> General Knoxx's end > by Senou Natsuru > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: I'm Dead. Wait, no I'm not. DAMMIT! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Several bullets clanged against the exterior of my custom Devastator, one finally punching through as Roland pulled out a Jakobs weapon. "They say your entire life flashes before your eyes as you die. Ah, it's a load of shit. No, wait. There it goes." Roland said nothing, instead electing to throw a slightly mocking, yet mostly serious salute my way. He used to be in the Crimson Lance, long ago. I guess despite hating me, he still respected me. A few minutes later, as I heard him running along a bridge shooting at something, I finally bled out, setting me free from this shit-hole of a planet. I'd expected that to be the end, I knew Roland would stop whatever kept bringing me back, as I was a serious threat. Guess the universe hates me. My eyes snapped open, unexpectedly, considering my heart should have been gone. Looking up, the sky was a much more cheerful blue than the dry, dreary excuse of a sky on Pandora. It was almost enough to make me forget that I wanted to just stay dead. Not really wanting to believe I'd been cheated of the death I so longed for, I pinched myself. Sure enough, it hurt. "DAMMIT! What does a guy have to do to stay dead any more?!" Sighing, I sat up, noting the absence of my Devastator, which really wasn't bad, I mean the thing was meant to make it so I wouldn't die. Looking around, I most CERTAINLY was not on Pandora any more. Pandora doesn't have cartoonishly bright forests, or wolves made of wood. Doing a double take at that, I pulled out my sidearm and put a round through the wooden wolf's head. As it collapsed, I realized that this place was possibly as dangerous as Pandora. I also realized I just killed something that could have given me what I wanted. God damn soldier reflexes. I guess it's for the best though. If I could catch it before it killed me, it probably wouldn't get the job done. Standing up and turning around, I saw a little cottage at the edge of the forest. Whoever lives there must be brave. Stretching my back, I walked to the door of the house and knocked. > Chapter 1: Meeting the Locals. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fluttershy's POV _____________________________________ I heard somepony knocking at my door, and wondering who it was, walked to the door and opened it. Seeing a tall, pale figure there, I immediately slammed the door, scared of what it might be. Another knock. "GO AWAY! NO VISITORS RIGHT NOW!" I squeaked out. A sigh came from the other side of the door. "Look, I'm not going to hurt you. That part of my life is long over. I need to talk for a second, and I'd rather do it inside, away from that forest with the wooden wolves." Wooden wolves? This thing encountered timberwolves and got away? "You mean Timberwolves?" "Yeah, if that's what you call them. One almost got me, had to put it down," It said. "Much as I love the weather here compared to Pandora, I don't like talking through the door, so would you PLEASE let me in?" "Oops." I muttered, somehow having forgotten that the creature was still locked out of my home. Unlatching the chain and pulling the deadbolt, I pulled my door open. "I'm so sorry about that, you just look like nothing else I've seen before mister......" Knoxx's POV _________________________________________ "The name's Knoxx. Used to be a General in the Crimson Lance, but Roland put that to an end." I grimaced, pulling one of my last five cigars out of my vest and lighting it. "And I've gotta say, I can't say I've ever seen a horse quite as small as you, or with wings. Most horses are almost as tall as me, and not yellow with a pink mane. What's your name?" "My name is fluttershy," the little horse mumbled. Thank god for auditory implants. "Well Fluttershy, It's nice to meet you." I said, leaning down and ruffling her mane. "I know I'm not on Pandora anymore, but would you be so kind as to tell me what planet this is?" "Umm, you're in the country Equestria on the planet Equis." She squeaked. "Equis huh? That's not in Atlas-controlled space. Never even heard of it. I really hope Atlas doesn't come here, that's for sure. They'd probably try to strong-arm you ponies into doing their dirty work. I doubt I even carry any authority with the Lance anymore, so I wouldn't be of any help there," I shook myself, "Well, It was nice meeting you, but do you know where I could find some information around here?" I asked. At this, Fluttershy perked up,"Oh, of course, let's go meet Twilight! She should have the information you need! Follow me, she lives at the library in Ponyville. By the way, I'm what's known as a pegasus." Raising an eyebrow, I respond," A pegasus? Where I'm from, pegasi and unicorns are are myths." Laughing quietly, Fluttershy replies, "Well Twilight is an Alicorn, which is a unicorn with wings. You also might have to stop her