I stared blankly at the being in front of me even though she had, spoken clear English. “I’m sorry Sheeva, but what?” I practically yelled in surprise. Sheeva just smiled and crossed her arms.

“I said that I am going to send you away for a while. A change of scenery will do you some good, don’t you think?” she asked, innocently enough though I wasn’t fooled for a moment. I knew her way too well for that. Silence followed as I stared skeptically at her purple eyes, barely managing to keep from reacting when the third eye on her forehead opened up. Of all the strange things about her, that was the most obviously non-human feature of her appearance (at least to me), though the fact that her skin was a translucent purple and glowed also gave it away.

Other than her third eye and eerie glow she looked somewhat normal. Her body was humanoid in shape, although overall slimmer than a normal person. She only had four fingers on each hand instead of five, and a large head of purple hair flowed down to her shoulders. Sheeva was about 5 feet tall the top of her head reaching up to my chin. She came from a race of demi-gods and goddesses that watched life throughout the many worlds, studying them mostly for amusement and entertainment. Most of them were never seen or heard from since they believed they were not to interfere with those they watched, but wouldn’t you know, I met the one that liked to get personally involved, and now apparently decided she wanted to act like a surrogate super-powered mom or something.

Finding my voice again I managed not to flip out and tell her to mind her own business. “Why do I need a change of scenery? What is the point of this trip?” I asked instead.

Her smile dissipated at that, maybe because she was hoping I was just going to accept what she said and agree to it instead of arguing with her. “It’s to save you, John,” she stated simply, shifting into a stance that said she wasn’t going take no for an answer.

I shook my head, taking a few steps to the side before stopping to look at her again, “Save me huh? Why do you think I need saving?”

She sighed, walked over to me, and tapped my forehead. “Please don’t insult me John. I’ve already established a connection with you and part of that connection means I can see into your mind, so I already know what you’re planning.”

That statement made my blood run ice cold. Even though I should have anticipated it, I never really got used to the fact that she could look into my mind. I crossed my arms and leaned back a little as I gave her a questioning look, “And what makes you think that a change of scenery will be enough to make me change my plans?”

“Simple my dear human, the land I will be sending you to is full of life and those who love it. They value friendship above all else, and if there is one thing that can turn you back from the path you’ve chosen, its friendship,” she said as she turned to the side. Sheeva walked a few steps, and raised her hand. The air rippled in front of her, and where there was only air before, a “hole” slightly larger than me appeared. From the front I could see a different landscape, but when I looked at it from the side it was just barely visible.

She made a gesture for me to come over and I did, because if I didn’t she would sit there and wait for me to do so and then I’d never get out of here. I stood next to her and we gazed through the portal at a large field of green that looked like something out of a brochure that showed off the scenery of a vacation resort. Even as cynical as I was, I had to admit it was rather beautiful to look at; everywhere you looked grass and trees grew, rivers ran and clouds drifted lazily through the sky without so much as a single rain cloud in sight.

I looked at it and couldn’t resist being snarky, “Well it certainly looks like the land is just full of friendship. I swear I can just see it oozing out from the ground. Yes sir, I had better not get sucked under all that friendship or I might drown in it!”

Sheeva sighed and rolled all three of her eyes before continuing, “This is the planet of Equis, a rather peaceful world that lies on a different universe from this one. You’ll be going to a place called Equestria; it is only one of the many nations in this world, but arguably the most crucial to the planet’s well being.” She turned to face me, looking straight into my eyes as she said, “ Most importantly, it is where I think you have the greatest, maybe even only, chance of finding what you need.”

Sighing myself, I stared right back, my arms still crossed over my chest, “Do you really think this place will change my mind? I grant I haven’t lived as long as you, so you may know something I don’t, but in order to be rescued from something that isn’t physically threatening you, I think it is required that you want to be rescued in the first place.”

Her jaw tightened, her eyes narrowed and, her hands moved down to her hips. “Why are you so dead set on refusing help?” she asked using grave tone.

