I'm shrouded in darkness, having no idea where I am I look around to try and figure out what is going on. It takes me a moment to realise that I can't breath, opening my mouth it is immediately filled with foul tasting water. Looking above I can see the moonlight glistening on the surface of the water. Positioning my body I kick my legs with all my might in an attempt to reach the surface, each kick takes more and more energy from me as I get closer to the top.

Just as I'm about to break the water a figure looms over the top looking down to me. Ignoring it I continue to push up otherwise I'd likely drown to death. Just before I break the water two arms push their way through the water and grab my throat applying pressure to them, trying to fight the figure off I flail my arms but get no success.

Just give up.

My eyes widen as I finally look to the arms to see MTP camouflage covering them, following the arms up the frame I find Williams looking down to me with sorrow filled eyes as he chokes me.

You shouldn't be here... give up.

I continue to flail my arms as I throw punches at his face, it has no effect other then causing a small amount of blood to trickle from his nose and dropping in the water in front of my face. four more figures move around Williams and look down to me with sorrow, it takes a few seconds for the moonlight to shine on their faces allowing me to identify them.

My family is here, both my parents and sister. My sisters blond hair covers the one side of her face revealing her one tear filled blue eye as she watches me, she used to think the world of me. My dad has his arm wrapped over my moms shoulder as they both watch, my dad remains as stoic as ever where as my mom looks like she has been crying. On the left I find my ex-girlfriend as she holds onto an old stuffed bear I won for her at the carnival during our first date.

You don't belong here...

As my vision fades my eyes try their best to look between them all. I've given up trying to fight back, whats the point? I'm just so tired... I want to be home with them. Closing my eyes I let my arms fall alongside me as I wait for death to take me, I want nothing more then to be back home with my family...

My eyes shoot open as I feel something heavy in the back of my throat, tasting the bile I immediately get up from the floor and dart into the adjacent washroom where I expel my stomach contents. I stay slumped by the toilet for the next five minutes dry heaving as the dream keeps running through my head. What did they mean 'come back to us'?... What the fuck is going on?

Once I'm certain that every drop of bile is out of my system I flush the toilet and leave the room to put on my clothes. Picking up my top I bring it up to my nostrils and inhale it before pulling back from the horrid stench, not exactly wanting to put it back on I drop it to the floor. Strolling to the window I rest a hand against the wall as I look out over the town, all the bodies have been cleared away and many guards litter the streets carrying out patrols. Most of my team must still be asleep, I can probably guess that Shadow and Spectre have only just got their heads down for the morning.

Heading back to my shirt I open the pocket on the sleeve and retrieve the gem stone I procured and my mobile phone. Standing back up I move the diamond in my hand to examine it closely, I'm not much of an expert on these things but maybe I can get some of the cash I spent on our armour back by selling this.

A knock comes from the door causing me to pocket the gem so it doesn't get seen, slowly strolling to the door I open it up to find Rainbow carrying a bundle of my clothes along with a empty travel bag and a small bag of coins on top, "Rainbow? Is everything okay?"

Nodding she makes her way into the room and places them down on the mayors desk, "Yeah, everything is fine. Though Twilight got a letter from Princess Celestia requesting that we stay in Canterlot for the next week until everything has been sorted here."

Raising a brow I look to the clothes she brought in for me, "Does that include me and my team?"

"Not your team, the Princess wants them to remain here for some reason. She wishes to speak to you though back at the castle," Rainbow's looks to the floor before turning to head out, she seems a bit down as she leaves.

"Rainbow, wait," Stopping she turns back to me, "What's up?"

"Nothing, I'm fine."

Folding my arms I stand up straight, "Rainbow..."

Lowering her gaze she steps back into the room, "It's just... I never thought I'd kill somepony."