if she starts rambling about a whole new species. I can tell you're going to her for something specific. Let's go Mister Knoxx." I followed her out of her cute little cottage, waiting patiently as she locked it up. Those wings can apparently be used for more than just flight. "Lead the way Fluttershy," I said after she finished and turned towards me. Nodding she turned away from the door and trotted off in the direction of a town I hadn't noticed until now. Cute little village, with thatched rooftops and wooden construction, kind of like the earliest Earth homes. Taking a long drag on my cigar, I followed after her, ignoring all the shocked gasps and odd looks that were directed my way. Soon enough, Fluttershy stopped in front of a tree and knocked on a door that was somehow part of the tree. The door opened and Fluttershy was yanked inside by some purple energy, before it was slammed shut. Sighing, I kicked it in and walked through. "Now, Miss Twilight I presume, I really do not appreciate you yanking my friend away from me just because my appearance caused a panic in the town." Taking another long drag on my cigar, I continued, "Fluttershy here was kind enough to lead me to your humble abode in hopes that I might procure some information for a little thing I need done. Now I'm not going to tell you what that is, but rest assured, it's just a simple thing that this old soldier needs, and boy have I been denied it for far too long." Drawing my sidearm, I place it on the ground and raise my hands, showing no hostile intent. "Why did you place that thing on the ground? Is it a weapon?" Twilight asked, tilting her head. Remembering that her door was broken down she lit up her horn and everything shifted back into place. "Yes it is Twilight. It's my pistol, or sidearm, a small firearm used as a backup or for spaces where a larger weapons would prove pointless. I was a bit vain when I had this one made, and ordered it gold-plated. Atlas Is always a bit generous to it's higher ranking officers. Oh, yeah, right. Should any other beings like me show up, they might not be nearly as kind. Humans can vary from kind and generous, like Fluttershy here, to absolutely heartless and murderous. My former subordinates rank among the latter, so take care to stay under the Crimson Lance's radar, but I digress, I am not here for a warning, I am here for a simple piece of information." At that Twilight perked up, responding immediately," Oh, we have plenty of books here, they should be more than enough fo-" I quieted her with a finger to her lips. "It is a question I have for YOU , not something I think I could find in a book. Do you know who the most powerful sentient being on this planet is?" I asked, quietly. "Oh! That would be Princess Celestia! She raises the sun every morning and sets it every evening. Why?" She asked, tilting her head curiously. "Heh, with that kind of power, my request should be of little difficulty. Where is she?" I respond. "Uhh, she lives at the royal castle, in Canterlot, that city on the mountain not too far away from Ponyville if you get a train ticket." "Great, hey, do you think you could get me an audience with her? I need a simple favor, one that pretty much anyone could get done, but I'd rather it from the strongest sentient I can find." I reply, closing my eyes and sitting down in the lotus position. "I AM one of her fellow princesses, so it shouldn't be too hard," Twilight replied, before turning to a staircase behind her and shouting, "SPIKE! COME HERE PLEASE! I NEED YOU TO TAKE A LETTER!" Soon after shouting that, a little purple reptile raced down the stairs carrying a parchment, ink bottle, and quill. At those implements, I chuckled. It's been at least 50 years since I've seen writing utensils use ink. "WOAH!! DUDE! YOU LOOK LIKE A MINOTAUR!!!" the little reptile , presumably the Spike Twilight had called for, shouted when he saw me. At this, I started laughing in earnest. "Sorry little guy, but I'm just a human," Reaching over to ruffle his spines, I continued," The name's Knoxx, used to be a general in the Crimson Lance." "Wait, you used to be a high ranking military officer?" Twilight asked, apparently surprised. "Yes, and I'm not going to be asking for a position in your military, if that's what you think. Seventy years of that is plenty for me, thanks." I replied. "SEVENTY YEARS?!?! HOW OLD ARE YOU?! AND HOW ARE YOU IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE?!" Twilight shouted, obviously shocked at the length of my service record. "Ninety-three years old. Regular calisthenics and I routinely lead PT. Those 100 kilo packs don't let you slouch, that's for sure. Bend over even slightly and BAM! You're either flat on your face being crushed, or on your back," I said with a laugh. "100 kilos?! You can lift that much? Not even Bulk can lift more than 50!" Spike exclaimed. "Seventy years in the Crimson lance will do that. The armor you wear, while powered, is still heavy. It