Exiting the lecture hall I find that Princess Luna and Celestia have left to return to the castle, however the girls from Ponyville, Shining and Princess Cadence are all still here. As I approach them I stop when a Griffin steps in front of me gaining my attention. Taking a step back I smile softly when I notice that it's Janine. "Fancy seeing you here. How have you been?"

"I've been well. I'm thankful that all my family returned safely from the war, I've been told I have you to thank for my brother returning."

Raising an eyebrow I cross my arms, "I am? Who's your brother?"

Smiling she takes out a small photo from her bag and passes it to me, "Georg, he told me he was with you from the very start."

Looking at the photo I find Janine and the rest of her family standing outside their home, standing directly alongside her is George with his arm wrapped over her shoulder, "Small world. I had not clue he was your brother. I take it he told you that he was under my command?"

"He told me how he served alongside the 'Liberator of Griffonstone'. He made up some story of sneaking through Wingston under the cover of darkness with you and eliminating the Militarist guns."

Grinning I rub the back of my neck, "Actually that did happen."

She just looks at me for a few seconds processing that, "He wasn't lying? You two actually did that?"

"Well it wasn't just us two. We had the rest of our Section along with a unit we located within the town."

"I can't believe you managed to do that. I heard stories about that battle, they didn't paint a pretty picture."

"Well I got injured in the battle after we took the bridge. I couldn't tell you about the rest of the fight," Looking to the girls I can see them glancing to me as I continue to talk with Janine, "What are you doing in Canterlot? It's a fair distance from your farm."

Rubbing her shoulder she looks to the side, "Well you did say if I needed a favour I should come and see you."

"That I did. So what are you after?"

"I've been stuck on that farm my whole life. My family have all been out and seen the world, I need to get out there."

Cocking an eyebrow I cross my arms, "So you've come to see me?"

"I want to get out there, but I still want to have a purpose. I want to enlist and serve under you like my brother did, he said he'd come and see you after the lecture."

"You want to enlist under my command? If I remember correctly you're seventeen years old."

Reaching into her bag she pulls out a document and shows it to me, "I'm eighteen now. My birthday was last month," Taking the document I scan through it, examining it closely I find it to be a birth certificate confirming her age.

Sighing I run my finger through my hair, "I will have to have a word to see if I can accept a non-Equestrian, but if I can I suppose I can take you on."

Giving a squee she wraps me in a hug earning an amused look from the girls behind her, "Thank you, John," Tapping her shoulder she releases me and steps back, "Sorry."

"However I will expect you to follow my orders. You will be in a military unit so I will expect discipline and professionalism when we are on duty. Is that understood?"

Janine gives a quick salute, "Yes, Sir."

Grinning I point down the hallway towards the exit, "Now go and get your brother and head to the castle. Tell the guards you are there to see me, if they don't let you in just wait there until I return."

As she runs off I stand there and watch until she is out of sight. Chuckling softly I shake my head as I walk up to the girls. Rainbow looks up to me with a confused expression on her face, "Er, John? What was that all about?"

Shrugging I put my hands in my pockets, "Looks like I have a new recruit."

Shining moves away from his wife and steps forward, "John she isn't Equestrian. She can't join the Equestrian Guard."

Standing up to Shining I glare down at him, "Well I'm sure certain exceptions can be made."

Shining responds by trying to puff out his chest, "I won't be making that exception."

"I wasn't asking you."

Shining is about to open his mouth until Cadence steps up behind him and rests a hoof on his back. Taking the hint he takes a step back and begins to move off. I can already tell who wears the pants in that relationship. As the two move to leave I mutter under my, "Fucking jackass."

Rainbow's ears perk up at that, "Not a fan of Twilight's brother?"

Glancing to her I rub my knuckles, "He's a twat. Sooner or later I'm gonna smack him."

None of the other girls seems to hear me as I express my views on Shining. Gradually we all start to step off as we leave the University. Everyone chats idly as we head through Canterlot back towards the castle, from what I've been told they will all be staying there in order to attend the award ceremony tomorrow. They told me about Rarity's quartet which Fluttershy agreed to join in the future making it a quintet. The girls also helped a species called the Breezies return to their home by taking the form of the species to assist them, apparently with magic Twilight has the ability to change the form of an individual temporarily.

