Running through the streets I notice the lack of distant gunfire to be an unsettling factor, either my team have beaten their oppositions and have rescued more civilians or they have been beaten by the Diamond Dogs. Glancing down to Fluttershy I find her still sobbing softly against my chest, it's a good thing I've pulled the blanket over the top of her head as a few drops of bloods from my injuries now cover it. Looking back to the other two I see Sunny scanning the surrounding area with her rifle switching to anything that makes any sort of noise where as Rainbow hovers just above me with my rifle held close to her chest.

Passing Sugar Cube Corner a succession of whispers catches my attention causing me to come to a halt near the door. Taking a knee I nod my head towards the door signalling for Sunny to approach with her rifle raised. Looking to Fluttershy I carefully lower her back onto the floor and signal with my hand for Rainbow to join me, she quickly takes the hint and passes my rifle to me before going to comfort her friend. Slowly stepping up to Sunny I whisper to her, "Keep watch out her, any sign of trouble just shout and I'll come running."

Resting her hoof on my shoulder I look back to her, "Be careful."

"You know me, careful isn't exactly one of my traits," Pushing my palm on the door I force it open with a solid shove and aim my rifle into the darkness, inching closer to the frame I lean around the corner with my rifle pointed into the dark building. With no sign of movement I slowly move in to the room as quietly as I can, my rifle shifting to every corner of the room in case another mutt decided to jump out at me. My boot unfortunately kicks a small pot sending it sliding across the floor, on instinct I drop to my knee and listen out for any movement.

"Shh... be quiet," A small voice sounds from behind the counter with a distinctive southern drawl similar to Applejack's.

Standing up I lower my rifle but keep it close to me just in case, "It's okay, it's safe for you to come out."

Slowly but surely I find three head poking up from behind the counter, cautiously all of them move from around the counter into the open. I recognise them as the three girls I saved when I first came to Equestria though after that day I never exactly saw them again, I can only guess their parents warned them not to speak to me or something. When they get closer they freeze in shock when their eyes focus on my injures, "You're hurt," Apple Bloom states as she examines me closer.

"Don't worry about me, right now I need to get you to safety."

As I move back to the door a slightly raspy voice calls to me, "One of those things are in here," Turning back I look to Scootaloo she points a hoof to the stairs located behind a set of display cases, "It's up there right now."

Slowly I step to the stairs as I look to the three girls, "Tell Sunny, Rainbow and Fluttershy to come inside then stay as low and as quiet as you can. I'll be back down shortly."

As I step up I hear the last one call out after me in a hushed tone, "Be careful," By process of elimination I'd say that was Sweetie Belle. Reaching the top of the stairs I swing my rifle in both directions to look down the hallway to try and figure out where the Diamond Dog is, thankfully he isn't exactly sneaky as I hear a loud clattering of items coming from the top of another set of spiral stairs at the end of the corridor. Reaching the bottom step I cautiously advance up the stair case with my rifle aimed towards the top.

When I get towards the top a loud creak from the floor board beneath my foot causes me to stop as I mentally face palm, I remain motionless as I wait to see If I've been discovered. To my surprise the dog doesn't come to investigate as I hear more clattering from the room, since I still had the element of surprise I make my way up the stairs until I see the creature with his back to me whilst he rummages through a chest.

Steadily I advance to him whilst he's too busy muttering to himself, it doesn't take me long until I'm behind him. Raising my rifle I position the butt of the rifle behind his head, "Didn't anyone teach you that it's rude to go through someones belongings?" As soon as he tries to raise his head I crack the rear of his skull with my rifle knocking him out. Stripping off his backpack I take a quick look inside and find a few grenades along with some rope, taking the rope I secure his arms and legs before clipping the backpack onto the rear of my webbing.

