The only word my brain could think of in reply was, "Fuck."

She did not appreciate my response. "I'll ask again," Slowly raising her voice, but still in a playful way. "What, are you, doing, on my, moon." She gradually made her way towards me as she spoke, which led to her being inched from my face....well, chest. She was rather small.

Looking down at her with a nervous chuckle. "Heh, I got lost?" I said with my best winning smile. All I got in return was the 'woman look'. You all know what I mean. The 'Oh really!' look that everyone dreads. I sighed and came out with the truth. I'm an idiot but pissing off royalty isn't really my cup of tea. "I was doing a bit of training where I thought I could get some privacy. I was unaware you actually owned the moon."

She looked me up and down in a questioning fashion before replying. "That is a fairly likely story." She kept her eyes on me and went silent for a moment. "I suppose you can continue, seeming as no harm seems to have come to my moon. However, may I enquire as to how you got up here?"

I figured revealing my hand to someone that doesn't completely trust me yet was a bad idea. I put on a smirk as to not come across as too serious and responded with, "That is for me to know and for you to never find out!"

My response got a giggle out of her. "You are a strange one Mr. Elvenkind."

"Why thank you!"

The princess of the night then took her leave and left me to train. Again, no real progress. Just a few more kunais and a better understanding of my body's capabilities. A lot of todays training was just running. I needed to test my speed out properly. For the results, lets just say I can run around this moon in under 5 seconds. I know, I know I'm amazing. No need to applaud.

Once I had finished I returned home to find quite the scene. Opening the door revealed a rather panicked looking Twilight rushing around the house, probably looking for something. She didn't notice me at first, so I just observed her odd behaviour from the doorway. She then began to murmur. "He couldn't have just disappeared! Maybe a note?! We did everything right! The princesses did say he was a man of high stature but did our town really bore him so?!"

This prompted me to worry. What did the princesses tell her? And why did she think I would just up and leave?

I quickly shut down her little breakdown by walking up behind her and rapping my arms over her shoulders, as she was too small to hug properly whilst standing up. "Hey there," I said in a calming tone. "now what would make you think I would just up and leave? And more importantly, why are you so worried about it?"

I felt her sag in my arms in relief. She came out of my embrace, turned around, and gave me the most heartfelt hug I had ever felt. "Oh thank god!" She practically shouted into my chest. "When you didn't answer the door, everyone got worried since you never mentioned having plans, no one else knew where you were!" She was now balling into my bare chest which wasn't fun.

Still in my calming tone, and now rubbing her back because people feel comforted when you do that for some reason. "I get all that. But why the tears?" I decided to make light of the situation. "Am I really just that nice to look at?"

She giggled through the sobs and spoke. "You can't just get to know us all, make us hate spending time without you, and then just vanish. Everyone's heart broken!" The people of this world truly have some attachment issues. I've been here less than a week and they can't be apart from me. I'm humbled but still.

I began to rub the back of her head a little and held her tighter. "I don't know why you'd think I'd get bored, and I'm not sure what Celestia and Luna told you, but I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

She lifted her tear covered face off of my chest and looked up at me with hope in her eyes. "You mean it?!" I nodded. "Pinkie Promise?!"

I nodded again. "Pinkie Promise." She then went back to balling into my chest. This was concerning. What did the princesses say? What did she mean by 'man of high stature'. It didn't make any sense.

We stayed stood still for god knows how long, which I hated. If you haven't guessed hugs aren't really my forte. She eventually looked up at me, cleared the tears from her eyes, and said something I'll never forget. "Don't you dare change." I took it at face value, but something was off. As if she knew something I didn't. I gave her a nod as my answer before changing the subject.

"So, seeming as though you knocked on my door I'm assuming you needed something."

A smile came to her face as she remembered what she wished to ask. "Ah yes, me and a few others were planning on going for a drink. We wanted to know if you felt like joining!"

I gave her a soft smile and gave my answer. "Sorry Twi, but I make it a rule not to drink before a mission. I'll make up for it at some point though."

She seemed a little down for a sec, but then went back to her usual happy demeanour. "That's understandable. I'll hold you to it though!" I gave an over dramatic sigh as if dreading what was to come. The librarian chuckled at my reaction before checking her watch. "It looks like I best be off. I need to go inform everyone that you came back." Why did she word it like that? "Thanks again for comforting me and everything.........and sorry about your chest......." A slight blush appeared on her face.

I put my hand on her head and shook it a bit. "Don't worry about it! I was gonna have a shower anyway." Her blush deepened when I patted her head, which made me chuckle even further. "Aight! I'm gonna go grab said shower and then head to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." I said, rapping my arms around her.

I felt her arms curl up my back as she spoke. "Cya then." I released the hug so I could face her and boobed her on the nose. She giggled and blushed at my playfulness, before taking her leave.

