The following morning I decide to meet up with the girls, with all the work I've been doing I figured I should spend some time with them before I leave for the Griffin Empire again. Strolling down the streets I find large groups of ponies spread around as they hang up various Christmas decorations in the streets, they may refer to it as Hearth's Warming but to me it will always be Christmas. Numerous lights hang between the houses filling the town with numerous bright colours, streamers line the frames of buildings and Christmas hollies are fixed to the walls.

Rounding the corner to the main square I find another group currently in the process of pulling a large Christmas tree up, with a combination of magic and pure strength they attempt to hoist it up. Stepping up to them I take hold of a rope attached to the tree and join them in pulling it up, once it's upright I move to the end of the rope and untie it before passing it off to one of the ponies who thanks me for helping them. Initially when I first came here some of the similarities annoyed me but I'm kinda happy that they have their own versions of Christmas, I never exactly was the festive type of guy but I always enjoyed Christmas.

As I step back a pink blur jumps in front of me, "Hi, Johnny."

"Hey, Pinkie. Still hyperactive as always?"

Pinkie chuckles, "You know me too well. So what are you doing?"

"I was coming to see you and the other girls, I figured some time together was overdue."

Pinkie smiles as we start to walk further into town, "Finally, you've been tucked away for weeks, your guards wouldn't let us upstairs to see you."

"You could have asked them to give me a message, I would have told them to let you upstairs," I suppose I can allow them upstairs, there isn't exactly much sensitive information up there which isn't behind a locked door with a guard posted nearby.

Pinkie suddenly stops on the spot causing me to look to her. Her eyes are rapidly darting around the sky as her tail seems to move with a mind of it's own. She quickly darts underneath a nearby bench, "Johnny, you need to get down."

I fold my arms as I look to her with confusion, "Get down? Why?"

She points back to her tail as it continues to spasm, "My tails twitching, stuff's gonna start falling!"

I roll my eyes as I turn to move off, "What a load of sh-" A glass bulb from above falls and lands on the top of my head shattering, quickly moving away I look up to see that the bulb fell from the lights overhead, "What the fuck?"

Pinkie crawls out from underneath the bench as she glances to her tail, "All clear, my tail's stopped twitching."

Brushing the glass off of my head I'm happy to find it didn't cut me thanks to my hair acting as a cushion, "What the hell do you mean your tail stopped twitching?"

"Oh, it's my Pinkie sense. I get different little niggly feelings which tells me when something's gonna happen. Like when my tail twitches that means something's gonna fall and when my backs itchy it means it's my lucky day."

I look to her for a moment as she just gives her usual smile, "Let me guess, when your tummy rumbles does that mean your hungry?"

Pinkies releases a quick gasp, "How did you know? Do you get it to?"

I shake my head as we continue walking, "Oh yeah, I get that one all the time, along with everyone else who's alive. You can't expect me to believe you get senses when something's about to happen."

Pinkie scowls slightly, "You've seen magic whilst you've been here, this isn't any different."

"It bloody is, your tail deciding to throw a fit was just a coincidence where as I'm pretty sure magic requires training and happens on command."

Jumping past me Pinkie continues to hop towards the library, "You sound just like Twilight did."

"I highly doubt she believes in this nonsense."

Stopping near the door she turns to me, "She didn't at first, but she believed in it soon enough," As I approach the door Pinkie's eyes suddenly go wide as her body enters another spasm, stepping away from the library her ears flop down followed by her eye fluttering and finally her knees twitching.

Rolling my eyes I step past her and reach for the door handle, "Is this another one of your premanitio-"

The door is suddenly thrown outwards causing it to impact with my forehead sending me backwards into the snow as I hold onto my head in pain. Skipping past me Pinkie moves inside the library, "That means watch out for opening doors,"

I continue to roll on the floor as the pain runs through my forehead. When I finally move my hand away I look up to see Twilight looking down at me with a shocked expression, "I'm so sorry, John. I didn't know you were on the other side of the door."

Rubbing my head I slowly sit up as I groan, "You two must have planned this as some sort of shitty practical joke."

Twilight helps me up as she looks confused, "I'd never want to hurt anypony, especially for a joke."

"Then how else can you explain this rubbish about Pinkie and her magical senses?"