I was not going to be cowed that easily and leaned forward so my face was not far from hers, “Maybe because I’m tired. Maybe I’ve had enough. Maybe I just want it to be over, did you think of that?!” I stepped back and waved my hand spastically at the portal, “You think that the pretty scenery and the happy denizens of whatever world that is can just make me better? I thought if anyone understood how I feel, it’s you! You know my story down to the smallest fucking detail, how is it so hard for you to understand why I might just not want your ‘help’?”

She shook her head violently, her face becoming masked by purple hair, “I never said I don’t understand John, believe me I understand perfectly! What I don’t understand is why you just don’t want to get well!” Before I could answer she held up her palm in front of me, eyes blazing. “I don’t care whether or not you want it, but I will not simply sit idly by and let you take this path. I am going to do whatever I have to do, and then if at the end of it you still feel the same, then and only then, will I step aside and let you have it your way, but not while I still believe there is hope. Now, step through the portal and if you argue with me or try to leave I will hurl you through it by force.”

My hands clenched into fists and my eyes narrowed, “What about your people’s love of free will and the right to choose, Sheeva?”

Sheeva frowned, her hands going to her slim hips, “What do you mean John?”

I began to pace back and forth, hands flying all around the air as I emphasized my points. First up, “You told me yourself that your race believes in the right of all sentient beings to have free will and the right to make their own choices. Hell, I didn’t just hear that from you, I’ve heard it from pretty much every race that knows anything about you. While I know you aren’t always in agreement with your race on policy, I’ve never seen anything to indicate that you don’t believe in free will and choice else you would have simply enslaved my mind with your power.”

Taking a deep breath I continued, “I also know that you despise the old law that states that your people will not interfere with other races and their affairs. You bend it like it’s your job or something. For all I know, you might actually think it is your job. This may be the closest I’ve ever seen you come to actually outright breaking it though. Normally when you want to get around it you just ask me to take care of it for you, but now…now you’re telling me I HAVE to go and do this or you will force me to!”

I finished nailing her with my eyes, “Now maybe you don’t see that as interference or taking away my choices but from certain points of view, such as mine right now, you are doing exactly that. You are telling me no matter what I will do things your way or you will make me.”

She smiled at me showing all her teeth, “You still have your free will and can make whatever choice you want, I haven’t taken that away from you. I’ve merely informed you of the consequences of those choices.”

If I squeezed my hands any harder I was going to draw blood.I felt my teeth grind at her attempt to force me to make a decision I didn’t want, same as others had done before, something I despised.

For a brief moment I considered drawing my weapon and shooting her, but a flashback deterred me, and I probably didn’t have the right ammo to injure a supernatural being like her anyways. “Fine,” I grated out and stepped into the portal, closing my eyes and bracing myself for any unpleasant sensations that I might feel while crossing, but I could have saved myself the trouble. It was just like stepping through the threshold of a door and when I opened my eyes I found myself standing on a grassy hill.

A pleasant breeze blew by adding to the overall feeling of peace that seemed to pervade the place. I felt like I could have relaxed here, but years of turmoil had ingrained within me a feeling of constant paranoia that kept me from doing so. I turned a full 360°, my eyes darting around as I took in the surrounding countryside. I could see no signs that anyone actually lived here, just more hills with trees covering many of them, and what appeared like a forest in the distance.

Sheeva had closed the portal and was standing where it had previously been. She watched me as I looked around. Eventually my eyes fell on her and I shrugged at her indifferently, “So now what?”

She huffed angrily, crossing her arms again and glared at me, “I’m going to show you to your home then I strongly suggest you start to get acquainted with this place and see if you can find someone or somepony to help you. I’m not reopening the portal to bring you back until you do, and in case you get any ideas about trying to force my hand I will be watching you.”

She hovered a foot or two into the air and floated along the ground, not bothering to look to see if I was following, but I did, after a moment or two pondering what she meant by the word somepony before choosing to ignore her strange remark. We walked up and down several hills to a place where the trees were a bit thicker than before, becoming a dense forest. We entered the woods and hidden within the trees found a small wooden cottage that looked quite cozy. I guessed she wanted me to feel at home, as much as it was possible while being strong-armed into it.

