I woke up before the sun was able to peek over the horizon, groaning softly as I got out of bed and slipped into my armor, strapping Celestia's knife to my belt as I stepped out of the room. My feet led me to Thor's room, or maybe it was just dumb luck, regardless of whatever force brought me, I knocked.

"Yeah, c'mon in." He said from inside.
I opened the door and was surprised to find Thor up and ready to go, "Well, color me impressed." I said, raising my eyebrows.

He chuckled, "Please, compared to the hours I used to work, this was like sleeping in." He stepped into the hall and looked at me, "So, we doin' this training or what?" He asked, smirking.

I nodded, "Yeah, we are." A thought came to mind, "How about you go and get the others up? I have to handle something. I'll meet you all out in front of the castle, yeah?" He gave an exasperated sigh, but went down the hall towards the other trainees. I walked over to the Throne Room and was happy to find Luna seated in her throne, staring out at the last of her moon as it set.

She looked towards me as I walked in, "Hello John, to what do I owe the pleasure?" She asked, giving me a kind smile as she waved me forward.

I smiled and walked up to her, "Not much, I just wanted to say goodbye before I took my team out to train them. I just..." I paused, "I dunno, I felt like it would be right to see you before I left."

Luna gave a soft smile and put a hoof on my arm, "I appreciate it John." She gave me a gentle push, "Now go on, you have ponies waiting for you." I bowed and left, walking out to the front of the castle and finding my future team waiting for me in various states of agitation.

They all perked up a bit as I walked down to them, then put on faces of concern as I walked past, "C'mon, I want us in the Everfree before noon." I said bluntly.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie will not be spoken to-" Trixie began in her usual haughty tone.

I growled softly then grabbed her legs with a lasso of earth and hung her upside down in front of me, "Lesson one," I said loudly, glaring at Trixie and looking back at the now wide eyed group, "During this training, you will obey any orders I give, without question, comment, or snarky reply." I Glared at Trixie again, "Lesson Two: I don't care where you are from, who you know, what you do, or what you've done, during this training you will abandon any sense of superiority you may have because I will tear you down and, if necessary, I will BEAT this lesson into you with whatever I have on hand!"

I dropped Trixie unceremoniously onto the ground, "AM I UNDERSTOOD?" I shouted, looking at the whole group.

Trixie whimpered softly as she stood up, while Big Mac glared at me, his nostrils flaring.

I looked at Ace, who cringed slightly, "Help her out." I said, turning to look down the road, "The rest of you, follow me, that is an order." I started walking again and, after a moment's pause, I heard the soft clacking of claws and hooves following behind me.

(For the sake of both authenticity and time, I won't try to pretty up what happened during the next few months in the Everfree Forest, instead I will take the notes directly from a small journal I kept at the time.)

Day 1: We have entered the Everfree and I had the group set up camp in a small clearing. Big Mac, while still giving me dirty looks, was able to quickly set up a small campfire, showing the others how to do it as well. Given that we had made a hard march to the Everfree, the group was tired, so I spent the rest of the day showing them all basic camping skills, along with foraging and some first aid skills.

Thor: Seemed a little disappointed about the incident with Trixie, but was quick to shrug it off later that night. Lifted the group's morale with some songs and stories about his work in Manehatten. Had a good dialogue with Arrell.

Lionheart: Shows a lot of promise, given that he has military background. The incident with Trixie didn't seem to phase him, probably due to a boot camp type experience. Hoping to turn him into a possible second-in-command, given his past leadership experience. Gets along well with Ace.

Ace: Has a good heart, probably going to go along with idea of making him a medic, at the very least teaching him more advanced aiding skills. Was visibly shaken at the sight of what I did, so it's likely I won't be able to use him in combat situations. Gets along well with everyone, prefers Lionheart.

Arrell: Seems to respect me, maybe fear me a little, after the incident. Hoping I don't have to discipline him at all, but I don't expect the need to. Had a good talk with Thor.

Trixie: Got some of her vim and vigor back when we had settled in for the night, but lacked some of her usual gusto. Has promise, but needs to get rid of the attitude, hoping I don't have to beat it out of her. Seemed to hover near Big Mac after the whole thing was said and done.

