I've been arguing with myself over and over again about which offer to take, neither of which appeal that greatly to me. Owing Discord a favour could range from simply going to the shop to collect some milk, to starting a global conflict just for his amusement. Although I would like to be cured, I can't risk someone else taking control of my mind when I'm most vulnerable.

I have no natural resistance to magic in this world, it's about time that I levelled the playing field. Although the corruption will remain with me, Discord has assured me that I'd remain in control. I could simply take control and keep it suppressed deep in the back of my mind, simply using it as a form of magical protection and nothing else. If Discord keeps his word then I won't have to worry about losing control.

But, with the corruption remaining, I'd have to keep it hidden from the others. If it was to be revealed that I was still influenced by magic, many would feel as though I'm not fit to carry out my duties. If someone were to find out, it would only damage my standing further as a result of keeping it hidden. In order to counter this, I'd have to at least tell Luna. If she was to know and is happy for me to continue, then I should be in the clear.

Pivoting on the spot, I hold out my hand for Discord. "Give me control."

Discord chuckles as he leaps up from the seat, "Splendid. I must admit, I was rather hoping that you'd take my first option, but this one will do just as nicely as the first." Before I can reconsider, he outstretches his paw and grasps onto my hand. Without warning, a bolt of red energy materialises on my hand, wrapping into a sphere before quickly disappearing. "With your inner self on your side, you'll be able to cause a little more chaos in this world. But that's not all, oh no." Discord chuckles as he releases his hold of me. "I also have an extra gift for you... a tool you humans use so well to create a little mayhem."

I cock a brow as Discord begins to stroll towards the steel door which locks us in the room. "What gift?"

He quickly turns to hold his talon against his lip, "Shhh... I can't say, it'll ruin the surprise. Simply return to your office in Ponyville, it'll be waiting for you. Now, I'm growing weary of this place. I shall leave you to it, Captain. Ta-ta."

"Wait!" Ignoring me, Discord strolls out the door and disappears in a blinding flash. A tool to create mayhem? That isn't very specific. Surely, that could be nearly anything. Use something right and you can cause a few issues for anyone. I remain motionless on the spot as I wait for my body to awaken. Minutes tick by without anything happening, I even end up pulling my arm to look at the non-existent watch on my wrist.

"Now what?" I ask myself out loud as I stroll towards the door. Stopping just before the open doorway, I reach my arm out towards the opening. Before my very eyes, the air seems to bend around my limb as the flesh begins to fade. On instinct, I instantly retract my arm and grab hold of the limb. If Discord left through here, then I should be able to. I'm in my own mind and I'm in control. Exhaling, I step through the door as the energy engulfs me. Almost instantly, my eyes close as a bright flash surrounds me.

My eyes slowly creak open as the sound of various individuals talking fills my ears. The first thing my eyes lock onto is the damaged wall which the bed I'm on is positioned against. Halfway up the wall is an impact site, the paint and plaster of the wall peeling away from the damage. It takes me a few moments to remember that I was able to fight the corruption, pulling the shotgun up just before it fired.

My body feels strangely rejuvenated, much better than it has done in weeks. I don't know whether it is to do with the corruption being defeated, but I'm not one to argue. Turning my head to the side, I find the source of the voices. The room has a number of Guards stood at various intervals, likely sent to keep an eye on me in case I woke up and attacked. Stood in the far corner Luna, Celestia, Discord, Shining Armor, Spitfire, Swift, Sunny and Chaser. They haven't noticed that I've awoken as they seem too focused on their conversation.

"Are you certain that John is fully cured?" Celestia asks as she faces Discord.

"Are you doubting my handiwork?" Discord retorts as he feigns being hurt by the question that Celestia had just directed to him. "I'm shocked that you have no faith in me." Nobody responds as they all seem to glare at him. "Yes, he is no longer being influenced by the corruption that Tirek had imposed on him."

"How can you be certain?" Shining asks as he turns his focus to Celestia. "If he can become corrupted once again, then he poses a security risk to the castle and the Equestrian Guard. We can't allow somepony who can potentially be influenced to remain in a position of power, especially in command of a unit."

