I find myself oblivious to my surroundings, my attention fixated on the pain across various points on my body. I feel as though someone has forced a cheese grater across my torso, the various cuts which litter my chest bleed at a steady pace. My left forearm has numerous puncture wounds, elevating my arm I apply pressure to the most severe of my injuries.

Gently I push myself into a sitting position, my eyes fix on the three smaller Ponies leaving the tree house and running toward the others. The first was a Unicorn, her coat was white with a curly mane coloured pink and light purple, her eyes were light green. The next was a Pegasus with an orange coat, her mane seemed similar to Dash's in style but was instead purple, her eyes were the same shade of purple as her eyes. The last pony had a coat of pale yellow, her mane was red which had a pink bow attached.

The sound of a pair of beating wings brought my focus back to my surroundings. Twilight and Fluttershy were both now hovering overhead with Spike sat on Twilight's back. Fluttershy immediately makes her way to the Timber Wolf with the axe cemented into its torso. Twilight lands beside me, annoyance and concern mix into her expression as her eyes examine the extent of my injuries.

"John, what happened? What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like I've been doing?" -Raising my injured arm I gesture towards the three children, my good arm still holding onto my injury- "I was helping to protect them."

Twilight shakes her head. "Thank you, John. But when this gets back to Princess Celestia she will also question your actions. Who even knows how she'll respond."

"In all honesty, I don't really give a fuck." Twilight scoffs at my response.

"You do realise that word about this will most likely reach her by morning."

"How do you kn-" I cut myself off when I peer over Twilight. In the distance is a group of various ponies watching on with varied expressions, most seem to consist of fear. Some even seem to be wielding cameras as I identify various flashes coming from the crowds. "-ow... Fuck."

"How could you be so reckless? You were only just healed from your injuries. Yet you seem to just charge in head first getting yourself injured again in the process, it could have been serious."

"It doesn't matter" -Straining my shaky hands on the floor, I push myself to my knees then feet in order to stand alongside Twilight- "What matters is that everyone is safe. Or would Celestia prefer for me to let innocents die when I could intervene?"

Twilight's mouth opens, presumably to argue against my point, however no noise escapes from her muzzle. Inspecting my arm again as it hangs low alongside my body I realise that the openings on my arm are more severe then I initially realised. Blood was flowing down my arm and dripping from the tips of my fingers. "Twilight?" Her eyes shift from my wound to my eyes. "Any chance you can patch me up?"

Hesitantly, Twilight replies. "Not fully, no. The spell is very taxing for somepony who isn't specialised in healing magic."

"Anything is better than nothing. Can you at least try, please?"

A soft smile forms on her lips. A aura surrounds her horn as my body is illuminated. My wounds start to heal, but are unable to fully repair, the bleeding has slowed while the lacerations are still present but have reduced in size. Blood is still slowly escaping from my wounds. "Thanks."

A low pitched howl instantly brings me back to an alert state. Noticing Fluttershy prone alongside the Timber Wolf with an axe lodged in its body I finally realise that my attack didn't kill it. I force my way past Twilight and the others, darting rapidly towards the creature. "Fluttershy! Get back from it!" I hurriedly lean to the floor and scoop the closest tool I can, grasping hold of the scythe.

Fluttershy spins in my direction. "John! Wait!" -I stop alongside her, the scythe raised over my shoulder ready to swing- "You don't have to hurt her, she's no harm."

"No harm!? Have you seen the state of me?" Fluttershy is normally quite timid when she addresses me, nonetheless she's standing tall before me despite the weapon been brandished.

"She was only acting to defend herself. You attacked her and her friends." I can't believe this. She's actively defending a Wolf, One that would likely have killed the three girls if we hadn't intervened. "Please, John it's in her nature."

I'm about to reply when the sound of clattering wood captures my focus. Twisting I observe the remains of the Timber Wolves becoming enveloped in a green ambient glow. The sections rejoin together recreating the forms of the Wolves. You've got to be fucking kidding me! Various screams from the formed crowd can now be heard as the two reconstructed Wolves advance towards me.

Fluttershy stepped between myself and the Wolves, her eye fixated on the two. "My friend didn't mean to harm any of you. He was just scared for his friends." Weirdly enough the Wolves both seemed to calm from this, their postures going into a relaxed state similar to that of a dog. "He's going to help me with your friend, then we will allow you all to return to your homes. Isn't that right John?"

Both Fluttershy and even the Wolves looked at me, expectation filling Fluttershy's face. Completely bewildered I spared a glance towards the others, all of them seemed as surprised as I do. Reluctantly I lowered the scythe, dropping it to the floor. I can't believe I'm helping something which would happily kill me. Standing tall above the Wolf I press my boot against it's chest, my hands reaching down and taking hold of the handle.

