Tuesday 22nd April 2014
Outskirts of Ponyville
08:38

"Thank Celestia, we're finally out of that forest," Crimson exclaims as she looks to the clear skies overhead. We spent the entire week within the Everfree forest as we carried out our training. I was able to cover a majority of major skills which would benefit the team, improving on their medical knowledge and movement exercises within heavy woodland areas.

I look over my shoulder, catching Sunny as she lifts her forehoof and inhales. Her face immediately scrunches up as she turns to the others, "Yeah, I can finally have that long awaited shower."

"Wasn't the rain enough?" Chaser chuckles as he drapes his wing over her back.

Sunny scoffs as she rolls her eyes, "Standing under a rain cloud with a mind of its own isn't exactly a luxury shower."

"Well, when we get back, I'll give you a helping hoof in the shower." The rest of us immediately groan upon hearing Chaser's attempt at trying to get some action from Sunny. "What?" He asks defensively as he looks between us all.

"That was terrible," Georg states as he pinches the bridge of his beak.

I grin as I pivot on the spot and face Chaser. I slowly begin to gyrate my hips as I try my best at impersonating him, "Don't worry, baby. I'll help clean a... certain spot. Bow chicka wow wow." The others release a soft chuckle as Sunny's cheeks start to turn a light shade of beet red. Dropping the impersonation, I turn back towards the path. "That was terrible, Chaser. It was almost as if you've never seen a cheesy porno. Whats next? Are you gonna help her with her plumbing, or maybe deliver a pizza with extra sausage?"

Chaser gives off a sarcastic laugh, "Hillarious, John."

As we continue to walk along the road towards Ponyville, I lift my head to look to the sky overhead. I watch as the Phoenix slowly circles around us overhead, following my every move. I'm actually quite surprised that it stuck around, I guess it just appreciates the easy food and the attention it's getting. I still need to figure out if it's a male or female.

Tilting my head, I look off to the side as I remember that a certain animal specialist lives near the outskirts of the forest. Fluttershy, no doubt she'll be able to figure it out for me. Changing my course, I call back to everyone, "I'll catch up with you. I just need to make a little detour."

True to form, the Phoenix breaks off from the others and continues to follow me as I make my way down the secondary road. Reaching the small bridge that leads to Fluttershy's cottage, I come to a stop as my eyes lock on the small stream which runs below. My eyes close as I take a few deep breaths, the memory of when a Diamond Dog had almost drowned beginning to surface. Pushing that memory away, I cross the natural bridge and climb the last of the mild incline to Fluttershy's door.

When I'm about to knock on the door, the sound of the Phoenix landing on the dirt alongside me causes my eyes to lower it. Watching the bird, it seems to be gesturing its head off to the side. Following its direction, I notice it looking at a few small rabbits and other small creatures. As it takes a few hops closer, I lower my hand to block its path, "No. You can't go eating animals within Ponyville."

It's a good thing I remember reading a few small books on Phoenixes back on Earth. Despite them only being mythological creatures, all the books stated that they eat a mixture of meat and other foods. It also mentioned that Phoenixes are practically immortal, rising from their ashes if they die of old age or illness, it would only die permanently if it was physically killed by some sort of severe trauma. I guess it's hungry and wants some more dinner.

The Phoenix looks back up at me with pleading eyes as it begins to run its head against my hand. Are you trying to beg? Well isn't that cute. You're pretty smart for a bird, aren't you? I carefully pick up the Phoenix and hold my arm out, allowing it to hop along my arm to reach its perching position on my shoulder. "You can't eat any of the small animals here, only in the forest. Don't worry, I'll keep you fed and will let you out to hunt in the forest." To my surprise, the Phoenix seems to have understood what I said. It gives the slightest nod before locking its gaze on the animals again.

I'm about to turn to the door when I hear a soft humming coming from the other side of the cottage. Figuring that Fluttershy must be outside tending to some of her animals, I make my way around as I keep a hold of my bergen and rifle on my back. I slowly pace through the grass as I move around Fluttershy's home, my eyes scanning over the wide variety of woodland creatures which seem to be roaming freely.

As I move around the corner, my eyes lock onto Fluttershy as she tends to a number of chickens. I watch as she seems to be quietly talking to them as she goes about feeding and cleaning out their coop. Slowly approaching, I shake my shoulder slightly, signalling for the Phoenix to take to the air. As it starts to fly overhead, I begin to remove my bergen and rest it down on the grass alongside an outdoor table at the rear of the cottage.

