As the door opens I try to untangle my arms from around Spitfire's barrel, managing to free myself I fall over the end of the bed and dash to the door. Slamming the door shut I lean back against it as I stare wide eyed at Spitfire, "Don't come in!"

Rarity's magic dissipates from the handle as I keep the door closed, "John? Is everything okay in there?"

"Yeah... everything is fine!" I look over to Spitfire as she stumbles out of bed and moves closer to me.

Rainbow shouts through the door, "Then let us in, we've got to go!"

"... I can't!"

Rarity speaks softly as she tries pushing against the door "Why not, darling?"

Spitfire leans closer and whispers to me, "Do something,"

Scanning around the room I rub my head, "Do what? Can't you just fly out the window or something?"

She looks down at herself and raises an eyebrow to me, "I can't go out like this," We didn't exactly clean up after out night, if she's seen like that then anybody with half a brain cell would be able to guess what we did.

A heavy knocking impacts the door causing it to shake slightly, "John, open up. We've got to get goin'," Fuck, is anybody is going to get this door open it would be Applejack. "Come on, open this door."

Spotting the door on the far side of the room I click my fingers and point towards it, "Take your clothing and hide in the bathroom, quick," She quickly collects all of her clothes and runs across the room into the bathroom where she locks the door behind her.

"Come on, John. Hurry up," I can feel her pushing against the door with more force.

"Give me a minute!" This gets her to momentarily stop pushing on the door. Moving away from the door I find my pants laid out at the foot of the bed. Putting them back on I notice the stained sheets still spread over the bed, in an attempt to cover it up I quickly ball the sheets up and throw them into the corner of the room. Checking everything else over I slowly make my way to the door and open it up. Standing in the doorway I find Rarity and Fluttershy averting their gaze from me, Applejack and Rainbow don't seem to care that I'm standing there in only my pants however there is no sign of Twilight or Pinkie, "Give me a few minutes and I'll be right out."

I get no such luck, Rainbow pushes right past me and goes in the room, "Come on, we've only got twenty minutes until the train leaves."

Applejack follows in shortly after with Fluttershy and Rarity, "Pack up, John. We need to get back to Ponyville to get ready for the Ponyville day festival," Applejack moves directly to my clothing on the chair and starts to gather it up.

"Why are your sheets on the floor?" I turn to find Fluttershy pointing to the sheets on the floor as she approaches them.

"Don't touch those!" Everyone freezes and looks to me confused, "I... spilled my drink on those... they're a bit... damp."

I catch the sound of somebody trying to open the bathroom door. Freezing in horror I hesitate before turning to find Rainbow trying to open the door, "Why is the bathroom locked? Who's in there?"

Hesitating everyone slowly turns to look to me as I feel a bead of sweat run down my neck, "Um... It's a... military thing!"

Rainbow raises an eyebrow sceptically, "Military?"

"Yeah... we close and lock any doors leading to us when we sleep. We do it for... protection," My eyes nervously dart from side to side.

"Makes sense I guess," She immediately loses interest in the bathroom and move away from the door.

The sound of Rarity gasping causes me to rapidly pivot to face her. I find her levitating a pair of sunglasses in her magical aura. Shit, those are Spitfire's, she must have forgotten them. "John these glasses are simply divine. Where did you get them?"

Rubbing my hand together I try to come up with something, "Well... they were... given to me as... a gift."

"From who?"

"Err... the Royalist Brigadier," She seems content with this and places them on the bed. Holy shit these guys are so crap at picking up on lies, and the ones I'm giving are absolutely terrible. Before anyone can pry any further into anything In the room I rush over to my clothes from the previous night and throw them all back on. Clipping my utility belt back on I reattach my weapons and pick up my bag containing my MTP, armour, rifle and ammunition, I quickly round everyone up and begin funnelling them out the door, "Come on then. Don't want to be late," Before I close the door behind us I pause as my eyes catch the sunglasses still on the bed, smirking to myself I stroll up to them and put them on. With one last smirk I look over the lenses to the bathroom, I mumble to myself as I leave the room, "Thanks for the shades crab."

I run the sleeve of my arm across my brow wiping away the sweat, the blistering sun bears down on the back of my neck. I continue to dust the dirt away from the exposed wiring with my brush when William's voice comes in through my headset, "Everything okay there, boss?"

