"You look beautiful."

"So you keep saying," Rainbow said, turning around, the skirt of her strapless and sleeveless silver dress swaying as she did so, "And I look far too effeminate!"

"Deny it all you want Dashie, but you love getting dolled up like this."

"No I don't!" she replied folding her arms and looking away, a faint pink blush on her cheeks.

"Yes you do," Gordon replied, walking up to her hand embracing her, "Why else would you have got dressed five hours before dinner starts?"

"Maybe...I...maybe I just want to appreciate Rarity's hard work more."

Gordon raised an eyebrow, "Riiiiight. Anyway, I believe we are due to be introduced to the King before dinner."

"Yeah, isn't someone coming to get us?"

"Yeah, any time now. Followed by hours of mingling."

Rainbow groaned loudly, clearly not enthusiastic at the thought, "Did you have these dinners in the Army?"

"Yep. Hated them."

"So why do them?"

"It's inadvisable to disobey a General when you're just a lowly Second Lieutenant. Come to think of it it's inadvisable to disobey a General at all, to be honest."

"Career ending mistake?"

"Life threatening mistake more like. I remember once when a private thought it was a good idea to swear at a Regimental Sergeant Major, and then throw a punch at him."

"What happened?"

"The private was dragged away to the Provost Sergeant and never seen again."

"WHAT?!"

"He was kicked out in disgrace after serving a year in a military prison."

"He was imprisoned for a year for swearing and throwing a punch?" Rainbow asked, her eyes almost boggling out in surprise.

"Insubordination is dealt with severely in the British Army. Considering such an act would once have resulted in an execution, he got off lightly. Besides, you don't swear or attempt to punch a superior and expect get away with it. You may not like them, but they're still your superior. I remember my physical training instructor was a monumental bell-end, but I never actually told him that or gave in to the temptation to twat him one. Though I get the feeling he knew what I, and others, thought of him."

"That tough in the army?"

"Yep. You're either cut out to be a soldier or you're not.

"Speaking of a army training, haven't we been invited to observe some army recruits?"

"Yeah, it'll be interesting to watch. Chief of the General Staff Field Marshal Sir Edward Wellesley himself sent the invite, as well as dinner at his private home with his wife and family."

"Urgh," Rainbow groaned, "Does that mean I have to get all pretty again?"

"You know you're not very good at convincing me you don't like it?"

"You'll be wearing my tiara in your face if you don't shut up!"

"Now now Dashie, what would Rarity think if you damaged her fine work?"

"The tiara is mine!"

"......yours?" Gordon asked with a twisted smile.

It took a moment, but Rainbow soon realised her mistake.

"Shit."

"Worry not Dashie, your secret's safe with me."

"Thanks," she replied unconvinced, folding her arms defensively.

"Seriously though Dash, I know you don't like making it public that you like getting dressed up; I might tease but I'd never go out of my way to humiliate you."

"I know. Rarity wants me to to be more like this in public, saying it would stop ponies thinking I'm a stallion."

"Ponies think that?"

Rainbow nodded.

"I would have thought the assets on your chest and your curvy plot were clues to your gender."

"You'd think so," Rainbow replied, revelling in Gordon's comments, "But some ponies only see the 'coltish' way I act and the sound of my voice, put two and two together and come up with five."

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

"Enter!" Gordon half-shouted, slightly startling Rainbow.

The door to the bedroom opened revealing a Griffon male in full dress, his rank insignia showing him to be a corporal.

"Captain Gresley, Miss Dash, His Majesty and Her Royal Highness are ready for for you. If you would please follow me."

"Of course," Gordon replied, holding his right arm out, "Ready, Miss Dash?"

"Of course, Captain Gresley," Rainbow replied, taking his arm.

The pair followed the footman out of the door and down the ornately decorated corridor, flanked by a row of ceremonial guards also clad in full dress uniform. The walls were adorned with large paintings of highly decorated military figures of the past, basking residents and guests of the glories of the Griffon kingdom's glorious military past. The spotless, blood-red carpets, mahogany furnishings and gold trimmings oozed of royalty and grandeur.

Within a couple of minutes, the group reached the bottom of the main staircase and followed the footman through a doorway down the side of the staircase, through a narrow corridor before coming into yet another hallway with large ceiling high windows giving a panoramic view of the gardens. The footman approached a set of two large mahogany doors and turned to face Gordon and Rainbow.

"If you would please wait here a moment."

They both nodded and the footman entered the room and closed the door.

"Nervous?" asked Gordon.

"A little."

"Only a little?"

"OK, maybe a lot. We are about to meet the Griffon King and Griffons already hate ponies so it wouldn't take much to-"

The doors opened once more, revealing the footman, gesturing for the pair to enter. The footman turned to face away from Rainbow and Gordon, and spoke loudly and clearly for all the guests in the room to hear.

"Captain Gordon Gresley of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland-"

How did they know my country of origin? I'm sure I've never mentioned it.

"-and Element of Loyalty Miss Rainbow Dash of the Diarchy of Equestria."

Gordon and Rainbow entered and saw their hosts standing in their positions at a large banquet table. The footman turned once more to Rainbow and Gordon, "His Majesty King Edward and Her Royal Highness Queen Katherine, welcome you to the United Kingdom of Griffonia."

The footman extended his arm to the side, beckoning them to move as such. As they approached the table Gordon bowed as he did when meeting his former boss, known to many others as the Queen, while Rainbow curtsied.

"Rise, please," the King said, "Your gestures are appreciated, but not necessary."

Both Gordon and Rainbow stood at ease and waited for the king to speak once more.

"Do come and sit yourselves down," he said, "Can I interest you in a drink? I have an extensive collection of whiskeys and brandy, cognacs and spirits."

"A whiskey on the rocks, please," Gordon replied, "You Rainbow?"

"The same."

"Interesting," replied the king, "Ponies tend to not drink whiskeys due to their high alcohol content."

"Gordon introduced me to some of his world's drinks."

"Indeed," replied Gordon, turning to the footman, "Which reminds me..."

The footman looked at Gordon momentarily before remembering what he was referring to, "Of course, if you will excuse me, your highness."

"Of course."

The footman left the room for a brief moment before returning with an item, and handed it to Gordon.

"Thank you," Gordon said, turning to the King, "Sir, where I come from, it is customary to bring a gift for the host when invited for dinner, so I brought along a bottle from my own drink's collection."

Gordon held the box in full view, and the King beckoned Gordon forwards. He calmly approached, behaving exactly as he did when at Buckingham Palace, and stopped at arm's length from the King who took the box from Gordon.

"Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal,"

"The only bottle I have of it, and very rare," Gordon replied, "This seemed a good time to have it, that is, if your majesty would like some?"

"Of course," the King replied, excited at being the first Griffon to try a human whiskey, "We'd be honoured."

The King called for his footman to bring whiskey glasses over for everyone, as well as a bucket of ice.

"While my servants bring glasses and ice, allow me to introduce you my family," the King said with restrained excitement.

To the right of the King's seat, was an equally ornately dressed Griffon female.

"She who is my wife, Queen Katherine."

"It is a pleasure Captain, Miss Dash."

"Like wise ma'am," Gordon replied with a bow, while Rainbow curtsied.

The King moved around the table, to the right of the Queen, "Prince Bartholomew, First In Line of Succession."

Both Gordon and Bartholomew gave respectful nods while the King moved further along.

"The Princess Royal, Princess Mary."

The King continued to introduce the rest of his family, two sons and three daughters in all, with Bartholomew being almost the same age as Gordon, while the rest were aged between 17 and 24.

Shortly after introductions were complete and everyone was in their seat, Gordon sitting to the left of the King, opposite the Queen and Rainbow beside him, the footman returned with glasses and a bucket of ice. The footman placed a whiskey glass down at everyone's place while Gordon opened the bottle of whiskey, the strong smell immediately filling the noses of everyone at the table.

"Why is it called ghost whiskey?" asked Rainbow.

"Because it was made at a distillery that has since closed, making them irreplaceable and sought after by collectors and connoisseurs," Gordon replied, "Hence why they also cost a lot more."

"And we are most grateful for sharing it with us," the King replied, pouring himself a glass.

Setting the bottle down and lifting the glass to his nose, the King's senses were overwhelmed with the whiskey's rich aroma.

"By the gods, that smells wonderful," he replied, before taking a sip.

He set the glass down, and all others at the table waited expectantly for his opinion, Gordon in particular, could feel his heart beating a little faster than normal.

"An excellent whiskey."

Soon enough, everyone had started their main course. Roast beef in gravy with roast potatoes and vegetables; along with more whiskey to wash it all down with.

"I must say, Miss Dash, that I'm surprised to see a pony eating meat," the Princess Royal said.

"I bet," Rainbow replied with a small laugh and smile, "I've eaten plenty of fish before, but rarely ate red meat until Gordon arrived. Pegasi don't mind but there's always those, especially amongst non-pegasi ponies, that because they disagree with it, go out of their way to demonise anyone who does including making up all manners of accusations."

"Even we Griffon's get some flak," Prince Bartholomew replied, "It's hardly our fault we're omnivores."

"The same with humanity too," Gordon replied, "There's militant vegans and vegetarians that go so far as to feed their cats and dogs non-meat diets."

"Are they that stupid?"

Gordon nodded, "They don't get away with it though, they usually end up being prosecuted yet still don't acknowledge they did anything wrong."

"There's too many folk like that," the King replied, "Even with irrefutable evidence they still deny their crimes."

Like Celestia, Gordon thought.

"Moving onto other matters," Princess Isabel, the youngest of the siblings, said, "I must ask Miss Dash whom it was that made her dress. It's beautiful."

"Told you so," Gordon replied.

"Shut up," Rainbow muttered to him, prompting an amused smile from the King and Queen.

Rainbow turned her attention to the Princess, "My good friend Rarity made it, and the many other dresses I have."

Princess Isabel's eyes lit up with glee and a very noticeable smile as wide as her face appeared, "I must commission her...if that is permitted."