Hoisting the unconscious dog over my shoulder I slowly stand and make my way downstairs to the others, bloody hell this guys heavy. Reaching the stairs I look to the others who only look to me with surprise when they see the form I have over my shoulders, "Lets get going. Rainbow, can you carry Fluttershy?" Nodding Rainbow takes a hold of Fluttershy as she pushes herself off the floor, with everyone together I keep a hold of my rifle under my free arm as we head out the door.

We don't encounter anyone else for the next five minutes as we make our way back to town hall. Rounding the last corner the girls freeze when they see the various corpses of Diamond Dog's and Griffins laying in the street leading to the entrance to town hall. Lowering my arm I herd the girls around to my right to try and keep them from seeing too much, half of the bodies have been riddled with bullet holes including the one which has had his arm severed by what appears to have been a grenade. As we approach the doors they are opened for us by Janine and Georg who are standing guards outside within their makeshift pillboxes constructed from various pieces of furniture.

Walking inside I find mass chaos as civilians run around trying to look for their loved ones, the Thestrals have blocked off the entrance to our office likely protecting Luna and the others within. Walking through the crowd a large majority all stop to look to me, likely due to either the Diamond Dog on my shoulders of the extend of the injuries on my face. Reaching the office one of the guards opens the door for me allowing our small group entry, immediately Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom run to their sisters and are quickly wrapped in a hug.

Stepping to one of the desks I throw the Diamond Dog on top before stepping back. Luna steps alongside me as she looks to the dog, "I've messaged my sister, she has mobilised the Wonderbo-" She freezes when she looks to my face, "-What happened?"

"Diamond Dog got the drop on me, nearly drowned me. If it wasn't for Rainbow Dash sneaking out I would have been killed outside of Fluttershy's," Looking to Rainbow I give her a soft smile which she returns with her own.

Looking between us Luna lets out a sigh, "I suppose given those circumstances it's good that she disobeyed your orders."

"She's only a weekend warrior, not full time," Luna looks to me with a confused expression, "Reservist, it's a term we use for the Territorial Army back home," My eyes widen when without warning my nose is enveloped in a blue magical aura, after two seconds there's a loud crack along with a severe pain, "Fucking bitch!" I shout out on instinct as the magic wears off, bringing my hand across my nose I find the bone has been set and healed.

Rolling her eyes Luna smirks, "Thanks for insulting me after I so kindly fixed your nose."

"...I didn't mean it like... Thank you, Luna."

Grinning she steps away, "You're welcome, Captain."

Stepping to my main desk I rest my rifle on the surface and remove all of my used magazines, reaching for an ammo box I start to refill them all. I feel a hoof rest on my arm causing me to look to the side finding Rarity alongside me, "Thank you for saving my sister, that was very noble of you," Leaning up to me she kisses me on the cheek before pulling back.

"It was nothing, I'd do it for anyone," Why can't I stop grinning like a fucking idiot?

Applejack joins along side Rarity and quickly wraps me in a hug, "Don't go expectin' a kiss from me... but thank you, John."

Chuckling I return the gesture until she pulls back, "My jobs not done yet, I've still got take out the rest of the Diamond Dogs."

Taking out my phone I look at the reflection on the screen to see that my nose has been fixed, I still have a few cuts and bruises on my face but at least they've been reduced and are no longer bleeding. With my magazines filled I reinsert one into my rifle and put the rest back into the pouches and approach my team in the room, "Form up!"

They all quickly get into position in front of me as everyone else in the room turn to look to me, the only exceptions are Janine and Georg as they keep watch outside, "I've had enough of these fucking dogs and I'm sure as hell not going to have them strut about like they own the place. I say we go and pay them a visit and remind them who runs this place, I sure as hell don't intend on doing that in a diplomatic way either. We are going to go in there and take out anyone who is armed and poses a threat to us, everyone else is to be detained for questioning. As soon as reinforcements arrive we will move out so get your kit gathered and prepare to move."

As they all break away to gather up supplies I move back to my desk and retrieve my helmet, putting it on I clip the chin strap in position. Looking back to Luna I slowly step up to her, "I trust you can keep order whilst I'm gone?" I tease.

