It's been a little over three hours now. The aliens were still here, still downstairs doing whatever the hell they were doing. I paid little mind to them; they were not my problem anymore. My only concern at this point was the woman sitting down in the hallway, as far away from her previous prison as she could stand without having to be near the stairwell. I had a feeling that it had something to do with the aliens downstairs, considering that she didn't seem to bothered by my presence; in a sense anyways. She was keeping her distance from me, refusing to be in the same room. However, it was clear that I was her last priority in the distance game, as she lingered outside the doorway of the room I was in.

When I first got up here, I had fully expected her to be gone. To have risked the second story window or something. That, or to have rearmed herself and prepared for a fight. I was fully prepared for both. However, she was still there, far calmer than she was before, just sitting down in the hallway in her newly acquired thermal suit.

Don't get me wrong, she practically threatened me with a glare that said 'don't get to close,' but it was clear that she was far from outright attacking me. All and all, she was quite calm.

I kept to her wishes, maintaining my distance and entering one of the empty rooms near her; so I wasn't blocking her escape per-say. With this, she seemed to stop giving me that look, and returned to her own thoughts. Still not quite sure what she was thinking about, or what the hell she was doing in the first place, but she's stayed like this for this entire time. I lingered around the doorway, and tried talking to her. Asked her name, where she came from, how she ended up here; questions along those lines. However, it seemed as though she had no interest in talking. So, I left her be, resolving to move over to one of the windows in my room to keep watch over the bodies in the distance.

That is more or less how it's been this entire time. I keeping watch, the aliens doing their thing down below, and the woman sitting quietly in the hallway.

I'll be honest, there was a certain awkwardness about this. For the first time in a long time, I've ran across a situation I had absolutely no clue how to approach. My resolve was to leave her be and assume that eventually she'll actually say something. However, as time goes by, it is more and more apparent that she planned on just remaining silent. She was very content with not saying a damn word, and that was a problem.

My current plans for her was to figure out if she had a bunker somewhere out here, a place where I could get restocked; as I really need to. Maybe, if I could determine that I can trust her, I could even get her to travel with me for while as back up; big 'if' here. However, none of this was possible if she wasn't going to talk, and I had no clue where to start. Don't think 'hello' or 'how you doing' was going to work at this point.

More time passes, and I start to get a little irritated. Three fucking hours and she hasn't said a damn thing. I may have saved her, but at this point if she was going to be as useless as the aliens down stairs, I was going to give her the boot as well. It was time to give an ultimatum.

"So, why are you still here?" I asked rhetorically.

Looking back at her, I could see that this had gotten her attention, but still said nothing. She just looked at me quizzically, questioning the question it seemed. I was quick to make myself clear.

"No one is keeping you here you know. You can leave, especially if you are going to act like this. I got to sleep at some point, and I'm sure as hell not going to trust you if you keep this act up. If you want to be a mute, be one somewhere else; preferably miles from here." I stated, looking back out the window at the corpses; they were all still there.

I didn't bother looking back to see her reaction, it didn't matter either way. I gave her choices, either she leaves, she stops being quiet, or I force her to leave. Either option worked for me, even if it meant I lose a potential place to restock. Still, it was a lot better than be robbed or killed in your sleep.

She remained silent for a little bit longer. However, she ended up making her choice hardly a minute later.

"Anabel, my name's Anabel." She said quietly.

A name... Well, that was a start... Now, I guess, it was my turn to ask another question.

"Nice to meet you, Anabel. You from around here?" I greeted and asked. Though mostly just asked. Needed to know which bunker she hailed from, it any at all.

If she is from around here, then it is likely that she's from a bunker that I've haven't heard of, a place that I might drop by if I get the chance. If not... Well, I guess this was a bust. She's not really much use to me otherwise. As much as I would entertained the thought of bringing her along with me as back up, I wasn't sure I trusted her that much. She did just go full psycho on me twice... If you count her only screaming at me the second time.

"No... I'm, uh... I'm a long ways from my bunker." She near mumbled.

Well, shit. Guess that's a bust. No resupply for me. Guess I will have to tough it out harder than I thought. I think back to the aliens, things would be a lot easier with their supplies...

No, I made the right decision. Bringing them any further than here is too much of a risk. I have enough to survive... The supplies is not worth the risk!

...Maybe I can nab a bit of their supplies before they leave though. It wasn't like they were going to need it going back to where they came from? Yeah, seems like a plan. I'll see to that once I...

My train of thought was interrupted as a sharp hunger pang hit me out of nowhere, reminding me of the fact that I have indeed gone an entire day without food.

...once I fucking eat apparently.