Twilight shakes her head as she glances to Pinkie inside, "Believe me I tried to study it and to find a rational explanation for it, but it seems to be one of life's mysteries which can't be answered. Unfortunately it's one of those things you've just got to accept."

I look to her wide eyed, "It's real? Her premonitions about doors being opened and things falling from the sky is real? That's a bit hard to believe."

Twilight shakes her head, "I know, but there seems to be no logical answer for it."

Running my hand over my head I wince slightly as I feel a small bump, "I swear to god this world is gonna be the death of me, hardly anything makes sense here," Stepping inside I find Spike setting up a number of decorations whilst Pinkie has decided to raid the small bowl of cookies Twilight must have left on the table. Looking back to Twilight I take off my coat, "Got any plans for the day?"

"Nothing in particular, why?"

"I thought we could all meet up for the night. We could go out for a meal, my treat."

Twilight smiles as she steps up to me, "Sounds perfect, but we can't let you pay for us all."

I raise my hand, "Considering it me paying back for you girls helping me get settled in here, it's not up for negotiation."

"If you're sure, what time were you thinking?"

"How about 19:00? I only know of a couple of cafes and restaurants here but I've never tried them, how about The Prancing Filly?"

"Okay then, I'll let the others know. Do you want to stay for some tea?"

I'm tempted to stay for a bit however I still need to sort out some gifts for Christmas before the stores start to run short, "No thanks, I've got a few errands to run in town but I'll see you all tonight," Putting my jacket on once again I smile to Twilight before making my way outside into the cold to head for the market and to make the dinner reservation.

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Opening the restaurant doors I stroll inside and shake the snow from my boots as the door closes behind me. As I step up to the greeters post I look into the restaurant itself, it's fairly quiet due to it being late morning but a few ponies are seated within for brunch or an early lunch. Inside are a few sets of large booths to house small groups of patrons, spaced out at regular intervals are individual tables and those set up to seat larger groups. The walls are covered with numerous artistic works including paintings and floral displays.

As I look around the interior I am approached by a server, "Good morning, sir, welcome to The Prancing Filly. Are you here for brunch or would you care to make a reservation?" He seems to have a slightly sophisticated tone to his voice, it probably helps that he's in a formal blazer.

"Uh... yeah, I'd like a table for tonight if that's possible."

With a small smile he takes out a quill and starts to look through a piece of parchment, "Of course, sir, how many will be dining tonight?"

"Seven of us, have you got a table for 19:00?"

He looks through his list of reservations and raises his head, "I can squeeze the Captain of the local Guard in, that won't be a problem, sir," He begins to write something onto the list as I take out my phone to look at the time, "Everything is sorted for you, the table shall be ready for you upon your arrival."

"Thank you, I'll see you tonight," Smiling I leave the restaurant and return to the cold as the first snowfall of the day begins, lifting my head I find various Pegasi moving amongst the clouds to maintain the weather above. As I watch them a certain blue Pegasus flies down from the clouds to look back up to her work and evaluate it, "Hey, Rainbow."

Turning her head she grins to me before flying to my level, "Hey, John. What are you doing at The Prancing Filly?"

"Just booking a table for tonight, you're coming."

"I am?" Rainbow tilts her head.

"Yeah, I figured it would be good for us all to spend an evening together. I haven't exactly talked to you all recently, I've been too busy with work so I thought it would make a nice change."

"Sounds good to me. When do you leave for the Griffin Empire?"

"January fifth, It should only be for two months though."

Rainbow lowers her body to land alongside me, "Why are you even going back? The war is over."

Putting my hands into my pockets I look towards the market square, "The group which was responsible for the attack on Nightmare Night are believed to be operating from within the Griffin Empire. We're going there to assist the Griffin army in locating the Children of the Motherland, or at the very least disrupt their operations."

"So you shouldn't be fighting?"

"Only if they openly engage us, we aren't there to fight like we did last time we were in the Griffin Empire."

Rainbow looks to me with a deadpan expression, "John, this is you we're talking about. You have a habit of getting into fights and getting hurt."

Shrugging I start to stroll towards the market, "I've got a medic so I'll be alright, she will be there to kiss my boo-boo's better. I've got to get some shopping done, I'll see you tonight."