Not wanting to interrupt her, or frighten her, I sit on the small wooden stool and lean back against the table as I wait for her to finish. As I enjoy having an opportunity to finally sit down and relax, I feel something thumping repetitively against the side of my boot. Looking down, I cock a brow in curiosity as a small white bunny seems to be kicking me. I lean closer to it as the creature seems to give me a death glare, "What?"

Surprisingly, the bunny seems to be trying to communicate as it gestures to my bergen and seems to point for me to either get rid of it or move it. Rolling the bergen, I notice that it's resting partially on a small blanket which must have been set out by Fluttershy for the bunny. I leave my bergen in its position as I shake my head, "You'll live for a couple of minutes."

This seems to displease it as it begins to kick my boot again with more force. I try to initially ignore it, figuring that it would get bored, but it continues to be persistent. I casually flick my boot towards it, pushing it away onto its back before lowering my boot to the ground once again. Unbelievably, it doesn't take the hint as it climbs on the end of my boot and begins trying to jump with all its might.

I scowl as I finally get fed up with it. Can you not take a hint? Piss off. I'm about to lift my foot to flick it away until Fluttershy's voice calls out to me from the coop. "J-John, what are you doing here?"

I lift my head to Fluttershy and quickly remove my scowl, "I thought I'd swing by and drop in before heading back into town. I was actually wondering if you'd be able to help me with a little something."

Fluttershy pauses briefly before hovering over the fencing surrounding her coop. "M-me? Are you certain that you need my help?"

"Well, you are an animal expert." This seems to immediately grab her attention as her speed increases, allowing her to quickly land alongside me.

Fluttershy is about to speak until the sound of a reoccurring thumping interrupts her. We both lower our gaze to my boot to find the same bunny stamping on the protective footwear. "Angel, don't be rude," Fluttershy states as she lifts the small creature and cradles it in her forehooves. "This is John. He is a friend of mine and a guest." The bunny seems to give off some sort of protest at it squeaks at its owner. After a moment, Fluttershy softly sets it on the grass before quickly flying inside.

Lower my gaze, I find myself once again in a staring match. "You're an annoying little shit, aren't you?" The bunny responds by blowing a raspberry at me, much to my own amusement. Chuckling, I shake my head, "You cheeky little bugger." Turning my head, I look up at the Phoenix which is circling overhead, its eyes locked firmly on the bunny. Deciding to have a little fun, I lean down towards the white furball. "You may wanna head inside before my Phoenix gets peckish and eats you. We've been eating nothing but rabbit flesh all week."

The bunny's eye seems to widen as I slowly draw my combat knife from its sheath. I watch with amusement as it quickly starts to rush towards the door leading into the cottage. With my fun over, I return the blade to its home as Fluttershy resurfaces from the doorway with a carrot. Coming across the bunny on the way, she seems to say something to it as she offers it the vegetable. Despite me having threatened to eat the creature, it stops to retrieve its food before continuing on its journey. As Fluttershy makes her way to me, I can't help but notice the bunny gesturing to its eyes at me, as if it's telling me that it's got its eye on me.

"Sorry about Angel," Fluttershy says as she smiles sheepishly. "He just gets a little cranky when he's hungry."

"Don't worry about it," I respond as Fluttershy sits across from me.

"Did you have any trouble with the animals in the forest?"

I shake my head, "Nah. We came across a few Timber Wolves in the forest. We were easily able to scare them off with a lot of noise and by outnumbering them three-to-one."

Fluttershy looks at me with some confusion as her mane falls over her eye, "Oh. If you had no problems with the animals, then why do you need my help? I-if you don't mind me asking," Fluttershy adds with a timid smile.

"I wanted your help with an animal I brought out with me." Before Fluttershy responds, I hold out my arm and give a high pitched whistle. On command, the Phoenix answers to my call and perches itself on my shoulder.

Fluttershy immediately moves her mane from in front of her face as she looks to the mythical bird in astonishment. "H-how did you get a wild Phoenix to come with you? Even I have difficulty approaching them."

"I came across it last year where it helped me. During the training, it seemed to remember me so I decided to feed it. It's stuck with me ever since." Turning my head to the bird, I run my hand over its head as it nuzzles against my palm. "I have no idea if it's a boy or a girl."

Fluttershy leans closer as she studies the bird intently, the creature's eyes shifting to her as she does so. It doesn't take long until Fluttershy changes her focus to me, "It's a male."