She cast a glance over to her father, who, not even looking up from his beef steak answered, "Be sure to use go through the correct diplomatic channels, and use your own funds. The tax payers will have my head if they found out they were the ones paying for our luxuries."

Princess Isabel suppressed the urge to squee in delight while Gordon turned to the King, "You don't get grants from the government?"

"We get some, but we also have means to raise our own funds so we can indulge in our own pursuits and interests. Any grants from tax payers sources are usually only used for administrative purposes and such, like paying the wages of palace staff or for fuel for our fleet of vehicles."

"Speaking of vehicles," Gordon said, "I didn't know that the Griffons had already invented internal combustible engines and had them fitted to vehicles."

The King nodded, "They're becoming more mainstream and with our ever growing railway network there are grand plans in place to have a sophisticated transport networks that will be the envy of the world. In fact, the first diesel powered trains are already being used in goods yards and plans are being drawn up for versions to be used on passenger and freight services."

"Similar once more to my own. In fact, many countries in my world use electricity as a power source for trains with power provided by overhead wires."

"Our experts too have looked into that," the King replied, "But as of yet is not feasible technologically or financially. In a few decades, maybe. We've also launched test ships which are diesel powered, but as you most likely know, those engines are much larger. And louder."

"Would you be able to tell us more about your military service, Captain?" asked the Queen.

"Of course, at least that which I'm at liberty to discuss. Whilst I may no longer be serving, I'm still bound to certain rules regarding secrecy."

"We understand," the Queen replied, "We have such rules ourselves. First I'd like to ask, why did you decide to join the Army?"

"Well, I guess I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps. He joined up as a soldier and joined the 1st Armoured Division, eventually becoming a Staff Sergeant and seeing action in the Gulf War."

"The Gulf War?"

"An armed conflict that started over oil. A country called Kuwait was invaded by another country called Iraq over oil pricing and production disputes. In response, a United Nations coalition of thirty five countries lead by the United States of America responded with force and eventually expelled Iraq from Kuwait."

"That sounds like a simplified version of events," the King replied.

"It is. It had long lasting effects that are still felt today.....even for me."

"Your father," the King commented, knowing what Gordon meant.

"I don't follow," Princess Isabelle replied.

"My dad was killed in action during the Gulf War. In an airstrike from Iraqi bombers.......they didn't even find his body."

A few moments of sombre silence passed, the only sound the clinking of cutlery on plates.

"What was his name?" the King asked, "Your father?"

"Stephen. Staff Sergeant Stephen Gresley. Born on 4th May 1954 in Hull, East Yorkshire. Joined up the first day he could and never looked back."

"Why did you decide to become an officer?"

"My mother encouraged me. It was hard work and I had to push myself hard to do it, but I did it."

"Have you seen action yourself?"

"I've been on many combat tours, mostly to Afghanistan."

"Tough training?"

"Very," Gordon replied with a laugh, "Not everyone makes it through training."

"I understand you'll be visiting our training camp at Cleckheaton?"

"Yes. I'm quite looking forward to it," Gordon replied with a wry smile, "It should bring back a few good, and amusing, memories."

An hour or so later, dinner was over. Rainbow had joined the Queen and her daughters for tea in the lounge, whilst her sons retired for the night. Gordon however, was invited by the king to his private office. Not even the Queen was permitted to enter without explicit permission.

Gordon followed the king inside and shut the door behind him. The King's room was even as ornately decorated as the rest of the palace and included its own fireplace and a large drinks cabinet filled with whiskeys, cognacs and brandys, in addition to the many bookcases rammed full of books of varying ages.

"Would you like another drink?" the King asked, walking over to the drinks cabinet, "A brandy, perhaps?"

"Yes please."

The King removed a bottle out of the cabinet along with two glasses and set them on a small table in front of the fireplace, where two armchairs also stood.

"Please, sit yourself down."

"Thank you," Gordon replied, doing so.

The King poured himself and Gordon a glass of brandy each, before picking his up.

"A toast?"

Gordon nodded.

"To our fathers. May they ever rest in peace."

Gordon nodded and clinked his glass with the King's.

"It's a shame neither of us got to see our father's for longer than we did. To lose such a figure so young."

"Only those who have gone through it can truly know what it's like."

"Indeed. And in my case, becoming King at eight years old didn't help. Fortunately, my uncle was able rule as Regent until I reached the Age of Ascension."

"Age of Ascension?"

"The day a Griffon boy becomes a man. For us that is his 21st birthday."

"In my society, at least my own country, a child is considered an adult on their eighteenth birthday, legally at least. The age of consent is sixteen and you can learn to drive at seventeen."

"That is all very confusing."

"Indeed. Even more so if you consider that in England, a five year old can legally consume alcohol in a private home. Sixteen in a pub if you're having it with a meal. Otherwise it's eighteen to buy and consume in a pub or buy from a off-licence."

The King blinked in astonishment, "You come from a most confusing place."

"We're a peculiar bunch."

"Indeed. But I'm guessing you know I didn't call you here to chit chat?"

Gordon nodded.

The King wasted no time and set down his brandy glass and leaned back in his chair, his tone shifting to that of a serious nature, "You know of our financial and political support of the Human Museum in Trottingham?"

"Yes. I've been there myself."

"What is your opinion of it?"

"It would be better if Celestia stopped interfering and forcing through her anti-human propaganda."

"What of the relics and artefacts?"

"Very interesting. Though I'm told Celestia managed to destroy some items before the museum founders could hide all of them."

"True," replied the King, getting up and moving over to a large oil painting of a past Queen, "But what if I told you, that there are also some other items neither side got hold of?"

"What kind of items?" Gordon asked, watching the King and wondering where the conversation was going, "Why would they not be in the museum?"

The King turned around and swung open the oil painting, revealing a hidden safe, "These items aren't meant to be in a museum."

The King input the combination and opened the safe, "These items have been in the possession of the Griffons before even Princess Luna was banished."

"...what? Human items?"

The King nodded, "Yes."

"What kind of-"

Gordon felt all colour drain from his face as the King held aloft the items in front of him. A watch and a notebook that he recognised all too well. Also included were several rolled up scrolls fastened with the King's Private Wax Seal. Breaking such a seal without authority was illegal, punishable with prison time but considered by some to be an act of High Treason.

"I swear upon my honour as King of the United Kingdom of Griffonia, that these are genuine and you have my explicit permission to break the wax seal."

"Why.....why are you showing me these?"

"Because you are the only person in the world, who has the right to have them."

The King held the items out, and after a few seconds hesitation, Gordon took them.

"What if....what if Celestia finds out about them?"

"I'm sure you'll tell her, in your own style, to mind her own business."

Rain hammered the palace windows as Gordon sat at the writing desk, his attention completely focused upon the diary given to him by King Edward. He took another sip of whiskey before glancing over to Rainbow who was fast asleep in bed.

Turning his attention back to the diary, he continued to read the entries.

So.....here I am. In Candyland. With inhabitants I would describe as a furries' wet dream, treating me for my wounds. Naturally I assumed i was hallucinating at first, but soon came to the realisation that this is all very much real. Despite seemingly helpful locals, I can't stay here. I need to find out how I got here so I can return. This place, wherever it is, is most definitely over of the rainbow.

Gordon decided to read more.

I have once again incurred the spine-chilling wrath of my nurse. She caught me out of bed again and carried me with her magic back to bed. I have no idea what she said, but it seemed implied she would break my legs if she caught me out of bed without permission again.

At least she's stopped giving me hay and flowers to eat.

He read another entry.

I've finally been allowed to walk around outside, though I must stay close to her house. The locals are slowly warming up to me now they realise I have no hostile intention. My nurse must have put in a good word for me. I have noticed a new pony in the village though, until I know his actual name, I'll simply refer to him as Merlin. Purely because of his beard.

"One more entry, then bed," Gordon said quietly to himself.

Merlin seems to be quite popular amongst the unicorns. Is he some sort of celebrity? Anyway, from my wild guess I think he's going to try and find a way at establishing better communications between myself and the natives.

Speaking of communications, my nurse keeps deliberately brushing me with her tail when she walks past. Does that mean something?

Gordon pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply. After a few seconds of motionless activity, he closed the diary and finished off the last of the whiskey in his glass. He put the diary back in his bag and hid it amongst his clothes, desperate for it not to be discovered, especially by Celestia.

And the scrolls...

It certainly explains why the Griffons have a Westminster style of government and English names.

It still doesn't explain why it took them centuries to unite though.

The answer will be out there somewhere.

Removing his clothes and blowing out the candle light, he slipped into bed with Rainbow, turning her into a little spoon. As soon as he did though, she turned over and rested her head on his chest.

"Gordon?" Rainbow muttered quietly.

"Yeah?"

"Are you OK?"

"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Your heart's beating quite fast."

"I'm fine, Dashie. Don't worry."

"You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

"Sure. But really, it's nothing to worry about."

"OK," she replied tiredly, not convinced but too tired too argue, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Dash."

Very quickly, the pair fell into blissful slumber.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING

"Nice watch."

"Thanks. It was my dads."

Which somehow still works. At least the King put in a new battery.

"Cool," Rainbow replied before her attention was drawn to her destination, "Big building."

"Similarish to the Palace of Westminster in London, only slightly smaller. Is it just me?" Gordon began, "Or are there too many similarities for it just to be coincidence?"

"There's too many. And if I remember correctly from what I read in your history books, your Palace of Westminster wasn't built until the early 19th century, after the original caught fire."

"Very good Dashie," Gordon teased, "Don't let Twilight know you're an egghead, she'd never let you leave the library."

"Shut up! Anyway, as I was saying, the humans from eight centuries ago, were from a time when your Westminster wasn't even built, at least as you know it today. Apart from Westminster Hall."

"True. So?" Gordon enquired, interested to see if she had picked up on the same thing he had.

"So? How come the Griffons have built a palace in a very similar style of architecture and design?"

"I really wish I had a definitive answer Dashie."

"You mean you have a not-definitive answer?"

"I don't know."

