I'm awoken from my slumber as the sound of cascading water hits my sensitive ears. Cracking my eyes open, I lift my head to find that Luna is no longer using me as a pillow. My ears involuntarily twitch in order to determine the source of the noise. Turning my head I look at a partially open door, which leads into Luna's en suite, where the source of the water is coming from.

Sitting up, I stretch out my forehooves as I release an extended yawn as I try to wake up. My eyes flick over to Luna's breastplate which is still lying on the floor as I think back to the previous night. I still can't believe that Luna said that she loves me. Why me? I'm nothing special, there are plenty of ponies out there which I'm sure would be a good pairing for her. Climbing off the bed I immediately fall forward only to prevent myself from face planting the floor at the last minute, I'm still used to my normal body so in my tired state I somehow thought that I was back in my normal body.

Stepping towards the en suite, I find my brain continuing to think back to those three little words. I love you. She really said it. I would never have thought that I'd feel that way about a pony when I first arrived, but it keeps forcing itself to the front of my train of thought. As crazy as it sounds, I feel the same way about her. I can't really explain it... being with her just feels right. She knows what I'm going through, she has supported me and acts as someone I can confide in.

Entering the steam filled room, a warm smile quickly spreads over my lips as I find Luna in the walk-in shower. As she has her back turned to me, I step into the shower and slowly move behind her. Pressing my body lightly against hers, she turns her head to face me as I lightly kiss her neck. "Sleep well, Luna?"

Luna releases a shallow moan as her forehoof presses against my chest, "You could say that." Smirking, she places a quick kiss on my lips, "You must have been tired, you're usually awake before me."

"Well, a certain Princess made me take the last two weeks off work, so I need to get back into my usual sleeping pattern."

"It could be worse, I could make you work constant nights."

Placing another kiss on Luna's neck, I begin to slowly trail down towards her chest, "It wouldn't be so bad. If the nights are anything like yesterday then I'd be more than happy to work nights."

Turning her body to face me, she wraps her forehooves around my neck and drags me underneath the stream of hot water. As my mane begins to stick to my coat, she begins to place rapid kisses against my lips as her eyes flutter closed. With a seductive smile, she leans forward to whisper in my ear, "Reckon we've got time for a quickie?"

Cocking a brow, a smug grin rapidly spreads across my muzzle as I pull her body against mine, "I think we can manage that."

Brushing my forehoof across Luna's muzzle, I lean forward to press my lips against her cheek as I move around her body. Luna tilts her head to watch me as I step behind her, when she notices my eyes scanning her rump she lifts her tail to the side exposing her sex to me. Deciding it's time to return the favour for the previous night, I lower myself onto my haunches and shuffle my body closer till I'm only inches away.

Licking my lips, I lift my hoof to brush against her slit earning a soft moan from the contact. I find myself wishing that I was in my old body since I'd be able to put my fingers to use, but since I still have hooves I'll have to make do with them. As my hoof moves back and forth, I lean my head closer to plant rapid and soft kisses on her ass as I slowly move to the side to focus on her cutie mark.

Luna's hips soon begin to softly sway from side to side as I begin to lightly nip at her mark, the sensation seems to be doing quite a bit for Luna as her breathing slowly increases. Deciding that I shouldn't keep teasing her, I pull my hoof back and adjust my position to leave her sex in front of my muzzle. As I inhale her scent, a powerful shock rushes through my groin as I find the fragrance to be intoxicating.

Finding myself unable to hold back any longer, I press my muzzle against her lips as I drag my tongue leisurely along her moist sex. Luna releases a low, lust-filled groan as she presses her hips back to keep my face pushed against her pussy. I continue to run my tongue back and forth across her folds as I use my flat tongue to my advantage.

Luna's moans become more frequent as I continue to press my tongue against her slit. Lifting my forehoof I bring it down against her flank causing her to release a scream of bliss. Oh, so you like being spanked, do you? Deciding to try and test the theory, I repeat the action and slap the opposite side of her ass allowing another satisfied scream to escape her muzzle. That's good to know.

I begin to trace my tongue over her clit as Luna turns her head back to look at me. With each circular motion, I flick my tongue over the nub giving it the occasional kiss. Her hips push back in rhythm with my tongue keeping her marehood in contact with my muzzle. This continues for a couple of minutes until Luna is unable to hold back, with a deafening scream she reaches her orgasm coating the end of my muzzle with her cum as her legs tremble.

Pulling my head back, I lift my forehoof to wipe my lips clean as Luna attempts to regain her breath. As she slowly recovers from her bliss-filled state, her magic engulfs my body causing me to lie on my back underneath the plummeting water. Luna twists her neck to look down at me as her cheeks glow a crimson red. Shuffling her position, Luna steps fully over my lower body as her magic grasps hold of my hard cock.