Twisting to the side I run my hand down over the radio and push in the push-to-talk button, "Yeah. It's seems to be a bog standard pressure plate, no sign of any command wires or timers so it's safe to say that it's victim operated," Grabbing my kit bag from behind me I drag it to my front and open it up.

My headset crackles again allowing Stanley's scouse accent to gain my attention, "John I'm picking up chatter. Maybe you should get back."

Grabbing hold of my kit bag I climb to my feet and begin to jog towards the Masstiffs and Land Rovers further down the road meeting Taylor, Tom and Michael my close protection team along the way. Closing in on the vehicles a distinctive high pitched whistle pierces the air.

BOOM

The road alongside me erupts knocking me onto my knees, "MORTAR FIRE! HEADS DOWN! TAKE COVER!" As the others reach the vehicles I'm forced to duck down in an irrigation ditch as numerous mortars rain down on the surrounding area.

BOOM

A shell impacts the engine compartment of one of the Land Rovers forcing the vehicle to flip onto it's side, the remaining chassis bursts into flames as the fuel within ignites. Lifting my head I can hear agonising screams coming from alongside the vehicles remains, it's safe to say that anyone within was killed.

Climbing out of the irrigation ditch I sprint alongside the road as various other shells rain down from above. I can only watch as the gunner of the Masstiff gets caught by shrapnel, bringing his hands over his face he slumps back within the vehicle as blood trickles between his fingers. Another shell tears the ground up directly behind another soldier lifting him from his feet. Reaching him I take hold of his vest and drag him towards the side of the road, with him safely off the road I position him between numerous rocks with a Corporal who's taking shelter in an attempt to protect him from additional shrapnel.

Running my hand over his thigh I find a large segment of his leg has been heavily lacerated, in an attempt to slow the bleeding I remove his belt and wrap it above the wounds. When I finally look up to him I can't see any movement, leaning closer I rest my fingers against his neck to try and find a pulse.

It's there but it's really weak. Rolling him slightly I try to identify any additional wounds that need treating. In the distance I can only make out the sounds of mortar fire and injured soldiers crying out in anguish. Finding no other wounds I climb between the rocks in search of a medic as I leave him in the care of the Corporal. Scanning between the vehicles I find her as she's treating a critically wounded soldier behind the Masstiff. Wanting to help I start to sprint along the road towards her.

BOOM

A deafening pop calls out from directly behind me as I feel extreme heat race up my rear. I'm forced off my feet as I'm propelled forward toward the rock covered road, bringing my hands up in an attempt to shield my face I can only close my eyes as I'm seconds away from impacting with the ground...

"John?" I'm jolted awake when I feel someone pushing against my chest, rocking my head up I breath heavily as I feel sweat running over my body, "John, it was just a dream," Looking to my side I find Twilight looking to me with concern, I don't seem to be physically able to respond so I just stare blankly at her, "It's okay. We're here for you," Twilight brings her hoof to rest on my hand in an attempt to comfort me. Regaining some control I look to my left to find we haven't yet reached Ponyville, we're still on the train, I must have fallen asleep during the journey. Moving my hand from underneath Twilight's hoof I wipe away the sweat which has formed, "What were you dreaming about?"

Sighing I sit up fully in the chair, "It was... I don't want to talk about it," Looking around the carriage I find that everyone else is looking to me, "I just need some time to think," Rising from my seat I leave the cabin and enter the toilets, locking the door behind me I lean over the sink and just stare into the mirror. Turning the taps on I lower my face to wash the sweat away, the cold water does wonders at cooling me down. Switching the tap off I grab a near by towel and dry my face as I stand fully up.

Moving the towel away I glance to the mirror to find someone standing over my shoulder. I don't think I've ever turned so fast in my life, pivoting I scan the entire room but fail to find anyone. Hesitantly I face the mirror again to find nobody there. I'm fucking losing it. I do nothing but stand there and stare into my own eyes in the mirrors reflection, the whole time I'm there nothing else creeps into my view. The train suddenly jerks as the screech of the brakes activating pierces my ears, realising we must have finally reached the station I unlock the door and exit.

Rejoining everyone in the cabin I don't even acknowledge them as I grab my kit from overhead, gathering all my belongings I open the cabin door and exit the train before it even comes to a full stop. Waiting on the platform I watch as the six girls exit one by one to join me. Adjusting my kit bag in my grasp I look to Twilight, "Are you all heading to the town square?"

"We are. It's the reason we left Canterlot so early."