"What about when you went to the Castle of the Two Sisters and came back with that bag? What was in it? Is it related to this?"

"I can't tell you."

"Why not? Don't you trust me?" Dashie asked, her voice breaking slightly and trying in vain not cry.

"I do trust you, but until I have a solid answer, I'd rather not publicise my hypothesis."

"In case the Princess gets wind of it?"

Gordon nodded, "I will not give her any reason to suppress what I've discovered and erase all evidence it ever existed."

What does he mean by that? Does he have something he hasn't shown me?

"What about Princess Luna? Do you trust her?"

"I do, but I dare say she's still scared of her sister."

"Of what?"

"Being sent back to the moon? A wild guess I know, but seeing how cold blooded Celestia is, I wouldn't put it past her."

Rainbow said nothing more, knowing that trying to convince Gordon that the Princess wasn't how he thought she was was pointless, even when he was in a listening mood. The car they were riding in, very similar in appearance to an original Rolls-Royce Phantom, came to a full stop and the driver got out and opened the door. The pair stepped out and were soon greeted by a well-dressed Griffon, accompanied by two armed guards.

"Captain Gresley, Miss Dash, welcome to the Palace of Winchester. I am Robert Ford, Speaker of the House of Commons."

"Pleasure, Mr Speaker."

The Griffon blinked in astonishment, taken back by Gordon's response, "You honour me with my correct form of address, Captain Gresley; I shall remember that. If the two of you would follow me, Prime Minister's Question begins in half an hour. I understand you shall both be viewing the proceedings from the public gallery?"

"Yes. I must say I'm looking forward to it, and seeing how it compares to my own country's parliament."

"I hope we compare well."

The Speaker lead the pair into the Palace of Winchester itself, and into the main lobby were members of the public were permitted. Gordon and Rainbow were escorted through the lobby and down a corridor leading to the public gallery above the Commons, giving an almost bird's eye view of the chamber.

"Feel free to sit anywhere you like," the Speaker said, "If you will excuse me though, I must attend to my duties."

The Speaker left, leaving Rainbow and Gordon to take front row seats, very much aware of the other Griffon's in the gallery looking at them. Gordon turned to the Griffon to his left.

"Greetings."

The Griffon fainted.

"Once again, I'm very sorry," Gordon said, "I never intended for that to happen."

"No worries Captain," the now unfainted Griffon replied, "I just never expected to see a human, let alone have one speak to me."

"Understandable, I felt the same way about ponies."

The pair shared a small laugh before a loud voice boomed around the chamber.

"Questions to the Prime Minister!"

The nose in the chamber quickly dissipated as members retook their seats, some members having already caught sight of Gordon and Rainbow.

"Thank you, Mr Speaker," the Prime Minister said, standing up, "First I would like to welcome our honoured guests, Captain Gordon Gresley and Miss Rainbow Dash, to the House of Commons for this session of Prime Minister's Questions; and I'm certain that all members of this house are delighted to have a human walk amongst us once more. For were it not for humanity, then the United Kingdom of Griffonia would have never existed, and our people would be divided and scattered and defenceless against the tyranny of the Solar Deceiver."

Rainbow frowned and clenched her fists, but calmed as soon as she felt a hand on her own.

"Easy Dashie," whispered Gordon, "It's just politics."

"Mr Speaker," the Prime Minister continued, "Last week's financial figures showing the economy growing 2.1% in the last quarter, are a vindication of the Liberal and Unionist Party's policy of lowering corporation tax, slashing business rates and cutting red tape to encourage business growth and development. The members opposite would quite happily have seen businesses large and small struggle with the burden of business regulations and high taxes strangling their growth. It is thanks to the Liberal and Unionist Party that workers can now take home larger pay checks and pay less tax than they did before."

A chorus of cheers from the government benches echoed throughout the Chamber, whereas a smattering of boos and shaking heads from the opposition benches went by almost unnoticed. The Prime Minister sat back down in his seat, and the Leader of the Opposition stood up.

"Jeremiah Cainbridge," bellowed the Speaker.

"Mr Speaker, once more we hear about how the Liberal and Unionist Party claim to be helping the workers of this nation, but what he really means is that they're helping on the richest. He can spin and twist words and figures all he wants to make it look like he's helping the poorest in our society, but in reality all his party's policies are doing are making the rich richer and the poor poorer. Real-time spending on the health service is lower than the inflation rate and access to other public services is thwarted by the box ticking jobsworths who think they know more than qualified experts."

The Leader of the Opposition sat back down and the Prime Minister stood back up.

"And once more Mr Speaker, we hear the honourable member resort to petty accusations. The Liberal and Unionist Party always have, and always will be staunch supporters of our health service, and in regards to funding it and other public services, whilst we agree that funding has been lower than inflation,"

Upon admitting that, the opposition benches launched in joyous cheers that lasted for several seconds.

"Order!" bellowed the Speaker, as the Prime Minister sat back down.

The cheering continued even more loudly.

"OOOOORRDEEERRRR!!" bellowed the Spesker.

The cheering calmed down quickly and members retook their seats.

"Members will be reminded that interrupting the Prime Minister, or any other member, breaches the etiquette and decorum of the House. Members will be more civil when any other member is speaking. The Prime Minister."

The Speaker sat back down and the Prime Minister stood back up, "Thank you, Mr Speaker. Government spending on public services are lower than inflation because the last government, a Socialist and Worker's Party government, made a monumental almighty mess of the nation's finances and economy. It's a damned good thing their time in government ended before they ran out of other people's money!"

As the PM retook his seat, the opposition benches launched in furious, pointing talons and making snide remarks to members on the Government benches, who simply watched on in amusement.

"Is this...normal?" asked Rainbow.

"Absolutely," replied Gordon, laughing also, "It's just like home."

LATER THAT DAY

Gordon and Rainbow stepped out of the Royal car, and were greeted by an officer in dress uniform, accompanied by several Sergeants and a Regimental Sergeant Major. Approaching them, with Rainbow beside him, he saluted; a gesture the Griffons returned. The officer approached.

"Welcome to Cleckheaton, Captain Gresley," the officer said, lowering his salute, "I am Captain Arthur Dundas, CO of this camp."

"Pleasure, Captain. Allow me to introduce Miss Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty."

"Pleasure, Miss Dash."

"Likewise, Captain."

"Now," the Captain said, "You both didn't come here to chit-chat, so how about a tour of the camp before showing you the sorry excuses for soldiers we have here? Once I've introduced you to my senior NCO's?"

"Fine with me, Captain".

After a brief introduction, the CO lead the group into the camp proper with Gordon almost bouncing with joy.

"If you would like Captain," the CO said, "Feel free to give these recruits of British style soldiering."

"Thank you, Captain. I most certainly will."

Whilst Gordon went off to discuss soldiering with the CO, Rainbow accompanied Corporal Vickers to the Mess Hall to be introduced to one of the companies, though she would not partake in yelling at soldiers herself. Much to her displeasure.

"I understand you are quite the talented flyer, Miss Dash?"

"Oh yeah. I practice every day. I hope to join the Wonderbolts one day."

"Quite the challenge, they have very high standards. And Group Captain Spitfire takes absolutely no crap from anyone. I've witnessed myself her giving a rookie a beasting. She must have Griffon blood in her."

"She must have. I hope I'm never on the receiving end of her beastings."

"You will be. If she doesn't have a reason, she'll find a reason."

"Really?" asked Rainbow, confused.

"It's nothing personal. It happens to us all. It's simply to toughen you up."

"Oh. Well I guess she wouldn't do it just for fun."

The Griffon laughed, "You sure about that?"

"Huh?"

"It's impossible not to be in charge of rookies and not be just the tiniest bit of a dickhead towards them."

The Corporal lead Rainbow into the mess hall, where the Recruits of his Company where getting there dinner. The recruits, making a lot of noise, hadn't even noticed a superior enter the room; all of them, too busy stuffing their faces with the King's food.

"Attention!" bellowed the Corporal.

Almost immediately, every Recruit turned their attention to him and stood to attention.

"As you can see, we have a guest."

Corporal Vickers noted some of the disgusted looks on his Recruits, clearly not liking having a pony amongst them. Sensing this, Corporal Vickers continued.

"Rainbow Dash is a guest of the King himself and is here with his permission. Disrespect her, and you disrespect the King and such an act will be dealt with severely. Is that clear?"

"YES CORPORAL!" echoed the Recruits.

All but one.

Corporal Vickers marched quickly over to the insubordinate Recruit.

"Why did you not reply to my question, Recruit Watson?"

"I had my mouth full of food, Corporal."

"FIVE PUSH-UPS, NOW!"

The Recruit quickly did he as was told.

"Eat a mouthful of food then do another five push-ups! Then do it again and again until you've finished your meal!"

Corporal Vickers watched as Recruit Watson did five push-ups followed by a mouthful of food, followed by another five push-ups then another mouthful of food. After several goes, the Private sat in his seat for another mouthful, but instead of having one, deliberately dropped the fork on the plate and pushed it away.

"Is there a problem with your meal, Recruit Watson?"

"No Corporal."

"Then why are you not eating it?"

"I cannot do push-ups and eat at the same time, Corporal."

"You weren't doing them at the same time, you were alternating between the two. Now, finish your meal."

The Corporal walked away, but turned back around when heard laughing. For some inexplicable reason, Recruit Watson was laughing, watched on by the Corporal and his fellow Recruits.

"Is something funny, Recruit Watson?" the Corporal asked, his tone firm and harsh.

"No, Corporal," Recruit Watson replied, still laughing.

"Well clearly something amused you. Do share it with the rest of us."

The Recruit didn't share the joke.

"Outside, now!" bellowed the Corporal.

Recruit Watson wisely obeyed, still laughing, and went outside, followed by a Lance Corporal.

"Fetch Sergeant Ashwood," he said, turning to the Lance Corporal and walking outside, followed by Rainbow.

"Yes, Corporal."

The Lance Corporal left, leaving the Recruit and the Corporal, the former still holding back laughter.

"Stop laughing, Recruit."

The Recruit tried, but failed.