I groan as her magic casually strokes my member as she holds it up in position. Cautiously lowering her body, the tip of my cock presses against her cum covered pussy as her tail flicks to the side. Luna continues her movement causing my member to disappear from sight as she slides down its length, the sensation causes my head to rock back as a low pitched groan escapes my lips.

As Luna begins to rock her hips back and forth, I begin to involuntarily buck my hips as my forehooves begin to caress her lower back and rump as she rides reverse cowgirl. Gripping my forelegs around her waist I sit up and lean my head against her back as Luna's speed increases.

Our moans become more frequent as the feeling of ecstasy quickly overwhelms us, I normally prefer to try and make sessions as long as I can but I find myself wanting to reach fulfilment as quickly as I can. Groaning out loud, Luna turns her head to look at me, "I thought you said I enjoyed having a Captain riding me. It seems that you like to have a Princess riding you."

Crying out in bliss, I pull her down on my entire length, "I fucking love it." Keeping Luna's body in position, I pump my hips as fast and hard as I can into Luna's dripping sex. She is soon squealing with pleasure as Luna's tongue rolls out of her mouth. As I continue she reaches her climax, her walls rapidly clamp down on my cock sending me over the edge. I bury my muzzle against her back as my cock begins to leak cum into her marehood, my own leg begins to shake uncontrollably as I continue to cum.

As I pant for breath I find myself unable to control my body as I collapse against the soaked floor. Biting her lip, Luna slowly pulls away from my cock causing it to recoil back against my chest causing cum to leak onto my belly. Luna shakily stands on all fours as she looks down at me. Chuckling, she lowers herself to plant a passionate kiss on my lips before pulling back. "John, you're going to need to clean up."

Once Luna and I had actually cleaned up, she volunteered to walk me through the castle in order to meet with her sister, in order to prevent anyone seeing the two of us leaving, her room she once again teleported the both of us to the guest room of the castle. All of the guards would quickly snap to attention whenever their princess would pass them, with her acting as my escort not a single one would challenge my presence in the castle.

I look to Luna as we walk down one of the many halls of the castle, "So, any idea why your sister wants to see me?"

"I may have a suspicion, Jo-" Luna manages to stop herself before she says my name in front of the guards. "-Crusader."

I can't help but snicker at Luna's blunder as her eyes dart towards the guards in order to check that none of them caught on. "Care to explain?"

"My sister has been trying to keep the peace between the Diamond Dogs and the citizens of Equestria along our southern border. Since their attack on myself and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, they now primarily live on the outskirts of the Badlands within the Macintosh Hills. Their presence has caused complications for the local ponies and a species which primarily remains within the Badlands, the Ridge Cats. I believe that Celestia may ask you for advice on how to potentially address the situation."

I cock a brow as I begin to slowly shake my head, "This is a political issue, not military."

"I know you don't want to delve into politics, but this issue could develop into something far worse. I'd imagine that she wishes to speak to you about the possibility of helping to keep the peace, you said that your army used to have 'peacetime garrisons'."

"Yeah, but we weren't literally peacekeepers. It only meant that there was a military garrison in a location where there wasn't conflict."

Luna comes to a stop outside the large double doors which lead into Celestia's private study. Slowly turning to face me, she drags a hoof across her muzzle, "Like I said, she likely is just trying to probe your brain on the issue. The Guard has only been used in the last millennia to enforce the law within population centres, they aren't trained for this sort of conflict."

"No army is," I state as I step alongside her. Looking to the guards around us, I lower my voice to ensure that none of them can hear me, "Luna, the army is not the force you deploy to keep the peace between two opposing forces, we're not trained to police communities. The last time we deployed the army to keep the peace between two communities, it ended up with thousands dead and a decades-long conflict."

Luna leans closer as she also lowers her voice, "Things are different here, our guards act to maintain the law. Our militaries are opposites of one another, yours are experienced to handle conflict, yet ours have little experience. Your military has little experience in policing the population, but ours do."

Sighing, I lift my forehoof to rub the back of my neck. "I don't like this, Luna. I'd rather avoid this situation at all costs, I've got no experience with it."

"Like I said, it was just a suspicion. Celestia may wish to speak to you about something else entirely." Using her magic, she compresses the handle to the study and throws the doors open. As she steps inside, I follow closely behind her as Celestia lifts her head from a series of scrolls. As Luna closes the doors, she strolls alongside Celestia, "I've brought you a certain Captain you requested."

