As I wake up I feel like shit, my head throbs in rhythm with my heart beat as a result of last nights heavy drinking. Refusing to open my eyes I feel something wrapped in my arms and pull it closer to my body to help me relax. My mind runs back over the previous night and the discussion I had about accepting my fate here, I miss home more than I can describe but I suppose this is my home now. Who was I talking with last night? My brain slowly kicks into gear as I recall everything I can from the night, sure enough it comes back to that I was talking to Applejack.

That's when I finally realise that whatever I'm holding onto is moving slightly in my grasp, almost as if it's rising and falling. Reluctantly I crack open my eyes to find an orange mass in front of me, tilting my head back it takes my slowly running brain to realise that it's Applejack. Why am I holding her? I just stare at her body as her chest slowly moves with every breath, despite her strength from working on the apple farm her entire life she is still surprisingly soft. Smiling to myself I can't help but feel relaxed by her presence. Looking to the clock on the wall I find it to still be early morning, not wanting to wake her up too early I rest my head back down and tighten my hold of her before once again falling asleep.

After what felt like ten seconds I'm woken up when I feel Applejack shuffling in my grasp. Opening my eyes I lift my head to look to her expecting her to be awake but I find her to still be asleep, looking to the clock once again I find another two hours had passed. Carefully I unwind my arms from her barrel and cautiously withdraw my arms with the precision only a bomb disposal expert could manage. Rolling onto my back I tilt my head to look towards her again, my eyes drift to the pillow her head is resting on where I find the pistol grip of my Glock showing.

Moving my hand underneath the pillow I remove the pistol and climb out of bed without waking her. With it in my hand I lay it flat on my palm and stare at it as I move to the bay window, sitting on the edge of the window I continue to stare at the pistol as I move it in my hand. I don't belong here, I know it, but maybe I should make the best of it like Applejack said? Or I could easily press the barrel against my temple and pull the trigger and escape this world, maybe it would be a big enough kick to wake me up from this dream.

Slowly I run my thumb over the grip and rest it over the magazine release, applying pressure I push it fully in and tilt the pistol allowing the magazine to slide out and land in my hand. Pivoting the magazine I look to the bullets to find the magazine to be full before placing it back in the pistol. Fidgeting with it in my hand I bring the pistol and turn it so the barrel is pointed directly at the bottom of my jaw with my finger rested on the trigger guard. It would be so easy... one pull, just one pull with my finger and I won't be here anymore.

What do you think you're doing?

Freezing I look back to the bed to see Williams sitting along the edge next to Applejack's sleeping form, "What does it look like?" I speak in a hushed tone.

Looks like you're being a pussy. Scowling I glare at him. That's not the John I know.

"What the fuck do you mean?"

Getting up from the bed he slowly approached me. You never backed down from a fight. You would always push yourself until there was nothing left to give. Let me tell you something, you've got a lot more to give.

Lowering my pistol I watch as he sits alongside me, "You told me 'just give up, you shouldn't be here... give up'. That's what I'm doing... giving up."

Williams looks back to Applejack. I'm sure your new mates will appreciate that. What a great way to wake up, a loud bang followed by your friends brains painting the walls.

"I don't belong here... if I die then maybe I'll go home," Williams just laughs as he shakes his head, "What's so funny?"

You still think this is all a dream? I know you can be dense but this is ridiculous, this is pretty elaborate for your idiotic brain to generate.

"What are you saying?"

Williams rolls his eyes, This is real you twat, no matter what you believe you are really here. Killing yourself here won't magically bring you back to Earth.

Sighing I rest my pistol on the side of the window, "I... I don't know what to do."

Williams looks back to Applejack. Your friend gave you some pretty sound advise. I believe her words were 'Do everything you can to make this as enjoyable as you can. Don't got around sulking wishing things were better, go out there and enjoy life to the fullest'.

Scoffing I lean back against the window, "That's rich, I'm getting advice on life from a dead guy."

We've been over this, how do you know I'm dead?

I cock a brow as I look to the wound on his cheek, "You got shot in the face by a 7.62mm from a Kalashnikov, I don't know why but I'm pretty sure you're dead."

Then you've been a shit friend. I look to him in annoyance. You claim I'm dead yet you've failed to give me a proper send off.

"Is that what it will take? To get you out of my head?"

Running his hand through his hair Williams looks out the window. Maybe... it would at least be a good thing to do. Seeing as you're preparing the remembrance parade here I'm sure you can honour myself, not to mention Taylor seeing as you've forgotten about him.

"I haven't forgotten about him. How could I forget the man who asked me to be the godfather to his daughter, he just hasn't been driving me crazy like a certain twat I know."

