Casings clatter to the ground around my feet as I continue to fire on the large group of enemies below, steam pluming from the end of my barrel as I burn through ammunition. From the rooftops overhead, Alpha Section is providing covering fire to Charlie Section as they advance in the courtyard towards the final tunnel. Bravo Section continues to make continuous strafing runs on the enemy below, regularly having to manoeuvre around the buildings in order to prevent being targeted from below.

The Guard is also advancing behind Charlie Section, two full platoons making up the largest number of troops as the other Rangers within the area continue to push the enemy back down the side streets to funnel them into the courtyard. The Wonderbolts is supporting Bravo Section in the air, providing quick strikes on exposed units below as they routinely survey the nearby rooftops and alleys to ensure that no Dogs escape or try to sneak up behind us.

Loading my second-to-last magazine, I aim towards the largest group and immediately fire off half of the magazine, sending a group of six Diamond Dogs to the floor. As I turn my focus to another target, I pull the trigger but only fire off one shot as my SA80 jams. Groaning in irritation, I switch the safety on and turn the rifle to the left in order to view the cocking handle.

With the cocking handle stuck at the halfway point, I quickly remove the magazine and pull the cocking handle to the rear, ejecting the cartridge behind the blockage before firing off the action. With the jam cleared, I reinsert the magazine and load a fresh round into the chamber, allowing me to continue engaging the enemy below.

"What's wrong with your rifle!?" Sunny shouts over the gunfire as she reloads her own weapon.

"Nothing! It just jammed! It's not designed to operate as a machine-gun, yet I'm the only one in this world with an automatic weapon!" I fire off another short burst, killing a Dog mid-charge as he was sprinting towards Aurora below. "Yet here I am! Acting as the Section's support gunner!"

Being quickly overwhelmed by the superior numbers, the Dog's are quickly pushed back to the tunnel, many of them falling in as they're thrown back by rounds penetrating their bodies. With the Dog's pushed back, they're quickly picked off as they're left exposed in the open. Those that stand their ground are quickly torn to shreds, powerful .303 calibre rounds making quick work of their inferior makeshift armour.

As soon as we're left with no opposition, Charlie Section quickly surrounds the tunnel and fire as quickly as they can down the passageway as Matrix prepares the explosive charge. As soon as he's ready, he positions it along the opening and strikes the fuse as the rest of the Section fall back to cover. Once they're in position, they hunker down as we keep watch of the entrance from the safety of the rooftop at the far end the courtyard.

BOOM!

Debris and smoke escapes the passage of the tunnel as the passage collapses in on itself, rock fragments which are thrown into the air soon begin to crash down on the surrounding area as a wave of dust and smoke blankets the area. We remain in position as we wait for the dust to clear in order to get a view on the tunnel to ensure that the charges were successful. It takes a minute until we're able to get a visual from our vantage point, allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief as the tunnel appears to be completely caved in.

Turning, we all slump down against the edge of the rooftop as we slide down to the floor, my foot positioned in such a way to allow me to use my boot as a seat in order to avoid sitting on the hot casings below. Reaching for my canteen, I unscrew the lid and look at the rest of my Section. "Good work, guys. We've done the SOG and Rangers proud. You've all performed exceptionally well."

"We weren't expecting a fight in the town, that's for sure," Starry states as she removes her helmet.

"Urban fighting is the worst... well, maybe after trench warfare. You guys did well, watching your corners and making sure we weren't ambushed. Fighting in the streets certainly is a good test for the nerves."

"What now?" Aerial Ace asks as she kicks a set of casings away.

"For now, get some water in you and have a breather. We're gonna have to quickly perform a sweep and clear of everywhere within the cordon to ensure there are no more Dogs hidden away. With the rest of the Rangers and Guards in the area, it should be quick and systematic. No doubt there'll be an increased presence within Coltchester after this, draining our resources out there."

"Yeah, but surely this will mean more guards will be sent here," Bronze Lorgnette states as she rests her rifle on the low wall.

I nod my head, "More than likely. Either way, no doubt it'll also result in some of the Ranger's remaining here to systematically search for tunnels and clear out the network." Replacing the lid of my canteen, I return it to my pouch as I climb back to my feet, my knees aching from routinely resting on them. "Come on. We need to get this search done as soon as we can to secure the area."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were finally finished with our area search as the sun began to rise over the town. We were all exhausted, having fought through the night on little to no sleep. Thankfully, we were all to stay at the hotel where the temporary command HQ and Luna were. Entering the building everyone from my team was directed to a function room which has numerous camping beds set up for them to get some rest. For me, I was given a key to Luna's room, perks of being engaged to a Princess.