"I've been in charge longer then you've been alive, John. Do you want this back?" Levitating my pistol to me I remove the magazine to find it half empty.

"I take it you've had to use it?"

Luna nods, "I helped your Griffins as they held the front door, you certainly made the right choice in recruiting them."

Handing the pistol back to her she takes it again in her magic, "You keep hold of it, you may need it whilst we're away."

As I step away to join the others Luna rest a hoof on the back of my armour where I was scratched, "John, please be careful out there. I don't want to lose you."

Looking back to her I playfully nudge her, "Getting feelings for me, eh?"

"You wish. It's just I consider you to be a good friend, John. You've treated me like anypony else, you're one of the few who can engage with me and not grovel with every sentence they say. I don't want to lose my friend," Her voice is filled with concern and worry as she looks to me with those puppy dog eyes.

Smiling I step up to her and run a hand across her cheek slightly stroking it, "Nothing bad is going to happen to me, I'll make sure to come back in one piece. Make sure you have a pint waiting for me when I'm back."

Luna seems to relax at the gesture as she runs her cheek across my hand, "I'll make sure to remember."

With one last smile I step back and remove a cigarette from my pack and light it. Leaving it in my mouth I cock the rifle and load a round into the chamber, "See what you can find out from sleeping beauty over there," Once Luna nods I move to the door and look to my team, "Everyone outside and set up defensive positions!" As everyone leaves the room I turn to Applejack, "Any chance I can borrow one of your apple carts?"

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As we wait outside we keep on high alert for any movement, however we've only seen the one Diamond Dog who quickly met his end when everyone fired at him effectively turning him into a pin cushion. We hold our ground for another twenty minutes until I see plumes of smoke passing overhead. Stepping out into the open I notice a group of Wonderbolts changing course to head towards us. Landing in front of us I grin as I step up to Spitfire, "Crab, how nice of you to drop in."

Lifting her goggles she looks around the area, "Well we heard that a certain sapper was doing a poor job at guarding the town."

"No civilian casualties... I'd say we've done fairly well. Is there any other support on route?"

Looking down a road Spitfire steps alongside me as I see figures of numerous guards marching towards us, "Your support is already here. What do you need from us?"

Raising my hand my entire team gathers around me along with the Wonderbolts, "We're going to go on the offensive, I want to clear out those tunnels and remove the presence if the Children of the Motherland. A section of the reinforcements will defend the town hall and search for more civilians while yourselves and the others assist us on the offensive."

"Sounds good, I take it you've got a plan?"

"Applejack has a cart in the middle of the town from where she set up her games, we are going to use it so I can provide covering fire as everyone else pushes on the ground. I will need one of you lot to tow me in the air."

Looking over her own group Spitfire steps forwards, "I'll do it, Lieutenant Soarin will take flight lead to provide additional aerial support for your troops on the ground."

Stepping away from the crowd I look to Chaser as Spitfire joins me, "Sergeant, inform the rest of the guard then make an immediate push on the tunnel entrance, we will be there shortly from the air. If their Lieutenant bitches then tell them its a direct order from myself and Captain Spitfire."

"Yes, Sir," Moving to the officer of the guards he waves him down and begins to converse with him. Turning my focus back to the path I start to jog as I make my way to the sight of the main celebrations where the main games and events were taking place.

As we move Spitfire glides alongside me and glances to my face, "Looks like you've taken a beating."

"You know me, I get into all sorts of dangerous situations."

"And nearly get caught by a group of friends the morning after," A sly smirk spreads across her muzzle.

"If I remember correctly you were the one who hid and left me to deal with them."

"Yeah, well I don't intend on letting many pony's seeing me the way you did."

Chuckling I slow down as we approach the cart, "And which way would that be?"

Grinning Spitfire lands next to the cart and inspects it, "I'm not even going to say."

Grabbing the frame of the cart I hoist myself inside, "You never exactly complained."