Celestia looks at her sister with an amused expression, "I'm sure that John is capable of bringing himself to my study without an escort."

Luna lifts a hoof to point to me, "If he was strutting around in his normal body, he easily could do. As a pony who none of the guards know, it would prove difficult for him to stroll in when he hasn't got an appointment."

Celestia gives a soft smile as she rises from her seat, "Good point." Stepping around the desk, Celestia looks to me as she comes to a stop in front of me. "Thank you for coming to see me, John. I won't keep you long, I imagine that you're wanting to go back to Ponyville and return to your normal form."

Unable to hold a slight grin back, my eyes slowly drift to Luna as she stands behind her sister, "This body has its... advantages."

Celestia cocks a brow as she turns her head behind to notice her sister trying to hide a grin similar to mine. Celestia winces slightly as she looks at me with an unamused expression, "Really, John?"

"What?" I ask her innocently. "I'm simply saying that this body meant that nobody looked at me as if I was a freak."

Celestia continues to look at me for a moment before her eyes narrow, "Do I look like I was born yesterday? I was born centuries before you were even a twinkle in your father's eyes, so I know exactly what you meant. I didn't ask for you to come and see me in order to hear you making suggestive comments about my sister."

Wiping the grin from her face, Luna steps alongside me to face her sister. "So, why did you ask to see him?"

"I was going to ask for his opinion on the matter we discussed in the-"

"-Badlands?" I ask, cutting Celestia off.

Celestia nods her head as she focuses on me, "So, my sister has informed you?"

"Only that there is tension between the three groups within the area. But like I told her, I don't think deploying the Guard is the best course of action."

"I'm not looking at deploying the Guard at this moment in time, I don't believe that is the best course of action. The only Guard presence in the area is the local garrison which is based on the north of the Macintosh Hills to protect the local villages, I intend to keep it that way." Stepping to the side, Celestia glances to her sister, "However, the decision is not entirely mine. You are under the command of my sister, should she wish to deploy you then I will not be able to stop it."

Luna watches her sister momentarily before looking at me, "You said that you don't believe deploying the Guard is the best course of action. Is that truly what you believe?"

I nod my head, "I do. Luna, the Rangers have primarily been trained as a combat force, to engage in conflict as an effective unit. Sending us to an area which is not in conflict will cause issues, we're not trained for large crowd control and maintaining the peace. The army tried the same thing back home in Northern Ireland, that proved exactly why the army should not be deployed in those situations and the harm it can cause. For now, I'd say that there is no need to deploy any additional Guard units. If you need to increase the local Guard's number temporarily, then I'd say that is the furthest it should be taken."

Luna slowly turns to face her sister, "If that is what my Captain thinks, then I won't be deploying any Guard units to the region. I agree with you, sister. For now, it isn't necessary."

"Very well," Celestia responds as she looks back to me. "We shall try to resolve the issues from here. I will keep you notified with any developments, John." Pausing, Celestia turns her head to Luna. "Would you mind if I speak to John privately? Once we're done I shall return him to Ponyville."

Luna looks to Celestia with curiosity before she turns back to me, "Very well." As Luna steps alongside me, she comes to a stop as she looks down at me with her gorgeous teal eyes. Lifting her forehoof, she lifts my head slightly as she leans in to place a soft yet passionate kiss on my lips. Pulling back from the kiss, her horn is enveloped in a magical glow as I feel a sudden weight in my haunches, turning my head back I find my saddlebag resting against my back as Luna's magic tightens the straps.

As Luna saunters towards the doors, I turn around to face her. "Luna, is there any chance that you could help me with some training tonight? I need to get the newbies up to speed."

She stops momentarily as her magic opens the door, "Very well. I trust you'll have the details ready by the time I arrive?"

"I'll think of something. Let's say about eleven tonight, it'll give Chaser time to enjoy his birthday present from Sunny." As Luna gives me a comforting smile, she steps out and closes the door leaving me in the study with Celestia.

When I turn back to Celestia, she looks at me with an inquisitive expression, "And how would my sister be able to help you with training?"

"Luna puts us all in a dream to help us train with combat, kind of like a training simulation. She puts us into battles from my knowledge of human history in order to develop tactics and to demonstrate equipment to everyone. Last time, we were at the battle of Amiens where I showed everyone the beginning of mechanised warfare."

"I know that it's only training purposed to prepare you should the unthinkable happens, but I can't say that I'm exactly happy with you showing everypony the weaponry used in warfare. I'd rather avoid the rapid development of weaponry if I can. We should seek alternatives."

