Guardian

"...And to conclude, you all have been either chosen, volunteered, or brought in by luck. Welcome to The Organization." Princess Luna said.

We were seated on what seemed like a futuristic steeple. I saw people stand and start to clap, being a follower, I did the same. I could hardly beleive my eyes or ears.

Equestria is real, and it's taking in recruits.

We were sent on our way when my dad stopped me.

"Come on, I'll show you around." He said as he ruffled my hair.

I followed him as he showed me around. We stopped at the center when Dad turned around.

"Luna! Um... how has it been?" Dad stammered.

"Quite fine. I see you finally involved your son..." Luna said.

Resisting the urge to freak out, I turned around and saw a hoof near me. I took it and shook it.

"Princess Luna, it's an honor..." I said.

"Oh, please. I am not a princess in here. I'm simply a founder, I am not even the leader. Consider me your equal." Luna said.

I was stunned as she walked away. My dad tapped my shoulder.

"Come on. I still gotta show you my favorite place: The Armory."

The what?

We went into a large room where all kinds of spears, crossbows, and futuristic weapons hung up on walls.

"Whoa..." I said.

"Yeah, we build these weapons after the Changeling attack. We used these to prepare for another Changeling attack. I decided that they should attempt to make muskets. We did, and we incorperated the tech into the spears." Dad went up to grab one.

"Here, have a feel of it." Dad handed it to me.

I saw if there was any... ammo in it.

"Don't worry, it only runs on magic." Dad said.

I saw that it actually felt like a rifle. I held it like a spear, and then like a rifle. I felt good to use on the battlefield.

"Seems nice. How is it when it's used?" I asked.

"Pretty damn good. It doesn't have any kick to it, has practically unlimited ammunition, AND it also suits the Canterlot Royal Guard's primary weapon of choice, only it has some Earth on it." Dad said.

"Nice..." I said as I placed the weapon where my dad grabbed it.

"Don't get excited just yet. Now comes the most exciting part of the tour: Our base in Equestria."

Equestria... The word echoed in my head and rang in my ears.

Finally, I could see what the show left out.

Trust me, it was a lot.

For starters, you know that one lesbian shipping-- Bon Bon and Lyra? Well, turns out it's true! Bon Bon was an agent for us for the past few years, according to my father.

"You know, things can be... confusing around here, it's not word-for-word after the show..." Dad told me.

"Yeah, I see that." I said.

The first thing I noticed was, although still quite horse-like, they do walk on 2 legs, wear clothes, and have fingers.

So that's where the anthro stuff comes from...

After we worked our way around town, we made it to where we were headed: The Friendship Castle.

If I was alone and no-one was around me, I would've squealed.

We went inside and we were able to see the base-- underneath the castle.

"Please tell me you won't freak out..." Dad begged.

"Look, I'll be fine... I hope." I said under my breath.

We went inside and the first thing we saw was the Mane 6 with some of the representatives we saw back at The Organization. I recognized one of them, it was Coach Ron.

"Hey, Doug's back!" Ron said.

"Yeah, I figured I'd show my son around, first day and all." Dad said.

"Always nice to see new recruits." Rainbow Dash said.

Someone please don't pinch me. I don't wanna wake up...

I was grateful that I wasn't alone, or I'd faint. We took our seats and we heard about the problem.

Changling movement near the Everfree Forest.

"I'm telling you, they were scouting us!" A representative said.

"If they were, they'd be diguised. They could be in this room, right now..." Another representative said.

"Ugh, don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Nana hissed.

"Yeah, what if she's one of them? I don't mean anything, I just wanted to throw an idea around." The second representative said.

"Why don't we ask the new guy? You said he was a Brony, right?" Ron asked my dad.

"Yep. Guess it paid off..." Dad said.

"Alright, Mr..."

"James. James Lake." I said.

"Alright, what do you think, Mr. Lake?" The first representative asked.

I was honestly not sure, but an idea struck me.

"Maybe they weren't scouting or hiding. Maybe they're set up in the Everfree. No-one's ever been completely inside of it, right?" I asked.

"Sweet Celestia, he might be right! We never have been near the Everfree ever since the Organization was established. What if they do have a camp inside? Like a base or something?" Twilight asked.

"And the animal mating cycle's coming up... oh, my Lord, they could be using that to survive!" Dad said.

"Alright, we need to send a small team inside of the Forest, at least 10, with Spear Muskets at the ready in case of attackers." Ron said.

"We could try the Barracks, but we're low on troopers." Ron said.

I wish I could say that I was silent, but I had to use this opportunity.

"I'll go." I said.

Everyone turned to me and were clearly thinking.

"Well, then. Ambitious. That kind of personality makes a great soldier. I should know, I was part of the local NGO before this. I've seen plenty of good troops, they all have a sort of look in their eyes. I look at you, and I see someone who wants to pull their weight. I like that. Douglas, if it's okay with you..." The first representative said.

"How much time do we have?" Dad asked.

"The mating cycle starts about 2 weeks from now. That seems like plenty of time for him to get basic training. He should be able to understand the terrain of the Everfree and learn how to use a Spear Musket by then." Ron said.

"Alright, then. 1 down, 9 to go..." Dad said.

Time for training.