Big Mac: Is pretty upset with me, I'll have to keep an eye on him. Took well to the camping lessons and has some knowledge of the Everfree. Seems to want to protect Trixie after the incident. Hoping to set him up as a second-in-command if Lionheart can't fit the bill.

Day 15: So far the whole group shows little progress. I've had them do a lot of physical and mental exercises and, while adequate, their skills are incredibly varied and specialized, making individual training sessions a must. On a positive note, they do seem to get along well enough, working together to keep the camp supplied with food, water, and keeping it clean. So far I've kept two small attacks away from the camp as the group is not ready for actual combat. I have set them up to spar each other on a rotating schedule for now, but I will have to face them myself soon enough in order to prepare them for an actual monster.

Thor: Has a lot of promise for combat from what I can observe, but has little ability to think creatively. His flight capabilities are exceptional, easily flying circles around Ace and giving Arrell a tough time in keeping up. He seems to respect Trixie's magical abilties, but doesn't like much else about her. He gives Big Mac a grudging sort of respect, doing the same for Lionheart. Has expressed a desire to spar with me several times.

Lionheart: Pulls the group together and is able to exert some command over them. Has some promise in combat and strategy, but lacks any and all ability to think creatively, probably due to his military training, preferring to resort to methodical military style tactics. Often comes up to me for further directions to dole out to the others. He and Ace are easy friends now, sharing stories and working well together. Says that Thor is are too unpredictable to work with, but is willing to do so if I command it. Seems to have taken Arrell under his wing in matters of teaching him formal fighting styles. He and Big Mac get along, due to their past work at the Acres. He seems rather neutral towards Trixie, respectful but not friendly.

Ace: Definitely not suited for combat, though he is surprisingly good at redirecting blows. I'll have Celestia or Luna send a crossbow over and see if he's a good shot, since we need a ranged fighter to work with Trixie. I will also start teaching him some emergency first aid techniques, should we need them in the future. Shares a decent bond with everyone, particularly Lionheart. Is developing a decent relationship with Trixie. Seems to admire Thor's fighting and flying abilities. Like to fly with Arrell on a casual level. Shares a love of some pony poet with Big Mac, I often see them comparing their favorite works.

Arrell: He's lost some of his cockiness and seems to take the training a little more seriously. Looks to Lionheart for combat training and advice. Has potential for one on one fighting, but would have difficulty with large group battles. Perhaps a crossbow for him as well, to compensate for his probably inability in group combat. Gets along well with Ace and Lionheart. Doesn't seem to like Trixie's attitude, but recognizes her magical power. Gives Big Mac a wary eye, seems like Arrell wants to spar with him. Constantly trying to win Race against Thor but falls short, causing some frustration.

Big Mac: He seems to have simmered down a bit, but is only obeying the orders Lionheart gives. I'll have to talk with him personally, maybe have a match to show him that I'm the one he needs to listen to. Overall, however, he is definitely built for heavy combat, showing surprising skill in one on one and group combat. He has a tendency to rely on his bucking skills, which leave him open, so I will need to try and break that habit. He and Lionheart see eye to eye, giving each other a measure of respect. Big Mac tends to baby Ace, and Arell a little bit, his botherly instincts kicking in, but he doesn't do it to a degree where interference is necessary. Big Mac and Thor have had a few tense moments, but I was able to step in and settle things quickly. He seems to have taken a protector role when it comes to Trixie, especially when I happen to be nearby.

Trixie: She definitely has the magical potential I thought she'd have and more, but her attitude still makes her difficult to work with. However, on a positive note, her showboating habits frightens off smaller animals and her skill with illusions can make simple spells seem more elaborate and dangerous.

Her ability to grasp a situation and flex to it is astounding, most likely due to her background as a showpony. She shys away from me a little bit when I walk by, but seems more confident when Big Mac is nearby. With the others, however, she has yet to form a strong bond, as her attitude makes it difficult for the others to get close to her.

