The last couple of weeks within the Griffin Empire Griffonia were spent following up leads on Children safe houses, it sounds more interesting then it actually was because we always advanced alongside the military meaning the Children saw sense immediately and surrendered. In total nine safe houses and four supply depot were raided with a total of one-hundred and six members detained.

The Children were now running scared, many were rapidly leaving the group to try and slink back into society without being detected. Once they were known to us their images and descriptions were posted to every guard force within the country to try to locate them. When we weren't carrying out raids we were busy sifting through piles of information to find new targets, since we were due to leave soon my team acted primarily as reconnaissance and intelligence analysers whilst the Griffin military took over offensive operations.

I could get used to this, two month operational periods certainly beat the six months I was used to back home. The only disadvantage of working for a shorter period is the reduction in money, not being able to touch your money for six months is a good way to build up your funds for when you return home. All of our wages are currently being held at the barrack back home to be collected upon our return, it should make up for the money I spent on Christmas presents and booze for New Year's Eve.

Silverwing is due to face trail in the first few weeks of March, he's obviously going to be found guilty but the only thing that is to be decided is whether or not he will be executed. Either way it doesn't matter to me, they can do whatever they want with that fucker. I tried to dig up some information on Tirek as I looked into Children activities but nothing at all could be found, myself and Gabrielle were the only ones to see him, he seems to have been able to escape completely unnoticed.

The final days were filled with packing up for the journey home, our kit had to be up to standard and squared away since it was due to be transported back to Ponyville while we went to the Crystal Empire. We still had plenty of ammunition in our stores along with a collection of some new goodies, some confiscated grenades were gifted to us from the military to replace our fuse activated grenades. We'll have to study these grenades in more detail upon our return in order to replicate them for production.

Perhaps Dawnstar could look into improving their design, if new magical weapons were produced for other units in the Equestrian Guard then maybe something can be done to enhance the capabilities of the grenades. I'll have to leave that to her though, I'm good with standard munitions and basic industrial machinery but I am absolutely useless when it come to anything magical.

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Sunday 2nd March 2014
Equestrian / Griffonian border crossing
13:28

Resting back into the seat of the train I look out the window as we finally cross the bridge signifying our departure from Griffonia, "Take one last look at Griffonia while you can, guys. It should be a while until we ever have to come back, now though it's time for two weeks of R&R." As everyone glance back down the tracks behind us I take out my phone and decide to play some music for the journey, scrolling through my selection I find 'Come With Me Now' and let the song play.

"Those two months seemed to drag on forever," Chaser says as he sits in the seat opposite me. "If we have to go somewhere for another two months can it at least be somewhere nice?"

Turning on his set Georg rests his talons on Chaser's back, "Hey, there is nothing wrong with Griffonia."

"True, if we spent the entire time within Wingston, but we spent most of our time on an MoD in Fulwood. There wasn't exactly a lot to do there in our spare time."

Removing my armour I look to the both of them, "If you expected comfort and luxury when you joined the army then you've come to the wrong place. If you want comfort then join the air force, the lazy gits."

Chaser ruffles his wings as he hops off his seat, "I can fly as well, John. Though I suppose the closest thing to an actual 'air force' as you described it in the past would be the Wonderbolts."

Removing the last strap I pull my breast plate away from my chest, "Exactly, lazy gits. The air force get all the love and attention despite the fact they do nowhere near as much work as us. The Wonderbolts do a few shows for the public and everyone lines up to praise them, we've just spent two months on a combat operation and I bet you hardly anyone could give a shit. The RAF sat on their arses until we called them in to assist, even then they couldn't turn up when needed. And don't get me started on the Navy."

Cocking her brow Sunny shakes her head, "Dare we ask?"

"Basically they're a glorified taxi service."

"Shouldn't you be supporting them since you all have to work together?"

Resting my armour by my seat I sit down, "We can get on when we have to, doesn't mean we have to like one another. If you were on Earth you'd learn this one important lesson, everyone thinks their unit is the best and everyone else is shit. Army think they're the best, Navy thing they're the best and the same goes for the RAF. Hell, every country thinks they're automatically the best, I'm obviously going to say the British army is the best since I'm English, but ask a German, Yank, Frenchie or Russian and they'll say that they're better."

Letting out a yawn Shadow settles down into her seat as she looks as though she is ready for a nap, "Could you give one of your lectures elsewhere?"

The others chuckle slightly as I look between them all, "I don't lecture... do I?"

Janine holds her talons close to one another as she narrows her eyes, "A little bit."

Groaning I slump back into my seat, "Great, I'm only twenty-five yet I go off on old man rants."