Once she had left the premises, my face instantly dropped. "There's something I'm not being told......."

I decided to dwell on it later, it's been a while since I have been sent a mission. But back when I was on earth I didn't exactly have the speed and power of a comet. I was still top of my class though.

I took a very needed shower, put on nothing but jogging bottoms, and fell victim to the land of dreams.

I woke up in my own time and wasn't interrupted by someone else. I decided a pair of purple bottoms were all that was necessary. I grabbed a shower before I got changed and then made my way downstairs. Three guesses as to what I picked out from the fruit bowl, but the first two don't count. I took a bite out of the red ball of natural sugars and began preparing myself.

I equipped Chastiefol onto my back and decided upon leaving Shadowfall at home. Still need to get that satchel from Spike. I then meditated for half an hour seeming as though the sun was only jut rising. Once I had cleared my head of all thoughts unrelated to the mission, I began making my way over to the barracks.

To my luck, just the man I was looking for was also making his way there. "Lieutenant!" I shouted, jogging towards him with my hand up to get his attention.

He turned around and smiled once he saw me. "Phoenix. Your up nice and early."

"Well you know, rather get this raid thingy over and done with."

He quirked a brow at me as we both made our way over to the barracks. "I'm afraid I don't understand?"

It was my turn to quirk a brow at him now. "The raid. It is today if I'm not mistaken?"

He stopped in his tracks which caused me to do the same. "I believe you are mistaken. The mission will take place tonight."

"Why not now?"

He gave me the 'are you an idiot' look, which I did not appreciate. "What would we gain from attacking them in broad daylight? I thought you of all people would understand the boon that is the element of surprise."

That kind of rubbed me the wrong way, but I realised where he was is coming from. However, I am not stupid. "I thought you of all people would realise that they can see in the dark. Ever wandered how they fair so well in combat when it's pitch black? It's because to them it's broad daylight."

His shocked expression was quite the spectacle. "Truly?"

I began walking again as I answered. "Indeed." He caught up to me, now standing at my side, but did not say a word for a while.

We walked for another five minutes or soo before he questioned me again. "How is it you know so much about fang analogy?"

A slight smile came to my face as I replied. "Experience."

Once we had arrived, he lead me to his office where we found Blossomforth sat on his desk.

When she saw us arrive she hopped of the desk and greeted us. "Hey you two! How's it going?"

Shrugging my shoulders. "Can't complain."

Thunderlane walked past us and sat at his desk. "Sleep hasn't come to me easy but I'm doing alright. You?"

Blossom smiled and pulled a playful salute. "I'm doing just fine sir!"

The sergeant went and took her spot on top of the desk, and I leaned against a locker to the right of the room. "So," Thunderlane began, "I never asked you, what brings you here?"

"Honestly I assumed we were starting the mission first thing in the morning."

Blossomforth cut in before Thunderlane could reply. "Why would we attack in broa-"

I cut her off. "Been there done that. We've already established that they can see just fine in the dark."

Before Blossom cold respond to my claim the Lieutenant spoke. "Do you suggest we complete the mission now?" I nodded. He then turned to Blossom. "Get your gear on, we leave in ten." Blossom went to complain but the look Thunderlane gave her motioned against it. He turned his attention back to me, "I suggest you get your gear on as well."

"Already have." I said, gesturing to my attire. Or lack there of.

He gave me a questioning look but just accepted it. "Each to their own I guess." He then began making his way out of the room. I followed him to the armoury were he began to get suited up. He was now clad in black armour. It was your typical spartan set but covered his arms and waist, making him heavier. However, I do know of basic weight changing spells so I'm sure they way the same as any normal set.

Once he was ready, we met up with Blossom outside the building and made our way to the bridge. Once we reached the forest border. We stopped and prepared our self for the task. And with a deep breath, we were off.

The journey through the god forsaken place was short. Thankfully, my companions had enough stamina to run there and still be in fighting form. I had to slow down a considerable amount so they could keep up, but they don't need to know that. Once we were within five hundred meters, we took cover behind some shrubbery. Due to my time in the military, that being the majority of my life, I knew the hand signs for this specific operation as I had done it multiple timed in the past. Let's just hope they use the same hand sings.

I made the gestures and explained everyone's roles purely with my hands. Which left the other two shell shocked, but they nodded none the less. Although I did have to put a finger under Blossoms mouth and close it (which she didn't realise).

And on the count of five, we made our move. Thunderlane ran off to the left of the camp and Blossom joined him about a minute later to allow enough distance. The full plan was to start off with a wide circle, and slowly close the gap as I fought in the centre. After another minute passed, I sent out Chastiefol to finish the circle. I then sat, waiting for the lieutenant to complete a full circle around the target. Not long after sending my spirit spear, he ran past with a small nod, which told me they were unspotted. That's when I made my move.

