My New Life in Equestria
Chapter 11:
"Your party is deep in a cave, filled with creatures who are trying to get you! What do you do? Sir McBiggun, you're first." Spike said.
I suddenly flash to a very real moment of my guardian past that Spike had just described. In a Lost Sector hunting a Hive Knight, Thrall and Acolytes crawling on the walls and ceiling, Kai shouting an order to open fire at anything that moves, all three of us mowing down anything that came our way.
Then, that stupid Cursed Thrall snuck up on me and blew me up. To the land of the dead, I went, again, Ghost brought me back of course and I recovered my weapon to keep firing. I had never thought about how much damage to my psyche that dying over and over again could do.
"Mex? Are you okay? Mex?!" Spike said shaking me awake.
I snap back and look at the others who are looking at me with varying degrees of concern. I smile awkwardly at Spike and brush it off.
"Oh, yeah, sorry, just got distracted for a moment, what did you say?" I say.
"It's your turn Mexamillion," Spike said holding out the twenty-sided die.
"Oh, right!" I say clearing my throat.
My character is sort of a rare breed, a warrior that is capable of using magic as well.
"Um, I cast "Illumination" in an attempt to light up the area," I say.
This was a tactic we used as Guardians as well, "if you can't see your target, you can't shoot it." was one of Demi's favourite lines.
"Okay, you'll need to roll a 13 or higher to light up the entire room, a 5 or lower is a failed cast and a number between that will affect the spell's effectiveness, go ahead and roll," Spike said.
I roll the die and it lands on a 14.
"Oh, nice! You cast "Illumination" and the strength of the spell was more than enough to give the entire party sight of the room for the next 12 turns. You can see a horde of Goblins numbering in the thirties and a few ogre captains" Spike said.
"Eyup!" Big Mac said in a tone that says he's ready for battle.
"Excellent, I believe it is my turn next Garbunkle?" Discord said taking the offered die from me.
"Uh-huh!" Spike said.
"I draw my bow and aim at the closest goblin with the magically enhanced arrow I got from you a few turns ago." Discord said.
"Ooh! Nice move! Okay, you'll need to first roll to hit the target, and then roll to see if the arrow activates, so your first roll needs to be at least a 7 to hit the target, go ahead and roll." Spike said.
Discord rolls and lands on a 10.
"The arrow hits! And now roll for the magic arrow to activate, the roll needs to be at least a 12." Spike said.
Discord rolls again and lands on an 11.
"Argh!" Discord said.
"I use my luck enhancer item to add "1" to Discords roll" I jump in and say.
"The roll is now considered a 12 and the arrow activates, the explosion was so large it wiped out half of the goblins and a commander," Spike said.
We all cheer and "Hooray" with Discord quickly thanking me.
I zone out again, flashing back to my own very real encounter like the one that was just described. My grenade going off and killing a lot of Thrall. I was again pulled back into reality by Spike.
"Hello? Mex? Are you okay?" Spike said with genuine concern.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Guess I just need a little break that's all." I say.
"Yeah, we've been going for nearly 5 hours already!" Discord said.
"Eyup!" Big Mac said with a bit of a yawn.
"Are you sure you're okay Mex? It seems like something is troubling you, do you wanna talk about it?" Spike said.
"Oh, no, I'm okay, thank you for the offer though," I say.
"Memories from your past, isn't it?" Discord said looking at me in the eyes.
My shocked expression was enough to convince the others of it as well.
"H-How did you know?" I ask a bit shakily.
"I have lived a very long time Mex; I have seen what this before." Discord said.
"It truly would help to talk about it and share, I can teach you a spell that would allow any touching you to experience your memories." Discord added.
"You know, in case you wanted to let us help you." Discord said.
"I think it'll be a good idea Mex; you do seem sad when you zone out like that," Spike said.
"Eyup." Big Mac added on.
I sigh deeply before turning to Discord.
"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn all of you," I say.
"Teach away," I say to Discord.
It was a simple spell, after 10 minutes I had gotten it down.
"Are you all ready?" I say.