I force my boot down onto the Wolf as I simultaneously jerk at the axe. This bitch scratched my back, I won't lie by saying that I'm not enjoying this. The Wolf roars as I yank at the handle, after multiple pulls the blade finally begins to shift. With a resounding crack the axe finally forces itself loose from its chest. The Wolf promptly rises and leaps away from me, shortly after the other two dash around me and follow the injured one.

Dropping the axe I turn to Fluttershy, "Happy?" She just looks away from me and moves back to the others. I just watch as the Timber Wolves run back towards the forest. Why the hell they decided to build a town near a forest filled with dangerous creatures is beyond me.

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Once we were satisfied the Timber Wolves would not return, Twilight took me to the local hospital. Initially the doctors and nurses were wary of me, but after Twilight explained the circumstances they agreed to treat me. Turns out I was fairly lucky not to sever the Ulnar Artery in my arm when I was bitten, a few centimetres closer and I would have been in the shit.

The doctors wanted to keep me in hospital over night for observations, they had some concerns due to the degrees of my injuries and the fact they lacked any understanding of the human body. A unicorn doctor had cast a spell which would regenerate the blood cells in my body, kinda like a blood transfusion only without the donor. They needed to ensure there was no complications, and to cast the spell again every few hours to keep the effect of the spell.

I was given a private room to spend the night in. A large window covered the left wall, the walls themselves covered with a blue wallpaper consisting of spiral patterns and a wooden trim. The bed once again was too small for me, my legs curled up in order to keep them under the covers. I was actually surprised to find that they had medical equipment which was at the same technological levels as ours, such as x-rays from my first visit to a hospital bed to ECG machines. They conducted numerous test on me in order to gain observations for a human, and to allow their doctors to gain an understanding of my anatomy, similar to Twilight's study.

By the time I was treated it was late at night, a full moon hanging high in sky. Twilight had already headed off to check on the others. I learnt that the three 'fillies' were a group of friends called the 'Cutie Mark Crusaders'. Sweetie Belle was the unicorn and Rarity's little sister, Applebloom was the 'Earth' Pony and Applejack's little sister, the Pegasus was called Scootaloo. With nothing left to do for the night I tried to get some sleep.

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I was awoken abruptly when something was thrown in my face. Sitting up rapidly I noticed Luna was at the end of the bed, and boy did she look pissed. A quick look at the covers revealed that a newspaper was thrown at me.

"This doesn't look like you were following your ruling. Doesn't it, Lieutenant." Luna turns and moves to look out the window, the early morning sun raising slowly in horizon.

Raising the paper I study the front page. 'Mysterious creature in skirmish with Timber Wolves.' A photo shows me in mid swing with the axe, about to collide with the wolf which scratched my back.

Releasing the paper I rub my hands over my sleep coated eyes. "It's not as it seems, Princess."

"Oh really?" Luna sharply spins back to me, "Then explain it to me. Why should we not have you locked away after violating our judgement?"

"I was helping to protect some kids trapped by those Wolves. I'm not exactly gonna sit on my arse when I could help someone."

"While we appreciate your concerns for our subject, we still can't have you actively disobeying us." Luna's thrown softens as she brings a hoof to the end of her muzzle.

"Are you okay? You seem to be... kinda out of it."

"It's far too early for me. I'm usually in bed by now, but after seeing the paper I had to go and speak to a certain Human." Luna moves alongside me and sits on a chair adjacent to the bed.

"Well I get woken up by a certain Princess throwing newspapers at me." A mild smirk forms on my face.

A small chuckle escapes from her. "Yes. It's quite the predicament we find ourselves in, Is it not?"

"I didn't intend to go against your judgement, Luna" Her eyes lock back onto mine, "I was asked to help, so I acted."

Luna releases a exasperated sigh. "I know, Twilight and the others explained it to me. From this event though I have something I must ask of you, John."

"What is it?"

"It's what you said back in the castle. Under my sisters rule Equestria has not had to enter conflict, but in the past we were prepared for it just in case it ever occurred. Celestia won't admit it but we may need to seek action to ensure cooperation and protection from the Griffins. I'm not scared of the possibility of having to deploy soldiers, but she is. I have a proposition for you, Lieutenant."

I already don't like where this is heading. She seems content on deploying forces, yet Luna is coming to me. She's not expecting me to aid her is she? I've come from one war and it seems I'm about to be thrown into another. I'm caught up in my own thoughts, I fail to even reply to her.

"I've seen from the dream of your memory that you are competent in combat and have had experience. Our guards and soldiers have little to no experience in combat. I'm sure you remember that you were to be assigned two guards to escort you. What I ask is that you attempt to give them some insight, even provide some training." Luna once again stands, focused on the doorway to the corridor.

I'm silent for a minute as I contemplate her request. "They're here now?" Luna nods, her attention once again shifting to me upon the sound of my voice. "I can at least give them some advice, maybe a few tactics, but your military seems far behind my nations in the sense of military technology. I'm not trained with swords and spears so I will be of little use in fighting with your weapons, I've only ever wielded a sword for parade."

