Saturday 30th August 2014
10:22
Weekend Leave
Ponyville Train Station

As the train grinds to a halt at the station, I stand out of my seat in order to retrieve the three duffle bags from overhead, mine, Rainbow's and Tempest's. Having been given the weekend pass from Luna to return to Ponyville and Canterlot in order to carry out some preparations for the upcoming wedding, I decided to take the same train as the Wonderbolt Reserve members who had completed their tour of the Badlands. Returning with Rainbow, I was also joined by Tempest after she was seen to by the doctors at the FOB. Much like me, she seemed to be incapable of listening to doctor's orders and getting bed rest.

Tempest kept up her end of the deal, leading me to a lockbox buried a couple of miles away from her original campsite. The intel was exactly what Tempest said it would be, plans of possible targets the Diamond Dog's would attack next. Unlike Coltchester, we would be prepared and ready to counter their attack. Before I left to return to Ponyville, I gave all of the documents to intelligence officers so that they could analyse everything we gathered.

On the journey back, Tempest kept to herself, deciding not to talk to anyone and isolate herself from the others as she sat in the corner. I took the journey as an opportunity to talk to Rainbow about her experience in the badlands, she seemed to put on a bit of a show for the other Wonderbolt Reservists by making out that there were no issues. Rainbow also told me that the plan before she left was for her to meet with the girls in the afternoon at Twilight's where there'd be a party the following day to celebrate coming back home, this was due to Twilight being in Canterlot in the morning for a lecture of some sort.

Passing down their duffle bags, I take my own and throw it over my shoulder before inspecting my uniform. Not having to wear my usual combat uniform and armour, I'm instead wearing my red ceremonial tunic with my collection of military ribbons on display over the left side of my chest. Even though we're in a safe location, I am still wearing my utility belt with my sword scabbard positioned over my left hip and my thigh holster and Glock resting on my right leg.

Reaching into my pocket, I take out my beret and quickly wipe it down before placing it on my head. Stepping through the train carriage and onto the platform, I'm immediately bombarded by a heavy onslaught of camera flashes. As my eyes slowly adjust, I find a large crowd of paparazzi split on either side of the platform, being held back from the centre by a line of Thestral Royal Guards in front of them.

Deciding to ignore the cameras and the numerous questions being shouted at my general direction, I look straight ahead towards Luna as she stands at the end of the platform with an open smile on her lips. Closing the distance, I quickly take hold of Luna in an embrace as I lightly caress her cheek with my hand before pulling her close to me. Our lips promptly lock together as another heavy assault of camera flashes surround us on all side.

Pulling away, I match her smile as I whisper to her, "Well isn't this a lovely surprise."

Luna gestures to the group with her eyes before replying to me in a hushed tone, "It wasn't my idea. They've got a 'big story' to cover."

"And that is?"

Luna hesitates momentarily as she looks to the group before returning her focus to me, "Magazines have been speculating about my... condition. I have neither confirmed or denied their claims." As Luna says this, I tilt my head to the side and glance at her form. Although there is not a drastic change, it is evident that Luna has either been enjoying a few too many cakes or that she is in the early stages of pregnancy.

"Well, you did figure that it wouldn't be too long before someone figured it out." I glance to the camera's momentarily before focusing on Luna again, "Shall we get out of here? I'm not exactly one for getting my photo taken. The only exceptions is if I'm drunk or for shits n' giggles."

Luna chuckles to herself as she shakes her head, "As always, you have a certain way with words." As Luna starts to turn to begin leaving the station platform, her eyes lock onto Tempest who she studies with interest. "And who have you brought back with you?"

I reply with a weak shrug as I gesture for Tempest to follow us. "I'll be needing my own guards in the future. That is Tempest Shadow, and she is kind of a badass. She kicked my ass." I laugh as I step alongside Luna and rest my hand on her back.

This causes Luna to freeze as she looks at me with alarm, her eyes finally locking on the small cut left on my forehead. "You fought? And she won?"

