it made almost a scared, frightened sound and flew off into the woods. Well, at least those little bugger would leave me alone. As I started walking back towards the path again, my stomach growled.

Again.

With a sigh as I made it back to camp, I placed the logs in the fire, seeing them ignite into a steady glow. I then grabbed my duffel bag and opened the zipper. I knew I had at least one of those steaks left, and I had a feeling it would be a long time before I would be able to eat something like cow again. As I pulled out the little plastic baggy, I smiled as I saw the dried beef strips inside. Smiling for the first time since coming here, I immediately tore open the bag, grabbed a strip, and took one large bite out of it.

The taste of food was like pure heaven.

I almost choked as I tried swallowing without chewing it enough; the only set back to dried beef, well, that and the possible disease it could carry if not cooked and dried properly.

Swallowing, I smiled as I could feel the small snack travel down to my stomach, ending it's annoying wrath. I decided to keep my eyes open a little longer as I looked up at the moon.

"Wow..." was the only thing I could say as I marveled at it's beauty.

It was so unlike the moon back in the Dead-lands, which gave it an almost sickly color. It was also far more brighter than the moon back home. I smiled as I laid down on the soft grass, just simply gazing up at the beautiful sight before me. As I continued to gaze at it, my eye lids slowly became heavier and heavier; I don't know what happened, but I could sense that tomorrow was going to be a new better day.

Oh how horribly wrong I was.

Author's Notes:

Whew! Finally got it out. If there are any errors and such please notify me down below and I will edit later. Also, I want to thank DustTraveller for telling me about facts in the story that would probably confuse some of you, such as knives or guns, I'm thinking of finding a pic to them and making them a link to help with imagination. Anyway I hope you all like the story, and be sure to like or favorite and leave a comment.

This is Theblarglknight out.

Bar Fights With a Hint of Chaos.

Location: Somewhere in the void

As Jacob slept, he did not know that he was being watched from a distance. Discord didn't know what to do; he asked the alien to kindly kill Celestia like the last one, but this one seems to not be as stupid as the other.

"Well, if you want things done; get other people motivated to do them." Discord said as he sent a dark-red mist that traveled into Jacob's nostrils.

"Now, once he wakes up; then will see if he's compliant or not. MUHA! MUHAW HA HA!" Discord cackled as a voice came from nowhere.

"Daddy! You promised me you would read me a bed-time story!" A young voice whined off in the distance.

"*SIGH* I'm coming honey, I just had to make sure the little human would do what I want for tomorrow." Discord said as he traveled through the darkness.

"Now then, let me read you The Little Pony That Cried Manticore.'" was the last things that were heard as Discord disappeared from the strange pocket dimension.

Back near the edge of the Everfree...

I awoke feeling rejuvenated. Yawning, I got up, receiving several cracks from my spine after a night on the cold, hard ground. For some odd reason, I felt amazing; almost like I was eighteen again. As I breathed in air, I realized how clean and fresh it was; I felt happy and calm.

Okay, what the hell is wrong with me?

Frowning, I checked myself for any sort of scat or bites that might have somehow gotten on me over the night. Finding nothing, my frown deepens as I realize that for some odd, cruel reason. I was actually smiling for nine seconds. I haven't smile unless it was something useful that I found or if I was torturing a bastard that was caught torturing or raping someone they shouldn't have.

Scratching my head, I realize that it's probably six'o'clock in the morning. Finding nothing better to do, I unholster my revolver and start to clean it. I marveled at it's look, when Volm first gave this to me; I almost broke my wrist trying to fire it with one hand. But, after years of use; I eventually got use to it and my wrist became stronger. Though it cracks a lot whenever I decided to rotate it.

Now, the gun was in pretty decent shape even though it looked like it went through hell; but if it can fire without jamming up, I say that's a gun worth having. As I clean the barrel with an old rag I pulled out of my pocket, I couldn't help but think there was something I had to do today. My thoughts were interrupted as a pink blur tackled me to the ground knocking the (safely put back together) gun outta my hands.

"HI THERE JACOB! IWASWONDERINGWHEREIWOULDFINDYOU! DOYOULIKEPARTIES!?" The blur only known to me as Pinkie pie screamed.

"Ten seconds." I stated.

She looked at me confused, tilting her head to the side as she eyed me and tried to figure out what I meant.

"Ten seconds to get off, six seconds." I growled the last part.

As Pinkie pie got off, I finally sat up right as I sent a glare her way.

She merely smiled that ridiculous smile of hers as she started jumping around me. My eyes followed her as she went out of sight on my left, then came back into view on my right. Rinse and repeat.

Not only that, but her non-stop yammering was annoying the hell out of me. Shooting my hand out, I clamp her still chattering mouth shut, to which she continues to talk even though her voice is very muffled. I sigh as I enjoy the silence for a few seconds before I look back up to her.

Only to notice that she wasn't there anymore.

"So you wanna come!?" She yelled in my ear as she somehow materialized out of no where right beside my head.

At the sound of her, I glared at her and let out my most intimidating growl I could muster.

At the sound of my warning, she immediately backed off; showing a sheepish smile as she began to speak again.

"He he, I'll just...Uhh, let you come on your own then..." Was the last thing she said before rocketing off from whence she came.

Finally, peace and-

"Howdy! You must be Jacob!" a southern redneck voice that seemed vaguely familiar came from the direction of Pinkie.

Well, why don't we just include blow-horns and bells in my loud mornings then? Hell, raise up a fucking mob!

As I turned grudgingly toward the new voice, I recognized this pony to be the one I saved from the forest.

"Hi..." I said as I laid back down, putting my hands behind my head as a pillow as I rested my eyes.

"Oh, uhh, I guess I came at a bad time." She said as she started rubbing the back of her head with her hooves.

I merely sighed as I opened my eyes; looking directly at her, I tried my most polite way possible of telling people, err, ponies to go away.

"Sorry, I just usually prefer my mornings to be quiet where I come from." I said as I went back to resting my eyes.

"Oh, heh sorry. I'm guessing that was Pinkie that sped past me then?" She asked.

Argh! So. Many. Questions!

*SIGH* "Yes, that was your friend; the Pink demon of- What was this place called again?" I asked, realizing I had forgotten, or even if I asked at all.

"Oh, yer in Equestria; near Ponyville to be precise." She said as she shuffled around a bit.