I'll put in an order for some supplies to Celestia and Luna, once they get here I'll start sparring with the recruits and bumping up their training to specialized lessons.

Day 30: The Princesses were quick to fill my order for supplies. I was sent a few sets of training armor, several crossbows with a few quivers of bolts, magic restricting rings, some training daggers, training swords, two training claymores, and a training war hammer. I've had each recruit wear their armor constantly since the day it came in, so they can get used to moving in with the added weight. I've also let several small wild animals slip into the camp intentionally to test their newly acquired skills and, while they were able to handle them, they didn't do so without a number of injuries. I'll have to teach them brutality soon, along with control, though killing will not come for some time.

Thor: He's strong enough that I was confident he could handle medium armor, even when flying, and my confidence wasn't misplaced. He was definitely slower for a few days, and his movements weren't as wide, but he was able to regain his lost speed after getting somewhat accustomed to the new weight. I gave him the war hammer, as a bit of irony but also to work with his brute force style of fighting. His tension with Big Mac has vanished as the chance to fight me came forth. He has started listening to Lionheart whenever he relays my orders. Seems to have taken a shining to Ace, helping him get accustomed to the new armor/weight. Has been helping Arrell by doing mid-air combat training, getting Arrell used to his new armor. With the lack of tension between the two, Big Mac and Thor have become competitive rivals, each trying to outdo one another in strength and stamina. Thor has tried several times to talk to Trixie, but the situations have been rather awkward. They were able to strike up a good dialogue when he started telling her about old griffon folklore.

Ace: I had to give Ace the lightest armor available with lots of pockets, given his role would be that of a medic and crossbow pony. He seemed unsure about shooting other living beings, but I'll handle that in time, as he is an amazing shot. I also gave him several books on emergency medical treatment, medicinal herbs, and various illnesses for him to study whenever he had free time. While he didn't seem too terribly interested at first, I've caught him with his nose buried between the pages on several occasions. He and Thor have been working together to help each other with their armor. Ace seems to listen to Lionheart at the drop of a hat now, no longer questioning his orders. Has been training with Arrell to fly fas-

.

…

…..

…...

(About 4 weeks(?) later.)

Where do I begin? Well, currently, I am sitting in the middle of a large white void alongside some "dead" gods/goddesses and am stuck with an incredibly tough choice... I guess I should explain.

Whilst filling out my journal entry, I received a message from Celestia via whatever crazy farking magic she used to send it to me in the middle of no where. In short she and Luna had received reports of what appeared to be a cult raiding a village out in the countryside. Apparently the size of the raiding party was too big for the lone pegasus passing by to do anything about it, so they had made a beeline for Canterlot and reported the situation. Celestia and Luna both knew it wasn't something the Royal Guard could handle, trained as they were, they weren't prepped to handle this kind of ordeal, so they immediately sent for me and my hardly trained team.

By "sent for me and my team" I mean, they sent a note that said, "Don't Panic" and teleported all of us into the Throne Room at the same time, explained the situation to me while the others flailed and freaked out as they were, abruptly, woken up by the cold marble floor. One explination later I got the usual cavalcade of protests and agreements which were quickly silenced by a glare and the cracking of the marble floor around them. I turned back to the Princesses and told them it would take at least two days to prep the whole team for an investigation and possible assault, factoring in the reality that my team needed to be equipped with real armor and weapons. Celestia and Luna seemed slightly upset by the delay, but nodded in understanding. I bowed and turned to my team, immediately ordering them to the Forge Master's lair to begin fitting them with weapons and armor. I heard Trixie grumble slightly, but they all went with a guard to guide them. I sighed softly and looked at the Princesses, "They aren't ready, you know." I said, running my fingers through my hair, "Goddess, they barely know how to hold their weapons properly, let alone use them in combat."

Celestia closed her eyes and gave a soft sigh, "I realize it will be difficult John, but you must get this under control, if not for Equestria, then for us." She opened her eyes and, for a moment, I saw a tired ruler who had been alive for centuries and not the usual Princess we were all so accustomed to beholding.