"Never had a reason to, it was a good night."

"Glad to hear it," I watch as Spitfire adjusts the harness around her barrel, however I find my eyes drifting to a certain part of her body as I remember the night.

Tilting her head back to look to me she notices where my eyes are focused before they glance up to meet hers, "Now? You're taking a look now?"

I shrug, "I'm a guy... we steal glances whenever we can. You're wearing a tight jumpsuit which kinda shows off all your features, you've got nobody to blame but yourself."

Spitfire rolls her eyes, "You human males are the same as stallions here then."

Sitting back in the cart I rest the rifle on the edge, "Oh, like you've never stolen a glance," No response, "Exactly."

Getting a bit of a running start Spitfire beats her wings to take off into the air. Leaning over the side I watch as we move over the town at a reasonable pace, Spitfire is usually quick but since she's towing me I can't imagine it would do good for her speed. As we get closer to the Diamond Dog tunnels I can hear gunfire coming from up ahead, taking hold of my rifle I stand up so I can aim down below, "Make sure you keep moving, I'll pick off any we pass. Try to focus on those on the ridges, I need to take them out as they reload."

"Will do," As we get closer I stand to my full height and immediately identify my team, our guard uniforms allow me to easily distinguish them from the rest of the guards below. Raising my rifle I identify a gathering of Diamond Dogs on the top of the ridge, lining up the shot I full the trigger.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

The rounds rips through their makeshift armour and tears through their flesh easily from this position, as their drop they roll down the rock face impacting hard with the floor below. Aiming to the rear of the cart I continue to fire down on anyone we pass, they clearly never expected to be fired upon from above as they all fail to seek cover from my assault. As I slip in a new magazine a round pierce the wooden frame alongside me causing Spitfire to turn sharply, I'm forced to grab onto the frame to prevent myself falling out, "Careful! I haven't exactly got seat belts back here!"

"Well try shooting them so I don't have to dodge!" Spitfire retorts as she continues evasive manoeuvres as I return fire.

"Do you want to try shooting!?" I fire off another burst dropping the one who was aiming directly above to try and hit us.

"Do you want to try flying!?" Spitfire growls as she tilts to turn around.

"Touche, maybe I should stick some brownings on you to make you a real Spitfire!"

"What!?" Spitfire shouts back as I fire a full magazine fully auto to suppress the new firing line which is forming.

"Doesn't matter!" Loading a new magazine into the rifle I watch as the few Diamond Dogs on the floor start to retreat back to their tunnels as the guards advance rapidly on them. Reaching into the backpack I drop the five grenades in the cart before picking the one up and positioning my lighter close to the fuse, "Fly me over a cluster."

Changing her position Spitfire flies low and fast over a retreating group, lighting the grenades fuse I drop it on the ground directly in their path before I move to the back of the cart to watch its effect. I watch as three are immediately thrown from their position and are scattered across the floor, as they roll around in pain I raise my rifle and fire down at them killing them off, they may have been attacking earlier but there's no reason for them to suffer.

Moving close again I observe a small group jump down into one of the tunnels, passing over I take two grenades and light the fuses before dropping them over the tunnel entrance. The one grenade misses impacting with the floor while the other one is successful dropped part way into the tunnel before I witness a small plume of dust and smoke rise from the tunnel.

Moving close to the front I fire over the right side at the retreating forces causing them to either halt and surrender or to run into the barrage of bullets ending their life, "Take me down, we need to get into those tunnels!"

"I'll find us somewhere to land!" Dropping low once again Spitfire gradually comes to a halt as her hooves touch down on the ground as soon as she has come to a full stop I retrieve my last two grenades and jump out of the cart alongside her, "We will stick above ground and round up any that try to leave the tunnels, tight quarters and being underground isn't exactly an ideal situation for Pegasi."

"Fair enough," I move to her side and assist her with the harness removing it quicker. As soon as it drops to the floor she jumps back into the air to join the rest of the Wonderbolts above. Moving to the tunnel where I dropped the grenade I look down to find the iron gate still open after having killed those who would have sealed it.