The others nod before putting their hoof, claw and talon on my back, I cast the spell and we are all rushed to the fight in the cave I had been stuck on in my mind.
"Mex! Demi! Cover our east and west flank! I've got the rear! The front is clear!" Kai shouted.
Thrall could be heard screeching and charging toward us. Working in perfect unison, Demi and I are clearing Thrall like it's Spring time and we're cleaning out the garage of junk. Just then, 2 Acolytes and a Knight appear in front of us.
"Focus fire the Knight!" Kai shouted.
We all turned our weapons on the Knight and it was forced to raise its shield. A Cursed Thrall drags itself out of the wall and runs at me. It explodes, killing me, leaving only Ghost behind floating at my body.
Spike, Big Mac and Discord all gasp when they see and hear the explosion engulfing me. Spike has a small tear in his eye and grabs Big Mac's leg.
Demi laughs and walks over to my ghost just as it begins to spin faster and disappear, resurrecting me as it vanishes.
"Oh, shut it, Demi, I HATE those dam things!" I say in playful annoyance, picking up my rifle again.
"You know what that means right Mex? First rounds on you when we get back!" Demi said with a laugh and a slap on my shoulder.
"Hey, you two! Finish cleaning up here and meet me at-" Kai said before the Knight we were hunting smashed down the door, instantly killing Kai in the process.
"Kai!" Demi and I both said at the same time.
Demi let out a growl and drew her hand cannon and tossed a trip mine at the Knight, shooting it mid-air to detonate it in the Knight's face.
I swap to my shotgun and run at the Knight, sliding under his sword swing and unloading the magazine into his chest and head. He falls to his knees and then on his face as Demi dealt a final blow with her Knife into the back of the Knight's neck. The Knight disintegrates with an ethereal screech.
The few remaining Hive flee as the Knight falls.
Kai's Ghost resurrects him, he gasps heavily as he re-awakens and does a perimeter check with his weapon drawn.
"Welcome back to the nightmare boss man," I say with a head nod.
Kai stifles a chuckle.
"Where are we at with the Knight?" He asks.
The spell finishes and we're all transported back to camp.
"Wow." That was all Discord said.
"Eyup." Big Mac said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Spike just ran up to me and hugged me
"You did that stuff often?" Spike said.
"Every day," I said, returning the hug.
"Well, I can see why you were distracted." Discord said.
"Eyup." Big Mac said flatly.
"I think you need to talk to somepony about these flashbacks, maybe you could even show them just like you did with us." Discord said.
"Nah, I'll be fine, I have my way of dealing with bad memories, it's called "Burying it," I say with a chuckle.
The group looks at each other with a very concerned faces.
"C'mon! Let's get back to playing for a bit before we have dinner." I say with a smile.
We go back to playing for an hour when Spike closes the game to make dinner, Big Mac puts his hoof on my shoulder and nods. I return the nod in understanding and walk a short distance to watch the waterfall.
Discord floats over to me and sits beside me.
"I had no idea just how bad it was where you came from; I mean, I knew you came from war but, I cannot comprehend dying and coming back to life so many times." Discord said.
I smile.
"Is that genuine concern I detect Discord?" I say.
"Wh- whaat? O- of course not! I was simply stating what I noticed." Discord said with his arms crossed looking away from me.
Discord slowly looks back at me and we share a deep laugh.
We sit and stare out at the sights as the sun is setting for 10 minutes or so when Spike calls out.
"Dinners ready you guys!"
We both get up and walk over to the fire, I pick up a plate and thank Spike who still looks a bit distressed.
"You alright there Spike?" I ask.
Spike looks up at me and slowly nods and smiles.
"I'm sorry you guys had to see that by the way," I say with my head lowered.
The three all look at each other with a knowing look on their faces.
"If you wanna talk about it let me know, okay?" Big Mac says.
I look up and nod my head and smile.
"Hey, Mex? Can I ask you a question? It's perfectly fine if you don't wanna answer it but, curiosity is getting the better of me." Discord said.
"Yeah, go for it," I say.
"What's death like? What did it feel like?" Discord said.
"Discord!" Spike said glaring at Discord.