"I'd hate to see what you'll be like when you actually turn sixty, you'll never shut up." The others once again laugh at me.

"Oh, ha-ha. I'm not that bad."

Chaser continues to chuckle as he lightly kicks my leg, "It's not so bad old-timer."

"Old-timer? I'm probably younger then..." Actually I've got no clue how old anyone is here, I never exactly asked any of them for their ages. The only ones I know are those who I hand picked for my original dossiers which stated their age. "How old are you?"

"Thirty-four."

"Thirty-four!? Actually that makes sense since you're allegedly a Sergeant."

"I am one."

"Are you?" I tilt my head as I glance to the others, "You hardly act like one."

Giving a sarcastic chuckle Chaser moves back to his seat, "You're such a comedian."

"Am I fuck, that's why I relied on Williams. Though I guess I've got you now, you're my official replacement for Williams." The other all glance to one another with what looks to be apprehension. "Sunny, how old are you?"

"Twenty-three."

Grinning I flick my eyes to Chaser, "Like older men then?" Sunny looks to me with a deadpan expression, "What?"

"Does that mean you like younger mares then?"

Chaser laughs as he points a hoof at me, "Paedo."

Grinning I shake my head, "Sunny wasn't under aged. you muppet." I have no clue how old Spitfire was either but I'd guess she's older then me since she is also a Captain, It's quite rare to have an officer at the level of a Captain at my age. Come to think of it I have no idea how old Luna is... fucking hell, does that make me the ultimate toy boy? She is centuries old, yet she looks so much younger. I've got a cougar.

Chaser winces as his expression drops, "I don't want that thought in my head, John."

Chuckling to myself I shrug, "Don't blame me, you caught us in the past then told everyone about it."

Shuddering he joins Sunny on his bench, "Don't remind me of that sight, never do I want to see your cock again. You still need to get another mare, you've only been with... the one."

Sunny blushes mildly as she realise who Chaser is referring to. Clearing her throat she looks to me, "He's actually been with another, he told me before we came to the Griffin Empire."

Chaser immediately sits up in his seat, "What? You didn't tell me about this."

Shaking my head I fold my arms, "That's because you'd just blab to the entire world that I stuck my dick in someone... to put it bluntly." I'm not going to tell you about Spitfire and there's no chance in hell I'd mention to anyone that I'm fucking Luna.

George chuckles from behind him, "He is right, you'll just tell everyone."

Chaser turns his neck, "I only told you, you were the one who told the entire team."

"...Oh yeah, but didn't you tell Rainbow Dash?"

Chaser tilts his head back to me, "Maybe..."

Laughing I throw my empty canteen at him impacting against his chest, "Yeah, and he got a punch in the balls for his troubles."

Silver laughs from the other side of the carriage, "He certainly should have learnt his lesson after that. I couldn't believe that John hit him in the balls."

Chaser scowls as he throws the canteen back at my shoulder, "And if he ever does that again I'll kill him."

Catching my canteen before it hits the floor I clip it back onto my webbing on the floor, "Are you challenging me to a game of roshambo?"

"I don't even think I want to know what that game is. If it's anything like your other games it will only end badly."

"Anyways lets move on from this topic and mention todays plans." Clapping my hands I rub them together, "We are going to have a quick look through the town, browse shops and do the usually touristy shit. After that we are finding a pub and getting totally twatted."

Shaking her head Sunny releases a sigh, "This is going to end badly."

"Hey, it won't be that bad. Besides we've still got a tradition to follow." Pausing I look between everyone, "Though we may need more then one bottle of whiskey."

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As the train approaches our destination I'm originally confused as we traverse what I can only describe as a setting similar to Antarctica, rolling snow dunes surround the area along with small amounts of snow being blown in the wind. Initially it had me questioning if the Equestrian Games was going to be this worlds equivalent of the Winter Olympics.

Once we got closer thought the snow seems to just stop, the layer of snow on the ground quickly thinned out leaving only lush grasslands and small hills giving an entirely different view from the one we travelled through. As the train approached the station Sunny explained to me a brief account of the Crystal Empires return and the magical properties of the Crystal Heart which made the surrounding area habitable. A single trinket is the main thing allowing anyone to live here? Well if that breaks this entire city will be royally fucked.

Once the train finally stops we all disembark allowing me to get my first look at the Crystal Empire. Across from the station is an arch consisting of two solid posts made of some sort of stone, hanging between the posts are a number of gems which are suspended in the air. Behind the arch is the main city, sitting directly in the centre is a large tower which extends high into the sky. If I had to make an educated guess I would say that it was the palace for the empire, the entire structure seems to be made from crystals as it seems to act like a beacon reflecting the sunlight in every direction illuminating the entire city.