I merely sighed again at her nervousness. I found that I'm doing that a lot more lately.

"Well... I'll c-come back later then..." She said as she started backing away, clearly too nervous due to my mood.

"Wait." I said, making her stop in her tracks.

I opened one eye towards her, offering a smirk.

"I'm just not a morning person, plus, your friend is REALLY annoying in the mornings." I stated as I closed my eyes again for a nap.

"Hey! I know Pinkie can- Well, I mean she can be a bit much." She said as she put a hoof to her chin. "But she ain't that annoyin once ya'll get to know her."

I merely shrugged at her answer, hopefully I wouldn't be here long enough to know all of them too much. As I close my eyes, I hear the clop of her hooves as she starts to walk away. Until I open them up for I realized I forgot to ask something.

"Hey! What's your name kid?" I yelled towards her.

As she stopped, she turned around with her eyes in surprise.

"Well, pardon ma manners. The name's Applejack." She stated as she started walking away.

Applejack huh? I went back to closing my eyes. I wonder if she has an farm or something.

Meanwhile in Canterlot...

Princess Celestia sat there patiently, though partly annoyed as one of the noble's was pleading his case to have a "Commoner" arrested for getting his favorite suit dirty. She merely sat there and listened as he was coming close to the end of his case. He took a second to re-adjust his light green mane against his grey coat; not missing a beat, he began the ending of his case.

"And that is why this commoner she be arrested and executed for the price of my five-thousand bit coat. For it takes more than his entire home most likely to even afford to pay for it." The noble stated as he raised his head high as he looked back up to Celestia with a smirk.

Celestia stared back at the noble and one of her simple little ponies who was shivering at the trouble he was in.

'I really wish I had some cake at the moment...' Celestia thought.

After though she mentally slapped her self. Her plot was already big enough already without all the pastry foods her chefs make for herself and her sister. Her sister would even take the liberty of torturing her by eating one of her favorite cakes right in front of her! How dare she do that, for that is just cruel.

Coming back to the moment, she already knew who's side she would take before the trial was even started.

"That is a very, tragic story Mr. Golden Silver, but if you don't mind I would like to know Mr. Light Patche's side." Celestia said as politely as possible to the up-tight rich noble.

"Now then, what is your side of the story my little pony." Celestia said, looking towards the brown coated, black maned pony.

The noble merely scoffed as the pony gulped before presenting his story.

"W-well your highness, I-I was busy pulling my orange cart; a-as I was turning the corner, M-Mr. Golden Silver here was on a corner with a mud puddle beside it." The pony started. "As I was turning, I did my very best to avoid the puddle; but in doing so I lost seven oranges, which surprisingly landed in the puddle and ruined Mr. Golden Silver's very e-elegant coat."

Celestia actually felt sorry for her little pony, her sister always egged her at how spoiled and rotten the upper-class ponies had become, but she couldn't really do anything about it without becoming a heartless dictator to them. With a sigh, she came up with a clever way to end this last trial.

"My little ponies, I have reached a decision." Celestia stated with authority and grace.

"Light Patche, you will be forced to trade some oranges to the castle chefs in return, we will pay for Mr. Golden Silvers expensive clothing." Celestia stated.

'Let's see my plot try to get bigger from oranges...' she thought with a sly smile.

As the noble pony looked satisfied, and Mr. Light Patche looking relieved, her court was adjourned. As the ponies all left the room besides her royal guard, Celestia let out a sigh as she started walking back to her room for the rest of the day.

A few minutes pass as the clopping of her hooves on the marble floor made echoes through the empty hallways. She always found the castle too big, but even for thousands of years, her mind has still not changed. As she approached the doors, she heard her sister teleport inside her room, immediately yelling for her. As Celestia opened the door, Luna immediately turned towards her sister.

"Sister, thou has some surprising news!" Luna said as she rushed to her sister's side.

"Luna, your using the royal 'we' again." Celestia stated. "Also, what is this news that has you so worked up. I'm sure it couldn't be that surprising." She said as she started levitating some tea she was sipping earlier.

"Well, the creature that saved the element of honesty; Applejack." Luna started.

"Yeeeeesssss..." Celestia said, wondering where her sister was going with this.

"The creature, twas a human."

At that exact moment, the tea that was in Celestia's mouth came spewing out as she began choking. Luna seeing her sister like this ran over to her to see if she was alright. Recovering, Celestia looked up to her sister with worried eyes.

"A HUMAN!? SISTER WE HAVE TO ALERT THE GUARD! WE HAVE TO-" Celestia was cut off as her sister's hoof covered her mouth.

"Sister calm yourself! The human wasn't aggressive until my night-guard and the element of loyalty, Rainbow Dash attacked him first." Luna stated staring at her sister grimly. "But he was contacted by discord." Luna said, immediately getting a face full of more spit-out tea.

"Then how do we know we can trust him Luna, you remembered what happened last time." Celestia said with a cold glare.

"We-I know sister, but he at least told us his name." Luna said, adopting a smile.

"And his name is?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Jacob"

Celestia stopped breathing as she stared at her sister.

'JACOB!? How is that even possible!? How could he predict-' Celestia's train of thought was cut short as a guard appeared in the doorway.

"Your highness, there's been a situation near the edge of Ponyville," the guard started.

As the guard began explaining, Celestia's face paled.

Turning back to her sister, Celestia grimly spoke.

"Let's hope that this 'Jacob' has nothing to do with it." Celestia stated as she and her sister prepared to head out to Celestia's royal chariot.

Ponyville an hour earlier...

I awaken to the light blinding my eyes. I take a deep breath as I stretch my legs as far as they go; being rewarded with cracks from my neck, back, and legs. I give a yawn as I look back towards the sun. Noticing it was about noon, I decide that this would be a good time to get up.

As I get to a standing position, I stand for a few minutes for the blood to stop rushing to my head. Finishing that, I kick over some dirt over the already put out fire, remembering that even if it doesn't look like it could start a fire, doesn't mean it can't. As I finish, I begin to grab my fallen revolver and duffel bag to start my trek back into town. I decide to pull out the I-pod since I have a long walk to do. Turning it on, I listen to the guitar as the singer begins.

As I walk, I stare around me at the scenery as I walk past a cottage I never knew was there before. I saw lots of birds and small animals around; damn they look tasty. As I pass the stone bridge, I look in the river and notice how calm and peaceful it is.

