Resistance: Fall of a Man

by Final Resistance


A Problem in Paradise

A Problem in Paradise

Our apple selling competition has been going for about four hours by this point. Ponies have come and gone, buying our various apple products. With each sale putting us further from running the apple crusher the pressure is on to at least not be last. Applejack is in first with seventeen apples sold; I’m in second with fifteen sales, followed by Applebloom with nine apples sold, and finally Big Mac with three. Applebloom is doing all sorts of tricks to attract customers to her. She attempted to try and balance three apples on her head at one point. She went back to one though after she slipped and each of the three apples picked her competitors as targets. After a few glares, Applebloom got the idea that one apple would be enough.

I look to Big Mac and even though his expression is like it always is I felt his frustration. Few ponies even approached him during the morning rush sales. Those that did buy an apple from him were good friends of his including Spike. The little guy greeted us all before asking for an apple from Big Mac. It was Big Mac’s first sale of the day but it would only be the first of few. After that only a stallion and a mare have asked for apples from Mac. I was curious as to why Applejack and I got more sales until I saw a mare walk over to us. She was heading towards Mac until the last second when she changed directions and went to me instead. The mare looked determined to buy from Mac until she got close and changed her mind. That’s when it all came together. Even though he isn’t trying, Big Mac is scaring away his customers by just being himself. I feel bad for the guy, but this is a competition.

Applejack was getting the most attention at our stall. Ponies would greet her and buy an apple in the process. A smile and nod from the country pony would bring ponies over so they could experience more of her southern charm. A little chit chat here and there and ponies would move on making room for others. She would claim she had the best apples and the ponies would believe her. Her basket was full of apples at the beginning but now you could see the dent made by her friendly personality.

I made quite a dent in my apple basket as well. Ponies from the party would come up and greet me every so often. They would ask how I was adjusting to living in Ponyville and if I enjoyed the welcoming party Pinkie Pie through for me. I would answer each question and they would buy an apple placing me a little higher in our competition. Little fillies and colts would come up and ask for a story from my adventures and the monsters I have fought. Before I could spin a tale for them their mothers and fathers would whisk them away to finish their chores or errands of the day.

Soon the morning rush died down, and only trickles of ponies have come to buy apples from us. With nothing to do, my mind starts to wander and I start thinking about Chimera technology. It’s incredible the machinery and weapons those creatures came up with. Battleships that fly through the sky and rain fire down on cities below where always the big thing people would point to illustrate how out classed we really were. But even their infantry had amazing weapons to use against use on the battlefield. Stalker, Goliaths, hell they even turned some into living bombs and sent them through our lines. Even the Marksman on my back is from Chimera origins, but humans added our own special touches to make the weapon our own.

“I’m gunna head back home.” Big Mac’s voice startles me from my thoughts.

Applejack turns to Big Mac with a confused look. “Why?”

Mac lets out a sigh and takes a look at all three of us. “Only you and Resistance here have a chance of getting first. Applebloom is going to get third but no matter what I’m gunna be last place. So I figure I should just head back and get some more apple bucking done.”

It’s strange to hear Big Mac speak so much in one go. “Are you sure Big Mac? You could always make a comeback when more customers show up.” I offer.

He shakes his head. “Nope, what you saw is about the big rush of the day. Most ponies got enough apples to eat at lunch and only a few come by to get any for dinner.”

Applejack walks up and puts a hoof on Big Mac’s shoulder. “Ya sure Big Mac? Like Rez said, you still have a chance.”

Big Mac nods. “Yeeeeeeep, see ya’ll later.” With that he walks off back towards the farm.

“Well if he is gunna leave then I am too.” Applebloom says.

I look at her. “Why do you want to leave?”

“If I’m gunna be in third anyway, better use this time for some crusading.”

Applejack taps a hoof on her chin. “Ah guess you can go if ya want.”

“Yes!” Applebloom pumps her hoof into the air and dashes off to no doubt meet with her fellow crusaders.

I shake my head in amusement. “Man, I loved those younger years. The innocence and carefree spirit.”

Applejack giggles. “Yer talkin’ like an old stallion.”