Many of the homes within the city seem to be built from mineral stones of some sort, these seem to be older buildings however since they are mixed amongst newer architecture revealing more traditional buildings. I reckon it's safe to say that the Crystal Empire has this name for a reason, the surrounding area must be rich in natural resources such as gems and minerals. If an area like this existed on Earth I could imagine most major nations trying to claim such a territory for themselves to gain access to the resources.

Shielding my eyes from the bright surroundings I put on my sunglasses as I look to my team who are carrying their individual uniforms, they all decided to change out of their clothes on the train since we were now officially on R&R. "Could they make this city any more brighter? I swear this place will burn out my retinas by the time we leave."

"It isn't that bad," Turning my head I find Lieutenant Venture alongside six other members of the Rangers. "Good to see you again, sir."

"Likewise," Holding out my armour, weapons and webbing I pass them to one of the Rangers who takes hold of them in his magic. "All of our kit is in the storage cabin, all the ammunition and weapons will need to be booked back into the armoury. There are also grenades in there, so for Christ sake don't pull on the pins."

"Don't worry, we'll take care of everything for you. You should just focus on having some time off, I'll take care of the other business the Princess sent through." Venture holds out a set of civilian clothing for me which I quickly take.

Taking off my guard shirt I throw it onto the pile of my stuff as they hand in the air, "What business?"

"Well Princess Luna has decided to expand the rangers following the successful operation to apprehend Silverwing. She has now given you command of an entire Company."

As I pull the clean blue polo shirt over my head I pause as I look to him, "What? She never told me this..."

"She said it would be a 'pleasant surprise' upon your return. Seeing as you're a Captain and after reading the reports you sent back I would guess that Princess Luna believes that you are now ready to command a Company."

A entire Company under my command? Fuck... I have enough problems with a Platoon, now I've got to command one-hundred and fifty soldiers? Thanks for telling me Luna. Sighing I pinch the bridge of my nose, "Where are they even supposed to go? There isn't enough room at the Ponyville barracks, it's already full."

"From what the Princess told me they will remain in the Canterlot barracks but will be available upon your request. The Ponyville barracks will remain as the home for the local guard, which I shall remain in command of. She is considering new locations to construct a military base for the Rangers to operate from, that will act as the main garrison."

"I guess I'll have to have a word with her when I next see her tomorrow." Holding a set of jeans I quickly remove my guard trouser while I'm still on the platform and put on the jeans as the others all smirk and shake their head. "I don't know why you guys are judging, you all stripped naked on the train."

With my guard uniform and armour in their hooves the Rangers take them to the storage carriage of the train along with everyone else's kit. Once it's all loaded the Rangers board the train as Venture hands us all keys and a few pouches of money, "These are all your hotel rooms, courtesy of Princess Luna. I also figured that you'd want some of the money you earned while you were away to keep you going." Taking my key and pouch I quickly pocket them, "We've already taken all of your belongings you requested to your rooms."

"Cheers, Venture. I'll see you soon."

"Take care everyone," With that he boards the train as it begins to slowly set off to continue on its route.

Once the train is out of sight we all start to walk together up the dirt road leading into the city. The city itself looks to be in amazing condition ready for the games, banners hang in the streets and everything appears to be spotless. Large crowds of ponies walk the streets taking in the sights for themselves, other species are also here as well including Griffins since they've been allowed to compete within the games. The local residents stand out compared to the other ponies I've come across, their coats seem to have a natural shine to them along with the reflection in their eyes looking slightly different. What surprises me though is the fact that they're all Earth ponies.

Strolling through the roads I get the odd look from the Crystal ponies and everyone else, by now though it hardly bothers me as I've gotten used to it. As myself and Sure Strike look in one of the windows at antique blades the reflection of passing Pegasi marching catches our attention. Turning around we find a squad of Imperial Pegasi marching towards the palace.

"I thought you Imperial Pegasi were mostly nomads?"

Sure Strike shrugs, "Traditionally, a number of our best fighters have taken on the role of the Elite Guard for the Crystal Empire and the Frozen North."

Cocking a brow I turn to him, "You guard that frozen wasteland out there? Why?"

"There's many a danger out there, Captain." With that he starts to walk ahead to join some of the others.

"Are you going to elaborate?" I call out after him but he doesn't respond. Groaning in annoyance I join alongside the others as we continue exploring the city.

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After spending most of the afternoon exploring the city we finally decided to find somewhere to get a few drinks, luckily we were able to find a gastropub just a couple of blocks from out hotel. The pub itself was fairly crowded but we were able to get a couple of booths alongside one another.

