*Beep*
*Beep*
*Beep*
GySgt Utah rolled over and reached for the alarm clock.
“Five more minutes…” He mumbled.
His hand searched the table next to him and it bumped something.
*Beep*
He opened his eyes to see a bleach white ceiling with a fan slowly spinning.
’Odd. I don’t remember the ceiling being white.’
Turning his head to the left he saw a plain blue wall with a small window.
’Where am I?’
*Beep*
He turned his head to the right and saw what was causing the noise.
’Is that a Heart Monitor? I’m in a hospital?’
His memories slowly began to return to him, one by one.
’Equestria.’
Bolting upright he looked around. He sat in a bed that was far too small for him, a small wardrobe sat in the far right corner with a small chair next to it and to the left of him stood his escape route. A small Door. He pulled the wires off of his chest it was then he realized that he was naked.
’Wardrobe equals clothes.’
Spinning around he placed his feet on the ground and cautiously rose to his feet. He put his arms into the air and stretched.
“Ahh...”
He made the short trip over to the wardrobe and opened it. His uniform, vest and helmet sat in a small pile at the bottom; his M4 on the other hand was nowhere to be seen.
“Fuckers took my gun!”
He patted down his uniform to find that that they had taken almost everything from his vest, everything but his M9. As he dressed himself he examined the M9 in his hands. He had no spare ammo in his vest, only the currently loaded magazine.
’15 rounds. Let’s hope I don’t have to use any.’
He slipped his socks then boots on and tied them up. Then picking up his holster he tied it around his waist and proceeded to pick up his helmet. He stopped when he heard clopping come towards the door. He reached down to the helmet, picked it up, placed it on his head and squeezed into the wardrobe. Just after he closed the wardrobe the door to his room opened.
“Now what did you say this thing was?” A male voice said.
“Well it told me it was a “Marine” or something.” A female said with a southern accent.
’Applejack?’
“…You sure this is the right room doc? I don’t see anypony here.”
“It’s gone?! It should still be asleep! Miss Applejack, could you please go and get security?”
“I’m on it.”
There was a loud clopping and GySgt Utah assumed that Applejack had run out. He was about to open the wardrobe when he heard hoofsteps right in front of him. He froze and gripped his M9 tightly. The wardrobe doors opened to reveal an orange pony with a doctor’s coat and a stethoscope around his neck.
“Sorry about this doc.” GySgt Utah said.
He wrapped his hand around the barrel of his M9 and hit the doctor with the butt of the pistol. The doctor crumpled to the ground with a thud. The Gunnery Sergeant hopped over the unconscious body and closed the door. He then looked around the room for another possible escape route. The window was far too small to jump out of and there were no other ways to get out, unless he bashed down the wall.
’The door it is then.’
He picked up the doctors body and placed it carefully in the wardrobe. Closing the wardrobe doors he looked back to the small door he would soon be walking out of. He pulled the slide of his M9 back and released it; making a loud Chlick sound.
“Let’s get this over with.”
He walked over to the door and cautiously opened it. His room sat at the very end of a long hallway lined with doors. He ducked under the small doorway, stepped outside of the room and closed the door quietly behind him. Pointing his M9 down the hallway he slowly began to walk forward.
’Wait, isn’t Applejack getting security?’
At that thought he broke into a sprint. Rushing down the hallway he quickly noticed how big the hospital was. He stopped when he reached a four way intersection. Looking down each corridor he realized he was lost. He looked to the right and saw something that jump started his legs. Applejack stood, surprised, at the end of the hallway with 4 pony security guards behind her. GySgt Utah picked a random path and sprinted down it, the hallway winded into corners and turns. He rounded a corner and found himself at a dead end, a large window stood before him with a table underneath it. He turned around and saw Applejack standing a few metres behind him.
“You again.” He said.
“Likewise.” Applejack retorted.
The security guards run up from behind her.
