//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Day's of Future's Present // Story: Martin: The Endgame // by CrypticMetaphor //------------------------------// 2 weeks ago: After the exodus Weeks had passed since the incidents at Canterlot…the tenants of the Fairbridges household rarely speak of it anymore for good reason. The home itself had undergone several changes to accommodate the increase of occupants. The garage had been cleared out and straightened up to act as a makeshift bedroom for Fluttershy, Lyra, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie. Bon bon, Fleur, Rainbow Dash, Celestia, Luna, and Scootaloo inhabited the living room. Applejack and Applebloom slept in Martin’s room just for the sole purpose of being near him in their time of need. Alan insisted on offering to allow some of them to crash at his place but Martin said he didn’t want to put him on the spot to which Alan accepted. The humanized ponies realized that Martin, even though he had a job and got a fair amount of income, wouldn’t be able to care for them all even with Alan pooling in a bit of his paycheck. So four days after their arrival they all told Martin that they would get jobs. Even though he kept insisting that they didn’t have to, they stuck by their decision and headed out. Unfortunately only a few of them actually succeeded in their attempts, Bon Bon got a job at the local Sweet Factory at the mall, Fleur was booked to do photo shoots for product placement in magazines and Pinkie Pie worked at a downtown bakery. So far the ball was rolling fairly well, but there would be future complications which would escalate to the ultimate conclusion. * 4 Days before present date Martin sat on his couch in silent as he stared at the blank TV screen with a solemn look. Even though Martin tried to forget what had happened he would always see the smiling faces of those he didn’t save back in Canterlot and it always left a stabbing sensation in his heart. He looked up to see a smiling AJ standing beside the couch, she took a seat and hugged him close which caused him to relax. AJ looked into Martin’s eyes, “It’s all gonna be alright.” Martin chuckled slightly, “Hey, I’m supposed to say that.” They both embraced tighter and relished in the connection only to be interrupted by the smashing of glass. The both turned to see Lyra looking shocked and ashamed at a broken cup. Martin face palmed as Lyra raised her hands, “My bad, still getting use to the fact that I have HANDS!” AJ shook her head, “You’ve had hands fer awhile Lyra. Now yer just enjoin yerself.” Lyra smiled ecstatically, “Buck yeah!” * Same day: Equestria Jinx was standing with Discord and Chrysalis as they walked through Ponyville. The sun had not set for many days causing many plants to dry up or die and there had been a continuous overcast of grey clouds blanketing the land in a haze of depressing grey. Windows were boarded and doors were locked but the three rulers didn’t care that much because their business in town was of more importance. Jinx stopped at the villain’s destination and raised his hands in a framing manner, “What do you think hm?” Discord stroked his beard as he stare, “It’s more an eyesore if anything.” Chrysalis nodded, “Agreed, something must be done.” The trio looked at the Ponyville school house with looks of distaste and artistic contemplation. Jinx clapped his hands together, “Okay, we level this and the surrounding land and make a 100 foot high statue of us of gold.” Discord shook his head, “Nah, gold’s to overdone.” Chrysalis raised a hoof, “Silver?” Jinx shook his head, “That’s less expensive then gold.” All three villains stood in silence for three minutes till until they all said in unison, “DIAMOND!” * 2 Days before present date Martin and Alan stood before the front door with Martin holding the key in his hand. Alan looked at his friend, “You sure about this?” Martin nodded, “Hey we’ve been getting away with it so far.” Alan raised a finger, “Exactly my point. We have been going back and forth for 3 weeks now and our lucks going to run out.” Martin was about to unlock the door only for Alan’s hand to clamp down on his friends, “Listen to me! You have been a wreck since…you know what. It’s not your responsibility anymore.” Martin smacked Alan’s hand away, “To me it is.” Alan sighed in exasperation as they entered the bridge. When they saw Ponyville in its current condition they both looked at the ground in anger but then looked up and noticed a 100 foot high statue made of diamond depicting Jinx, Chrysalis, and Discord pointing to the horizon in an epic fashion. Below the statue sat a plaque that depicted one word, “OBEY!” Alan shook his head as he looked at the statue, “This isn’t a monarchy. This is a dictatorship.” Martin looked around at the blocked out windows and sighed in sadness. Both humans then looked toward Canterlot and gasped. Canterlot had several black dots in its skies along with a layer of cotton candy clouds in the sky above the castle. Alan narrowed his eyes at the spectacle, “Changelings and zombie guards most likely.” Martin nodded, “figures.” Alan looked at his friend once more, “What now?” Martin looked around at the scene before him once more and sighed. Martin grasped the handle of the door they had come through, “Working on it.” * As Jinx sat atop his black throne in silence he glanced at the changeling who entered. The changeling bowed, “Your eminencies, I bring important news.” Discord drank some glass, “Speak Burker Rater.” Burker sighed, “One of our scouting parties have reported in that the humans have been sighted.” Jinx smiled, “Perfect, you’re dismissed.” Burker left with a smile at a job well done as Jinx turned to Chrysalis, “Give The Squad the go ahead.” Chrysalis looked at him curiously, “So soon?” Jinx nodded with an evil grin, “Yes, I’ve let those ponies and humans live free long enough.” Explainations and Exposition are over. TIme to get back to business."