As we approach the castle Twilight steps up to me, "John, I was hoping you would be able to assist me with an experiment in the future."

Cocking an eyebrow I look to her as we walk, "...Okay... what is it?"

"Well I was successful at making the girls and myself into the form of the Breezies. However I have never attempted to turn another species into a pony," Stopping on the spot I fold my arms as she stops alongside me, "If I can determine how to complete such a spell would you be willing to assist me by being my test subject?"

"Test subject?" Twilight smiles sheepishly, "Great way of putting it," Glancing around I exhale as I rub my hand over my forearm, "I don't know... I kinda like my thumbs. Also walking around on all fours doesn't exactly appeal to me."

Looking up to me she tries to put on her best puppy-dog eyes, "Please, John."

The other girls all gather around entrapping me in a circle. Rarity steps up, "I must admit I am curious as to how you would appear as a pony. A refined officer such as yourself, I'm sure you would be positively handsome."

Applejack chuckles softly, "Maybe you'd actually be able to buck apples."

Rainbow jumps up and starts to fly around, "It would be pretty awesome to have somepony to fly around with back in Ponyville."

Cocking an eyebrow I turn back to Twilight, "There's a valid point. What race would it make me?"

Twilight brings her hoof to her chin, "I'm not sure. According to the old tomes the spell takes into accounts an individuals genetics when assigning them a particular race."

"So I could end up a Unicorn, or Pegasus? Would I have to learn to fly or use magic?"

"If you were to become one of those races, yes you would. It would take time but it wouldn't be impossible to do."

Sighing I scratch my chin, "And you say it's temporary? You could turn me back any time I wanted before hand?" Twilight nods, "...Fuck it. At some point I will do it, but not for now."

Twilight's smile practically beams as she jumps in excitement, "Thank you so much!"

Holding my hands out I take a step back, "Don't even try hugging me. I've been hugged every time I've said yes and I don't intend to keep that pattern up."

Pinkie groans in disappointment from behind me, "Aww, why not?" It's a great way to show how much you care for your friends."

Pivoting on the spot I look to her with a bemused expression, "Because I'm a guy, and just like every other guy I don't go around hugging everyone."

She just stands there as her eyes slowly narrow. Without warning her expression suddenly changes back to her usual cheery self, "Okie dokie lokie," And just like that she begins to bounce down the road continuing towards the castle gates.

As the others step off I lock eyes with Fluttershy, once she sees that I'm looking at her she seems to initially freeze. Slowly I step up to her but I make sure not to get too close, "Fluttershy, can we talk?" Stopping on the spot she looks to me as she tries to hide behind her mane. She isn't even able to reply, she just gives a soft eep.

"I know that you aren't exactly... comfortable around me. I don't blame you," -Lifting her head slightly she makes eye contact with me- "The human race are a bunch of heartless bastards, I'm no exception. How I acted was disgusting but I did it to protect myself. Look at it this way... if you back an animal into a corner it's going to attack to defend itself. They backed me into a corner by attacking me at a celebration whilst I was unarmed. I acted on instinct to save myself and to protect others. I wouldn't hurt anyone who was unarmed or posed no threat to me, I may be a soldier but I'm not obsessed with violence. I'm not expecting you to trust me straight way or to even like me, but I hope we can try and move on from this."

Pausing she glances around to see that the other girls further ahead are watching us intently. Thinking for a moment she slowly raises her head to look to me, "O-okay, I'll try."

Smiling softly I take a step back, "That's all I can ask," Raising my hand I hold it to the side towards the girls, "Shall we?" Slowly she steps off to catch up with the others. Watching as they walk ahead I take out the last cigarette I have and light it up before following behind them.

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Just as I suspected Georg and Janine were stopped at the main gates by the guards, once I arrived though I was able to get them past the guards by vouching for them and using my position as a superior officer. As the three of us walk down the corridor towards my quarters the two Griffins get the odd look from the guards stationed within, it probably doesn't help that Georg is in full armour and armed with his sword.

As we stroll Georg steps alongside me, "I can't believe of all the places you could have gone, you found your way to my farm."

Shrugging I glance to him, "Seems pretty unlikely. You didn't tell me you had a sister."

Grinning he increases his speed, "For a good reason."

