Originally uploaded to Pastebin: November 29th, 2012
---

>Day War is Hell in Equestria
>Wake up in the shower with the shower-curtain covering you clutching a serrated edge knife.
>Stand up and crack your back
>Damn good nap, that was
>But you can't rest for more than 3 hours at a time
>God damn ponies will get you
>Sneak downstairs, watching for booby traps and pitfalls the enemy may have planted
>Nothing
>All good so far
>Stop just outside the kitchen
>Take out a notepad from the clothes you haven't changed in a week
>"Day 452, made it to the kitchen without any contact, I don't like it. It's like the walls are watching me"
>Put the notepad away and grip the knife harder
>Stay low and move silently into the kitchen
>Lock eyes on the target: Cereal
>Make your way towards it, being sure to watch out for any suspicious activity
>The sole of your boot squeaks on the tile
>The noise pierces the silence
>Perform a combat roll under the kitchen table and ready your knife
>Remain still for 35 minutes
>Emerge slowly
>Check the clock
>7:35
>Damn, you're running behind. They could be closing in as you speak
>Run to the cereal and prepare it as fast as you can
>Down the entire bowl, milk and all in 4 gulps, not even bothering to chew.
>When it reaches your stomach, the pain you'll no doubt feel will remind you that you're still alive
>Finish up and "dispose" of the evidence that you were here
>Can't leave any traces
>Sneak to the front door
>Listen closely for a while
>Reach for the doorknob ever so slowly
>Just as your trembling fingers touch the knob someone knocks
THE MISSION'S BEEN COMPROMISED
>Tear the door off it's hinges and tackle the hostile forces with your shoulder
>Carry them a few feet before slamming them on their backs as hard as you can
>Hold the knife to their throat
WHERE ARE THE PRISONERS, SCUM?
>"W-what?"
>Realise you just tackled Fluttershy and are holding her at knifepoint
>Fluttershy has proven to be an effective spy, watching the enemy from afar and leaking plenty of information without revealing her location
>They don't train 'em like they used to
>Get off her and sprint back inside, watching for anyone who might have followed
>Coast is clear, but you make out shapes moving down below in the enemy camp
>Damn, they're out in force today.
>Like a well oiled machine they rise every morning and patrol the borders diligently from dawn till dusk.
>No way of getting in or out without being seen
>Unless you happen to be a Guerilla Fighter hardened by 20 years of unspeakable horrors that would make a lesser man cry
>Which you are
What news from the camp, Eagle Eye?
>"Oh. Umm. There's a celebration on tomorrow, the summer sun celebration. You remember it, right? You were here for last years... why... d..."
>You've zoned out
>As soon as she said "Summer Sun" you remembered the last time these savages performed that unholy ritual
>One year ago
FLUTTERSHY WE GOTTA MOVE NOW, WE'VE GOT HOSTILES CLOSING IN ON OUR POSITION
>"What? Mr Anon they just want to get inside the library"
EXACTLY, THEY HAVE US SURROUNDED AND WE CAN'T LET THEM BREACH THE PERIMETER OR WE'RE BOTH DEAD.
>"They just want to see if Twilight's ok"
>You look at the purple unicorn
>She's out cold and tied up with 45 different kinds of knot
>You should have known she was important to the enemy, damn ponies and their gang leaders
>She was a tough one to bring down, too
>Suddenly the sky lights up outside
>EXPLOSIVES
JESUS CHRIST THEY'VE OPENED FIRE, THE INTEL WAS OFF, THEY HAVE ACCESS TO EXPLOSIVES AND ARTILLERY
FLUTTERSHY HIT THE FUCKING DECK
>"Anon they're just firew-"
>You tackle her and protect her body with yours
>"Oh... my~"
>She nuzzles closer to you chest
>You both remain huddled together for 9 hours while the enemy continues to bombard your position
>Bloody good engineers, these ponies. Not a single shell breaks through the roof.
>It was the worst incident of your whole deployment here.
>"Anon?"
>Blink
>"Aaaaaaanoooon?"
>Snap back to the present
>Fluttershy is waving a hoof infront of you
>Jump and ready the knife
>She flinches but tentatively raises a hoof
>She touches your shoulder and smiles
>Lower the knife and offer a small nod in return
>You're sort of glad she's here for you
>Filthy mudraking pony, but she was ready to betray her people for you
>Either dedication or cowardice on her part
>"S-so do you want to come into town today? Do you need anymore food?"