Dashing towards the base of operation, I began taking in it's features. It honestly reminded me of a classic camping site for school kids. With some minor differences of course. Those being the racks of weapons ranging from wee daggers to swords the size of a teen. -I suspect they took them from unknowing travellers-, body bags with red fluids leaking out, the odd severed limb here and there, and a little girl being slow roasted on top a campfire. The site brought me to knew levels of rage.

Using my breakneck speed, I was already at the fire, and had already put it out with fire bending. This just turned into a whole knew situation. I wasn't going to 'shut down' the ghouls. I was gonna slaughter them.

I untied the girl and placed her on the ground. I then helped her take the gag out of her mouth and kneeled down in front of her. All she had on was a torn up pillow case. Her long blond hair was covered in blood and was rather crusty. Her eyes, bright green and filled with tears.

She was silent the entire time, her eyes bloodshot as she silently cried. She hugged her shaking self and stared at the ground, or from any one else's point of view whatever was behind it. I began to get the feeling she had been through more than I had seen.

After the thought hit my mind, I cracked and joined her in silent tears. I was now hugging her to no end and whispering any words of comfort I could muster as she covered my shoulder in phlegm and tears. She tensed up at first, but soon realised I was a friend. We stayed like that for a good minute before I released her. I looked her in the eyes and gave the best reshoring smile I could at the time. "What's your name sweet peep?" She didn't answer, I don't think she had the capacity to speak right now. "Don't worry, you're safe now, no one's gonna hurt you while I'm around." I pulled her into another hug, partly to comfort her, but mainly so she couldn't bare witness to the the rivers of tears I was letting out.

Letting go and standing up, I took her hand in my own and looked around for one of my team mates. After spotting Blossom running in the distance, I used my levitation to stop her and shoot her over to us. She had a very scared and confused look on her face as I placed her on the ground, and me not saying anything at first didn't answer her unasked question. I spoke in a dark and sinister tone. "Get this girl somewhere safe." Her eyes widened as she looked at the girl. The burn marks all over her arms and torso, and the campfire and stick to her left were all she needed as motivation to pull the girl into a warm embrace. After a quick nod to me, she flew off with the poor child in her arms.

I didn't move a muscle for a while. Calming down to a level at which I could think wasn't easy, and by the time I had finished seven ghouls were circled around me. Thinking back I could have easily sensed where they were before hand but like I said, my thoughts weren't and still aren't very rationalised. I looked up and pivoted on my foot to scan the area. The seven scum bags that surrounded me seemed to be the only ones here. I was going to call over the lieutenant to tell him, but that would mean I'd have to share the fun with him.

Going into this mission I was looking for an epic battle. But fuck that.

In mere seconds, they had all been penetrated by earth spikes through every hole in there body. But my precision allowed me to narrowly miss anything vital. The muffled screams of my victims were like music to my ears as I slowly walked in front of them, spitting at there faces as I went. Once I felt satisfied with there suffering, I used my air bending to create enough force to twist all of there necks at the same time. God the sound was to die for, and given my mood, it was even better.

Putting the spikes back into the ground, I was left standing amongst dead bodies, just waiting to be eaten by some random ass animal. I stood still for a while, basking in the smell of fresh blood, before I heard the faint sound of wings beating heading my way. Looking up, I saw Thunderlane land and make his way towards me, eyeing the corpses as he walked. Once he was done admiring my work he spoke in a questioning tone. "How did you-"

Cutting him off, I shook my head and quietly said, "No." Thankfully he picked up on my mental state and left it at that.

He looked over at the corpses and spoke. "Someone will come by and dispose of them, we can take our leave now." Without saying a word, I sprinted back to Ponyville, meaning I got there instantly with my rage and adrenaline boosting my speed.

Once home, I opened the door to find the main six and spike inside, chatting about this and that. However, I was in no mood for social interaction.

Rarity began to greet me, "Hey there Phoenix! We were just-" Only to be cut off from the sound of china smashing from the kitchen. Causing my unexpected, but welcome, guests to jump. The cause was from me throwing Shadowfall into a decorative plate hung up on a wall. Thankfully they got the memo and allowed me to storm up to my room without any further interruptions.

Now in my room, I put Chastiefol into its pillow form dropped it on my bed before stripping down and jumping in the shower.

I began to let all of my earlier locked up thoughts into the forefront of my mind. Is this world just as twisted as the hell hole that was earth? This place really did need saving. I can't do this. Not again. Please god not again! They're just kids!! I can't save them all!! "I can't make a decision like that again!!!"

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I don't remember much about what happened after my shout, but I awoke in my bed, with a group of girls, plus a small boy, surrounding me, with worried expressions plastered onto their faces. After I had fluttered my eyes open, I looked at my friends and decided to play dumb. "Hey guys. Anyone know how I got in this bed?" However, my chipper tone was not enough to fool anyone. In a matter of nano-seconds, I was being hugged form all seven of the cuddly bastards. We stayed like that for a short while, but they eventually let me go and went back to giving me worried looks.