"You don't ask that question." Big Mac said also glaring at him.
"No no, it's fine, I'm surprised nobody's asked me that yet already," I say.
The three of them turn to me waiting for an answer.
"It's cold, like permanent ice all around you, trying to breach into your skin, also falling in a black empty, having no idea which way is up or down, head spinning so fast," I say.
"That's what it's like," I say after a pause looking up and seeing their pale faces and slightly shocked expressions.
"Wow," Spike said.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that Mex," Spike said putting a claw on my shoulder.
I look up at him and smile.
"Thank you, but it's all over now, I'll only experience it one more time now, and hopefully not for a few years yet," I say.
"Well, you're an Alicorn now, so you'll probably live for a few thousand years." Discord said.
"Just can't let me die can you universe?" I say under my breath with a smile.
"What was that?" Big Mac said.
"Never mind," I say with a smile.
After a successful camping trip and packing up our camp, I levelled up my character several times and obtained new spells and powers, very reminiscent of my Guardian powers Spike was inspired after witnessing them.
I spend about half an hour meditating by the view of the waterfall when I conclude. I'm going to need to fully open up about my experiences as a guardian, I mean, it's not like those details are classified over here.
I can't burden the girls with it all, they're too young to see those kinds of memories, I don't even wanna think about how they would react if they saw my human self get killed.
But who would be qualified for something like this? Nopony I guess.
My thoughts were interrupted by Spike tapping me on the flank.
"You ready to go Mex?" Spike said.
"Oh, yeah sorry," I reply while standing up and following Spike back to the others.
"Everypony ready to go?" Discord said readying his claw to snap us all back to Ponyville.
"Wait Discord, could I ask you something in private?" I say.
Discord raises an eyebrow and then nods. We walk about 10 seconds away.
"I've been trying to figure out a spell that I think is possible but I'm having a bit of trouble, would you mind helping me?" I say.
"Sure, but why did we come over here for that?" Discord said.
"I'm a soldier Discord, soldiers don't really like asking for help," I say with a small blush.
Discord smiles.
"So, what does this spell of yours do?" Discord said.
"Well, I'm basing it off of the Vex Gates back from my world, they're portals that allow many to traverse vast distances, I think creating a portal is possible here with Magic but I'm not sure how to approach it," I say.
"Ah, I see." Discord said.
Discord spent a few minutes explaining his suggestions to me before it clicked with me.
"So, the main idea of this is to have a clear picture of the destination and then imagine a tunnel to that place from where you are," I say.
"Yes, now, the further the distance, the more difficult it will be; Try and create a portal back to the others to make sure you get a general idea." Discord said.
"Wow, Discord is kind of acting like my advanced magic tutor, the others said he only really cared for himself but perhaps he's changed?" I think to myself.
I do as Discord instructed and opened a decent-sized hole in the air, I looked around it and a similar hole appeared where the others were standing.
"Excellent!" Discord exclaimed.
I step up to the portal and step through it. The feeling was very similar to the sensation one would get going through a Vex gate. I reappear on the other side and look back at the hole, Discord emerged from the hole as well.
"Wonderful! You would make an excellent Lord of Chaos one day!" Discord said, earning looks from Big Mac and Spike.
"Alright, let's get home, I'll get us there!" I say excitedly.
I picture Sweet Apple Acres in my mind and create another portal. Big Mac and Spike step through first, followed by myself and Discord.
We emerged to a very shocked Applejack who had dropped her apple basket when seeing the hole appear.
"Hey Applejack! We're back from our trip!" I say excitedly.
"Uh huh, I can see that." Applejack said.
"Where is Apple Bloom? Is she with the others at the clubhouse?" I say.
"Uh-huh, they're not expecting you for several hours though." Applejack said.
"Thanks! I'm gonna drop Spike off back at the castle and talk to Twilight and then go catch up with them." I say and open a new portal to Twilight's castle.
"Oh, Mex? I wouldn't use portals that often, you're still new to them, so it could very well exhaust you after a few uses." Discord said.
"I'll keep that in mind thanks!" I say and walk with Spike through the portal.