"Have fun up there?" Looking behind me I find Chaser cleaning his sword along with the rest of the team behind him.

"About as much fun one can have during a firefight. I'm gonna head down first, follow me straight down one by one. We'll let the rest of the guards do their own thing, I'm sure they'll cope without my direct intervention," Removing a grenade from my webbing I light the fuse and immediately drop it down the hole to hopefully clear any forces who are planning on ambushing up, as soon as it detonates I hold my rifle close to my chest and jump down.

Thankfully the tunnel isn't a completely vertical drop, as I pass through the open gate the tunnel slopes slightly acting like a slide until it comes to an abrupt end where the passage opens up. When the slide comes to an end I lose my footing causing me to fall and roll on the floor, still lying on my back I raise my rifle to scan the surrounding area for hostiles but thankfully don't find any. My only company down here is a few bodies which were caught in the two explosions from the grenades I dropped down.

Before moving I hear a scream from the tunnel indicating that someone else is coming down, before I can move Shadow tumbles through the opening and ends up rolling on top of me. Opening her eyes she finds herself face to face to me, "I never thought I'd be used as a crash mat."

Smiling sheepishly she prods my arm, "Well your fat acts as a good cushion."

As soon as she rolls off me I'm immediately met with another pony landing on top of me causing me to release a pained grunt, "For fuck sake," Looking down my body I find Sunny raising her head as her hooves press against my armour, "We always seem to find ourselves in these situations."

With a light blush she quickly jumps off, "Sorry."

As soon as I hear someone else coming down I quickly roll to the side in order to avoid them, sure enough Chaser ends up on the floor exactly where I was. Shadow lets out a disappointed groan, "Why couldn't he have landed on you? That would have been something I'd like to see."

I let out a single laugh, "That ain't gonna happen sweet heart," Now it's Chasers turn to be a crash mat as Colbalt lands on top of him, stepping back I keep watch of the two passage ways as one by one everyone joins us in the tunnel. Once everyone is down in the tunnel I signal for everyone to join up, "Okay, we've got two passages, we are going to split up into two teams to cover more ground. Alpha Section will be myself, Sunny, Colbalt, Shadow, Spectre, and Crimson, everyone else will be Bravo Section under Chaser's command. We will take a passage each till we clear out the Diamond Dogs and any Griffins with them. Offer them a chance to surrender, if they refuse then take them out."

Stepping to the one passage the rest of Alpha Section quickly follow behind whilst Bravo Section head to the one on the opposite end of the opening. Slowly I advance with my rifle raised at all times, as we come across various new passages we decided to stick to the largest one which in a way acts like a highway and should take us on the most direct route to the centre.

Following the path I look to the various walls to see that they've mostly been mined out, spotting the occasional gem I find a fist sized diamond which is lose on the rock wall and is just begging to be taken. Drawing my sword I use it as a makeshift crowbar and force the gem off the wall getting a questionable look from Sunny, "It's my compensation for nearly drowning," Rolling her eyes she steps back as I sheathe my sword and pocket the gem.

Moving to a small opening I take a knee and peer around the corner, what I see next takes me by surprise. A small cluster of bridges acts as platforms extending over a chasm which is filled with a fast flowing body of water with runs through a cave network further below, poking from the gushing water are jagged rocks which would surely kill anyone instantly who falls below. To my right I see what seems to be another cave complex at the end of the walkway whereas the left seems to be lit by natural light meaning it is likely an exit to the surface.

Before I step out Sunny grabs me and pulls me back as she looks wide eyed to the shoddy looking bridges, "Surely you can't be serious."

Looking back to her I take hold of her hoof and move it off my arm, "I am serious... and don't call me Shirley," Before I step out again I hear gunfire and shouting coming from the cave complex on the right, signalling for everyone to hold position myself and the other riflemen take aim as we see two Griffins and one Diamond Dog make their ways onto the walkway.