She gestured to the door, still smiling sweetly. I opened it and entered the house. Inside I found a small living room, a restroom, and a staircase to the right that led to the bedroom upstairs. The living room had a blue and green striped couch that looked out on a large window next to the door; a small wooden table was located in front and to the left of it. Behind the couch, by the wall was another small table, this one had some computer monitors on it, and before it sat a black, rotating office chair.

Placed throughout the rest of the wall, near the door to the restroom, were several metal containers where I kept my weapons in my old home. Finally by the staircase there was a small kitchen with an oven and a refrigerator, which upon opening, I discovered was fully stocked.

Sheeva stood in the doorway, observing me as I looked around, seemingly waiting for my reaction. Despite my situation I liked it well enough, “Looks pretty nice at least. Thanks for bringing my gear through, but since I’m trying to find something to change my old ways, wouldn’t this stuff be kind of counterproductive?” I asked.

She shook her head lightly, “No John, I don’t think it will. I know you still remember the past and I know how much the thought of hurting innocents gets to you. I know the guilt you feel over it, so I’m sure that you won’t hurt anyone unless they do something to deserve it. Also as wonderful as this world is there are still dangers here, so leaving you without a means to defend yourself would be dangerous. Finally, even if I am wrong in trusting you, well, like I said I will be watching and will step in if need be.”

I believed her and nodded in comprehension, then turned and walked over to the computer station. Turning it on I was surprised to see that I still had access to the data feeds I paid for and some sort of multidimensional version of the internet. I turned to Sheeva and raised an eyebrow questioningly, “I’ve created a link between these computers and the galactic information hub so you can stay current on events, though don’t spend too much time on it, I’d hate to have to deprive you of it to make you focus on your primary objective. I’ve also created a small generator to take care of any power needs you may have.”

Nodding again I walked to the center of the room and turned to face her, “Anything else I need to know about?”

She put a finger to her chin before replying, “I’ve stocked you with enough food that will last for a few weeks if you’re not too greedy with it and I’ve supplied some of the local currency for when you run out, however after that you’re on your own.”

Great, I either had to find a way out of here myself on an alien planet with no idea of where anything was that might help me, or deal with the locals, something that was always awkward for me and I hated doing. Still a thought nagged at me, “Wait, why not just restock me as I run low yourself? It’s not like I have the option to just run away.”

She plastered a shit eating grin on her face, “I don’t want to make this too easy for you; goodness knows you need a kick in the pants sometimes besides, how are you going to make any friends if you have no need to interact with others?,” she said knowing my reluctance to deal with aliens from other worlds.

“Good luck and I mean that most sincerely.” Her voice lowered and for a moment, some weariness showing on her features, “I want you to succeed here John, for your sake if no one else’s. I know you’re angry at me for forcing this on you, but please, do try to understand why.”

“Take care.”

With a flash of light she was gone and I was alone. For a while I stood there, turning this way and that with no real idea of what I was going to do since this was more than a bit outside my circle of experience. Given her description of the place I sincerely doubted I’d find any crime lords in need of some assistance into the afterlife, so to keep busy I walked around the house a little more. I stopped in front of the mirror in the restroom.

Standing at 6’2” tall with bright red hair generally meant I stood out in a crowd, and given that those crowds weren’t human but I was didn’t help my case. My eyes were light brown, but had become different from when I was younger, faded, dull, and lacking life. My eyebrows seemed to have permanently shifted into angry slant as their default; Ever had people come up to you and ask if you were ok because you looked pissed when you weren’t? Well it had become common place for me.

The gloomy appearance was further enhanced by the unhealthy pallor of my skin. Spending most of my waking time at night had bleached it out from lack of sunlight. My flesh had sunken in too, though not from malnutrition but rather years of stress. My clothing consisted of a dark green t-shirt, black jean pants both overlaid by an ankle length leather trench coat. On my left arm, over the coat sleeve was a small black box that wrapped partway around the arm and was strapped into place, what I called my gauntlet.