“Let us handle this, ma’am.”
The guards pushed Applejack to one side and rushed at the Gunnery Sergeant.
“I don’t think so lads.” He yelled.
Turning around; he flicked the safety off, ran towards the window and fired two shots. The glass shattered and he jumped through.
’Next stop: Ground floor.’
He flew through the air with glass shards spinning and falling around him. The ground rapidly approached and he positioned himself for a roll. He hit the ground hard. Glass rained on him as he stood up. He adjusted his vest, wiped glass off of him and looked up to the window, the security guards were staring at him with their mouths hanging open.
“See you guys later then?” GySgt Utah said.
The security guards shook their heads and moved away from the window. The Gunnery Sergeant was about to move off when Applejack stuck her head out of the window.
“That was just plain stupid.” She said.
“Well it worked. See you later!” He replied.
“I don’t think so partner.”
“It’s been a pleasure.” GySgt Utah waved at the pony then turned around.
His vision was filled with white as he bumped into something large and fluffy.
“What.”
He took a step backwards and his jaw hit the ground. Before his stood a brilliant white horse with a multicolored mane and tail that billowed in the wind.
“Oh crap.” He mumbled.
He dived to the side and ran past the horse. Looking over his shoulder he saw the horse look at him in bewilderment which then turned into a soft smile. He continued to run down the path not bothering to look back again. When he thought he’d ran far enough he stopped for a short breather and looked behind him again. The white horse was nowhere to be seen. He stood up straight and stretched. Turning around he tripped over something purple and fluffy.
’My luck these days.’
He flipped over and looked at the purple object that tripped him.
’Oh shit, is that another pony?’
He rose from the ground and examined the purple pony. The first thing he noticed was the dark red blood oozing from it’s foreleg. He tore the scarf from his neck and wrapped it tightly around it’s leg. Pressing his ear against its chest he listened for a heartbeat.
’God dammit, I was just about to leave this place. But i’m not going to sit here and watch this pony die.’
Scooping the pony up he rushed back towards the hospital. As the hospital came back into view, so did the white horse. He hesitated.
’Fuck it, i’m going in.’
As he rushed towards the hospital the white horse turned around with a soft smile on it’s face which soon fell as he got closer.
“No time to explain, just follow me.” He yelled as he ran past the horse.
He kicked open what he assumed was the front doors to the hospital. Several ponies that were sitting in the lobby looked up in surprise.
“I need a doctor.” He announced.
“With haste.” The white horse said in a majestic female voice as it trotted up next to him.
Several ponies with nurses caps rushed out with a gurney and wheeled it in front of the Gunnery Sergeant. He carefully placed the pony on the gurney and they nurses quickly rushed off. He looked around and then plopped into a nearby chair.
“What the hell is going on here?” He asked himself as he put his face in his hands.
He looked back up as he felt a hoof rest on his shoulder.
“You did the sensible thing.” The horse said.
“I’m glad you think so.” He mumbled in reply.
“I will have more questions for you later, but right now I must attend to my faithful student.”
‘You do that.”
The horse removed it’s hoof from his shoulder and looked around.
“Guards?”
There was a clunking and two more ponies walked through the door. These white ponies were clad in shining golden armour with blue plumes on the helmets. A pair of wings poked out of their armour.
“Princess?” One of them said.
’Talking horse Princesses? Ponies in golden armour? Yep, I’ve definitely lost it.’
“Could you please watch over our guest?”
“Of course, Princess.”
The guards came clanking over and stood on either side of the Gunnery Sergeant. The white horse smiled again and then left to follow the path of the gurney.
“You know that gold makes for bad armour?” He said as the horse disappeared around the corner.
The guards stood rock still and continued looking straight ahead.
“Oh I see how it is.”
The Gunnery Sergeant crossed him arms and sighed.
’I could leave right now, but what good would that do? I don’t even know where the Humvee is and even if I do find it, where am I going to go? Looks like i’m in a bit of a pickle.’