'Wow, if it wasn't for the fact that I've been through hell; I would almost mistake this for heaven.' I thought as I continued on the path to Ponyville.

I merely felt calm as I started whistling the tune of the song. How come I always seemed calm when loud noise was dulling out everything else, I will never know. As I finally see the town coming in, I notice somethings a bit different.

There are ponies walking around, instead of hiding from me, though some still look very fearful. I noticed a banner that I couldn't read due to it not being the same language. Finally, there was a light shade of blue mare staring at me with hungry eyes.

Must be a sex predator.

As I continue walking through the streets, I take in every colorful detail.

Very colorful detail.

The roads seemed to be made out of cobblestone, if I remember correctly; instead of tin and and wood the housing seemed to be made of stone and some kind of yellow sticks. I realized that I would have to ask about the name of this stuff, since I also spotted a darker shade of blue mare with even darker blue hair and a white streak going through it eating the same stuff.

'I wonder if they're any bars here?' I thought to myself as I passed the tree house that I was knocked out for two times the other day.

I also spot a frilly place that looked like a polished and shined version of a carousel. I shivered at the thing as bad memories flooded my mind.

'Note to self, if there's EVER a situation that involved burning this place to the ground; take it.'

I finally found a place that seemed like a town hall; walking around, I do my best to find the mayor's office. Finally finding it, I make it a note to ask if there are any jobs available later on. As I continue walking, I eventually found a building with the sign of a cartoon mug plastered on a sign with a light brown liquid inside it.

"Finally." Was all I said aloud as I walked up to the door and opened it.

I was immediately assaulted with noise, the sound of an instrument playing, and the smell of booze. My favorite combination. That soon however, stopped as soon as one of the colorful ponies noticed me enter; once that happened they all began to stare. I merely stared back before walking to the bar, taking a stool, and sitting down.

It didn't lessen the staring, but it at least showed that I meant no trouble. As the green unicorn barkeep trotted up to me, he raised an eyebrow before lowering it and asking a question.

"So there, what's your poison?"

I merely sighed as I thought about what kind of alcohol they had in this fairytale land.

"What's your strongest stuff?" I asked as I waited for him to come back since he left to attend to another customer.

"Oh, well we got the Apple's hard cider if you prefer flavor, but if your lookin' to drown your sorrows I would suggest a few shots of Lunar hammer." The bartender said as he filled a mug and slid it to me. "By the way, what kind of creature are ya lad? Don't think I ever seen your kind before."

Picking up the mug, I took a sip before I answered.

"I'm human, but if you want; just refer to me as a Dead-man." I said as I took another sip.

'Damn this stuff is good.' I thought as the taste reminded me of a mixture of wine and berries with a hint of vodka.

"A Dead-man huh? The name's a bit cryptic ain't it?" The bartender said, an eyebrow raised.

"I never chose the name; the name chose me." I said as I took a large gulp of the alcoholic beverage.

"Well don't we all." the stallion said, laughing at his own joke.

"Ha, yeah." I said as I finished off the drink.

"Woah there buddy, take it easy; I'm surprised your not even tipsy." The bartender warned, raising an eyebrow at my lack of being drunk off my ass.

"Relax. I've had far worse." I said as I got up. "How much do I owe ya?"

"Don't worry pal, it's on the house; the name's Keggar by the way." He said, putting out a hoof.

"Jacob, nice meeting you." I said as I gave the hoof a firm shake.

As I turned to leave, one of the drunkards approached me, a sneer on his face.

"And where in Celestia do you think you're goin?" The stallion said a bit slurred.

"Hey! Head leave'em alone! I ain't afraid to throw your sorry flank outta my bar if I have to!" Keggar yelled from behind me.

"Shut up! Anyways, me an the boys here don't like the way you look," several other drunk thugs got up circling around me. "Now, I think we should teach you a lesson about coming into PONY-ville." He said as the circle started coming closer and closer.

I let out a grunt as I realized I was about to be in a bar-fight in an entirely different world. I analyzed the six ponies around me. Three didn't have wings or horn, but I have a feeling these are the meat heads that are the muscle. two had wings, giving them the ability of flight; so no running away. Finally, the asshole that started all this had a horn; and judging from what happened with Twilight, I'm not about to just go charge him directly.

I let out a sigh before spreading my legs apart.

'This will be interesting.' I thought as I waited for them to make the first move.

One of the winged and regular ponies charged me, hoping to knock me down due to my height and size.

They didn't.

Crouching, I grab the winged one in a grapple with my right arm, while leaning right and kicking the other pony in the ass with my boot; I was surprised as he was sent flying across the room. The winged pony I had in my arms started struggling to break free from my grasp, I noticed another regular pony, which I gave the term "Meat-bags" charged me from the front. Seeing a way to lighten my load while knocking this poor little fucker out, I drop the winged pony while grabbing his tail. Swinging, I hit the earth pony with a sickening *CRACK* as a bone or two broke in either the winged pony which I termed "flyers" or the meat-bag. Maybe bones snapped in both, I don't know.

As I dropped the pegasus, him groaning as he started curling in a ball; I approached the last three. The flyer was shaking with fear, while the horned pony and the last of the meat-bags merely grunted as they got ready to attack. I slowly made my way towards them, each footstep echoing on the wooden floor of the bar as the remaining witnesses who hadn't left were watching the battle. Some with amusement, others were smirking.

So either this "Head" and his goons weren't really liked too much, or I was about to get my ass handed to me. I really hope it's the latter; I finally clear the distance and stand there, legs spread apart, waiting for my chance to attack. The last meat-bag rushes, but before I could react, a white aura encompasses my body as I find myself unable to move. Grunting, I await when the tackle of the meat-bag to come, only to notice the meat-bag slow down and fall onto the wooden floor unconscious.

I gawked as Keggar came from behind me, a dark green aura around his horn.

"Now. GET THE TARTURUS OUT OF MY BAR!" Keggar yelled as he sent a wave of energy towards the pegasus and Head, knocking them out the front door with a mighty loud *THUNK* of bodies hitting the ground outside.

I stood there gawking at what had occurred. I just got one-upped.

By a cute little green horned pony with short black mane.

"Heh, well I think it's time for you to go. Somepony was bound to send help from the royal guard in Canterlot." Keggar said as he trotted back behind the bar. "Oh, and the drink is on the house, but not the damages." He said smirking.