On my feet was a pair of combat boots that were scuffed and worn from hard usage and time. Around my waist, hidden beneath my coat crossed several straps that connected my gun holsters. My clothes also acted as armor thanks to an alien thread I learned of that appeared like any other piece of clothing but acted like armor when a direct attack was made against it, such as a bullet or explosion however, the thread wasn’t a guarantee when it came to stopping bullets, and only offered partial protection against explosions. All my garments were made from cloth that had been weaved using that thread, and I had it put some in my trench coat as well. .

I decided to go outside and see what was around me, maybe even begin to plan my next move. I made my way out from the cottage and began taking inventory of my surroundings. I tapped my gauntlet and brought up a computer display that I used to scan the surrounding area and create a map for future use.

I was beginning to consider heading back to my new home, but when I started to turn around I caught a flash of movement at the edge of my vision. It seemed that something was flying over me and I to the sky to see what it was. Although it was too high for me to tell what exactly , it looked like some sort of transportation vehicle. Reaching into my trench coat I pulled out a pair of binoculars.

I raised them to my eyes and I was able to make out what looked like a cart of some kind pulled by…flying horses? What the hell? Sheeva said I was in a place called Equestria. Does that stand for ‘a messed up version of the north fucking pole’? Is that their version of Santa? Bizarro Santa…that’s just what I need right? Hey John, what would you like for bizarro Christmas?

I followed the cart thing until it came down behind a collection of large hills that didn’t seem to be far from my current position. As they came down I could just barely make out what looked like a spire from a building jutting above the hill. It was a welcome sight. If nothing else it would serve as the starting point for Sheeva’s “assignment”, however if I was going to go there I needed to make sure I was properly equipped.

Turning on my heel I ran back inside and threw off my coat so I could take quick stock of everything I had on me. I had the binoculars, a Glock .40 caliber autoloader pistol, three magazines, a KA-BAR knife, and my gauntlet. I would have brought more weapons with me but as I reached for my most often used one, an M4 with attachments I heard Sheeva’s voice in my head, “No John, that’s a bit excessive right now.”

“Well tough,” I thought back at her and reached for the weapon again except that as I reached for it it suddenly disappeared.

“Oh come on! Haven’t you screwed me enough for one day?!” She didn’t answer, though I heard her laugh in my mind. I gave her the one fingered salute and went back to preparing for my journey.

I packed a quick meal and some water, threw my coat on, and left. Orienting myself towards the spire, I headed off in that direction. I don’t always have the need to cross long distances but when I do I know how to keep a quick pace that eats up miles but doesn’t tire me out too quickly. A few hours had gone by when I came up the crest of one of the hills and saw before me a small town in the valley below. I took a moment to stop and get some energy back as I surveyed the area, looking for a good place to set up.

I know that Sheeva had assured me that the people here were friendly, but I still knew nothing about them and I didn’t want to just walk out there and introduce myself. In the past when I have needed to learn something about people (usually my targets), I would follow them, learn their habits, watch where they lived and gathered what I could by doing so. Such was my task here as well; all I needed was a good place to set up base.

I spotted a clump of trees and rocks on a small strip of land between two hills. It was situated such that would give me a clear view of the town, but was well covered and high enough to keep me concealed. Quickening my pace to a jog I made my way over until I was hidden by the trees and saw that the view was indeed well suited to my purposes. I set down my pack and made camp, making sure to keep my noise level to a minimum. With that done there was only one thing left to do, “OK, let’s see what there is to see.”

The lime green pegasus known as Windfall sighed as she cantered through Ponyville, her head hung low. A few ponies looked at her as she made her way down the main street, but as most of them were merchants trying to get in a few more sales before the market closed, nopony paid her much mind.

She had arrived at the picturesque village a few days earlier hoping to find a job among the local weather pegasi. Unfortunately the local weather manager, one of the famous elements of harmony had informed her that they currently had no positions available. Their encounter played over in her head as she walked around the marketplace.

