The following morning I returned to the barracks in Ponyville by using the passage between the castle into Luna's office, magic has its perks by allowing me to travel back and forth within a couple of seconds. I'd only have a day before leaving for deployment so I had to make sure that my unit was briefed and prepared to carry out operations as soon as we arrived in the Badlands. Since the SOG is an independent unit, it gives us the flexibility to bounce back and forth in order to support the rest of the Rangers where needed, rather than being stuck on garrison.

Having returned to my own bedroom to get changed into my combat uniform, I begin to set out the equipment which I'll be living off for the next few months. Resting everything on the bed before me, I visually inspect everything to ensure that it is in working order. With my SA80 back and in working order, it will be the first time I will be testing it in frontline combat since Discord repaired it. My Glock, although in working order, has some physical marking from past engagements, scratches and scuffs covering the body of the weapon. Finally, there is my sword, the most presentable of my weapons, having regularly been polished in order to keep it presentable.

My armour has also changed since arriving in Equestria, yet it had acted as a template for the development of some of Equestria's new armour. My Osprey vest has been replaced with a steel breastplate lined with Kevlar, offering protection from both projectiles and bladed weapons, the new talisman that Luna had given me has also been secured to the centre of the breastplate to provide me protection against magical attacks. A custom webbing has also been developed to sit over my armour to make up for the loss of my ammo and utility pouches. New and experimental plates of armour will also be put to the test, giving me additional protection for my arms and legs.

The only part of the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) I arrived with which had survived was the helmet. It had taken a couple of blows, but has served its purpose and was used as a basis for Equestria's own helmet design. Having the level of military equipment I had when I first arrived certainly gave me an advantage in battle, providing me with a high level of protection and offensive capabilities. With Equestria's own development in the last year, who knows what they could achieve, especially as they implement magic with technology based from Earth.

With my weapons and armour laid out, I take a hold of my beret and leave my office in order to meet the others. I'm quickly able to climb the staircase towards the common room above, only to hear everyone mutter as I make my way up. As I reach the top of the stairs, I quickly come to a stop as I look at everyone with an amused yet irritated expression. My eyes quickly scan over everyone as they act nonchalant, reading a mixture of magazines and newspapers which display the news of Princess Luna's engagement.

Clearing his throat, Chaser shakes the newspaper in his grasp as give me the sort of look you'd expect from a disapproving father. "Good morning. Anything big happened last week?" Before I can respond, he throws the newspaper at me as he suddenly jumps out of his chair. "Were you ever going to tell us that you were rutting the Princess!?"

Folding my arms, I kick the crumpled up newspaper to the side. "You don't think I wanted to tell you? You're my mate, of course, I wanted to tell you. However, you are shit at keeping secrets."

Georg chuckles as he rests his own paper on the table, "He has got a point. You couldn't keep a secret to save your life." He turns his focus to me as he rolls his eyes, "What I don't understand is how you ended up with a Princess."

"What do you mean? How is that surprising?"

"Come on, it's you." He turns his attention to everyone else as he gestures to me. "You've all got to agree with me. I would have thought the Princess would have ended up with one of her own kind, a pony, not the only human in all of existence."

"There's nothing wrong with him," Aurora states as she stands up for me. "Sure he looks a bit funny, can be really bossy, loves the sound of his own voice and is severely accident prone, but other than that there is nothing wrong with him."

"I don't love the sound of my own voice," I retort as I sit on the edge of her table.

Deka releases a single laugh, "Yeah you do. It's very rare that you ever shut up." A sly grin spreads across her lips as she quickly looks me over, "And you do look kind of funny."

"How do I?"

"Lack of hair."

"Tiny eyes," Amethyst adds.

"Squashed muzzle," Sunstreaker joins in as he flicks my nose with his magic.

"Your ears are in the wrong place," Sonar emphasises by twitching his own ears.

Deka leans back in her own seat as she looks at Sunny, "You've bucked him. I bet even his cock looks funny."

I instantly feel my cheeks heat up as I rub my palm over my face, "There is nothing wrong with my cock. Besides, you're gay, so any cock looks funny to you."

"You only have one redeeming quality. At least you have good taste in mares."

I cock a brow as I look at her with a grin, "You do realise that you're calling your Princess, my fiance, fit?"

"Hey, I'm just giving credit where credit is due."

"Did anyone actually know that you and the Princess were together?" Janine asks.