Completely forgetting that Anabel existed, I took off my bag, and began to shift though it, looking for anything edible. The first thing I came across was the 'apples' I got the aliens... I put them to the side, not willing to risk alien food unless I had absolutely nothing else. I shifted though the bag some more, trying to find anything to eat other than alien food. I was unsuccessful...

Yeah... I guess I definitely ate the last of my food supply. Now, it was down this this alien 'fruit.' Do I risk it, and possibly die of food poisoning? Should I just hold off? Maybe I'll find something tomorrow?

Another pang...

...It's very unlikely...

Goddammit, this close to New York and now I've been presented the choice of possible quick maybe painful death or slow definitely painful death. I just can't catch a break, can I?

As I'm trying to make my food decisions, Anabel's voice interrupts my train of thought for the second time.

"I-Is that an apple!?" Anabel asked, sounding quite shocked.

I looked up at the mention of 'apple', wondering if one of the aliens had made their way upstairs and uttered the unfamiliar word. However, that was not the case. It was in fact Anabel who said 'apple.' She was staring right at them, a look of shocked recognition on her face. This completely baffled me. How did she know the name of this food when I didn't, she doesn't look like an alien to me...

"You... know what this is?" I asked, sort of dumbly, trying to figure out how in hell she knew what this was

Now it was apparently her turn to be confused, as her face contorted from shock of seeing the 'apple,' to being utterly confused by what I just said.

"You don't?" She asked skeptically.

I thought for a moment, deciding whether or not I should admit to the fact that I never heard of an apple before... When they are apparently a thing here on earth. Interesting... Apparently apples did exist on earth, least when it was less fucked up. Just another thing I don't remember I guess...

Anyways, I decided to not answer the question, and ask one instead. Killing two birds with one stone. Didn't particularly want to admit I didn't have a clue.

"Want one?" I asked, throwing her an apple.

Yeah, I was definitely intending to use her as a guinea pig at this point. Apples may have existed on earth at one time, but apparently not anymore: considering I've never heard of them in or out of the bunker until now. These were alien apples, and I wasn't about to be the first one to try them. If this girl was going to be of any use, she might as well start by taste testing.

Yes, it's sort of fucked up, but it was either this or we both possibly starve to death. Cannibals don't exactly have sanitary snacks lying around.

Thankfully, she didn't even hesitate, catching the apple and taking a bite out of it with a distinct *CRUNCH*. Apparently they are very crisp... Her face seemed to light up a bit as she seemed to savor the flavor of the foreign fruit. It appears that it tastes very good.

"That.... That's the best apple I've ever had. Where did you find these? Apples are practically extinct." Anabel asked, suddenly very talkative.

I thought about the answer to that question very carefully. Something told me that telling her that those apples came from the aliens downstairs would probably set her off; probably not a great idea at this point considering how she's been so far... I decided to make something up.

"Abandoned bean farm, I found these in a random refrigerator." I lied.

If she knew I was lying, she certainly didn't show it as she practically inhaled the rest of the apple with zero hesitation. It seemed as though these apples tasted fine to her, if the look of satisfaction on her face was something to go by. I was not about to deem the apples safe yet, but it appeared as though they didn't taste off.

"Must have been an amazing refrigerator, haven't seen an apple in years..." She said, drifting back into her own thoughts.

At this point it returned to silence, and some time passes. She continued to look up at the ceiling, and I continued to watch her inconspicuously to see if the apple was having any effects on her. It didn't appear to... Unless staring randomly up at the ceiling was a side-effect.

After about five minutes passed, I decided to get her attention again, to see if the apple made her brain dead, or something...

"You alright?" I asked.

This seemed to snap her out of the trance she seemed to be in, turning her attention back to me.

"Wuh? Oh... Sorry, I was just remembering things... The last time I had an apple... it was around when this all started. My mother gave it to me. She told me 'Remember this apple, it will be the last good thing you remember. Remember this apple when things get bad, then they'll be good again.' I... I was remembering that apple now, and feeling a little guilty for enjoying that last one so much... That was supposed to be the last one I had..." Anabel replied.

I wasn't sure how to take that one... That could have been the apple as much as her emotion trauma. It could be that the apple is a hallucinogen that is effecting her mind, or it could be the fact that she was under the loving care of cannibals for god knows how long? Impossible to which it was at this point.

Either way, it doesn't really seem to be killing her. If there were any ill effects from eating the apple, I would have seen at least a sign by now. From this, I can possibly be assured that the apple isn't going to kill me; but it might make me high.

...Another hunger pang....

Fuck it... what's the worse that can happen?

Finally deeming the apples safe for consumption, I, hesitating a little bit, picked up an apple and took a bite.