Relaxing my stance I lean back against the desk, "That's understandable, I know you wish to join the Wonderbolts but I'm pretty sure you're more interested in the public shows. You know when I joined the army I didn't want to kill anyone, I wanted to serve to assist those on my side and to serve my country. Unfortunately it comes with the job, my role saw me going onto the front line and having to take a life. It changes you... but just know that how you act will save the lives of many others. If you didn't shoot that Diamond Dog what would have happened?"

"You'd be dead," Rainbow sits on her haunches as she looks up to me.

"I'd be dead. You would be burying me over the next few days and remembering me in next weeks memorial service along with those who died in the civil war. Sometimes you have to take a life to save others, although it isn't exactly an easy thing to do it must be done."

Rainbow pauses as she looks to the floor, "Does it get easier?"

I shake my head, "I wouldn't use the word 'easier'. If anything you just learn how to cope with it, that's why army humour can often be fucked up. Someone will lose his leg and we'll just take the piss and say he gets half price on new shoes, you look for the positives in every situation," Stepping up to her I pat her back getting her to stand, "I know it's hard but don't dwell on it, if you keep revisiting it you'll only drive yourself insane."

"Okay. Thanks, John."

"And when I next see Spitfire I'll definitely put in a good word for you."

This seems to immediately cheer her up. Smiling like an idiot she jumps into the air, "I should get my stuff sorted, I'll see you at the train station," With that she zooms straight out of the door. Looking back to the new clothing I strip straight down and dress into the new clean clothing, I'll have to take a shower in Canterlot. I decided to finally get out of military uniforms and instead went for a basic pair of black cargo trousers along with a grey t-shirt and a thin tan jacket, I was able to show Rarity a few pictures displaying some basic clothing which she replicated quite well.

Folding away the rest of my clothing I place it and my armour into the bag I was provided, I keep my holster on me for the time being securing my pistol holster to my thigh. When it comes to packing my webbing I remove my SA-80 magazines and look to them, not having much need for them I just drop them into the bag along with the webbing. Checking the money pouch I find it to contain a sizeable portion of my own money, sealing the pouch I secure it in my trouser pocket.

With everything packed I leave the office with the bag in hand, heading downstairs I stop to look into the office where I find most of my team are still sleeping. As I turn to leave the building Chaser walks in through the front door, "Going somewhere?"

Looking to the bag I reply, "Celestia wants me and the girls to go to Canterlot until everything is secured here, so I'll be leaving the unit under your command until I return."

Grinning Chaser steps past me, "You hardly do anything so this job will be a walk in the park," Rolling my eyes I start to leave through the door when Chaser calls back to me, "Did you have... fun last night?"

Stopping at the door I look back to him to see his dumb grin, "Go fuck yourself, Sergeant," With that I leave the building and stroll along the road leading towards the train station. Being by myself I decide to take out my phone and play some music, cycling through the songs I finally settle on this is war. Some ponies are wandering the streets trying to clear up the festival stands from last night, when they all look to me they seem more relaxed and comfortable around me then they've ever been.

Reaching the train station I look to the timeline to see I have another fifteen minutes until the trains due to arrive. Deciding to try and wash up a bit I head to the train station toilet and lock the door behind me. It was a good thing I decided to finally check a mirror as I find dried blood on my neck along with my nose and cheek. Taking off my jacket and shirt I turn on the taps and start to run the water over my skin to scrape away the dried blood, it's not exactly ideal but it has got to be better then strolling through the capital covered in blood.

Once I'm done I take a few paper towels and dry off my face and body, satisfied with the results I throw the towels into the bin and put my top and jacket back on before leaving the stall. Stepping back onto the platform I find that Applejack and Rarity are both here along with a small group of guards likely acting as their escorts. Approaching the guards I nod to them, "I'll take it from her lads," They look to each other before heading back into the town.

Rarity looks down to my thigh noticing my pistol, "You're dressed casual yet you still insist on having your weapon."

"Just a precaution, once we're inside the castle I can get rid of it."

Focusing on my face Applejack looks closely to the wounds, "How are you feeling?"

Bringing my hand to my cheek I carefully rub the cut, "A little sore but I'll live."