I cock a brow as I look back between the Phoenix and her, "It is? How can you tell just by looking at it?"

"Phoenix males have thicker feathers on the top of their heads, used to attract a potential partner. Their chests are also broader, showing off their strength." Fluttershy holds her hoof out to the Phoenix which hops from my shoulder onto his new temporary perch. "You're a beautiful Phoenix." The Phoenix coos as it rubs its head across Fluttershy's mane, "You're welcome."

"Do you know much about them? I only know what I read in old fictional stories back home."

Fluttershy nuzzles the Phoenix before turning her attention to me. "Well, Phoenixes rarely attach themselves to anypony. They mostly keep to themselves but will interact with other creatures and ponies. They have a varied diet, from small rodents to a variety of herbs and plant life. They are almost immortal, living for centuries upon centuries. They mostly die when they reach the end of their life cycle, being particularly vulnerable to predators in the wild."

I smirk as I run my hand through my dirty hair, "You seem to know quite a bit about them."

"Oh, not at all. I've only been close to one before this, Princess Celestia's pet."

"Princess Celestia has a Phoenix?"

Fluttershy nods, "The Princess told me that she had Philomena since her and Luna ruled side by side. Philomena decided to... have a little fun with me, playing a prank and pretending to be sick. I had never seen a Phoenix before then, I didn't even know that much about them."

Giving another whistle, the Phoenix jumps back onto my outstretched arm. "I guess I'll have to give him a name then?" Fawkes? Nah, everyone will think of that one, too easy. It does rise from its own ashes, Ember? It could work, though it seems a little morbid. How about something military, Tornado or Typhoon? Maybe, but if it'll live for centuries then he won't need a military name. I keep my eyes locked on it as another name slowly surfaces in my mind, "Arcturus." The Phoenix seems to respond as it gives a soft shriek in approval.

Fluttershy chuckles at his display, "I think he likes it."

I lightly scratch on the underside of his beak as I look at Fluttershy, "He sure does. Now I've just got to train him and get some supplies set up for him at the barracks." I slowly stand up as I reach for my bergen, "You wouldn't happen to have any advice for me, would you?"

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Friday 2nd May 2014
Ponyville Barrack
09:46

"So it's finally fully operational?" I ask Dawnstar as I look to the finished product on the table.

Dawnstar gives an eager nod, "Fully tested and fully operational. We can now manufacture it effectively and distribute it to members of the Guard." I lower my arm onto the table and lift up the item in question, the L14A1 combat shotgun. Dawnstar and I spent the previous days working on its design to get it operational as soon as we can. It's made with the main body and barrel being constructed from cobalt blue steel, and the fore end and stock are made from walnut. It is designed in such a way that the first shell is fed into the weapon system through the port, allowing the rest to be inserted via the magazine tube, holding a total of six 12 gauge shells. Each shell we designed holds a total of ten pellets.

Picking up the combat shotgun, I pull the fore end back slightly to see that the weapon is entirely empty. Knowing that it's safe, I shoulder the weapon and aim it towards my armour mannequin. "It looks good. Did you also develop the model with a vertical grip of the fore end?"

"I did," Dawnstar states as she eyes Arcturus sitting on his perch.

Hooking the weapon's sling over my back, I grab my beret and fit it over my head as I look to Arcturus. Fluttershy was able to give me a couple of books about Phoenixes in order to let me learn more about the species, she also provided me with a stand for him and a variety of foods to keep him fed. He's not a high maintenance pet, he mostly cleans and preens himself as I go about my other duties. I also took the liberty to make him a raised shelter in the yard, that allows me to let him out at night to go hunting for his own food in the Everfree then he can return to the yard for shelter.

"Come on," I state to Dawnstar. "Let's join the others on parade. They're probably bored senseless waiting for me." As we move to step out of the office, I glance back to Arcturus who is watching me from his perch, "You coming?" Instead of flying to me as I expected him to he goes about digging his beak under his wing. Shrugging I close the door behind me, "Suit yourself."

Dawnstar and I quickly make our way outside and move around to the rear of the building to join the entire garrison who are waiting for me on parade. Stepping through the courtyard gates, Lieutenant Venture calls for everyone to stand at attention. As I approach him, he turns fully to me and gives a salute which I quickly return. When I stand at the front of the parade, I pause when I see an unexpected guest. Standing at the rear of the courtyard is Luna alongside a number of her own personal guards, all of which are equipped with our rifles.