I laugh with her. “I guess I am.” I look to the sky and watch as the clouds roll by. “I guess just after such a chaotic time, I am glad to have some peace and quiet.”

“Chaotic?”

“Oh it’s nothing, just been running around and moving for years. Now I found a quiet place to just calm down.”

“Is a life of a traveler really that stressful?”

I look at her. “You have no idea.”

*SPLASH!*

My wet mane covers my eyes and my body shakes from the sudden contact of cold water. With adrenaline flowing through my veins I jump to my hooves and start to scan the area. My wet mane smacking my face with each sudden movement. “I don’t see anypony at ground level which means…” I look up and greeted with the sight of a water balloon inches from my face.

*SPLASH!*

Again my body shakes from the cold water and my eyes blink rapidly to clear my vision. I hear laughter from above. I look through bleary eyes and I can see a bright pink blob on top of a building bouncing up and down. Next to the pink blob is a cloud with a rainbow tail hang off the side and swinging.

“What in tarnation are you two doin’?” Applejack’s voice calls to the two assailants.

The rainbow colored blob sits up. “Oh relax Applejack; this is just a little harmless fun.”

The pink blob starts to bounce even faster. “Yeah, all in good fun!”

My eyes begin to clear and the blobs clear to show my “attackers”. “All in good fun Rainbow? You dropped a water balloon on my head while I wasn’t looking. A cowardly act I must say.” I turn my head to look at the huge smile of Pinkie Pie. “You too?”

She nods her head rapidly. “Yep, me and Rainbow love to pull pranks on ponies. Hey, you want to go pranking too Rezzy?”

I shake my head. “Can’t, Applejack and I have a little competition going on and I can’t...” A mare walks up to me. “Hold on you two.” I turn to face the new arrival with a smile and a very wet mane. “Hello and welcome to the Sweet Apple Acres stand. How may I help you today?”

The mare has a light blue coat and a blue mane. “Hello, I’m looking for a few apples for lunch.”

“Well you have come to the right place.” I gestured towards my baskets of apples. “Take a look and let me know if you see any you like.” The mare moved over to one of the baskets and began to inspect each apple.

I already checked each apple before we put them in the baskets to bring to the market. The Apples have made it clear that there apples are always the finest and only the best will be sold to the customer. While each apple is the best it could be, the mare will do her own little inspection and choose her favorites amongst them.

While my customer is looking I return my gaze back to the pair of comedians to see that they have already targeted a new victim. While I would warn their target, I think I will just sit back and enjoy the show. I watch as Rainbow Dash’s cloud inches closer to get a perfect angle. She peeks over to see that the target has returned to her duties and doesn’t suspect a thing. Rainbow looks to her cohort and does a series of signals with her hooves. I don’t know if she actually said anything but Pinkie gets the idea and readies a water balloon. Rainbow dash does the same and she takes aim. I chuckled a little but I decide to give a last minute warning.

“Hey Applejack,” She looks at me. “Heads up.”

*SPLASH! SPLASH!*

Both balloons hit Applejack squarely on the head drenching the orange mare from head to hoof. “GAH!” She jumps into the air clearing a good 6 feet before coming back down to Earth, landing on her belly with a satisfying thump. She stands up with a glare and starts to shake her body like a dog. Water is flung from her fur to sail through the air to meet other ponies or objects. I move in front of the customer to shield her from the shower of water. The water feels good against my fur after standing out here in the sun for such a long time. After Applejack stops there is a silence in the air as we all stare at her. Suddenly her hair poofs out like a giant cotton ball, her eyes widen and the silence returns.

Applejack is glaring at us with a glare that could almost kill. She opens her mouth to say something only to stop and let loose a huge sneeze. The sneeze was powerful enough to send her a foot into the air and she landed creating a small dust cloud. That sends just about every pony present into a fit of laughter including me. Applejack was one of the few who is not amused by Rainbow and Pinkie’s antics. The customer taps me on the shoulder and I look to see her wiping a tear from her eye. She tries to speak but her words are interrupted by a few stray giggles.