It was safe to say that the meals were gone fairly quickly once they arrived, since we had to revert to army rations for the last two weeks of our stay in Griffonia we were more than happy to receive some proper grub. Unfortunately for me though this place didn't have the option of meat for any of my meals so instead I had to settle on something else. Everyone decided to get a bunch of sharer platters and helped themselves, there were at least some items which were good enough for me to have.

With everyone's food finished I return to the booths after purchasing two bottles of whiskey and balancing them and a tower of glasses on a tray. Sitting down I fill up each glass as Sunny passes one off to everyone.

With each glass filled I look to everyone, "First things first, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your efforts in the Griffin Empire... or Griffonia. You've all done a terrific job, I couldn't have asked for a better team. I'm sure there will be a lot more fun and mischief for us all to get involved with as time goes on, soon the Rangers will grow in size and we will make the Everfree Rangers the elite fighting force of the Lunar Guard."

Sighing I swirl the drink around in my glass, "This victory for us has come at a price though. Griffonia has taken losses and we have lost one of our own, Comet. He was a great lad and someone who I was happy to be fighting alongside, he was a good soldier and a good friend to many of you. Hopefully soon we will have Crimson back with us, the Rangers won't be the same without them." Raising my glass I stand from my seat, "To Comet!"

Everyone mirrors my actions as they stand with their own glasses. "Comet!" They all call out in unison before we all toss back our drinks.

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As the night went on we kept the drinks going, it was good to see everyone unwinding after our deployment. Since the bar didn't have any music playing I decided to play some songs out loud on my phone, it was always a pivotal factor in establishing a good environment for me at the pub. None of the other patrons seemed to mind the music, in fact a number of them approached me to ask about a selection of the music.

Finishing my tankard of ale I slam it down on the table as my phone starts to play 'Come On Eileen.' Rubbing my eyes I look back to Chaser, "You're such a fucking lightweight."

Groaning his body sways slightly, "I'm not a lightweight, you're just an alcoholic."

Chuckling I ruffle his mane, "I'm not that bad."

"N-not that bad? When you get drunk you end up being thrown across a room because you pissed off a Princess."

"Just because I know how to have a good time, it's not my fault you're an old fart."

Chaser smirks as he pushes me back, "Old fart? Respect your elders, kid."

"Respect your commanding officer, Sergeant."

Snorting he lifts his tankard, "I will do when I actually get a CO." Smirking I run my fingers across the rim of my tankard as Chaser looks into the crowd behind me. Smirking he wiggles his eyebrows as he leans towards me, "You never told me you invited a mare to meet you."

Confused I stare blankly at him, "The fuck are you talking about?"

He begins to rapidly tap the table as if he's trying to remember something, "What was her name? Pale blue mane curled at the neck line, black fur, Unicorn... your dissertation partner?"

Now it's my turn to try to remember the name. Sitting there I close my eyes as I start to click my fingers, "I should know this.... Moon Glow. That's it, but why are you mentioning her?"

Lifting his hoof he points behind me, "She's right over there."

Looking behind me I find Moon Glow looking in our direction. What are you doing here, Luna? "I'll be back shortly." Getting up from my seat I stumble slightly as I try to avoid the others who are all gathered around talking with one another. Moving across the bar I step up to Moon Glow.

Smiling she glances to the others behind me, "Having fun, John?"

"Luna, what a pleasant surprise." Leaning forward I place a quick kiss on her lips, when I pull back Luna seems a little surprised as a blush spreads across her cheeks. "Is everything okay?"

Slowly she returns to the planet as she shakes her head, "Y-yes." Nervously she glances around to everyone else in the bar, "I'm just not used to public displays of affection. What if somepony sees us?"

Chuckling I run my hand across her cheek, "That's why you're in disguise. If anyone says shit then we can just say that myself and Moon Glow are in a relationship. Does that satisfy you?"

As a smile spreads across her muzzle Luna nods, "That could work." Moving closer I press my lips to hers, she's still a little shy but slowly she returns the gesture. When I pull back she smirks as she watches my body sway, "How much have you had to drink?"

"I haven't exactly been counting." Stepping to the side I lead Luna back to the others. As we walk I whisper into her ear, "Although Moon Glow is cute I still prefer the real Luna by a long shot." Her cheeks once again turn a light shade of Crimson as she turns her head to face me.

"Well tomorrow you'll get to spend some time with Luna as you attend the opening ceremony, seeing as all males love sports I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"You may need to explain some of your sports to me though, I doubt you have half the ones we have during the Olympics."