>Your stomach rumbles at the thought
>Last meal was 3 days ago
>Hardly a problem, you once went 1 month without food
>The guys at the barracks didn't believe you though.
Yeah, food sounds good. I want us 5 meters apart at all times and I want us to move low. You watch my back and i'll watch yours. If done right, we'll make it out of this alive
>You hate going into the enemy camp that you've come to know as "Ponyville". It puts you on edge
>Spend 30 minutes preparing camouflage
>Grip your trusty knife and homemade spear
>Nod to Fluttershy
Let's move
>Take off at a sprint towards Ponyville, Fluttershy close behind
>Damn ponies won't know what hit them.
>10 minutes later
>DAMN PONIES KNEW WHAT HIT THEM
>You're hidden down an alley watching patrols move by slowly
>They're smiling and laughing
>Sadistic fucks must love their job
>Torturing and killing innocent civilians no doubt
>Fluttershy speaks up behind you
>"So how long are we going to be here-?"
>You shush her 
Quiet... We only just lost them before, and I don't want another "incident"
>You nod your head to the unconcious pile of ponies behind you
>You and Fluttershy broke into a house to evade a patrol, it was filled with soldiers having a party
>One fight and a couple of bruises later you and Fluttershy managed to take down about 25 ponies.
>Not bad for some early morning exercise, and no casualties.
>Fluttershy speaks up, more quietly this time
>"So are we going to get some food then? It's midday and i'm hungry..."
>She said that so quietly even you had trouble hearing her
>She would have made one hell of a scout
>You're glad she's on your side
>She motions a hoof over to a congregation of ponies
>"They're setting up the food stalls. We should get something to eat"
>You take a moment to figure out 10 different entry and exit points, as well as coming up with 5 different plans for incase things go wrong
Ok, move out.
>Head through a winding path of back alleys and gardens
>Approach the food stand cautiously
>Nestle down in a bush, watching the food vendor and the produce closely
>Your stomach rumbles at the idea of eating the enemy's food.
>Hear a noise behind you
>Snap your head around to look for the source
>Nothing
>False alarm
>Look back at the food vendor
>She's talking to..
>Oh dear god no
>Fluttershy is chatting to her
>They both laugh
>Has she given away your position? 
>A whole year of loyalty only to sell you out on the busiest day of the pony calender?
>Of course... Sneaky little bitch.
>Still, you feel hurt.
>In another life, you might have called her friend
Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal, Fluttershy...
>You've lost good men over the years, but nothing stings as bad as one you trust turning against you
>She starts flying back over
>No one follows her
>"Here you go, Anon! I got us something while we wait. Eat up mister!"
You... Got this? For me?
>"Yup."
Using your connections to get food from the enemy... I will admit, I wasn't expecting you to pull through, Eagle Eye. Nice work.
>You pat her on the back and her wings stiffen slightly
>Goddamn horse
>You both lie in that bush eating enemy rations until nightfall
>Fluttershy looks tired, but she stays awake and by your side throughout it all
>Smile to yourself
>She's so loyal.
>Exchange words about enemy supply lines and munitions
>She doesn't understand any of it
>She's just a grunt in this army, if you need any information you'd have to infiltrate the compound and interrogate someone higher up
>Lights flicker on as the sun goes down and more and more guards start coming out
>Start to get uneasy
>Fluttershy notices your discomfort and places a hoof on your shoulder
>"It's ok. Breathe"
>Take a deep breath
>It clears your head a bit
>So many things could go wrong, but you're glad you have Fluttershy watching your back throughout it all
>She shuffles closer to you and nuzzles you a bit
>She's warm
>You need to stay warm or you might freeze out here
>Grab her and hold her close
>Feel her body heat flow into you
>She sighs happily and buries her head in your chest
>Let go after a few minutes
>She seems disappointed 
>But you don't have time for that
>You need information, and the large building in the centre of the camp seems to be a hub of community around here
>You bet there's an officer or commander of sorts running this operation in there
>That's where you're going
>Start to plan your attack and retreat routes
>Don't notice Fluttershy leave
>Lie on your stomach in that bush and plan for about an hour
>Content with a plan, you look towards Fluttershy, who is now surrounded by food
>She looks at you with a mouth full of apple
>"wut?"