Jogging up to him I look to him, "What do you mean?"

"I been told what you're like. I wasn't going to have you go anywhere near my sister."

Cocking an eyebrow I nudge him in the side with my elbow, "What exactly does that mean?"

Grinning he just glances momentarily to me, "Sunny. I heard you answered the door naked as she slept in your bed. Apparently the room smelt quite a bit from-"

"-Who told you? Chaser?"

Chuckling he heads down the hall as I come to a stop, "Perhaps," Continuing down the hall he walks straight into my room.

As I stand there frozen Janine steps alongside me, "What was that about?"

Stepping towards my room I can't help but grin, "I think I now know who you're replacing."

As the two of us enter the room I look around to find the members of my team gathered around the room at various positions. Sunny has decided to claim my bed by lying on top of the covers, Chaser has perched himself on top of the wardrobe, Colbalt is standing patiently in the corner, Silver is sat back in the chair at my desk, Crimson and Comet are sat together on the edge of the window and Sure Strike is standing at guard right next to the doorway.

Straight away my eyes dart to Chaser as he sits at the top of the wardrobe. Leaping up I try to grab him, "Come here!"

Before I grab him he glides off the top and lands in the centre of the room, "I didn't think you'd be that eager to see me again."

Stepping up to him I flick my eyes between him and Sunny, "I know what you've been telling people."

Initially he looks confused until he slowly follows where my eyes are flicking to. Turning back to me he produces an uncomfortable smile, "Oh... that."

Everyone just remains quite until Janine breaks the silence, "Well this is cosy. Anybody going to fill me in?"

Georg raises his talon to point to me then Sunny, "They slept together."

Sunny blushes heavily as she turns to Chaser, "You knew!? How many ponies have you told!?"

Stepping back Chaser's smile drops, "Nopony," Once Sunny steps up to him he flicks his eyes to Georg, "I may have told a Griffin. He has told a room full of ponies, a Griffin and a human, though I haven't told any ponies."

Stepping up to Chaser I fold my arms and lower my position to look directly into his eyes, "You have five seconds."

Tilting his head he takes a step back, "Five seconds? For what?"

"Four."

"Hold on a minute-"

"Three."

"John, no," Stepping around me I just rotate keeping my eyes on him.

"Two," Adjusting my position I get ready to lunge.

"Oh buck!" Turning he quickly runs out the door as everybody watches.

"One," As soon as he's out the door I start to sprint out the door to round the corner and pursue him.

Running down the corridor I weave between a number of servants as we pass one another. Rounding another corner I'm able to gain ground on Chaser as he has to navigate a small group of guards, since they slowly broke away for him as soon as they see me they part like the red sea giving me easy access.

Once we find a tower he easily glides down the spiral staircase where as I have to cautiously take every step to avoid falling down. By the time I reach the bottom he's out of sight, eyeing the three corridors I pick the one on the right and start to run at a steady pace. Making my way down the corridor I stop when I hear something rustle just outside a window I pass. Going low I slowly sneak back up to the window and wait, sure enough after a minute Chaser climbs through the window.

"Surprise!" Lunging for him I'm able to grab hold of him as we both fall though the window and roll through the bushes coming to a halt on the grass outside.

Trying to struggle free he pushes his hooves against my arms, "John! Get off!"

"Never!" Slapping him across the face I look down at him before beginning to flick his forehead with every word I say, "Don't tell anybody about who I have sex with, you wanker."

"Ah! Okay, just let me go!" Releasing him I climb to my feet and hold a hand out to him which he slowly takes. Once he's standing he leans to the side and looks behind me, "Umm, John?" Turning around I stop when I see nobody behind me. Before I'm able to pivot back he sweeps my legs from underneath me sending me crashing to the floor, "Now we're even."

Rolling onto my back I just chuckle as he holds his hoof to me, "Yeah, I'll accept that," Taking his hoof he pulls me up from the ground.

"Ahem," Pausing we both look to each other before facing the window we both exited through. Standing there is Applejack and Rainbow Dash both leaning against the window frame. Both looking to us with sly grins Rainbow calls through the window, "So, John, who have you been rutting?"

"I ain't gonna say."

Chaser steps forward and opens his mouth, "It was-"

I slap him across the back of the head, "What did I just say!?"