“I-I *giggle* I would like *giggle* to buy these *more giggles* these apples please.”

I try to gain control over my laughter as we proceed with the transaction. “Three apples for six bits miss.” She
gives me the bits and I place them in the money bag. “Thank you and have a nice day.” With that she leaves but not before she takes another glance at Applejack. I turn back to the fluff ball and see her icy glare staring at me.

“What the hay Rez? Why didn’t ya warn me?”

I couldn’t contain a smirk. “Because dear Applejack, all is fair in love and war. This is a war.” I pat her now fluffy head.

Her glare only increased in intensity but as an idiot I can’t help but prod just a little more. “By the way the score is eighteen to seventeen. Looks like an Apple might lose to the new guy.”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Applejack rears up and charges at me. “EEP!” I spin on my hooves and start to tear down the street. “Hooves don’t fail me now!”

I don’t even look back to see how close my pursuer is and just focus on the street in front of me. My hooves clatter against the ground as I dash and dodge ponies. With each movement I can feel the rifle on my back jumping and smacking against my body. With every dodge and weave around ponies I am rewarded with a yelp of surprise. A few close calls here and there but I am able to keep ahead of the furious mare. With each slip up though, I can hear her thundering steps getting closer and closer. I push myself harder to keep ahead while cursing myself for not being able to fly.

*Whoosh*

A rope passes my head and I risk looking back at Applejack. My eyes widen to see her only about six feet back but the most disturbing part was that she had a rope now. “Where did you get a rope?!”

There is no reply, only a smile spreading across her face while she clenches the rope in her teeth. She spins the loop above her head and tosses it again. I dodge to the side, barley avoiding capture and not doubt a severe beating. If it keeps going this way she will guess how I will dodge and catch me. I make a large circle and start heading back towards the stand. “Maybe something could help me back at the stand.” A low cloud with a swinging rainbow tail appears. An evil thought crosses my mind. “Or maybe somepony.”

I look back and see Applejack still hot on my tail and getting ready to toss her lasso at me again. I put all my strength into my legs and sprint towards Rainbow’s tail. I hear the rope spinning faster and a snap follows closely behind. The lasso is in the air and heading towards me. “Come on, just a little more.” I’m losing the feeling in my legs but I’ve come too far to quit. I jump and grab Rainbow’s tail with my teeth and use my momentum to pull her down.

“Hey!” She screams as she is pulled from her perch. Just before she can turn and give chase herself the loop falls over her. Rainbow becomes tangled in the rope and struggles to get free. Applejack is to close to stop and plows into Rainbow at top speed. Both roll in the dirt for several feet before smashing into a tree and coming to a sudden halt. Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack are dazed but come to their senses quickly to find they are tangled up together. Both struggle to free themselves from the rope as a chorus of laughter erupts from all ponies that are bearing witness to the struggle of the two mares.

Pinkie’s laughter was distinguishable from all the others. She is still standing on a roof looking down at her two friends and enjoying the show. I breathe a sigh of relief knowing I just escaped a beating.

“When ah get out of this, you’re gunna pay Resistance!” Applejack screams.

“Leave some for me Applejack!” Rainbow joins in.

“Uh oh” I could feel a cold sweat coming over me. My breath is heavy after such an intense chase and my legs feel like they might give out. But if I stay here then I will get my beating anyway. I stand as quickly as I can and make a break for some place to hide in town. I look back to see the two still struggling to get free but now Pinkie has joined them by the tree. She starts to yank on several pieces of rope but only succeeds in binding the two even more. The two shout at her to stop and she reels back like she is hurt. Pinkie looks up and gives me a wink. I give her a smile and a nod. “Thanks Pinkie.”

Ten Minutes later

With my two angry friends far behind I decided to hide out in Twilight’s library. As I approach the door I see Spike open a window and hold out a scroll in his claws. He inhales and creates a flame that burns the scroll to ash. Rather than fall to the ground the ash forms a small cloud and races off somewhere. I stare in amazement before the young dragon notices me and waves. I return the wave and continue to make my way towards the door. My thoughts are filled with what I just saw and how that even happens.