My eyes slowly drift towards Sunny, "Yeah. Sunny knew, along with Cadence and Celestia."

"What!?" Chaser blurts out as he turns his attention to her. "You knew and didn't bother to tell me?"

Sunny smiles sheepishly, "I haven't known for very long. Besides, John is right, you're terrible at keeping secrets."

"I'm surprised that Princess Celestia was okay with you doing... that with her sister," Harts Fire says.

I roll my eyes as I step towards the bar, "It's not like we told Celestia what we got up to in private." Reaching the bar, I lean over the counter and grasp onto one of the water bottles tucked underneath. "I'm just going to sum it all up, so I don't get a million questions. We started going out after the Gala last year. It kind of developed further over Hearts and Hooves day... for obvious reasons. We were planning on making our relationship public, but she had no idea that I was going to pop the question."

"And now you're engaged to a Princess," Chaser calls out as he throws his hoof out to the side. "And you want me to be your 'best man'. Well, I've got some news for you. As soon as we're on leave, we're having a couple of days in Las Pegasus. Nothing but gambling, drinking and mares."

"You're not enjoying the company of other mares." Sunny scolds him as she narrows her eyes.

Chaser splutters nervously as he gestures his wings to the other males of the group, "It's not just me and John going. Some of these fine gentlecolts are single. I'm not referring to escorts, but a few exotic dancers for the others, especially the groom to be."

Leaning back against the bar, I unscrew the cap of my bottle and casually throw it over my shoulder. "How the fuck would a stripper even work here? You don't wear clothes. Are you gonna start shaving off your coats?"

Deka chuckles as she wiggles her eyebrows, "Have you ever seen a mare dressed up for a certain activity? It's quite the view."

I notice Sunny blushing mildly in the corner as my own mind drifts back to Luna dressed up for my birthday. "Okay, I'll give you that one... it is an interesting view."

"Exactly!" Colbalt exclaims. "So why not have a mare show you a good time?"

I offer a weak shrug as I take a sip of my water. "I suppose it is kinda the tradition of stag do's. My last night of freedom."

"Come on," Crimson exclaims as she taps her hoof on the table. "Do you really think the Princess will take part in a bachelorette party? Ogling stallions and getting drunk?" She can do, apart from the drunk part since she's pregnant.

"She's entitled to do that. It's part of getting married."

"I can't picture any of the Princesses doing that." Janine chuckles as she shakes her head. "So, have the two of you... done it?"

I stare blankly at her as everyone else leans forward expectantly. "Y-yeah, we've had sex." As soon as I answer, everyone begins to simultaneously shout over each other as I'm bombarded with so many questions that I'm unable to interpret any of the questions. I mentally roll my eyes as I prepare for everyone to pry into my private life. This is going to be a long day.

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Monday 14th July 2014

11:24

5 miles south of Coltchester

Day 1 on deployment

We left in the early hours of the morning, the entire 1st Battalion was taken in trains to the town of Coltchester, the last stop on the line. To my surprise, as we marched through the town towards the outskirts of the badlands, we were greeted by crowds as the citizens of the town welcomed the additional protection in the hope that we'd be able to end the escalation of violence in the region. I never experienced anything like it, I only felt anything like this in the past when I finally returned to England after one of my tours.

We didn't leave Ponyville without saying goodbye to everyone and getting incredibly drunk at the barracks. The girls all gave me their farewells, wishing me luck in the deployment and waiting for when I'd return. Rainbow told me not to have all the fun before she came, seeing as the Wonderbolt Reserves had another month until being deployed. I reckon that Rainbow was looking forward to having the chance of being revered and celebrated as a war hero, claiming glory and earning recognition along the way.

With an entire Battalion trained and sent to active duty, there were a few issues with ensuring that everyone was fully kitted. Although Equestria is producing weapons for the army and the Guard, they haven't made it a high priority compared to armour. With weapons being lower down on their list, we had to make a few changes to how everyone is outfitted. All of those who could fly weren't issued rifles, but instead received aerial gauntlets along with their standard issue sword.

Our new home for the entire tour was sat in the centre of a valley on the edge of the badlands, rolling plains filled the scenery for as far as the eye could see, a large selection of hills acting as the natural barrier before the last piece of grass for miles and endless desert. The high ground surrounding our compound had various watch posts, allowing sentries to scan the horizon in order to keep the location secure. It left me feeling more uneasy than anything, knowing that it would be fought after in an attack in order to provide an enemy with the high ground over our base of operations.