We emerge at the front door of Twilights Castle and walk in.
"Hey, Twilight! I'm home from the camp!" Spike calls out.
"In here Spike!" We hear Twilight call back from the Map room.
We walk to the map room; my face is filled with concern and worry as I look to the floor.
"Relax buddy, Twilight can help you! I know she can!" Spike said, placing a claw on my back.
I look up and smile.
"Yeah, I hope so, I just don't want to bother her with my silly problems is all," I say.
"They're not silly! You need some help moving on from your past life, your friends will be there to help you." Spike said smiling.
We enter the room and see Twilight as well as Princess Celestia talking at the table.
"Oh! Hi Princess Celestia, I didn't know you were visiting." Spike said with a bow.
"Greetings Princess," I say with a bow.
"No need for that you two," Celestia said with a smile and gestured us over.
"Oh, hello Mex; Did you need something?" Twilight said.
I look to the ground.
"U-uh," I say, hesitating.
"No, I-" I say before Spike interrupts me.
"Actually, Twilight, yes he does," Spike said, giving me a nudge with his elbow, and signalling me with his eyes.
"Uh, well," I say.
"What's wrong Mex?" Twilight said walking up to me.
I steel my nerves and look at Twilight.
"My past keeps haunting me through memory flashbacks of all of the missions I went on with my team, all of the death and destruction we had to cause whispers into my ear every waking moment! Please help me, Twilight!" I all but shouted at her.
Catching my breath, I open my eyes to look up and see Twilight shedding a tear and reaching out to hug me.
"Oh Mex, we knew it was only a matter of time before this happened," Twilight said hugging me tightly.
I look up to Celestia who is struggling to keep a tear in as well; when she approaches us and turns to Twilight.
"Twilight? May I make a suggestion?" Celestia said.
Twilight nods her head and lets go of me to listen.
"There's a pony in Canterlot who could help you; she specialises in helping ponies move on from their past," Celestia said.
"Although, she has certainly never come across a case like yours." She continued.
I nod in agreement, as does Twilight.
"Alright, I'll request her assistance and send her here as soon as I hear back from her," Celestia said.
"Thank you, Princess, truly," I say. While I choke back tears.
Princess Celestia nods her head.
"It is the duty of the Princess to make sure all of her subjects are healthy and well fed," Celestia said.
I hesitate before going in for a hug and opt to not hug an active Princess.
Celestia noticed this and put a wing around me and smiles; I return the smile.
I wave goodbye to everypony and head over to the clubhouse.
"Oh no! I'm late!" I say to myself as I realise, I am 20 minutes late to meet the girls.
I concentrate on the clubhouse and cast the teleportation spell and arrive at the front door in moments. The door opens with three angry-looking fillies staring back at me.
"Oh! Hi girls, I'm so sorry for being late, I had a rather... emotional... thing... happen at Twilights Castle." I say with my head lowered a bit.
The girls' eyes relax and look at each other with a spark of concern.
"Don't worry about it, I'm fine!" I say with a chuckle.
"Hmm, okay. If you wanna talk about it let us know, okay?" Apple Bloom said.
"I will," I say with a smile.
"Now! We've got four hours left before the weekend ends, any ideas?" Apple Bloom said.
We all think for a few minutes when Scootaloo perks up and says.
"We could try dog walking!"
"Yeah! Let's go see Fluttershy! She would have some dogs we could walk!" Sweetie Belle said.
"Alright, Crusaders! Let's go!" Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah!" We all say with a group high-five.
45 minutes later, we return to the clubhouse covered in dog slobber and tree sap.
"How did we end up in tree sap?!" I say
"You'll get used to it," Scootaloo said.
I look to the others who all nod dejectedly.
After several more attempts, and several more baths... at our cutie marks, we went to Sugar Cube Corner for our usual before calling it a day.
"Bye, y'all! See ya at school t'morrow!" Apple Bloom said.
"Yep! We will see you at school tomorrow!" I chime in.
"Oh yeah! Mex is joining us at school tomorrow!" I hear Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo say excitedly.
Apple Bloom and I giggle and start making our way home for dinner.