"I agree, but they need to see the potential technology could have. The war was a stalemate, despite sufficient training it took technology to make the decisive pushes." Stepping to the side I look back to Celestia, "I'm not going to go around advancing various tools of war if they aren't required. For now, I have three projects which I consider to be a priority."

"And those are?"

"First, I want to rebuild my SA-80. I've got all of the parts, but it will require a lot of work if I ever want it to operate again. Second, I want to develop a weapon for close quarters engagements, our rifles are mostly effective at range leaving us vulnerable up close."

"You wish to develop another weapon?" Celestia asks with some concern.

"Not one, but two. That's my third priority. I want to firstly develop a basic shotgun, either along the lines of a double-barreled or perhaps a pump-action. That will give us a weapon sufficient for the role of close quarters. The other weapon I want to develop would be primarily for defensive purposes and support roles, a machine gun."

Celestia looks at me with some confusion, "A machine gun? Isn't that the weapon you told us about at the university? The one which could fire off numerous rounds before reloading?"

"Yeah, it is. The issue is, creating a light machine gun for squads will prove extremely difficult to construct from scratch, I'd likely have more luck developing a heavy machine gun to be used from a fixed firing position."

"John, why do you wish to develop additional weapons? We have no need for them at this time."

Moving towards one of the cushions sat in the corner of the office, I slowly lower myself as Celestia moves to join me. "I know we have no need for them at the moment, but I'd rather have them developed and ready to go should the need arise. It will give us an edge if we're ever required to go back into combat. Our rifles are already a large advantage, the Griffins are still using muskets-"

"-Actually," Celestia interrupts, "They've started to develop a new rifle design based from your ammunition."

"They're creating bolt-action rifles?"

Celestia shakes her head, "Not quite. I've been informed that they're constructing a rifle which they're referring to as a 'breech-loading lever-action rifle.' They've used the basis from your Valkyrie Mk 1 for the body design but have changed the internals entirely."

I let out a small chuckle as I rub my muzzle, "I suppose it's an improvement on muskets. Not as good as a bolt-action, but still fairly effective. However, the point remains, I believe having additional equipment in reserve would benefit us greatly."

Celestia seems to consider this as she closes her eyes. Letting out a sigh, she turns back to me, "So long as you keep this under wraps, I will allow you to continue developments for the Guard. Nopony is to know of this, all research is to remain classified until either myself or my sister allow the developments to be fully produced and made public."

"We'll keep everything tucked away in our armoury until it's needed. I'll personally ensure that all documentation is secured and strictly on a need to know basis." Getting up from my cushion, I stretch my legs as I pace towards the centre of the room. "Is that the only reason you wished to see me?"

"No, it isn't." Rising from her position, Celestia steps towards a large bay window and looks to the outside world. "I wanted to ask you... what are your intentions?" I look at the back of Celestia's head in confusion as I wait for her to continue, "With my sister."

"What exactly are you asking?"

Celestia turns her head to focus on me, "What exactly is going on with yourself and my sister? Does she mean something to you, is this an attempt to benefit yourself or do you feel for her? I can only imagine based on your earlier comment that you ... spent the night together." Celestia seems to give a small shudder as she is likely trying her best not to picture her little sister in that way.

"It isn't just a fling," I respond as I slowly step towards Celestia. "And I couldn't give a crap about social standing and power. if I cared about that I would have become a politician, not a soldier. I know that you're allowing her to make her own decision with this and that you're likely not fond of her being with someone like me, but I care deeply for her. I haven't felt this close to anyone since before I left for Afghanistan, she's special to me. And in all honesty" -I lower my head momentarily as I take a deep breath in order to prepare myself for the potential backlash- "I love her."

Celestia's expression softens as she turns her body in order to face me fully, "And she loves you. That is where I have concerns." I look at her in bewilderment as she releases a shallow sigh, "Alicorns are immortal, John. From what we can tell, it is impossible for us to die as a result of old age. I want my sister to be happy and yourself to be happy, of course, but I don't want her to get hurt. If your relationship develops into something more, I am afraid what will happen to her when you inevitably pass away. This is why I haven't engaged in a serious relationship for centuries, seeing those you love pass away is never an easy experience. I'm afraid that Luna won't be able to cope when that time comes."

"Celestia, it's a part of life. If everybody worried about outliving their potential partner then nobody would get involved with anyone. It's inevitable, I will eventually die either by old age or other causes. It will be hard for her, no doubt, but she'll have you and Cadence to support her when the day comes. Would you prefer it if she was alone for her entire life? Nobody to love her and to spend time with her? Or would it be better for her to find someone, and spend their time together to make it one of the best times of her life?"