The compound was massive in scale, giving Camp Bastion a run for its money as it housed the entire Battalion, the Wonderbolts and large numbers of the Crystal Guard. The exterior was constructed with sandbag walls and rapidly constructed walls, it gave us a secure perimeter and numerous vantage points, but it wouldn't be sufficient if we faced a full-scale assault. The interior of the FOB had a few structure which were in position prior to our deployment, acting as the main HQ for the senior officers, the rest of the base had numerous tents which would act as the soldier's homes.

Our tent was positioned just meters from the HQ, meaning that we were on one of the main routes throughout the base. We quickly had numerous visitors, various officers of different Platoons and Units trying to get on good terms with us in order to rely on our support. Although we were assigned to a Company, we were allowed to operate independently until we were ordered otherwise. This meant the other CO's were quick to try and win us over, in the hopes that we'd support them if they required assistance.

Setting up our own operations centre was pretty straightforward. The central section was our briefing area, housing workbenches for everyone's equipment along with intelligence boards and maps of the surrounding area. On the three sides of our new home lay the sleeping quarters, the left for my Section, the right for Charlie Section and the rear for Bravo Section. The one remaining wall was left open, containing a small area for us all to relax. Nothing special, just a few tables, comfortable seating and a few personal touches.

Standing alongside the intelligence board, I continue to pin up reports we received on targets of interest as my plays music out loud. Luna gave us the task of finding the leader of the Diamond dogs, responsible for the attacks on Equestrian citizens, and to bring them to justice. Whether this meant by apprehending them or putting a bullet in them. It would obviously be better if we were able to capture them, but it may not be an option in the heat of the moment.

With the last piece of information nailed to the board, I take a step back as my hand runs over my bare chest. This climate is just like Afghanistan. Roasting hot with nothing but plains of dried fields and sections of sand. I hated this climate then and I still hate it now. Give me the cold snow of Griffonia over this any day of the week. Hearing approaching hooves, I twist my neck to the side to find both Shining Armor and Spitfire entering our operation centre. Turning to them, I give a nod of my head, "Major. Sir."

"Captain," He responds as he gives a quick inspection of our operations centre. Stopping before me, he gives a forced smile as he looks directly into my eyes, "I suppose, congratulations are in order for your engagement."

"Thank you," Stepping to the central table, I retrieve my t-shirt and pull it over my head. "How're things been going out here? I've only been given the occasional report on activities."

"The Diamond Dogs which were occupying the Coltcheter mines were evicted with no casualties sustained on our part. The leaders were apprehended and have been transported back to Equestria to stand trial in the coming weeks." He sighs as his gaze turns to the map, "It isn't the town that's the issue. We've had more resistance in the reservations in the badlands and during our patrols."

"What kind of resistance?"

"As far as most of the Diamond Dogs are concerned, Equestria is the enemy," Spitfire answers. "They live primarily on the reservations which we set up for them, giving them food, water and healthcare; but there are many within the borders that take any opportunity they can to attack us. We fight back when required, only to have more Diamond Dogs jumping into the fray as they see us as the aggressors."

"Which reservation is the main issue?"

"This one," Shining responds as his magic takes hold of a nearby pencil and circles the largest reservation on the map, "Fillybrooks. It holds the largest number of Diamond dogs, but it also sees the most activity for the aggressors. They use it as a recruiting ground to gain more 'soldiers' to engage us with. It also doesn't help that it’s the closest reservation to us, only ten miles to the south of our current location."

I step up to the map, studying the layout of the reservation. "It's not ideal. Narrow streets and enclosed areas. If we ever get into a fight there, then we're going to have issues."

"Well then, I'm afraid you're all out of luck. There have been a few fights in the reservation. It's usually rare that a patrol doesn't get into an engagement. Whether that be stones thrown at you, large crowds trying to aggravate you, or a group actively attacking you."

Spitfire lowers her gaze, "We've lost more guards in those reservations then we have anywhere else on this deployment. It's only getting worse as time goes on. They don't want us there, but we have been told to maintain a presence there to 'keep the peace.' We're doing the opposite by going in there. The best chance of avoiding anything is to maintain aerial patrols. It hasn't stopped them from trying though."

"How would are they attempting to get you in the air? Have they got any weaponry?"