Stepping through the heavily guarded hallway, I'm met with many soldiers standing at attention and saluting me as I passed them. Returning their gestures, I reach Luna's room where two Thestrals step away from the door to allow me entry. Unlocking the door, I stagger inside and quickly drop my field pack and webbing on alongside the door as it closes behind me.

Turning to lock it, I hear hoof steps entering the room behind me. "John, was everything okay?" Luna's voice asks with some concern.

Nodding my head, I slowly turn to face Luna. As I look at her, I can't help but feel relieved and relaxed as her eyes look into mine. "Yeah... everything went according to plan." Stepping up to her, I wrap my arms around her neck and hold her. "The town is secured and all opposition has been cleared."

"And you? Are you okay?" Luna questions as her forehoof runs softly against the scar on my face.

I pull back slightly as she touches it, "Just sore and tired, but I'll live. It looks worse than it actually is."

"You really need to stop getting yourself hurt," Luna states coyly with a weak smile.

"I'm a soldier and a shit magnet. It's gonna happen." Leaning closer, I press my lips against hers as my hand runs through her mane. "It's so good to see you."

"It feels like it’s been longer than a few weeks."

I nod my head, "Joys of war."

Luna hesitates as she looks back towards the bedroom, "You must be exhausted, John. You need to get some sleep."

I follow her as she starts to step from the entrance towards the bedroom, "I don't think I'll be able to get to sleep straight away." Reaching for my armour, I begin to unbuckle it as we enter the bedroom. With the clasps removed, I peel the armour from my chest and rest it on a seat as I move past it towards the bed.

"John, I've got some news."

"What about?" She looks at me then turns her head to look towards her stomach before her gaze returns to me. "Oh."

Luna pauses as she looks at me timidly, a smile still finding its way through her nervousness. "It's twins."

I look at Luna in surprise, a wide grin forming on my lips. "Twins? We're having twins!?" I let out an ecstatic laugh as I hold my arms out, quickly taking a hold of Luna and pulling her in close. Twins! Not one kid, but two. The more time that passes, the more comfortable I become with the idea of becoming a dad.

My laugh seems to be infectious as Luna soon finds herself mimicking me as her wings stretch outwards and wrap over my back. The two of us look at one another with gleeful grins as we stare into one another's eyes. Breaking the silence, Luna pulls me closer to her. "You know, if I was told that I was going to have a foal, or two in this case, before my banishment I would have been absolutely terrified. But, I'm glad that it is you that I'm sharing this experience with."

I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy at Luna's words. I quickly press my lips against hers where Luna quickly melts into the embrace. After being away for a few weeks, it was good to be able to see her. It normally isn't so bad where I go some time without seeing her, but now knowing that we'd be getting married and starting a family, I couldn't help but feel overjoyed that I was able to see her again.

We slowly pull ourselves away from one another. "Come on," Luna says as her magic grabs the bottom of my shirt, "You need to get some sleep." Before I can argue, she is able to take off my shirt, the clothing quickly dropping to the floor as she stares wide eyes at my arm. "What is that?"

Turning my gaze to my left arm, I run my hand over the black ink. "It's a tattoo, from a ceremony from the Ridge Cats."

Luna eyes it curiously, "What does it mean?"

"It apparently shows my destiny, what will happen in my future and what I'm destined to achieve."

Luna freezes as she looks at a certain part towards the bottom of the tattoo near my elbow. "John, that mark-"

"-I know." I cut her off as my eyes drift to the section she's examining, eight arrows point away from the centre, travelling vertically, horizontally and diagonally.

"Discord's old mark. Why have they given you that?"

"They said I'm marked as one of his disciples."

"They think you're a disciple of Discord? That's preposterous."

"I know it is," I declare with a shrug. "It's just religious superstition."

"Superstition or not, this would cause no end of problems for anypony who will see this mark. With it being on your arm, it's easily noticeable."

I pause for a moment as I look at the mark. "It can be covered up." When I turn my focus back to Luna, I notice her looking at me in confusion. "It's just a tattoo, ink marking my skin. All we need to do is fill in the gaps, transforming it into a solid black circle. Nobody would be able to identify it then."