Swift scoffs as he steps alongside his Princess, "Please. Major, you forget that you were under the influence of Queen Chrysalis. By your logic, since you were influenced and held a position of power over the entire Guard of this castle, you too should be removed from your position." Shining scowls towards the Brigadier. Swift turns his head to Princess Luna, "He shouldn't be discharged as the Major and Captain here claim. If he's cured, then there is no issue that he cannot remain."

Major and Captain? Oh, no doubt that Captain is Spitfire. Likely trying to get me sacked as a way to get back at Luna and I.
Well, I'm not gonna sit back and take this. Sitting up, I swing my legs over the bed as a number of guards shift at my movement. "Don't I get a say in this?"

Everyone's eyes shift to me as I slowly approach them. The Brigadier grins as he turns his head back to Shining Armor, "He doesn't look very influenced to me."

Discord chuckles as he strolls alongside me, "Of course he isn't. I cured him, he's back to his old self again. The joyful and chaotic human that we've all grown to love."

Discord leans closer, draping his paw over my shoulder as he casually leans against me. I quickly pull myself away, causing him to nearly lose his balance. "Only I'm not back to my old self."

"What do you mean?" Luna asks as everyone slowly steps closer.

My eyes catch onto discord as he brings his paw over his lips in an attempt at signalling for me to remain quiet. Ignoring him, I turn my attention to the others. "The corruption is not gone. Discord has given me control, allowing me to use it to my advantage."

Discord drags his paw over his face as he lets out a disappointed groan. "You told them? Well, that's not very fun. Is it?"

I shrug as I fold my arms, "You never said that I couldn't tell them. I'm not having this coming back to bite me in the ass when someone else discovers it." This causes Discord to stammer in response as he realises that his lack of details in the deal has allowed me to spoil any fun he had intended to occur when others learnt of my abilities.

"I don't understand," Celestia states as her eyes flick between myself and Discord. "You now have control? What does that mean?"

"I guess what it says on the tin. Granted, I don't know how to control it-"

"-You don't know how to control it!?" Spitfire and Shining both shout in unison.

"He literally just gave me control. It's not like I know how to use something that I've only just been given."

Shining looks to Celestia in disbelief, "You're going to allow this?"

"It's not her decision," Luna interrupts as she joins alongside me. "John is a Captain in the Lunar Guard, he comes under my command."

Celestia looks to her sister, a sombre expression on her face. "He may be under your command, but you need to think of the damage this could have. I don't want to lose John, he has proved invaluable over the last year. But if this became public, that he doesn't know how to control the influence over him, it will cause a lot of doubt on his ability and the Lunar Guard."

"He can learn how to control it," Luna retorts as her eyes flick to me. "I have faith that the Captain is more than capable of handling this. You forget all the hardships he has gone through, each time he has been able to push back. Do you truly believe that I would dismiss him? That I'd ignore all the advancements that have come around because of his actions? He has helped bring peace to Griffonia, establish relations which have been better than before my banishment, and risk his own life to keep us safe."

Luna's expression turns to one of irritation as she looks to Shining Armor. "He has risked his life on many an occasion. He had no need to, he could have refused to join the Guard and spent his life in Ponyville. Do I need to remind you that he saved the life of your sister during the attack on Ponyville last Nightmare Night?" Shining's face drops slightly as Luna steps closer. "He even saved your own life at Griffinstone, holding the enemy back and preventing their counterattack from breaking through. Without him, you and many other ponies would be dead. I will not dismiss him." Her head now snaps to Discord as she scowls, "Now, how does he control it?"

Discord chuckles as he claps his hands together, "Wow, that certainly was entertaining. As for learning to completely control it, that'll take time. He'll have to learn how to call upon it and how to harness its power. That, I can't teach him." His smirk quickly drops as his eyes lock onto mine, "Since you're being open and ruining my fun, I suppose you'll be telling them about my gift?"