Just as I reach the door, it opens up to reveal the smile drake. “Hey Resistance, how are you?”

“Hello Spike. Not doin to good right now.”

Spike’s smile disappears. “Why? Did something bad happen?”

“Two very mad mares are out for my sorry hide. I need to lie low for a few hours and I figured the library would be a good place to hide. You know books to read and friends to talk to.”

“Who did you make mad?”

I glance over my shoulder to see if Rainbow and Applejack had freed themselves. “I’ll tell you about it inside. May I come in?”

He stifles a laugh. “Well duh, of course you can come in it’s a library. It’s a public place.” He opens the door for me and I step inside.

As I enter the smell of fresh bake cookies greets my nose. It mixes with the smell of books to bring a calming sensation to my mind. I inhale deeply taking in the wonderful smell and I sigh in content. I hear a small laugh and see speak shaking his head. “Like the smell of fresh cookie do ya?”

I rub the back of my head. “Yeah, they smell great.”

“Thanks for the compliment. I would offer you one but they have my favorite ingredient in them and I’m sure you wouldn’t like it.”

“Is it nuts? If it’s not nuts then I don’t really care.”

“Well…it’s not nuts but they do have a crunch to them.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“I’m really sure you wouldn’t like them.” He tries to pressure me to not try a cookie.

“I bet you want to keep them all for yourself.” I point a hoof at him. I just want to mess with the little guy but he looks hurt from my words. I put a hoof gently on his shoulder. “Hey don’t look so down I was only messing with you.”

His eyes look blurry from the tears that are starting to form. “I know it’s just that my kind has problems with being greedy. I changed into a monster once and terrorized Ponyville not to long ago. No one was mad at me but it still bugs me that such a monster exists inside me. So you just brought up a painful memory by accident.”

I pull him into a light hug. It reminds me of times when Sentinels went to long without inhibitor treatments. They would turn into a Chimera and we had to put them down before they escaped. I only had to do it once and I wasn’t close to the guy who turned. His friend was there though and he lost control after I killed his buddy. He tried to kill me with a pipe he found but others pulled him off. It hurts to lose someone so close; I never blamed him for the actions he took against me that day. “Sorry, I’ll watch what I say in the future. So why don’t you go get those cookies? I’m gonna take a look around for a good book.” He nods and heads off towards the kitchen.

I watch until he disappears then I turn to the shelves filled with books. I look at each row trying to find a title that grabs my attention. “Algebra for young minds…nope…hmm…Chemistry for the gifted…maybe later…Biology of a Pegasus…nah…Checklist for dummies…maybe…Equestrian wars…yep.” I pull the thin book from the shelf and find a comfortable spot on the ground. I slide the marksman from my back and lay it by me. I crack open the book to see only two chapters. The first was titled the ‘War of Dragons and Ponies’ and the second was ‘Pony and Griffon war.’ I was about to read when the door opened and in stepped the homes current owner.

“I’m back Spike! Did anything happen while I wa-” Her eyes fell on me and she stares. I slowly raise a hoof and shake it a little.

“Hello.” Her gaze drifts from my eyes to the book in front of me.

“Y-you’re actually reading.” She sounds shocked.

I look all around the library to see if I had missed something. Finding nothing suspicious I turn back to her and she is still staring in amazement. “This is a library right? What else would I do here?”

She shakes her head and regains her composure. “I’m sorry; it’s just that very few ponies actually come here to get a book. Most new ponies say they will come but they never do. Only the students doing school reports actually stay for a little bit of time and even then they only look for basic works of literature.”

“Well they are just young colts and fillies. They have the attention span of rodents so it makes them interesting to be around.” With that she said she starts to walk up but stops suddenly and stares again. *sigh* “What is it this time?”

She points a hoof next to me and I mentally slap myself. Of course she would notice the Marksman. One of the most advance pieces of mankind technology is right next to me and the smartest mare I have met is staring at it. Hey, why don’t I just tell her I’m an alien?

It could work.

Shut up, I don’t need your comments...uh are you talking to me?

Yeeeeeeeeep.

How long have you been able to do this?