"See you later," Jumping back into the air she quickly disappears into the clouds once again. I decide to walk amongst the various stalls of the market to browse their inventories, with Christmas approaching I figure it would probably be best to get some gifts sorted before most of the stores sell their stock. I have no idea what to get for everyone, I can make a general assumption of what they may like but honestly I'm at a total loss. What could I get for them?

Coming across a small clothing stand I make my way through the crowd and take a look over the items, obviously they would be useless for me but I suppose I may find something here to give as a gift. With the cold snow coming down I close my coat up as I continue to browse the various pieces of clothing, stopping alongside a small box I'm able to dig out a basic black wool hat which surprisingly fits me. On the display table I search through a small box of miscellaneous pieces of jewellery where I'm able to find a jade studded bolo tie, figuring it would make a nice gift for Applejack I take it and add it to my purchases. Finally looking through a rack of clothing I find a black dress with a golden pattern sewn into the centre piece and numerous laces which make it look similar to a renaissance era dress, figuring that Rarity would appreciate it I also take the dress.

Having spent a couple of minutes haggling with the stall owner I leave the stand with the three items and begin to look for other gifts, I may have grown up in a suburban area but I still know how to haggle. With the two gifts bagged up and the hat upon my head I take another look around for a few more stands. Stepping up to a sports stand I try to look through for something I could give for Rainbow, seeing as she's fairly athletic I figures I could get something and be cheeky by sending it to Spitfire and asking her to sign it for Rainbow Dash.

As I look through the selection I can hear a few hoofsteps behind me in the snow, "Howdy, John," Turning around I look down to find Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, "What are you doin'?"

Smiling I kneel down to lower my height for them to easily look up to me, "Hey girls, I'm just looking for gifts for Christmas."

They all look to one another confused before glancing back to me, "What's Christmas?"

"It's my worlds equivalent of Hearth's Warming, I'm just not used to the new name," Pausing I look to them all, "How are you all feeling after Nightmare Night? I wasn't able to check up on you after."

"We wanted to thank you," Sweetie Belle says as she steps forward, "We never thanked you when you came in and helped us, who knows what would have happened if you didn't turn up."

Grinning I stand back up, "You don't need to thank me, the important thing is that you three are safe."

Scootaloo looks over the market towards a patrolling guard, "Yeah, not to mention there's always a guard around somewhere in town."

I follow her gaze, "That's a good thing, we may not always be needed but at least we're here in case there's an emergency. Myself and my team will be going after those responsible for that night, we'll make sure they won't hurt anyone again."

"Your going back to the Griffin Empire?" I nod, "The whole time you've been here you've done nothing but work."

"Yeah," Applebloom adds, "You seem to work more than my sister, and she works nearly everyday."

I shrug, "It keeps me busy, It's not like I've got much to do in my spare time."

"You could always help us get our cutie marks," Applebloom announces with enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" The other two shout out in agreement.

I tap a hand on my hip, "Sorry to burst your bubble girls but humans don't get cutie marks."

The three all look to me momentarily, "Maybe you can be the first?" Sweetie Belle suggests, "There's never been a human in Equestria. Maybe being here will allow you to get your mark?"

"Well what exactly have you tried doing to get your cutie marks?"

Scootaloo reaches into her saddle bag and unrolls a scroll in front of me which is filled with numerous activities, "It's probably easier to tell you what we haven't tried."

Picking up the list I look through the items they tried which includes rock climbing, carpenters, journalists, baking and bowling. Rolling the scroll back up, I pass it back to her, "So you've been trying lots of different things?" They all nod, "Doesn't your cutie mark show you what your talent in life is?" Once again they all nod, "Then you're going about it all wrong."

They all look to one another with confusion. Applebloom turns to me, "What do you mean?"

"Don't try lots of different thing hoping to find your talent, stick to things you know and enjoy. For example I used to love tinkering with things and making models as a kid, I also joined the army cadets when I was twelve and loved the army life style and maintaining the rifles they issued me. I stuck to what I liked and eventually learnt to fix bikes and cars where I got a job as a mechanic. From there I joined the army and became an engineer, stick with what you know and enjoy and you'll soon find out what you'll do in life."

My cutie mark was a SUSAT and target but I still got that from my time in the military after pursuing my passion, I may have even gotten it whilst I was in the cadets. Sweetie Belle looks to me, "So we should stick with what we like? And not try new things?"