Looking up to me he scowls slightly. Rainbow lets out a loud guffaw as Applejack snickers, "Oh my gosh, I bet it was Chaser."

Chaser immediately turns red as his neck snaps back to Rainbow, "No it wasn't!"

Chuckling I run the back of my hand across his cheek, "Am I not good enough for you?"

Pushing my hand away he hisses to me through closed teeth, "Not helping."

Looking back to the girls I just grin stupidly towards them, "He wishes. I don't swing that way, so he shall forever remain heartbroken," Patting his shoulder I begin to step off, "Now come along, we have to get ready for tomorrow's ceremony." As we step away I am unable to hear what the two girls are discussing, deciding to not indulge in their little idea we take an alternative route back to my quarters.

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On the night of the ceremony I had a shave to get rid of my scruffy beard. Personally I'd like a beard but the army never allowed them back home when on parade, the only facial hair you could have is if you were a Pioneer Sergeant for traditional reasons or on tour in Afghanistan. Being cleanly shaved I dressed into my parade uniform which Rarity had brought for me, she had to make some repairs but she did a good job at fixing the various slashes and holes.

Clipping the utility belt on I fit my sword and thigh holster as the last part of my uniform, reaching for my beret I fit it over my head before leaving my quarters. Heading down the corridor I am met by a guard who escorts me to the courtyard where everyone who is to be awarded a medal is to wait before the ceremony begins. I've been told that many other soldiers had received medals and ribbons but that this ceremony was for those who will receive medals equivalent to level 2B or above, I have no idea what their levelling system is, any lower level medals the individual received would also be awarded at this ceremony. I've only been told of the one medal I was nominated for, however I was informed that I am to be issued a few additional medals and ribbons.

Joining the group outside I look around to see if there is anybody else I recognise. Towards the front I can see Shining Armor but I can't be arsed to deal with that nob. Looking further towards the back I can't help but smile when I see a familiar face, Spitfire. Steeping up to her I can see that she is one again in her blue jacket with shirt and tie instead of her flight suit. Sneaking up alongside her I remove her sunglasses from my pocket and put them on, "Hello crab."

Turning to me she looks intently to the glasses sitting on the bridge of my nose, "Sapper. Those are my sunglasses."

Taking them off I spin them about in my hand pretending to examine them, "Aye, so they are."

Cocking an eyebrow she steps closer, "You gonna give them back?"

Rubbing my chin I pretend to think it through, "Nah, I like them."

Shrugging she reaches into her own pocket showing me the top of another set, "Makes no different to me. They give these things out to all Wonderbolt's in the academy."

"So you won't mind if I keep these then?"

"Knock yourself out."

"Sweet," Pocketing the glasses I look back to her, "So... were you able to get out without being seen?"

Smirking she steps closer, "I may have taken a shower first before leaving."

"I don't blame you. I had to wait till I was back in Ponyville before I could have one. Not to mention I had to cover for the sheets, the locked bathroom and your glasses."

Spitfire chuckles, "You seemed to handle it well enough. Some would think you were used to covering for yourself."

"When you're at college and have a girlfriend with an overprotective dad you kind of have to be careful at covering your tracks."

"A girlfriend? I never knew you had a partner."

"Had. We broke up a couple of weeks before I went back to Afghanistan."

"Oh good," Cocking an eyebrow I look to her, "Well not good that you broke up, but good that I didn't make you do something when you had a partner."

I'm about to open my mouth when an officer on the balcony above shouts down to us all, "Form up! The ceremony will begin in two minutes!"

Glancing to Spitfire I step off to go to my position which is unfortunately alongside Shining, "See you in there."

Joining alongside Shining we quickly look to one another before facing forwards again. Unfortunately for me Shining opens his mouth, "Lieutenant, I trust you are going to behave in there."

Straightening out my uniform I run a hand over my epaulettes, "Perhaps, though it would be amusing to piss about just to spite you."

"You would act in such a way in front of royalty?"

Turning to him I bop him on the nose, "I've already acted stupid in front of Luna and she hardly care-"

"-I heard she threw you across the room."

