Shit was just plain weird at the moment, and all of this weird bullshit was coming in and piling all over me so fast I felt that I was suffocating in it.

I think I might have died. Though, I am not entirely sure given my current situation. The agonizing pain I felt earlier was something else, something that couldn't possibly be simulated in a dream of any kind. The pain was real, therefore what happened after that should be real as well. However, I am starting to have my doubts at this point. I am hearing some weird things coming from the mouths of my captors/saviors; things that nobody in their right mind would ever say. I am starting to have a feeling that whatever they injected me with for the pain was altering my perceptions somehow, least I could hope. I rather not be trapped in a tent with a bunch on nutcases.

However, at this point, I decided to just go with it. Sense altering drugs or not, these people are likely the ones who saved me; for whatever reason they might have. I need to figure out the reason they want me alive, now.

"Alright, alright... Can someone tell me what the hell going on? Did you people pull me out of the snow?" I asked calmly. There was no more need for yelling a shouting, as I didn't want to increase the potential tension in the room any further than I had already.

It took a moment to someone to speak up. It seemed they only just realized I asked them a question as one approached my current position to respond. I did notice an abnormality in his or her footsteps; there was a second pair that accompanied it. However, I assumed that it was just someone else following behind.

"Y-yes, yes we did. W-we found you outside after that monster attacked. Y-you were hurt bad a-and needed help!" The voice of Fluttershy responded. She sounded nervous...

Monster? They don't know was a stalker is? Well, that is pretty strange... Then again, what hasn't been today? I decided to ignore that little detail and continue my line of questioning.

"Alright, why did you pull me out? Why did you patch me up? What do you people want with me?" I questioned further, though I did notice that I was being a bit more blunt than I needed to.

"Wha- What do you mean? You were hurt! Why wouldn't we help you? Why would you expect us to let you die?" Fluttershy responded back, seemingly shocked and appalled by what I implied. Chatter and mumbling around the room indicated everyone else were wondering the same thing.

Now this I was deeply confused by. What the hell did she mean by that? Is she saying that she would have help anyone in my situation? Regardless over whether or not she knew them or not? No, she is lying, this is a trick to place me in a sense of false security. That sort of courtesy doesn't exist, not anymore. No one, and I repeat, no one does something for nothing out here. These people want something, and they are unwilling to tell me what. Usually that is a bad sign, I need to be careful.

I decided to play along, cautiously, pretending that I am ignorant of what they are try to do.

"Heh, I don't know. There are people nowadays who would take advantage of someone in a situation such as mine. I merely assumed that you folk might be one of those kinds of people, my apologies. Thank you for saving me." I answered, with as much fake sincerity as I could manage.

"Oh, well, you're welcome. It was the least we could do, really."

I felt anger swell within me as Fluttershy told me this. All I could think was. "Bullshit, all those medical supplies you used on me must have been a bitch to come by. If you want something, why don't you just fucking tell me and stop tiptoeing you way around it you motherfuckers!" However, I kept that to myself, saving that anger to be used later. Right now, I needed to figure out what kind of situation I was in.

Before I could ask another question, however, another individual entered the conversation. Shining, I believe if my memory serves me right. (Starting to doubt that it is considering how fucked up these names are.)

"These people you talk about, ones who would take advantage, there wouldn't happen to be any around here would there?" Shining asked.

At this point, I believed I figured out what they were trying to get out of me. It was a pretty strange question to ask in the first place, considering the answer should be obvious. There were plenty of people like that out here, I am included in those numbers; simply the way of life out here. However, I then figured it had a deeper meaning. He was asking if I was with another group, another group that would be coming for me.

There isn't of course, but I need to keep these cards close to my chest. If they knew I was alone, god knows what would happen. So I need to lead them on to think I was indeed with another group.

What better way to do that than to state it bluntly!

"If you are asking if I am with another group, you could have just asked you fucking asshole; seriously. Yes, I am with a group, least 20 people strong. Also, yes, they will be coming to look for me, and the dog. You better have not hurt that dog, that dog is our favorite dog."