"You can still try new things, that's part of life, just look into what you enjoy doing a bit more before chasing after every possibility."

"Oh... that makes sense," The three all look to each other and start to walk off, "So what do you all want to try?"

"Well John said he was an engineer so lets try fixin' up Scootaloo's scooter," Applebloom suggests.

All three look to one another and shout out, "Cutie Mark Crusader engineers!" as soon as they shout it everyone turns to look to them as they all begin to run off. Shaking my head I chuckle to myself as I return to my shopping. Kids, I swear to god they constantly ask for advice then they turn around to do the complete opposite of what you suggest to them.

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By the end of the afternoon I had everyone's gifts sorted for Christmas, I would have to wait for the two to be finished before I give them out to everyone. Applejack's and Rarity's gift were the first ones I sorted out since I bought them before the CMC ran into me. For Fluttershy I was able to find a brooch which matched her cutie mark, it held a single butterfly with light pink glass stones over the frame of the wings. For Twilight I was able to find her a new telescope to replace the one which looked worn out within her library, she's always eager to learn more so hopefully this gift will help her in her pursuit of knowledge.

For Rainbow I was able to find her an old set of flying goggles which were used by the Wonderbolt's prior to their current kit, I had to wait for this gift to be complete though as I sent it off to Spitfire asking if she could sign the frame, since Rainbow is a huge fan girl I'm sure she'll appreciate it. Pinkie was a bit more of a challenge in the case of trying to chose something for her, since she enjoyed her work as a baker I was able to find her a unique set of baking utensils which were supposed to be top of the line. To put the icing on the cake I was able to get her cutie mark engraved onto the various pieces of equipment to personalise them for her.

Finally there was Luna, for her gift I had to go a bit further then simply browsing the stalls of the market. I knew that diamond I recovered from the Diamond Dogs tunnel would come in handy at some point. With that diamond I was able to take it to the local jewellers and request that they make a piece of jewellery using it. They had shown me a number of possibilities using various sketches and examples of their work so after looking at the options available I was able to chose one. Using magic they were able to cut down the size of the diamond and cut down the gem to make it presentable. They had designed a platinum necklace which would have a pendant of the moon similar to Luna's cutie mark made from the Diamond I retrieved. It was safe to say that this gift left me a little out of pocket but since I get free food and board I wasn't too fussed, it's not like I needed money for things back home such as phone contracts, car insurance and utility bills. All I had to do was wait for Luna's and Rainbow's gifts to be completed then I'll give them out for the holiday.

Opening the door I make my way inside The Prancing Fillly, I've still got about ten minutes until 19:00 but I thought I may as well arrive early and order a few drinks ready for everyone. Making my way to the greeters stand the same waiter from earlier looks up to me and smiles, "Good evening, sir, your table is ready for you. Would you like to follow me through?" Nodding I follow him as I pass a number of tables which are filled with other patrons. Showing me to my table I lift up the wine list and have a quick scan, "Would you care to order some drinks ready for your guests, sir?"

My eyes slowly roll over the various wines and their respective prices. I never was one for drinking wine so I have no idea what to go for, "Can I have two bottles of Trottingham Prestige '08?"

Taking out a small notepad he jots down my drink order, "A superb choice, sir, I shall get them prepared for you upon the arrival of your guests," As he steps off I take a seat at the table and lift up the food menu. Scanning through the menu all of the items appear to be vegetarian, the one thing I'll enjoy about being back in the Griffin Empire is the meat. When I come to the end of the menu I find a small section which appears to be folded over, opening it up I find a selection of various fish dishes. Spitfire did mention that Pegasi and other races did eat fish.

As I continue to browse the menu I hear a number of hooves approach the table. Lifting my head I look around to see the six girls moving around the table, as you could probably guess Rarity saw this as an excuse to dress up wearing a scarlet red sequin dress. Smiling I stand up from my seat, "Hey girls, take a seat anywhere you want, I've already ordered some drinks for us."

Everyone moves to the available seats with Rainbow sitting on my left and Rarity on my right. Once they're all seated I move back into my own chair as Rarity looks to me, "What's the occasion for tonight's meal?"