"What gift!?" Everyone seems to shout back in unison as their eyes all turn to me.

Clicking his talons together, a bright light flashes before us. My eyes lock onto the familiar box that Discord presented me before. Taking hold of it, I lift the lid and freeze at the sight before me. Inside is my SA80, but not the way I had seen it previously. Inside, every single part has been repaired, every single one looking as though it had just rolled off the assembly line.

"He provided me with such entertainment with this little toy of his. I wanted to give him the upper hand, to show you why the human race is so fun when it comes to chaos."

Everyone's eyes widen slightly as I lift the upper receiver of the rifle. I slowly run my hand over the unmarked metal as I turn to Discord. "You fixed it? How?"

"That was easy. Your memories." Discord notices my blank expression. With a roll of his eyes, he continues, "You have such an extensive knowledge of this weapon. I suppose that comes with the job you had. You know how every little part should look, how it operates, and how they all work together. From that, I was able to reconstruct them all." Discord sighs as he rubs his beard, "It's a shame you don't know how more of your little toys work. Could you imagine the chaos I we could have with them? It would be a beautiful symphony."

My body mentally shudders as thoughts of Discord getting his hands on more advanced military technology sends a shiver down my spine. Just imagine how he'd love some of the most destructive pieces of equipment that humanity has ever seen, nukes, nerve agents, white phosphorus, napalm, not to mention modern tanks and military aircraft.

With curiosity getting the better of me, I decide to question him further. "You remade this from my knowledge. Does that mean that you could make other human creations?"

Discord laughs as he pats my head, "I wish. You only have an extensive knowledge of that weapon because of your training. Having the parts made the task easier, but I couldn't create your other weapons." I let out a mental sigh of relief that Discord couldn't just create a load of advanced weapons and potential arm every army in the world for a conflict.

"We still need to discuss the matter at hoof," Swift states as we all turn back to him. "I've seen the Captain here in combat, I certainly don't want to see his abilities thrown to waste, but we can't ignore the fact that he doesn't yet know how to control his abilities."

Luna lowers her head, "You're right." Her eyes slowly shift to me, a conflicted expression on her face. "John, I'm afraid that following recent incidents, I can no longer have you as the commanding officer of the Everfree Rangers."

My heart drops upon hearing that. She's kicking me out? She can't be... It wasn't my fault. Before I can open my mouth, Sunny interrupts, "You can't do that to him! It's not fair! After all he has done for us!"

Luna's eyes meet Sunny's. Instead of scolding Sunny for answering back, Luna continues in a calm voice. "You didn't let me finish." Her eyes slowly turn to me, "You will no longer be the commanding officer... but I will not remove you from the Guard. You have done so much for Equestria, it would be unthinkable for me to do such a thing for something that was not your fault. I want you to remain as the Captain of the Everfree Rangers."

A small amount of hope returns to me as I look at her, yet I find myself becoming a little confused. "So... what am I to do if I'm no longer the CO?"

"You never were one for office work, you said as much when your barracks were first planned and when I gave you command of the Ponyville Guard. You're a soldier and an Engineer. I want you to continue with your research and development, to aid the Rangers and other units to improve equipment to keep our guards safe."

"But, who will take command of the Rangers?"

"That'll be me," Swift responds. "I won't be taking your office, though," Swift states with a slight chuckle. "I've seen what you've done with the Rangers. The level of training, dedication and equipment the team has produced is incredible. I wouldn't want to see that come to an end... I want to see it progress."

Swift pauses as he looks to Luna, as though he's seeking permission to continue. As she nods, he resumes. "The Rangers need to grow, that much is clear to me. In order for it to grow, you'll need a seasoned commanding officer to handle the hierarchy of the unit, somepony who can handle all the admin and general duties of leadership. The Lunar Guard is small, it hasn't grown since Princess Luna's return, consisting of a few Companys and Battalions. It's about time that the Lunar Guard received its first Regiment since Princess Luna's banishment and that Regiment will be the Everfree Rangers."