Luna considers this before she finally nods, "I suppose you are correct." Stepping past me, she looks back at the entire tattoo along my left upper arm. "I think it actually suits you."

I chuckle as I move towards the bed, "It's not bad, is it? I always considered getting a tattoo. I suppose its army tradition to get a tattoo." Leaning down, I lower the zip on the outside of my boots and kick them off, my aching feet feeling a little relief to be free from the tight protective footwear as I sit on the bed to take off my trousers. As I start to unbuckle my belt, I find a glass of rum being held in Luna's magic in front of me. "What's this for?"

"One of us should make a toast for our situation. It'll also help you to sleep."

Taking the glass from her magic, I take a long sip of the contents before resting it on the bedside unit. "Thank you."

Sitting alongside me on the bed, Luna rests her forehoof on my exposed leg as I remove the trousers and throw them across the room onto a chair. "I must admit, I'm very impressed with how well your unit operated in the night. My elite Guard used to be highly effective at night fighting."

"To be honest, I didn't focus too much on night fighting during their training," I admit as I turn to her. "I've been trained for fighting at night. It's a standard part of training for the British Army, we're expected to be just as effective at night as we are in the day. We're trained to push up in complete darkness, to take the enemy by surprise and to push rapidly to disorientate them."

"Well, you certainly did well tonight in Coltchester. However, it would be a little different from fighting in the open fields at night." Luna waits as I get comfortable under the covers. "Perhaps, while your unit is sleeping, they can take part in some training again?"

I pause as I look back at Luna, my eyes suddenly feeling heavy as I rest my head on the pillow. "I never trained them extensively for fighting at night. It wouldn't hurt to do a training exercise in our sleep. If you're up for it, we can do."

Luna nods as she decides to join me under the covers, quickly wrapping her forehooves around me as we snuggle close to one another, her horn soon glowing as she prepares her magic. Before long, my eyes refuse to stay open any longer as I drift off to sleep.

At first, I'm not even sure if my eyes open, the surrounding area being blanketed in almost complete darkness as I find myself standing in the open. It takes a few moments for my eyes to adjust to our surroundings, and even then, it's difficult to see more than a few feet in front of my face. Stepping forward, I finally make out the form of someone else.

Looking closely, I'm just about able to make out Sunny from her mane sticking out from underneath a maroon beret. Looking down at myself, I notice that I'm wearing a set of Woodlands DPM camouflage, an SLR clasped tightly in my hands along with a tight-fitting set of webbing sitting over my smock. I immediately felt a cold shiver down my spine as the icy wind blows over the terrain.

Wait a second. DPM uniform, maroon beret, SLR and freezing cold conditions. I know where we are. As I hear everyone talking among themselves in confusion, I pivot on the spot and make out the form of Luna, her mane glistening as it flows in the moonlight. "Luna, are we-"

"-You had quite a lot of knowledge about this battle," Luna states she looks at me.

"So this is Mount Longdon?" Luna nods as I look at her. Finally realising that unlike the other training exercises we carried out in dreams, she was not in a uniform like the rest of us. "Aren't you joining us?"

"Even though it's a dream, I'm not going to run around in my condition. I'll keep watch overhead. I don't need to train, it's your team that need to." Luna steps to the side as she examines my equipment, "Though I didn't bring your entire unit into this sequence. For now, your Section is the only ones here. I can carry out exercises for you with the other sections on other nights if you wish."

I nod my head, "That would be great, Luna. It would be good for each Section to have different specialist training, knowing which will be best for a certain situation." I lean forward and lightly peck her cheek as the sounds of distance explosions echo through the night sky. "Try not to distract me too much," I tease with a slight grin.

"Hmm, tempting." Luna responds in a sultry tone before taking off into the air to disappear into the darkness overhead.

Chuckling to myself, I cautiously step through the uneven terrain until I find my section all grouped together. "Surprise. We've got some training to do." Pausing, I turn to Bronze Lorgnette and Aerial Ace who are looking around in utter confusion. "This is something you'll pick up on. This has been our little secret for more... advanced training."

"T-this is a dream?" Aerial Ace questions.

"Yup. Courtesy of Princess Luna. We do this in our sleep so we can learn without any risk... unless you get shot. Every bit of pain you experience in this dream will feel one-hundred percent real. So, don't get shot."

"But, where are we," Bronze Lorgnette asks. "It's pitch black and we can't see a thing."