On the way.
"So, Mex, how was your camping trip with Big Mac and the others?" Apple Bloom asks me.
"Yeah, it was great! We did a couple of nature walks, played some games and told some... *very* creepy stories." I said emphasising the last bit.
"That sounds great! I can't wait fer next weekend fer my trip! You really should just come with us! Nopony minds ya know?" Apple Bloom said with a smile.
I open my mouth to reply but Apple Bloom cuts me off.
"Just, think about it won't cha?" She said.
I close my mouth and nod.
"Alright," I say.
"Thanks, Mex, it would be great if you came along!" Apple Bloom said.
"No, I mean, yes, I will come with you girls," I say with a big smile.
Apple Bloom gasps and hugs me.
"Really?! Yay! I just know that you'll have fun!" She said while she happily trots off down the road toward home.
I smile to myself and speed up to catch up to Apple Bloom.
It's early morning when the crow of a rooster wakes me up, Apple Bloom snuck in here with me again as she had a tight hug around me.
Big Mac opens my door and sees me awake, Big Mac usually makes sure Apple Bloom is up and getting ready for school each morning, now, he adds me to his checklist.
I wave a hoof at him and he smiles and motions for us to get up. I nod my head when suddenly Big Mac's face is replaced by a shimmering flash of a Cabal's face and screaming in the background.
"Ahh!" I say startled, but before I could do anything, it was normal again.
My gasp made Big Mac turn back around.
"You, okay?" He said in his deep voice.
I nod that I'm okay and rub my eyes and face. My gasp had been enough to wake up Apple Bloom who looked at me.
"Mornin Mex." Apple Bloom said while straining her voice from a yawn.
"Morning Apple Bloom, you sleep okay?" I ask, still a bit shaken up from my vision.
"Uh huh, I had a dream about-" Apple Bloom's voice trailed off as I wasn't listening, I was too concerned about that vision flash that I had moments ago. What could it mean? I was interrupted from my thoughts by Apple Bloom's voice, bringing me back to reality.
"Hey Mex! Are you even listening?" She said.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Apple Bloom, I guess I trailed off." I said with a pout.
"Ah, that's okay, it wasn't very important anyway." She replied.
I smile and nod.
"Oh! Big Mac came to get us, I think breakfast is ready, let's go!" I say.
Apple Bloom and I jump out of bed and run downstairs to have breakfast. As we enter the kitchen, the smell of hay cakes and carrot juice wafts up our noses. I love that smell in the morning.
"Mornin young'uns! How'd ya sleep?" Granny said from her seat at the table.
"Good." Both Apple Bloom and I said at the same time, with the "o" drawn out.
"You excited bout your first day sugarcube?" Applejack said to me, as she was setting down breakfast.
"Yeah! I can finally learn about your world's history and heritage, and learn how to read and write your language as well! I'm so excited!" I say with a beaming smile.
"Yep, without a doubt, you're definitely a warlock Mex." I hear a familiar voice say.
I snap my eyes open and see a shimmering visage of Demi smiling at me and shrugging.
"Huh?" I say feeling faint and confused.
"Jeeze, when are ya gonna come and join us for a drink and the bar and get outa this library?" Demi said.
I close my eyes for a few seconds before opening them again and the visage is gone.
"Mex? You okay hon?" Applejack said as I take notice that the table is looking at me, apparently hearing me speak.
I look around at the others and smile.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, apparently, I didn't sleep that well after all haha." I say with a chuckle.
The others smile and give a half-hearted chuckle as well.
"Well alright, you take it easy today, okay?" Applejack said.
I nod, slightly awkwardly.
"Good, cuz let me tell you from experience, overworking yourself does yourself no favours." Applejack said, earning a chuckle from the others and a smile from me.
"What is going on?!" I think to myself.
"Bye, y'all! We're off to school now!" Apple Bloom said.
We both giggle at her comment and make our way toward town.
"I'm so excited about today! And I never get excited about school!" Apple Bloom said.
"I know right! I'm excited to learn but, I also wanna experience one of those recesses you and the others were telling me about." I say.