Luna nods as she turns her head to Shining Armor and Spitfire, "That is why the Rangers received a dramatic increase in funding. You objected to a single Company receiving the level of funding they did, it was in order to prepare them for forming a Regiment. Obviously, I'll have to rush my plans, but the preparations will begin immediately under the watchful eye of Brigadier Swift..."

As Luna continues to address them, I lean closer to Swift as I whisper into his ear. "So, you're my new boss, sir?"

A grin spreads across his muzzle as he tilts his head slightly, "That I am. You'll be given a number of roles, guiding the Rangers to become the top Regiment in the entire Guard. I'm sure we'll work well together, John. I know you liked to keep things informal between your unit, so let's not bother with that 'sir' crap. Clear?"

I chuckle softly as I stand up straight, "Crystal clear, Swift."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was filled with more arguments from Shining Armor about trusting me, how the influence was not fully under my control if I couldn't use it. It mattered little about what he said, Luna instantly dismissed his accusations and refused to listen to him.

I was able to talk to Sunny and Chaser, they were a little shaken up but at least they weren't hurt. They understood that it wasn't the true me that attacked them, that I wouldn't want to hurt two of my closest friends. I remained with them for the night as we tried to discuss the future of our squad in the Rangers, especially since I had lost command.

I must admit, a small weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was initially heartbroken to learn that I lost command, but I soon found myself feeling more relieved. Luna was right, I wasn't one for office work and carrying out admin. I was always a more hands-on kind of soldier, preferring to get my hands dirty in the grime that came with conflict. Losing command meant that my priorities could shift elsewhere, to engaging in various activities to improve my team and to help the Guard as a whole.

I wasn't able to speak to Luna as she quickly left with the Brigadier to make preparations for handing control of the Rangers over to him. They said that they'd be discussing plans, making physical preparations to post him at the barracks in Ponyville, and to provide him with instructions on what his first order of business as the new CO will be.

By the time the early morning sun was climbing over the horizon, we were all woken up and told to report to the main castle courtyard immediately. Gathering all that we brought, Sunny, Chaser and I did as instructed and made our way to the courtyard. I didn't have much to take with me, just the clothes on my back, the sword which practically lived on my hip, and my good old SA80. I spent the entire night reassembling it and making sure it functioned correctly, it seemed that Discord was true to his word as he actually fully fixed it.

As we arrive in the courtyard, we find Luna and Swift stood alongside a sky chariot as they look to us. A group of four Pegasi are attached to the front of the chariot via a number of harnesses, likely acting as our drivers to return us to Ponyville. Without saying a word, Luna gestures for us to join her as she climbs onto the back of the chariot. We all follow her instruction, joining her on the chariot before closing the back compartment to ensure we don't fall out during our flight.

It only takes a few moments for the Pegasi to prepare themselves. After a few routine checks of their equipment, they make a running start before taking off into the air. It's hardly the most luxurious of take-offs, but it certainly isn't the worst take-off I've ever experienced.

We soon find ourselves flying over the beautiful landscape below, something which reminds me of the countryside back home. Rows upon rows of trees line the fields below, providing numerous pieces of cover and shelter for wildlife on the ground below. Lush grasslands expand over the horizon as far as the eye can see, picturesque mountains rising high like beacons as they litter the edges of the world before us.

After enjoying a few moments to take in the scenery, a saddlebag is lowered to rest against the side of my leg. "You may need these," Luna states as my eyes drift to the bag below. Kneeling down, I throw the cover back to find a number of small boxes with the text '5.56mm' inscribed on them. "Your old rifle doesn't exactly seem as though it could use the ammunition you produced for the Valkyrie Mk1. I figured you'd need these again."

Picking up a handful of cartridges, I idly shuffle them around on the palm of my hand. "I guess I will, now that I have the original Valkyrie back." Dropping the cartridges into the bag below, I turn around and lean against the frame of the chariot. "So, are you both going to tell me what my role is in the Rangers?"