This seemed to start some chatter in the room, hushed whispers and shouts shot across the room. They seemed worried about something, though I couldn't really hear what. That in turn made me worried. If they were this afraid of another group nearby, it must mean they have enemies. I could easily be that enemy to them, I might have just made a mistake...

...However, on the other hand, Spike was still alive, I can hear him barking in the background of all this; he sounds just fine. It is a good thing they did not hurt him. They would have paid dearly...

Suddenly one of the women spoke to me, it was one of the unidentified voices from before.

"Your group, how reasonable are they? On a scale of one to ten let's say." The woman asked.

I was a bit suspicious of the question, as it was another really strange question, but I replied anyways. "Speaking on the behalf of my entire group, I'd say it depends on what you are implying."

"Well, lets say that perhaps-

"LYRA!!! Shut up, we will get to that with him in a moment! Now is not a good time." I heard Shining yell at the now identified Lyra. What is with these names?

The fact that, when Lyra was about to explain what they were all skittish about, she was told to shut up did not bode well with me. If they were going to be this secretive about it, it probably didn't mean anything good about my future. It was at this point I figured it is time to get the hell out of here.

I suddenly began to notice that I was regaining feeling in my body. Whatever they gave me was wearing off. I wasn't entirely sure if this meant that horrible pain that I was feeling earlier was about to make a very sudden and unpleasant return, but I at least could make a bit more sense of my surroundings. As far as I could tell, I was still on the extremely uncomfortable bed, I was not restrained, and I was in fact not blind; they had simply blindfolded me.

I began to think about what to do next, as my captors kept arguing among themselves about what I assumed was what to do given the new false information provided by me. I couldn't hear anything they were saying, as they were being very quiet in their discussion, but I spotted an opportunity. Since the dumb motherfuckers had not restrained me, and they seemed quite busy at the moment, I was free to move about as I pleased. All I needed to do now is remove the blindfold, find my weapons, and take control of the situation. After that, we'll negotiate.

With my plan in mind, I started subtly. Reaching to my face, I began to remove the fold from my eyes, slowly in hope that I would not attract too much attention. A few seconds later, the blindfold was off, and I was looking up at the tent roof. No one was screaming at me yet. So far so good.

I became a bit more bold as I looked down at my body, to see what my captors had done to keep me alive. I was shocked to find that my entire torso was wrapped in heavy duty, pristine, and clean bandages. I had never seen anything like this in my life! No one had medical supplies of this quality, not even the underground bunkers! These things were brand new and no where close to being homemade. Where the fuck did they get this kind of equipment?

I set my mind off that as I simply hoped that I was patched up enough to be capable of doing what I was about to do.

With that, I directed my vision to my left, where my captors were argu- WHAT THE FUCK!!!

When I turned my head to the left, I almost jumped off the table in shock. Right there, to the left of me, were my captors, arguing about something I no longer cared for. They were not who I thought they were, they were not what I thought they were; not even close. It suddenly became very clear to me why they were acting sketchy this entire time. What I saw to my left were the very beings of which our entire world feared and hated, what I saw were beings of pure evil and genocidal beliefs, what I saw to my left were the devil's servants themselves.

They were the invaders. The were aliens, ones who saw to our world's end.

I didn't even think, not for any reasonable explanation, not even for a plan. I simply reacted. The moment I saw my weapons lying right beside them, I went for them. My full intent to was kill every single one of them.

Of course, no plan ever survives contact with the enemy...

"LET HER GO YOU MOTHERBUCKER!!! I SWEAR TO CELESTIA, I WILL PUT YOU DOWN."

"Everypony! Let's try to calm down and talk this thoug-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU INVADING FREAKS!!! I SWEAR THAT I WILL PUT A BULLET IN HER HEAD IF YOU DON'T DROP YOUR WEAPONS RIGHT NOW!!!"

"BARK BARK BARK!!!"

"Please! Everypony calm down, we don't have to do th-"

"BITCH, I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FUCKING FOOL ME!!!"

Everything happened to fast, nopony even knew what was happening until the alien grabbed Fluttershy and placed one of his liberated weapons to her head. It was at that point the room descended into chaos once more; likely for the third time today. Shinning and the other guards were quick to grab their own weapons and aim at the offending alien. However, since the alien was using Fluttershy as a shield and hostage, it was difficult for them to get a shot off. Now, the situation has dissolved into a shouting match, one that the alien was clearly winning.