"That human messed up everything. Why didn't you eliminate him first?" The one Griffin shouts towards the Diamond Dog. This Griffin has a Militarist breastplate fitted to his chest, his white feathers making him stand out a mile away.

"He's just one... we thought-"

"Thought he wouldn't be a threat?" The Griffin embeds his talons into the throat of the dog before holding him above the chasm, "You should have known better!" Drawing his pistol he fires a round directly into the Diamond Dogs gut before throwing him to the water below. As the last two Griffins try to make their way towards the left passage myself along with Sunny and Colbalt surface from the shadows making ourselves visible as we aim our rifles directly at them, "As if on queue... here you are."

"Well I wouldn't want to disappoint," Stepping closer I slowly advance as I keep my sights on him, "You're only getting one chance, surrender or I'll put you down."

The white Griffin chuckles as he looks down the chasm, "Like I did to that dog?" Smirking he rubs his neck as he focuses on the route he just came from, "Well seeing as the rest of your ponies are pushing through there it won't be long before the rest of the stupid mutts all funnel through directly towards you. I think I'm gonna take my chances."

"Have it your way," Lining up my sight his his head I slowly ease the trigger.

PHAT

Before I fire off my round I'm hit on the side of the helmet by a shot from one of the other passages, the impact forces me over the edge of the chasm sending me plummeting down below. My eyes focus on the water in shock as I prepare for my inevitable fate, it's only at the last minute I'm saved. As gunshots ring out above I find two sets of hooves wrapping around my chest and catching me mid air, looking to either side I find the Theastral sisters hoisting me back up, "Thank fuck I brought you two with me," Looking back down I watch as the hand guard of my rifle shatters against one of the rocks before being fully submerged in the water. Shit... Valkyrie... that was perhaps the most sophisticated infantry weapon in this world and now it's gone.

I'm lowered back onto the centre of the walkway as the rest of my Section start to engage with another group of Diamond Dogs. Looking back to me Spectre draws her sword, "You go after those Griffins, we'll take care of these ones," Before I can reply the two sisters leap into the air to join in the fighting. Pivoting on the spot I look to what I presume to be an exit and notice a shadow of a Griffin before it's entirely out of view. Drawing my sword I take off and sprint down the passage.

Trying to catch up I leap over small rocks and debris as I head closer to the source of light, up ahead I hear a grate opening along with two voices muttering to one another. Reaching a ladder I look up to see the white Griffin climb through the grate as the other tries to quickly join him. Grasping the frame I climb as quickly as I can gaining ground on him as they remain unaware that I'm behind them. As he tries to hoist himself out of the hole I grasp his rear paw and force my sword into his back, as he screams out in agony I force the blade repeatedly into his back until his grip on the ladder breaks sending him falling back over my and down the shaft.

With only one left to pursue I climb the last few steps and push the grate out of the way finding myself in a section of the Everfree forest. Stepping through the leaves on the floor I lock eyes with the Griffin as he aims his pistol at me, "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

Panting I glare at him as I adjust the grip on my sword, "It's no fun if I just give up."

Chuckling he takes a step backwards, "I love a good sport, such a shame these cowardly ponies found you first. We could have given you so much-"

"-You think that's why I'm doing this?" I step towards him causing him to simultaneously back up, "I'm not doing this for money or fame."

Grinning he lowers his pistol, "You're clearly superior to these ponies, yet you aid them. I can only guess you see it as your duty to protect them."

"I'm just a soldier, I help those who need it and follow orders," Lowering my sword I glance to the air as I hear a group of Wonderbolts fly overhead. I can only guess that the Griffins demeanour relaxes slightly due to the prospect of having them come down on him if he was to reveal his position.