"Well, I won. I pulled the gun and finished the fight. Let's just say that we had a rocky introduction, but we're now on good terms. She's earned my trust and I've earned hers." Stopping on the spot, I spin towards Rainbow as she goes to meet with the rest of the Wonderbolt Reserves. "Rainbow, I'll meet you and the girls at Twilight's later?" As soon as Rainbow nods, Luna and I quickly move away from the paparazzi as they attempt to get more photographs.

As we walk side by side, Luna seems to purposely drift towards me so that her body continually rubs against the outside of my thigh. Reaching into my pocket, I carefully pull out a small velvet covered box which I collected from Coltchester before embarking on the train.

Clearing my throat to grab her attention, her eyes slowly drift towards me and quickly snaps onto the box. We both come to a stop as I turn to Luna, offering her the box. “Happy Birthday, Luna.”

Luna initially seems surprised by this, her eyes looking at me questionably before an excited smile spreads across her muzzle. “You remembered my birthday? I don’t think I actually told you when it was.”

I cock a brow as I step closer, Luna’s magic taking control of the gift before her. “You didn’t, but, I learnt when it was a while ago. I figured this was a test of sorts. You giving me leave on the weekend which falls perfectly in line with your birthday,” I chuckle as I fold my arms.

Luna eagerly opens the box and examine the contents, pausing as her eyes lie on what lies within. Slowly plucking the gift from the box, Luna freezes as she inspects the brooch before her.

The brooch consists of silver, jade and diamond. The silver and jade intertwine with one another, creating the impression of a spiralling wreath. With the jade and silver creating the adjacent leaves, the diamond is positioned so that it fully encircles the inside of the wreath, littering it with small cut diamond stones.

”Wait until she finds out that you got it on a massive discount because you saved the guy's store in Coltchester when the Diamond Dogs attacked,” Davies remarks slyly within my head.

”She doesn’t need to know that,” I respond as I continue to watch Luna.

As Luna places it back into the box, she quickly closes the distance between us and passionately places her lips against mine, the sound of flashing cameras and excited chatter from the press quickly filling our ears. Despite not getting to enjoy the moment in private, I happily return the gesture as my hands wrap around Luna and keep her body close to mine as she breaks away from the kiss.

“Thank you, John.” Luna whispers and she places another quick peck on my lips. “It’s beautiful.”

Her smile becomes contagious as I find myself with one of my own as I look into her eyes. Leaning alongside her ear, I whisper, “You know, this isn’t your entire present.” I move closer so that my lips are almost flicking her ear, before whispering as seductively as I can “Tonight… is all about you.”

Luna slowly pulls away, the smallest trace of her biting her lip before she regains her composure. “You’re filling me with high expectations.”

I shrug as we continue to walk once again, “Since when do I ever disappoint?”

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

"That's an exquisite choice, your majesty," Rarity beams with confidence as she pulls away a series of fabric samples. As she begins to pace across the room, I lean back on the sofa with Luna as I grasp a half-empty cup of tea which rests alongside my utility belt. Needing a wedding suit, Rarity was obviously the designer on the front of our minds to make my suit and Luna's dress. Rarity was, in fact, my only tailor and designer, making all of my personal clothes, along with uniforms for the Rangers and SOG.

Escaping the Paparazzi, we came straight to the boutique upon leaving the train station. It was safe to say that Luna wasn't the only one excited for the wedding and getting the preparations sorted as Rarity closed the boutique so that we'd have a private fitting. I have no doubt in my mind that she was practically jumping around like an excited toddler for Christmas at the thought of designing a wedding dress for one of the Royal Sisters.

As Rarity goes to arrange the various materials that Luna had picked out, Luna leans softly against me as she rests her head on my shoulder. "You know, I always figured I'd get married in parade dress," I state as I look at Luna.

Luna cocks a brow as she looks at me with a sly grin. "I've seen you far too much in uniforms. I'm sure it was a rare thing for you to be seen outside of work in a uniform back on Earth, but I've rarely seen you in any casual clothing or something that isn't related to the military."

"What can I say? I'm proud of my service and was a patriot," I state as I finish the rest of my tea. "And when I'm a Prince, I reckon the nobles will frown if I stroll around in jeans and a t-shirt. I'll probably swap out the uniform for a set of fancy suits."