Nodding slightly I look to all the girls, "I'll catch up with you all in a bit. I need to get showered, never exactly got an opportunity this morning."

As soon as I turn to leave I can feel a hoof rest against my arm causing me to jump, "John. Is everything okay? You seem... jumpy."

"Yeah... Just had a bad dream," I try to put on a reassuring smile which Twilight just responds to with her own nervous smile. Before anybody else has an opportunity to probe into my dreams I make my way off the platform towards the library. Walking through town I still get the odd look but I'd like to think that everyone else is getting used to me, at least if's just the sight of me they're getting used to, it's better then having everyone run down the street screaming. Grasping onto the library door handle I open it to find Spike standing directly below me reaching for the handle from the other side making me freeze momentarily in surprise, "Oh... hey, Spike."

"John. You're back!"

Stepping in I throw all of my kit at the bottom of the stairs, "Yeah, those Griffins weren't so tough. How's things been with you?"

Spike just shrugs as he twiddles his fingers claws, "Pretty good I guess. Oh we got to go into one of my comics, it... was... awesome!"

I just raise an eyebrow as I look to him. He's supposed to be a dragon, one of the most feared creatures of legend yet here he is going on about a comic, "You went into a comic book?" I ask sceptically.

I can see the excitement is his body language as he jumps and stretches his arms out "Yeah! Right after you left... wait, what time is it?" His excitement vanishes as he glances around nervously for a clock.

Looking at my phone I power it up, "It's 09:20."

Spikes eyes widen in horror, "Oh no, I have to go get Rarity's diorama ready," He quickly shoots out the door and slams it shut behind him.

Staring at the door confused I just shrug as I make my way upstairs. Going into a comic book, sounds like a load of shite. I spend the next twenty minutes washing up after last nights 'activities', I'm quite surprised that they didn't catch on to what I was doing the previous night. Deciding to get out of the uniform I dig out a set of clothing Rarity made for me before I left, nothing too fancy just a basic pair of denim jeans and a grey buttoned shirt. With everything sorted I head for the door but pause at the last minute, looking back over my shoulder I focus on the utility belt and pistol. I don't need that... surely. Despite no need for taking it I retrieve my belt and pistol and head out the door.

Not exactly remembering my way around town I just wander aimlessly through the streets heading towards the central building which stands out a mile away, I have to take the odd detour due to other buildings blocking the way but it shouldn't take too long. I pause when I realise that I spent quite a while in the shower they more then likely have left the town square and headed off by now, with no other plan I turn back to head towards the library only to get myself completely lost.

After ten minutes of wandering I come across Rarity's store and notice the girls as they enter the shop. Seeing as they're all here I may as well join them, I take my time and stroll up to the store and just head straight in. When I walk in I find all the light to be out with only the one spot light operating, Spike is standing on some sort of cat walk with a record player alongside him as he reads from a selection on flash cards, "This year's Ponyville Days festival, designed by Rarity, will feature various high-class events such as" -He pauses momentarily as he flips a sheet on the easel- "a silent cider auction and tasting..."

Everyone else just gives some sort of typical 'Ooooh' at hearing this. Not particularly finding myself caring for any of this I lean back against the wall and watch as Spike delivers the presentation on Rarity's behalf, man he's whipped. Once the little show ends I just stay out the way as they all go about setting up jobs to help Rarity, that is until she mentions trying to impress somebody called Trenderhoof. Rarity has some shrine set up for him which in all honesty freaks me the hell out. She even has a lock of his hair! That's creepy as fuck. Looking at the picture his thick rimmed glasses, styled mane and jumper reminds me of a hipster back home, and god do I hate hipsters.

Once she starts fondling and giggling hysterically at a poster I take that as my cue to leave as soon as possible, by the look on the other girls faces they're finding this as uncomfortable as I am. Making my way up to the group I stop alongside Applejack and whisper in her ear, "I'll give you a hand with getting the farm sorted if we leave right now."

Applejack glance to me and tilts her hat, "Sounds good to me," Before Rarity can go into any more theatricals about her feelings towards Trenderhoof myself and Applejack take the opportunity to sneak out and head to the farm.

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The first day went by fairly quickly, I spent the whole day transporting the carts of apples to the barn whilst Applejack and her brother Big Mac got to work with bucking apples, I will never take that term seriously whilst they also use it as their word for fucking. We are now on the second day preparing for the festival and my joint are already aching, carrying heavy kit is one thing but routinely working on a farm is not for me, I'm starting to regret this decision in all honesty.