"You're all still tucked up in your beds all nice and cosy. As to where we are in this dream, we're on the Falkland Islands in 1982. North-West of Port Stanley, close to Mount Longdon. This is to give everyone experience for fighting at night, to watch the PARAs pushing hard and fast to keep the enemy confused. If you can assault the enemy in the darkness of night, you'll catch them with their pants down and will be able to overrun almost any position."

Before I can continue, a group of British soldiers walk past us, one of them coming alongside me. "sir, we're beginning the assault now. Major Argue has ordered us to move up."

As they continue past us, I look back to the others. "Everyone, stick close. The terrain here is renowned for being shit and we're moving up in the dark. Don't lag behind and don't make too much noise. Silence is key."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

What follows is a long and exhausting tab in full kit, marching along rough terrain as we approach the Argentine positions we need to take so the Task Force can push on the Capital in the coming days. Artillery fire continues to occasionally shell the top of the hill and defensive positions to attempt to clear an opening, we also had naval support with a frigate firing from off the coast.

Passing through a narrow passage in the opening of barbed wire, we finally begin the main ascent up the ridge of Mount Longdon. As we start the long climb, the thunderous bang of a land mine followed by a blinding flash erupts from ahead of me. One of the soldiers in front is thrown from the ground as debris and shrapnel rains around him, having stepped on a concealed mine.

Within seconds, numerous flashes illuminate set positions on the hill as we quickly come under machine-gun fire. Everyone quickly drops to their buckles, the officers immediately barking orders to their Platoons as the machine-gunners begin to return fire. The night sky is soon lit up with tracer fire from the machine-guns being used to direct our forces' fire to the enemy positions.

The ground around us soon begins to erupt as mortars start to fire on our locations from the hills ahead. Getting up, I sprint forward as quickly as I can before dropping behind a small series of large rocks alongside a trio of soldiers. With my rifle rested against the rock, I start to fire off single shots towards any muzzle flash on top of the hill, the rest of the soldiers quickly pushing ahead as they receive cover fire.

A machine-gunner to our right is shot in the leg as he attempts to push forward, sending him stumbling to the floor. A medical technician is quickly with him and attempting to drag him out of the line of fire, leaving his GPMP and bandoliers of ammo on the floor where he had fallen.

"Davies!" A commanding officer shouts from my side, causing my head to snap to him. "Grab the machine-gun and give us cover!"

Not arguing with the order, I get to my feet and dash towards the abandoned weapon. Lowering my body, I slide across the floor as to land on my ass as I reach out for the weapon, only for another soldier to grab the weapon. Turning his head to me, he grabs the GPMG and ammunition. "Sir, I've got this!"

I freeze on the spot, the world seems to be standing still as I look at him. His blue eyes bearing a striking resemblance, a Corporal insignia fixed on his smock. His face looks exactly the same as I've seen it in pictures, the same as it was every time I've seen it, albeit younger than I've seen in recent years... Dad?

As he moves a little further ahead and starts to fire off short controlled bursts, I find myself unable to move as I continue to stare at him in a state of shock. T-thats my dad. A younger version of my dad. Why didn't I realise sooner that I'd have the chance of coming across him at this battle? He was in 3 PARA and served in the war, in this battle and Goosegreen

"John!?" Sunny comes to a stop alongside me, her magic tugging at my webbing as she tries to pull me out of the open. "What the heck has gotten into you!?"

"That's my dad," I lift my hand and point at him.

"What!? It's not your dad!"

"Yes, it fucking is!" I turn my gaze to her as we remain low to the floor. "My dad served here. I know him."

Getting to my feet, I rush towards him as Sunny shouts after me, "It's not your real dad!"

I ignore her as I drop low alongside him as he continues to fire tracer round up the hill. I find myself looking at him in disbelief as he doesn't turn his focus away from his targets. I can't believe it's him. That I'm alongside him. A series of rounds suddenly impact the floor around us. Acting on instinct, I grab a hold of his webbing and yank him to the side, out of the way of the incoming fire.

"Thanks, sir," he remarks as he looks at me, clearly not knowing who I am. Turning his head back to the frontline, he points out a small natural trench. "We need to keep moving!"

Without hesitation, we move as fast as physically possible while being cautious of the numerous invisible dips in the ground and concealed mines. Reaching our target, the rest of my Section quickly join us alongside a series of other soldiers as we're soon pinned down by machine-gun fire.

"What's the plan?" Slicer asks as we all find ourselves unable to move.