"You'll be acting as my temporary second in command," Swift reassures as his stance relaxes slightly. "As you're aware, a Regiment has a lot more soldiers than a Company. We'll need more soldiers to fill the ranks, not to mention a sufficient training regime to see who is effective and able to fulfil the role. Who better to go on a recruitment drive then the Captain who was awarded the Lunar Cross."

"So I'm now a recruiter?"

"Not entirely, no." Swift turns his head as he looks out over the horizon. "The Princess has expressed that you requested a base for the Rangers, your wish is being granted. The Rangers will have their own military installation which will house the Regiment. You've made the Rangers what it is today, you're going to assist to ensure that it maintains that standard. We'll be creating a thorough training programme for recruits. You've created the training so far, I'm sure you have more areas you wish the Rangers to be sufficient in."

"You won't be in command of the Company," Luna adds as she looks to me. "I want you to be focused on the task at hoof. Unrestricted and able to deploy a small team quickly and effectively, just like you did in the civil war. Your team will be rapid strike force, ready to go and assist where required. In order to have you ready for such a situation, I can't have you tied up behind a desk."

I slowly nod my head, "This job is sounding better and better by the minute. I take it I'll also continue with weapon and armour developments?"

"That you will. For the time being, it won't be as much of a priority, but that doesn't mean I want it swept to the side and neglected."

"But, growing a Company to a Regiment is going to be a large task," I state as I rub my hand over the back of my neck. "It's quite the increase to go from two-hundred soldiers to potentially three or four-thousand. It'll take a lot of publicity to get the recruitment flowing."

Swift chuckles softly, "That won't be too hard. Everypony in the Guard has heard of the Rangers, many will happily join a unit which has the most advanced equipment and combat experience. It's referred to as 'the unit where you actually do something', many guards aren't too fond of simply standing around all day."

"Yeah, but we're still Lunar Guard. If there are very few units within the Lunar Guard, then we won't be getting any guards transferring."

"That's why you'll go hunting. You'll get a comfy few weeks of high-class hotels and functions, engaging with the public to get them to join the Lunar Guard." Swift pauses as he considers his next words. "Following the war, we had a fair few guards resign, many weren't able to return to the way things were before the war. With a significant number of guards leaving, we need to refill the gaps." Swift briefly turns his head to Sunny and Chaser who are stood at the very front of the chariot, "I'll inform your team members of the changes which will be coming."

As he steps away, Luna gestures for me to join her at the rear of the chariot. The two of us step as far as we physically can from the others. We're not able to get very far, so we resort to trying to speak as quietly as we can. "John, I'm sorry that I left you when you needed me the most." Luna's gaze lowers slightly as she digs idly at the floor of the chariot, "I let my emotions get the better of me and I wasn't thinking straight."

I lean over the edge of the chariot as I clasp my hands together, "You shouldn't apologise for that, Luna. We both said things which were out of line, we both lost ourselves in the heat of the moment." I sigh as I close my eyes, "We can't let this end things between us. It was one fight, we need to move on. I forgive you, Luna, but you must promise me one thing."

Luna looks to me with what appears to be hope in her eyes, "Yes? What is it?"

"What you did to Spitfire... It must never happen again." I stand up straight again as I look to see if the others are listening. Happy that they're not eavesdropping, I continue. "What you did was disgusting, I will never be a part of that. I need to make one thing clear, I won't stand by your side if you do that. We need to talk through any issues we have, to find a solution together."

"I know that most ponies won't agree with what I did, but I stand by my decision." Luna lets out a shallow sigh as she looks into my eyes. "But that doesn't mean it was the right course of action in the situation. I promise that I will never do it again, John. You're right, we need to talk in order to resolve any issues that arise." Luna smiles softly as she steps a little closer, "I don't want to lose you, especially over some stupid decision I made when my mind was... clouded. I love you, John."

I match her smile as our eyes remain locked, "I love you too. We can work past this, Luna. This won't be the end of things between us. We learn from our mistakes and move on." Once Luna looks to the front of the chariot to ensure that nobody is looking, she places a very quick kiss on my lips before walking forward. "And Luna..." She stops as she looks over her shoulder to me. "Thanks for not kicking me out of the Guard."