weighs about 20 kilos, and when you're on patrol, you're wearing the crap constantly. I digress, we're getting off topic here. Twilight, could you continue with what you called Spike down for?" I replied. While this has been nice, I'm still weary of life. "Oh, right. Okay Spike, let's write that letter. Ahem. Dear Princess Celestia, A strange being who walks on two limbs has recently appeared in ponyville. He is not immortal like you or Princess Luna, but is still of great age, and wishes an audience with you. He was once a very high ranking officer in a military known as the "Crimson Lance" and has a simple request. While he will not tell me, he insists that it is of peaceful intent and that, I quote "Is just something this old soldier needs." He has told me that seeing as you are the most powerful sentient being on this planet, you should have no trouble with his request. Despite the fact that he broke my door down after I pulled Fluttershy from his side, he has, thus far, proven to indeed be peaceful. He even went so far as to place his sole weapon, a 'pistol', on the ground shortly after breaking down my door. Despite his age and... unhealthy habits, he is in fact in EXCELLENT physical condition, and apparently can lift, and perform exercises, while carrying 100 kilograms of weight. If you could respond as quickly as possible, it would be appreciated. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle," As she finished dictating the letter, Twilight nodded at Spike, who blew a breath of green flame at the parchment, burning it up and sending the smoke out of the window towards Canterlot. "I'm assuming those flames do more than just burn things. Judging by the direction that smoke went, I take it that's how you get letters to and from your Princess Celestia?" I said, cocking an eyebrow. "Yes, actually, and when she replies, Spike burps up a scroll. You're about the first person to NOT question that," Twilight replied with a giggle. "I've dealt with weirder communiques , like dead drops left in a gigantic bullet," I said with a chuckle. We chatted for a few minutes, but soon we heard a belch from Spike, signalling Celestia's response. Twilight walked over to Spike, and after opening the scroll, smiled at me. "Well, what was her response?" I ask, genuinely curious as to whether or not I could actually get an audience with this powerful being. "Dear Twilight Sparkle, While I am legitimately surprised by your letter and the contents of it, I would gladly see this being you speak of. Enclosed is a train ticket and a pass to get by the guards should he need it. I look forward to seeing who you speak of soon. Sincerely, Princess Celestia," As Twilight finished reading this, she gave a huge grin and levitated the ticket and pass over to me. "Looks like your request just might have a chance at going through, Knoxx." Smiling softly myself, I took the ticket and pass, and noting the time the train departed, snapped up my pistol and holstered it, before bidding Fluttershy, Twilight, and Spike goodbye. After leaving the treehouse, I stood up straight and headed for the train station, having learned where it was from our idle chatter earlier. My cigar finally sputtered out, so as I got to the train station, I threw away the stump in a trash can. At the ticket station, I had to kneel to show the ticket pony my ticket to get on the train. Noting that my ticket was for the first class car, I stepped in to the car near the front, behind the engine. No surprise, there were a bunch of fancy ponies with all sorts of stuffy attitudes and expensive accessories. I couldn't really stand straight in there, so I found a seat and sat down, stretching my legs and garnering a few nasty glares that I returned with interest. Apparently these high class ponies can dish it out, but not take it, because a couple fainted under my serious glare. Realizing the transportation here wasn't very fast, I decided to relax and take a nap. > Chapter 2: Celestia can't, but somepony else can. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The loud blaring of the train whistle wakes me up, and after grabbing my pass off the seat next to me, I stand up and walk off the train. Of course the moment I do, a commotion starts up, and instead of just gasps and looks, this time there's screaming. "God damned civilians," I muttered, pulling another cigar from my vest and lighting it. Taking a long drag, I start off in the direction of the castle that I assume this "Princess Celestia" lives in. Soon after striding off, I feel something sharp poking my chest. Looking down, I see that it's a spear, and behind it is a pony with white fur and gold-colored armor. "A spear? Really?" I ask, before pushing it aside and snapping the tip off. "STOP RIGHT THERE!" A voice shouted out. With a groan, I turn towards the voice and pull my sidearm. Of course, it's another armored pony, this one with wings. "Look buddy, I just want to speak with Princess Celestia, and you