"You've always looked good in a suit," Luna remarks as she runs a hoof over my knee. "The suit from the first Gala was my personal favourite."

"Not the one when I asked you to marry me?"

Luna ponders this before shaking her head. "It was fine. And I know that you think burgundy was your colour, but I think that something darker suits you better."

I chortle as I turn my head to her. "Who would have guessed? The Princess of the Night likes dark clothing."

Luna releases a sarcastic laugh as she levitates a glass of water to her lips. "It just suits your form better."

"You tend to prefer my form without clothing."

"True, but I can't have you standing in front of everypony fully naked," Luna responds in a sultry tone. "That view is for me only. And I'll be wanting to enjoy that view this weekend."

I turn to face her, our lips only a couple of inches away as we both look at one another with coy expressions. "Well, it looks like we have the night planned out already." Closing the distance, our lips lock together as I wrap my arms around her back and pull her close.

Before we get too carried away, we're interrupted by the sound of Rarity softly clearing her throat. As we both turn our gaze to look at her, we find her stood near the central platform with a mild blush on her cheeks. Regaining her composure, she levitates her glasses onto the end of her muzzle as a tape measure is wrapped around her neck. "John, if you would be so kind?"

I watch Rarity in confusion, "Why do you need my measurements? The number of times you've taken my measurements, you should know them off the top of your head."

"That is true, but your... figure has changed since when you were last here, darling."

Slowly standing, I stretch my legs as I move towards the Rarity. "Are you saying I'm getting fat?" I joke as I rest my hands on my stomach.

"You're bulkier," Luna blurts out with an approving eye as I notice her looking over my body. "It seems your time away has given you a more muscular form."

Snickering, I click my fingers before pointing them to my eyes. "Hey. My eyes are up here."

Once I join Rarity, I step in front of the mirror and examine myself. Looking at my own form, I find it difficult to notice much change in my body, despite the others claims that I've gotten bigger since leaving for the Badlands. I can only guess that carrying out regular exercises, eating army rations and cutting down on alcohol has improved my physique.

"John," Rarity's voice interrupts me, "If you wouldn't mind?"

Knowing what she is referring to, I begin to unfasten my tunic and pass it to the side where Rarity levitates it onto a coat hanger to the side of the room. As I reach for the bottom of my t-shirt, I notice Rarity's eyes locked on the tattoo on my left arm. Twisting the limb, I run my hand along the ink. "Ridge Cats gave me a little something."

Rarity doesn't comment any further as she waits for me to continue removing my clothing. Slowly lifting my t-shirt, I pull it over my head before catching Luna's reflection in the mirror. I chuckle to myself in amusement as I notice her eyes lingering on my exposed flesh, her eyes flicking between my back and the reflection of my chest in the mirror. Lowering my gaze, I inspect my own body for the first time in a while. After hearing Luna and Rarity mentioning my change, I finally notice that I have developed more of a muscular frame, my abdominal muscles and pectorals being more visible than previously.

Leaning down and quickly pulling down the zip on the size of my boots, I kick them away as I unfasten my belt. Promptly removing my trouser and passing them to the side for Rarity to take them and hang them up, I tilt my head to the side and slowly run my fingertips over the slash marks left on my face from the first fight with the Dogs. I release a shallow sigh and consider myself fortunate that the attack didn't catch my eye or cause more severe damage.

Holding my arms out to the side I watch Rarity as she works, levitating her measuring tape to various points at my body as she jots down some notes on a notepad as it's held suspended in the air alongside her. Waiting patiently as Rarity works, my eyes concentrate on the reflection of Luna as she reclines into her seat.

My lips curl upwards in a smile as my eyes remain locked on Luna, her own eyes meeting mine in the reflection of the mirror stood before me. I could always remember the feeling that came over me when I returned from my first combat tour on Earth, returning from a dangerous situation where my life was in danger on numerous occasions. The day I finally got home and got to see my girlfriend.