"What has you so amused, Recruit? Are you going to share the joke?"

The Recruit didn't answer.

"Corporal Vickers asked you a question, Recruit Watson!"

Corporal Vickers stood to attention as Sergeant Ashwood approached, the Recruit however, didn't.

"STAND TO ATTENTION BOY!" bellowed the Sergeant.

To the disbelief of the others, Recruit Watson burst into full blown laughter, so much so he lost his balance and staggered around, clutching his sides.

"Get the Provost Sergeant," he said, turning to Corporal Vickers, "Get him beasted!"

"Yes Sergeant!"

Corporal Vickers grabbed the Recruit by the arm and dragged him away. Putting up some resistance, the Lance Corporal grabbed the other arm.

"Stop resisting!"

"I don't have to take orders from you."

"Oh yes you do boy," Corporal Vickers replied, "As a Lance Corporal, he outranks you and thus can give you orders. Now, obey his orders or you will be charged with insubordination!"

Corporal Vickers sent a Private ahead to inform the Provost Sergeant of the situation. A minute later, with Rainbow still following, they approached the Provost Sergeant's hut where they were met with one of the most terrifying sights known to man and Griffon alike.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WRONG? WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" bellowed the Provost Sergeant, marching angrily from his hut and getting right in the face of Recruit Watson, "WHY HAVE I BEEN INCONVENIENCED?! WHY HAVE I BEEN DRAGGED OUT OF MY DINNER TO DEAL WITH A SCRAWNY LITTLE SHIT LIKE YOU? WHY ARE YOU HERE BOY? WHAT'S YOUR CRIME?"

The Recruit didn't answer quickly enough and his lips trembled. Rainbow too felt herself shake a little.

"What's the matter boy? You gonna cry?" the Provost Sergeant asked condescendingly.

"Absolutely not Sergeant."

"Don't give me that shit, boy. Why are you here? You have two fucking seconds to answer my question before I rip your fucking nuts off and shit them down your fucking neck! WHY ARE YOU 'ERE BOY?!"

"I wouldn't eat my dinner, Sergeant."

"Why? Because it was shit, was it?"

"Because-"

"You refused the King's meal?"

"I found I could not eat and do push ups at the same time, sir-Sergeant."

"......what did you call me?"

"Sergeant."

The Provost Sergeant got right into the Recruit's personal space, and spoke with disturbingly calm anger, "You call me sir again, and I'll rearrange your fucking testicles."

"Yes s-"

"REFER ALWAYS TO ME AS SERGEANT!"

"Yes Sergeant!"

"LOUDER!"

"YES SERGEANT!"

"LOUDER"

"YES SERGEANT!"

"Oh we went down a decibel there, what's the matter boy? Can't you shout? Can't you shout?" the Provost Sergeant asked, getting right into the side of the Recruit's face, rubbing his nose and pushing the Recruit's head away, "Why are you pulling away boy? Show some spine boy. Show me some spine!"

Recruit Watson, rather than resist any further attempts from the Provost Sergeant to push his head away, pushed back into the Sergeant.

Big mistake.

"DON'T YOU PUSH INTO ME!" the Provost Sergeant bellowed, pushing his face right back into the Recruit and even further than before, "DON'T YOU PUSH YOUR FUCKING HEAD INTO ME BOY!"

An almost crying Recruit Watson took a small step backwards.

"STAND STILL! STAND FUCKING STILL!"

Recruit Watson stood still, his lips trembling very slightly as he tried desperately to not break.

"I'LL EAT YOU ALIVE BOY! I'LL EAT YOUR SORRY CARCASS AND FEED YOUR BONES TO MY DOGS! I AM YOUR WORST FUCKING NIGHTMARE! I 'ATE YOU BOY! AND I'VE ONLY JUST BLOODY MET YA!"

"You ever call me Sarge again, boy," Sergeant Ashwood said, holding his baton up to the terrified Recruit's face, "And I'll shove this sausarge up your passarge before pulling it out and taking your virginity along with it."

"You run an impressive set-up, Sergeant Royston."

"Thank you, Captain. I expect nothing less than the absolute best from every soldier under my command. Some are good enough to compete in athletics competitively. Recruit Collinson, for instance, can run the hundred meters in just under eight seconds."

"Impressive."

The Sergeant turned to the Recruits, still stood to attention.

"COLLINSON!"

After a few seconds, a soldier came running up to the Sergeant and Gordon.

"What's up, Sarge?"

Meanwhile

Recruit Watson panted as he stacked yet more empty oil drums onto the truck for the sole purpose of doing so.

*CLANG*

"DON'T YOU BANG MY DRUMS!"

A few minutes later.

"You talk like that to me again and I'll kick my boot so far up your arse it will knock your teeth out."

A panting and exhausted Recruit Collinson trembled, desperately holding onto his bowels for dear life.

A few minutes later, Gordon, still in the company of Sergeant Royston, accompanied him to the Mess Hall to inspect the cleaning.

"What are your views on the camp, Captain?"

"It feels nostalgic. Reminds me of my own training at Sandhurst."

"I remember when I first came here. On my first day I made the mistake of forgetting to salute a visiting Brigadier."

"How bad was the beasting?"

"Well I never forgot to salute a superior again, put it that way. What about you?"

"I got a bollocking from a Colonel for having my tie skewiff once."

"At least we can laugh about it now."

"I wanted to laugh then but knew that if I did I'd be in it even deeper."

"You and me both."

The pair entered the mess hall and saw straight away that the tables and chairs had been cleaned and tidied, so went inside the kitchen area. Gordon looked at the spotless pots and dishes stacked very neatly. On a kitchen unit already designated for pots and pans. Gordon, approached the Recruit that was placed in charge for cleaning the Mess Hall and pointed to the offending items.

"What is this mess, Recruit Barclay?"

"Erm..."

"They have not been put in their correct place," Gordon turned to the red faced NCO, "Sergeant, this is completely unacceptable."

"Recruit Barclay," the Sergeant seethed, "You will report to the Provost Sergeant and when he asks you why you are there, you will tell him you failed to meet the standards set by a guest of the King himself. And when he asks why, you will tell him 'mind your own fucking business'."

Recruit Barclay laughed.

"DON'T LAUGH! THIS ISN'T FUNNY! NOW WHAT WILL YOU SAY?"

"I have failed to meet the expectations set out by a guest of the King."

"And when he asks why?"

"Mind your own fucking business...Sergeant."

"Don't even say Sergeant," Sergeant Royston spat, "Now get moving!"

A few minutes later and Recruit Barclay was in front of the perpetually angry Provost Sergeant.

"Speak to me boy! What are you doing here?!" he bellowed, getting in very close to Barclays personal space, "Why has my afternoon cup of tea and warm buttery crumpets been ruined?!"

"I have failed to meet the expectations laid out by the guest of the King."

"Why?"

Despite his best attempts to do so, Barclay's juvenile like ways failed him and laughter came forth form his lips, completely oblivious to the seriousness of his situation.

"Mind your own fucking business."

The Provost Sergeant, realising what the situation really was, took a moment to compose himself before replying.

"Excuse me? Say that again. Say it louder."

"Mind your own fucking business!" Barclay repeated, laughing louder.

"LOUDER!"

"MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS!"

"WELL FUCK ME! WE HAVE A FUCKING COMEDIAN HERE!"

Recruit Barclay could still only laugh.

"I HAVE NEVER EVER EVER BEEN TOLD TO MIND MY OWN FUCKING BUSINESS! NOT MY ANYONE! AND OF ALL THE PISSANTS ON THIS CAMP IT IS YOU WHO HAS THE GALL!"

Recruit Barclay was still laughing.

"DON'T YOU FUCKING LAUGH!"

"Sounds like the Provost Sergeant is enjoying himself," Gordon said, as the pair left the Mess Hall, "They always do enjoy beasting newbies."

"Aye. Hopefully Barclay will learn the importance of not laughing at matters he won't realise the importance of until it matters."

"Recruits in the British Army are the same," Gordon replied, "They..."

"What is it?"

"Are recruits permitted to wear watches whilst undergoing training?"

"No. Why?"

Gordon pointed to a recruit he had spotted leaving the supplies hut, with a watch in full view.

Sergeant Royston wasted no time in springing into action.

"RECRUIT STEVENS!"

The recruit stopped in his tracks and turned to who was shouting. Realising who it was and how angry they looked, they very quickly stood to attention and saluted.

"WHY DO YOU HAVE THAT WATCH ON RECRUIT?!"

"Errr..."

"ERRR, WHAT? RECRUIT?"

"I....forgot...sir."

Wow, Gordon thought, That's a new excuse for forgetting to hand over personal effects and then put it on afterwards.

"REFER TO ME ALWAYS AS SERGEANT!!!"

"Yes Sergeant, apologies Sergeant!" the recruit bumbled out, quickly realising her was in it deep.

"You forgot?" Royston asked.

The recruit nodded, "Yes sergeant."

"What absolute cow shit. Wouldn't you agree, Captain Gresley?"

"100%, Sergeant Royston. I've never heard such a pathetic excuse."

"Since you are a guest of His Majesty, Captain; I will leave it to you to decide an appropriate punishment."

Gordon racked his mind for several seconds, before coming up with a brilliant idea.

"Sergeant Royston, do this camp have any metal dust bins?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Recruit Stevens requires one."

A few minutes later, Gordon, Royston and the recruit were stood outside the mess hall with a waist high metal dustbin, complete with lid, beside the entrance. Gordon took the lid of the bin.

"Get inside, recruit."

The recruit did as instructed, wondering what his punishment will be and why he had been told to keep his watch on.

"You will remain in this bin for the remainder of the day. Every time someone kicks the bin, you are to rise out of it and yell the time as follows, 'sir the time is, whatever it is, sir'. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Splendid. Duck down, recruit."

The recruit did as instructed and Gordon put the lid on top. Five seconds later, Royston kicked the bin.

"SIR, THE TIME IS 1432, SIR!"

"REFER ALWAYS TO ME AS SERGEANT!"

*FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER*

Rainbow was now with the Provost Sergeant who had just finished beasting Recruit Barclay.

"That was pretty intense."

"I will not tolerate any shit from Recruits who haven't earned the right to wear the King's uniform."

"Gordon feels the same way. He once told me he gave a recruit a dressing down for speaking about his Queen in a disrespectful manner."

"I'd do the same. And I have. What about you?"

"I guess I would have...but now I'm not sure."

"Not sure?"

"I used to think really highly or Princess Celestia, but recent events have made me question my thoughts in her."

"I've heard of what happened. Captain Gresley seems to be coping well, at least on the surface."

"You mean he might be hurting underneath?" Rainbow asked, only just hiding her concern for Gordon.

"Quite possibly. Many Griffon soldiers don't let it be known even amongst their comrades if something is bothering them, as they don't want to seem a burden."

"Why would they feel a burden?"

"It can vary, but generally, soldiers are seen to be tough and rough. Seeing a soldier become emotional and distressed is seen to be detrimental to that image."

"Gordon never really talks about it. He keeps evading the question or blows you off with a half answer."

"A common response. I wouldn't pressure him though. You could do far more harm than good. Whilst we may not show it, we take the mental health of all soldiers very seriously. A soldier who is not mentally up to the job can be a danger to himself and others."

"That's how Gordon left. After his wife and children died, he was no longer in the right state of mind to continue so was discharged on medical grounds."

"What did he do after he left the Army?"

"He said he was a coach driver for a short while, just to give him something to do. Then he took over project managing his new house which was being constructed."

"Then he arrived in Equestria where he was warmly greeted by your Princess."

Rainbow winced at the memory, as well as remembering her own actions that day, "Yeah. I never knew she would ever act like that."

"Frankly, that is how we Griffons see your Princess and she has done little to convince us that she is anything but a conniving, manipulative bully."

Though angry at the comment, Rainbow didn't respond; remembering that Celestia had forced over Wight Island in exchange for the safe and continued existence of the human museum. So he had a point.

"I guess that's why she hates Captain Gresley so much. Because he not only sees through her bullshit, but calls her out on it also."

He does that alright.

The pair approached the Mess Hall to acquire more tea and biscuits for the Provost Sergeant's hut, when he, with some force kicked the bin.

"SIR, THE TIME IS 1452, SIR!"

"REFER ALWAYS TO ME AS SERGEANT!"

"YES SIR, SERGEANT SIR!"

Back in the barracks, the platoon had just finished readying their barracks for inspection, as ordered by Gordon and Sergeant Ashwood. Gordon walked deliberately slowly around the barracks, looking for even the smallest of smallest infractions. Soon enough, much to his delight, he found one and approached the recruit in question.

"Are you capable of following simple instructions, Recruit Jones?"

"Yes Captain," the recruit replied, dread beginning to creep up on him.

"Then why is your mug's handle at a two o'clock position and not the three o'clock position as I instructed?"

"Errrrr..."

"Look at your laziness, Recruit!"

The Recruit looked at his 'laziness' and sure enough the mug wasn't positioned as instructed.

"It's only a mug, Captain."

"Only a mug?"

The Recruit nodded.

"ONLY A MUG?!"

The Recruit bolted to attention immediately, completely unprepared for Gordon's furious reaction.

"IT IS NOT 'ONLY A MUG'! IT IS FAILING TO LISTEN TO AND IMPLEMENT INSTRUCTIONS! IT MIGHT BE 'ONLY A MUG' TO YOU, BUT THAT 'ONLY A MUG' IS THE REASON WHY A MOTHER LOST HER SON! BECAUSE SOMEONE DIDN'T LISTEN TO INSTRUCTIONS PROPERLY AND SOMEONE ELSE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE!"

There were several seconds of silence as the platoon stood eerily silent, not daring to even breath too loudly.

"Throw this shit on the floor and start again."

The Recruit lazily shoved a few of his provisions on the floor and slightly pulled his bed sheets out.

"DO IT PROPERLY BOY!" Gordon bellowed.

The Recruit pushed his bed to a slight angle, the bed moving about two inches in total and barely disturbing the items on top.

"For fuck's sake! Must I do everything?!" Gordon snapped, storming over to the recruit's bed and lifting it up high, spilling everything onto the floor; the clangs of the gear sounding like nails on a chalkboard to the recruits. Gordon did the same to the next bunk and the bunk after that. And the one after that and repeated the same process until the entire room was a mess.

Gordon walked back over to the recruit, "You will remain standing to attention while your friends tidy not only their own bunks, but yours too. If one of you fucks up, you all fuck up. Get this mess cleaned! I'll be back in thirty minutes."

The recruits groaned.

"Make that twenty minutes!" Gordon yelled, "And we will keep doing this over and over until you can get it right!"

Gordon left the room, followed by Sergeant Ashwood.

In the barracks, Recruit Jones could feel the eyes of his bunk mates boring into him with unbridled fury and anger.

"WHAT ARE YOU BOY?!" the Provost Sergeant bellowed, holding a slice of bread to each of Recruit Stevens ears. Rainbow meanwhile, was almost wetting herself trying not to laugh.

"An idiot sandwich, Sergeant!"

"LOUDER!"

"AN IDIOT SANDWICH, SERGEANT!"

"SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT, BOY!"

"I'M AN IDIOT SANDWICH, SERGEANT!"

Whilst waiting for the recruits to continue making fools of themselves, Gordon had decided to make his way to the mess hall for a cup of tea. As he rounded the corner of the hut adjacent to the Mess, he felt something hit his shin. Looking down, he noticed it was a rock...which had also scuffed his trousers. Looking around for the culprit, he spotted the only other person in sight.

"Stand to attention, boy!"

The recruit bolted to attention, really regretting to have gotten out of bed today. Gordon walked closer to the petrified recruit.

"Name! Rank! Serial Number!"

"McClane, William, Recruit. 6973-343-4273."

Gordon eyed the recruit for several seconds, a punishment already formed in his mind.

"Why did you kick that rock, recruit?"

"I don't know, Captain!"

"You don't know?"

"No, Captain!"

"Then you don't know what day this is? Do you?"

"No, captain."

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S BRUCE WILLIS'S BIRTHDAY?!"

Recruit McClane shook his head frantically, only just holding onto his bowels.

"Pick that rock up."

McClane did as he was told.

"Now," Gordon continued, doing his bet not to lose his own discipline and collapse into a fit of laughter, "This rock is now called Bruce. You will care for Bruce and look after him always. When you are asked how Bruce is, you will respond 'Yippee ki-yay', do you understand?"

"Yes Captain."

"McClane?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"How is Bruce doing?"

"Yippee ki-yay, Captain."

"Splendid. And one more thing, Recruit McClane."

Recruit McClane felt like his very soul had left him as Gordon instructed him on what to do later.

I'm gonna die, he thought.

FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

Gordon walked very slowly around the room, carefully examining the recruits, their beds and equipment once more. He stopped in front of the same recruit from before.

"It seems your friends did an excellent job fixing your mess, Recruit."

Gordon moved onto examining the rest of the room and found something on the floor that shouldn't have been there. Looking around, he narrowed down its owner and walked over to the recruit.

The recruit noticeably began sweating on his eyebrow, knowing he was about to get a bollocking.

"Why is your mug on the floor, recruit?"

"I dropped it, Captain."

"You dropped it?"

"Yes Captain."

Gordon bent down and picked the mug up. Assuming Gordon was going to give it to him, the recruit reached out an arm to take it.

In an instant, Gordon slammed the mug on the floor, shattering it.

"DON'T DROP YOUR MUG OR IT WILL GET BROKEN!"

Gordon moved away, though the recruit's relief was short lived as the barracks were once again filled with the sound of items being tipped onto the floor. After turning the barracks upside down again, Gordon walked back over to the recruit.

"You will remain standing to attention while your friends clean up this mess. Meanwhile, Recruit Jones will report to the Quartermaster to acquire another mug for you. Do you know what that means, Recruit Tomlinson?"

Recruit Tomlinson shook his head.

"It means that your friends will be two men down while they fix your mess. I'm sure they'll be grateful for the extra workload."

Gordon walked over to the door, "I'll be back in fifteen minutes."

This time, the recruits managed to refrain from groaning.

Meanwhile, at another location

"How much longer must we wait?"

"We've waited this long, another few weeks won't make much difference."

"And what of her latest guests?"

"They'll be fine. They're no good to her dead."

"And what about Gordon?"

Fifteen minutes later

Gordon returned to the barracks to find it has once again been tidied up and the recruits stood to attention. Walking around and inspecting the recruits, stopping in front of some of them just for amusement, he returned to the front of the room.

"Well, it seems you can accomplish something when appropriately motivated. Now, outside. All of you. The Regimental Sergeant Major has decided to see you all."

Every recruits eye's reduced to pinpricks.

Whilst the recruits made their way to the parade ground, Gordon met up again with Rainbow who was still in the company of the Provost Sergeant.

"Hey Rainbow."

"Hey Gordon," she replied with a hug, more firm than usual.

"You alright?" he asked, "You seem troubled."

"I'm cool," she replied, releasing the hug, "Just a little....shocked at the methods used here."

Gordon laughed, "Reminds me of my own training. Coming to see the inspection?"

"Absolutely. The recruits look terrified though."

"They should be. I remember my own inspections. Good times."

A minute later the RSM arrived and was introduced to the platoons by Sergeant Royston. The stern faced RSM approached the first recruit.

"Barclay, George, Recruit," he bellowed loud and clear, "4468-426-9965."

The RSM looked Barlcay direct in the eyes, his expression cold and stern, "The next time you step onto my parade ground, Recruit Barclay, do not come with your tie, skewiff. It tells me you don't give a shit about your appearance or how it makes look to myself and to the Griffon Army! AND BY EXTENSION THE KING HIMSELF!"

The RSM turned to his Sergeants, "Get this recruit off my parade ground! GET HIM BEASTED!"

Recruit Barclay was dragged away by two corporals, while the RSM continued with the inspection, passing by three recruits before stopping again.