"All I ask is that you consider this. It matters little if you're successful or not. We shall consider this as a test, to help me judge if we are at least capable to act in the Griffin Empire." Luna's expression seems hopeful as her teal eyes lock onto mine.

Sighing I nod my head. "Okay, but I expect something in return for my efforts."

"But of course, should you be successful I will prepare a reward which I'm sure will satisfy you." Luna steps towards the door, halting as she open the door with her magic. "There's no sense in confining you to Twilight's home if you are to be training my guards. You can leave the library, so long as you return there for the night. The guards who will be accompanying you will remain posted outside this room until you are discharged. Farewell, Lieutenant."

"Farewell, your majesty." I give a small wave as she exits the room, the door closing behind her.

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A few hours passes as I remain in hospital. Thankfully I was provided with a book to pass the time, I'm not exactly a fan of reading but I will do it to kill the time. It was some weird alternative to Indiana Jones called 'Daring Do', an archaeologist Pegasus which explores ancient ruins for treasure and prevents them being used for evil purposes. It's about noon when a knock at the door drag me away from the book.

"Come in." The door opens presenting Rarity and Applejack entering through the doorway. They both smile as they enter.

"Howdy, John. How are you feelin'?" Applejack stands alongside me.

"Alright I guess. What brings you two here?"

Rarity speaks up. "We came by to see how you were doing, darling. Also to thank you for saving our sisters yesterday. You were so brave to throw yourself in harms way for us, especially when you know so little about us."

"It's no worry, really." A smirk draws across my face, I never was good at receiving credit.

Applejack gives a small chuckle. "You make it sound like you regularly throw yourself into danger."

I let out a snicker. "Well, I am an idiot who went into a job which throws you into danger." -I sit fully up as I release a sigh- "I just wanted to help. I've always been a hot-head who would dive straight into danger, I'm just thankful nobody else got hurt."

"Well, you're always welcome up at Sweet Apple Acres. We will have to think of someway to thank you." Applejack tips her hat as she raises a hoof against my shoulder. "Thank you, John."

Rarity moves to the opposite side of the bed. "Yes, thank you so much, John. I shall have to create something extravagant fitting for a hero."

My smirk drops at those words. 'Hero,' I'm no hero. "You don't have to do anything for me. You are already making me clothes whilst I'm here, I couldn't ask for any more from you."

"Oh nonsense, John. I won't take no for an answer, you deserve recognition for your actions." Rarity looks at me with sheer determination. There in no point in arguing about this with her, I can already tell.

"Okay... Thank you Rarity." I try to put on as best of a smile I can, Applejack seems to see straight through it whereas Rarity falls straight for it.

"I shall be off then to begin immediately." Rarity's horn illuminates as a bag on her side opens up, a set of clothing levitates from the bag and rests on the end of the bed. "Here is a set of clothing I made for you last night, seeing as yours are... dirty from yesterday." If you can call bloody and torn 'dirty', then I guess they are.

Rarity leans in and places a light kiss on my cheek. "Thank you again for saving my sister, John." Rarity saunters out the room leaving just me and Applejack. I turn to her as she just shakes her head with a small chuckle.

"Don't expect me to kiss you."

"Ha, don't worry I'm not gonna expect everyone to come around and kiss me." My smile falters again as I lay back.

"John?" I lean up again looking to her. "I wanted to say that I'm sorry... For the Everfree."

"Applejack, don't worry about it. It's fine."

"No, it ain't". Applejack stomps her hoof. "I attacked you and I feel just plain awful about it. You were trying to help, but I just thought - " I lean forward, my hand gripping lightly around her muzzle.

"Applejack you were trying to protect your friends. You saw me ontop of Rainbow and you acted to help her. I would have done the exact same thing in your shoes. Don't feel sorry about it. Sure, your kick did hurt like a bitch, but you did what you thought was best to keep your friends safe. I respect that." Her eyes flick away, I release her muzzle and sit back in the bed.

"Thank you, John. Thanks for forgivin' me, I know most wouldn't in your position." We both share a smile as she steps back from the bed. "We will see you soon when the doctor lets you out. Rainbow is expecting me, she's on about findin' out who the most daring pony is after she saw you fightin' those Timber Wolves."

"Have fun. Try putting honey on one another and standing near a beehive, that should do pretty good."

"That ain't a bad idea, I may have to change a few thing for it though." Applejack leaves the room closing the door behind her.

I never realised that she still felt that bad for when we first met. She shouldn't worry about it, but something makes me think she won't exactly let it go. I rest my head back on the pillow and stare up at the ceiling. I don't exactly want to train these two guards, but It's not exactly like I have much choice here. They should at least be semi-competent if they're trained to protect the Princesses from harm, though they weren't exactly effective when I was there.

These guards better know what they're doing, I hate babysitting.