The feeling was unlike anything I had ever felt before, the realisation that I was finally back home and safe with someone who I cared for greatly. As I look to Luna in the safe surroundings of Equestria, away from the fighting in the south, a great sense of contentment and affection fills me up. The knowledge, that once I'm finished in the south, I will once again have someone waiting for me. Someone who I can hold close to me and will give me a purpose in life. To be a loving husband. A caring father.

I'm snapped from my train of thought as the front door open. Adjusting my head so that I can see the door, I examine Tempest as she enters the boutique and closes the door behind her. Once she finally looks up she begins to study me intently with her calculating eyes, having never seen me wearing a limited amount of clothing. Stepping into the corner of the room and waiting alongside the window as her eyes remain locked on me.

"I take it everyone is still outside with cameras at the ready?" I ask Tempest as Rarity steps off to the side.

Tempest gives a slow nod as she leans against the edge of the window frame. "They are."

I remain silent as I watch her, waiting for her to continue. We remain silent for a minute as we look at one another. Breaking the silence, I turn myself on the podium so that I'm facing her. "Still not got much to say to me?"

Tempest shrugs, "Ain't got much to say."

I scoff as I lift my hand to rub my chin, "See? You're already practically a guard. Standing in the corner and saying nothing."

She remains motionless as she glares in my direction, an unamused expression on her face. "If I didn't owe you for saving my life-"

"-And if I wasn't paying you," I interrupt her with a sly grin. "Money does make the world go round. Money talks, it just takes someone to say how high." Stepping off the podium and moving towards Luna, I realise her expression of confusion as she watches me. "I'm not going to be needing my wages as Captain. So, I've offered Tempest my wages."

"This business with you having your own guards," Luna starts as she adjusts her position in her seat. "It is good that you realise that you will require some as a precaution, but I don't understand why you wish to have your own guards rather than rely on the Lunar Guard."

Reaching Luna and the table before her, I grab onto the teapot which rests alongside my earlier cup and pour myself a fresh drink. "It is nothing against your guards, I'd just like to know who will be watching my back. With Tempest, I know what she is capable of. She can handle herself in a fight... plus she owes me."

"That excuse won't last forever," Tempest remarks from the other end of the room.

Luna stretched her right wing out, patting the space of the sofa alongside her with her forehoof. Taking her cue, I sit alongside her for her to drape her wing over my shoulder and pull me close. "If you ever need your own personal guards then it'll because you've turned old and senile," Luna chuckles as she turns her head to me. "I'm sure you'll be able to handle any threat that comes your way, but it is better to have that extra protection."

"You and Celestia are all powerful Alicorns. Capable of unimaginable magical capability and potential. Yet, you have guards for ceremony and to protect you. You're more competent at protecting yourself than I am."

Luna remains silent as she looks into my eyes, before gradually leaning forward and placing a soft and gentle kiss on my lips. "I suppose; while we are here, you should ask Rarity to consider designing a uniform for your Guard." Luna begins to gently trace her forehoof over my stomach, following the lines of my abdominal muscles as she gazes into my eyes. "Your world had its own Royal Guard, didn't it? What was their uniform?"

"It depends on the country. The Coldstream Guard wears a red ceremonial tunic, like the officer's dress here. They also wear black trousers with a red stripe travelling down the length of the outside of the leg. On top of that, they wore a large bearskin cap." Pausing, I shake my head with a chuckle, "That is not gonna happen here."

"So, what do you suggest?" Luna asks with a cocked brow.

"I think I'd like them to remain a part of the Lunar Guard." Luna's smile intensifies upon hearing this, likely content with the fact that I'd want my Guard to remain attached to her own personal Guard. "I always wore royal purple for part of my combat shirt with the Rangers when I was Lunar Guard. So I'd say to give them a purple tunic with a steel breastplate. Dark trousers and a black peaked cap with a purple strip. Nothing too over the top, but enough to recognise them as Lunar Guard, and my own personal guards."

Luna chuckles as she presents me with my drink in her magic. "You do prefer the simpler designs."

Taking the offered beverage, I shrug my shoulders before taking a sip. "There is no point in making something over complicated. Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to go."