A very odd, juicy, crisp, sweet flavor, exploded in my mouth. For a second I almost spat it out in surprise, as the flavor nearly overwhelmed me. It subsided after a second, and became very pleasant and refreshing. Chewing a couple of times then swallowing, I found myself taking another bite. These 'apples' were... pretty damn good. I can't say that I've every ate anything that was this powerful flavor-wise before.

I wasn't feeling altered however, no sort of druggy effects clouding my mind, so I guess no hallucinogens. 'Fine by me' is all I can say.

I finished my first apple and moved onto my second. I was feeling much better now, The hunger pangs subsided, and I felt ready to take on the world. I definitely need to nab the crate of apples before the aliens leave, they won't need them.

First things first though, had to deal with Anabel.

I didn't think I was going to cast her to the wind just yet, she might still know something useful to me. Otherwise, maybe I just need to get a better look at her state of mind, see if she's worth keeping around. Could always use someone to watch my back.

"So, where are you from?" I asked, starting the conversation.

Let's hope she's not as crazy as our first encounter.

By now, Twilight had ran every diagnostic she could think of in order to find any minuscule or major problem with the crystal. However, she couldn't find a single thing wrong. The crystal was in perfect health, whatever the problem was, it wasn't with the crystal. It had to be something else... but what few issues it could be left was completely out of their control. Portal control could be having issues on their end, the signal wasn't getting though for some reason... which would be impossible considering that they've tested it thousands of times in many different locations to ensure it would work... It just didn't make any sense! Why wasn't portal control responding!? Twilight was very frustrated at this point. She felt very... helpless.

The feeling was mutual with the rest of the team. Within the hours that Twilight had been at work trying to figure out the problem, the team was getting more and more anxious. The possibility of them being stuck here was becoming very real. The fact that they just lost their one way to make it out here was not helping either. If they couldn't get this portal to open before John left them behind... They didn't want to think about how long they'd last on a world like this.

Lyra still believed that they shouldn't have let John go like that. Clearly, he wasn't thinking straight, simply acting out of anger. Justified anger, but anger none the less. As time pressed on, Lyra knew that they needed to fix things with John; soon. As much as everypony didn't want to admit it, their was a big chance that they'd be stuck here for awhile. Without John, there was a huge chance they wouldn't last that long. That being said, they needed to mend relations. The real question for Lyra was as to how.

Shining was also beginning to realize his mistake in letting John cut them loose without so much as a fight. They crystal clearly had some issue with it, and it seemed as though his sister can't find out what was wrong with it. If Twily couldn't figure it out, then there was something severely wrong, something beyond their control. In that case, it was very possible they might be stuck out here longer than they'd like. As much as he'd hate to admit it, without John's advice, they'd wouldn't make it out here very long. For sure, they needed to mend relations, but Shining was unsure that was possible anymore... He hoped that he didn't doom his team by letting John go like that.

Sky was quietly fuming to herself. She wasn't about to admit it to anyone at this point, but she was terrified. Terrified that they were not going to get off this Celestia damned planet, terrified of what might happen if they tried to tough it out by themselves. Clearly, they were never meant to be here, if they stayed here, even for a day, something was going to crawl out of the snow and eat them, or as John said: 'god knows what else,' to them. Sky's imagination was going wild with thoughts of that last part, and she wanted no part of that. She just wanted to go home, take a shower, get laid, and forget this entire mess of a mission she volunteered for. She can't believe she let Iron drag her into this manure...

"'It will be fun!' He said... 'It's an entire new world!' He said... Of course he forgot to mention the fact that at any moment we are going to get butt raped to death and eaten by some alien tentacle monster that protrudes from the ground." Sky ranted quietly to herself.

Iron could just barely make out what Sky was saying. More or less he got that Sky was silently cursing him for asking her to come along; and something about a tentacle monster... Iron almost wanted to point out that it really didn't take much convincing to get her to come along. Tartarus, most of his squad wanted to come along, but he figured that Sky would appreciate it more. However, he decided that it wasn't exactly the best time to be counter arguing. Best to let her blow off steam now, Celestia knew they all needed to at this point.

Sparks was more or less trying to think happy thoughts. She really needed to at this point, otherwise she'd be thinking about how completely fucked they were if this crystal didn't start working soon. However, unlike the rest of the team, she didn't believe John would be their savior in the alternative scenario. Sure's he'd help them last for awhile longer, but even he is mortal. They did find him dying outside their tent, to one Stalker that had likely claimed the lives of many other of his kind. If even John or the rest of his kind couldn't survive effectively out here, given all they know, what chance did they have?