"Recruit Watson," he said lazily, his arms hanging lethargically at his sides, "313...3124..."

The stern expression on the RSM's face got even sterner, "I'm going to go back in time and we're going to try this again."

The RSM walked back a few steps, before once more approaching the recruit.

"Recruit Watson," he repeated, this time a little louder, "3124-648-9078."

"The next time you step onto my parade ground, you step onto it damn well prepared and identify yourself correctly!" the RSM spat, turning to his Sergeants once more, "Get him off of my parade ground! BEAST HIM!"

Recruit Watson was hauled away by some more corporals.

The inspection continued without fault until the RSM stopped in front of one recruit in particular.

"McClane, William, Recruit. 6973-343-4273."

There was several seconds of intense silence as the RSM stared down the terrified recruit, the latter almost on the verge of losing control of his bladder.

"McClane?"

"Yes, sir?"

"How is Bruce?"

McClane looked over to a smirking Gordon, who himself raised an eyebrow as if to say 'Well?'.

"McClane I asked you a question," the RSM snapped, "How is Bruce?"

McClane audibly gulped, knowing he may not live to see the sun set.

"Yippee ki-yay, Motherfucker!"

Time seemed to grind to a halt as a very eerie silence loomed over the parade ground.

Even the birds stopped singing.

The RSM's breathing became slowly more erratic and aggressive, his eyes sparking with a fury that on their own would strike fear into the very heart and souls of enemies. The parade ground, devoid of even the sweet pleasant melodies of song birds, was filled with a war cry so savage and ferocious, it would be spoken of for generations to come.

Later that evening, back at the King's palace.

Gordon, once again dress in his No1 Dress Uniform complete with sword, was assisting Rainbow into yet another gown. Almost identical to the silver one she wore the night before, this one was gold in colour and also had translucent ribbon like material shaped in the form of a flower over her right breast, and also wore matching earrings and necklace in addition to a tiara loaned to her by Rarity. Like the night before, the palace had staff to assist with styling her mane which was once again tied upwards into a bun with a few locks at the fringe hanging loosely to one side.

"Stop fidgeting."

"I'm not fidgeting."

"And keep your wings still."

"They are still!" Rainbow snapped, "You try staying still when a sausage fingered hairless ape tries to zip up a dress that barely fits you!"

"Be glad Rarity didn't hear that," Gordon replied, "This dress is made to your precise measurements. Maybe you just ate too much last night."

"Shut up!"

"Or maybe your tits are too big."

"WHAT?!"

"There!" Gordon exclaimed, finally zipping up the golden dress.

"Finally!" Rainbow huffed, "I'll be glad when it's over, the corset is already killing me."

"Wimp."

"I'll remind you again that Rarity has your measurements and can easily make any item of clothing fit your body shape."

"Ooooh, I'm so scared."

"You should be."

"Yeah yeah, anyway; we'll be going soon."

"Then back to Ponyville tomorrow," Rainbow replied sadly, looking away.

"You OK?"

"I'm fine."

"You don't seem to be."

"Gordon, I'm fine!" Rainbow half-shouted.

Noting Gordon stepped back a little, she sighed and rubbed her face with her hands, "Sorry. I'm just....."

Rainbow soon felt herself embraced by Gordon, which she gladly returned, "Worried about how I'm coping with my own experiences?"

Rainbow nodded, "How did you know?"

"I've seen the same look before from Michelle and my mother."

"What did you tell them?"

"I didn't. They never asked."

"Would you have ever told them?"

"....no."

...

*KNOCK**KNOCK*

"Enter!"

The door opened and in walked the same footman from before, "Your car awaits, sir. Ma'am."

"We'll be right down," Gordon replied, turning to Rainbow, "Come on Dashie, time to look pretty and be friendly for posh people again."

"Just don't tell Rarity, she'll see to it I never wear anything else."

"What a shame that would be."

"Shut up," Rainbow replied, punching him on the arm.

"One more thing," Gordon said, reaching into his pocket and pulling something out.

"Wear this," he said, fastening a watch around her left wrist, "It was Michelle's.....I'd like you to have it."

Rainbow looked at the watch in question. A silver timepiece with encrusted diamonds around the watch face and on the dials themselves, with the word 'ROLEX' written smaller above centre.

"...thank you. It's beautiful."

Gordon extended his arm which Rainbow took, and the pair followed the footman for their final engagement of their trip.

"By the way," Rainbow continued, "What ever happened to McClane?"

Around one hour later, Gordon and Rainbow found themselves outside the home of Chief of the General Staff Field Marshal Sir Edward Wellesley. A large country manor with extensive gardens, the manor was like the Von Trapp Family home. Only lacking a river and mountains. Two large water fountains adorned either side of the path leading up to the front door, and from the looks of things they were not the only invited guests; a good number of them in military dress.

"Remember Dashie, beautiful and friendly."

"You try being beautiful and friendly when you're wearing a corset that cuts off your air supply."

"You could always walk around naked."

"You could always wear a dress."

"Touche."

Their car stopped and a butler opened their door. Stepping out first he then extended a hand to Rainbow and helped her out.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome."

"If you would follow me sir, ma'am," the waiter butler said.

Taking her by the arm again, Gordon lead Rainbow towards the mansion where they saw other Griffons being welcomed into the manor. Even before they reached the front door, they had already caught the attention of other guests if their gazes out of the window were anything to go by. The pair in front on them went inside, allowing the butler to approach the host.

"Your Grace," the butler said, "Captain Gordon Gresley and Miss Rainbow Dash."

The butler stepped aside, revealing the Field Marshal and host for the night.

"Greetings Captain Gresley, Miss Dash, and welcome to my home."

"Thank you for inviting us, Your Grace," Gordon replied.

"Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Sarah Wellesley."

"Ma'am," Gordon said.

"Captain," Lady Sarah replied with a smile, "Miss Dash."

Rainbow responded with a small curtsy.

"Do go on inside and help yourself to a drink. Dinner will be at 2000 hours."

"We look forward to it," Gordon replied.

Gordon and Rainbow went inside to the main hallway with a large staircase right in front of them. To their left was the main ballroom were guests were already mingling.

"Shall we?" asked Gordon.

"Sure."

The pair walked over to the ballroom and almost immediately, all eyes were upon them; the noise level falling so low you could hear a pin drop. Anticipating this, the host soon entered.

"Gentlemen, ladies; allow me to introduce Captain Gordon Gresley and Miss Rainbow Dash."

Several of the Griffons in attendance raised their glasses in acknowledgement.

"Captain Gresley and his marefriend have been guests of the King himself, and yesterday attended Prime Minister's Questions and toured the army training camp at Cleckheaton. I'm sure you will make them feel as welcome in my home as the King did in his."

Lord Wellesley left Gordon and Rainbow to the other Griffons, most of whom went back to their own business. Some however, approached.

"Captain Gresley, Miss Dash" one of them said, extending a talon, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prime Minister Arthur Lloyd Owen."

"Prime Minister," Gordon replied, extending his hand to shake the PM's talon.

"I must ask for your thoughts on yesterday. How do they compare with home?"

"Very similar. Uncannily so."

"Well we did have excellent source material."

"Indeed. Have you met Rainbow Dash?"

"Not yet," the PM replied, "Allow me to correct that oversight."

The PM moved over slightly and extended a talon, "Greetings Miss Dash, and a belated welcome to the United Kingdom of Griffonia."

"No problem," Rainbow replied, shaking his talon, "Glad to be here."

The PM took a moment to take in Rainbow's attire, greatly impressed by its craftsmanship, extravagance and elegance.

"I have a daughter that would be greatly jealous of your dress."

"My friend Rarity made it."

"Rarity......that young mare Lord Fancy Pants has mentioned?"

"Yeah," Rainbow replied, surprised the Prime Minister of another country had heard of her friend, "That's her."

"Your friend must visit sometime. My daughter would pay quite a sum to have a dress of such high quality."

"I'll let her know."

"Rarity will be swimming in bits by the time she's finished," Gordon said.

"Oh?" queried the PM.

"The King's daughter has also expressed interest."

"Then it seems Griffons have not lost their sense of excellence when they see it."

Just then, another Griffon approached and whispered into the PM's ear.

"Of course," he replied before turning to Gordon and Rainbow, "If you'll excuse me, there's a phone call for me to take."

"Of course," replied Gordon, "Pleasure speaking with you."

"Likewise Captain, Miss Dash."

The PM left, leaving Gordon and Rainbow alone once more.

"So far, so good," Gordon said.

The evening was soon passing and Gordon and Rainbow had spent the good part of it drinking brandy and mingling with other guests. The vast majority were Griffons interested in his army career and of the United Kingdom, whilst there were a half dozen ponies; all of them nobles friendly to Fancy Pants, who himself was unable to attend this evening. Rainbow had managed to put on a cheery face, despite her dress slowly killing her by asphyxiation.

*CLING**CLING**CLING*

Everyone present looked up to the Field Marshal standing at the doorway to the dining room.

"Ladies and gentleman, dinner is ready to be served in the dining room. Please make your way through and find your designated seats."

The guests, Gordon and Rainbow included, made their way through and after a quick search. Gordon and Rainbow found their seats.

At the host's table with Gordon sitting next to the Field Marshal.

Not really surprised to be honest, thought Gordon.

Turning to Rainbow, he saw where her place was next to him and pulled her chair out, "After you, m'lady."

"Thank you, kind sir," she replied poshly, sitting herself down as Gordon pushed the chair in.

Gordon sat himself down and like everyone else, waited for the host to join them. Fully aware that many eyes were on himself and Rainbow and the muted conversations also about them.

"They're not saying anything rude," Rainbow whispered, "Some are just saying it's about time humans and ponies are together again. Some of the Griffon females are just commenting on my dress."

"How do you know?"

"Pony hearing is really good, remember?"

"Oh yeah."

A few moments later, the host finally arrived and took his place, along with his wife, next to Gordon. Gordon, and all the other guests stood up and waited for the host to speak.

