Rubbing my eyes I look down towards the Solar Guards base from my seat on top of their hill fortification, the thirty-minute timer for controlling both flags is only moments away bringing the war games to an end. Our two Platoons kept overwatch on the Solar Guards base as we waited for the clock to tick over, with the hour time limit for respawns and the entire Solar Guard force being eliminated in the assault we had nothing to worry about. There weren't even any units patrolling the roads leading to our base, the Thestrals conducted numerous flyovers and encountered nothing apart from the local nocturnal wildlife.

With the war games in the bag I decide to be a bit of a dick and gloat, the thought of rubbing salt in Shining's wounds made it all but impossible to resist. Taking out my phone I rest it on a nearby crate and turn it to full volume as Colbalt's magic envelops my phone, using his magic he is able to amplify the volume and focus the audio over the Solar Guards base as it begins to play 'How You Like Me Now.' It's not a total loss for them, at least they get to listen to a good song as they wait.

Stepping alongside me Colbalt grins as he shakes his head, "You're enjoying this a bit too much, aren't you?"

Chuckling I sit down on the grass, "Definitely. There's nothing better than showing a turd that he's just that, a turd."

"Well your opinion of him is pretty clear."

"Maybe if he wasn't such a colossal cunt and stopped acting like a Rupert then I'd get along with him. Until that day, I'm happy with reminding him exactly how I feel about him."

Sitting alongside me, Colbalt removes his helmet, "Well you certainly proved the effectiveness of the Rangers and put the Solar Guard to shame in the process. I bet he's got some resentment for you now, well... more than he did before."

"He's living in the past, too focused on ideas of tradition and peace. The civil war showed that peace is not always guaranteed. if Equestria followed its tradition and refused to intervene then who knows how things would have turned out. It's important to keep tradition, the British army prides itself on its tradition and history, but he's too scared to move past tradition and look to the future. I bet even developing those new spears of his was a leap in the dark for him."

"I doubt it would have been developed if it wasn't for the Griffins developing their rifles." Colbalt watches me as I take out the spears firing mechanism from my field pack, "Reckon you could do anything with it? You seem to have a pretty good knowledge and skill when it comes to tinkering."

I start to idly throw it back and forth between my hands as I look to my rifle alongside me, "Maybe, only time will tell. Dawnstar would definitely have more of an idea for it. Although I prefer our rifles and using technology Shining is right, it was useless against powerful sources of magic. Maybe we need to incorporate magic into our tactics more, I'll leave that to you guys to try and establish since I know fuck all when it comes to magic."

"It's something to look into," Dawnstar's voice announce her presence as she moves alongside me. "It shouldn't be long until we can finally head back to Ponyville, you may be used to spending your nights outside but I'd rather have my bed."

"Come on, you love the army lifestyle really. The glorious food, the mud and grime of combat and the adrenaline pumping action."

Scoffing she sits to join me and Colbalt, "I wouldn't say that I 'love the army lifestyle.' It was certainly an interesting experience and it allowed me to observe our equipment in use, but my place isn't out on the field. Besides, all those observations have given me a number of improvements and developments I need to look into."

"What do you mean? You were really helpful on the field, you were able to halt Shining's shield at our base. I'd say you have the potential to do great on the battlefield."

Dawnstar's muzzle scrunches slightly as she looks away, "I'm... not a fan of violence. Training is one thing, but actively going out to combat and having to hurt another... I-I couldn't do it."

"Well... it's your decision at the end of the day, You haven't enlisted so I can't force you to fight." Before she can respond a sudden crackle grabs out attention, pivoting we all look behind us to see a magical flare being fired into the sky overhead to signal that the games are over. Standing up I take my phone and turn off the music as I watch a chariot containing the officers of both the Lunar and Solar Guard approaching. "Let's see what they've got to say."

Instead of landing on the hill the chariot moves to land on the grassland between our position and the Solar Guard's base. As it begins to touch down I make my way down the steep incline of the hill before jogging across the field towards the officers with Hussar rushing to catch up to me. Reaching the officers as they disembark, Colonel Swift steps up to me with a satisfied grin, "Good work, Captain. You really showed these Solar Guards what we're made of."