"And she found it funny. Not to mention we got drunk together. You just need to lighten up," Before he can retort the main doors open up causing us both to focus once again. Following the order everybody marches into the hall as the band begins to play. Making our way inside I scan the room with my eyes to see that it is mostly high ranking officials along with friends and family who are in attendance. The rest of my team are all located towards the front of the sitting area just off to the right with the girls from Ponyville sat in front of them.

As we all come to a halt everyone lines up in their respective positions as Princess Luna and Celestia rise from their thrones at the front of the hall. Taking their positions Celestia begins to address the crowd, "I want to welcome and thank you all for being here today to honour the exceptional heroism of those who are stood before you all today. My sister and I are honoured to welcome you all to the royal castle to commemorate the actions of these brave individuals. On short notice they took on the new challenge of seeing combat, the first conflict Equestria has been openly engaged in for a millennia. This ceremony is a great reminder of the extraordinary contribution made by our guards in the face of danger, and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This conflict has seen acts of greatness from those in command and those acting under their command. Through their actions many lives have been saved by bringing the conflict to an end, and for that reason we are gathered here today to recognise their bravery and heroism in the face of danger."

The ceremony went on by awarding the lowest rank first and working up from the various bodies, starting with the navy, Wonderbolt's and then the Guard. Time went by as various soldiers were awarded with medals and ribbons. When it came to Spitfire she was awarded a small succession of medals, The Distinguished Service Cross, The Royal Cross, The Distinguished Flying Cross and The Solar Star.

Before too long it was my turn. Celestia takes a step back allowing her sister to take over, "Lieutenant John Davies!" Stepping forwards I can hear numerous applause from behind, including loud hollering and cheering from my team. Stopping before Luna I give a quick salute which she returns with a bow of her head.

Stepping alongside me she looks out over the audience, "The Lieutenant, as I'm sure many of you are aware, is not from this world. He has not had the easiest time adjusting to our way of life, but he has managed it all the same. Despite having no requirement to do so he agreed to become an Equestrian and enlisted with the Guard to serve. Taking command of a unit he was successful in infiltrating the town of Wingston where his team successfully eliminated an enemy defensive position saving the lives of many Equestrian forces. He risked his own life when, behind enemy lines, he assaulted an enemy position to allow his team to escape from harm. Trapped behind enemy lines for ten days he was able to find his way back. At the battle of Griffonstone he took the initiative and held off the Militarist counter attack before pushing onto the capital, from there he helped to take the palace where he eliminated the Militarist General responsible for the conflict."

Turning back to me she floats over a cushion holding a succession of ribbons and medals, "For your actions of bravery and for willingly sacrificing yourself despite the risk of death you have been awarded with the highest military honour, the Lunar Cross," Her magic takes the medal and clips it onto my tunic. Examining the medal it is a platinum four-pronged cross with an engraving of a full moon on the centre piece, the ribbon consisting of two outside stripes of navy blue with the centre stripe being a midnight black.

I'm also presented with a few other medals as well. The Royal Cross which is awarded to officers on the front line consisting of a silver cross with a moon on the end of two prongs and the sun on the other pair, the ribbon being made up of the left half a midnight blue and the second half consisting of gold. The Distinguished Service medal for service to the crown in times conflict, this is a simple silver medal with an engraving of the four Princesses crowns and cutie marks. The Distinguished Service Cross for acts of bravery in the face of danger, a golden star which shows Celestia's crown which hangs on the end of a red and yellow pinstriped ribbon. And last but not least the Order of Merit, a five-pronged star made of bronze with a blue and crimson ribbon which is awarded for the development of national relations during times of conflict, likely for the construction of the rail line and providing information for potential new governments.

When I go to step back Celestia and Luna step onto either side of me. Celestia turns to me, "There is one last thing, Lieutenant. After much discussion, my sister and I have agreed that your expertise should be put to use with the command of your own unit. We would like to offer you and your team a position as the guard for Ponyville and the Everfree forest. You will be granted the rank of Captain and will in time have control of your own Company."

Looking back over the crowd I look to my team to gauge their reactions, it's easy to read as most of them are nodding their heads or mouthing the word 'yes.' The thing that seals the deal is the annoyance evident on Shining Armor's face at the fact that I will be the same rank as him. Turning back to the Princesses I nod my head, "I would be honoured, your majesty."

Guarding Ponyville and the Everfree? That doesn't seem so bad.