For a while now.

And you decided to do it today to mess with me?

Pretty much, yeah.

All right, just checking.

Twilight decided to speak up. “That’s not the same one from yesterday.”

I look at the Marksman then back to her. I shake my head. “Nope.”

Her eyes widen with excitement “What is it?”

I tap the Marksman. “This one here is called the Marksman. It fires bolts of energy rather than metal at high speed. Its light weight but extremely powerful and accurate over a distance.”

“Energy?”

Uh oh, better think of something smart to say. They have electricity but nothing like this. I don’t think I could even explain ion projectiles to her if I tried. What do I tell her instead of energy? It’s not like I could tell her it’s…magic.

Holy shit you had a brain storm.

I said shut up.

I turn my attention back to Twilight who has crept closer waiting for my answer. “Uh, energy. You know…like magic.” I tap the top of my head to indicate her horn.

She reaches up and touches her horn to get the idea. “You mean this…thing…fires magic?”

“Yes?” At my answer she sits on her flank with her mouth hanging open. I just put on a forced smile but I could feel her eyes boring into me. Thankfully a little dragon decided that now was a perfect time to enter and thank God he did. This smile really hurts.

“Oh hey Twilight. Whacha lookin’ at?” The dragon turns his head to me and angles it to look like a curious dog that doesn’t understand. With two sets of eyes staring at me I just want to get up and leave. However there are still two very mad mares out there looking for my blood so I best stay inside.

“Look I know it’s a shock, but come on it can’t be that big a deal.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING? THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL!” Twilight shouts causing me to cover my ears and Spike to jump back. “I mean look at that thing. You found a way to fire magic! You’re not even a Unicorn and you can now use magic! Just think of all the possibilities you have opened up! This is incredible!”

I start to blush and rub the back of my head. “Really it’s not that important.”

“Oh of course it is. I just knew you were the one to help us with our problem.”

This catches my attention. “Problem? What problem?”

“Well, you see-“

“I FOUND HIM APPLEJACK!!!” Oh shit.

The door to the library flings open and a blue blur makes contact with my side. “Oof!” I go flying into a shelf causing all the books to come tumbling down on me. “Ouch.”

Twilight stands up to shout at her raging friend. “Rainbow Dash! What has gotten into you?” Well at least she cares for my safety. “I mean look, do you have any idea how long this is going to take to clean and organize?”
Oh you bitch.

I stand up and the books fall to the ground opening to a variety of information. “Hey, he’s the one that tangled me and Applejack together!” Speaking of my boss, where is she? I turn and am met with a pair of angry green eyes.

Oh, right behind me. *WHACK!*

I go flying into another bookshelf and like before a waterfall of books cascade down on top of me. “Applejack, not you too.” The sadness in Twilights voice was clear.

“He had it comin’ Twilight.”

I decide to stay in my fortress of books this time. “Oh I’m sure I did.” I roll my eyes.

Rainbow closed in on my book fortress. Protect me dictionary! “Hey you tangled me and Applejack together. Not only that, you left us in the market place when you did it! I’m so embarrassed.”

“Well I think I will call it retaliation for throwing water balloons at me.”

“Oh yeah. The whole thing was really funny Twilight! You really should have been there! He was all like *gasp* and Applejack was all like *gasp* then they started to run around and around. Then Rezzy grabbed Rainbow’s tail and then there was a huge pile up and there was yelling and laughter. It was all so funny!” The new bubbly voice of Pinkie joins us in the library. I stand up from my pile a second time and see that Rarity and Fluttershy have arrived as well.

Fluttershy comes over and looks me over. “Oh my, are you all right? Do you need to see a doctor?”

I smile at her and shake my head. “No Fluttershy I’m fine. Not even and Apple family buck can keep me down.”

I get a glare from Applejack. “Oh ah took it easy on ya. Ya wanna real Apple family buck?”

I put up my hooves defensively. “No no, I’m good.”

“Good. Now then, why did ya call us here Twi?”

“What, you didn’t come here just to hit a defenseless stallion.” Again I put up my hooves for defense.