"Ladies, gentleman...welcome," he began, "Allow me to welcome you once again to my home. Now, as you are no doubt aware, also in attendance is Captain Gordon Gresley. My friends, a human walks among us once more. A human soldier, to be precise."

My Spidey senses are telling me I'm going to have to make a speech.

"Like his forefathers before him, Captain Gresley chose to serve his sovereign and country and did so with distinction. I do not believe it's possible to overstate just how high a regard we hold humanity, especially those who fought at the Battle of Everfree Forest all those centuries ago and whose English language who, like the three pony tribes, took as their own as a common tongue between warring tribes."

But from what I can gather, Gordon thought, Griffons were speaking modern English before the arrival of those Crusaders. As were ponies. And I think I know who taught them.

I think.

"Now," the Field Marshal continued, "I invite Captain Gresley to introduce himself, and give us a few words on his time here, and where he sees the future going."

A smattering of applause filled the room as Gordon nervously got to his feet, whilst Rainbow relished on the sight of Gordon almost wetting himself at his predicament; though like Celestia, she hid her feelings well in public.

At least on this occasion.

"Ladies, gentleman, greetings," he began, feeling his blood pressure sky rocket, "As you know I am Captain Gordon Gresley, formerly the Adjutant of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. I have been in his world a short while now, and in that time have gone through as many experiences as I have in the preceding thirty years. It's not everyday you wake up to find pastel coloured ponies walking on two legs and holding conversation with you."

A chorus of laughs filled the room.

"And don't get me started on magic."

Laughs filled the room once more and Gordon took a glance back to a smiling Rainbow. The laughter soon died out and Gordon continued, feeling less nervous than before and the words flowing more freely.

"Soon I discovered that I was far from the first human to have set foot in Equestria. The first being eight centuries ago, in both of our worlds, that while initially a success, sadly turned very dark and bloody. However, I'm hoping that humans and ponies; like humans and Griffons, can put aside their differences and stand together as friends. I have been told that it was humanity defeating the Changelings that inspired them to join together as one, and today they have become a prosperous and free nation."

Gordon paused for a moment, adding a bit of solemnity to his speech.

"But on a more personal note, I have once again in my life, met a truly special other half," Gordon said, turning to Rainbow.

Rainbow, realising Gordon was talking about her and noticing the eyes of the room upon her, blushed profusely; only the make up on her cheeks hiding it. Seeing that Gordon had his had held out, she took it and stood up next him and quickly felt his arm around her.

"After the loss of my wife and children two years ago, I was at the lowest I'd ever been. So much so, I once attempted to take my own life."

He......he never mentioned that before, thought Rainbow, hiding her shock.

"Fortunately now, my fellow pub goers noticed the empty painkiller packets that accidentally fell out of my pockets after I passed out. After being rushed to hospital and making a recovery, I realised that my suicide would only cause others, most notably my mother, more suffering. She had already lost her own parents, her husband, her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren, my death would have only added to her misery."

And yet, I've been taken out of her life anyway.

"I may have only been in Equestria for a short time, but in that time I've met a mare that has allowed me to start enjoying life again, and enjoy being in the company of others. For the first time in two years," Gordon continued, holding Rainbow's hand in his, "I'm happy again."

Without warning, Gordon moved forward and kissed Rainbow on the cheek, surprising her and everyone in the room. The room quickly burst into applause while Rainbow continued to stare into Gordon's eyes, the butterflies in her stomach doing nothing to help the tight dress still cutting off her air supply.

Do something you cloud busting bimbo!

Almost as soon as that thought left her head, Rainbow returned the gesture with a kiss of her own.

The applause continued and Rainbow and Gordon turned to the other guests, hand in hand. After several seconds the applause died out and the host once more spoke to his guests.

"I'm sure I speak for everyone here, Captain Gresley, when I say we wish you well for the future. Now, without further ado, let us begin. But before we begin our meal, it is time once more to honour our fallen brethren."

Every guest stood up and took their champagne filled glasses in their talons/hands, and waited for the Field Marshal to begin a poem all too familiar to Gordon.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

"We will remember them," the room chorused, Gordon and Rainbow also, before taking a sip of their champagne.

*NINETY MINUTES LATER*

Gordon, Rainbow and the rest of the guests were making their way into the gardens for a fireworks display, put on by the host himself. The extensive gardens featured six water fountains on each side, each complete with ornate decorations made of gold atop of each of them.

Getting closer, Gordon recognised them.

"More human influence."

"Pardon?" queried Rainbow.

"The gold ornaments atop the fountains. They're signs of the human zodiac."

"Zodiac?"

"I have a book on astrology back home. You might as well read that, it can explain better than I can."

"Sure. Do you have a sign?"

Gordon nodded, "Aries."

"Is it good?"

"Not really. Leo is the best."

"Why?"

"Their star sign is the lion."

"Cool. What's yours? Aries?"

Gordon scuffed the ground with his shoes and mumbled his response, "A ram."

"Sorry? I couldn't hear you?"

"A ram," he said more loudly.

Rainbow bit down her tongue to stop herself laughing hilariously loudly and drawing attention to themselves.

"You couldn't hear me when I'm right next to you, but you could hear Griffons whispering from the other side of a room?"

"Hey, don't blame me for how my selective hearing works," she replied 'defensively', giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Gordon rolled his eyes, "Come on Dashie, let's go and see the fireworks."

Gordon, with Dash hooked around his arm, followed the other guests towards the rear of the garden where a spectator area had been set up complete with more drinks. Walking over to the drinks table, Gordon browsed what was on offer.

"Are you having a drink?" Gordon asked, turning to Rainbow.

"I think I'll have a Gin and Tonic this time."

"Of course, ma'am," the Griffon butler replied, "And for yourself sir?"

"Brandy please, any will do."

"Of course sir."

The drinks were quickly made and served allowing Gordon and Rainbow to observe the fireworks which would be starting in a few minutes.

"Gordon?"

"Yes?"

"I've been thinking...what do you plan to do? You know, job wise?"

"I'm not sure," Gordon replied, taking a sip of brandy, "I suppose I could find one easily enough, but if you mean career...I don't know."

"Why not music production? You were going to do that with Michelle, weren't you?"

"I was, but I'm not musically talented. I'd have been running the business side of the business, Michelle would have been in charge of production."

"Well why not do the same here? There's plenty of talented ponies out there and you'd be able to show human shows."

"True, but whilst I may have been financially well endowed back on Earth, here in Equestria I'm no richer than I was as a child."

"You could get a bank loan."

"I have a non-existent credit rating in Equestria, and being human there's a chance I'd be declined on those grounds alone."

"Why not ask Prince Blueblood?"

"Prince Blueblood?," Gordon repeated, frowning quizzically, "Why?"

"He has a strong interest in musicals and has been looking for some time for more....dramatic musicals to put on, or so I hear."

"I'll look into it. Michelle has plenty of production books lying around somewhere with entire score sheets and whatnot. I'll have a dig around for them and show him them, see what he thinks."

"Save me tickets for the premier."

"Sure thing. You do know that means-"

"Getting dolled up again. Yeah, I know," Rainbow replied, turning to Gordon with a sultry smile, "But as you've already worked out...I love that."

Rainbow leaned in to give Gordon with a kiss on his lips, which he gladly returned, feeling the heat rush to his cheeks.

"Raspberry?"

"Strawberry."

*BOOM*

The guests in the garden looked up to the noise of the boom's location to see a shower of bright colours rain down before dissipating, which was quickly repeated again.

"They look pretty," Rainbow commented.

"They look like your mane in fireworks form."

With a small giggle, Rainbow put her arm around Gordon's waist and he put his around hers, pulling her in close.

As the minutes wore on and the fireworks continued, Gordon put his drink in his other hand leaving his left hand free to take out the tissue he had in his pocket.

"You OK?"

"I'm OK."

"You're sweating."

"Honestly, I'm fine."

"Then why are you sweating?"

Gordon didn't answer.

"And I can feel your hands shaking on my waist. It's not cold."

Gordon pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, "....it's....it's complicated."

"How so?"

"You know I saw front line action during my time in the army?"

Rainbow nodded, "Yeah."

"Well, let's just say some firefights were worse than others. One particular time, we were on routine patrol during the middle of the night when without warning, an IED went off."

"IED?"

"Improvised Explosive Device."

"....a bomb?"

Gordon nodded, "Crudely made and hidden from view. It disabled our vehicle and before we could even get out we came under fire from terrorist insurgents, one member of our convoy being killed before he could even leave his vehicle."

"I'm sorry."

"The firefight dragged on for what seemed like hours, but what keeps coming to mind are the RPG's."

"RPG's?"

"Rocket propelled grenades. That and other weaponry used by both sides...the screech those weapons make, the bangs, the fire, the shock-waves..."

Gordon paused to take a sip of brandy, trying to calm his nerves, "Let's just say that in my time in the army, I saw enough fireworks to last a lifetime."

Whilst the rest of the guests watched the fireworks, unaware of Gordon and Rainbow, the latter turned Gordon towards her and pulled him on close, wrapping her arms protectively around him, "We can leave, if it's getting too much for you."

"No, no I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure......because I have you with me."

*THE FOLLOWING DAY*

Gordon and Rainbow were exhausted after having spent the day travelling from Griffonia to Manehatten due to delays leaving the docks at Kingston-Upon-Staxton Hill. Their ferry did not arrive into Manehatten until the evening and having now made their way to Manehatten Central train station, the pair mulled their way over their option.

"Well," started Gordon, "We could get a night train to Ponyville."

"Errr, I don't know. I'm kinda tired."

"Well why don't we find a hotel and travel back tomorrow?"

"We could, but hotels in Manehatten are kind of expensive, even the cheap ones."

"How much?"

"It varies, but I think Rarity said in the central area it can average about 400 bits per night."

"Well why don't we have a look around?"

"If you want to, but I'd like to find a place soon, I'm kinda tired."

"Sure, assuming we find a place soon do you want to head out afterwards for something to eat?"