Fluttershy was trying to remain hopeful, they were going home very soon after all. Sure, there were some problems with the crystal, but she knew Twilight; she would fix it. It was only a matter of time... How much time she wasn't sure, but she would get it, and they would all go home! Eventually...

Fluttershy's most concerned thoughts were really focused towards John, she still had that question in her head. What was to become of him? Were they going to leave him when the portal finally opened? Was he too dangerous to bring back to Equestria? Fluttershy still didn't know the answer to that particular question, but she did know that it would still be wrong to leave him; or the female human for that matter. Fluttershy had pretty much made up her mind, that she would try to convince John and the other human to come back with them, away from this horror and misery... Of course, the last question that would remain at that point would be if they even wanted to leave.

But why wouldn't they, this is a horrible place. Filled with nothing but death and hopelessness. Why would anyone want to stay in a place like this? What would possibly be left for them? Nothing, nothing at all, Fluttershy assumed. She was going to convince them, then she was going to make them better. Fluttershy swore this to herself. She was not going to allow them to be left behind.

Daring was still in contemplation over all the mistakes she's made since she's got here. The stalker, punching John, the traps... She's been making stupid decisions since she got here, and she was supposed to be the survival expert here. However, so far, she's done nothing but risk the team. What was with her? Why was she so off her game? Was it John, and how much he aggravated her? No... Was it her own arrogance? Most likely... She had been doing this for so long, she guessed that she had just assumed that she knew what she was doing.

Back in Equestia, the sort of improvisation that she tried to apply here worked all the time. Back in Equestria, she knew her enemies, the ruins she explored, the terrain she's traveled through... She knew it all, it was predictable, she could react at a moments notice, and come out just fine! But here... Here it wasn't predictable. Here she was in unfamiliar territory, none of her usual tactics worked. It bothered her... and in her own arrogance, she's made several deadly mistakes... Mistakes that could have gotten them all killed... Daring had underestimated this world, and now it was determined to consume them.

...but she was not going to let it. Not anymore...

Daring decided that she was done underestimating this world. For now on, she was going to start treating it as the hazard that it is. She wasn't going to tread boldly, she was going to tread carefully. No more improvising on the spot when possible, never taking risks too big for a positive outcome, planning ahead whenever possible. She was not going to make anymore mistakes, may this world strike her down if she does.

Daring got up, feeling like a new mare, ready to take on the world. Of course that would have to wait, for at the moment she had one thing she had to do first... It was time to talk to John.

Daring may have hated this human's guts, and would really like to punch him again. However, she knew that they needed him if they couldn't get this crystal to work. He knew this world a flank load better than she could ever dream of. With his knowledge, they might actually be able to stand a chance. As much as she would like to continue holding a grudge, she knew it would not help her, or the team, in anyway. If biting her tongue and at least listening to any advice John had to give help them survive long enough to get back home, she would do it.

The rest of the team took notice as they saw Daring get up and move towards the stairway with a purpose. Immediately, they took concern. For all they were concerned, she was heading up there to try to kill John.

"Daring, what are you doing?" Shining asked, or more like warned as Daring reached the stairs.

"To go fix my mistake." Daring stated simply as she began her way upstairs.

To the team, 'fixing my mistake' could have meant a lot of things, not all of them good. Considering her track record with John since they've gotten here, they weren't about to just let her go up there and handle things. That was a job for somepony for sure, but certainly not Daring.

"Daring! No offence, but you going to fix anything right now doesn't sound very appealing." Sky barked up at her.

Daring paused half way up the stairs. That last little stung a bit. It was quite apparent that the team was becoming skeptical of her abilities, becoming nearly unwilling to trust her to do anything right at this point. However, that was about to change, she was going to redeem herself by getting John back on their side. She already knew what she needed to say, she just needed to say it... Hopefully it would be enough... Hopefully she wasn't about to fail the team again.

"None taken. Please, I know I've been screwing up, but not this time. That crystal is obviously not working, and it probably won't work anytime soon. If that's the case, we are going to need John. He knows what he's doing, we don't. If he leaves us, we are going to die out here. As much worth as my profession opinion take be taken for now, that is pretty much a guarantee. I have to do this, it's my mistake to fix. Excuse me..." Daring finished before she continued her way up.

"Yeah, somepony need to talk to him, but not you! Get back- and she's gone. What do we do?" Lyra asked, giving up ask soon as Daring disappeared upstairs.

"Well, we can't barge in now, we'll just make things worse... Let her do her thing. If worse comes to worse... well... Let's just hope she doesn't screw up again." Sky said.