I looked around the room to find a little blood on the floor from the flyer and meat-bag, the other meat-bag that met the tail end of my boot up his ass landed and broke a table across the room. Finally, there was some dents in the wooden floor of when Keggar came an helped.

I gotta quit drinking.

I smiled as I looked back and saw Keggar serving patrons mugs of alcohol. He merely looked back and winked, turning around to fill two more mugs. Doing the same, I turned around and walked out the front door; the first thing I noticed was that the two idiots from the fight vanished, and that the streets were empty.

"Wonder where the mob's at?" I said aloud, noticing an echo go through out the air. "Stupid nonsensical world." I said, only to get nothing.

That's it! I give up!

Giving a frustrated sigh, I begin to walk back through the town. As I get near the center, I hear what sounded like commanding voiced coming from within a crowd.

"Step aside citizens! Royal Canterlot guards coming through!" A rough voice shouted.

As I got closer, I noticed a large crowd of ponies surrounding wagon of somekind; but what I noticed were not the ponies now bowing, but the tall white winged and horned pony that stepped out of the wagon. She had flowing multicolored hair that seemed to be flowing even though there was no wind. She had a white coat, and seemed to be smiling motherly to the bowing ponies.

As I saw her though something happened. I felt as if a hundred screaming voices were going off in my head, pounding on the walls to escape their prison.

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHGGGGRRHH!" I screamed as I doubled over in pain.

My vision became hazy and red as I heard a single deep voice spoke in my head.

"HA HA HA! I knew you would be easy to control, but this is just too easy!" The voice said.

I recognized it.

"Discord!" I yelled, though it came more of a choke as I realized I was losing control of my whole body.

I heard collective gasps as I was fighting to retain control.

"Ah yes, I know you all love seeing a human in pain so I decided to do a little mind-control ha ha ha!" He yelled with rhythmic combination of both our voices.

'Get the hell out!' I yelled in my head as I tried to move at least my head to no success.

"Now then, time to end you Celestia!" Discord yelled with our voices as he took out and raised my gun towards her.

The guards and everyone were helpless to stop me as I aimed, and pulled the trigger.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Somepony in the crowd yelled.

'NOOOOOOOOOO!' I screamed in my head.

Author's Notes:

Special thanks to DaPieGuy for making this chapter have less errors since I'm don't have time due to school. Also I could always use more proof readers and such. Anyway hope you all like the chapter, and this is Blargl signing out.

*Pinkie giggles* "Also don't forget to leave a like and comment! Hey blarg, can we go to Reddit tod-"

No.

"AWWWW... Why not!?"

Because I took you to 4Chan which was already a bad idea, I am NOT exposing you to gore, porn, and other things like that again.

*Blargl exits room*

"He sure isn't bright, now then; let's google scat tag..." *Pinkie begins typing furiously.*

"Oooh! Are those...brow...nies..."

Just another normal day in the life of Twilight Sparkle...

Twilight Sparkle awoke at 6:00 A.M every morning. She noticed that she had a feeling she should stay in bed today, but shaking it off as just tiredness, she got out of her bed. Twilight let out a yawn as she walked into her white, clean bathroom. Trotting up to the mirror, she noticed a bed head that would scare the day-lights out of Rarity. As she levitated her brush, her thoughts began to wonder to the Human that left to live near the forest the other night.

'I know he's trying to be kind and not bother anypony, but he could have at least stayed for dinner,' Twilight thought as she finished the brushing of hair, and moved onto teeth. 'I mean, he at least got along okay with Princess Luna...'

Twilight stopped mid stride as she smelled the scent of cooking eggs enter her nostrils. Taking a bid whiff, she finished brushing her teeth and trotted down the stairs. Entering the kitchen, she noticed Spike in a frilly pink apron cooking eggs while humming a tune.

"Good morning Spike." Twilight said as she went to grab herself a glass of orange juice.

"Mornin Twilight, sleep well?" The baby dragon asked her.

"Yes, though I wish the Human decided to stay here last night." Twilight stated with a tiny bit of sadness.

Spike's mood instantly changed from one of calm and happy to that of fear and anger.

"Why?" He asked in a harsh tone.

"Spike! He didn't mean to attack you, it was all just a misunderstanding." Twilight deadpanned at the baby dragon's bad attitude.

Spike cringed at the unicorns glare, turning around while looking ashamed.

"I'm sorry Twilight, it's just that I don't trust him; I mean, Rainbow Dash doesn't either. So I just thought that he was bad and stuff. I mean, you told me he killed that Manticore in the forest!" Spike explained as he raised an eyebrow.

Twilight shuddered at the dreadful night, she couldn't even imagine how Fluttershy must've felt. As she levitated the juice out of the fridge, she then poured the orange liquid into the glass, to which she proceeded to drink it.

"Oh! I almost forgot, Applejack gets out of the hospital today!" Spike says with joy.

At the sound of the news, Twilight's mood immediately brightened.

"That's great spike! I wonder if I'll be able to catch her before she leaves?" Twilight asked herself.

But as she was considering meeting the farm pony, the clock chime sounded as it was time for her to begin her daily studying and her favorite activity; reading.

A few hours later...

Twilight paused as she heard commotion going on outside her library.

"What the?" She muttered aloud as Rainbow Dash came crashing through her front door.

"Twilight! The Princesses are coming!" She yelled as she flew back outside with a rainbow trail following her.

Twilight stood there staring for three seconds, before immediately doing the following:

. Her hair immediately going into a wild state.

. Her eyes looking wildly everywhere.

. She started an insane giggling about tidiness of the library.

. And was generally having an OCD breakdown.

As Spike walked in to notice her doing all these things, he immediately walked up to Twilight who looked back at him with a devious smile on her face. Remembering last time, he walked closer to her; then, with one might do to a panicking pony, proceeded to slap her across the face. Twilight stood there with a faraway look in her eyes before coming back to reality.

"Who!? What!? Where!?" She yelled as she looked around to see she was still in the library.

Looking back at Spike, she noticed he had an annoyed look on his face.

"He he, sorry; I had another breakdown didn't I?" She asked as she looked to the floor ashamed.

"Yeah, thankfully Applejack taught me how to snap you out of it." Spike said as he went back to doing his chores.

At the remembering why she freaked out, she immediately began to tidy up.