"No occasion, I just thought it would be good for us all to spend some time together. I've been too busy working constantly and haven't exactly got an opportunity to spend time with any of you recently," The waiter returns with numerous glasses and places them in position in front of everyone, popping the cork on the bottle he pours a small amount into the glass in front of me and waits. I have no idea what you test when you try the wine... I guess I'll just copy what they do on TV and make sure it doesn't taste like piss. Lifting the glass I inhale the smell of the drink before taking a small sip, at least it tastes pretty good. Lowering the glass I nod to the waiter who tops up my glass and fills all the others before leaving us with the bottles and returning to his post.

As everyone lifts their menus to take a look at the food available Twilight addresses everyone, "Princess Celestia sent me a letter today, she told me that the Equestrian Games have now been planned to take place on the third of March."

"Finally," Rainbow exclaims, "Now we can finally win the games for Ponyville. If it wasn't for a certain human we could have won them by now," Her head turns towards me at the end with a small smirk.

Putting down my menu I look to her, "Don't blame me, just because I happened to be away whilst there was a war."

"But aren't you returning to the Griffin Empire?" Fluttershy asks, "Does that mean you'll miss the games?"

"Hopefully not, at the moment we're only planning on being there for two months so we may miss the start. However it depends on how much of a threat the Children of the Motherland are and if we can cripple their operations significantly whilst we're there."

Applejack looks to me from across the table, "But there ain't that many of you goin', how do y'all expect to stop them if only a small group is goin' the the Griffin Empire?"

Picking my menu up again I lean back in the chair, "The Griffins will be the main force taking the fight to them and compiling intelligence on them. Our role is to provide support for operations if required, they'll do everything whilst we provide help if they need it."

"So this isn't another war?" I shake my head, "Then what are y'all goin' to be doin' the whole time you're there?"

"I'm going to be spending all of our free days training my team."

"Training?" Rainbow asks, "Is that it? You do that already."

"I trained them in the basics for rifles and parade drills. I'm going to be giving them an entire crash course, think of it as a test."

The use of that final word gets Twilight's attention, "A test? What test?"

Rainbow leans towards Applejack and quietly whispers, "Figures that gets her attention," Applejack gives a little chuckle.

Smirking at Rainbow's comment I look to Twilight, "Well I never actually got to see what the Equestrian military basic training is like, I have no idea if it's as good as the British army's, better or worse. I'm going to give them constant training exercises equivalent to phase one to see how they cope, if they seem to be able to pass it I may adopt it as a requirement for any future soldiers who wish the enlist with the Everfree Ranger. We're being given the latest equipment and have already been on the front lines of combat, in a way we're kind of like the elite infantry of the Equestrian military, or at least I want us to become one of the strongest units."

I'm interrupted when the waiter returns to our table, "Are you all ready to order?"

Looking to me first I quickly glance back to the menu, "I'll have the prawn cocktail to start then for the main I shall have smoked salmon and fried noodles."

"An excellent choice, sir," He looks to everyone else one by one who orders a mixture of foods, to my surprise Rainbow ordered exactly the same as me but since Spitfire said mostly Pegasi ate fish I figured it made some sense.

Once all the orders have been taken Rarity looks to me, "I believe you were explaining your training?"

"Yes," Twilight adds, "You never went into detail about your military training in the past."

Taking a sip of my wine I rest the glass on the table, "Phase one takes place over fourteen weeks, this is where soldiers will learn all their basic skills which everyone in the army will know. This includes weapon handling and firing, military parade and drill, CBNR, field exercises, and close quarters combat. After this all soldiers will attend their phase two training which is where you will learn your specialist skills, such as engineering or bomb disposal like I did, advanced infantry training, signals or specialist weapons systems such as artillery. Generally you're looking at about six months training or up to a year before you finish your training and are potentially deployed."

"What's CBRN?" They all look to me in curiosity.

This is going to be a fun topic to discuss, I don't intend on doing that. "Let's just say it's specialist training that can save a soldiers life in the worst situations imaginable, however from what I've seen here you don't have any need to worry about that."

The girls looks to me with slight confusion. Tilting her head Rarity asks, "So you're not going to tell us?"

I run a hand through my hair, "Do you all remember when Luna showed you a few of my memories, particularly the one with the gas?" They all nod with an expression of discomfort on their faces, "CBRN training teaches you to protect yourself from that and much worse, let's just say that since you haven't developed chemical weapons such as tear gas you won't need to worry about it," Tear gas may be minor compared to other chemical weapons but it's still an unpleasant one to be exposed to.