Slowly rising to her hooves, Luna stretches her legs. "Very true." Giving me another kiss on the cheek, she begins to move across the room as she makes her way to the door. "I have one small task I need to do before we can spend the weekend together. Why don't you let Rarity finish off the suit with you and then make your way to meet the others?" Luna suggests with a smile.

"What about you? Don't you need to stay to get your dress designed?"

Luna shakes her head as she reaches the door, momentarily looking at Tempest before turning her attention to me. "My dress has already been arranged for the day. I have been preparing for this while you've been away. When you've enjoyed your little party and come back to the barracks, I've got a little present for you."

"And that is?" I ask with a cocked brow.

"Something which I know you've missed from your world," Luna remarks with a scheming smile as she opens the door, only to be met with a barrage of camera flashes. "Try not to think about it too hard," Luna calls back as she tilts her head to me before closing the door.

Tempest's eye flicks between the door and myself before she sighs, "Dare I ask?"

"...I actually have no idea." I comment as I shrug my shoulders. "I miss hundreds of things from my world which don't exist here. So, we've got a big list to go through." Standing up, I casually wander towards the centre podium and jump onto the elevated platform.

"Just make sure you refrain from sucking faces with her when I'm around," Tempest comments with annoyance evident in her tone. "I don't exactly want to see the two of you getting it on."

"Naw, what's wrong?" I joke as I put on a mocking voice. "Is someone feeling left out?"

Tempest scoffs with a roll of her eyes, "Hardly."

I release a soft chuckle as I focus once again on my own reflection. "You won't keep seeing that. It's just because of the upcoming wedding, and the fact I've not been home for some time-"

"-And that she's pregnant?"

I freeze on the spot at Tempest's observation. My eyes focusing on the mirror so that I'm looking into the eyes of the reflection. "What makes you say-"

"-Cut the crap, John." Tempest interrupts sternly as she walks across the room before stopping alongside me, gazing in the direction that Rarity left the room to make sure she's out of earshot. "It's apparent when you know what to look for. And I'm fairly confident that she is pregnant."

I rub my chin as I look at Tempest. Even though the news will likely be confirmed shortly, I must admit that I am impressed that she has been able to figure it out as quickly as she has. I gesture my hand towards the doorway that Tempest is watching, "She already knows about it. And, yeah, Luna is pregnant."

"Do I dare even ask how a different species was able to conceive a child with an Alicorn?"

"Not 'a' child."

Tempest pauses momentarily before stepping away. "Twins?"

I nod my head, "Yeah. So, now you can see why I'm looking into getting my own Guard."

"So they have their daddy around as they grow up." Tempest sits down on the sofa as leans back into the cushion. "After we met, I did my research on you. War hero, awarded numerous medals and risked his own life to save others. But now... I think reality has reared its head. Now, you're afraid."

I turn on the spot, my eyes fixated on Tempest's as she continues. "It's finally hit home that you may not be the invincible war hero that your reputation has led everyone to believe. You're afraid that you could die out there in the Badlands, and that you'll never see your children grow up. You don't want to leave them without a dad, and now you're scared that you could die before you get to see them grow up."

Stepping over the edge of the podium, I lower myself down and sit on the edge. "It's different when you've got no family. Nobody to fight for. Nothing to live for. You don't care if you live or die. So long as you do your job to the fullest and go down with honour."

"But all that has changed. You now feel as though you have something to live for."

I nod my head as I release a shallow sigh. "I'm going to have a wife and family. I'm no longer just a soldier with nothing in his life worth fighting for. I have a way out of it. The fighting, the killing and all the death. To have a family and to have a peaceful life. And the only way I can have that is if I survive this tour and leave the army. I have to... I need to make it home once the full six months are over."

"You really think you're not going to make it?"

I hold my hands out in front of me, twist them so that the palms are facing upwards. "Before Twilight helped me, I had my fair share of war wounds. Burnt hands, abdominal wound and now this scar on my face. I've been injured many times is fighting... it's probably a miracle that I'm even alive." I clasp my hands together, "sooner or later my time will come."

Tempest studies me intently as she seems to choose her next words carefully. "If I thought that you wouldn't stick around for long enough to benefit from our 'deal', then I never would have said yes."