Twilight steps forward. “I called you all here because we have a problem. The other day something fell from the sky several miles outside a town on the edge of Equestria’s border. The Princesses fear it might be a new weapon developed by the Griffons. A few teams have been sent in but none have returned to report so the Princesses want us to
go with a group of guards and investigate.”

I had been listening intently to each of her words. Could another Sentinel team have survived? That would be a miracle if more of us made it off the ship. Only others I know of that were still alive were Hale and Capelli. But with teams going missing it doesn’t sound like a Sentinel. This is closer to a Chimera attack. “Twilight, can I go with you guys? This sounds dangerous and I think you can use all the pony power you can get.”

Twilight perks up at my question. “I’m glad you asked Resistance. You see I had Spike send a letter to the Princess soon after I went to find the girls. After seeing the little gadgets you have, I think you would be very useful in giving us an idea what we are dealing with.”

I turn to Spike. “Is that what you were doing when you burned that letter?”
Spike puffs out his chest to boast. “Yep, I can send and receive letters from the Princess.”

“That’s a pretty useful skill.”

“Yeah, it’s really co-“*Burp!* The little dragon spits out a puff of smoke. It swirled in the air before forming a scroll and falling to the ground. I stare at it before looking back to the little dragon.

“So…it’s pretty cool until a letter comes in huh?” A nod tells me everything. Spike moves to pick up the scroll and read us the contents.

“My faithful student, I am glad to hear you have made a new friend. I am even more excited that he may be able to help us with our current problem. Please bring him with you when you leave of the indicated spot. I will be waiting for you when you arrive. Signed, Princess Celestia.” With the letter finished Spike rolls up the scroll and places it with others.

“Well what are we waiting for let’s get going.” Rainbow dash was in the air when she is surrounded by a magical aura pulling here down. After releasing her, Twilight approached the eager Pegasus.

“Not so fast Rainbow, we need to prepare so everypony meet back here in an hour.” With determination in their eyes everypony heads out except me and the library’s caretakers.

“If you two will excuse me, I still have some cookies to finish.” Spike races off to the kitchen licking his scaly lips.

Now alone with Twilight I can ask her more questions about the mission. “Twilight, I need to know more about what we are dealing with.”

Her face brightens up. “Of course, it’s good to see somepony take an interest in what is going on.” She walks over to a package and opens it up. “From what we can tell the thing that crashed looks like it was carrying something. There is no door knob to get inside and all attempts with magic have failed to open it up. We have found a thing with strange symbols on it that we believe opens the door to enter but it is slow going trying to figure out the combination.” I can hear the shuffling of papers.

“Hmm…sounds like we are at a loss for opening it. Can you describe what it looks like?”

She shakes her head. “I can’t even begin to describe what it is. I couldn’t even say what most of it is.” She shuffles some more paper and holds something up. “We did get a picture of it though.” With her magic she floats the picture towards me. “They only had an old camera but the picture should be clear enough.”

The picture reaches me and I dread what I will see when I look at it. Everything she has said reminds me of my ship. But maybe I’m wrong, maybe this is nothing more than a piece of metal or part of a ship that came through the portal after me. Maybe just maybe this is nothing more than a big scare. With hope I take the picture and start to inspect it.

With each passing second my heart sinks further and further. “Oh no.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

“What? What is it?”

I don’t answer but look at the picture in front of me. Like she said the picture is a little blurry but clear enough I can see the door of the ship and is smoldering engines. I can see smoke rising from the engines indicating some fuel is still inside that has the potential to explode and kill others close by. On the outside of the ship I can make out some tubes that looked like they were carrying something. These ships have been known to drop canisters of Spinner eggs into populated areas and these look like the pods that would contain those eggs. In the picture it looks like ooze is dripping from it, most likely from the eggs inside hatching and the spinners looking for prey.

“What is it Resistance?” Twilights voice full of worry.

I slowly lower the picture to the ground and hang my head. “How? How could they be here too? I thought I was rid of them but now this?”

“Resistance?”

My is voice shaky and low as I say the words most humans were saying when I left. “…Fucking Chimera.”