"For Celestia sake's, why wasn't anypony watching this guy!" Daring shouted. She was circling the offending creature, trying to see if she could get a good angle on the alien to disarm him. No such luck as soon the alien back himself into a corner, leaving no possible way for the ponies to counter attack.

"Why the buck didn't we just tie him up like we originally planned!?" Iron countered. He was attempting to get a head shot on the alien, but it turned out that the alien was far smarter than that. He left little of himself to be shot at as he hid behind Fluttershy. The little Iron could aim at was far to close to Fluttershy, he wouldn't risk the shot.

"P-please s-stop! L-let me go! We're j-just trying to help!" Fluttershy sobbed uselessly as she was used a shield against her friends.

"DID I SAY YOU COULD FUCKING TALK! SHUT THE FUCK UP OR I SWEAR I WILL END HER!" The alien shouted once again, pressing the barrel of his weapon harder against Fluttershy's head, causing the yellow pegasus to squeak in fear.

"If you hurt her, you are not getting out of here alive. Surrender damn you!" Shinning commanded the alien. He, like the other guards, were having a very hard time getting a shot off at the alien.

"LET HER GO YOU MONSTER!!!" Twilight shouted at the alien in rage as she attempted to disarm the alien with her magic. However, she came to find she was unable to. Every time he tried, her magic was stopped by some unknown force. This both infuriated and confused her, why was her magic not working against him now of all times; when her friends are in danger!

"FUCK YOU, NONE OF YOU ARE GETTING OUT OF HERE ALIVE!!! WE DON'T NEGOTIATE WITH YOU GENOCIDAL FUCKS!"

This left the ponies silent for a few moments as they briefly contemplated what they were just called, however, most shrugged it off right away as they assumed the aliens was shouting mere nonsense at them. However, Lyra caught onto what they were being called, what they were being accused of. They would never do, or have done, anything like that to her knowledge! Could it be that they were mistaken for something else?

With this knowledge, Lyra stepped in to try to get to the bottom of this; she activated her diplomacy mode.

"Genocidal? What are you talking about!? We come in peace! We have no hostile intentions!" Lyra tried to reason.

This seemed to anger the alien even further. It was as if he resented something about that statement, and looked like he was tempted to pull the gun away from Fluttershy and attempt to shoot Lyra instead. However, thankfully for her, he decided to simply yell some more.

"BULLSHIT!!! YOU SICK FUCKS CERTAINLY DIDN'T COME IN PEACE WHEN YOU DECIDED TO COME TO OUR WORLD, SLAUGHTER OUR PEOPLE, AND BURN OUR HOMES!!!"

This time, everypony knew what he was implying, it even gave the furious Twilight pause. Were they really just accused of being mass murderers?

"What!? Dear Celestia..." Fluttershy near yelled, she almost felt sick.

"We've never done such a thing! We just got here for Celestia's sake!" Shinning objected.

"Buck you sir! We never done anything like that in our lives! Put the bucking weapon down!" Sky Chaser yelled.

"NO, YOU DID THIS TO US!!! YOU KILLED US!!! AND NOW I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!!!"

Now, everything was reaching its breaking point. Fluttershy was a panicking, sobbing mess, Twilight looked liked she was ready to tear this alien apart with her bare hooves, Daring was about ready to jump, Shining and the guards were ready to light the alien up if and when the alien made his move, and finally, the alien looked like he was about to pull the trigger. If somepony didn't stop this now, it was going to be a blood bath. So Lyra, at the risk of being shot, spoke up once again

"What do these aliens look like!?" Lyra practically screamed in panic as the room was about to explode.

This seemed to give the alien pause, as he briefly contemplated the question that was now ringing in his ears. His eyes seemed to widen as he seemed to make a startling discovery.

"What?" The alien near whispered.

Lyra almost let out a sigh of relief as she delayed a catastrophic, but quickly realized she need to still diffuse the bomb.

"I asked, what did these aliens look like!?" Lyra asked again.