Holstering his pistol he gives a heavy beat of his wings and leaps into the air to hover just out of my reach, "Such a shame... all that potential gone to waste. No matter, despite your continuous disruptions we shall retake our country. Auf Wiedersehen," Increasing the pace of his wing beats he takes his leave by swerving between the trees to keep out of sight of the patrolling Wonderbolts. With nothing else to do out here I head back to the opening and climb back down to join the others.

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By the time I got back into the tunnel network I had found the fighting to be over, the Diamond Dog's took more casualties before finally surrendering to our advancing forces. Meeting up with both of my Sections we made our way back out and left the prisoners with the Lieutenant of the reinforcing guard. We didn't speak much as we left the tunnel network, after this night we were all tired and wanted nothing more than to get our heads down for the night, the last few hours had been exhausting.

By the time we reached the town there was still a large number of guards moving within the streets, all the houses and stores had now been secured and the task of clearing the bodies was now underway. As we reached the town hall I stop on the steps and look back to my team, "You guys have done amazing today, we kept the town safe and all of you should be proud of yourselves. I know you want to get forty winks but we need to ensure everyone is still safe, just a few more hours then we can all get some shut eye."

Heading through the doors I find a large number the ponies within to be sleeping, looking to my phone I find it to now be 01:36 in the morning. Looking over everyone I look to my side to find the mayor approaching me, "John, we can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us. For now though you must be exhausted, feel free to use my office for the night."

Smiling I look back to my team as they enter, "Looks like you can all hit the hay now, head into our office and get some sleep," Looking back to the mayor I nod to her, "Thank you."

As I head up the stairs Spectre calls to me, "We'll keep watch, we are nocturnal after all."

"Night then," Reaching the top of the stairs I look down towards our regular office as my team head through the doors, I find the girls to all still be inside with a few of them sleeping on the floor. Yawning I turn to head down the hall to the mayor's office, resting my hand on the handle I push it open and head inside the room. Coming to a stop I look to Luna as she looks out the window, "Luna, have you got my pint?"

Looking back to me she smiles softly as she approaches, "I'm afraid not... If it wasn't for your unit then who knows what would have happened tonight. Speaking of which, I believe this is yours," In her magic, she holds my pistol out to me which I happily take and holster, "Where is your rifle?"

"Bottom of a chasm."

Luna pauses as she looks to the side, "Can you make another?"

Scoffing I lean back on the desk, "Make another SA-80? Doubt it, I can probably make a bolt action rifle but making a fully automatic rifle is a lot more complex." Feeling exhausted I peel off my webbing before unbuckling my helmet and the armour plate and dropping them to the floor, despite hours having passed by the cold air hasn't done much good for my damp and foul-smelling clothes. Grasping my shirt I pull it over my head and throw it on the growing pile, as I move my body I hiss slightly as I run my hand over the two new bruises on my chest.

Luna moves directly in front of me and lightly presses a hoof on the scar on my abdomen, "Does it still hurt?"

"The scar? Not really, it's just the new bruises more than anything."

Her hoof seems to linger on my chest as she examines the scar. Slowly her head rises as her eyes lock onto mine, we just stay there for a few moments looking to one another. Before I know it I find her leaning closer towards me as her eyes start to close slightly, as she gets closer I raise my hand to rest on her hoof as I mimic her action.

And that's when the door suddenly opens causing Luna to jump back with a heavy blush on her face as she tries to hide her expression from the person at the door. I look to the opening to see Chaser standing there, "John, the train for Princess Luna has arrived, we have numerous guards scatted along the route to ensure nothing happens."

"Thank you, Sergeant," He picks up on the annoyance in my voice as he slowly slinks away. Looking back to Luna we just avoid eye contact for a moment. Clearing my throat I rub the back of my neck, "It seems your ride is here."

"Y-yes I should... get back to Canterlot. Sleep well, Captain," With that, she quickly heads out the room closing the door behind her. When I'm sure she's away from the door I slump back against the desk onto the floor as I let out a shallow groan. Running my hand over my eyes I just sit there for a few minutes until I slowly drift off to sleep.

Today has just been one thing after another.