"John, don't you think you should see a doctor?"

"I'm fine... really," Lowering my bag I rest it on the floor, "Just had a rough night."

"I can imagine," Rarity says, "It wasn't easy on any of us, I can only imagine how awful it must have been for you."

Sighing I rub the bridge of my nose, "How's Fluttershy?"

"She was terrified, I don't think I've seen her so shaken up. After she got to sleep though she seemed to recover a bit in the morning."

"Make sure you all support one another, don't feel as though you're alone. If you need to talk then do so, either with me or to one another," Looking down the track we see the train as it gradually slows to come to a stop at the platform. Picking up my bag I look behind me to find the other four girls and Spike approaching the station, "Come on, let's get everyone some seats," Stepping to the carriage door I slide it open and step in.

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I didn't have much to say on the train ride, in all honesty I still felt exhausted from the previous night, not to mention that that sleeping on the floor doesn't exactly provide a good night sleep. Once we reached Canterlot we made our way directly to the castle where we were all shown to our rooms for the duration of the stay, they were all next to each other which was convenient for us. When I reached my room as I unpacked my stuff I found a red poppy waiting for me on the bed, picking it up I can't help but feel a bit happy that they decided to add this tradition into their society. Fixing it to my jacket I also remove my thigh holster and leave the pistol under the pillow before leaving to find Celestia.

As I stroll through the corridor I find a number of the castle staff and guards to also be wearing poppies on their uniform, in fact even a few posh snob even took to wearing it. Finding the throne room I push open the door and head straight in, inside I find Celestia currently in conversation with a white Unicorn stallion with a long blonde flowing mane along with a black lapel around his neck. As I approach Celestia he seems to give me an unamused glance before looking to the monarch.

Stopping before her I give a small bow which Celestia returns, "You wished to see me, your majesty?"

Looking to me Celestia smiles, "I did. I wanted to thank you for your actions in Ponyville last night, not only did you keep the local residents safe but you also protected my sister. For that I am eternally grateful."

"You're welcome, I'm just glad that we didn't lose any civilians in the attack."

"Yes, thankfully from what I was told the Diamond Dogs weren't paying them any notice. How did you learn of the plot before it began?"

As I open my mouth to reply the Stallion steps between us, "What about my issue? You shouldn't be associating with this... common rabble."

Oh this guy certainly has a silver suppository up his ass. Grabbing his shoulder I turn him around to make him face me, "This 'common rabble' was the one who kept two of your Princesses alive last night. Show some fucking respect."

Scoffing he takes a step back, "Show some respect? Do you have any idea who you are speaking to? Even being in my presence is an honour."

Stepping closer to him he cautiously takes a few steps back up the stairs towards Celestia, "An honour to be in your presence? Ten seconds in your presence makes me want to shove my boot up where the sun doesn't shine."

"John..." Celestia says in a motherly tone which remind me of a mom lecturing her child, "Would you wait for me in my study while I finish talking with Prince Blueblood?"

This twat is a Prince? What's with every Prince in this country being a cunt? Stepping back I bow my head slightly, "Of course," Glaring to Blueblood I turn on the steps and make my way out of the throne room. Looking to the guards at the door I whisper into the ones ear, "Is he always a stuck up arse?" The guard just gives a small grunt in response.

It doesn't take me too long to find the study, after being here a few times I've at least remembered how to get to this study, my room, the throne room and the kitchen. As soon as I step in I am immediately bored, it's times like this when I wish I this world had internet so I could pass the time on my phone. With nothing to do I head to Celestia's liquor cabinet and select a glass and fill it with rum before heading to her sofa and relaxing into the chair. Keeping the glass in my hands I rest my head back and close my eyes to try and relax.

"Glad to see you've made yourself at home, John," Opening my eyes I look to the door to see Celestia as she closes the door.

"After last night I could do with a stiff drink," Bringing it to my lips I drain a good portion of the glass.