Now wearing a worried smile instead, Applejack began. "You gonna tell us why we found ya on the shower floor with tears in yer' eyes? Or we gonna call it a one off?"

I gave her a small smile and said, "One off. Today wasn't easy. And you guys don't need to know." All I got in response was a load of sad smiles and another group hug.

AJ regained her up tone and addressed everyone. "Ah think we need ta let Phoenix here get changed, Ah'm sure he's had a long day." That was when I realised I was but naked under the covers I was under. I blushed at the thought of them taking me here, and so did everyone else, minus Rarity, RD and Spike.

"That's a good idea." They all left after AJ's suggestion, but before Twilight went through the door she mouthed something to me. 'We're going to have a talk.' In response, I gave her a sad smile and shook my head. This garnered a worried look from the librarian. Gesturing for her to come closer, she did so and sat on the side of my bed.

I sat myself up and began. "I'm fine Twi. Just been a while since I've been on a mission." I said with my best winning smile. She had tears in her eyes at this point.

Pulling me into a hug, she spoke softly into my ear. "If you say so." She released me from her grasp and I patted her on the head, earning me a smile just before she left.

I sensed that I was now the only one in the building, and got up to get changed. I decided to push earliers thoughts behind me, and push forward. Looking out the window, I saw the moon was out, meaning I had been out cold for quite some time. Which means it's training time! Honestly one of the best parts of the day. I literally get to piss around with super powers in a place where no one can find me, and I can't disrupt anything.

I was feeling lazy so I sat crossed legged on Chastiefol as I floated it downstairs. The girls had been nice enough to clear up the mess in the kitchen so I didn't need to worry about that. Although I didn't know where they had left Shadowfall, so I just clenched my fist and poof, it was there.

I did the usual stuff, you know the drill by now, before heading back home once more. Took a shower, had a piss, and fell asleep

I woke up to the sound of someone knocking at my door. Internally groaning, I got up and forced myself downstairs. I didn't really see the need for a shirt so I thought fuck it, pyjamas it is then! Once I was downstairs, I floated an apple to me as I walked over to the door. Opening the door revealed the Sergeant, the Lieutenant and a small girl. But before I could get a word in, the small child ran into my legs and gave me the best hug she could. That's when it hit me. This was the girl from yesterday. I couldn't tell at first considering she's now wearing a cute pink top with denim dungarees. Upon realising this, I patted her on the head before kneeling down and giving her a proper hug.

Still embracing the child, I asked the commanders a question. "Have you located her family?" The sad expressions and the slow shake of their heads was all I needed to know.

That's when I decided. No more shits and giggles. I am fixing this world, no matter the cost.

Pushing away from the hug, I looked the girl in the eyes before booping her on the nose. I hoped for laughter, but she didn't crack a smile. She just looked a bit confused by the gesture. Putting on my biggest smile, "Anyway, I never got your name sweet peep?"

Blossom went to respond for her, "We haven't managed to get her to-"

But the girl cut her off. "M-My name is....um....Rikka. Rikka Floral."

The other two seemed shocked at the revelation, which told me she hadn't talked much, or even at all. Putting my hand out and still keeping a large smile, "It's nice to meet you Rikka. I'm Phoenix Elvenkind. But you can call me Pho Pho!" Thought I'd steal Pinkies nickname. Although I did got some odd looks from my companions. Rikka took my hand and shook it, almost bewildered at the name I gave her.

"Well," Thunderlane began. "it's a shame we have to cut this short but your presence is requested in Canterlot." I shot him a look which he got the full meaning of. "The princesses have offered to take the child into there personal care until we find a more suitable home environment. The orphanages aren't exactly the safest places." My smile returned from this new info, and it gave me the confidence I needed to let go of Rikka. I then stood up (still holding the tiny hand) and nodded to Thunderlane. He then continued again, but this time with a knowing smile. "We deemed it rather unnecessary to provide you a chariot, considering a walk on the moon is commonplace for you." I returned his expression from the remark, and then proceeded to kneel back down to face Rikka.

"I gotta go sweet peep. But I promise I'll be sure to visit ASAP!" My over exertion put a small smile on her face, I then handed her back to Blossom. Thankfully she had also warmed up to her and was quite happy to oblige.

"Well, it's about time we head off. Hope to see you around Phoenix." Thunderlane said. I gave him a nod and a smile.

Blossom then spoke. "Cya Phoenix!"

However, before I could respond, we heard a small voice come from next to the Sergeant. "Bye."

All of our collected faces went from being shocked, to a wide smile as we looked at each other, knowing we did good.

Next Chapter: 8 (R) I fucked up Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 55 Minutes