>Chuckle at her resourcefulness
>Take an apple and a few sugary treats and munch on them
>The sugar will keep you going for hours
>This mare knows how to keep a soldier happy
>Explain your plan to her
>"But why can't we just walk in? Your plan seems a bit excessive..."
>Sigh
If we just go walking in there, they'll be on us in seconds. I'm good, but I can't take on that many ponies at once.
>She stares at you
>You stare at her
>Nod
>Get up slowly and prepare to go
>It's night now, and the stars are out
>You prefer clouds. Stars make you feel like you're being watched
>Move into Ponyville and stay close to the walls incase things go south
>No one seems to have noticed you yet
>Look up at the pole you identified
>A large rope extends from the pole to the top of the Command Structure
>A couple of flags dangle from it
>Turn to Fluttershy
You have wings, so you don't need to do this, but keep watch while I get inside, once i'm in, follow me, go it?
>She salutes
>"O-ok"
>Nod
>Start climbing up the pole and hang upside down from the rope by your legs and arms
>Begin moving along the rope, hoping that you're dark enough to blend into the night
>None of the ponies notice you
>Excellent
>Continue to move along the rope until you reach the end
>Hop off onto the roof and signal Fluttershy
>She smiles and waves excitedly back at you
>Sneak in through an open window and look around the darkened room
>You're in.
>Look around the room
>The hairs on the back of your neck stand up
>Start to poke around, watching for alarms
>Go over to a large, expensive looking desk.
>It's polished and made of a hard, dark wood.
>Look at a few of the pictures on the desk
>By moonlight, you can make out the image of a tan coloured mare with a grey mane smiling back at you
>You've seen her before
>She struts around the camp like she owns the place
>Look at the desk header
>"Mayor Mare. Mayor of Ponyville"
>Oh sweet Jesus
>You didn't just end up in any old office. 
>You're right slap bang in the enemy headquarters
>Your eyes widen
>This changes everything
>If you can capture the mayor, you can hold her and get as much information as you can, and then cut off an important figurehead in this operation
>Hear a noise at the door and then voices
>SHIT
>Look around frantically
>See a cupboard
>Bolt for it and squeeze yourself inside
>Shut it just as the door opens
>The light come on
>There she is
>The "Mayor"
>She walks up to her desk and frowns at the open window
>She shuts it
>You watch the door to the office
>Closed, and looks solid
>Look back at the mare
>Old, frail. An easy target
>Crack your knuckles
>She looks up upon hearing the noise
>Showtime
>"Is anypo-"
>She doesn't even finish
>You explode out of the cupboard brandishing your knife
>Tackle her to the floor and clasp a hand over her mouth
>Her eyes are filled with terror
>You're sat on top of her, pinning her down
>Lean in close, pressing the knife closer to her throat
Alright, you bastard. I'm gonna ask you questions and you're gonna answer nice and slow. We clear?
>She nods fearfully
Good
>Slowly remove your hand
What's the purpose of this operation?
>"W-what operation?"
>Grip her face and pull her right up to your nose
You know damn well what I mean. This encampment is huge, unlike anything i've ever seen. You "ponies" patrol it every day, so many guards and watches it's like you're protecting something. Now i'll ask again. What is the purpose of this camp
>"T-this is a town! Ponyville! We live here! We aren't a camp or anything like that!"
>Shake your head
>Even at knifepoint she lies through her teeth at you
>She's made of tougher stuff
>Press the knife harder into her throat
I won't ask again.
>"PLEASE! Please.."
>She starts crying
>"We're just a simple t-town... Please don't hurt me..."
>Tears are streaming down her face
>Relieve a bit of the pressure
>She doesn't look like she's lying. Or it might be an elaborate lie to trick you into leaving
I've been in that house watching this place for over a year, and you expect me to fall for this act?
>She stops crying
>"...over... a year?"
I've been here for 452 days. Watching this town. Trying to learn what it's all about. And I got nothing. Even got one of your people to get intel for me.
>She manages a smile
>"O-oh! You must be Fluttershy's friend! She mentioned you, says you don't like to be disturbed and moved into that derelict house on the hill! I remember now..."