When we move to the table Chaser looks to us with a grin, "Well hello, Moon Glow. What brings you here?"

Luna quickly glances to me before sitting down, "I'm spending some time with John before he'll be at the Equestria Games."

"Oh, is there something going on between you two?"

Luna pauses as another mild blush surfaces, "Y-yes. We are dating."

Chaser chuckles as his focus turns to me, "So... you were just helping her with a dissertation? What a load of nonsense."

Sitting alongside Luna I return Chasers grin, "Sergeant, why don't you be a good friend and get us all a drink?"

His smile drops as he gets out of his seat, "Since you called me by rank I'm guessing that this isn't an option."

"You get a gold star, mate. Off you fuck." As he steps off I chuckle softly as I turn back to Luna, "Was saying that we're dating so hard?"

Lowering her gaze Luna tilts her head away from me, "If only it would be so easy to say as the real me."

"The time will come eventually, we'll just have to make sure the time is right. For now though we can enjoy this, it will allow us to still go out as a couple."

Lifting her head Luna smiles to me, "True. There's many things that I wish to experience in Equestria, some of those would be better with a... partner."

"We'll get around to it at some point."

"Timing may be difficult though. We can't exactly go out at the drop of a hat, I still have my duties to attend to."

"And so do I, we'll make things work." Bringing my arm over her back she slowly leans against my chest. "Thanks for telling me that you are giving me a full Company to command, by the way."

Luna chuckles softly as she rests a hoof on my lap, "You won't have to worry about having to command every single one. I know that you prefer getting engaged with work rather then admin, you'll be receiving another officer to aid you in running the Company. If you're to engage with Shining in the war games then you'll need a full Company to assist you, not to mention they'll follow you into whatever operations you take part in."

Sighing I run my hand through her fur, "I suppose they'll be a good help. Though I've only commanded a Company for a day whilst we were in the Griffin Empire, I'm not exactly experienced in leading a large unit."

"Are you not an officer?"

"...Yeah."

"Then you'll be capable, I made you a Captain for a reason, John."

With the song coming to an end I lean closer to Luna and we both quickly lock in a kiss, she's still fairly timid but soon opens up to me. Her hoof begins to press against my chest as my phone begins to play the next song, 'Undisclosed Desires.' As the lyrics start Luna slowly pulls away from the kiss as she listens to the music. Smirking I brush her mane away from her face, "This is probably one of my favourite songs, I still remembering seeing this band live at Reading."

With a content smile, Luna places another soft peck on my lips, "I never took you for the type who'd go to concerts."

"I've been to a couple, there is nothing better than seeing a band live."

Hearing someone clear their throat we both turn to see Chaser and Sunny looking to us with matching grins. Resting our drinks on the table Sunny sits in the booth, "You two look so cute together."

Luna blushes from hearing this as she slowly moves back to her original position. Sitting alongside Sunny, Chaser takes a drink from his tankard, "Aren't you two going to be spending time together at the games?"

Luna takes a quick swig from her tankard before keeping hold of it in her magic, "I'm afraid not. I have to return to Canterlot, besides I'm sure John will be too busy with the Princesses and watching the games to pay any attention to me."

Cocking a brow I lift my own mug, "That's what you think, I won't lose interest in you."

Chaser snorts as he shakes his head, "Well that wasn't cheesy."

Scowling I turn my head to him, "Thanks, arsehole."

Cackling Chaser lightly kicks me under the table, "You're welcome. Now stop being all sappy and have a drink."

With a mischievous grin I lean over the table and hold my mug alongside his, "How about a race?"

"A race? You've interested me, what do you propose?"

"Loser buys the winner drinks for the rest of the night."

Chaser laughs as he rests his tankard against his lips, "You're going down, kid." Mirroring his actions I bring my mug to my lips as I notice Sunny rolling her eyes. "On three. Three. Two. One. Go!"

We both immediately tilt our heads back as we try to down our drinks. The cold drink pours down my throat as I move my head back further and further. It doesn't take long until I'm about half way done, by this point though I'm running out of breath and my eyes have started to water. As I get closer to finishing I hear a mug slam down on the table signifying my defeat, lowering my mug I swallow the last mouthful as I look to Chaser. He's still holding his mug in his hoof as he looks to me.

We both turn our head slowly to Luna who's sitting there as she licks her lips, an empty mug rests on the table in front of her. Giving an innocent smile she looks to both me and Chaser, "It looks as though you two shall be buying me drinks all night." Well I certainly wasn't expecting that... she outdrank me!

Why do I get the feeling we won't be remembering tonight?