"Speaking of the others! There they are!" Apple Bloom said pointing a hoof to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walking towards us from another direction.
"Oh! Hey girls!" I say and wave at them.
They both turn to us and wave back.
"There you two are! Are you guys also super excited about Mex joining us at school?" Sweetie Belle said.
"Yeah! We were just talking about that! Come on Crusaders! Let's get going!" Apple Bloom said.
"Yeah!" We all said while high hoofing each other.
We all arrive at the school house and Miss Cherilee is at the door greeting all of the students.
"Good morning everypony! Hello Featherweight, hello Snips, hello Snails, hello Crusaders." Miss Cherilee smiled at me and nodded. I return them both.
I walk inside and sit next to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, with Apple Bloom in front of me. I also spot Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon a few rows down who keep glancing at me. I look around the room to see that pretty much everypony was staring at me.
"Oh, great, I'm already a pariah." I think to myself and chuckle internally.
"Good morning class." Miss Cherilee said.
"Good morning, Miss Cherilee." The class (sans me) said.
"Today, we have a new classmate joining us from now on, Mex would you please come up to the front?" Miss Cherilee said.
I hop up from my seat and make my way to the front and turn to face the class standing next to Miss Cherilee.
"Class, this, as some of you may know, is Mex, he is our new student and classmate, please welcome him and give him a hoof if he needs anything." Miss Cherilee said.
A pony put his hoof up and immediately started speaking.
"Hey! Are you an Alicorn?" The colt said.
"How did you become one?" A filly said.
"Uh." I stumble.
"That's enough class; yes, Mex is an alicorn, whether he wants to share is up to him, so please do not ask him anymore." Miss Cherilee said.
Light groans could be heard throughout the class.
"Now Mex, would you like to share anything about yourself today?" Miss Cherilee asked.
I open my mouth to respond when a visage of Kai appears this time.
"Tell me something about yourself Mex." The visage of kai said.
My pupils dilate a bit and I shake my head free from it.
"Uh, not just now thank you Miss Cherilee," I say, confused.
"Okay, no problem, you can return to your seat." Miss Cherilee said.
I look around the class and see the girls look at me with a very concerned faces.
"Alright class, today, we'll be continuing last week's lessons on the growth cycles of turnips." Miss Cherilee said.
"Alright, class enjoy your recess, Mex? Can I talk to you for a moment?" Miss Cherilee said.
The class stands up and heads for the doors, the girls wait for me at their desks.
"Go on girls, Mex won't be long." Miss Cherilee said.
I smile and nod and the girls move outside.
Miss Cherilee turns to me and speaks.
"Okay, now, about your language lessons, I've come up with a plan for you to follow that won't overwhelm you but will teach you our language, both reading and writing." She said.
"That's fantastic! Thank you very much!" I said with a smile.
Miss Cherilee spent a few minutes explaining the plan to me, it involves a single lesson to do each day increasing in difficulty. With the choice to do more lessons if I want to.
"And that about covers it, what do you think?" Miss Cherilee said.
I look up at her and smile.
"Excellent work Miss Cherilee! It's easy to follow and I can fit the lessons in with my training, I love it!" I say.
"Well thank you Mex, I don't normally get compliments on school work, so-" she said before doing a double take.
"Did you say training?" She said.
"Hm? Oh, yes. I want to keep my combat skills sharp just in case some of my "old friends" turn up again." I say.
Miss Cherilee's face twinged a bit before closing her eyes for a moment.
"Ah, I see." She said, lowering her head.
"Is something wrong?" I say.
"Oh, no, just, to have that burden while also learning how to read and write feels, strange to me, that's all." She said.
I smile and nod.
"I understand, seeing somepony so young tackling something so important," I say.
Miss Cherilee slightly lowers her head again and smiles.
"Yes, precisely. Anyway, you'd best head outside to recess, I'll extend recess by an extra five minutes as a special treat." She said with a smile.
"That's very kind of you Miss Cherilee, see you soon!" I say and head outside to my friends.
I walk outside to the schoolyard and look around for the girls. I see some ponies throwing a ball around to each other when the scene is suddenly replaced by the visages of guardians throwing grenades and knives at enemies, followed by shouts of commands.