Celestia nods her head as she sighs, "You are right, John. It doesn't make it any easier. She'll likely be devastated and I can't help but worry about her. However, should she wish to become involved with yourself, it is not my place to stop her. Thank you for addressing my concerns." Celestia steps to the side as her magical aura canvasses my body, "I'm sure we shall speak again soon."

Before I can respond, I am disoriented by a blinding flash as a shiver runs through my body. As my vision quickly returns, I look around to find that I'm no longer in the study with Celestia, but am instead standing on the road leading towards Twilight's castle back in Ponyville. Rubbing my eyes with my forehoof, I start to move towards the castle in order for Twilight to change me back into a human.

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Fortunately for me, Twilight was home when Celestia sent me back to Ponyville meaning that I was able to return to my normal body. Twilight decided to try and probe me for information with regards to my date with Moon Glow, I didn't really want to give out too much information so I only gave her a basic run down of the night... missing out the sex of course.

Once I had changed back into the clothing I packed away in the saddlebags, I made a detour into town on the way back towards the barracks in order to pick out a present for Chaser's birthday. I probably should have gotten him a gift whilst I was in Canterlot, but I honestly don't know what to get for him. After quickly browsing the stalls, I used the leftover money which I had taken with me to Canterlot to buy a bottle of premium vodka. It's normally a safe bet to buy alcohol so it made sense to get vodka since I knew he wasn't a fan of whisky.

Returning to the barracks, I make my way to the second floor and quickly proceed to Chaser's room. I'm about to open the door to head straight in, but since he may already be enjoying Sunny's present I quickly hold back to prevent seeing something I'd rather not see. Knocking on the door, I wait patiently as I hear a set of hooves shuffling within the room. As he opens the door, I lift the bottle and hold it out to him, "Happy birthday, you old bastard. It won't be long now until you're retiring."

Chaser releases a sarcastic laugh as he grasps onto the bottle, "Very funny, kid." As he looks at the bottle, a grin quickly spreads across his muzzle, "At least you know to get me a good drink."

As he steps to the side to let me in, I move into the room as I spin to face him. "Of course I do, I'm a casual alcoholic." Looking around the room, I can see a collection of presents and cards laid out on the corner table which he likely received from the others and in the mail. Selecting one of the cards, I begin to scan over the text within, "So, has Sunny given you your present yet?"

"No, not yet. She said that I 'need to wait for my surprise,' Whatever that means."

Chuckling I rest the card on the table surface as I turn back to him, "Just wait. I'm sure you'll love it."

He cocks a brow as he steps to the cabinets and selects a couple of shot glasses, "You know what her surprise is?"

"Not intentionally, but yeah. I came across her surprise present but I know you'll likely be so overjoyed that you'll have a heart attack."

Scoffing, he brings the shot glasses to the table alongside me and begins to fill them with his new vodka, "Ohh," He responds in an exaggerated tone. "Sounds exciting." With the two glasses filled, he lifts one and presents it to me before selecting his own.

Grasping onto the glass, I clink it against his, "Happy birthday, mate." We both quickly toss back our drinks resulting in a mild burning sensation to run down my throat. As we both slam the empty glasses onto the table, I lean back against the table. "So, you're now thirty-five and still going strong. I know that I take the piss with your age, but I know that many soldiers would consider retiring at this stage and finding new work."

"I suppose things must be different in your world, it normally isn't a concern for many guards here. Many of us would serve until our forties, but at the end of the day, we haven't seen conflict unlike many of the soldiers in your world. I suppose, following the war in the Griffin Empire, that could easily change." Rubbing his muzzle, he looks momentarily to the floor before turning his gaze back to me. "Somepony needs to keep an eye out for you, make sure you don't do anything stupid like usual. I'm not going anywhere, I'm sticking here with you."

Grinning, I pat his mane as I pull him closer, "Glad to hear it. It wouldn't be the same without you, I wouldn't have a smart arse to irritate me."

Chuckling, Chaser pushes himself away from me, "Glad to see that you value me so highly."

Stepping away from the table, I turn back to face him, "I'll leave you to enjoy your birthday. No doubt I've still got a pile of paperwork to complete following my absence." As I open the door, I quickly pause as I turn back to him, "And just a heads up, we'll be doing some training again tonight with Luna at eleven, so make sure Sunny gives you your surprise before then."

"Will do, boss." Closing the door behind me, I rest my hands in my pockets as I make my way back to the office. I'll have to try and think of a suitable battle for us to carry out our training, given the circumstances in the Badlands I'll likely need one which will allow us to engage in a similar environment.

For now, I should let the old man enjoy his birthday.