"They primarily have crossbows for ranged engagements. We have carried out numerous raids on known storage facilities, but they still have some tucked away somewhere. We've also found old Griffonian rifles, but thankfully these are few in numbers."

Shining turns his attention to my rifle resting on the nearest workbench, "The Griffins have sent us a Battalion of four-hundred soldiers to assist us. This has worked in our favour as they seem to be able to engage with the Diamond Dogs more effectively than us. They're primarily providing reconnaissance and carrying out patrols along the badlands and the key roads between reservations. Although they're having more luck with the Diamond Dogs, the same can't be said with the Ridgecats."

Stepping towards my own kit, I slowly begin to put on my combat shirt as I whistle out loud to the rest of my team within their sleeping quarters. Both Chaser and Deka catch onto my expression as I rock my head to the side, beginning to gather up their teams as everyone starts to gear up. "The Ridgecats are on the east side of the Badlands, right? Along the outskirts of the Hayseed Swamps?"

"They travel between the jungles around the swamp and the badlands themselves. Their nomads, meaning we have little opportunities to find their leadership as they always remain hidden. We only often come into contact with their scouts. We haven't had any hostilities with them, but they seem to be gearing for a fight with the Diamond Dogs. Especially since the two regularly fight over the Terron Oasis."

With my shirt fitted, I begin to fit my armour to my body. "We'll have to try and seek them out. See if we can meet with their leaders. For now, we should familiarise ourselves with the reservation. If you guys regularly have issues there, then it wouldn't hurt to know the quickest ways in and out in order to provide you with support. I trust you can take us there?"

Shining nods as he and Spitfire begin to leave, "Meet us at the southern gate in twenty minutes. We're due to carry out patrols in the area as the Royal Reconnaissance Regiment of the Griffonian army conducts a raid on a possible arms storage facility. I'm sure they'll appreciate you assisting with patrolling the perimeter as they carry it out, given your previous experience with them."

"Sound good. We'll gear up and meet you both there." The two leave my team to gear up, causing me to pause as they move out of sight. Holy shit. Did Shining and I have a full conversation without either of us having a go at the other? It feels... strange, not wanting to wring his neck.

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We're positioned outside the main gate of the reservation as we wait for the Griffonian unit to arrive. We keep focused on the main entrance and wall as a small group of Diamond Dogs look at us, disgust and anger clearly evident in their expressions. The main perimeter is made of wood with mud walls acting as support, a number of structures are visible from the exterior of the reservation giving the town the impression of a tribal village as I'm able to see the roofs of mud huts.

Clasping onto the grip of my rifle, my fingers tense slightly as I eye the groups keeping watch on us. "I don't like being stood out like this."

"How long does it take the Griffons to turn up?" Harts Fire groans as he adjusts the aerial gauntlet on his forehoof. "They can all fly. We had to tow all of you here and we got here before them."

"They're a reconnaissance unit. Maybe they are performing a quick reccy?"

"Wouldn't they have told us before hoof that they're going in to do that?"

"Not necessarily," I respond with a shrug of my shoulders. "We're a distraction. Keeping the Dog's attention so they could fly overhead relatively unnoticed."

Harts Fire exhales as he steps towards the rest of his Section, "I suppose you're right."

"He is right," A familiar voice calls out from behind me. Pivoting on the spot, I crack a small grin as I find Captain Gabrielle standing before me, adjusting her harness as she looks at me. "With his ugly mug, we can go anywhere unnoticed." Stepping up to me, I'm caught off guard as she gives me a quick hug. "Good to see you again, John. Or would it be Prince now?" She remarks as she pats my back.

Returning her gesture, I release a scoff, "Don't you dare call me Prince ever again. You saved my arse, it'll always be John to you." As she pulls away, my eyes lock onto the new rifle that is hooked over her back. "So, that's the new breech-loading rifle I've heard about?"

Gabrielle nods as she lifts the sling over her head. "That it is." Pulling on the lever, she ejects the cartridge within, allowing me to catch it as she rotates the rifle. Chucking the cartridge in the air, she catches it as she simultaneously presents me with the rifle.

Taking control of the weapon, I close the breech and shoulder the rifle. The weapon has a similar appearance to the Valkyrie, the main stock has a wooden construction with the main barrel and body being constructed from steel, giving it more weight than the Equestrian rifle. The trigger and lever have adopted a more traditional trigger design, allowing me to wield it more comfortably yet likely causing an issue for any pony being able to operate it with hooves.