"Cheers, sir. It was a pleasure to teach them an important lesson."

"I can't say I approve of your... gloating, but I suppose given the circumstances I'll allow it." Standing alongside me we both wait as Shining approaches with his commanding officer. "You both performed well today, but obviously there is only one winner and we all know who that is. The Everfree Rangers of the Lunar Guard succeeded in assaulting the Solar Guards base and retrieving the flag, for that reason they are victorious. We shall carry out a full debrief tomorrow morning, the Princesses are returning from the Crystal Empire and have expressed an interest in learning of the result."

They want to learn about the results, why? For Luna I'd understand, she often supports the actions of the military and actively encouraged my developments. I don't understand why Celestia is interested though, she hasn't exactly shown much interest in the activities of the military outside of regular guard duties at the castle.

Stepping to the side the Colonel points to the chariot, "You two will be going straight to Canterlot. Lucky you, you'll actually get a decent bed. We'll remain here and debrief your Companies before leaving the packing up to your second in command." Finally unclipping my helmet I attach it to the side of my webbing and climb into the chariot followed closely by Shining Armor, when I look at him I can still see a small amount of red on the front of this throat.

I can tell that he's still a bit pissed as he keeps his eyes locked on the outside scenery as the chariot takes to the sky. Idly putting the palms of my hands against my legs I let out a yawn as I look the battlefield below, many of the units below are breaking off to return to their bases in order to get everything cleared away. Something tells me that this is going to be a long and awkward flight.

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As soon as we reached the castle I decided to jump straight into bed, despite feeling exhausted I found it impossible to drift to sleep. Every time I was about to nod off I found my mind being plagued with images from the civil war and Afghanistan. Williams getting shot, being under mortar fire, getting treated on the battlefield by Balbean with shrapnel lodged in my gut and the bodies of civilians who were executed being left in the streets of Beakmund.

I don't know why these images were now surfacing as I tried to sleep but I could tell that things would only get worse. In the end, the only way I was able to drift to sleep was by getting a bottle of rum from one of the common rooms of Canterlot castle and drinking myself to sleep.

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In the early hours of the morning, I'm awoken as I feel something rest against my lap. Creaking open my eyes I lift my head slightly to see Luna standing in the room with a newspaper resting on my lap. Looking down at me her eyes flick to the half empty bottle next to me, "I take it you were celebrating your victory?"

Rubbing my eyes I sit up fully as I lift the paper, "So you heard then?"

"Everyone has now. News quickly spread about the defeat of the Solar Guard by the newest unit of the Lunar Guard. It seems to have caused quite a stir." Looking at the paper I notice a picture showing a number of Rangers engaging the Solar Guard at range in a section of woodland with Venture at the centre of the picture. I guess there must have been a photographer during the early stages of the battle whilst I was defending. "I was a bit disappointed that I didn't see any pictures of the Captain of the Rangers."

Grinning I rest the newspaper on the bedside table, "Isn't the real me good enough for you?" Luna smirks as she steps to the window to peek out the curtains, "Why are you here? I thought we're supposed to be meeting you and your sister at 11:00."

"You are, we arrived earlier than expected so we have an hour or so before the meeting."

"An hour? Great, I'm going back to sleep then." With that, I lie back down and wrap the quilt around me as I close my eyes releasing another yawn.

"We have an hour free to ourselves and all you want to do is sleep?" Luna asks with some irritation in her voice.

Without opening my eyes I nod my head, "I'm tired. I was up nearly all day and was running around for the last part of the night."

I keep listening as I hear Luna's hooves against the floor as she approaches the bed. "I know that it can be exhausting but I was thinking that you deserved a... reward." As Luna stops moving I can feel the quilt at my feet being lifted as the cold air hits my bare feet. As my eyes shoot open I look down towards the foot of the bed as Luna disappears under the quilt. What is she... oh, hello!

As Luna presses her muzzle against my shaft my head rocks back from the sudden sensation, her action takes me by surprise as my arms instinctively shoot out to the side before I regain control. Lifting my head up I look down the bed to see Luna's rump and tail sticking out from the bottom of the quilt. I quickly relax back into the bed as I feel her planting kisses along my growing member.

Lifting up the quilt I look down at Luna as her eyes briefly flick up, "Have we even got time for this?"

With a coy smile she lifts her head, "Do you want me to stop?"

"Hardly," I replied almost too quickly getting a small giggle for Luna. "I'm not going to turn this down, it's just we haven't exactly got very long. I still need to get ready for the meeting."

"Well that all depends on you." Before I can respond she wraps her lips around the tip of my cock and begins to flick her tongue back and forth. Fuck it... I'm not going to turn this down. As her tongue caresses my member she slowly brings her hooves forward to run against my bare flesh focusing on my chest and abdomen. Releasing a content sigh I decide to lie back and enjoy my reward.

I close my eyes as I let Luna return to her activity. With each flick of her tongue a jolt of pleasure shoots through my body, I find it hard to stop myself from thrusting deeper into her mouth. No, bad John. This is your reward, now is the time to relax and let her work. Before too long Luna's head starts to bob up and down my length, with each downward motion she takes more into her mouth.

What she is doing feels absolutely incredible, she doesn't have any issues with getting me to moan. Normally I work to let her become putty in my hand, this time it seems the table have turned. Lifting my head I look down to Luna as she continues, when she notices me looking she lifts her eyes to look at me as she gives a playful wink. She looks fucking amazing as she does that.

Lifting her head she allows my cock to escape her warm embrace as it slaps back against my stomach. Grinning she leans forward as her hoof starts running along my wet member, "Is this an adequate reward, or do you think you deserve more?"

My brain freezes as I try to comprehend what she says. I want more... much more. Matching her grin I run my hand across her cheek, "Well... I do think I performed to an exceptional standard. I showed that the Lunar Guard are the best."

Chuckling she crawls up my body, her chest brushing against my members as she closes the distance. "When you put it that way" -she places a quick kiss on my neck- "You certainly deserve more." Remaining under the covers she lowers her rump to press her wet folds against my cock causing us both to give a soft moan. Fucking hell... she's really enjoying this.

Adjusting her position her magic wraps around my cock and raises it slightly to allow her to back onto it, taking it slowly she bites her lips as she moves down the entire length. Once she's ready she starts to raise and lower her rump moving her inner walls up and down my hard member. Sitting up I wrap my arms around her back as her speed continues.

We quickly start to break out in moans and grunts as our speed continues, as she increases her pace I match it with my own. My hands start to explore her body as she keeps her hooves pressed against my chest, with caution I brush my hands through her wings causing them to slowly extend to their full length as she releases a lengthy moan. I can't believe that works so easily on Pegasi... and Alicorns for that matter. I wonder if there is a cheat card for Unicorns? I'd have to look into it so I've got something new for Luna.

As her cheeks start to blush she forces her lips against mine, within seconds her tongue is attempting to invade my mouth as my hands squeeze against her wing joints. Pulling back momentarily Luna lets out a groan as her muzzle rests against my ear. In a seductive tone she whispers into my ear, "Come on, John. Fuck me."

Chuckling I push my head closer and nibble on the tip of her ear getting a surprised yet pleasured moan. "You sound so cute when you swear, you should do it more often." Tightening my grasp on her wing joints she lets out a sharp squeal as I sit up and pull her body against mine. "It's time for a ride," Without warning, I start to push back and forth against the springs of the bed causing me to thrust hard and fast into her as my hands attempt to keep her still.

It isn't long until Luna start to scream in ecstasy, in an attempt to muffle her screams her head jolts forward as she bites into my shoulder without warning. This causes me to yelp in pain as her teeth clamp into me, despite the pain I don't slow my pace and keep going. Releasing her grasp of my shoulder she instead bites on her hoof as she hits her peak, her walls clamp down on my cock as she attempts to drain me. The sensation is too much for me, with a final groan I pull her close as I hit my limit.

As we both pant I fall back on the mattress with Luna still pressed against me. As she starts to open her eyes she releases her hoof from her mouth and kisses my neck as my hand idly begins to stroke her mane. Panting for breath I look at my shoulder to see a bite mark over my flesh, the skin surrounding it turning a sharp shade of red, "Y-you bit me."

Blushing softly she lifts her head to look at me, "S-sorry." As her horn begins to glow I imagine she's about to heal the mark until she suddenly stops, "Actually... I heard that some ponies show affection by giving their partner a 'love bite.' M-maybe you should leave it," As she finishes this her blush intensifies as her gaze locks on my eyes.

"A love bite? Sure I'll keep it, on one condition." Luna remains silent as she waits expectantly for my condition, "If I keep it then you've got to keep swearing like a human. No more of these crappy pony curse words, you will swear like a fucking sailor."

With a soft chuckle, she places a quick kiss on my lips, "You expect me to continue swearing like you do? I suppose it is more interesting than some of the ones used throughout Equestria. Very well, I shall continue to... fucking swear." As both of us laugh at her attempt to swear we move close to one another to lock in a soft kiss.

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Following a quick clean up session, I changed back into my Ranger's uniform after brushing all the dirt off it and reequipping my weapons and armour. Luna had to make her way out of my room by teleportation to avoid being seen by anyone as she left, she told me that she'd meet me in the throne room for the meeting along with her Celestia and Shining Armor. No doubt he was going to be salty as fuck, but I'm certain I'd at least get a good laugh as he pouts like a little kid.

Strolling through the castle halls I notice an increase in the number of guards on duty compared to other times I visited, in fact even a number of the Lunar Guard seem to be on duty alongside the Solar Guard. What is with the sudden increase in security? Is this going to be another threat to Equestria which I'm not allowed to know about until the last minute?

Approaching the throne room the group of guards posted outside open the doors for me with their magic allowing me entry, as soon as I'm within the room the door seals behind me as a magical field wipes over the door. With a quick glance to the doors, I make my way to the thrones where I find Celestia, Cadance and Luna waiting for me, Shining and the two Colonel's are also present as they stand to the side. Other than that the throne room has a complete lack of guards, this strikes me as odd as there is always at least six guards stationed here on a normal day.

Stopping in front of the Princesses I give a quick salute before standing at ease, "Your majesties, I trust the delegation visit to the Crystal Empire went well?"

With a slight nod Celestia gets up from her seat, "It was, hopefully it will lead to further cooperation in the future. However that is not the reason why we are here, I know you were expecting a debrief following your war games but a matter of urgency has arisen."

Cocking a brow I look to the Colonels alongside me, "What's going on?"

Pacing towards the stained windows Celestia stops as she looks outside, "Last night my sister and I had a vision. Tirek has returned and is within Equestria's borders."

"Shit," The others all look to me on account of my very helpful comment. "Where is the bastard? I'll track him down."

"We don't know where he is. For him to surface without the support of the Children of the Motherland is a bold move, he has begun to steal the magical power of Unicorns to increase his own strength. It won't be long until he's powerful enough to cause great harm to Equestria."

Stepping closer I rest my hand on my sword, "Then deploy the Rangers. We located him before, we'll do it again."

Celestia shakes her head as she turns to me, "It isn't that simple, John. Though I'm sure you're up to the task of locating him we can't allow him to escape. If we had time I would have no hesitation in deploying yourself and the Rangers to track him down, but time is a luxury we don't have. I have had to call in another to stop Tirek. Discord."

Glancing over the Luna and Cadence I rub the bridge of my nose, "Let me get this straight. You are relying on Discord, the spirit of chaos, who attempted to take over Equestria twice but who has allegedly been reformed. You're trusting that guy to protect Equestria instead of your military?"

"I understand that there are some... obvious concerns on relying on Discord for this matter, but he is our best chance at locating Tirek as quickly as possible. Tirek has the power to drain other species of their magical essence thus increasing his own. Discord will be able to detect a magical imbalance and use it to locate Triek before he becomes too strong."

Shaking my head I step to the side, "And what are we supposed to do in the meantime, twiddle our thumbs Well... you guys can't do that, you haven't got thumbs, but you know what I mean."

Raising from her throne Luna approaches me, "I can assure you I will not be having the Lunar Guard unoccupied with this threat on our doorstep. John, I want the local garrison of the Rangers to keep the bearers of the elements of harmony safe. Assign escorts to them if needed, but ensure that they are being looked over at all times. If they were to lose their power then who knows if the elements of harmony can be used against Tirek."