Luna's smile widens as she bows her head, "I couldn't lose one of the most effective officers I've ever had. Did they really think a little corruption would make me remove you?" Luna scoffs as she continues walking, "Back before my banishment, nearly every major officer was corrupted at one point or another."

As she steps away, my mind returns to what I heard Swift mention the previous night. About how Shining was corrupted by a 'Queen Chrysalis'. I'm not entirely sure who she is and what she did, but something tells me that I should probably ask some questions about it in the future.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After having spent a few hours discussing the recent change for the Rangers with the rest of the Company that was based in Ponyville, I was bombarded by one-million and one questions. Many relating to the role that we would be assuming as a strike team for the Lunar Guard. I wanted to tell the team about my new control over the influence, but I figured it was best to try and keep it on the down-low for now. At least until I knew for certain how to control it.

Finally escaping the bombardment of questions, I quickly change out of my military tunic and switch to a comfortable pair of jeans and shirt before making my escape from the barracks. Closing the main door behind me, I quickly move away from the building in order to get away from further questions. I need some quiet so that I could think things through and figure out how I'd control the magic within me.

"Hello, Johnny!" Pinkie's voice chimes in my ear as she bounces alongside me. I pivot on the spot as I look to the hyperactive pink pony. "Whatcha doing?" Pinkie asks as she gives me an innocent look.

I wave my hand dismissively as I start to walk further into town, "Just trying to wrap my head around things."

"Oh, like a mystery?" Pinkie practically leaps in front of me as she rotates in the air, allowing her to land on all fours as she walks backwards. "I love a good mystery, just like the one of who ate all the cakes I made at sugar cube corner. I looked high and low for them but I never found them. They went poof... disappeared into thin air, or would the air become fat if it ate all those cakes? Hmm... thin air, or fat air? Anyway, I was left with the only logical solution that the cake was a lie."

I come to an instant stop as I eye her curiously. Did she just say what I think she said..? Nah, that's ridiculous. She may have that stupid sense of her's but there's no way she knows of these things. "No offence, Pinkie, but I don't have time to worry about your disappearing cake."

Pinkie scowls for a second as she gasps, "How can you have no time for cake?"

"Because I need to figure out..." I cut myself off as I realise that she doesn't need to know about the magical influence.

"Figure out what? If it's Chimicherry or Cherrychanga?"

My confusion only becomes worse as I look at Pinkie with a bemused expression, "What the fuck are they?"

"Mashed up cheery's in a tortilla that's deep-fried," Pinkie responds with an innocent expression. "Want one?"

"...No, thanks. I'll be fine. Unless you know anything about controlling magic, then I don't think you can help me, Pinkie."

Pinkie taps her forehoof to her chin before she suddenly runs off to the side with a loud gasp. I remain motionless following the bizarre spectacle before continuing to pace through the town. After a minute, Pinkie suddenly returns as she presses her forehooves into my back to guide me towards the outskirts of town. "Come on, I know exactly who we need to see."

"What, how?" I ask as I try to plant my feet firmly on the ground to prevent her from pushing me.

"Oh, that was easy. I just read ahead."

I twist my neck to look at her with a look of utter confusion, "Read ahead? What the fuck do you mean?"

Pinkie laughs as she jumps around me, "I knew you were going to say that. Now come on, we need to go to the Everfree forest. We'll find out what you need to know, Johnny. You'll be the brains and I'll be Pinkie. Pinkie and the Brain." My head begins to spin with uncertainty as Pinkie starts bouncing ahead and singing as she moves. "We're Pinkie and the Brain. Yes, Pinkie and the Brain. One is a genius, the other's insane. We're Pinkie, we're Pinkie and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain..."

I stare at her in utter amazement as she carries on ahead, her singing syncing with every bounce she makes. Rebooting my brain by giving my head a vigorous shake, I quickly step off and follow her... despite my better judgement.

There's just no explaining her.