guys constantly stopping me is NOT helping," I fire a shot straight up, which startles him greatly, and before he can recover, I stride off again, headed for the castle. Hearing them behind me again, I pick up my pace, reaching a brisk jog. "STOP RUNNING. WE HAVE ORDERS TO APPREHEND ANY AND ALL SUSPICIOUS BEINGS ENTERING CANTERLOT, AND WILL USE LETHAL FORCE IF NECESSARY!" One of them yelled out, and this irked me to no end. I rounded on him, and shouted right back,"NOW YOU LISTEN HERE SOLDIER!I HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO EARN THE IRE OF WHATEVER MILITARY OR LAWKEEPING FORCE YOU MAY BE PART OF!" At this point, I was in full drill sergeant mode, barking out orders at volumes that would make recruits want to cover their ears."AS FOR YOUR ORDERS, I HAVE COME HERE WITH THE GRACES OF A PRINCESS AND I HOPE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT A SERIOUS TRANSGRESSION IT WOULD BE IF A SENTIENT BEING UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A LEADER SHOULD BE APPREHENDED WITH LETHAL FORCE! AS SUCH, I EXPECT YOU TO BACK DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND BRING ME TO PRINCESS CELESTIA! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR SOLDIER?!" At this, they all recoil and flatten their ears in embarrassment. "Apologies sir, we were informed that a former military leader would be coming, but not what said leader would look like, or how said leader would act," The lieutenant responds. "I accept your apology soldier, now, would you please escort me to the castle, I have a request of Princess Celestia," I said, amicable enough after his apology. Soon enough, we were at the gates of the castle, and after showing the pass sent by Celestia, I enter and proceed through, getting lost fairly quickly. Swallowing my pride, I stop a pegasus maid flitting by. "Pardon me miss, I appear to have lost my way. Would you be so kind as to show me to the throne room? I believe that's where Celestia would be right now." Apparently, by now the castle staff had been informed of what I looked like by this time, as instead of screaming, she simply looked startled. "Ah! You startled me sir. I take it that you are Celestia's special guest for today? The former military leader?" she inquired politely. I gave an affirmative grunt, "That's me, and I'm certainly happy you didn't scream at me. There's only so much of that I can take." After taking one last drag from my cigar, I stub it out and crush it, asking, "Where's the nearest trash recepticle? I'd rather not just throw this on the ground." With a laugh, she points behind me, "Right behind you sir." Laughing myself, I turn and toss it in the waste bin, before turning back," Thank you, now could you lead me to the throne room ma'am?" "Of course sir," she replied, and then we were on our way. Soon enough, we were at the doors to the throne room, but the maid had to return to her duties, and left me. These doors were enormous, bigger than the hatch back at my old armory on Pandora! Sighing, I push at the doors, and surprisingly enough, they swing aside easily. So easily that I accidentally slam them open. "Oops." I mutter, walking through and closing them, albeit much more gently. Walking in a bit further, I see a much larger white furred pony with a horn and wings. "Ah, sorry about slamming those doors, I was expecting them to be difficult to open, considering their size." I say, walking up and standing at attention. "And just what might you be? Are you the leader of that 'Crimson Lance' Twilight sent a letter about?" she inquired, politely. "That's me, name's Knoxx. I take it you are Princess Celestia?" I respond, pulling out a cigar. "That is me. What is that in your hand?", she said, tilting her head slightly. "A cigar. One of my last three. You don't mind if I light it up, do you?" I asked, holding the lighter open, but not sparking the flame. "Ah, that's what Twilight meant about unhealthy habits. No, I do not mind. While it is not something I do, I've seen several cigarette smokers around the city. I take it cigars are similar?" she asked. Flicking the wheel on my old fashioned Zippo, man that brand has some staying power, considering they were around on Earth before space travel, I spark up a flame and light my cigar. Taking a long drag, I exhale a cloud of smoke, away from Celestia, so as not to get it in her face. "Kind of, actually, where I'm from, cigars came before cigarettes. Pipes came before those, and honestly, the ones Atlas supplied were damn good. Flavored tobacco, if you'd believe it. These are cinnamon. Most other generals prefer unflavored or more sublime flavors, like applewood or hickory." At this she giggled a bit, and I got a good look at her eyes. They were the eyes of someone who's seen many hardships, had many people they cared for die, had that kind of gleam that shows power, and above all else, had seen time pass in that way that it does when you're of an absurd age. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I'd say you're MUCH older than you look , Princess. I'd wager you're older than Atlas and the big 5 all put together." At this, she stopped giggling, and recoiled a bit. I continued on," Matter of fact, I'd be willing to bet money that you're older than modern civilization back on humanity's home planet." Sounding completely shocked, Celestia responded, " I am indeed very old, over 4000 years old in fact. How could you tell?" "It shows in your eyes. The power, wisdom, and pain in them reminds me of that which I see in my own when I look in a mirror, multiplied a thousandfold." I reply in kind, my posture sinking. "Knoxx.... you are certainly wise beyond your years, my sister would likely argue that you are immortal based on that statement alone. Tell me, what brought this up?" Celestia said, suddenly serious once more. "Allow me to answer that with another question. Have you ever had someone you care deeply for die because of an order you had to give out?" I asked. "All too many times Knoxx.... I had to banish my sister for a millennium, and she only recently returned. Star Swirl the Bearded died because I had to send our most powerful mage to defend our city...." Celestia replied, head drooping. "Now imagine EVERY subordinate you had in times of war was someone close to you. I took it upon myself to greet and get to know every raw recruit, knowing I would eventually be sending them to their death one day. Tell me, would you be able to deal with that for 50 years? Or even one? I have, and I was betrayed by those very soldiers not too long ago." A shocked gasp. "How horrid! I-" Celestia was about to say, but I cut her off. "I was sent to a dry, dusty, piss hole of a planet to get something done because my SIX year old CO decided it would be a good idea. I failed because of one of my former subordinates. His name was Roland, and I could tell that even after he killed me, he still had respect for me. I know this because in my last moments on that world, he saluted me, somewhat mockingly, but still seriously. I had honestly hoped for that to be it, but it wasn't. I'm tired of life." "What do you mean?" She asked, worry evident in her voice. "I'm asking you to kill me. I'm DONE. Sick of the crap. Sick of the betrayals, and just plain done with life." I replied, my tone weary. "I... I don't know what to say...." She replied, uncertain. At this, I smiled comfortingly, albeit a bit wearily. "You don't have to say anything. A bolt of that energy I've seen some of the ponies around here using, and I'll be done, gone. It's what I need, and I'd rather it from someone who knows the pain I feel, who knows what it's like to be betrayed by someone who they thought they could trust, rather than some random deadly creature. God knows Pandora had enough of those. My request, the one I refused to inform your former student of... was to give this old soldier a dignified death." "I.. I'm sorry Knoxx. I can see your pain, and how badly it hurts you, but I cannot take your life. The best I can do.... is bring someone who can." As she says this, her horn lights up."I have contacted my sister, and asked her to come to the throne room. She knows your plight as well as I do." Soon after, a midnight blue pony with wings and a horn, slightly smaller than Celestia, strides in. "Sister, what is it that you need?" She spoke, with an air of dignity and chivalry about her. "Luna, I would like to introduce you to our guest. His name is-" Celestia said, only for me to cut her off. "Knoxx. Now just by looking at you, I can tell you're the warrior out of the pair. Your sister could not find it in her to complete my request, and so the duty falls upon you." I said, looking her dead in the eye. "Very well. What is it you ask of us Knoxx?" Luna replied, somewhat taken aback at my forward attitude. "I'm tired of life. I'm DONE. Your sister has heard this already heard this whole damn thing, so I won't make her hurt any more. I'm asking you to kill me." I said, seeing an almost mirror image of everything I saw in Celestia's eyes." I know you're more than powerful enough to do it. So please. Give an old soldier a dignified death. One he deserves after all that he's been through." "Very well Knoxx. We can see the pain you've endured, and it mirrors what we've been through. I shall allow you to finish your cigar, then I will do it." Luna replied, slightly shaken, but unbowed. "It's been out for five minutes now. Be sure to have your military leaders smoke the last two I have for me." I said, stripping off my vest and undershirt, which both had protective plates on them. "I see. No reason to delay then. 'Tia. Look away. I know why you couldn't do this." Her horn glowed a bright teal, before a beam of light of the same color flew out, aimed directly for my heart. The last words from my mouth after I felt it pierce through me were proof that they had done the kindest thing possible for me at that point."Thank...... you"