I just finished off loading another set of apples to the barn when I decide to take a quick break, the heat is unbearable so I decide to remove my shirt and leave it with the cart. Exiting the barn I put on the sunglasses I took from Spitfire and remove a cigarette from the packet, I know Applejack was quickly doing something in town so I'm sure she wont mind if I take a quick break.

Scanning over the horizon I notice two people next to the plough in one of the south fields, looking closer I recognise Spike and Rarity. What the hell is she wearing? Rarity has some sort of gardening hat covered with sequins, a pink set of overalls cover her chest which has gems embedded within, not to mention the white boots with a pale purple trim.

By the time I get to them Rarity has for some reason decided to climb on top of the plough and pull on the rein which an animal should be attached to, If they're ponies and they don't have horses then which animal do they use to plough the fields? "Come on! Farm... thing!"

I just watch for a moment as she tries with all her might to get it to move, Spike takes one side glance to me before he focuses his attention again on Rarity. Chuckling softly I run my hand on the back of my neck, "I'm not a farmer, but even I know that isn't how you plough a field."

Rarity doesn't even seem to hear me, instead she just glares at the plough as she expects it to move, "Oh, how does Applejack do it?"

"Well it would help if the harness was on right," Looking back over my shoulder I find Applejack approaching alongside a pony I recognise as Trenderhoof. I can tell just by looking at him that he's a tool, "What are you doin'?"

Rarity just looks to Applejack with a smile almost as if this was a regular activity for her, "I am simply lending a hoof with the chores, which I love doing ever so much."

Applejack pauses momentarily before she strolls to the front of the plough, "Well if you're still interested after the festival I can teach you all about it," -Reaching the front she places the yoke over her shoulders and secures it- "But right now, I need to get the ploughin' done, if you don't mind."

As soon as she begins to move the tool immediately follows suit, the sudden jolt sends Rarity over the back where Trenderhoof catches her. Tilting her head back she looks up to him and speaks in a soft tone, "Not at all," Oh god. He doesn't seem to realise as he just responds by watching Applejack and dropping Rarity on the floor and stepping over her to come alongside myself and Spike.

As I step back to go help Rarity I hear Spike speaking to him, "She makes it look so easy."

"I know. Isn't she fantastic?" I can't help but roll my eyes upon hearing this. It's so obvious to tell what is going on, Rarity likes him but Trenderhoof likes Applejack. It's like a stupid love triangle you'd expect to find at secondary school or a crappy soap on TV back home.

Leaning down I help Rarity up from the floor, "Rarity, what is going on?"

Rarity glances between Trenderhoof and me as she raises onto her hooves, "Nothing, just helping Applejack with her chores."

Bollocks. Anyone can tell she isn't one for manual labour which would involve getting dirty. "Yeah, and I'm the King of England," Rarity quickly steps around me to join Trenderhoof as they watch Applejack work.

Finishing off my cigarette I stamp it out and pocket the butt, I'm pretty sure Applejack wouldn't appreciate me leaving them on her farm. Spike steps away from the two spectators and joins me, "Hey, John, what's with that bite on your chest?" Pausing I look down at my chest and find nothing there, "Not there. Higher up," Lifting my head slightly I find the bite mark on my shoulder.

Fuck... He's just a kid, what do I tell him? 'It's only a bite mark from when I had sex, no big deal'. I'm sure Twilight would be thrilled when Spike passes on that information. Running a hand over the bite I look down to him, "I'll explain when your older kid. It's a grown-up thing."

Spike releases an irritated grunt as he looks to me, "I'm not a kid. Come on, John, just tell me."

Squatting I rest a hand on his shoulder and look sincerely into his eyes, "...No."

He stops on the ground, "Oh, come on. Why not?"

"You're too young for it. Wait until Twilight or somebody gives you the talk about the birds and the bees then come back and see me. I don't even know the age restrictions here, back home it's sixteen and I'm pretty sure you're younger then that," Not wanting to pursue this line of conversation I make my way up to the barn and collect the cart. With the harness attached I make my way down for the next set of trees and wait for Applejack to turn up.