"It's a .308 calibre cartridge, powerful enough to stop most targets in one hit. Effective at just over half a mile, allowing a skilled operator to fire off eight rounds a minute. It may not be as many rounds as your rifles, but it sure does pack a kick."

I give an approving nod as I fire off the action, "Looks good. I've never personally operated a breech-loading rifle, but I know that they can be pretty effective in the right hands."

"That's not all we've got." Smiling, she lifts her right wing, revealing a small holster. Reaching into it, she draws a small revolver and holds it out for me. Trading weapons, I give her back the rifle as I take the revolver. "It's a .44 calibre-"

"-Revolver. So-called because of the revolving cylinder."

Janine chuckles softly as she reloads her rifle, "Let me guess, you're world has them?"

"We do. Kinda outdated for military purposes in my world, but still an effective weapon." Spinning the cylinder with my hand, I aim down the sights towards a collection of dried out bushes, "I always wanted a Webley."

"It certainly isn't a Webley, whatever that is."

"I know," Twisting the revolver, I run my hand along the side as I inspect it closely. The main body of the weapon is made of black steel, a small section of wood resting on the grip. The main cylinder holds six cartridges. "So does it use a speed loader or do you switch cylinders?"

"Each cartridge is loaded individually." Taking the revolver from me, she runs her talon over the small rod which sits below the barrel and in front of the cylinder. "Push on the extractor rod to push the casing out. Each one must be extracted individually and you have to rotate the cylinder manually." Adjusting the revolver in her grip, she holsters it as she turns her focus to the gate. "Ready to head in and have a little fun? It'll be like old times."

I chuckle as I bring my rifle close to my chest, "Old times? You're making me sound like an old man."

Gabrielle's eyes widen as she looks at my SA80, "Is that the rifle you used in the civil war? I thought it was gone?"

"Well, she's back once again. It's the first time she's seeing combat since I've gotten her back."

"And how did you get it back?"

I open my mouth and freeze, stopping myself from replying. Maybe it isn't the smartest idea to tell everyone that it was a gift from the lord of chaos himself. "It's a long story."

"And you're gonna just leave it at that?" Gabrielle rolls her eyes as she turns her focus to the entrance, "Such a tease."

"I can be a great tease when I want to." Snickering, I pat my hand against my armour. "Apparently, I'm an exotic creature."

"Yeah, an exotic creature which just so happens to now be engaged to a Princess. I'd imagine that the entire world now knows about that."

As Gabrielle and her unit all leap from the ground to take to the air, Georg steps alongside me as he releases a soft whistle. "Now that, that's a woman."

"Has someone got a thing for the Captain?" I ask as I'm unable to hold back a grin from Georg's outburst.

"Have you seen her? Curves in just the right places, strong yet seductive form."

"Then why don't you give it a try? Just don't come crying to me when she bitch slaps you for trying. Don't forget, we're here for a purpose, not to get laid."

"Easy for you to say. You've already gone and bagged yourself a Princess." Georg releases a sigh as he turns back to Gabrielle as she flies over the reservation with her team. "Besides, it's you she wants."

I almost splutter as I look at Georg in confusion, "What?"

"John, it's obvious. She was often by your side the entire time we were in Griffonia. That was when everyone thought you were single. Her eyes were always running all over you."

"Yeah, she wants you," Deka joins in as she uses her magic to tie a bandana around her neck, the pattern and colours matching that of her mane.

"And what makes you the expert?"

Deka cocks a brow as she looks blankly at me, "I know how to read a mare or a Griffin in this case."

"Good to know," Turning to the side, I let out a loud whistle in order to grab Chaser's attention. Once he joins me, I turn back to Deka. "Make your way into the town and begin to set up the cordon on the northern and eastern side of the target zone, my Section will take the west and south. Chaser, take your Section to the air and assist the Wonderbolts in maintaining an overwatch over the area." As they quickly assemble their Sections and move into the reservation, I turn to Shining as he finishes giving his guards their orders. "Ready to head in?"

Taking the lead, I walk alongside Shining as the rest of my Section follow behind in a staggered column formation. Passing alongside a series of mud huts, I can't help but get the feeling that our presence is more infuriating to the Diamond Dogs. They have been kicked out of their homes in Equestria due to the actions of the few, only to be set up out of the way of everyone else. Equestria has provided a number of work projects in the reservations, providing housing, sanitation, healthcare and public services, but these are only evident in the centre of the reservations as the Diamond Dogs have built their own homes around the centres.