Twilight raises an eyebrow, "So this training helps you protect yourselves from gases and chemicals?"

I shrug, "In simple terms, yes. I never had to use it outside of training scenarios but it's a good thing to know."

Rarity looks to me with a concerned expression, "I suppose it's better to be prepared."

Sitting up straight in my chair I change the topic, "So what have you all got planned for Christma... Hearth's Warming?"

Pinkie lifts her head, "I'm going back to the rock farm to see my parents and sisters."

I raise an eyebrow in confusion, "A rock farm? Your family farms rocks?"

"Yup," Pinkie grins. Tilting my head I look to the others who simply smile or shrug in response. How the fuck do you farm rocks? Rocks don't grow like any other plant, it makes no sense. The others explain their plans for the holiday, which all involves staying at home with their families. Fluttershy and Rainbow are heading to Cloudsdale to return to their parents. Applejack is staying on the farm as other family members from out of town join her. Rarity's parents are also coming to stay with her and her sister, from what everyone says her parents are not as 'refined' as she is. Twilight however isn't returning home, instead she's staying at the library with Spike.

As everyone finished telling me their plans the waiters return presenting us with our food. My prawn cocktail was actually delicious, surprisingly much better then what I've had back home. Despite Rainbow having the same order as me the staff provided me with a bit more food than her, this only lead to some playful teasing about me apparently needing more food.

As the waiters take away our plates I finish off my glass of wine and top it up. Looking over to me Fluttershy asks, "How are you going to be spending Hearth's Warming, John?"

Resting the bottle on the table I scratch my chin, "I have no clue, I suppose I'll just spend it at the barracks working," That's when it suddenly hits them all that I've got no family to spend the holiday with, "I'm gonna send the rest of my team back home to spend the holiday with friends and family as I remain on post with a small selection of guards, they can volunteer and get some extra pay for their troubles."

Rarity lowers her gaze slightly, "You can't spend the holiday on your own."

I shrug, "I'll live, I've spent the holiday in Afghanistan before."

Twilight looks to me, "You can spend Hearth's Warming with me and Spike, we wouldn't want you to be by yourself."

"I wouldn't want to impose."

"It's no trouble, really. I'm sure we'd appreciate the company."

"Are you sure?" Twilight nods with a smile on her face. In response I can't help but let a large grin surface, it's nice to know that they care about me like this. They have no obligation to care for me however they continue to make me feel wanted, in a weird way they're like a family to me, "Thank you, Twilight."

Lifting my glass I bring it to my lips before pausing, "Pinkie, I've got a favour to ask of you."

With her usual smile she looks to me, "Sure thing, Johnny."

"I've got a small party to plan for New Year's Eve-"

Leaping forward she rests her forehooves on the table, "-Are we getting the best party planning duo back together again?"

Rainbow taps the table, "Second best now."

Pinkie shrugs, "Still in the top two."

Smirking I shake my head, "I want to arrange a party for New Years Eve, it's gonna involve lots of food, alcohol and music. I was told to show everyone some more human traditions."

"Easy peasy, leave it all to me, Johnny."

"I knew I could count on you, you're like a party machine," As I lean back into my chair the waiters once again return presenting everyone with their main courses. As they move around the table I take the opportunity to look around the restaurant further. Looking at the various tables I notice a few other ponies which I recognise from town, with my role as the Captain of the Guard I've come across a mass majority of the town.

Looking to the bar alongside the kitchen my eyes widen as I immediately freeze. Sat on top of a stool is Williams as he leans back against the bar, turning fully to face me he gives a grin as he raises a glass to me. I thought I moved past this... why the fuck is he here? As a waiter moves around the other side of the table he breaks my line of sight, once he passes I'm no longer able to see Williams.

As I look around the restaurant to try and find him Fluttershy looks to me with concern, "Is everything alright, John?"

This causes the others to look to me as well, Rarity leans closer, "You look like you've seen a ghost, darling."

Rubbing my eyes I let out a sigh, "Yeah... just thinking about home."

Slowly everyone returns their focus back to their food, picking up my fork I start to get stuck into my own food. Everyone chatters idly as they enjoy their meals. My mind keeps dragging me away from their conversations as I keep thinking back to Williams at the bar. Why am I still seeing him, I thought saying my farewells would get him out of my head. Maybe my head's just fucked? Maybe I need professional help?