Looking over the parade, I stand directly in the centre of the group. "Stand at ease!" Upon my command, everyone stands at ease as they all keep their eyes locked forward. "As you are all likely aware, I took out my squad to conduct the trials for phase two training. Starting from next week, you will all go out with members of my team who will carry out the training where you will spend seven days in the field. Just like phase one, you cannot fail this test. If you fail, then tough shit, I will personally sign your papers and have you removed from the Rangers for being unfit for service. Do you all understand?"

"Yes, sir!" Everyone in the parade shouts out in unison.

Taking a hold of the sling, I move the shotgun in front of me and hold it up. "Now for the reason that you're all out here today. This is our newest weapon, the L14A1 combat shotgun. This weapon is designed for close quarters combat, the shell holds multiple ball bearings instead of a single projectile that our rifles use." Holding out my hand, Dawnstar levitates a small box containing shells onto my open palm.

I slowly begin to load the shotgun as I continue to address the unit. "You will all have the opportunity to carry out weapon handling tests in order to qualify to use this in combat. Not every soldier will be issued with these, there will most likely only be one or two in a squad who receive this. These weapons are designed to hit targets in a narrow arc directly in front, so you don't need to have your sights secured on the target in order to hit it. The weapon allows the ball bearing to spread as they exit the barrel, hitting the target in multiple locations." With the weapon loaded, I look to Luna at the back. "Princess, would you be so kind as to use a spell to stop anyone outside the courtyard from hearing the weapon firing? We don't want the town panicking."

Luna does as I ask and casts a spell, a transparent blue dome surrounds the entire courtyard. As Dawnstar levitates a number of mannequins to the side, I step away from the parade so everyone can see me. Shouldering the weapon, I take aim down range at the targets before me.

PHAT - PHAT - PHAT - PHAT - PHAT - PHAT

Pulling back on the fore end, the last cartridge is ejected and clatters at my feet. Looking to the targets, I can see that each has a main impact point where a majority of the pellets impacted. Spaced around it are a number of small entry wounds where the other pellets had torn into the body.

Ticking the shells idly to the side, I turn back to the parade as I hold the shotgun overhead. "Alright, you primitive screw heads, listen up. You see this? This is my boomstick!" I get a little side tracked as I start to pace along the line, "Retails for about $109.95. It’s got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel and a hair trigger. That’s right, shop smart... shop S-mart." As I look back at everyone, they all seem to look at me with a mixture of confusion as to what I had just said. "Fall out!" At that command, everyone comes to attention before pivoting to the right and marching off the square to return to their duties.

As the majority of the Rangers leave the courtyard, Luna and her escort make their way to me. "Captain, it seems as though you've been busy. But, what were you even saying about shopping smart?"

I chuckle to myself as I shake my head, "Nothing, ma'am. I just got a little carried away with my point." I quickly glance to her escort before locking eyes with Luna, "Are you here on official business, your majesty?"

Luna gives a slow nod, "That I am, Captain. Perhaps we should go to your office to discuss matters privately."

"By all means." Gesturing for Luna to follow me, she moves alongside me as we both make our way into the barracks and down the main corridor. I must admit that it seems a little strange addressing her formally, but I suppose it keeps up impressions that I'm just an officer under her command. Reaching my office, her escort remains outside as the two of us step in and close the door behind us. Luna instantly turns to face the door as she goes about setting up a magical barrier to prevent anyone from listening in.

"You haven't responded to any of the letters which were sent to you, John," Luna states as she remains focused on the door.

"Letters, what letters?" I ask as I sit into my chair.

"The letters regarding upcoming meetings and a date where you are to assist Fancy Pants, as we discussed previously." As Luna slowly turns to face me, Arcturus leaps from his perch and decides to claim Luna's back as his own. As soon as his talons make contact with her back, she seems to nearly jump out of her skin as she looks wide-eyed at the creature. "A-a Phoenix? What is it doing here?"

"He's my pet. Arcturus, play nice with the Princess." With that, he glides from her back and onto my desk as Luna seems to give an involuntary shudder. "Is something wrong with Phoenixes?"

Luna keeps her eyes locked on my pet as she steps to the side of my desk, "I'm just not exactly a fan of them. Too many hours spent around Celestia's has kind of put me off them."

"He ain't so bad," I respond as I lightly stroke his plumage. "He's technically still a wild Phoenix, not a household pet. I let him out at night to go and hunt for his own food in the Everfree. He kept me company during our week of training."