Rainbow nodded, "Just nowhere where I have to wear a dress."

"Fast food it is."

After an hour of searching, Gordon and Rainbow gave in and booked the night at the Manefair hotel at a pricey 650 bits. Far more than they wanted to pay, but it was the first room they found available so took it while they had the chance. But it did include an all-you-can-eat breakfast.

Having dropped their luggage off, they were now heading over to Pluckin' Bell for some food.

"I'm so hungry," Rainbow groaned.

Gordon rolled his eyes, "Imagine my shock."

"Oh shush you. Remember who paid for the hotel."

"I'm paying for our tea."

"There's a difference between a 650 bit hotel room and 20 bit takeaway."

"And I'm sure Rarity would be delighted to hear of your generosity," Gordon replied with a cheeky grin, giving Rainbow a kiss on the cheek.

Rainbow and Gordon continued, hand in hand, to the takeaway in Midtown Square, the bright neon lights and hustle and bustle of ponies bringing the city to life.

"Being here makes me regret not visiting New York City."

"I take it Manehatten is pretty much the pony version of New York City?"

"Pretty much. Wished I'd gone to America more often now. I've visited Los Angeles and Miami, but there's so many other places I never visited like Las Vegas and Seattle. Still, I have at least seen more of the world than a lot of people have, two worlds even."

"Where they good places?"

"Very. The cruises I think were my favourite."

"Did you go on any others apart from that one with your family?"

"Several. One round the world cruise and several Mediterranean and Norwegian fjords tours. Those where on my own though, enjoyable but not as much without Michelle and the kids."

"The crews must have gotten used to seeing you."

Gordon laughed, "Well let's just say that, like bank managers, if they know you're loaded there's almost nothing they won't do for you. Not that I ever did that."

Rainbow snorted, "Sure you didn't"

"Really Dash, do you think I would ever really do such a thing?"

"Yes."

"Hmmmm, yeah I would."

The pair finally arrived at the takeaway and went inside, some ponies looking up and going wide-eyed at the sight of Gordon and an Element of Harmony in their presence. The exception being the Manehattenites who barely gave them a glance and rather found their presence to be a nuisance.

The pair approached the empty counter where a sales assistant soon approached.

"Welcome to Pluckin' Bell," he said with all the enthusiasm of a fast food worker, "What can I get for you?"

"Rainbow?"

"Hmmm," she replied, looking up at the menu above the counter, the delay causing the worker's eye to twitch, "I'll have the half roast chicken and large fries with a large lemonade."

"And I'll three chicken breast pieces, two thighs and large fries with cheese. And a large lemonade."

The worker punched the necessary keys on the cash register, "That will be-"

"Can I have fries with cheese too instead?" asked Rainbow, innocently.

The worker's eye twitched again.

*2315 HOURS, MANEFAIR HOTEL*

Back in their hotel room, and full from their filling meal earlier, the pair were now settling down for the night; the room gently illuminated by the cities' night lights. Not so gentle though, was Rainbow who was sitting on the bed rather than laying in it like Gordon.

"Rainbow, are you OK?"

"I'm fine," she replied, her wings twitching.

"Then why are you fidgeting? Are you comfortable?"

"I'm OK, really."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Rainbow," Gordon said sternly.

"Aww," Rainbow huffed, "Fine. There is something, but you'll only laugh at me."

"No I won't."

"You will."

"Rainbow, I Pinkie Promise I won't laugh."

Rainbow looked at Gordon severely, "Do the rhyme."

Gordon rolled his eyes, "Do I have to?"

Rainbow bared her teeth and grunted.

"OK OK, geeze," Gordon replied, "Cross my heart, hope to fly; stick a cupcake in my eye."

Fuck me I feel ridiculous for saying that.

"I've never felt a Pinkie Promise that serious before."

Rainbow now calmer, though still nervously twiddling her fingers, continued, "I was wondering, if you wanted that is...if you could erm...er...."

"Rainbow, what is it?" Gordon asked, sitting up and holding her hands.

".....can you tie me up?"

Gordon blinked, ".....come again?"

"Can you tie me up?"

"Tie.....tie you up?"

Rainbow nodded, blushing furiously, "I've always wondered what it would be like, but I've never been with anyone, relationship wise, that I could trust enough to do it."

"Are you serious?"

Rainbow nodded, "If you don't want to...that's fine, but...you know...if you do..."

"I...," Gordon began, rubbing the back of his neck, "I didn't exactly bring 'supplies' with me."

"I did," Rainbow replied a little too quickly, "I have some rope, handcuffs, a ball gag and riding crop amongst other things.

Deep in the cells below, Short Fuse continued to whimper to himself having just been through another bout of torture. His fur was covered in slime and dirt, cuts and bruises, he was starving like never before, and to top things off the shackles around his wrists and ankles had caused them to start bleeding, his jailers not providing any medical treatment.

Why would they? They hate me.

The quiet of his cell was interrupted when the cell door was opened. Two of his jailers brought in another prisoner, covered in a black sheet, and shackled him to the wall opposite, before turning back to him, the taller guard speaking to him.

"We'll be back to play later," he said mockingly, "I know how much you love having our rods up your plot."

The two jailers left, taking the black sheet with them, revealing the prisoner's identity.

*MEANWHILE*

Shining Armor entered strode into his quarters, smiling in delight at the sight of Cadence, who was sitting as her desk filling out paperwork.

"Hey honey."

Cadence looked up and smiled at the sight, "Hi Shining, you look in good spirits."

"I feel like a new pony."

"Oh?" Cadence replied, giggling, "How come?"

"Does it matter?" he asked, giving her a kiss on the neck.

Cadence felt her heart flutter for a moment as a huge smile started to form on her lips...and lewd thoughts enter her mind.

"Come on Shining," she said excitedly, lifting him in her magic and making a beeline for the bedroom, "Time for a bit of fun."

"How's that?" asked Gordon.

Rainbow squirmed around, testing her bindings, "Feels nice. And tight."

"Are you sure you want to do this? It's not too late to back out."

"I'm sure."

"Very well," Gordon replied, picking up the leather collar and fastening it around Rainbow's neck.

Just hearing the collar being locked in place with a padlock, Rainbow could feel her loins already heating up. She watched with excitement as Gordon fastened a lead to her collar and giving it a firm test tug.

"Ready?" asked Gordon, fastening the ball gag in place.

Rainbow nodded eagerly, the ball gag the only thing stopping a huge grin on her face.

"Shining," Cadence said, giggling in her spread-eagle position,"You're looking quite excited."

"I aim to please," Shining replied, massaging his large and fully erect shaft, "Now open your mouth, you little slut."

"Yes master," Cadence replied, her restraints the only thing preventing her from launching herself at her husband and his offering.

*SOMETIME LATER*

Rainbow flexed out her wings, enjoying their movement once more after their tight confinement. Not that she minded in the slightest.

"So," Gordon said, putting the 'toys' back in the hidden compartment of Rainbow's suitcase, "I take it you enjoyed yourself."

Rainbow nodded giddily, "Totally. It's so weird though."

"Weird?"

"Yeah. Like I was tied up and completely at your mercy. You could have done anything you wanted to me, even leave me tied up and go somewhere else and leave me to be found by hotel staff, or just beat the crap out of me rather than just smack my plot with a riding crop."

"I said I wouldn't hurt you."

I knew Gordon wouldn't break a Pinkie Promise!

"True," Rainbow replied, "But you did humiliate me though."

"You never said I couldn't."

"And you gagged me."

"It was a precaution just in case you squealed too loudly when I smacked your plot," Gordon replied, giving her plot another playful smack, "You have quite a set of lungs on you."

"But making me eat out of a dish like a dog?"

"Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it," Gordon replied with a shit-eating grin, "If it weren't for the ropes binding your wings they'd have been stiff as ironing boards the entire time."

"Stupid wing boners."

*MEANWHILE, BACK IN PONYVILLE*

Twilight put the book down she was reading, her hands were shaking rapidly quickly becoming lost in her own thoughts.

"Twilight?"

No answer.

"TWILIGHT!"

"I'M AWAKE!" she yelled, standing up.

Calming down and looking around, she saw Spike standing just a few feet away.

"What is it Spike?"

"You were trembling. Badly."

"Oh....well, I'm fine Spike," she said, still trembling a little.

Spike, not convinced, looked down at the book that fell to the floor.

"Twilight?"

"Yes Spike?"

"What's the holocaust?"

*SOMETIME LATER*

Gordon, held firmly in place by Rainbow's legs in a vice like grip, exploded his load into Rainbow's wet pussy. After several seconds of unloading; sweating and panting profusely, Gordon flopped down onto Rainbow, she herself spent and exhausted.

Still panting heavily, the pair stared into each other's eyes.

"......I love you."

A small tear fell each of Rainbow's eyes as she smiled happily, "I love you too."

Moving in slowly, Gordon pressed his lips against Rainbow's. Welcoming the gesture, Rainbow put her hands around his neck and pulled him in closer. Moving her tongue around his mouth, she felt his sharp canines and incisors; the sensation sending a satisfying chill down her spine and into her wings. Unfortunately for Rainbow, the sensation couldn't last forever and the pair needed to break the kiss, if only to breath again.

Breathing heavily, Gordon kissed the tip of Rainbow's nose, "Goodnight...darling."

Rolling to her side and slowly pulled the covers over them both, where they quickly fell asleep in each other's embrace, a content smile on Rainbow's lips, and another tear falling down her cheek.

What happened? I feel like I was hit by a carriage.

The individual slowly and groggily woke up, slowly coming to his senses. Naturally, he tried to stand up but was very surprised when he found his movements very limited. Attempting again, he encountered the same result.

What's going on?

Focusing closely, he finally realised the shackles around his wrists and ankles.

And another pony opposite him.

Looking through the dimly lit cell, the individual's eyes almost boggled out of his sockets upon seeing who it was.

"SHORT FUSE!"

Short Fuse looked up, the life in his eyes completely gone.

"Prince Shining."

Author's Note

Any chance anyone could help with making a TV Tropes page for this story?