I gasp in shock and instinctively reach for my service weapon while seeking out cover, I then look in the direction where they were throwing them. I see nothing there but hear the unmistakable detonation of an incendiary grenade, followed by the yells of cabal soldiers. One of whom turns to look at me and raises his slap rifle at me.
Again, I instinctively seek out both my weapon and cover, when I feel a tap on my shoulder, I instantly turn and see a cabal reeling back to hit me.
"Ahh!" I shout out, startling Sweetie Belle.
"Ah! What's wrong?" Sweetie Belle said.
The visage of the cabal is replaced with Sweetie Belle looking at me concerned.
"Mex? Are you okay?" Scootaloo said.
My eyes wide open, and gasping for breath begin looking around, frantically searching for enemies that are not there.
"Mex? Mex?! Hey, what's wrong?" Miss Cherilee said after coming over, drawing a small crowd.
I snap back into reality and look up at Miss Cherilee and the girls.
"Y-yeah, I-I'm fine." I stutter out.
"No, yer not! This is the third time it's happened now, isn't it?" Apple Bloom said.
"N- no?" I say completely un-convincingly.
"Don't you lie tuh me!" Apple Bloom said.
"Alright, alright, everypony back to recess." Miss Cherilee said.
"Mex, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom, could you come with me please?" Miss Cherilee said.
We all follow her inside where she writes a letter and hands it to me.
"Mex, please take this letter home to Applejack, she will know what to do with it." Miss Cherilee said.
"Mex, I think you're suffering from flashbacks from your previous life, am I right?" Miss Cherilee said.
The girls turn to me with a raised eyebrow.
"No, not really, I mean, I suppose so but, it's different from a flashback, I'm not just reminiscing about things, it's like I'm suddenly back on the battlefield and under fire again," I say.
The girls look at each other confused, while Miss Cherilee looks extremely worried.
"Do you know what's happening to me Miss Cherilee?" I ask.
"Not exactly, no. But I have heard of ponies who have experienced horrible things experience exactly this, and to be completely honest, I think your case takes the cake on traumatic experiences." Miss Cherilee said.
I mean, I guess dying thousands of times does that to you. I thought I had just gotten numb to it, but what if it was causing serious damage to my psyche? And now that I'm in a peaceful area, it's all coming rushing back?
"Oh, no." Apple Bloom said, seemingly realising what Miss Cherilee is saying.
"What can we do?" Scootaloo said.
"I asked you, girls, here as his friends because I want you three to help him stay in reality, if you think he's going through an episode again, talk to him, shake him awake if you have to." Miss Cherilee said.
"Right!" The girls all said together.
"As for today, we'll get through the rest of classes as normal, helping Mex when we can, okay?" Miss Cherilee said.
"Yeah!" The girls said together.
"Thank you, thank you all," I say.
School is finished, and only with three more episodes for the rest of the day, all of them minor ones, Apple Bloom and I arrive home and I give the note to Applejack.
"What's this hon?" She said.
"Miss Cherilee asked me to give it to you," I said.
"Uh oh, a note from school on yer first day?! That's an Apple Family record!" She said with a laugh.
I laugh with her and move to the kitchen to help set up for dinner.
Applejack opens the note and reads it, getting progressively more and more worried and concerned until she finishes it.
"Oh no." She said under her breath.
Author's Notes.
Whoo Whee! Poor Mex am I, right? No creature should have to endure that at all! If you're experiencing those things, please seek out help right away!
Anyway, this chapter was much more focused on the psychological damage I would imagine a guardian having after the fighting stops, while also introducing the school ark of Mex's journey. What do y'all think? Let me know if you have any input!
The next chapter will be a bit of a mix of slice of life, combat training, and a little bit of "Nerfing" That I'll be doing to Mex, I've noticed I've been giving Mex a lot of overpowered abilities, such as Warp Flight, ODS etc. So, I'll be addressing that in the next chapter as well.
Thanks, everycreature for reading! And I'll see you in the next chapter, see ya!