The whole room was silent once more as the alien contemplated. He seemed to come up with another conclusion, however, this one was not one Lyra had hoped for.

"Fuck you, you are just a different variant. You are just trying to trick me..." The alien rationalized with himself.

Lyra realized that her argument was falling apart, and quickly acted to reinforce it.

"No, we are not! We are not them! If we were them, why would we try to help you? Why would we patch you up with our little medical supplies? Why would we save your life? If we were genocidal monsters, why would we help instead of leaving you to die out there!?" Lyra countered.

"You... Your... No, it can be. You are playing tricks on me! Your-" The alien tried to rationalize once again, but it was clear that his resolve was faltering. Lyra knew it was time to push again.

"No, no we are not. We are not what you think we are. Let Fluttershy go and we can talk about this."

The alien went silent as it seemed to try to rationalize something, anything, that told him is actions were correct. However, as time passed, it was clear that he could not come up with anything.

However, much to her surprise, the alien's resolve sprung back up almost instantly. It almost seemed like it was for no apparent reason, or cause. The alien was ready to pull the trigger once again. This shocked Lyra, as she thought that she talked him down. What was happening?

"It's to late. Even if what you are saying is the truth, there is no way you are letting me leave, not after this. I can see it, I can see it in all of you! You are going to kill me the moment I give up! That is not going to happen!" The alien stated, his resolve completely regained.

"NO! That won't happen! We are willing to talk it out! Isn't that right everypony?" Lyra asked, or more like stated, to the rest of the group.

"Yes, we promise we won't kill you if you give up now. However, if your hurt Fluttershy, I cannot promise anything." Shinning Armor stated reasonably.

Everypony else remained silent, none promising the same verbally, but giving a simple nod in agreement.

The alien shook his head, and looked like he was about to laugh. "No, I don't think so. You want a deal, here is how it will work. You will drop your weapons, and put them in that corner over in the back, and return to your current positions. Once you do that, I'll let Fluttershy go, I'll reclaim my other weapons and equipment, and then we can talk."

Daring scoffed at the Alien's deal. Did he really think that they were that stupid? "What makes this any different than what you wanted us to do before?"

"Before, I was going to kill you all, take back my stuff, loot your corpses and tents for valuables, and leave your bodies for the stalker. As of now, I am willing to be reasonable." The alien bluntly stated.

Everypony in the room was shocked by the boldness of this alien, however, they could also tell the he was being completely serious. For For Shinning, it was terrifying how confident this alien was in his demands and threats. It was as if he had done this before, many times. Most terrifyingly of all, he looked like he was one to live up to his threats.

"So, now that I have made myself perfectly clear, drop your fucking weapons."

It took a few moments of negotiation, however, eventually we all came to a relatively peaceful conclusion. The aliens dropped their weapons and put them in the corner like I asked them to and they returned my Equipment. In turn, I release Fluttershy. She was a huge mess by the time I finally released her, sobbing and crying in ways you cannot believe.

Upon release, she immediately fled to hide under one of the various cots in the room. One of the other aliens, the purple one I believed was named Twilight, immediately ran to her side to comfort her; all the while giving the biggest death glare I had ever been given in my life. By god did I deserve it... Never have I felt like such a monster in my life; such a bastard... She is fragile as a child, and I feel like I might have traumatized her for life. To think it could have been all avoided. If I had just... No, now is not the time to dwell on it, focus on the now. Have to keep up my appearances, otherwise they will see weakness and exploit it.

Regardless, after all that bullshit I put her through, I feel like I owe her an apology. I'll need to give her one before I leave.

Anyways, I got my equipment back. The thermal suit was torn open, it will be a bitch, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't fix. Everything else was in the condition I left it in, so I was pretty good to go once I got the thermal suit sown up.

While I got my shit organized and fixed, I sat next to the stockpiled weapons; keeping guard over them in case the aliens decided to try something funny. I observed the weapons whiled I worked on my suit repair, and came to notice how completely outdated their weaponry was. They were fucking crossbows and spears for fuck sakes! Not even the most desperate bandits would use this shit! Hell, it wouldn't even go through a thermal suit! These aliens, figuratively speaking, brought knifes to a gunfight.