"Spike! The Princesses are coming! We have to clean the library! We have to make sure the Town's welcoming banner is up! We have to-" Twilight was cut off as Rarity busted in.

"Twilight darling! Did you hear about what happened down at the Tipsy Luna!?" Rarity yelled as she started pacing back and forth.

"Uuuuughg! What now!?" Twilight yelled as her magic immediately began levitating books back onto their shelves.

"They say a tall creature was seen in a bar fight! That he brutally beat a few of the patrons after they challenged him to a fight!" Rarity said with a frantic look in her eyes.

Twilight immediately face-hoofed. This was by far, the second worst day of her life. The Princesses were on their way if not already here; the town is terrified of Jacob; and now she has to explain to two immortal deities of why a rugged, dirty human beat-up a couple of her ponies! This was not her day.

As she was done thinking, she immediately heard the sounds of the royal horns blowing; signalling the arrival of the Princesses.

"No no no! This can't be happening." Twilight peered outside to see the chariot landing just outside, along with many very surprised, and afraid, ponies staring at the chariot and its inhabitants with awe. "Okay, calm down Twilight; you can do this. Just try not to bring Jacob up and hope for the best." Twilight said with determination. "Unless they heard about the bar fight and are here to imprison him or banish him, or *GASP* imprison and banish him! Oh what am I going to do!" Twilight groaned as she trotted around in circle.

"Twilight!" She heard five familiar voices from the door.

As she turned around to see all five of her best friends standing in the doorway looking at her worryingly.

"Twi! Ya okay? I heard bout' what happened to Jacob, is he alright!?" Aj said in a frantic tone, clearly worried about the human the Princesses left in their care.

"Him!? What about Twilight! Are you alright? You didn't have another breakdown did you!?" Rainbow Dash yelled as she flew into Twilight's face, inspecting every inch of her.

"I'm fine! Spike snapped me out of it, by the way Applejack; the next time you teach Spike to hit me when I've gone a little nuts, please tell me." Twilight deadpanned as she gave a glare towards the farm pony.

"Heh, sorry Twi; I just thought to teach Spike somethin in case we weren't here to stop ya." Applejack said with a sad smile.

"It's okay Applejack, I forgive you." Twilight said, giving the farm pony a hug.

Breaking away, she looked at all her friends.

"Now then girls, we have two Princesses out front; so why don't we go out and see them." Twilight said followed by a "Yeah!" from all her friends.

As they exited the library, they heard what sounded like talking. As they exited the library, they saw something they didn't expect. What they saw was a red-eyed human pointing what they suspected was his dangerous weapon at a surprised Celestia. Twilight was helpless as she was about to watch the death of her teacher and friend.

"Now then, time to end you Celestia!" Jacob yelled, but he sounded different; almost as if he were...

"Discord!?" Twilight yelled, but it was too late as they saw the possessed human's finger slowly squeeze.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Twilight yelled.

'NOOOOOOOOOO!' I thought as my finger closed around the trigger.

I watched in slow-motion horror as the hammer of my gun clicked back, but as it slammed down; it did something I didn't expect.

It went *CLICK*.

The silence was almost deafening as I realized with great luck that when I started cleaning the gun hours earlier, I took out the rounds and left them at my campsite.

"Well, now this isn't good." Discord and my voice spoke simultaneously.

I don't know what I felt, but it felt as if something was being lifted off my shoulders, so with a mighty push, I was able to move my arm; and punch myself in the face.

'Ow!' I thought as the sting of my own punch hurt myself.

But I could also feel the pain of Discord as well. This was going to hurt. I began fighting over my footing as Discord and I also started to fight over my body. I moved to the right while he was controlling my other hand to grab my alternate hand to stop me from punching myself.

I could only hope I didn't look too much like an idiot.

I was tackled by royal guard as Discord and I still squirmed under our inner battle for control, I heard the sound of machinery of some kind charging up; but before I could think of what it was, the guards immediately got off me; the only problem was that I was then blinded by a very, very bright multi-coloured. light. After that, I was sent into darkness yet again.

At the Draconequus failed attempt at killing Celestia, the girls watched in shock as the human punched himself and began to flail around like a drunken idiot.

"Girls! Use the elements now!" Celestia commanded.

Immediately, Twilight ran back into her tree house and came back a few seconds later carrying in her purple telekinetic glow the ones' and only Elements of Harmony. Adorning each of their pieces, the six elements began to glow as the six were lifted into the air by their power. As they shot out the rainbow beam of light, it struck the human with full force. As the elements stopped their magic, all were silent as they saw an out-cold human lying on the ground. Everything was silent, at least until the human groaned.

They immediately got ready again before the human raised his hand.

"Please, don't fucking do that again. Uhhh..." He said as he immediately began rubbing his temple.

Everypony let out a sigh now that Discord was dispelled from the human, but as soon as they did; the human began coughing uncontrollably as red smoke was pouring out of his nostrils, mouth, and ears and dissipating into the sky. As the coughing fit stopped, Celestia trotted up to the human.

"Are you alright human?" She asked with a surprisingly motherly tone.

"Eh? I've had worse, I mean; it's not every day you get possessed by a guy who likes to come inside other guys and use their bodies, I mean; that's just a bit twisted; and plus, imagine if it was sexual; am I right?" The human asked with a laugh.

Celestia looked confused by the statement, but when realization dawned in her eyes; she immediately turned red and started laughing hysterically. The laughter was contagious as soon more ponies started to get the joke and joined in, those who didn't get the joke just laughed to be apart of the crowed. Even the usual stone faced guards were smirking and shaking their heads at the human that almost assassinated their Princess. Finally when everything was done, Jacob got up with a grunt.

"Man, remind me to put a bullet in Discord's head." I stated as it felt as if I broke a rib.

"Like you almost did with me?" Celestia replied with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

"Ehh, not as dramatic as you." Jacob said with another small smile. "Your more or not; a special case." Were my last words as I got up with more grunting.

"Jacob!" I heard six voices I recognized yell.

But as I turned to face them, I noticed a rainbow rocketing blur heading straight for me.

'I've had enough of this bitch for one day.' I thought as I spread my legs out and held out my arms.

As the blur collided with me, it immediately knocked me to the ground; with a very furious rainbow pegasus on top of me. Her eyes were filled with rage as she snorted steam, I merely smirked as I spoke up.