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Christ, watching that little love triangle just made me cringe. I decided to leave the farm for a bit after Rarity did some dainty little dance to kick a single apple out of a tree. Applejack must have felt the same since her excuse to get away was to crawl into a chicken coop. Spending the next hour at the library I decided it was about time to sort out my kit, unpacking everything I position it all back in the chest I had before leaving for the Griffin Empire, deciding I don't exactly need my pistol I remove my utility belt and holster and place them with the rest of my kit.

After noon I leave the library to head towards the farm. I'm not even half way there when I come across Applejack, "Where are you going? Finally got rid of your admirer?" I wiggle my eyebrows to her as I smirk.

Applejack glances to me as she walks past, "Rarity has decided to change the entire theme for the festival," I jog up to her and match her pace, "I was able to sneak away from him. No doubt he's still somewhere on Sweet Apple Acres."

"Don't like the attention? He seems like a total tool, I've been around him for five minutes and I already want to knock his lights out."

"I don't like that kind of attention," She looks to me as a grin spreads across her muzzle, "What about the attention you've been gettin'?"

I look to her confused, "What do you mean?"

Applejack just chuckles, "Don't think I didn't know what was goin' on in your room the other night. Not to mention that bite on you."

My eyes widen slightly as I realise what she's referring to, "I have no idea what you're on about."

Applejack's chuckle intensifies, "You can't lie to me, John. I ain't judging, you're free to do what you want."

"Glad to see that you approve," I push softly against her side which doesn't even seem to knock her off track.

"Rarity also caught on to what happened that night. We thought it would be best to keep it between us, no need to be telling everypony about it," Applejack pushes back with her body which succeeds in knocking me away, this gets a small laugh from her.

"I'm allowed to have a private life, thank you very much," We continue in silence for a bit as we get closer to Carousel Boutique. As soon as we get to the door I go back to what she previously mentioned, "So what has Rarity decided to change the theme to? It's a bit late to be changing things around now, especially the entire theme."

Opening the door we both walk in where I overhear Fluttershy asking the same question to Twilight. When we both stop at the front of the stage Twilight turns to Applejack, "Applejack, what's going on?"

"I'm too scared to guess," The lights quickly dim around the room as our attention shifts to the curtain on the stage, for some reason it looks like some old quilt somebody has thrown together using lots of scrap materials.

Rarity's voice calls out from the other side but it seems... off, "Firstly, I just want to thank you all for comin', and second, I know y'all will all adore my new festival theme," Oh god, she hasn't... has she? Spike moves from behind the curtains onto the stage wearing a straw hat and playing the banjo. The curtains open up to reveal Rarity, "'Simple ways'!" Her usually styles mane and tail have been left a mess with no attempt at styling them, a set of baggy denim overalls cover her body as a straw hat sits on top of her head.

I just stare at her dumbfounded, "Holy shit she has... she's become a stereotypical yank," I can only describe it as that, she's dressed up and is trying to sound like how an American was portrayed in a wild west movie. It's kinda like if she decided to stroll up to me in a bowler hat and suit chanting 'pip, pip, cheerio old bean'. It would do nothing but piss me off that she decided to follow a stupid stereotype, and for some reason she has chosen a redneck.

I watch as Applejack's face changes, I can tell she's trying to stop herself from laughing. Alas she fails as she uses Fluttershy as support while she laughs. Rarity stands up straight as she glares down at Applejack, "Well? What's so funny?" I can't take her seriously anymore, not while she's doing that ridiculous accent.

Applejack takes control of her laughter to look up to her, "Rarity, that is the silliest getup I have ever seen."

Fluttershy looks between Applejack and Rarity, "It is a little funny."

Rarity looks down in confusion, "Fun-nay?" Fucking hell, this is really starting to grind my gears.

Stepping forward to her I lean against the stage, "Rarity, you're just portraying some sort of stereotype. It's like if I decided to run around with an American flag on my back whilst holding a McDonalds in the one hand and a shotgun in the other whilst I chanted 'Murica, it just comes off as stupid."

Twilight laughs softly as she looks to Rarity, "Rarity, you aren't serious, are you?"

I spend the rest of this whole argument standing there silently, just spectating as Rarity and Applejack get into a verbal debate with one another. Getting bored partway through I decide to leave the boutique and head back to the library to get some sleep, maybe when I wake up they will finally get over this nonsense and go back to the original theme.

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Thank fuck Rarity switched the theme back, Applejack had managed to convince Rarity to switch it back but she refused to tell me the details. In order to get things back on track I spent the evening and the following morning working hard on the farm to help Applejack, the festival would usually be held at noon but due to delays we turned it into an event for the evening which seemed to work really well.

