I sighed as I looked down at the two potions I had. Sure this was taking everything from them without their consent, but I was saving their lives in the process. Celestia might be nice enough, but she definitely wouldn't forgive them for killing her subjects. Even if they were just following orders. Sorry guys, but it's for your own good.
I unstoppered the bottles and dumped the contents into the waiting pitcher. After a bit one of them picked up the pitcher and poured everyone a drink.
"Here's to hopefully seeing tomorrow."
Everyone voiced their agreement and drank the alcohol. After a bit one of them, Lance I think, coughed.
"Damn, Enoch. What was in that!? It's burning like crazy!"
They all began coughing before one by one they slumped to the floor. I waited until I saw the flashes and turned into a pony and ducked inside. Slowly picking themselves off the floor were two earth ponies, a pegasus, a unicorn, a gryphon, and a fricking dragon! I guess it just randomly changes you given I was a Nocturne and nobody else was. They all looked around in confusion. The gryphon rubbed a claw to his head and spoke in Lance's voice,
"W-where... where am I? And... who am I?" He looked himself over and said, "What am I?"
I cleared my throat as everyone looked about in a daze. They jolted and looked at me in confusion.
"Listen up. You don't remember anything because of an accident that occurred while you were traveling. You need to follow me and I'll take you to out friend. She'll help you get adjusted and get back to your lives."
They all nodded except for the only mare. Commander had become an earth pony mare with a brown mane and tale with a light tan coat.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Jack. And I just saved your lives."
I silenced their questions before escorting them to Zecora. After briefly explaining what happened she gladly welcomed them and went about teaching them about Equestria. I returned to their old base and looked around. I turned back into my human self before opening a door marked "Prisoner." Inside Celestia was secured to a table and looked very cross. Her eyes snapped to me and she gave me a disapproving stare.
"Jack."
"Celestia."
"I assume you've come here for a reason."
I walked over and began undoing the restraints.
"Yup. I'm rescuing your butt."
She gave me a surprised look before smiling.
"How wonderful. I did find it hard to believe that such a naive pony, I mean, person, could truly side with those barbarians. I trust you weren't responsible for any of the attacks across Equestria?"
"Bingo. Although your sister seemed happy to hunt me down."
She sighed.
"Yes. I apologize for her. She is ever eager to prove to myself and our subjects the depths of her commitment to their protection after her banishment. Please don't hold it against her. Despite my opinion, she believes all humans are monsters undeserving of mercy. She isn't a bad pony, just... intense sometimes. I hope she didn't harm you."
"Nah, it's fine. Just please, don't bother me from now on. I'm going to get out of your mane so don't worry about me. Hopefully you'll never see me again."
Her smile grew sad.
"That's too bad. I quite enjoyed your enthusiasm during your stay in Canterlot."
"You mean imprisonment."
"You were given a suite in the castle."
"And put under house arrest. You would not believe how boring that got."
She smirked and gave me a mischievous look.
"Let's just agree to disagree. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you with my little ponies, but it is indeed wise for you to lay low for a bit. Now then, onto the matter of bringing those soldiers to justice."
"Sorry, but I already took care of them. You'll never hear from them ever again."
She nodded.
"Perhaps that's for the best. I do despise having to deal with murderers."
I finished with her restraints and removed the device from here horn. She stood and stretched before looking at me with a smile.
"I'll never forget your assistance, Jack."
She spread her wings and pulled me into a hug.
"Although you are a human, I'm happy to call you one of my little ponies."
"Oh stop, you'll make me blush."
She laughed before giving me a motherly smile and planting a kiss on my forehead.
"Feel free to visit Canterlot later. I know a certain doctor and guard who'd be ~very~ happy to see you again."
She winked before vanishing in a flash of light. I laughed and shook my head.
"Wow, what a brat. Doesn't even give me a chance to reply."
I casually strolled out of the base and began my journey for a place to rest up. Goodness knows I've been through some crap.
(Later that night)
Verdant sat, bored out of her mind, in her cave. She'd been playing solitaire for years and it never got anymore fun.
"I miss Jack and those two ponies. It was nice having people to talk to. Right Mr. Bubbles?"
She looked over at a small hermit crab sitting in a fishbowl. It blew some bubbles before scurrying into a small cave she'd built it. She sighed and began shuffling her cards. She heard a distance in the cave mouth and turned to see--
"Jack!"
She dove and snuggled against my chest as I fell over.
"Easy there Verdant! Calm down!"
"You came back!"
"Yup! And do I have a story for you."
She moved back to the center of her cave and made a seat for me out of her tail. I sat down and began.
"Well, it all started when I got drafted...."