"I don't usually do this thing until after the second date." I said while smiling.

Moving quickly, I rolled over her so I was on top.

"Plus, I always get top." I stated as I smiled mischievously towards Rainbow Dash, her face turning red of embarrassment.

Some ponies turned red, which I noticed were mainly Twilight and the others, while Celestia just giggled.

'Huh, a ruler with a dirty mind; that's a first.' I thought as I got up, clutching my ribs with a grunt.

Immediately, Celestia became serious.

"Jacob, I'm going to teleport you to a hospital." Celestia stated.

"Wait, can't we-" I never finished as another blinding light appeared, and I was in the middle of the building I entered when I first arrived. "Walk." I finished.

I turned around noticing a very nervous receptionist, but it wasn't me making her nervous.

"Can somepony get some help, we have an injured human!" Celestia shouted as a few nurses came running to me.

"Now hold ON!" I yelped the last part out as I was pushed onto a gurney.

This is gonna be one hell of a time.

Back in the void...

"RRRRRAAAARRGGH!" Discord roared as he fumed around the empty space.

"I was so...CLOSE!" He clenched his claws. "Hm, maybe I'll just watch, let's see how much chaos this human can cause on his own; I can't believe my magic affected those hooligans back at that bar." Discord shrugged before realizing something. "Wait a minute. HE CALLED ME GAY!" Discord was furious again, before another voice came out of the darkness.

"Oi laddy! Will you bloody keep it down! You're not the ONLY mad god that comes here you know! A daedric prince needs his beauty sleep too!" An Irish voice bellowed from above.

Discord merely grumbled as his "Roommates" in this void were just as chaotic (and if not crazier) than he was. "Sorry Sheo!" Discord yelled as he spawned in his hammock to take a well deserved nap.

Immediately, a flash of light appeared as a man dressed like a jester appeared out of nowhere.

"Whoops! Wrong universe!" was all he said as he teleported.

Discord looked back annoyed at the antics that happened in this place. He could only wonder how this place came to be, and why. Shutting his eyes, he immediately tried to get some sleep; before a ringing alarm clock woke him up mere minutes later.

"Argh! That's it! I'm going to cause some more chaos! But where?" Discord wondered as he flew out of his hammock.

With a snap of his fingers, an idea immediately hit him.

"Let's see how the Gryphon kingdom fairs with a little anarchy in it's government." Discord remarked as he teleported out of the void.

Author's Notes:

So I know it's a short chapter for what I normally do, but I hope you all enjoy, I hope myself or my editor didn't miss anything; but if we did please notify us in the comments below.

This is the Blargl, signing out.

(Intermission of Madness)

"No." *FLASH!*

"No." *FLASH!*

"No!" *FLASH!*

*FLASH!* "ARGH! Why is teleporting through random dimensions so fucking hard!" A ridiculously dressed man yelled in fury as he walked back and forth in a line; his purple-striped jester suit flapping to invisible air.

"Who the hell are you!?" A voice came from next to him as he noticed he was in some human's bathroom; with a naked female human shaving her legs in the tub.

The man merely stared at her as her huge knockers made themselves known. The man stared for half a second before his eyes comically popped out of his head and enlarged, with a loud "AWWWOOOOOOOGGGAA!"

The naked woman then screamed as the man merely laughed manically and teleported in a blinding flash.

As the Jester-like man walked through another door, he appeared in what seemed seemed to be a destroyed Canterlot castle.

"Hmmm. This looks like Equestria, lets see." The Jester took out a scroll, as it unfurled in front of him, he couldn't help but smile as the magical words appeared in front of him.

"Ah! Fallout Equestria, silly me!" He then placed the scroll back into an invisible pocket; with a mighty clap of his hands, proceeded to teleport in another bright flash.

As he then realized that you were watching.

"Oh! Hello there readers! I am The Jester, many people mistake me for The Mad Hatter, but what these mortals don't realize is that I am every crazy voice in their heads that tells them to do the stupidest things." The Jester looks away as he starts walking through a black void filled with floating doors. "As you can see, this place is filled with all kinds of dimensions! Equestria, The Capital and Mojave Wastelands, The moon; though that place is a bit empty," the Jester paused as he began rubbing his chin.

"In fact, I wonder if that space orb is still there? He was such a joy to talk to!" Jester began walking again, forgetting what he was doing. "Where was I? Oh yes, the multiverse theory. Anyways, some of you mortals think it doesn't exist; then again, you don't know I exist, so I could hardly care. Anyways, there are multiple doors I could access, some dark, some happy, others very, very erotic." The Jester's face contorted and twisted into an ugly image.

"Of course I've never visited one of those said doors." Jester then walked through another door, emitting a *FLASH* as he entered yet another world.

"Now lets see; empty streets, abandoned cars and-"

"Uhhhhhhhhghghrgh," A deep moaning voice sounded.

"Damn, I'm in the zombie dimension; well, I wonder if this is human or-" He was cut off as an undead pony walked out followed by a few humans and more ponies.

"Well now, even though I should probably kill you all for interrupting me; I think I shall just go." With a mighty clap, he vanished in another flash of light.

Jester appeared again in the void of floating doors. Sighing to himself, he begins walking in a random direction.

"As you all can see, I've been doing this for a while; you see, I'm in a bit of a problem." Jester stopped as he peeked though a door, only to close it; blood covering his face.

As he took out a hanker-chief, he then proceeded to wipe away the blood.

"*Sigh* I've forgotten that Valhalla has weekly wars on Wednesday." Jester again sighed in annoyance.

"Anyways, I'm looking for a specific universe. A universe that is supposed to have another person; well, another entity similar to that of me with a abnormally large hat." Jester paced around again as he began to think.

Turning around back to you, he opened and closed his mouth as if he wanted to say something. But evidently he closed his mouth and continued to stare.

"Well, it seems that we have to end our little parade; it's been fun, if you need me again; merely start talking to yourselves and I'll come. For you must remember," Jester turned around.

"I. Am. Madness." With a snap of his fingers, everything blacks out to a never ending darkness.

Author's Notes:

Sorry I haven't posted in a while peoples! My finals are almost over, and I hope this will tie you guys over. I'm still working on the next chapter, and I'm hoping when it comes out it'll be up to all your expectations. Also, DaPieGuy I'm sorry for not sending it to you to proofread, I wrote all this up in under 30 minutes and gotta go to next class.