If this is high tech weaponry where they came from, they must have had little to worry about...

Meanwhile, on the other side of the tent, the aliens sat and chatted quietly among themselves. Wasn't quite sure what exactly they were they were talking about, much like when I was on the makeshift cot, but I am dead certain it was about me. What else would there be to talk about in this situation? The snow? How and why it is so fucking freezing outside? I doubt it.

It could be they are trying to figure out a plan to surprise me and get their weapons. At this point, I feel I may as well save them the trouble and give the damned useless things back. However, I'd rather not take any more stupid risks than I have today.

Huh, is it even still today? How long was I out anyways?

"I know you are all happy chatting among yourselves and secretly plotting to overthrow me, for whatever misconceived notion you got in your minds, but I am deadly curious at the moment. How long was I out?" I asked the group of aliens.

I almost laughed as they looked at me as if I caught them in the act. I could have sworn I even heard a "How the buck did he hear us?" in there somewhere. However, I managed to keep myself together as they formulated a response.

"A little more than three hours" The green alien, the one known as Lyra, answered.

"huh... I expected it to be longer." I mused to myself. Seriously, with the shit I went through, you would expect to be knocked out for a few days at most.

The aliens went back to their plotting discussion, and I went back to sewing. Spike came and joined me, lying down right next to me and attempting to snuggle under my arm. I, in turn, paused my repairs of my suit to give spike his desperately needed attention. I suppose almost losing its master can have a stressful effect on a dog, enough to nearly kill it apparently. Spike, as far as I heard, was risking life any limb to save my life. To me, that is worth more than a few ear scratches.

Another few minutes passed in silence as I finished loving up Spike and completed my suit repair. With that, I fitted the suit back on and zipped it up. That was one thing done any over with. Hopefully the patch should hold up until New York.

Speaking of which...

I looked out the window of the tent, you could now see at least ten feet out, the storm was clearing up. Soon I could get out of this mad house full of aliens and back on the trail to New York. Sooner the better. I am sure these aliens will try to retaliate soon.

Suddenly, I heard Spike growl behind me. I let out a slight sigh as I knew why.

I turned back to the group of aliens, and came to realize that one particular alien was closer than the rest. The purple one, Twilight, was trying to sneak up on me. However, I guess she didn't take into account that the dog, despite everything they have done for him, was still on my side. I shook my head.

"Twilight, isn't it?" I asked.

"Twily! Get back here!" The white alien, Shining, commanded in a hushed tone.

Twilight, despite being told to stand down, still stood firm. Glaring up at me in defiance. She looked like she wanted blood. By the way she was side glancing at those crossbows, I could tell she wanted a lot of it. It didn't concern me, even with that freaky energy she had been using. She wouldn't have time to load it before Spike was on her.

"You hurt my friends. Why? Why did you do this!? After everything we have done for you! To save you! Why did you come around and hurt us!?" Twilight practically shouted at me.

Spike looked about ready to jump and restrain the alien, but with a sharp whistle, I commanded Spike to stand down. I looked down at the alien, her eyes stared back up at me with a fury of a star. She demanded an answer, and she was going to receive one; whether I liked it or not. So I suppose I was going to give her one.

Getting down on one knee. I got down to her level, and looked her in the eye.

"To tell you the truth, I was scared. I was scared and I reacted in order to survive." I answered simply.

Twilight gave me a even bigger glare for that answer. Apparently she didn't like it.

"What kind of answer is that! That is no excuse for your actions! There was no need to react, as there was no reason to try to survive! We were not trying to hurt you! We were trying to help you!" Twilight countered.

With that, I knew I needed to explain myself further.

"I know that now, however, not before. I didn't know who you people were, why you took me in, why I was blind, or that you were even aliens. There was plenty of reason to react, Twilight." I answered calmly once again.

"That is still no excuse! Hasn't your mother taught you that you shouldn't judge people before you know them!? Shouldn't have you waited before you judged us?!" Twilight scolded me as if I were a child.

That last one hit hard, as I really didn't know the answer to that first question. I honestly didn't know if mother taught me that, I don't remember if I even had a mother, a mother figure at least. I don't know what she taught me, if anything. I am not sure if she taught me common courtesy, manners, or least of all when to judge. The fact this bitch brought that up made me want to kill her then and there.