I cock a brow, not really sure if I was to take the statement as a compliment or not. "...Thank you? I think." Rubbing my hands together, I move towards my clothes and reach for my trousers. "But, why did you join me? Something tells me that it wasn't just because of the money."

She remains silent as she watches me, her forehoof shuffling slightly before she raises it and taps the broken remnants of her horn. "I've been searching for a way... to heal my horn. For as long as I can remember, it's all I've sought. No matter what lead I follow or rumour I pursue, I always end up with nothing to show for it. I left Equestria as I was shunned for being different. But now, it seems that my best hope is within Equestria. And who better to help, than you. Someone who is about to marry one of the most powerful beings in the known world."

Placing my legs into the trousers, I pull it up to my waist and quickly fasten my belt as I begin to wander towards Tempest. "I suppose I could always ask the question, but, I have a feeling I already know the answer. I was already told that repairing a missing part of the body requires immense magical power. For a horn, I reckon even an Alicorn will struggle. I mean, Twilight only recently learnt how to heal my scars."

Tempest turns away, moving towards the door of the boutique with determination in her voice as she speaks. "Anything is better than nothing."

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

After Rarity had taken some further measurements and ensured that she had all the material required, I asked about the possibility of Rarity designing the ceremonial uniform of my Royal Guard. As I'm sure anyone who knew her even the slightest would guess, she was over the moon with getting such a 'prestigious opportunity' to design something to resemble and symbolise royalty. Unlike the uniforms which she had designed before, this was to be worn alongside armour which would also require engraving to complete the look, therefore, it would take some time to be completed.

Once Rarity ran what seemed to be a hundred idea by me, the three of us left the boutique and went towards Twilight's castle as a few lingering members of the paparazzi continued to try and hassle me, forcing camera's to be pushed in my face and journalists asking questions relating to Luna and her possible pregnancy. As much as I would have loved to punch them I was reminded, by Rarity being the voice of reason, that as a soon to be Prince, I would have to remain calm, courteous and well mannered.

Simply ignoring the barrage of questions by stating that I'd rather spend my leave recuperating from operations in the south, I was able to blank out nearly every question that came my way. Tempest already began to show her form as a guard by giving those who came too close a death glare as she created a buffer zone by stepping between us. If anything, she reminded me more of a bouncer or security guard for a celebrity than that of a Royal Guard, not worrying about others perception of her and simply getting the job done.

Reaching Twilight's castle, the paparazzi soon went back to lurking outside as we made our way through the heavy double doors and sealed them behind us. Releasing a heavy sigh, I lean against the door as I remove my beret. "Do they ever take a few seconds to breathe between questions? Fucking vultures. Just as annoying here as they are back home."

"You had dealings with them in your world?" Tempest asks as she steps alongside me and begins to study the interior of the entrance hall to the castle.

"Just a couple for newspapers who wanted to pester any officer they could find." I chuckle as I shake my head and step away from the door. "I kindly told her to fornicate herself when she didn't get the message that I was simply out with my unit to get drunk and didn't want to talk about work."

Rarity tuts under her breath as she begins to stroll down the hall. "Really, John, that is no way for someone of your stature to behave."

Shrugging, I place my beret in my pocket as I catch up to her. "I was a newly promoted Lieutenant after my first tour of combat. I wanted to relax after six months away from home. Besides, I've matured since then." Rarity looks back at me with a doubting glance. "I have! Even a time smidge is progress!"

"You really aren't like other officers," Tempest comments.

"When it's time to work, I can be well mannered and highly professional. I like to be normal around my friends and when I'm not directly working around those I don't know or senior officers."

"Chaser told me to call you a Rupert." I come to a stop and turn to Tempest with a grin. "Whatever that means."

"Of course he did," I respond with a slight chuckle. "Tell him he's a cunt-"

"-John!" Rarity interjects with a disgusted expression painted on her face. Despite her scowling my use of language, I can't help but smirk like a school kid who's purposely trying to annoy his teacher. "Must you really use that language?"