Out of the chaos and into the fire.

Ponyville Hospital

I woke again in a cold sweat again, I was so use to treating my own wounds and dealing with pain that when they stuck that needle into me, I thought they were trying to poison me. Finally, after some convincing from Celestia, I decided to allow them to stick it in. Only to feel myself get very sleepy right after.

I couldn't help but groan as I felt my ribs, they didn't seem broken; so they must have been bruised. I also took note of bandages, a tube sticking out of my arm to a small bag filled with clear liquid, and the smell of some kind of anti-bacterial scent around the white room I was in. I noticed a window, a curtain, and an empty bed to the side of me.

"I see you're awake." A voice sounded to my left.

As I turned my hand went to my side, I immediately stopped however as I noticed Celestia and Luna standing there.

"Heh, or maybe I'm not and you two are just figments of my already fucked up mind." I said coyly, though it sounded more dark then it did in my mind.

"I would not call it 'fucked up' as you say it, but after that one comment about Discord I would at least congratulate you on being rugged and brash." Celestia said with a smirk; weird, thought I was the only one who could do that.

Shaking it off, I try my best to get up; but as soon as I try, some sort of golden magical aura holds me down.

"Please don't do that, you were already hit with the elements; that alone is surprising you were not imprisoned in stone." Celestia stated with worry, looking into my eyes.

I couldn't help but feel... calm, her voice reminded me of the mother I never knew. But I had to shrug it off, for I knew that my mother was a whore that slept with a drunken monster. I looked away from her eyes as I tried to voice my thanks, but before I could, I felt a feeling in my chest that almost made double in pain as I began coughing violently.

"Sister, it could be he has been affected by the elements." Luna stated solemnly at my coughing fit.

"*COUGH* What *COUGH* *COUGH* the hell are these 'Elements of Harmony'? If you don't mind me asking." I wondered as I finally felt air entering my lungs normally again without the urge to release it out as violently as all possible.

"Why, you've already met them Jacob." Celestia said warmly, this time though; I felt worried.

"Wait. How do you-" I was inturrupted by Luna before I could finish.

"Do not fret Jacob, twas' I that told our dearest sister thy name." Luna said, looking a bit embarrassed.

'Why the hell is she blushing?' I thought as I noticed the red hew that was on her cheeks.

I didn't even realize these ponies could blush. I sighed again as I rubbed my head. The past few days finally taking a toll on me as I couldn't realize; no, comprehend! What the hell was happening? I almost chuckled when I remembered the good times to where I got to shoot first, eat later. Now though, it felt as if everyone I met was an animal that wanted to talk to me.

I didn't like it.

"Sorry Celestia, but the sooner I get out of here; the sooner I can track down this Discord asshole and put a bullet in every body part he has." I stated with a hidden fury I only ever felt once I truly was mad.

Celestia seemed saddened at my response, most likely because I was not heading her warning.

"I am afraid it will not be that easy Jacob." She said, sadness definitely caught in her words. "Discord is no mere creature you can just slay. He is the embodiment of chaos, a god Jacob. You can't expect even a weapon like yours to-" She was cut as I raised my hand.

"Princess, I'm just gonna tell ya here and now." I stated, my patience wearing thin. "This Discord; I get it. He's a god and all that fucked up bullshit, but I was taught by a man who could take down the worst beast of the Dead-lands; and he taught me 'If it can bleed, it can be killed' and that's exactly what I'm gonna do." I said with finality.

I noticed that Luna seemed to glare in suspicion at me while Celestia seemed a bit shocked. I glared back, I knew that people always doubted something that was very hard to kill couldn't be killed. But that's one of the reason Dead-men exist. Were not simply hunters, killers, or even scavengers. Everything we do, every scar, skill, or weapon we've attained has been through blood, sweat, and tears. Like hell I was going to let this Celestia tell me what I can, and what I can't kill. God or no, this Discord was going to die.

Even if I have to go down with him.

The atmosphere after my sudden statement was so thick, I swear if someone were to slash at the air it would leave marks. Finally, the Princess sighed as she looked back into my eyes.

"I can't tell you to stay in Ponyville Jacob, mainly since you've already saved the Element of Honesty; the one called Applejack. But I will warn you, if you harm my little ponies; even if you do it to try to catch Discord," If looks could kill, I would duck at her gaze. "I will personally hunt you down, and I will banish you to the sun." Celestia said with a hint of finality.

More minutes went by, until finally I couldn't hold it any longer. The two Princesses looked shocked as I let out a chuckle, I stopped after a few seconds to look back at Celestia; my gaze a bit more calm but still holding that determination.

"Celestia, I know that you at least have an inkling of what my line of work is. I know that this human before most likely have told you about Dead-men. But the thing is, all Dead-men are brought up differently. You have your thieves, your liars, killers, hunters, smart-asses, cold and brutal types. But the thing that usually some up about all of us. Is we're survivors. Now, I would never hurt your little ponies unless they attacked me first. Like in the bar, those goons were already hated; that just gave me a little more reason to put them in their tiny, smelling places."

I finally smirked at her.

"But if an innocent is involved, you have my word that I will do all I can to save him or her unless there is truly nothing I can do." I said as my smirk grew even larger into a smile.

Celestia smiled back, though I could tell Luna was confused by this.

"Wait a minute. Tia, do you know what his job is?" Luna asked, suspicion and surprise in her voice.

Celestia blushed a little, as she looked away from her sister's gaze.

"I might have been told by Bob before he vanished..." Celestia trailed off as she looked back at her sister.

Of all the times I've seen people mad, I would not want to be in the way of this pony anytime of the week.

"I KNEW IT! YOU LIED TO ME! Why!?" Luna yelled at her sister, hurt plastered on her face.

Celestia sighed at her sister before offering a comforting nuzzle.

"I'm sorry dear sister, I will explain why I lied all in due time. Now then, we must go then Jacob." Celestia said as she turned around her sister following her.

Before she left though, Celestia turned her head back at me.

"Though if you ever need any help. Any at all, just ask my dear student Twilight Sparkle to send a letter to me." Were the last things she said as her horn glowed and both she and Luna vanished in a blinding yellow light.

"Blinding stupid ponies." I muttered under my breath as I tried to relax in the bed.

Minutes passed by as I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

I groaned more as I decided to sleep to pass the time. Calmly listening to the clock to lull me to sleep.