"Have you personally had any engagements here?" I ask Shining as I stare down one of the Diamond Dogs, his paw routinely patting against something out of my view as he leans against a doorway.

"I've been in a few. They mostly engage us up close, choosing to adopt mob tactics while we're confined to the streets." Shining's focus shifts to a small hole to the side of the road, "They’ve also taken a liking to digging tunnels in order to fight us."

"Digging tunnels?"

Shining nods, "They'll dig into the ground beneath you and force you to drop through the floor. That's how we've lost the most. They force you to drop out of view of the rest before attacking you in the dark. We've found a series of pre-dug ditches underneath the surface. All they have to do is wait for you to pass over it then they'll dig it from beneath you."

"Well, that's just dandy," I reply in a sarcastic tone. "How have the new spears been functioning?"

"The Lances have been really effective... when we've had a chance to use them. They aren't very good when we're engaged up close. We've used our swords more in a fight than the Lances."

At least they've finally named their weapons. Reaching a narrow street corner, we find a group of seven Diamond Dogs gathered around the edge of our planned cordon, their eyes all focused on the target location for the raid. Stepping forward, I disengage the safety of my rifle and keep my finger on the trigger guard. "Gentleman, I need you to disperse, immediately."

The Dogs all quickly turn, an agitated expression on their faces as they immediately eye me and my team. "This is our home!" The largest of the Dogs shout back. "You will not tell us what to do!"

I can hear my team positioning themselves behind me as they prepare for the Dogs to act out against us. "You only need to move down the street" -I lift my hand to point down the road in question- "We'll be out of your way, soon enough."

The group quickly square up to us, standing directly in front of us. "We ain't moving!"

Well, I'm only here for a few minutes and I've already got someone itching for a fight. I guess I've just got that sort of face that everyone wants to punch. Shouldering my rifle, I rest my finger on the side of the trigger as I point the rifle in their direction. "I'm only going to give you so many warnings. Disperse now!"

As soon as I bark the order, I'm quickly charged by one of the group. To my surprise, it's actually the smallest one that decides to go for me. It's like a tiny yappy dog, thinking it's bigger and scarier than it actually is. In one quick motion, I push down on the butt of my rifle as I pull the barrel towards me, causing the butt to collide with the underside of the Dog's jaw. With it stunned, I quickly sweep out its leg and press my boot down on the side of his head, keeping it pinned to the floor.

I can hear a series of commotions as the Dogs begin to scrap with everyone, the sounds of the Section barking orders as the Dogs fight back. Lifting my gaze to survey the situation, my heart sinks when I find that I now have the biggest one coming for me. Before I can react, I'm flung off my feet by a heavy shoulder barge, causing me to fly back several feet before colliding with the wall of a building.

Falling on my ass, I let out a loud groan as I push myself back up to my feet, only to find big boy charging me again. Once again, I'm unable to react as he instead wraps his arms around my waist as we move backwards. His weight and brute strength are enough to send the both of us through the wall of the mud hut, sending dust and debris over us as we roll on the ground.

Wriggling free from his grasp, I'm able to roll to the side and get to my feet. As he attempts to stand, I deliver a quick succession of rapid punches to the side of his head. He practically brushes off my attacks as though they were nothing, it was almost as if I did nothing more than lightly push him. With him standing at his full height, making him another two feet taller than me, he stretches his paw outright and grabs onto my face.

Taking hold of his wrist in the one hand, I try to break free by kicking him in the gut, only to find myself rising from the floor as he holds me in front of him. Not being able to see anything, I feel his other paw come into contact with my gut, the force bypassing the armour and knocking the wind out of me. He punches me against and again, each strike forcing pain to shoot through my body before he throws me across the room, my body colliding with a wooden table and sending the various glass contents falling on me.

Trying to regain my breath, I'm unable to force myself up as agony screams from my gut. Weakly grasping the SA80 which was dragged around with me, I attempt to take aim, only for the Dog to slice the sling with his claws and throw the rifle to the side.

There's no way I can beat this guy like this! He's tossing me around like a ragdoll.

You can't... but I can.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the long delay between chapters.
I've been wrapped up recently with preparing to move to a new part of the country for work, a new relationship and a whole multitude of other things.

Thanks for reading , I hope you enjoyed this chapter.