Everypony seemed to agree with this as they made no move to stop Daring from doing whatever she was going to do. They hoped that she wasn't going to do anything stupid this time. Otherwise, they weren't sure they'd be able to save her this time.

So, apparently she is from a bunker that is in fact very far away. I would know this because I've been there before. Bunker 'Foregone Hope' as its occupants called it. Something about that bunker being the place where fighters go to die... They have the highest casualty rate of any know bunker that we know of. It wasn't always like that of course, it was called 'Foregone Hope' because at one time, it was the bunker with the least casualties known to us. Slowly through time, Though, the casualties of the bunker rose and the hope of those who lived within had degraded into near nothing. So, hence the name.

The last time I was there was three years ago... I think. The population was around fifty at the time. Probably a lot lower now, that is if it even exists anymore. Of course, it could still be alive, the people who live there were stubborn as hell. Despite the punishment they went through, it remained a human safe point up to the time our scouting party visited to resupply. Don't really know what they are up to nowadays, if they are up to anything at all...

Anyways, it was very far away, least two weeks journey from my bunker, a bit over a month from here as a rough estimate. I had to question what a woman from a slowly dying bunker was doing all the way out here? Scouting parties usually don't move this far away from their bunker, not unless they were on a mission to a specific location. Also, when it came to Foregone Hope, they usually try to keep any and all fire support close by in case of an attack on the bunker itself. So, it was very strange to see someone like her out here. I ended up asking what she was doing out here, and where the rest of her team was.

The last answer really didn't surprise me, but the first answer...

"We were heading to New York, it wasn't an official mission... It was more personal. I had five people with me, close friends throwing in their support, and trying to get away from the bunker at the same time... They figured they'd be dead within a week either way, so might as well help me with my demons... Thought that would be a much more noble cause to die for... Jack, Larson, Keith, Jennifer, and Kevin. They're dead now. Kevin... just disappeared one night and we never saw him again. I have a feeling that had something to do with the stalker that killed Jack and Larson the next day. We killed it, and moved on... then we got attacked by those cannibals. Keith and Jennifer died in the fighting, then it was just me..." Anabel explained.

So yeah, second answer didn't surprise me, but good to know that she didn't have anyone looking for her. It was also a shame though, could have had more people supporting me... The first answer though, I thought was a neat coincidence. She was heading to New York too? For personal reasons? Very interesting. I wanted to ask her more, but decided I shouldn't push to far for now. If she wanted me to know what her personal reasons were, she probably would have told me. So instead I said:

"Sorry for your loss." I uttered, taking one last bite of my second apple before tossing it to the side.

Seemed like an appropriate thing to say. I didn't know them, but they were human, and they died fighting. For that, they earn a respect mutually granted to all those who die fighting. So, Jack, Larson, Keith, Jennifer, and Kevin... hope you're at peace... wherever you are...

"What about you? Where are you from? Why are you out here? And where's your team?" Anabel suddenly asked.

I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. One way conversations seem to have a habit of becoming two way eventually. I decided to answer more or less like she did, tell the truth about the bunker I'm from, tell the truth about where I'm going, tell the truth about my non existent team, but keep my reasons to myself.

"Bunker Southern Persuasion, heading to New York as well, no team unless you count my canine companion Spike." I answered.

Fun fact, the reason behind the name was solely because our overseer was southern and owned a AK-47. Only reason, we thought it was hilarious.

Anyways, she seemed to be also surprised by the coincidence of our mutual destination. Maybe even surprised that I've made it this far on my own; relatively speaking. However, her questions didn't seem to end there. She decided that she needed to know my reason.

"Why are you going to New York?" She asked.

Unfortunately for her, that wasn't exactly something I wanted to get into. My personal baggage was just that; personal. No one really needs to know my reasons. However, I would give a hint to know what her reasons were. Clearly it was something important, almost as important as my reasons. There's nothing in New York, nothing but lost memories. So, what could she be looking for? I made an offer.

"Personal reasons, but I'll tell you if you tell me." I offered.

She hesitated at the offer, and seemed to think about it for a second. However, she quickly shook her head, deciding to keep her secrets. Shame, I guess I'll keep mine too.

As soon as I thought a silence would wash over us once again, suddenly, I was asked one last question.

"The aliens, the ones downstairs, the passive ones... are they real? You can see them, right? It's not just me, right?" Anabel asked.

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time before I was asked this. I could lie, and just convince her that's she's just imagining things. They'd be gone soon too, so that would make it all that more convincing. However, I really don't see any point in that. First off, she would immediately know I was lying, and then she would start causing problems. Second and lastly, it's really not worth of trouble to lie about it. I might as well just tell the truth.

"Yes... Yes, they're real."