However, I was better than that, I let it go. There would be plenty of time to discover who my mother was and what she taught me when I got to New York. In the mean time, I had an answer for the second question.

"Tell me Twilight, when you look outside the tent window, what do you see?" I asked, maintaining my serenity.

The purple alien seemed confused by the question, but answered anyways.

"Snow... but what does that have to do with anything?"

I smirked as she told me this. This alien reminded me of the children I would see in underground bunkers. Ones who were completely oblivious of how much danger they were in every waking moment, of how dangerous and cruel the world really was.

Of course she would see that, any innocent mind would. No innocent mind would look closer and see the awful truth about it. What the 'snow' really was. They need a hint, a hint that they will eventually clue in. I was more than happy to provide that hint.

"Are you sure Twilight? Is it really just snow? Are you sure there isn't anything else out there?" I asked methodically.

Twilight stared at the 'snow' outside once more, seeming to try to contemplate what I was getting at. However, by the look on her face, it was obvious she still didn't understand.

"I don't know what you are getting at." Twilight replied, turning her scrutinizing gaze back upon me.

"Well, when you do figure it out, maybe then you will understand my actions. Perhaps you won't forgive them, but you will understand." I replied simply, getting back on my feet and turning back to the window once more to observe the dying whiteout.

Honestly, I didn't care that she didn't get it yet. She will eventually, assuming that she her group doesn't listen to my next words of advice. If and when she finds out, given her innocence, it will probably break her. Likely just like it would any of the other aliens in here. However, I guess that is just another condition of living in this world. In a way, we are all broken.

Yes, and I also know I gave her plenty of opportunity to grab a crossbow and shoot me in the back. However, between Spike, her, and our discussion, I don't think she will try it. It would be pointless action.

"I haven't heard you apologize." Twilight said behind me.

I let out a sigh as I remembered what exactly had happened not even an hour ago. An apology was the least I could do at this point.

"I am sorry I reacted..." I started

Turning my head, I looked at the alien I traumatized, still hiding pitifully under the cot. She turned up her head and looked back at me with sad eyes. If I hadn't long ago, I might have died inside from the mere sight.

"...and I am sorry Fluttershy had to be at the blunt end of my reaction." I finished.

With that I turned my gaze away and back the outside world. You could now almost see clearly out, only mere gusts of white remained. The storm was over. It was time to see what I could stock up on for supplies before head off again. I have outstayed my welcome. I turned back around to address the group of ponies.

"Now, I have a question for the rest of you. Do you still consider me a threat?" I asked the group of aliens.

The aliens didn't answer at first, almost confused by he question. However, eventually, they gave a silent shake of the head as a response.

"Then retrieve your weapons, I have no reason to keep them from you." I replied, looking out the window once more.

The ponies seemed a little shocked by this, if silence was something to go by. I turned my head to confirm that the aliens were indeed looking at me in shock. I suppose they didn't expect that. I actually let out a small laugh at their expense.

"Well, go on, get them. Seriously, you people are acting like a bunch of hostages." I replied.

The aliens retrieved their weapons, and much to my good fortune, they decided to not start shooting at me. It seems that we had finally started to come to an agreement that we were not each other's enemy, and that we could coexist in harmony and all that bullshit; least for the time being. Now was the time to negotiate for supplies, get my shit together, wish the aliens luck in getting the fuck out, and head out for New York.

However, it turns out nothing is ever that simple. Soon, I was to find out that I was probably going to have to stick around a little longer...

Author's Notes:

Personally, I have always hated characters who are always accepting of everything (Lack of reaction in situations where there should be a reaction.) and always tells their whole life story in one sitting (Characters who don't hold back when spilling their heart out.). I am hoping to do the exact opposite with John Doe, so let me know what you think.

In other news, this chapters was done far quicker than I thought was possible. Turns out that asshole wonderful person in the comment section (You know who you are you sack of shit lovely dude.) might get this chapter by Tuesday after all.

PS: I am hoping to get out of the canyon by next chapter, wish me luck!