"Believe it or not, it's not that bad a word where I'm from. I bet you even most of those in Trottingham would have little issue with it." I shrug innocently as I notice the smallest trace of a smirk on Tempest's lips. "It's a sign of good friendship when guys insult and mock one another. It really means I like him."

"Your world sounds... interesting?" Tempest responds with uncertainty but also a hint of amusement.

"You should hear real army banter. It's a thing of beauty and full of dark humour you'd never find anywhere else. If you don't laugh at the messed up things we come across, you'll go mad." Stopping outside the doorway leading to Twilight's map, I place my hands in my pockets as I look through the ajar doors and realise that nobody is inside. "Where is everyone?"

As soon as the words escape my lips, the sound of Pinkie's telltale squee fills my ears as a weight appears on my shoulder with a pink pair of forelegs wrapping around my neck. Stumbling forward from the sudden impact, I quickly withdraw my hands from my pockets and prevent myself from falling by pressing them against the heavy door.

"Johnny! Why didn't you come here sooner!?" Pinkie exclaims in excitement as she swings from side to side on my back.

Once her grip weakens, I quickly pull her forelegs away so that she lowers herself onto the floor. "How many times do you have to jump on me everytime I come back?"

"Forever and ever," Pinkie remarks innocently with a squee.

As I turn to face her, I notice Fluttershy and Applejack stood alongside Rainbow with a bit more restraint than Pinkie. As I turn to face them, I quickly notice their expressions waiver slightly as their eyes lock onto the marks on my face. Before anyone is able to make any comments, I quickly cut them off by raising my hand. "Don't. Before you ask, it doesn't hurt and it's not as bad as it looks."

"Are things really that bad?" Fluttershy asks timidly as she seems to quickly fly up to me and caringly run a forehoof over my injured cheek.

"It's not as bad as it seems. One of the Diamond Dog's got a good hit in early into the tour." Stepping away, I move past Applejack and Rainbow and step towards the centre of the entrance hall as the doors which lead towards the throne room and map come to a close. "I'm hoping Twilight will make me look like my gorgeous self once again. Where is she?"

"She's hiding!" Pinkie cheerfully exclaims as she hops towards me. "One minute I saw her and Spike go through those doors, then there was a flash, then poof! Gone!"

I eye Pinkie curiously before turning my gaze to Applejack, "Is this true?"

Applejack nods with an unsure expression. "Well, I ain't so sure about vanishin' or hidin', but she ain't here. We've looked everywhere."

"She can teleport. Maybe she just... nipped out to the shops?"

"By teleporting?" Rainbow asks sceptically.

"You have wings, and you fly everywhere when you could easily walk." I respond with a smug grin. "If I could travel anywhere in the blink of the eye, I would definitely do it all the time."

"But she knew we were comin'," Applejack adds.

I let out a sigh as I rub my face and glance to Tempest. "Maybe I'm not the only one who needs their own Guard. She has this whole castle and not a single soldier or guard in sight." I start to walk towards the staircase at the end of the hall as I look at the girls who are all stood outside the throne room. "It's more than likely nothing, but I'll take a look-"

Cutting me off, a bright flash pierces through the gaps around the door to the throne room and illuminates the hallway. Chuckling, I lift a hand and gesture towards the throne room. "See? Everything is in order." I remain in the place as the girls open the door and stop in the entrance. Pinching my nose, I give Tempest a confused look as the two of us slowly pace towards the throne room.

"Uh, what's she doing here?" Applejack asks with distrust as she points into the throne room. Upon hearing this, I find myself more curious as to what Twilight was doing, or if it's even her in the room with someone else. Stepping behind the girls, I quickly notice Twilight stood along Spike as they stand before the map. Drifting to the other pony in the room, my eyes quickly widen in disbelief as my hand instinctively reached down to my holster and draws my Glock.

Lifting the weapon, I quickly pull the slide to the rear and load a round into the chamber as I step between the girls and take aim at the pony standing before me: Starlight Glimmer. Reacting to my sudden hostility, Tempest rapidly moves alongside me and positions herself so that she can charge if needed. With an additional ally on my side, I reach down to my scabbard with my left hand and draw my sword, offering it to Tempest who quickly takes a hold of it in her magic as the energy from her horn arch over the steel weapon.