“Hi, I’m Windfall, are you Rainbow Dash?”

She turns around, smiling proudly, “Yes I am! How did you know? Have you heard of me?”

“W-well yes. You performed the sonic rainboom at the young flyers competition the one year.”

Dash smiles puffing out her chest, “Aw yeah! I knew it! Yeah, I did and it was pretty awesome right?”

Attempting to not insult the pony but get to the point Windfall tries to get the conversation back on track, “Yes it was. I’ve heard you’re in charge of the weather pegasi here in Ponyville is that right?”

Dash nods, “Better believe it.”

“Oh good. I’m new in town and I’m looking for a job. I’m really good with air currents but I’ll do whatever you need help with.”

Rainbow Dash grows quiet and her smile disappears. One of her front hooves begins to scratch the back of her head, “Yeah, sorry. I’d like to help you out, I would, but I don’t have any openings right now.

Windfall’s stomach sinks but she desperately tries again, “B-but I’m willing to do anything to help out, really I am!”

The light blue pony turns around, her face showing some regret as she glumly says, “I’m sorry, Windfall was it? But I have no openings available. Maybe somepony else can find something for you.” With that she takes off while Windfall just stares up at her with a forlorn expression on her face.

Her mind came back to the present as her stomach was beginning to complain loudly from hunger. Windfall stopped at the local apple vendor where another one of the elements greeted her, an orange earth pony with a blonde mane and tail, wearing a brown stetson.

The apple vendor gave her a big smile as she walked up to the booth, “Howdy there! Ah’m Applejack of Sweet Apple Acres! We sell the best apples in all of Equestria! How many would ya like?”

Windfall gave her a small smile, “Just one apple please.”

Another smile from Applejack as she said, “Alright, that’ll be three bits please.” Windfall took a few bits from her saddlebags, left them on the stall and took her apple from the smiling mare.

She sat down in the middle of the town park and munched on her apple, sighing again. It seemed like such a good idea when she had left Cloudsdale a few days ago. No, strike that, she really felt like she had no choice when she had left. She had almost fled. She used to work for the main weather company in Cloudsdale but she’d had to put up with a lot of mocking from some of the other pegasi that worked there.

She’d tried to get them to stop by talking to them about it but it hadn’t worked and neither had going to her boss. After a while, ignoring them stopped working as her temper wore thin. Finally she had smashed her right hoof into the one guy’s face, right in the muzzle. She realized what she’d done and had been horrified, especially when she saw the guy was bleeding from his nose and crying. Rather than have to face him and the other guys again, she had left the company, grabbed a saddlebag with some mementoes and bits and left, otherwise they would have been sure to make things even worse for her.

At first she had no plan she just wanted to get away from the cloud city, but after stopping for a little bit to catch her breath she got her bearings and tried to think of what to do next. She mentally listed all the nearby towns and began sorting them in her mind. The first place to come to mind was Canterlot, after all it was the center of equestrian culture and commerce, but then given the treatment she had gotten back at Cloudsdale she shuddered at the thought of having to mix with all those high hoofed types. Appleloosa also seemed as a possibility as she had some relatives there and was also far away from Cloudsdale, but it was in the desert and that did not call to her at all as she hated the heat. Then her thoughts turned to Ponyville where the heroic elements of harmony lived. She heard a lot about the town of Ponyville recently and from what she had gathered it was a place that seemed to allow ponies to get a new start, and that was that.

Now she was almost out of bits with nothing to show for it. She had enough for one more night at the local inn but after that she would be without a place to stay. She finished her apple and sat for a while longer; pondering her situation. A commotion drew her attention and she looked up to see ponies moving towards the park. She looked in the direction they were headed to try and discern what was causing the commotion. It was not long before her question was answered when she saw a large golden chariot carrying the majestic form of Princess Celestia.

She immediately bowed low along with all the other ponies as the princess exited the chariot and smiled at yet another of the elements of harmony, a purple unicorn, “Hello Twilight Sparkle, it is so good to see you again.”