She seemed to take this in. However, this answer, unsurprisingly really didn't give her any clarity. She only seemed to become more confused, and only have more questions. I guess I will have to answer them to the best of my ability.

"W-why aren't they... Why aren't they attacking? Why aren't you attacking? You are clearly not enlightened. It... It's not making any sense."

Thankfully, I pretty much knew how to answer her question. In a short, time manageable way.

"It's... a long story. The short version is that we met, we tried to kill each other, and it didn't quite work out how I imagine... They begged me not to kill them, tried to reason with me... They and the aliens we fight, clearly they aren't the same. Wherever these aliens came from, they are clearly not from the same place our enemies came from. Their tech is far below ours, coming nowhere close to what the aliens we fight are capable of. As far as I'm concerned, they are just lost and a very long way from home. Either way, they won't be a problem much longer, they'll be going home soon. You don't need to worry about them." I explained in the best and shortest way I could.

"I... I see." Anabel responded, seeming to accept the information I've given her.

Well... now that's over with. Time to make some decisions.

Clearly she isn't all gone yet, there is still some semblance of a sane individual inside her. So, she could still be useful. How good of a fighter she is, or a survivalist for that matter, I personally haven't witnessed yet. It's one thing to see some one attack you with a knife, another to see them in action with a gun. She could be as useless as the aliens downstairs, but at least she's human; I'm willing to take a risk on her. So, if she decides she wants to, we'll travel together to New York.

I was actually about to ask the question. However, looking back at Anabel, I saw her staring, or more like glaring, at something down the hallway. I sighed, as I could pretty much guess what she was staring at, especially as I hear cautious set of four footsteps making its way down the hall. The question was now, which one was it?

"Uh... Hi? You know where John is? I need to talk to him." I hear the voice of Daring Bitch say.

Well, fuck my life.

Daring knew what she needed to say, she just needed to say it. She just needed to tell John their situation, apologize for being a massive bitch, and try to make him understand that if he leaves them here, that they were probably all going to die. She knew that John was a massive flank hat, one who didn't seem to care about them one way or another, but she also knew that he still had some semblance of a soul. If he didn't, most if not all of them would already be dead by now.

If he knew their situation, he wouldn't leave them here to die. She knew that some part of him would not allow himself to do that, especially after what he told them about people and their 'Humanity.' Something told her that John wouldn't want to become anything like those monsters outside. So, he would listen... He had to.

He had to...

Of course, first thing was first. That first thing was in the form of another human, slightly different looking from John anatomy wise, but she could tell it was human. A female human for that matter, the rest of that team had briefed her about what had happened. This was the human that held her captive.

Daring couldn't see John anywhere in sight, and it looked like that she would have to deal with this human if she wanted to find him. Well, this was certainly awkward.

Daring took her first step forward, cautiously as she really didn't want to be seen as a threat. Her first step forward, surprisingly, despite how quiet she was being, immediately caught the attention of the female human. Now she was being glared at. Yep, definitely awkward.

Well, Daring wasn't going to get anywhere if she back off now. So, she continued her way forward, slowly; trying to avoid making sudden movements.

"Uh... Hi. You know where John is? I need to talk to him."

The female human's only response was to get up, pick up a piece of debris, and start down at Daring threateningly; causing her to stop in her tracks. Though clearly not as well armed as John, this human was pretty intimidating; probably even more so than John.

Woah! Okay! Easy... I don't want any trouble, I just want to talk to John! Could you... put down the rock please?!" Daring tried to reason, trying to avoid a fight.

The female didn't seemed deterred at all. In fact she took a step forward and looked like she was about to charge Daring; making the pegasus very nervous. Daring could put up a fight, but she didn't want to find out how good this human was with that rock.

Thankfully, for everyone involved, John came out of his hiding place and intervened.

"Anabel, calm your shit. I just explained that they are not a threat." John practically snapped at the female human.

The female human, now known as 'Anabel,' gave John a sort of glare that said "So?" However, she did relax, if only a little bit.

Daring was thankful for the intervention, least for a little bit. Then, she got the same look from John. Suddenly, Daring was back to being nervous. When it came to the intimidation game, John definitely won this one.

"I'll handle this, go see if you can find more of your equipment or something." John told Anabel, not taking his eyes off Daring.

Anabel hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided that Daring wasn't worth her time, merely muttering something under her breath before she walked away; disappearing into the 'bag room' as Daring remembered.

Now, it was just Daring and John alone. John looking like he was not very happy to see her. This only emphasized by his next statement.

"So, Daring Bitch, the fuck do you want?"

It took Daring a bit of willpower to bite her tongue and not lash out for John constant name calling. However, Daring was up here for a reason, and she was not intending to put herself at a disadvantage solely to satisfy her impulses.