“What do you guys think? Should I leave?” He asked the guards.
“I wouldn’t advise that.” The guard on the left said.
“Good to see you can actually speak. I have a few questions if you don’t mind?”
He took the silence as a “No” but asked anyway.
“Who was that Princess horse person?”
The Guard pony on the left actually turned around to face him.
“What did you just say about the Princess, you ape?” It growled.
“Private! You are out of line.” The Guard on the right barked.
‘You heard what that thing said about the Princess!”
“Aye, that I did. It’s just trying to get a reaction out of us and it’s succeeding.”
“Look Lefty, do you mind if I call you Lefty?” He asked the guard on the left.
The pony grunted in reply.
“I honestly have no idea who the Princess is!”
“Really?” Lefty asked.
“Private...” The Guard on the right said.
The Gunnery Sergeant stopped talking and pointed a finger to the guard on the right.
“Look here Righty. Yes I’m calling you Righty. I’m just asking a question, what’s wrong with that?”
“...Fine. After this, no more questions. Alright?” Righty grunted.
“You have my word.”
“Very well, go ahead Private.” Righty reluctantly said
“Princess Celestia is the ruler of Equestria.”
“That all? Nothing special there.” The Gunnery Sergeant asked.
“She also lowers and raises the sun everyday.” Lefty stated.
“Whoa, what? She lowers and raises the sun? Buddy, are you high? Everyone knows that the sun stays still and that the Earth moves.”
“Listen to yourself, ape! Do you have any-”
“Private!” Righty barked. “Enough.”
“Yes, sir.” Lefty said.
Lefty turned back around and stood at attention again.
“Fun chat.” GySgt. Utah said.
He leaned back and put his hands behind his head. Taking a good look around the lobby he noticed every single pony giving him a frightened look. He looked to the main desk to see Applejack having a chat with the receptionist. He covered his face with his hand and looked down.
’Yeah, that’s going to work.’
“Fuck you brain.” He muttered.
“Well hey there sugarcube.”
’Fuck. What did I tell you?’
“Yeah, hey Applejack.” He replied.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were leaving.” Applejack smugly said.
“Yeah, I found a purple pony on the ground bleeding so I came back.”
“A purple pony?”
“Yep. A bit too much purple on that one.”
’Wait, wait. I think I know this pony. Memories don’t fail me now. Magical purple one... part of the mane six? Heh, mane. Wait that’s right, Applejack is a part of them too. So that means...’
“Jesus christ on a pushbike!” He exclaimed. “Twilight!”
“What the hay?” Applejack exclaimed as she jumped back.
“The purple pony I picked up was Twilight!” He said frantically. “And I think I know what caused it.”
’Bullet wound. Which means only one thing.’
“Where is she?! Is she alright?” Applejack burst out.
“Some nurses came out and took her from me. I think she’ll be fine, that Princess is with her.”
The Gunnery Sergeant stood up and towered over Applejack and the guards. The guards turned to face him and he held up a hand.
“Don’t worry fellas I’m just going for a walk.” He assured them.
“Well I’m going to have to ask you to sit down.” Lefty said.
“Up yours Lefty.”
He walked past the guards and Applejack who shouted objections at him. Walking to the front desk he saw the pony sitting there shrink as he got closer. He stopped right in front of the desk and smiled down at the receptionist.
“H-how can I help you uh, sir?” The pony stammered.
“Which room was Twilight taken to?” He asked.
“S-she just came out of surgery and is now in R-room 31. Down the h-hallway to the left.”
The pony managed to mumble.
“Thank you.” He said as he turned away from the desk. “Applejack? You wanted to see Twilight didn’t you?”
“O’ Course.” She replied.
“Well follow me.” He waved her over and began to walk.
“Halt!” Righty yelled.
The Gunnery Sergeant stopped, unholstered his pistol and pointed it at the pair of guards.