When I focus back on my meal I notice a food trolley with a silver platter and lid resting on top as it moves on its own accord across the dinning room to stop alongside our table. Everyone pauses as their eyes all lock on it, nobody moves or says a word as they stare at the trolley. Cocking a brow I look to Twilight who is sat alongside the trolley, "Are you gonna open it?"

Hesitantly Twilight focuses on the lid as her horn envelopes it, as soon as she starts to raise the lid we are immediately met with a bright white flash which causes me to shield my eyes. As I turn my gaze back to the trolley I find a creature standing on top as it lets out a groan as it stretches.

The creature seems to be made up of a number of creatures with the head of a goat, a lions paw, a cloven hoof, a bats wing and various other animal parts. Clicking its neck to the side it looks to the girls, "Well that certainly wasn't a relaxing hiding place. Thanks for inviting me by the way, and here I thought we were friends."

Twilight's eyes narrow, "Discord, what are you doing here?"

He clasps his hands together causing a halo to form over his head, "What? Isn't a friend allowed to drop by unannounced?"

As the girls all scowl at him, apart from Fluttershy, I raise my hand to point at him, "Is anyone here gonna explain to me what he is?"

His attention turns to me as a wide smile spreads on his face, "Well, well, well... Captain John Davies. I've heard so much about you" -In a white flash he disappears and I quickly feel two hands on my shoulder. Tilting my head back he's standing above me looking down over me as various smaller versions of him stand around the table looking to me like fan girls at a concert- "I must say I'm a fan of your work."

I just look to him with a confused expression, "...Thank you?"

He pats my shoulders, "Oh, you're quite welcome. I must say, thing have certainly livened up since you came here, you're quickly becoming one of my favourites," With a click of his finger a blue ribbon materialises on my shirt with a picture of him giving a thumbs up.

I shake my shoulder causing him to release his grip, "Are you gonna answer my question? What are you?"

Turning around he jumps to sit on our table and looks directly to me as the ribbon and other copies of himself disappear, "I am Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony. Usually I'd say that nobody could rival me for causing chaos, but you certainly seem determined to change that."

"What the fuck do you mean?"

Leaning to the side he lies down along the table in the position you'd expect to see a Roman Emperor relax on his throne, "Since you've arrived to Equestria they've been to war, even I wasn't able to get them to do that. I applaud you for that, nothing brings out chaos like a conflict. I must say watching that little scuffle and you at work certainly livened things up for me," He jump up from the table and steps alongside me, "But I wonder what you can really get up to."

Bringing his lion paw up to me he presses it against my forehead before I can react to what he's doing. As soon as he makes contact a sharp pain shoots through my head and eyes, I swear I can feel him rooting around inside of my brain. As he keep his paw pressed against my head I can see a number of images flicking through my mind, it's almost as if he's looking at my memories to learn more about me and my culture. Where as Luna had to spend a while in my head to access small sections of my memories, Discord seems to be able to access them instantly. Various images flash through my head, the main thing that causes concern is the fact that Discord seems to be focusing on ones which shows potential destruction such as a Warrior infantry fighting vehicles and Apache helicopters operating in Afghanistan, along with video footage I've seen of nuclear weapons operating.

"Discord!" Twilight shouts, "Get off him!"

Discord slowly pulls away but not before a particular image runs through my head, just before the link is broken the image of myself and Luna in the swimming pool flickers past my eyes. With a satisfied grin he pulls back and lifts his hands defensively, "I'm just learning about you're new friend, a friend of Princess Twilight is a friend of mine," He quickly leans closer to me and whispers into my ear, "Yours and Luna's secret is safe with me. I look forward to seeing what chaos you can bring to Equestria."

As I rub my hand over my eyes I let out a groan, "Stay the fuck out of my head."

With a small chuckle he steps back to his first position alongside Twilight, "Oh don't worry, I've already seen everything I need to. It's such a shame I'm not in your world, it's certainly had it's fair share of chaos. Your world almost seems perfect for me," Taking another step back he glances to everyone else at the table, "Farewell ladies... and Captain," With a click of his fingers a white flash covers his body before he disappears from sight.

What the fuck did he want from my head?