Sitting alongside me she examines the cuts along my neck and face, "It certainly looks as though you've had a rough night."

"Getting beaten up isn't exactly how I like to relax, believe it or not I'd rather spend a day in town or go for a swim."

"It's hard to imagine you relaxing, you seem to do nothing but work."

Sighing I look to my hands, "Well I've got a lot more work to do. I need to figure out who the Griffin was that escaped, not to mention I've got to get a new rifle."

"Yes, Luna told me that you had lost your rifle. I know you mentioned that you were going to look into developing some for the Guard, looks like that will be a higher priority for you now," With her magic she levitates over a glass of water which was sitting on the desk and takes a sip, "Is there no way of locating it?"

"Maybe, but seeing as it's at the bottom of a chasm with no natural light, fast flowing water and rocks which will just as likely seriously injure anyone who touches them it would be too risky. The water flowed down some sort of underground passage, I have no idea if the water was fast enough to carry the rifle so it could end up anywhere. Not to mention the rifle was heavily damaged when it impacted the rocks, who knows how severely damaged it is from being dragged underwater and bouncing off rocks."

"That is most unfortunate, I know it proved invaluable. I will send a small unit down there to try and locate it for you," Celestia pauses as she looks to the floor before raising her gaze "There is one thing that I wish to know. How did you learn of the plot to attack my sister and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony?"

"I have a contact within the provisional government of the Griffin Empire, I served alongside him during the war. I requested information on the Children of the Motherland when I came across their meeting, he didn't get back to me until last night."

"Could he assist you in locating this Griffin?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Celestia sits fully upright as she looks to me, "This group will continue to be a threat, not just to us but also to the Griffin Empire. If I'm able to locate their main headquarters I want to mobilise a force to capture or eliminate them."

"You wish to commence military operations within the Griffin borders? I don't know if that is such a good idea, after seeing our first combat in a millennia I'm not comfortable with sending forces to engage with another."

Finishing off the rest of my drink I rest the glass on the table, "I'm not asking for a full scale operation. When the barracks has been constructed in Ponyville I want to take my unit to the Griffin Empire to cooperate with their government and military forces to remove this mutual threat. Consider it a diplomatic mission to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. If we are successful it will improve the security of Equestria."

Celestia remains silent for a moment, "I shall have to discuss it with Luna, since you are part of the Lunar guard it will be up to her to authorise this action."

"Sounds fair to me," Looking over her breast plate I notice the lack of a poppy, "Where's your poppy?"

Glancing to her own chest she looks back up to me, "I'm afraid some of the nobles aren't too comfortable with us adopting some of your countries traditions. They fear that you are having too much influence-"

"-I take it one of them is Blueblood?" Celestia nods, "How exactly is he a Prince?"

"He's a descendant of the Unicorn Princess Platinum, she was the ruler of the Unicorn tribe before myself and Luna were given leadership of Equestria. Out of symbolism we allowed the descendants to keep their title as Princes and Princesses however they are no different from any other noble in Canterlot, they just often see themselves as higher up then other nobles."

Getting up I slowly head for the door, "I shall leave you to it, then."

"One moment, John," Looking back she rises from seat, "My sister and I will definitely be going through with ceremony despite the protests from some of the nobles. Since it is the first remembrance day we shall be holding I'm afraid we don't really know how to go about preparing for it. We were hoping that you'd prepare the ceremony for us, you experienced it in your own world providing you with knowledge on how best to go about it."

I move back from the door, "Of course, I'd be happy to organise the event for you."

Smiling Celestia makes her way to her desk, "Splendid, if you are free now then I'd like for us to begin straight away."

We spent the rest of the morning discussing how the event should take place. I was glad to hear that a memorial was constructed in the public square outside the barracks to honour those who lost their lives in the war. I went over the basics with her, military parade leading up to the memorial, two minutes silence at 11:00 and the laying of poppies at the site. Since Equestria didn't seem to be religious, or at least didn't advertise their religious beliefs, I decided not to go into details about prayers at the ceremony and instead went for key figures to share a few words. Celestia requested that I'd be one of those who'd day a few words, in my mind I already knew what I'd say for the ceremony.