>Fluttershy mentioned you?
>She betrayed you after all!
>But... why hadn't they moved in and taken you down?
>This is getting more and more confusing
Alright, Mayor. Let's say you are just a "peaceful town". How do you explain what's going on outside? You're mobilising for something. Last time I was here you opened fire on me and launched so many shells it would make a beach jealous. How do you explain that?
>She's fully relaxed now and looking you in the eye, despite the knife to her throat
>"Tonight is the annual Summer Sun Celebration. It celebrates the longest day of the year. We stay up late, launch fireworks, get drunk and regret it the next day!"
>She chuckles to herself
>"Oh... last year I drank so much I forgot I was the mayor!"
>While she's laughing the cogs are turning in your head
>This whole time
>The town wasn't after you
>You get off her and she sits up
>Stare into space while she grabs something from her desk
>She sits back down with her back resting on the desk like you and offers you a small glass
>"Brandy?"
>It's been so long since you go here...
>So very... very... long...
>Close your eyes and sigh
>Open them again and accept the drink
>You both sit in silence for a while nursing your drinks
I think... I think I'd like to stop being scared now.
>She looks at you with a puzzled expression
>"What do you mean?"
>Sigh again
Before I ended up here, I was a commando in the military. I served for over 25 years fighting some of the bloodiest wars that no one's ever heard of. I've killed more men than I can count, lived off the corpses of anything from wild animals to my own brothers in arms. 
I was on a mission with a group of rookies, showing them the ropes when we get ambushed
>Accept another drink
We get pushed deep into the jungle while everything around us goes to shit. Enemy starts bombarding our position and I watch as the most promising rookie gets blown apart.
I tell them to spread out and stick together but when I look at them I realise that they're all dead and I'm the only one left.
I keep running for what seems like hours when I fall off a cliff and into some river down below
When I come too I'm in an underground cave in front of some ancient panel
I go to touch it and when I do I black out and wake up here.
>Another drink
The first thing I see is a pony staring at me. I think it's some kind of sick genetic experiment so I run.
I run as far as I can but they're everywhere. I made it to the house on the hill and barricaded myself inside.
For the next year and a half I slept with one eye open in the shower clutching this knife for fear of my life. I'm terrified of the world around me, in all it's wonder and beauty, all it's curious creatures and seductive landscapes and I'm just so scared.
It's so pleasant and warm, the people so seemingly peaceful, hell I even made friends with one. 
>The mayor is looking at you slack jawed
I've lived so long in the dark, Mayor. I've lived over half my life in the blackest places on Earth and when I'm confronted with paradise I just don't know what to do.
And you know what?
>"W...what?"
I'm sick of it. I just want to wake up one morning and not be scared any more.
>The Mayor is silent for a while then places a hoof on your arm
>Flinch
>"You're a long way from home, sir. I think it's time you took a break from it all."
>Look at her, you feel emotions you haven't felt in nearly 3 decades resurface
>"You'll always have a home here in Ponyville. You don't need to be scared any more"
>She leans in and hugs you
>You hesitate then hug back
>Silence for another couple of minutes
>The Mayor breaks the hug and smiles at you
>"Come on. Follow me, we're gonna go get you drunk"
>Smile at her and follow her out the room
>The rest of the night is a blur of socialising and drinking
>You haven't felt this happy in years.
>The ponies don't care about what you are, only who you are
>They laugh at your jokes and listen intently at your stories
>They offer you food, and drinks, and sing along with you
>You head back to the house at the end of the night when Fluttershy stops you
>"H-hey Anon. I'm glad you got out at last! It only t-took you over a year!"
>You both laugh
I'm uhh. Gonna head back to the house now, Eagle E-... Fluttershy. I got a lot think about.
>"I-I'll walk you there."
>She hovers alongside you as you make your way home
>Through the silence of the country road and away from the noise in town, you hear her humming to herself
>You haven't heard a voice that sweet in so long
>Get to your front door
Well... This is my stop. Thanks, Fluttershy. For everything.
>She smiles at you
>Then hovers up and pecks you on the nose
>"G-goodnight, Anon."
>You lie in the bed that's been untouched for over a year and sleep like a log
>It's finally over. The fear of death, the fear of betrayal and suffering. It's all gone
>You feel happy
>You feel free.

The End.