Tick-toc

Tick-toc

Tick-toc

Tick-toc

"GET UP!" The voice screamed as my eyes opened.

Volm was standing on top of me, already grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet.

"Come on! Get off your ass and move it you sod!" He yelled as explosions sounded off in the background and bits and pieces of ground were launching up into the air.

"W-what! What's going-"

"Were being hunted you dumb-shit! Now get out your gun and help me shoot these Goddamn monkeys!" He yelled as he started open firing into the air.

The air?

I looked up only to notice a giant looming shadow block out the sun. The thing was huge! It was too dark to make anything out but as I went to put my hand on my gun, Volm immediately grabbed my arm and started running.

"INCOMING!" He yelled again as the sound of firing came from the object, a few seconds later the ground we were once standing on exploded into giant geyser of dirt as similar explosions happened around the area.

Volm and I sprinted as fast as our legs could take us, turning around once every yard or so to fire at the attackers in the air. Eventually, we saw something in the distance that made both of us instantly pale.

"Okay, city or fight; city? Or fight? Damn, what do you think?" Volm wheezed as we continued running.

"Well at least we'll have cover in the city!" I yelled, myself also out of breath.

Turning around again, I took out my revolver and fired two shots.

*BANG!* *BANG!* *CLICK!*

"Dammit!" I yelled at my now empty revolver.

Finding no time to reload, I holstered it again as I focused on sprinting to the city in front of us. The buildings from here looked broken and decrepit. Almost a skeleton, thankfully this was a desert city. Nothing but the dead could litter the buildings here; only raiders or desperate survivors would still come here though, if there's one thing that's correct about all cities in the Dead-lands.

Is that no matter what, you will always feel the ghost.

The first time I entered one with Volm, I wasn't able to sleep for four days after. I asked once if they were there when the bombs fell. He merely replied, "Ain't no use worrying about the dead. Some just don't realize that there dead and continue on in their own world."

But that's only for the desert cities. The cities overrun with forest; are worst.

Mainly due to the fact the dead don't stay dead; instead, they get up and try to claw at ya. Guess that their "own world" already crumbled when that fungus gunk started growing on their bodies. My train of thought stops as we finally start nearing the old crumpled highways. After sprinting under one, we stop finally as we try to catch our breaths. Volm is already coughing trying to force air into his lungs, I put on a sad smile at the old man's age was finally catching up with him.

"Bloody fucking'ell!" He wheezed as he clutched his chest. "If I knew we were to be running that far, I would have brought more whiskey!" At that he pulled out a small bottle of the orange liquid.

I laugh at his addiction, before deciding to rest on the base of the cracked and shattered stone.

"You know Volm, if I didn't know any better; I would say that your old age is finally catching up! Hehe!" I chuckled as his eyebrows narrow.

"Fine then boy, I at least can drink without people looking at me strangely." He remarked as he smirked.

"Touche" was all I said as I started walking away.

I looked all around me at the crumpled and destroy debris that laid everywhere; I ducked down as an enormous shadow passed over our location.

"What is that thing?" I asked to no one in particular as it looked to be some kind of air-ship.

"That, would a military-grade Hunter." Volm mentioned as he crouched beside me.

"A Hunter? Why the hell is it after us then?" I asked as the shadow bounded away towards the city.

Volm sighed as he looked me in the face. His old haggard features shown clearly as he had an almost depressed aura around him.

"Because lad; you remember that letter that arrived in that town a few days ago, the one we re-supplied at?" He asked, his tone sad.

"Yeah, you seemed pretty sarcastic about it at the time." I stated as I remembered.

"Well, it was a warning. It's been almost seven years since the bomb's dropped, though hundreds were worried about the radiation, it were people like us; Dead-men, that use to brave the waste; these Dead-lands, for supplies that we could salvage. The thing is, over four years ago; people started to hate the Dead-men. Now that they made towns and such in the waste, they must've figured they don't need us no more." He said, taking a long swig from his drink.

"But a few days ago, I got that letter. That warning. They're hunting us in some towns now, treating us like fugitives." Volm was about to say more, but my anger at his words interrupted him.

"That's bullshit!" I shouted. "We! Are the one's who find these assholes, these criminals! And we deal with them. Not them!" I yelled, the information that was just told to me making me pissed. "If these uptight, snobby fuckers think they can just kill us off like god-damn animals! Then I say let's show them what the Dead-lands have to off-"

Before I could comprehend what was happening; the stinging in my right cheek brought me out of my stupor. I saw Volm glaring daggers at me like I just said to I would kill him right now.

"That's enough!" He yelled, grabbing me by the scruff of my coat. "If you just waltz on in and start killing the people who want to get rid of us; then what makes you think we are better than the scum we kill! Rapist, cannibals, arsonist, even the occasional drunkard here and there! We kill them because they're out of control! If you just start doing what they would do, then how do you know your not just like them!" He fumed at me, shaking my coat to emphasize each point.

I stared at him in shock. Normally when he got mad, it was over a trivial matter such as a branch ripping the tiniest fraction of his coat. But no, this time, he was truly angry. The look in his eyes told me a different story then what he was saying. He wanted to kill the bastards that did this just as much as I did; and yet, he seemed to restrain that urge.

I didn't even realize he let go of me, even as he turned and started walking towards the city. I snapped out of my shock to look at him. He didn't even turn his head, as he grabbed his shotgun and cocked it.

"One things for certain though," he started. "Were going to take that thing out, and were going to make sure it isn't used on other Dead-men, ya understand boy?" He asked, finally turning towards me.

I nodded with a grin.

"Aye, that'a boy." He said.

I ran to catch up with him as we began moving from cover to cover to hide ourselves from the air anyway possible. I smiled as I imagined the plan that old bastard was coming up with right now to take that damned airship out.

Permanently.

I gasped as I awoke from my slumber. I realized that more and more I've been re-living old memories. But I could only ask myself one question.

Why?

I know that out in the Dead-lands, that thinking about what you've done could get you killed; maybe one of the reasons why I didn't really ask Volm about why he did things like getting drunk before the job. But this was getting ridiculous.

I groaned and pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. How long do I have to stay in this hospital? A week? A day? I didn't know, but what I did know I said aloud just to calm myself of the noiseless atmosphere.

"It's gonna be a long day."

Author's Notes: