I hardly slept through the night as my mind kept running back to what had just happened. I found myself feeling guilty for hurting Applejack's feelings, it isn't an easy thing to admit you have feelings for someone and I responded by turning her away. I couldn't stop worrying about her as I tried to go to sleep, part of me wished that I could have avoided that situation but with nobody knowing I'm with Luna I found myself worrying that the events could repeat themselves.

I never told any of the girls in Ponyville that I was dating someone, the only ones who know is my team but even then they think I'm with Moon Glow since Luna and I need to keep our relationship quiet. And that is where the problem lies, by keeping the relationship secret it would lead to potential confusion and the two of us having to sneak around. I'd much rather have everyone know about us rather than having to hide the fact that we're together. I'd have to speak to Luna at some point about potentially revealing to others that we're together, despite the likelihood of them being against it.

I was able to finally fall asleep in the early hours of the morning, unfortunately, I'm only able to get a few hours of sleep before I'm awoken by the sound of birds in the trees outside. Reluctantly lifting my head, I swing my legs to the side and let them hand over the edge of the bed as I run a hand through my hair and beard. Climbing off the bed I move to my clothes and bring them to my nose to have a whiff, they don't smell the greatest after working and the rain the previous night but I don't intend to stay in them very long. Quickly getting changed, I place all of my spare clothing and my field pack in the box with my rifle parts and leave the spare room.

Strolling the halls of the castle I make my way towards the main entrance, since I'm allowed back in the barracks I intend to get showered and changed in my own quarters before getting back to work, having something to do will take my mind off last night before I see Luna tonight. Rather than waiting to see Luna when she requested I think I might go earlier in order to spend a little more time with her, maybe even go out for the night.

She'd have to go out disguised though since we have to keep our relationship hidden, but that would also mean that we won't have a normal night in Canterlot as everyone will likely stare at the mare on a date with a human. My mind runs back to the experiment that Twilight did on Applejack and myself. What if I asked Twilight to change me to a pony for the night? I'd be able to spend the night with Luna without anyone batting an eyelid. No doubt she'd ask why I want to be a pony... I'll just say that I want to experience Equestria a bit more as a pony or something.

Reaching the door, I lift my hand to grasp the handle before hearing Twilight clearing her throat behind me. Turning to her I notice that her eyes are focused on my creased clothing, "I know that you're eager to get back to work, but are you really going to go out like that?"

Shrugging I pull open the door and lean against it, "I'll have a shower at the barracks and change into a fresh set of clothes there. Besides, since I'm going back to work I'll need a shave." Turning my head I scan the road outside before looking back to Twilight, "Thanks for letting me stay here, I really appreciate it. I also don't mean to be a bother, but I was hoping that you could help me with a little... something later?"

Twilight eyes me curiously as she steps forward, "And what would that be?"

"I want to learn more about and experience Equestria, but since I'm kinda different I don't really get a... honest experience. I was hoping that you'd be able to use the transfiguration spell to turn me into a pony this evening."

"Are you sure?" Twilight asks as she runs her forehoof under her muzzle. "You've only been in that form for a few hours, you may not have complete control over your body. Where do you even intend on going anyway?"

"To Canterlot. I'm going to see someone."

"Who?"

Sighing I look through the door, "Moon Glow."

"Moon Glow?" Twilight questions as she steps closer. "Who is Moon Glow?"

"My girlfriend, or 'marefriend' as you ponies put it."

"You have a marefriend?" Twilight seems to look at me with slight worry. "I didn't know you had one."

"Well... I have, you're not the only one who didn't know."

"Do you mean-"

I nod my head as I sigh, "-Applejack now knows." Twilight's ears drop as she lowers her head. "I shouldn't have kept it secret. Applejack didn't know and admitted that she had feelings for me, I feel like shit for having to turn her down like that."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"It's... complicated." Becuase she's a Princess and I'd imagine that all of the nobles and some of the general population wouldn't be very thrilled if they learnt that I was with her.

"Complicated? John, you don't have to hide these things from us, we'll support you and your marefriend in your decision."

"It's not that, Twilight. It's just... it's not as simple as saying that we're together, there's more to it than that." Rubbing my beard I step through the door and look back to Twilight as I descend the steps, "I wish I could have come clean to you all about being with someone, maybe then I could have avoided this situation with Applejack. If you see her, tell her that I don't want what happened to change the friendship we have. I think it's best that I give her a little time before I go and see her."

Twilight nods her head as she steps outside, "I understand. It's good that you want to keep your friendship with Applejack. I'll speak to her when I see her, but I think it would be best if you try to speak to her sooner rather than later." Watching me as I walk down the path, she calls after me, "What time are you going to come here for me to cast the spell?"

"Probably around 18:00," I call back to here as she watches me from the steps.

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Reaching the barracks it seems that my entire team are up as I can see them all in the canteen, wanting to get cleaned I decide against joining them and head straight for my office. Stepping through the door I quickly lay the box against the surface of my desk alongside a large pile of various scrolls and post. Why is it that when I'm away for a few weeks I seem to get a mountain of post? Instead of waiting to reach my bathroom, I start to strip out of my shirt as I make my way through the doorway leading to my bedroom and ensuite. Kicking the door closed behind me, I remove all of my clothes and jump straight into the shower.

I spend longer than usual in the shower as I let the hot water soothe my aching muscles from the previous day. I find myself staring off into space, the hot water runs over my flesh as my mind runs back to yesterday and what Applejack had said to me. Shaking my head clear of those thoughts I climb out of the shower and quickly dry myself off as I step out into my bedroom. As soon as I start drying my hair I hear someone clearing their throat causing me to freeze, moving the towel from my face I find a male and female Thestral standing at attention alongside Venture as they all avert their gaze.

Sighing, I lower the towel and wrap it around my body, "I've been back for a few minutes and already my privacy is being invaded." Stepping towards a set of draws I quickly retrieve a clean pair of pants and put them on underneath my towel, "I take it you've kept my team from any mischief during my absence, Lieutenant."

Venture steps forward as he nods his head, "As much as I could. They seem to get bored and resulted to pranking one another, your medic particularly seemed keen on winding everypony up."

"Yeah, she'll do that. Last time it was a very itchy plant in a bucket landing on my head. I'm guessing she was retaliating since Matrix and I tested a flour bomb on her." Stepping back into the bathroom I open the cabinet over the sink and retrieve my razor and shaving cream as the three step into the doorway, "I take it you three are here for a reason?"

"We are, since you were eager to return to work last week I figured I'd let you get stuck straight in upon your return." I watch the reflection of the mirror as Venture lifts his hoof to point to the Thestrals who aren't in any uniform or armour, "This is Sergeant Night Star and Lance Corporal Starry Night. They've been selected to take the positions left since... Shadow and Spectre." I stop momentarily as I close my eyes and lower my head, images of when I attacked Spectre filling my mind as I feel my heart rate increasing. "Sir, are you alright?" Hearing Ventures voice I finally open my eyes as I let out a deep breath.

Grasping the shaving foam I rub into my beard as I look at the mirror, "Night Star." The male steps forward and stands at attention. Scanning over his form in the mirror he has a coat of gunmetal grey, his mane is almost non-existant at it's cropped to an extremely short length, his tail, however, is slightly longer the copper brown hair rests against his hindleg. On the side of his flank, his cutie mark seems to be a shooting star across the night sky. "I take it you have a speciality?"

Night Star nods as his golden eyes focus on mine in the mirror's reflection, "Yes. I'm trained for reconnaissance flights and was amongst the fastest at basic training."

"I take it you completed the selection process for the Rangers?"

"We both did," He replies as he tilts his head towards Starry Night. "It's certainly different than some of the training I did at basic, but it certainly seems effective."

Bringing the razor across my chin I shift my eyes to Starry Night. Her coat is dark navy blue with her silver mane and tail both being tied back in a ponytail. Her cutie mark portrays a number of stars filling the night sky. Rinsing the razor I continue to shave my face as I watch her, "And you? What's your speciality?"

Her pale green eyes lock onto mine as she steps alongside Night Star, "Infiltration. Night Star and I have always been paired together, he identifies the targets for me to move in."

"Do you two know what you've gotten into by signing up to this unit?" They both give a determined nod. "We're perhaps one of the most experienced and technologically superior units in the Equestrian Guard. We'll be testing new kit as it comes along and fighting on the front lines should the need arise."

"We aren't afraid to fight," Night Star adds as Starry Night looks to him.

Focusing my eyes on the two of them I notice a small chain around each of their necks, both holding a small golden ring. "What's with the matching rings?"

Starry rests her hoof on the ring as she turns her gaze to me, "We're married."

"A husband and wife fighting side by side. Are you sure that this is what the two of you want?"

"We want to make a difference. Most guards have heard about your unit's actions in the civil war, not to mention your redeployment to Griffonia and beating the Solar Guard at the war games. When we heard about what your unit has done we both knew this would be the place to actually have an important role, not standing at a castle looking pretty for tourists."

Smirking I bring my razor across my face to remove the last of my beard, "I can assure you, what we do is more entertaining than your standard guard duty." Wiping my face clean with my towel I step up to the two of them and hold my hand out to them, "Welcome to the Rangers." Night Star is the first to shake my hand followed by his wife. Stepping through the doorway I move to my wardrobe and open the doors, "It seems that we'll need to get you two kitted up. Can one of you grab the box on my desk in my office? Leave the field pack and clothes on the desk, I won't be needing them."

As Starry steps into my office, I grasp hold of a set of my uniform and quickly put it on. As she returns I collect a fresh pair of socks and boots before putting them both on. Once I'm dressed in my uniform I turn to Venture, "So, what has happened these last few weeks? Did we hear anything about Starlight up north?"

Venture shakes his head, "Aurora has reported that the village has been accepting of our presence there, particularly following efforts to help them link back to the rest of Equestrian society. However, there has only been one sighting of Starlight, the garrison there believe they saw her on the outskirts but by the time they mobilised the Pegasi to investigate they were unable to locate her. Her information has been relayed to the key garrisons across the country, I've specifically requested that any sightings are to be reported to yourself immediately."

"Good. After what she did I have a few choice words for her, to say the least." Stepping into my office I glance to Starry who's balancing the box containing my rifle parts on her back. "Venture, I'll take these two down to see Dawnstar in order to issue them with their required equipment. No doubt she'll also have some developments for me as well." Gesturing for the two to follow me the three of us step into the hallway to head to the armoury.

As we walk the two of them seems to share occasional glances before Night Star speaks up, "Captain, what exactly is next for the Rangers?" Cocking a brow I look at him as I wait for him to continue, "We're not exactly required in Griffonia since your last deployment and there are no conflicts. So, is there even anything to do?"

"First, don't bother addressing me by rank, if you're in my squad and we aren't at any formal events then I don't want those under my command addressing me as an officer. Secondly, we don't need to be deployed in order to do anything. We may not have any theatres of combat to operate within but we can still work towards our developments for the Guard. I've personally got to repair and try to rebuild my old rifle, on top of that there are also improvements to the Valkyrie Mk 1's and potential armour upgrades."

"So, it's the same job we had in the Lunar Guard? Guard duty and looking pretty?"

Nodding my head we descend the stairs, "Well, we are still a body of the Lunar Guard. But yes, we'll be on standby until we're needed. The military isn't all action and adventure. You guys had peace for one-thousand years before the civil war, it could go back to nothing but peace for another millennium."

"John," Starry adds as she steps alongside me, "We heard that you were required to use hazmat equipment whilst you were in Griffonia. I take it that will we will be trained with that equipment in the future?"

Reaching the door to the armoury I come to a stop as I rest my hand on the handle. She's right, since we were in an operation which required the use of protective equipment it only makes sense to train all of the Rangers to use it. We dove into that situation without any training with the equipment, the only reason I felt confident with doing that was because of my CBRN training back home. I'll have to ensure all of our units are trained for the equipment and have it issued to them as standard, I doubt we'll have to use it regularly but it's better to have the kit for emergencies.

Pushing the door open I step through as they follow me, "You will be trained with all of our equipment. The basic entrance test was only to ensure that you had the fitness and basic skills I want in my unit. I will be creating a 'phase two' of the Rangers training, it will cover more advanced tactics and scenarios including the use of CBRN equipment, field first aid, skill at arms and other skills." Stopping outside Dawnstar's lab I open the door and tilt my head towards the opening, "In you go."

I follow the two in and close the door behind us. As we step inside Dawnstar lifts her head, giving me a soft smile as she approaches, "John, it's good to see you again!"

"Likewise. I'm finally back at work and I've got a lot to do." Reaching for the box on Starry's back I rest it on a nearby table, "I've got my old rifle."

"Your old rifle? How?"

"A certain Lord of Chaos decided to give it me as a 'peace offering.'"

Dawnstar looks at me sceptically, "Do you really want to trust a gift from Discord?"

"Not particularly, but If I can get the SA-80 to work then I'll have a basis to develop automatic weapons for the Guard. Who knows, maybe I'll convert in into an LSW."

"What's that?" Night Star asks as he and his wife look at me with curiosity.

"It's the Light Support Weapon, it's referred to as the L86A2 and is basically the SA-80 with a longer barrel, bipod and a rear grip. It was initially used as a squad automatic weapon to provide additional fire support for the squad but it functions better as a marksman rifle." Stepping over to the box I remove the lower receiver, "During the liberation of Griffonstone I used it as a support weapon to suppress the enemy. It might make sense to adapt it into an LSW since we don't have any automatic weapons."

Dawnstar levitates a few parts from the box and rests them on the table in order to examine them. "I don't know, John. Some of these parts may be beyond what we can produce, I don't even know what some of these parts are for."

Stepping over to her I lift the rusted metal cylinder which Dawnstar is studying, "It's a gas plug. It regulates the flow of gas for the rifle in order to allow the weapon to use the escaping gas to eject the spent casing and load another round into the chamber. You can adjust it to allow more gas to pass through the rifle in order to help with automatic fire or you can disable it, forcing you to cock the rifle after every shot."

"Your rifle regulates gas?"

"It uses the gas blowback from firing off the round to eject the cartridge and load another into the chamber while resetting the action. Our bolt action rifles require us to do it manually, a self-loading gas operated rifle will complete the action automatically after every shot allowing you to fire continuously." Resting the gas plug on the table I step to the side, "We'll go over it in more detail another time, Dawnstar. For now, I'm curious to see what you've been able to do in my absence."

Stepping to the side she levitates the lid away from a metal crate and brings out a number of items which are wrapped away under an olive cloth. "We've been able to replace your armour, because of the damage it sustained it was easier to replace it rather than repairing it. On top of that, I've also developed some additional plating in order to provide you with additional protection."

Peeling the cloth away I find a newly polished breastplate which seems to be different compared to my old one, the material seems to be darker than the steel which was initially used for the unit's armour. Picking it up I can also feel the difference in the weight as it's easier to lift. As I secure it to my waist, Dawnstar lifts her hoof to point to the armour, "I've been able to work with Forge in order to improve the standard armour for all members of the Rangers, what you have is the current and only working prototype."

With the armour secured I look to her as I step into an open area of the room, "The only prototype? It's not like it's an advanced piece of equipment, it's armour." Dawnstar grins as her horn illuminates. Opening a steel box she throws its contents over me, I'm immediately met with a cold sensation over my exposed flesh as I find that she's dropped a box of snow on me. "What the hell was that for!? More importantly, how did you keep snow from melting inside a metal box in the basement!?"

"Magic," Dawnstar replies with an innocent smile casuing my eyes to narrow as I glare at her in irritation. If something makes no sense in this world, you can just use magic as an excuse. "I got the idea for the armour based on your training in camouflage and concealment, not to mention the uniform you came to Equestria which seems to be an attempt to provide camouflage for a number of environments."

"Yeah, it's a Multi-Terrain-Pattern. But I don't see that that's-" I stop when I lower my head to look at my armour. As the snow and cold temperature run over the steel breastplate the shading of the metal changes before my very eyes, the light coloured steel adopts a colour similar to that to the snow acting as an attempt to camouflage me. "You've made adaptive camouflage?"

"Not quite adaptive camouflage," Dawnstar states as she levitates a cloth and begins to wipe the snow from my body. "To make a camouflage scheme which will adapt to certain environments will be extremely difficult. Metals can be easily enchanted to have certain... characteristics... depending on the situation, I've simply cast an enchantment on the armour to change colour based on a number of factors such as temperature, light levels and natural materials such as snow or sand covering its surface. When exposed to little to no light sources the armour will darken allowing you to conceal in the shadows, in extreme heat and desert conditions it adapts to take on a tan colour."

"So, I take it when there's nothing causing the colour to change, the metal will remain its standard steel colour for situations such as urban environments." Dawnstar nods as she takes hold of a number of various pieces or armour and holds them in front of me, "What are these?"

"These are the additional plates which I mentioned." Using her magic she forces my arms out to the side as she attaches a set of plates to my arms. "These plates don't have any Kevlar in them, they're not designed to stop bullets but to protect your limbs from bladed attacks." Once she releases my arms I twist them to the side to examine the new armour. On the outside of my arms is a set of thin steel plates which rest on top of one another and move down the entire length of my arm, the only gaps in the armour are located on my elbows and the inside of my arms. To my surprise, I have good manoeuvrability for my arms however I can feel the additional weight this armour has added.

"So, why haven't these got any Kevlar?"

"In order to keep them lightweight and to give you more control. Adding Kevlar would have made them larger in size causing the armour to stick out and obstruct the movement of your arms. There is a thin layer of Kevlar to reduce the effect of shrapnel but it won't be able to stop any direct munitions." Levitating another two pieces of steel she attaches them to my legs and tightens them, "These will do the same for your legs, it'll protect you from bladed attacks but it won't help with firearms."

Glancing at my legs I can see the large plate which sits on the outside of my legs providing protection for my femur and the muscle surrounding it. Walking around the room I'm surprised to find that the additional armour doesn't seem to restrict my movement and actually sits comfortable against my body, on top of that it doesn't create that much noise allowing me to move without rattling for the entire world to hear. "These seem pretty good. Will they be issued to everyone?"

Dawnstar shakes her head as she steps up to me, "Not for some time I'm afraid. We can construct the additional armour for them but they won't have the enchantments yours have. "Lifting her forehoof she taps it against a small clear gemstone which sits on the top of the armour resting on my left leg, "This gem is the one that allows the metal to adapt to its surroundings. Unfortunately, they aren't cheap. It would cost us a significant amount of money to have enough delivered to outfit all members of the Rangers."

Studying the rest of my armour I notice the gem sitting on each piece of armour, a gem rests against the right shoulder of both the front and rear plate covering my chest and another gem rests above the elbow on both arms. "So, it's the case that these gems cost too much to issue to every soldier. What if we got enough to provide the camouflage for a Section?"

"We could easily outfit a full Section or two. I take it you want your team to have these enchantments?"

"I would. I'd prefer it if we could outfit everyone, but at the moment the priority should be the Officers and my Section to allow us to adapt to any situations that arise."

"Officers?" Night Star asks. "The desk jockeys?"

Folding my arms I stand up straight, "Do I look like a desk jockey to you?" Night Star shakes his head, "Hussar and Venture have been on the field during the war games and engaged in combat rather than sitting at the rear. Since you two are in my Section, you'll both be getting the adaptive armour." Lifting my hand I point to the door, "Head next door and see the quartermaster. He'll give you all the equipment you'll need." The two Thestrals looks to one another before stepping out into the corridor. Once they're out of sight I turn back to Dawnstar as I start to remove the armour resting on my arms, "Could this adaptive camouflage be made for clothing?"

Dawnstar shakes her head, "In theory but it would prove to be extremely difficult. The gemstone could easily be dislodged from the fabric removing the capabilities of the uniform. There is also the issue of changing entire patterns in the fabric, changing the colour of the entire garment would be easy enough but having some changing different colours to make up a camouflage scheme would be nearly impossible." Stepping back towards the metal crate she seals the container and moves it to the side of the room, "It would be more practical to simply produce camouflaged uniforms and to issue them to the unit when they go to combat situations." Dawnstar tilts her head towards the door signalling for me to follow her, "Come on. I'll bring you up to speed with the last couple of weeks."

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Dawnstar was able to explain to me what had happened over the last couple of weeks in detail to get me up to speed. There were only a few pieces of intelligence on Silverwing since his escape from prison, according to communication for the Griffonian Ministry of Intelligence it was believed that he was within the Griffonian borders due to possible sightings near the former capital of Griffinstone. This raised some concerns with the government as Griffinstone had one the highest presence of Militarist sympathisers. Since the war, the city has yet to have been fully rebuilt following attacks on military personnel and engineers who are stationed there.

Just as Venture had reported to me earlier, we had no leads of Starlights location or potential plans. Apart from our earlier sighting of her near the town, there has been no trace of her. Other key garrisons were informed of her actions and were under orders to apprehend and detain her on sight, it's just the question of whether she'll come quietly once we locate her.

There had also been reports of Diamond Dogs tensions rising with Equestrian towns on the southern border near the Macintosh Hills, apparently, these issues had been ongoing prior to the arrival of the group from Ponyville but the increase in population has lead to some issues. Territory disputes are one of the key issues, tunnels had been constructed causing sink holes to form near the Equestrian towns damaging farmland and infrastructure.

That wasn't the only issue in the south. Apparently, there was a race of felines referred to as Ridge Cats who inhabited the Badlands along the southern side of the Macintosh Hills. The Diamond Dogs presence has disrupted their economy by mining into tunnels which housed 'fire water'. From what was explained to me, it what this world referred to as oil or at least a variation of oil. Currently, it is only used in small amounts in Equestria for the production of plastics and various other items, it seems that the Equestrians have yet to utilise oil as a form of fuel. If Equestria is to develop industrially then they may eventually require access to this resource, however, it is entirely up to them whether or not they decide to utilise it.

With my recap of recent events completed and the evening quickly approaching I make my way towards Twilight's home in order for her to cast the transfiguration spell. Since ponies don't wear clothing I decided to change into a basic shirt and trousers which I'll remove when Twilight is ready to perform the spell, I also borrowed a saddlebag from Chaser since I won't have any pockets to carry some money and my phone. Climbing the steps to her castle I knock on the door and push it open. Stepping inside I close the door behind me as Twilight come's out from the room on the far left which houses the map. She really needs some sorts of sign above every door so I know what to refer to it as. Map room? Yeah, I'll just call it that. It's simple yet effective.

"John, are you ready?" Twilight asks as she waves her hoof signalling for me to enter the room.

"I guess so," I respond as I make my way down the corridor to join her. "I do have one question. When you cast this spell, will there be a time limit before I change back or is it the case that you'll have to cast a counter-spell?"

"You'll have to come back to see me. Either that or you'll need to find somepony who has knowledge of the spell in order to reverse its effects." Twilight levitates a towel from the surface of the map and passes it to me, "I figured you'd want this since you live in your clothes."

Grabbing the towel I remove my shirt and trousers, "I'm gonna guess that this will hurt like last time."

Twilight nods as she looks at me with apprehension, "I'm afraid it likely will. You don't have to do this, it's entirely your choice."

Wrapping the towel around my waist I drop my pants to the floor before collecting all of my clothes and boots to store them in my bag. "I know it's my choice, I'm the one asking you to do this. I'll likely be back tomorrow morning to get the spell reversed." Closing my eyes I let out a deep breath, "I'm ready when you are."

After a few seconds, I can feel Twilight's magic caressing my flesh before it slowly pierces my skin. The first discomfort I feel is when my fingers seem to dislocate, I can feel them retracting into my hands causing a horrendous pain to shoot through my body. Falling to my knees my nose cracks as I feel the flesh on my face stretching allowing a muzzle to take shape. Leaning forward I rest what's left of my hands against the surface of the floor as I wait for the spell to come to an end.

When Twilight's magic cuts out I fall to the side as I gasp for air. Opening my eyes it takes me a moment to adjust to my new field of vision, the sight of a muzzle sticking out in front of my face initially throws me off before I come to my senses. Rising onto all four hooves I glance at my grey coat and black fetlocks as I bend each of my legs in an attempt to test them. Flicking my head to the side I examine my cutie mark of a target board with a SUSAT optic overlaying it, my black tail with a scarlet red highlight off the centre flicks to the side against my will. Stepping up to Twilight I keep my eyes locked on the floor as I make sure that I'm able to walk, in the reflection of the floor I can see my large pale red eyes as they flick between the floor and myself.

Twilight watches me with amusement as I try to keep my balance, "Are you getting used to it?"

Coming to a stop I'm able to stand up fully as I nod my head, "It's like riding a bike, you never forget."

"A bike?" Twilight asks. "Do you mean a unicycle? I've seen Pinkie riding one a couple of times and I helped Scootaloo take one apart."

"A unicycle? No, I mean a proper bike. Two wheels." Twilight looks at me in confusion as I move to the door, "It doesn't matter. Can you pass me my bag, please?" Twilight grins as she levitates the saddlebag and secures it on my flanks. "Thanks, Twilight. I'll see you tomorrow."

As I step through the door, Twilight calls out to me, "Where are you going?"

"Canterlot," Before she can probe any further I make my way down the corridor and exit the castle. With everything set, I make my way as quickly as I can back towards the barracks. As I try to move as quickly as I can I nearly end up falling over due to not being used to walking on all fours, luckily I'm able to keep my composure and keep upright. Entering the barracks I'm initially met with the odd glance by guards when I first enter the lobby.

Stepping up to the door to the restricted area I'm quickly stopped by one of the guards, "This area is restricted." He treis to glare at me in an attempt to make me back off. Well I didn't think this through. Only my team know what I look like as a pony.

Before I open my mouth to respond, Silver steps through the door and looks at me with curiosity. "John, why are you going around as a pony again?"

The guard's expression quickly drops as he watches me. Grinning I turn my head to Silver, "I'm getting used to the body. Is that a crime?"

"Um... that makes it sound a bit wrong."

Shrugging I step past him, "It probably wasn't the best way to word it. Either way, it's none of your business." Moving down the hallway I quickly climb the steps to the first floor and advance towards my office. When I reach my door I glance behind me to make sure nobody is around, with no one in sight I move to the next door along which bears Luna's cutie mark and step inside.

Looking around the office it seems to be almost identical to mine, just with a few cosmetic changes. Numerous hanging banners drape the wall displaying her own cutie mark and the insignia of the Lunar Guard, there is even one showing the Everfree Rangers since this office is located within our headquarters. Despite the fact that nobody enters this office it's still fairly clean, there is probably a cleaner or soldier assigned to maintaining this office in her absence. Glancing to the left wall I can see a liquor cabinet containing a generous amount of spirits, I may need to come in here and borrow some... I'm sure she won't mind.

Turning my head to the right wall I spot the object in question, a large marble fireplace with a mysterious inscription carved into the stone. The firebox at the rear seems to be particularly large giving room for a pony to easily stand within it. Despite nobody using this room, the fireplace is producing an orange glow illuminating the room. Stepping up to the fire I look at the mantlepiece overhead and find the golden pot which Luna told me to locate.

Rearing onto my hind legs I reach up and rest against the mantelpiece to look at the pot, inside appears to be a large amount of ash which seems to have a sapphire blue tint to it which gives it a natural shine. Wrapping a forehoof around the pot I try my best to keep it balanced as I move back onto the floor. What was it she said? Throw the powder into the fire? Following her advice, I jolt the pot forward causing a fairly large amount to scatter into the flame and across the floor. Shit... probably shouldn't have used that much.

With a blinding flash, the flame turns the brightest shade of blue as the heat seems to vanish almost instantly. Resting the pot back on the mantlepiece I step towards the flame and watch it intently as I try to prepare myself. I don't fully trust magic, it's supposed to be safe but it's all just nonsense back home. Taking a deep breath I step into the flame causing my vision to blur.

My head spins as my vision slowly returns. Shaking my head I step forward and find myself in Luna's study. It worked... I can't believe that worked. Before I'm able to take in my surroundings a strong force grabs hold of my chest and slam me back against a wall knocking the wind out of me. In my peripheral vision, I can see Luna stepping into view with a furious scowl on her face, a sword levitating in her grasp and pointed directly towards my throat.

She studies me closely before she finally opens her mouth, "Who do you think you are intruding in my personal study!? How did you learn of this passage!?" Before I'm able to respond her grip around my body tightens, "You dare invade my private study and think there will be no consequences!? The punishment for trespassing on royal property is severe, especially in these circumstances!"

Clearing my throat I look into Luna's eyes, "Luna, it's me. John."

Luna's eyes widen as she quickly pulls the sword away, "John? How in the wide world of Equestria are you a pony?"

"Twilight cast a transfiguration spell. She did it in the past and I figured I'd come around earlier so we can spend the evening together." Luna slowly lowers me to the floor as she takes a step back, whilst I'm in this form she stands at the same height as me, excluding her horn which would make her taller.

"I must admit, I never considered the option of transfiguration. Though, I'd imagine anypony who has heard you speak in your regular form will be able to tell it's you as soon as you open your mouth to talk. Your accent is... distinctive."

Smiling I put on my best attempt at an American accent, "Would you rather me speak like this to hide who I am?"

Luna chuckles as she shakes her head, "Goodness, no. I can't take you seriously when you're putting on that voice. Besides-" Leaning closer she places a quick kiss on my lips "-I've always liked stallions with a Trottingham accent."

Chuckling I bring my hoof up against her cheek as I drop the accent, "Then I guess I shall have to speak normally whenever I'm around you. I'm also going to have to visit Trottingham, if Equestria has its own Manhattan and Vancouver I suppose it makes sense that there is an area resembling an English area... even if it is Tottenham."

Luna steps towards her desk as she watches me, "So is there any particular reason you came earlier than agreed, and as a pony no less?"

"Well, I figured we could go out for the night, a date."

"A date?" Luna asks. "We were able to go out on a date with no problem before in Ponyville."

"We did, but everyone still stared at the human on a date with a pony." Stepping closer to her I brush my forehoof against hers and take hold of it, "But I want to have a day where nobody stares... to feel just like everyone else."

Luna smiles as she bows her head, "I understand. I think it is a marvellous idea. Very well, let us go out for the evening." With a flash of her horn, I watch as a white flash engulfs Luna as the outline of her form changes. After a few seconds, she has once again taken the form of Moon Glow, bringing her once again to a shorter height than me. Without warning our surroundings change as Luna seems to have teleported us to another room of the castle, scanning the room I notice the bed which I regularly stay in whenever I come to the castle.

Stepping towards the door, Luna turns her head back to me as her magic grasps the handle. "As I mentioned before, only Celestia and Cadence are aware that I'm Moon Glow, to the rest of the guards and castle staff I am simply one of Celestia's delegates." Opening the door she steps into the hallway and waits for me to join her. Grinning I move to follow her but nearly stumble as I walk earning a small laugh from her.

This night will involve her mostly laughing at my terrible attempts of remaining in control of this body.