"I'm not disapproving of your pet, I just don't particularly like Phoenixes." As Luna joins alongside me at my chair, I click my tongue and point to Arcturus' perch signalling for him to return to it. Once he's left my desk, Luna leans closer and presses her lips softly against mine. She slowly pulls back as she smiles softly, "Did you enjoy your time in the Everfree?"

"I enjoyed it as much as you physically can enjoy an exercise in the field. Lots of cold nights, days without showering and living off shit food. It served as a good excuse to train the team in a short period of time. I want all of the Rangers to pass a number of tests in similar circumstances. Since most of our soldiers are transfers from other units, I want to make a new training regime for those who wish to join the Rangers directly from the civilian workforce."

"You wish to take on civilians to join the Rangers?" Luna asks as she runs her hoof idly through the various letters on my desk.

"You remember what I requested after the girls and I followed that map to that weird cult?"

"Oh, you mean where you failed to follow my instructions?" Luna responds as she narrows her eyes slightly.

"Y-yes... that one. Well, if you recall, I requested an army base for the Rangers."

"I do," Luna responds as she starts to pace around the room. "But after giving you increased funding, which pissed off a number of other units, I don't think giving you a new army base is the greatest of ideas. Especially with what you're expected to attend tomorrow morning."

I cock as brow as I lean back in my chair, "And that is?"

Luna looks back to me as her magic lifts an envelope from her seat containing her sister's royal seal. "Did you simply decide not to open it because it wasn't from me?" I can only offer a shrug in return. To be honest, I was away for a week then working for the entire time I was back. Peeling the seal away, Luna removes the letter and presents it to me. "You're expected, as the commanding officer of a significant military unit, to attend an annual security meeting. It will cover a number of issues, and allow you to raise your own concerns and plans which you'd like support on."

I scan through the letter as I rub my chin, "I'd better attend, then. If you gave me all that funding and I'm not seen to have any results, or even attend these sorts of events, everyone will think something is going on."

"It also wouldn't look good if your second in command was to attend and you didn't."

"Yeah... looks like I'm coming. I can try proposing the army base tomorrow."

Luna slowly shakes her head, "I can't be seen to approving all of your decisions. Not to mention the fact that you'll likely get some opposition from the other officers."

"I'll just use some key words, make them realise that it benefits them as well."

"Benefit them, how?"

I rise from my seat and move alongside Luna, "The military is primarily trained in defence and guarding you and the other Princesses. They lack a number of skills for front line combat, they weren't even trained in battlefield first aid. I'll propose that the military base is to be used by all units in the Equestrian military in order to improve a variety of skills. Think of it as an army college, preparing new recruits for a life within the military. We train them to a minimum standard, then they'll be able to choose which unit they wish to continue their training and enlist with."

Luna slowly nods her head as she considers everything I just said. "When you put it like that, there is a possibility that it could work. But, I'm guessing that there is an additional advantage for the Rangers?"

"It'll simply act as a home for us, a central location to store equipment and to deploy from."

Luna turns to fully face me, "Okay. Propose the idea towards the end of the meeting. I can't guarantee that it'll be accepted. You'll need to gain the support of at least half of the officers there. If you can get that support, then I will approve it. There is also the challenge of convincing my sister, but with majority support, it shouldn't prove too difficult."

"I'll just have to try." Leaning closer, I run my hand through her mane as I place a single kiss on her lips. "I'll see you in the morning, your majesty." Luna smiles softly to me as she slowly leaves my office, leaving the door open behind her as her escort follows closely behind. Stepping to the door, I lean against the frame and look to the Private who has been posted outside my office. "Private, find Sergeant Chaser and Corporal Sunny. Tell them to both to report to my office, immediately."

"Yes, sir," The Private responds as he salutes. I watch as he marches off in order to find the two in questions. As he moves out of sight, I move back into my office. I'll have to train Sunny up on how to use the shotgun, that way we'll be able to show off our progress. I'll even have to work to make the last tweaks on the weapon system for the Pegasi, I'll give it to Chaser so we can show the Wonderbolts and other aerial units the progress we've made on their behalf.

I'd better prepare for the Ruperts to get pissy at me.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to everyone who voted on the name of John's Phoenix.

Based on the popular view that it should be a male, I went for the name which had a good number of votes and particularly to me.
Thanks, ItsDaKoolaidDude and grievousrommel for suggesting the name Arcturus.

In the future, I will try to make more areas where readers can vote in order to affect the story.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.