"Alright, I know I screwed up, and I know that I've been... Not the most pleasant pony to deal with-

"That's an understatement. Also, pony? That is what you guys are called? Interesting... Not that I care." John remarked snidely.

That took a Tartarus load more willpower to not outright attack him then and there, but she did snap a little bit.

"Dammit John! This is serious! I'm trying to apologize here and... and trying to tell you that you can't leave us behind just yet." Daring got out.

John was completely unaffected by Daring's little outburst, though he did raise an eyebrow at Daring telling him that he couldn't leave them behind. Clearly because he knew this to be false. Daring was pretty infuriated by this.

"Actually... I can... and I will! Ain't that a thing? Of course I'm a bit curious at to why you think I can't leave? I believe I made myself clear that you all need to go home. Planning to stay or something? That isn't my problem." John said, blowing her off.

By Celestia, this human was intolerable! Daring was really holding back at this point. She knew that she was in no position to lash out or make any snide comments of her own. She needed him on their side, and she couldn't let the team down again. Not again...

"John, please, you don't quite understand. Right now, there's a chance that we might not be able to go home... If that's the case, and if you leave, we are not going to last out here!" Daring managed to get out.

At this point, Daring was expecting another snide remark, or something else she would definitely have to weather. However, much to her surprise, John held his tongue, and looked at her very confused. Looked like Daring was finally getting through to him. At this point, Anabel poked her head out of the bag room, seemed to be listening in on the conversation. Daring briefly wondered why that statement gained her interest, but ignored it and continued on.

"I'm sorry, what? What do you mean you can't go home?" John asked.

Daring was getting hopeful now, John was no longer insulting her. That meant he was listening. Now, it was time to explain the situation and try to get him to stay. This was going to work...

"I mean, there's a high possibility that our ticket home won't work, it hasn't been working since we got to this building. So, if you leave us, it's likely that... John?" Daring started to say, but the look developing on John's face caused her to stop in concern.

John's expression, at this point, turned very serious. He was looking like he just came to a startling realization; or like he's seen a ghost. Getting down on one knee, he looked Daring straight in the eyes, making her very uncomfortable. Why was John acting like this... Why did he look scared? Ever since she's met him, she's never seen him look scared... The same expression was also on Anabel's face, who was now standing right behind John. What was going on?

"Alright, listen carefully! You ticket home. It doesn't happen to broadcast any sort of signal, does it? Answer me, quickly."

"I- Uh... Yeah! It does, I think. Seriously, John? What's going-" Daring tried to get out but was cut off.

"How long has it been on!? Tell me, quickly! We might not have much time!" John Snapped.

"I- I don't know! I think Ever since we got here! I don't know how it works! Only that it's our only source of contact with our world! Seriously?! John?! What the buck is going on!?" Daring asked, getting very worried.

John ignored the question, getting up and walking right past Daring and towards the stairs, Anabel followed in hot pursuit; leaving Daring more worried and confused than ever. What was going on? What was making John so jumpy? Why was Anabel acting the same? What did they know that she didn't? Did they know why the crystal wasn't working? All these questions Daring couldn't answer. All she knew was that she needed to follow John and Anabel and find out what was going on.

Daring quickly followed John and Anabel down, determined to figure out what the humans were freaking out about.

Fuck me! Fuck my fucking life! Why does shit like this always happen? Can't catch a fucking break can I? Something always has to go fucking wrong! At any second, we could all be fucking dead. Why didn't I realize this sooner!? Why did it take Daring Bitch to come up and remind me that leaving them alone for five seconds is a BAD IDEA!

I should have known, I should have fucking known. They sure as hell didn't. It should have been me who fucking realized they might be using a radio of some sort to call in a ticket home. I should have gotten to the bottom of this sooner, I should have asked more questions about how they were getting home, I should have realized...

...and now it might be too late.

I was practically charging downstairs at this point, trying to see if there was a chance that we get out of this alive. That I might be able to stop the signal in time to get us out before it was too late. Stop the signal before they find us...

The team of aliens, or ponies, or whatever the fuck they are, stared up at me in surprise as I quickly made my way downstairs. Lyra started to speak up, likely going to ask me what I was doing. However, I had no time to answer questions. I had to stop the signal.

"Where is it!? Where's the radio!?" I shouted.

The team recoiled in surprise, seeming to loose their voices in shock. I didn't have time for this.

"TICKET HOME! WHERE THE FUCK IS IT!?"

This seemed to shock them right back out of their stupor. Finally, Twilight responded, holding up some sort of strange object in the air that I assumed.