"Tony, take the GMPG!" My dad orders one of the soldiers as he grabs the Sterling submachine gun hanging on his back. "We do as the Major said! Push hard and fast! We're in a minefield! We stop, we die!"

As he and the soldiers under his command begin to advance, my Section turns their focus to me. "...What he said!" Getting up, I give chase as the rest of my team are quickly in pursuit. Beginning the main ascent up the rock formations of the hill, we can soon hear the Argentinian soldiers barking orders at one another as we try to close the distance as quietly as we can. The night sky and the climb up the hill being illuminated as artillery flares are fired overhead.

Coming to a fortified position, we duck low down in front of it as two soldiers grab a grenade from each of their webbings. Simultaneously pulling the pins, the soldiers underarm throw the grenades at the position above us, going over and behind the sandbag positions.

BOOM!

Small stones and debris from the defensive position rain down on top us as the pained screams of the soldiers come from overhead. With the machine-gun position eliminated, we promptly climb up the rocks and move through the former sandbag wall, finding numerous injured soldiers before pushing on.

The terrain proves to be difficult, the rocks providing little grip and acting as natural barriers for hiding soldiers keeps everyone on their toes as we push ahead. As we move through a narrow passage, a series of clatters brings us to a halt as a grenade lands between the group. As Sunny's horn glows, I can see her preparing to put a small magical barrier around the device. Before she can complete it, I'm caught off guard as my dad reaches out for the explosive, hurling it away with all his might for the grenade to explode in mid-air away from us.

We soon find another series of grenades landing around us. With too many to kick away or shield, everyone frantically scatters from the explosives. Jumping to a lower level, I find myself sliding down a series of rocks in a bid to avoid the blast as debris rains down on me. Hitting a slight dip, I fall forward, impacting the side of my head against a large stone.

The entire world spins as I roll onto my back, the sudden movement distorting my vision as I feel blood trickle down the front of my face. Staring into the night sky overhead, I watch the clouds as they drift idly by overhead, Luna's form overhead as she watches me below.

As I remain motionless, a silhouette steps over me to block out the night sky. As I slowly make out the form, I find an Argentine conscript aiming at me with his rifle. Fearing that any movement will result in me getting shot, I watch helplessly as the end of the barrel points towards my face.

Suddenly, another form dives down from above, striking the soldier in the face and knocking him back. Shuffling my body back, I adjust my position and slowly kneel as I make out the form coming to my aid: my dad. Bringing his Sterling around, he jabs the butt of the weapon into the soldiers gun, before sweeping his legs out from underneath him. With the soldier on the floor, my dad delivers a forceful stomp on the top of his head, knocking him out cold.

Catching his breath, he turns his focus to me as he kneels down. "Sir, are you okay?"

I nod my head as I wipe away the blood that's slowly dripping down the side of my face. "I'll be fine... Corporal." Shakily standing, my posture slumps slightly at the sudden movement, my dad reaching out to support me.

"You should stay here, sir. You're injured."

Does he know who I am? Does he even know that he's talking to his son? I shake my head as I lean down and grab my SLR. "I said I'll be fine. Keep moving. I'll be right behind you."

Turning away, we both start to jog up a small incline to reach our earlier position where we find a group of my Section pinned down by machine-gun fire. Tapping my dad on the arm, I point to a steep rock wall to the side which would provide us with a vantage point. Reaching the natural wall, I realise it'll require one of us to give the other a boost to reach the top. Pressing my back against the wall, I lower my body slightly and interlock my fingers as my dad joins me.

Immediately realising what I'm doing, he uses my hands as a step as I boost him upwards in order to climb the first section of rocks. Once he's up top, he turns for me and holds his hand down. Grabbing his hand, I press my boots into the stones and walk the short distance up the barrier to reach his position.

It takes us just over a minute to reach the top of the summit, giving us a clear view on the machine-gun position. "Sir, we should get close," He suggests in a hushed tone as he leans closer. "Perhaps fix your bayonet and we can get in close before engaging."

"Good thinking, da-" I cut myself off as I realise what I'm about to call him out loud "-Corporal." Mentally slapping myself across the back of the head, I reach into my webbing and grab the bayonet, fixing it on the barrel of the long rifle before we start to shuffle close to the position without being seen.