As we went into details I found myself feeling more and more drained, although I was happy they adopted this tradition I can't help but feel disheartened. We'll be remembering the fallen here but back home I can only guess what my family would be doing, would my name be etched onto a memorial wall? Would they be laying down poppies to remember me? I found myself thinking more and more of home and how much I missed everyone there. When we finished our first day of preparations it was safe to say that I was now feeling a bit depressed. Not wanting to do anything else I strolled through the castle to find somewhere to wallow in sadness.

Having finished our dinner we all leave the dining hall and begin to make our way back to our rooms, for some reason though John wasn't there, I hope he's okay. Nopony has really been in much of a talking mood since last night, it's just hard to imagine that somepony would deliberately target us.

As we make our way down the hall I look to the others, "Shouldn't we look for John?"

"Princess Celestia said he seemed to become distant towards the end of their meeting," Says Twilight, "I have no idea where he could have gone off to."

"He's wasn't in his room," Rainbow adds.

"Oh, I hope he's alright," Fluttershy says with concern.

Looking to my hooves as we walk I sigh, "He's certainly been through a lot, ain't he?"

Everypony mutters some sort of agreement, "Maybe he's just continuing his tradition? Rainbow suggests, "You know, where he has a drink after a tour."

"He wasn't on tour, Rainbow. He was fightin' in our home town, who knows how he's takin' it."

"Well then, I say we should look for him," Rarity announces, "He likely needs our support now more then ever."

Twilight nods her head, "I agree, he shouldn't be alone after last night. Let's all split up and look for him, we'll meet back outside his room when we've found him."

As everypony agrees they all split off in their own separate directions, heading down the corridor I take a left taking down a small set of stairs. Where could he have run off to? I doubt he's trainin' at this time of the evenin'. What if Rainbow's right? What if he is drinkin'? With that thought in my head I continue down the corridor heading towards one of the parlour rooms which I know has a bar.

Running through the halls I make a turning and immediately come to a halt after nearly bumping into somepony, looking up I find Luna looking to me with a surprised expression, "What's got you in such a hurry, Applejack?"

"We're lookin' for John, nopony's seen him all afternoon," This seems to get Luna's attention as her expression changes to one of concern.

"John's missing? Has he left the castle?"

"I don't know, we haven't asked any of the guards."

Stepping past me Luna glances back, "I shall check with the guard. Let me know if you find him."

As soon as the Princess is out of view I continue down the hall and navigate the various turns till I find the door I'm looking for at the end of the hall. Slowly approaching the door I notice it's slightly ajar, raising my hoof I push it open and peek my head around the corner. Looking around I find John sat against a bar with his head rested in his arms, numerous bottles and mugs are spread out on the surface around him.

Pushing the door to behind me I step up to him and sit on the chair alongside him, "John?" He doesn't respond. Raising my hoof I rest it on his arm. Slowly he lifts his head to face me, his eyes are bloodshot along with his cheeks being damp with tears.

Clearing his throat he runs a hand over his chin, "...What?" As soon as he speaks I can smell the strong alcohol on his breath.

"Everypony's been lookin' for you. Whats wrong?"

Taking a bottle in his hand he shrugs his arm knocking my hoof away before standing. As soon as he takes a few steps he stumbles before regaining his composure, "Just thinking about how... fucked life is," Swigging straight from the bottle he turns back to look to me, "Do you know what today is?" I shake my head, "It's my sisters birthday... November first... her eighteenth birthday."

"I'm sorry, this must be-"

John throws the half empty bottle against the bar causing it to shatter, "It's her birthday and I'm fucking stuck here!" Stepping close to me I back up slightly till my backs against the bar, "You know what Megan said to me before I left for tour? She said 'you'd better come back, I want to go out for drinks with my brother as soon as I'm eighteen...' looks like another thing I've fucked up."