Despite my agitation and anger, I’m able to notice that Starlight’s demeanour is much different from my last encounter with her. Where as she would always stand tall and have a certain presence about herself which made her seem as though she was taking charge, she now appears to be acting in a timid manner, slinking backwards behind Twilight and refusing to make eye contact with myself.

"What the fuck is she doing here!?" I demand as I line up the iron sights between her eyes to ensure I have a lethal shot if required. After what she did to me and the fact she was able to get away, I'm not willing to give her any chance to escape. To my astonishment, Twilight steps before me and comes to a stop between Starlight and myself, forcing me to lower my weapon. "Twilight, move."

"John, please, lower your weapon." Twilight pleads as she looks to me.

I scoff in shock as I gesture to my shoulder. "Have you forgotten what she had done to me? To all of us when she attempted that cultist brainwashing?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten. But threatening violence won't solve anything and will only cause more problems. So, please," Twilight repeats in a calm manner, "Lower your weapon."

"This cunt tried to kill you!" Davies screams in my head as I feel my grip tighten on the pistol. "You have your chance to put her down! Kill her!"

I momentarily clench my eyes shut as I try to push Davies' voice away. "I'm not just killing her. I still have a duty to uphold, and I'll be taking her in to answer for what she's done."

"That's where she is, now. Before a Princess who can decide her fate. But this is Twilight. She'll give her a slap on the wrist and you know this." My head feels as though it's on fire as Davies continues to try and influence me. "You want her to answer for her crime!? Pull the trigger!"

I jerk my head to the side as my mind begins to rush, rage racing through my body as Davies seems to have more control over my emotions than I thought, his own rage forcing its way through and coursing through my veins.

Snapping out of the trance, I wave the pistol in my hand as the girls around me look at me in apprehension. "I have a job to do. I am still a member of the Royal Guard and I have a duty to uphold the law. She broke it and I have to take her to answer for what she did."

"I can assure you, it will happen," Twilight answers confidently as she steps towards me. "Myself and the others will decide how to resolve everything that has happened. You're welcome to discuss it with us, but please, you cannot hurt her, John."

I remain stoic as I keep my pistol aimed as everything that Twilight and Davies said seems to run through my mind. No matter what I think, I am still an officer of the Army and Guard who has to follow orders from the Princesses, and that obviously includes Twilight. I likely won't like her solution, but for the time being, I have little say in this until I become a Prince myself. Although I won't agree with what the girls will say, I have to remember that I come from a different world, and we have different beliefs on how to approach these situations.

Gradually, I lower my weapon and keep it in my grip as I hold it alongside my hip. "I'm only going to say one thing. Reform does not work. There's a reason prisons exist and we issue life sentences, it's because people never change. If some of the monsters turned around in our world and said sorry, I'd hate to think what would have happened if we just shrugged it off and let them get away unpunished for their past crimes. A cell is the best place for some people in society, and that more than certainly applies here."

Holstering my pistol, I reach out for my sword which Tempest reluctantly returns to me. "You can't always make the decision because it seems right and the best way to go. You're still new to your role, Twilight. You need to understand that you'll have to someday make a choice which you don't agree with but is for the greater good of others. Just know, that what your judgement is, is entirely on you, including any praise or repercussions that come from it."

With that, I return the sword to its scabbard and quickly march past the girls and make my way towards the exit of the castle, the heat in my head intensifying as Davies bellows at me from within my head. "What the actual fuck are you doing! Get back in there and put a bullet in her fucking head!"

Stepping into fresh air, I clench my fists and press them against the side of my head as I hiss out loud, "You do not tell me what to do! Ever! I am in control here, not you! Got it!?"

"...I got it..."

Looking over my shoulder, I realise that Tempest immediately followed my outside and is staring at me in alarm. Not wanting her to begin to question me about my fading sanity, I move off as quickly as I can and begin to move towards the Ponyville barrack.

I'm losing it... I'm losing it and he's getting stronger...