We're able to entirely flank them, getting behind them with our weapons raised. Aiming for the loader, I fire off a single shot at his lower back. The soldier drops with a loud scream, his collapsing body pulling the bandolier with him and knocking the machine-gun off course. As soon as I fire, my dad fires at the spotter and another rifleman with a short burst, knocking them to the floor as they clasp onto their injuries.

With the machine-gunner unprepared and unable to reposition his weapon, he turns to face me as I rush towards him. Unable to stop me, the blade slices through his gut as I slam my entire weight into him, his body slamming against the small section of sandbags before he slumps to the floor as I retract the blade. Looking at the floor, I decide to drop my SLR and grab one of the Argentinian's FAL. Practically the same weapon, but I'd rather have the option of automatic fire.

Those who were being fired upon quickly reach our position and start to continue to advance. As Sunny steps up to me, I reach for the machine-gun and hold it up for her. "Take this. We'll need as much firepower as we can. Get Silver and have him be your loader, he already knows how to feed a machine-gun."

"And how do I use this?" She asks in confusion as her magic holds the weapon.

"Silver will show you. Lift the cover, place the bandolier in position, close the cover then cock it." As Sunny moves ahead, she calls for Silver who quickly moves alongside her and takes the bandoliers off her.

With everyone moving forward, we soon find ourselves at the top of the summit, the position having already been overrun. Very few bodies are visible on the summit on account of the Argentine conscripts having retreated. "Set up defensive positions!" I bark at everyone as I look towards the route the Argentinians retreated. Knowing from my dad that they will launch a counter attack, I set up my FAL alongside the rest of the soldiers and aim down the hill towards the open advance.

Minutes tick by with everyone standing on edge, their weapons fidgeting in our grips as the cold winds batter us. Feeling someone taking cover alongside me and slightly knocking me, I turn my head to see my dad with his Sterling positioned against the stone as he aims at the advance. I can't help but regularly look at him, not having seen him in over a year.

Without warning, a sudden barrage of artillery and mortars begin to assault our position, everyone ducking low as explosive shells rain down on us. The barrage lasts a number of minutes before it slowly subsides, the main artillery ceasing as mortars continue to occasionally fire. With the mortar fire becoming more irregular, the sudden flash of flares being fired overhead illuminates our positions and numerous groups of enemies.

"OPEN FIRE!" On command, everyone beings to fire at the advancing soldiers. The rapid firing of the machine-gun shows Sunny's inexperience with the weapon as she seems to almost fire continuously. Despite her inexperience, she is able to suppress the enemy with a heavy barrage of bullets digging up the grass around them.

As I roll to my side to reload my weapon, the whistle of a falling mortar is quickly followed with a loud explosion as it lands near a group of soldiers. With my weapon reloaded, I look around for the Pegasi and Thestral of the group. "Aerial Ace, Bronze, Starry! On me!"

The trio quickly gets up from their positions and glide over the peak of the summit to reach me. "Think you three can get high up and locate that mortar crew!?"

Aerial looks out over the distance, examining the advancing soldiers. "It seems they're making a rapid push! We can go behind them, take out the mortars then hit them from overhead in the back!"

"Make it so!" The trio rapidly begins to climb in elevation as they fly off, swiftly disappearing into the night sky as they begin to pursue their objective.

"They'd better be quick!" My dad shouts as he reloads his weapon. "Those cunts are gonna keep hitting us with mortars as they push; and we won't be getting any armour support any time soon!"

I can't help but grin at my dad's use of the word 'cunt', realising quickly where I must have gotten my fondness for the word. No matter what, it's usually the one insult guaranteed to get a response. "They'll get the job done! Just keep firing! Don't let them get up this hill!" The two of us rejoin the choir of weapons as the night is soon filled with the sounds of constant gunfire.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHAT PHAT PHAT

I fire off another short burst, hitting a machine-gunner who was providing covering fire for the retreating Argentinians. Watching them retreat at a rapid pace, I slump back as I pull my beret from my head. We were able to hold off their counterattack, the trio being successful at cutting off their mortar supports fairly early into the firefight. From that point, the regular fire from our position and our own artillery quickly demoralised them until they either retreated or surrendered.

With the fighting coming to a close, I rest my weapon against the rock formation I was using for cover as I let out a loud sigh. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I look back to where my dad was to realise that he's no longer there. Rising sharply to my feet, I swivel around and notice him walking back towards the way we came from.

Rushing after him I stop alongside the machine-gun position we had eliminated and find him assisting one of the medics who is treating a wounded Argentine soldier. Watching him, I hear a set of flapping wings as Luna lands alongside me. "Why don't you go and talk to him?"