From the bed I hear Applejack start to stir causing both myself and Williams to look to her. Don't forget what I've told you. Looking back to where he was Williams is nowhere to be seen. Running my hand over my face I look back to my pistol. He's right... this can't just be some elaborate dream, everything here is real. Picking up my pistol I move it around in my hand before taking control of it, pressing the magazine release I let the magazine fall to the floor as I pull on the slide clearing the round from the chamber.

"John?" Lifting my head I look to Applejack as she sits up on the bed, "What are you doin' with that?"

Looking back to my pistol I pick up the magazine and bullet, "Nothing... just making my pistol safe," Reinserting the bullet in the magazine I put the mag back into the pistol but don't load the round into the chamber.

Applejack just looks to me with concern as she climbs off the bed, "How are you feelin'?"

Stepping up to my bag at the foot of the bed I tuck the pistol away, "Not great, but better. Thank you for last night, Applejack."

Smiling she puts her stetson back on, "Anytime, just remember you're not alone."

"I guess... I just got a little lost," Sitting on the end of the bed I clasp my hands over my knee, "I now know I can rely on you for support, thank you."

Stepping up to me Applejack rest her hoof on my hand which I happily take hold of, "You can talk to me anytime, John," We just stay there in silence for a moment as I run my thumb over her hoof.

Neither of us move until I finally release her hoof and slowly stand to head for the door, "I've got some things I need to figure out."

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Having left my room I decided I needed to be alone with my thoughts for a while, not really knowing where I could find a solitary corner I made my way around the castle. Before too long I pass an open doorway which leads into one of the many castle gardens, passing through the door I shield my tired eyes from the sharp sunlight.

Once my eyes finally adjust to the light I move my hand away to view my surroundings. The garden is enclosed behind vertical hedges which allows those within to be hidden from prying eyes, various flowers are intertwined within the hedge such as roses, petunias and tulips. Stepping along the stone path I move underneath a white rose archway and towards the end of the garden, a number of marble statues are spaced alongside the path portraying ponies in various poses such as dancing. Reaching the end of the path I look up to a red oak tree, stepping up to it I press my hand to the trunk when I find a strong looking branch positioned above the hedge wall.

Wrapping my hands around a low hanging branch I'm able to pull myself up as my feet push against the main trunk, climbing the branch I grab hold of the next one and continue to climb. When I finally reach the branch I was aiming for I sit back against the trunk and let my legs hang over the edge. Looking over the distance I am able to see over the garden and the perimeter wall of the castle to view out of Canterlot and towards Ponyville and the Everfree forest.

I look out over the landscape as I think back to what Williams had said to me. This is real? Isn't it? No matter what thoughts cross my mind... no matter what doubts I have everything that happens here is real. I'm not going to wake up someday to find myself tucked up in a hospital bed, I will spend the rest of my life here in Equestria. My only chance of getting home is if the portal which brought me here reopens before the next two hundred years... somehow I doubt that will happen within my lifetime.

I spend the next hour just looking out over the countryside as I try to get to grips with all the thoughts I've been having recently. Closing my eyes I take a deep breath as I run my hand through my hair. When I reopen my eyes I suddenly find a plate containing pancakes and cutlery in front of me being held in a golden glow, "I thought you might want some breakfast", Looking down I find Celestia looking up to me.

Crossing my legs I take hold of the plate and rest it on my lap, "Thank you."

Stepping just to the side below me she sits down on the grass, "I see you've found where I like to come and think."

Cutting a piece of the pancake I start to chew as I answer with my mouthful, "It's a nice spot to clear your head," Holy shit this is really tasty, being royalty clearly has its privileges.

"It certainly is. Twilight informed me that you felt troubled following our meeting yesterday, she told me that yesterday was your sisters birthday," Pausing she tilts her head up to me, "Believe me when I tell you that I understand that it's difficult to be away from your family."

Keeping the plate balanced I jump from the branch and land low to the floor, as Celestia watches me I sit alongside her, "I guess... you do understand how I feel."

"I know it isn't easy being away from the ones you love. I love my sister deeply, when I banished her to the moon it affected me greatly. There was a time that I felt lost, trust me when I tell you that the only way to move on is to accept the cards you have been dealt," I look down to the floor as I listen to what she has to say, "There was a reason I ignored the requests of many nobles not to go through with the remembrance parade. I decided to allow it despite their arguments to help you."

Lifting my head I look to her, "To help me? I don't understand."