Nodding her head Celestia joins her sister, "That is indeed the best option. You showed how effective your team are at adapting in high-pressure circumstances, I believe your team is the best chance we have of keeping the bearers of the elements of harmony safe."

Rubbing the back of my neck I lift my head, "I'll do it. I can keep them safe, the Rangers will keep them under constant surveillance until this threat passes."

Bowing her head a soft smile spreads over Celestia's muzzle, "Thank you, John. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on matters of this nature, but I believe this is the best way to approach this." Best way to approach this? I doubt that. The best way is to place a bullet between his eyes before he becomes too powerful.

"What of the Solar Guard? What will they be doing during this?"

"Shining Armor will be in command of arranging the local garrison here at the castle. The three of us will remain here to try and manage this threat under the guard of the Solar Guard."

Luna quickly turns her head toward her sister, "Just the Solar Guard? The Rangers are a full Company, we can use those who are stationed across Equestria to assist with duties here."

"Sister, the Solar Guard are more than capable to-"

"-More than capable?" Luna responds in an irritated tone, "The Rangers have proved to be more effective than the Solar Guard during the war games. Are we just going to forget the fucking purpose of those games?" Everyone else looks to Luna in a mixture of shock and surprise following her use of the word 'fuck.' I let out a little snicker as I turn my head away to hide my grin. Well... I'm going to get the blame for teaching her how to swear.

When Celestia looks to me I have to try my hardest to hide my childish grin. Releasing a defeated sigh she closes her eyes, "Very well, Luna. John, can you send orders to the garrison in Ponyville to carry out close protection for the girls? It would be best if both yourself and Shining remained here to oversee the local garrison."

As I nod my head Shining steps forward, "Are you sure that's wise?"

Before Celestia can respond I let out a frustrated groan, "Stop pouting like a fucking kid. We may not get along but we need to be able to cooperate when the need arises. The games showed that technology has its place just like magic did, both have their weaknesses. Incorporating them both together gives us a better chance at dealing with whatever threat presents itself. Just suck up your bloody pride and do your job. You command the Solar Guard, I'll handle the Lunar Guard around whatever orders you give your own troops."

Sighing Shining straightens his posture before nodding, "You're right, now's not the time for this. Let's deal with Tirek." Was that so fucking hard? You're still a cunt, but at least you're going to try and cooperate.

Celestia smiles as she looks between myself and Shining, "I know that you two are capable of performing this task. For now, I believe we all have matters to attend to." As everyone begins to leave I turn to head to the door until Celestia stops me, "John, would you mind waiting for a moment?"

Holding on the spot Luna gives a swift glance to me before she leaves the room with the others leaving me alone in the throne room with Celestia. Turning back to Celestia I step up to her as she returns to her throne, "What do you want to speak to me about?"

Sitting back into her throne Celestia levitates a scroll from the side of the throne and levitates it to me, "I have another matter to discuss with you. Although you answer to my sister I believe this issue requires your immediate attention." Opening the scroll I look at the contents to find a report for Griffonia about one of its prisons. It shows that a riot took place following an explosion on the outer compound, further down the list is a name of escaped convicts including Silverwing.

Closing the scroll I pass it back to Celestia, "When did this happen?"

"Two days ago, it's believed that those who remained of the Children were responsible for the escape. They were pursued towards the Celestial sea before they were lost in a storm. John, I believe that you are our best bet to track down Silverwing. This is not only for Equestria but for Griffonia, they have requested your aid. I need you to keep alert for any information which may come your way, we aren't sure if this is linked to Tirek but it seems likely."

Stepping back I turn to head for the doors, "I'll track him down. That bastard isn't getting away."

As I start to leave Celestia calls to me, "And, John..." Stopping I turn back to face her as I rest my hand on the handle, "Try not to teach my sister human profanities." Despite her serious tone, I can still see an amused smile on her lips.

"No promises," Opening the door I leave the throne room in order to head to the armoury to replace my training round with live ammunition. Heading down the hall I chuckle to myself as the throne room doors close.

If only she knew what I was really doing with her sister.