Luna nodded and walked over to me, "My sister speaks truthfully John. We know it will be a challenge at under the best circumstances, but you must learn the cause of this event and stop it." Luna looked over at Celestia, "Tia, go to sleep, I'll keep John company." Tia looked like she was about to object, but a large yawn cut her off, "Go on Tia, I promise to tell you if anything happens." Luna smiled at Celestia as she walked off, then turned to me, "We have to talk John." She said in a grim tone.

I nodded and followed her to a small balcony overlooking a moonlit Canterlot, "You seem concerned." I said, leaning on the railing.

Luna stood beside me and looked up at her moon, "Anyone in my position would be, though my worry is not for the reason you would expect." I cocked my eyebrow as she paused, "Did you know that, for hundreds of years, the moon has been associated with foresight?"

I nodded again, "Yeah, we had the same sort of stories in my world. Still do actually, though its more in fairy tales."

Luna smiled softly, "Well, another thing our worlds have in common." She chuckled softly, "Well, in this world at least, there is reason for it." She turned towards me, "You see, myself and those who are of a lunar persuasion can, on occasion, see into the future."

I raised my eyebrow higher, "Is that uncommon?" I asked, thinking about the fact that the whole of this world was filled with crazy magic.

Luna nodded, "While time travel is possible for us ponies, we can only ever go back to the past for a brief moment. The future is unattainable, except for those of us who can catch the occasional glimpse of it."

"Ah, so what does this have to do with me?" I asked, leaning back against the railing and crossing my arms.

Luna was silent long enough that I nearly repeated my question, "I saw you with a group of ponies I once knew and..." She looked down and then over at me, "Just be sure of your choices John, that is the most I can honestly tell you." She turned and wrapped one of her wings around my shoulders, "Join me in my quarters tonight John." She said bluntly, leading me with her wing.

"I, uh, what?" I took a second to gather my thoughts, "Luna, I'm flattered but-"

She giggled, "Not like that, just share the bed with me tonight, please?" She gave me a soft smile with big eyes that I couldn't say no to.

"Fine, fine, just stop with the face." I replied, smirking and falling properly into step beside her. We stayed in a content sort of silence as we walked to her room, the sound of our steps softly echoing through the empty hall. When we arrived, I noticed the room was pretty much the same since the last time I had seen it, though a few of the magical items from the old castle were about the room now.

Luna magically took off her tiara and chest piece, then went over to the bed and laid down.

She looked at me and gestured to my armor, "Take all of that off, please. It must be uncomfortable to sleep in." She said.

I shrugged and began taking off the armor, "You get used to it after a while." I said, slipping the gauntlets off. In a few minutes I was down to my boxers, my armor and the clothes I wore under it resting neatly in a corner, "Better?" I asked, feeling weirdly light now that the armor was off.

Luna smiled, "Much." She patted the space beside her with a hoof.

I settled in beside her, my hands behind my head, "Luna, what exactly did you see?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"... I would recommend that, tomorrow, you go down to Ponyville and talk to those mares you were familiar with while your team is fitted." She said.

"Um, okay, why?" I asked, rolling over to look at her.

She looking me in the eye and gave me what may have been the saddest smile I've ever seen, "See them John, it will do you some good." She wrapped her hooves around my shoulders and pulled me into her chest, "Now sleep, I'll wake you at the right time." She started humming softly, a tune that felt familiar in the back of my head, but couldn't quite be placed.

I was going to object and try to grill her for some answers, but her fur was soft against me and I was tired and the bed was so soft compared to the forest floor, so I was out in a matter of moments.

(*hides behind a large shield* Okay, here's your chapter!

Sorry this took so long guys, but SO MUCH SHIT has been going on in my personal life what with school, work, my old laptop just about exploding, I was delayed, a lot... Sorry. _

Anyway, here it is, as always I appreciate your input and comments, and ask that you continue to tell me what you do and don't like.

On another note: I'll soon be attempting to start a new story, either a clop-fic or an original story featuring an OC character of mine.

Hell, I'll even take requests from y'all about stories you would like me to write, provided they aren't stupid ideas. ^_^

All Glory To The New Lunar Republic, the next chapter will start Tuesday and I'll ttyl.)