Not exactly having any formal clothing other then the uniform Rarity made for me I am forced to wear it once again, I don't hate it but I don't want to spend every minute in uniform when I'm not working. Making my way through the town square I watch as everybody goes about the various activities, I have already spent most of the time at the cider tasting so I figured it would be best to move on before everybody thought I was an alcoholic.

Waiting at the sidelines I watch as groups of ponies engage in dances with one another, it's a bit too formal for my tastes but I suppose others would prefer it. Applejack has her mane raised and secured in a hair clip which holds a magenta and teal gem, her dress covers her barrel and moves up the front of her chest with a teal under layer and the magenta on top, a partially see-through material runs down her hind legs with a teal cover which has white diamonds sewn within to create the pattern.

Trenderhoof approaches her and offers her a hoof... well he does initially before he moves it to Granny Smith, I've only met her briefly once whilst working on the farm but she seems nice enough. Granny accepts his offer and joins him for a dance as Applejack just smirks. Making my way around the dance area I step alongside Applejack, "I see you managed to lose your stalker. Though now he's after Granny Smith... so I don't think it's much of a victory."

Applejack turns to look to me as she chuckles, "Me and Rarity set him straight, if we didn't he was plannin' on movin' to Ponyville to live on Sweet Apple Acres."

"Wow, that isn't creepy at all," I drain the last of my drink and rest it on a nearby table, "Enjoying your night?"

"It's pretty good, I guess."

I cock an eyebrow, "You guess?"

Applejack raises a hoof and waves it slowly in front of her, "I ain't exactly one for fancy events."

"Neither am I."

Tilting her head she looks up to me, "I thought bein' an officer involved lots of fancy events and parades?"

I just shrug, "Depends what regiment you join. If I was a guard then that would be the case, engineers and bomb disposal units aren't exactly big on ceremony for some strange reason."

"Makes sense. So how come you ain't out there on the dance floor? I would have thought you would be tryin' to get yourself another mare."

Glancing to her I can see the sly smirk on her face, "I don't go out looking for sex, it just... kinda happens. Am I not allowed?"

Applejack chuckles, "No, you're allowed," There's a bit of an awkward pause as we both watch the various ponies dancing, "So... what exactly is your kind of pony?"

Cocking an eyebrow I look down to her, "I haven't exactly got a type, I wouldn't even say that I find any attractive sexually. It's more of a personality thing, I get to know them more and spend some time with them before anything happens, I'm not out there trying to find somebody based on their looks."

"Well that's definitely better then the rest of the stallions out there."

"Well I'm not a stallion."

Applejack rolls her eyes, "You know what I mean, a male."

"I know, I was just playing," I nudge her softly with my elbow. We both continue to stand there for a moment, looking down to her I smile softly, "That dress looks good on you, never thought I'd see you in something like that."

She tries to turn her head away slightly but I catch the soft blush on her cheeks, "Thanks, it's nice ain't it?"

"Definitely, I'm guessing that it's one of Rarity's designs," Applejack nods to confirm my suspicion. Stretching out my arms I let out a yawn, the last couple of days working have taken their toll on me, "I'm going to turn in for the night. Enjoy the rest of the festival, Applejack."

"Night, John," Applejack smiles to me as I walk off and wave to her.

I leave the town square and slowly make my way down the empty streets back towards the library. As I stroll I look up towards the sky to admire the stars, with no light pollution the night sky is so clear and radiates its beauty with ease. Reaching the library door I stop when I hear a rustling in the bushes behind me, freezing I rapidly turn to find nobody in sight. I normally would go and investigate but something just feels off. Before going to investigate however I decide it would be best to get my pistol.

PHAT

The wooden frame of the tree alongside me propels splinters along my tunic as a bullet impacts the tree. I drop to the floor on instinct and roll onto my back to catch my attacker. My eyes lock onto a Griffin pistol as smoke rises from the barrel, the individual wielding the weapon is a Griffin who bares a shirt which bares the Militarist colours. As I watch him two other Griffins land on either side of him with swords drawn, these ones however are not wearing any uniforms or armour of any kind.

The one on the right raises his sword and sprints towards me, from my position I can do nothing but shuffle backwards into the library to try and get away. Moving back I'm halted when my back impacts with the door, I stare wide eyed in horror and the attacker lunges his sword forward towards my chest.

I need to act, fast!