“I’ve had it up to here with your shit, so shut up before I do something I regret.” He barked.
“Sugarcube, put that away please.” Applejack pleaded.
He looked down to the orange pony and sighed.
“You guys are lucky she’s here.” He mumbled.
Flicking the safety back on he spun the pistol on his finger and then holstered it. He waved his hand forward and continued walking. Applejack walked nervously beside him while the guards walked cautiously behind him.
“27… 28… 29… 30… 31. Here we go.” GySgt Utah announced.
He stood next to the door and motioned with his hand for Applejack to go first.
“Thank you.”
Applejack raised a hoof to the small door and it swung open. She stepped inside and gasped.
“I’m sorry Princess, I didn’t know you were busy with Twi.”
“Whoa, what’s going on in there?” The Gunnery Sergeant asked out loud.
“Applejack!” A voice tired squeaked.
“Twi!” Applejack said happily.
“Who else is out there, Applejack? I heard someone.”
“Oh that’s just um… Oh get in here.” Applejack ordered.
The Gunnery Sergeant ducked his head under the small door frame and stepped into the small room. Twilight was lying in bed with bandages wrapped around her left foreleg with multiple medical machines wired to her. Princess Celestia sitting to the left of her and Applejack was standing to the right of the bed.
Twilight’s eyes widened as he entered the room and she cowered in fear.
“Was it something I said?” GySgt. Utah asked, confused.
’Oh right, bullet wound. Someone shot her, probably someone like me.’
The Princess gave him a funny look and then moved her head closer to Twilights. Her eyes widened and her face twisted with anger as Twilight whispered things to her.
’I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Chewie.’
The Princess was fuming when she looked up from Twilight and the Gunnery Sergeant shifted uncomfortably in his spot from her gaze.
“How dare you!” The Princess yelled.
“Hey, I didn’t do shit!” He yelled back. “I woke up on the edge of some farm and the only pony I met was Applejack.”
‘Is this true?” Celestia asked Applejack.
“That it is, Princess.” She replied.
The Princess sat quiet for a minute.
“If it wasn’t me, then it was probably another Marine. But the only reason they would of shot is if it was in self defence. You must of done something to provoke them.”
“F-fluttershy got angry and attacked their... “Ranking officer” I think.” Twilight muttered.
“That might of done it. What else can you tell me?”
Twilight went into detail about the storm she had heard last night and the unusual lights, going into the everfree to investigate, hearing explosions which turned out to be gunshots, stumbling across a clearing full of dead timberwolves, Fluttershy getting angry, flying in and getting “captured”, then finally Twilight coming under fire by the combined forces of the Marines and teleporting away after getting shot.
“Anything else?” GySgt. Utah asked.
“... They also had some big machine thing with lots of wheels.” Twilight said after a moment of thought.
“Wait. Did it have a long barrel coming out of it?” GySgt. Utah asked.
“Uh... it did.”
“Was it a yellow colour?”
“Yes? Why?”
“Where is the Everfree forest?” Gysgt Utah blurted out.
“Just on the outside of Ponyville.” Twilight said.
“We need to get there. NOW!” The Gunnery Sergeant said urgently.
“Why?” Celestia asked.
“Why? I’ll tell you why. They have tanks and they’re going to want to get out of the forest right? They also have Fluttershy who will tell them the quickest way out, which would be the way she first went in. They’ll drive out, see Ponyville and if they’re pissed off enough they’re going to come out of that forest guns possibly blazing.”
“Oh my.” Twilight gasped.
“Applejack, you need to take me back to my Humvee.” GySgt. Utah asked Applejack.
“Huh?” Applejack said in confusion.
“The box thing with four wheels.”
“Oh. Princess?”
“You may go. Be quick.” The Princess said.
“One more thing before we go?” The Gunnery Sergeant nervously asked.
“What is it?”
“Where’s the toilet?”