"And tell him what? It's... just a dream, Luna. It's not really my dad."

"I know it's not your real father," Luna starts as I turn my head to look at her, "But I'm sure you will feel better speaking to him." As I look at her, I notice a brief flash of her horn but don't notice any difference. "You never got to say goodbye to your family back home, this is a chance for you to do so."

I turn my focus back to my dad as he stands up, the medic now being assisted by another soldier with carrying the wounded Argentinian on a stretcher. Hesitantly, I step alongside my dad as he adjusts his weapon in his hand. I just stand there as I look at him, unable to bring myself to speak as I find myself at a loss as to what to say.

"You just gonna stand there is silence, John?" He remarks with a sly grin as he looks at me.

"Y-you know who I am?" I stutter in confusion.

"Of course I know who you are," He smiles as he drops his weapon to the side. "You are John Davies. I know my own flesh and blood." Gesturing his head to the side, he chuckles slightly, "You can thank her, later."

Following his gesture, I find Luna smiling warmly at me as watches. She... made him recognise me? Slowly, I turn my gaze back to my dad. Looking at him, I suddenly find myself feeling upset as I fidget nervously. "I-I never really got a chance to talk to you... If I had known-"

"-Known that you'd have ended up on some other world?" My dad cuts in with a laugh.

I remain silent as I look at him, my heart rate increasing as I feel myself starting to tear up slightly. "I-I never got to say goodbye to you, to mum... to Megan."

"I know, John," My dad's expression quickly softens as he looks at me. "Nobody could have known what was going to happen. But you forget one thing... you did say your goodbyes when you deployed."

"That's different-"

"-Is it? You said goodbye just like any other soldier would, not knowing if they would return. You said it because you weren't certain if you'd be coming home on your own two feet or covered with the flag." Gesturing to the surroundings, he looks to the fallen soldiers still being treated. "When I came here, I said goodbye to your mother. I hoped to high hell that I was coming back, but there was no way of knowing."

I rub my eyes as I feel them beginning to water slightly, "I never thought it would be my last goodbye. I thought I'd come home and see you all again."

"But now you've been dealt a new hand. You're here, due to start your own family and get married... with a Princess, no less." Chuckling, he pushes me softly, "I would never have thought that you'd get together with someone who is royalty." Looking back at Luna briefly, he returns his gaze to me. "Are you telling me you'd leave it behind to come back home?"

I pause as I look back at Luna, watching from the distance. I have my own life here now. I'm engaged to be married, due to have two children and have so many friends here. Britain had my family and friends, but that's about it. There comes a point in everyone's lives where they must fly from the nest, to head out into the wide world and make a life for themselves. Mine just happened to be in a different world. I turn my focus back to my dad, "N-no. I wouldn't come back."

My dad looks at me blankly before his lips begin to curl upwards, "I know it’s not an easy thing to say, but it’s the right thing to do. You're going to have a family, and you need to protect them."

"But... I had a family back home." My dad looks at me with sorrow as he steps closer. Lifting his arms, he grabs a hold of me and pulls me tightly against him in a hug. I quickly find myself holding onto him. tears running down my cheeks. "I miss you all... so much."

"We know you do. There isn't a day where we don't think about you, John. Just know that, no matter what you do, we will always be proud of you." I nod my head as I keep a hold of him, his hands lightly brushing my back to comfort me. "John... I have to go."

I reluctantly release him and take a step back as I wipe my eyes. In the quick movement where a wipe my eyes, the entire surroundings have disappeared leaving me and my dad standing in a black void. "There are so many things that I want to tell you."

"I know, John." His expression drops as he takes a step back. "Your mother and I love you, son." Slowly turning, he begins to step away. I remain motionless as I watch him, his body fading as he increase the distance between us until he finally disappears.

Wiping my eyes, I exhale as I turn to see Luna and I are the only ones left in the dream. Stepping up to her, I place a kiss on her cheek and hold her tightly, her wings quickly stretching outright to comfort me. "Thank you, Luna."

Luna lightly sways us both from side to side as she supports me. The two of us stand in silence as we remain locked in the embrace. The rhythm of her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath soothing me as my brain rapidly processes what just happened. Though it wasn't my real father, I know what Luna was trying to do. I know she thought that having some closure would allow me to push on ahead.

I hope my family is okay back home.