"I know that being away from your world has been difficult for you. That's why I wanted you to bring a tradition from your world into ours, to help you feel a bit more at home here," Standing up Celestia looks back towards the castle, "I know you have already found a similarity with the celebration of Nightmare Night, but I believe that bringing a tradition of your own to us will help you feel more at ease."

Smiling I look to her, "I appreciate that, Celestia. Thank you."

"This celebration of remembrance will help you to think back on your loved ones, the same as it will help the ponies of Equestria remember theirs. When you are ready we shall continue the preparations, but for now take your time, John. There is no rush," Smiling she starts to walk back towards the castle.

Getting to my feet I keep my food balanced as I jog up to her and match her pace, "No time like the present... there's no point in me dwelling on it," Celestia smiles as we walk back through the doors, "I'm sure you lot have other celebrations similar to mine. Do you have Christmas?" Somehow I highly doubt it.

Celestia tilts her head to me, "I may need more then a name to go on."

"December twenty fifth, celebration which looks to spending time with friends and family, sharing gifts with one another. There are other religious meaning behind it but I won't go into those."

"We have the celebration of Hearth's Warming Eve which commemorates the founding of Equestria, it's on the same date."

Taking another mouthful of pancakes I once again speak with my mouthful, "Does it involve decorating a tree, giving presents and spending time with family?"

Celestia nods, "It does."

"Then that's essentially the same as Christmas, I'm sure I will enjoy that holiday."

Smirking Celestia glances to me, "I don't picture you as being festive."

Looking back to her I grin, "Only at Christmas, other than that I'm my usual grumpy self."

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Sunday 10th November 2013
Remembrance Sunday

Walking through the halls of the castle I look to the various guards I pass as they all remain at their posts with poppies on display. Passing a mirror I stop to have another inspection of my uniform, straightening out my tunic I adjust the poppy on my lapel and beret before making my way to the throne room where I am to meet the four Princesses for the ceremony. Opening the doors I make my way inside to find all four waiting for me with their own poppies attached to their chests.

Stopping before them all I give a quick salute before remaining at attention, "Are you ready?"

Celestia bows her head to me, "We are."

Taking out my phone I look to the time to find it's 10:34, "Shall we join the others in the courtyard then? The parade is due to begin shortly," I follow them out as we approach the courtyard, leaving the interior of the castle I feel the warm sunshine bearing down on me. Looking out I find a large number of guards gathered within the courtyard equipped in full parade uniform, they're already in position to take part in the parade. Stepping down the main steps I scan over the front as I make my way to the chariots with the Princesses, leading the parade is Shining Armor, initially I wanted to lead the parade but due to the difference in military commands for drill we thought it would be easier if I learnt their orders instead of teaching mine to everyone participating in the parade.

Reaching the chariots I assist Celestia and Luna with getting into the lead chariot as Twilight and Cadence enter the second chariot close behind them. Stepping in front of the chariots I am handed a harness adapted for me to carry the Equestian flag in the parade, fitting the harness I take command of the flag essentially making me carry out the role of a Colour Guard. Waiting in position I look out over the parade as Shining calls for everyone to come to attention, following the order I come to attention in time with the rest of the parade as we prepare to move. Once the clock at the end of the courtyard hits 10:40 we are given the order to advance.

As soon as we step off the band directly in front of me begins to play helping to keep everyone in time with their marching. Exiting the main courtyard we approach the first and only turning on our route, wheeling at the turning I remain in formation as the chariots follow close behind. The main parade route had been closed off but still allowed the public to remain at the side of the roads for access and to spectate.

When we passed the first group I was happy to see them applauding the guards as they marched by, well I say applauding it was more like stomping in approval. Making our way past the crowds we continue to march down the road approaching the main monument outside the Canterlot barracks, looking over the crowd I'm easily able to pick out the girls from Ponyville along with my unit who were given leave to attend the ceremony.

Looking closer to my unit on the sidelines I notice them gathered amongst various ponies which must be their families. Sunny is alongside another Unicorn which looks nearly identical to her except for the blood red streak in her mane being a dark orange with it falling over the right side of her face, I knew she had a sister but I didn't think it would be a twin.

The main crowd begins to applaud us as the parade comes to a halt, at this stage I am to continue marching around the rear with the chariots to where the Princesses will lay their wreaths following the two minute silence. Stopping at the monument I'm able to get my first look at it. The main body extends five meters tall, made from marble it displays two figures of an Equestrian soldier alongside a Royalist as they stand alongside one another looking to the sky. Surrounding each side of the monument are large granite tablets which has the names and ranks of all Equestrian units who lost their lives in the war.