Stepping backwards he grabs hold of a small table and flips it over spilling the contents which rested on top, "Why me!? Why the fuck was I brought here!? Of all seven billion people on my shitty planet I was chosen to come here! I miss my family, my shitty flat and crappy car!" Stumbling backwards he slumps against the wall before sliding down and sitting on the floor.

Slowly I leave my seat and approach him, when he looks to me I sit alongside him and look at him, "It ain't easy losin' somepony close to you, believe me I know. But going around actin' this way won't do any good, what would your family think?"

Looking to me he sighs as he smacks the back of his head against the wall, "... I don't know."

"You've got to move on, no matter how hard it is. Live your life for them and keep them close to your heart, no matter what I'm sure they'd always be proud of you."

Reaching into his pocket he removes his packet of cigarettes and takes one from the packet. He looks to me then back to the cigarette before breaking it in his hand, tipping the packet into his hand he rips apart all of the cigarettes and throws them to the floor. We sit there in silence until he finally speaks again, "I don't even know if all of this is real," Confused I tilt my head to look to him, "How do I know I'm really here? I'm more then likely laid out in a hospital bed in intensive care with my family looking over me. Hell... I may even be dead for all I know. When I was being attacked at Fluttershy's house part of me wanted to give up... to not fight back and let death take me, maybe then I'd actually wake up and learn all of this has been a dream."

Is he really wishin' he was dead? I rest my hoof on his hand causing him to look to me, "You can't give up, John. Doin' that won't accomplish anythin', you've got friends here who care greatly for you, we don't want to lose you."

"But what if this is all just a dream?"

Pausing I look to the floor before answering, "Then you've got to make it a good one. Do everythin' you can to make this as enjoyable as you can. Don't got around sulkin' wishin' things were better, go out there and enjoy life to the fullest."

John just stares to the floor until finally he nods, rubbing his face he tries to get up only to fall to his knees. Standing I help him to get to his feet, as he tries to stumble towards the door I move directly alongside him to stop him from falling over. As we leave the room I find the girls all standing outside having likely heard everything we've discussed. John doesn't even look to them as we leave, instead he just looks to his feet as he walks.

Slowly but surely we reach the outside of his room when Princess Luna runs into us. Stepping up to John she looks to him as he finds it difficult to stand, "Is everything alright?"

Reaching for the door handle I push it open allowing him to stumble through, "He's just had a few too many to drink."

Luna glances back to him as he stumbles in and collapses on top of the bed, "So it seems. Why was he drinking so much?"

"He misses his family... it's his sisters birthday, it's hit him hard."

Luna looks down to the floor before moving away from the door, "We will all need to support him. I trust I can leave him in your care, Applejack?" I nod to her, "Let me know if you need anything," With one last look into the room she steps back and makes her way down the hall.

Making my way inside I close the door behind me and slowly step up to the bed to check on John, surprisingly he seems to already be sleeping however he is occasionally groaning in his sleep. With little to do I take a quick look around his room, seeing his open bag I take a look inside only finding a couple of pieces of clothing along with his armour and rifle magazines. Sitting on one of the chairs I keep an eye on him as he sleeps, occasionally he fidgets indicating he's likely having a bad dream.

I keep watch for the next hour until I start to feel tired myself. Not exactly wanting to sleep on the floor I make my way to the bed and get on the free space alongside him. Removing my stetson I rest it on the bedside table before resting against the bed, looking to John he still occasionally fidgets as he sleeps. Closing my eyes I rest my head on the pillow to try and get some sleep. After a few minutes I feel something wrap around my chest, opening my eyes I tilt my head back to find John's arm wrapped around my body with a light smile on his face. Not wanting to disturb him I keep still as I look over his body, despite being through so much he seems fairly relaxed now. Closing my eyes once again I rest my head on my pillow and relax back against Johns body, slowly I start to drift off before finally falling asleep.

Hopefully he will be okay.