"I-it's here! W-what are you-" Twilight started to speak up, but was promptly cut off by myself.

"Turn it off." I ordered.

"W-Wha-" Twilight stammered, apparently quite confused about what was going on. Again, we didn't have time for questions. They just needed to listen and do as I say.

"I said turn it the FUCK OFF!!!" I yelled at her, unwilling to take any more sorts of delays at this crucial moment.

Twilight was hesitating again, clear panic and confusion in her eyes.

"I- I can't! It doesn't just turn off! It's not something you can just-"

"Well, you better find a way, or I am going to put a bullet through the fucking thing! You got five seconds. Turn it off, NOW!" I yelled, drawing my pistol.

If the team wasn't in pure panic mode, they certainly were now. Twilight was practically rendered speechless, looking between me and the device helplessly, seemingly trying to figure out what to do. Unfortunately, for all of us, she opted to hiding the object behind her; simply wasting more time. The rest of the team also took the threat very seriously, standing between me and Twilight...

"Y-you can't do that, we won't let you! That's our only way home! If you destroy it, we're stuck here!" Lyra spoke up.

"Yeah, don't you even bucking think about it!" Sky threatened.

"If you want that crystal, you are going to have to go through us!" Iron stated.

"Damn Straight..." Sparks muttered.

"John, you need to back off." Shining warned.

"Hey! John! Wait, don't do that! John!?" Daring shouted from the stairs, making her way down. However, she was blocked by Anabel before she could get anywhere near me.

The fucking fools, if they understood what they were doing... I needed to explain it and get this over with, before it's too late... otherwise...

"You fucking idiots, did you already fucking forget where we are? We are in a fucking war zone! A place where the enemy is hunting us down constantly every day! What you have in your procession is a goddamn beacon that will lead them RIGHT to us! Why do you think it's not working? It's because they're they are jamming it, and they are tracking it's signal RIGHT TO US!!! If that beacon doesn't die, we are all going to die! Don't be stupid Twilight, turn it off or hand it over! I am not going to ask again..." I ordered one last time, pointing my pistol directly at Twilight.

Yeah, I was ready to kill at this point. It might come down to me having to kill them and survive, or let them live and get us all killed. They had better start being reasonable in three seconds.

"WOAH!! Hey! Let's calm down!? Alright!? You don't need to do that! We'll turn it off, right Twilight!?" Lyra shouted in surprise.

"W-we can't... It doesn't turn off..." Twilight said, looking down at the ground trying to think about what to do.

3... cock the hammer back.

"Don't even think about it buddy." Shining threatened, some sort of energy charging at his horn. I didn't care, he'll be the first to die.

"Wait! John, Let's talk about this! You don't want to kill anyone! We don't want to kill you! But if you try to destroy that crystal, you are giving us no choice!" Lyra tried again. I hardly heard her.

2... Finger on the trigger.

"Nuh UH!!! Put the bucking thing down! NOW!" Iron shouted, looking ready to pounce. I could take him...

"John! Please..." Fluttershy whimpered. I felt nothing.

"Dammit, John! You are giving us no choice!" Sky yelled. Neither are you...

1... Pull the-

"JOHN!" I heard Anabel yell behind me.

I hesitated as Anabel's voice took me out of my trance. I looked back to her to see the terrified look on her face looking out the windows. into the ash filled skies. I didn't even have to hear what she said next to realize what she was looking at.

"It's too late... they're here." Anabel said, slowly backing away from the window.

Not a moment later, a light from the sky started shining to shine through the windows, and an eerie silence fill the room. Nothing could be heard, not the snow raging outside, not the winds blowing through the building... Nothing. They were definitely here... and we were about to meet our maker. I sigh... Slowly, I lowered my gun, no longer seeing the point.

"John, What's that? What's going on?" Daring asked, practically petrified.

I gave a slight chuckle. All the aliens seemed to be wondering the same question. They were scared as we were for sure, but couldn't understand how completely dead we were going to be in a couple of seconds. So, I decided to give them a small hint.

"That... is our end." I responded, closing my eyes and waiting for the blast.

Author's Notes:

Yeah, I know what you are thinking.

"Oh shit! A chapter! He's back, and ready to write a billion more chapters for us! GO FIMFICTION SLAVE!!! ENTERTAIN US!!!"

No... Not exactly.

This was more or less a once in a blue moon update to the story. I had some free time, I decided to write, and decided I might as well hit the publish button while I'm at it. I am by no means 'back' in any way, shape or form. I was just bored.

So, no hype train for the next chapter please? I don't like being pressured to do shit... Don't make me regret this. Be happy you even got this.

Please? Have mercy?