As I look over the monument Princess Luna and Cadence stand to my left whilst Celestia and Twilight move to my right. As they look out over the crowd everyone falls silent, turning her gaze to me Celestia nods signalling for the colours to be transferred to the memorial site where they will stand throughout the ceremony. Stepping forward I cautiously present the colour and rest it in its stand before stepping back between the Princesses and standing at attention.

Once I'm back in position Celestia steps forward to address everyone who is gathered, "I understand that this will be a very emotional day for many of you, but we must take this opportunity to remember those who have been lost to protect their loved ones. Many of those we have lost were fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. This day will enable us to not only remember who has passed but what they have given. Many of us are still in shock and disbelief over the loss of those we once held close to our heart, but though they are no longer with us they shall never leave us in spirit."

Looking to me Celestia allows me to speak out, "Ever since I was young I always wanted to join the military, my family had a long-standing tradition of serving within the armed forces. I was very proud to follow in the footsteps of my family and to serve my country, although many of them had successful careers there was still those like my great grandfather who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It was my dream to make it in the military and I'm proud of my achievements, though like many others present here today I know that it also bears its hardships. I've walked alongside many soldiers both here and on Earth who have endured the same hardships as myself, I'm thankful for the support I received from my comrades. No matter how hard it is, we have to keep going... despite everything we must endure."

Pausing I lower my head as I think back to the previous week in my room, how I was wanting to give up. Clearing my throat I raise my head, "There will be a time where you will really miss those we've lost and you will be emotional, but we must continue and honour their memories... they wouldn't want us to give up on the life they fought so hard to defend."

"Though we honour all who have given their lives there will still be those who hold a special place in our hearts. The day I came here my best friend Corporal Keith Williams was... killed in action, through my whole life in the military he acted like a brother to me and I knew I could count on his support. I also lost another good friend, Lance Corporal Daniel Taylor, who asked me to be the godfather to his new born daughter just before we left on tour."

"I understand how many of you feel after losing your loved ones, but you must continue on in life. Don't ruin their sacrifice by giving up and throwing it all away, take this opportunity to live your life to the fullest as you honour them. I know that whenever times look dark I can always look back to my two friends from back home. I know I can also honour those who I lost under my command here, Sergeant Blitz, Corporal Firefly, Private Blaze, Private Moonshadow and Private Sky Mist. Those individuals and all those who served have protected our freedoms and opportunities in life... lest we forget."

Stepping back I look to Celestia and Luna who both bow their heads slightly to me, as if on queue the main clock tower of the barracks begins to chime signalling that it's 11:00. Bowing our heads everyone remains silents as they all reflect on those we've lost. As I stand there a thought suddenly pops into my mind, this is the first time I refered to Williams having been killed. I suppose I never wanted to believe that he was dead, but following the last time he came to me along with the ceremony I feel as though I'd finally be able to give him a proper send off. I know it isn't easy to move on, but I have to do it.

When the two minutes come to an end everyone begins to raise their heads. To signify the end of the two minutes silence I recite a world famous poem that has stuck with me through my life, "In Flanders fields the poppies blow. Between the crosses, row on row that mark our place and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe, to you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields."

With their magic the four Princesses all take hold of their poppy wreaths and move to each side of the monument, simultaneously they all step forward laying down their wreaths before stepping back and bowing their heads. Once they've moved back to their positions various other key figures repeat the same process including Captain Shining Armor and Spitfire along with a senior officer of the navy to represent all three bodies of the military.

As I stand there and watch as many ponies begin to lay individual poppies I find a wreath being held to me in Twilight's magic as her friends move behind her to look to me. Taking the wreath I looks at the text attached to it and immediately freeze. 'In honour of Corporal Williams and Lance Corporal Taylor of the 33rd Engineer Regiment, British Army. Lest we forget'. I feel something pull at my heart as I look to the words written in front of me, looking back to Twilight and the girls I smile and mouth 'thank you' before stepping up to the memorial.

Going down onto one knee I rest the Wreath against the memorial and look to it along side the many other tributes left for others who lost their lives. Running my hand across the wreath I push myself to my feet and take a step back, looking to Williams and Taylor's names I give one final salute to my former brothers in arms. Joining back alongside Celestia and Luna I remain silent as the rest of the ceremony carries on.

By the end of the hour everyone finally starts to leave. Not moving I remain on the spot as Twilight and the girls step up to me. Running her hoof along my arm Applejack looks to me, "You comin', John?"

Nodding I step forward once again and run my hand over the names on the wreath, "Yeah... let's go," As we start to walk back to the castle I look once more over my shoulder to the memorial.

Goodbye... old friends.