"John, you shouldn't be up. You need bed rest," Nurse Redheart continues to glare at me as I stumble out of bed. After being awake for the day I need to get out of here, not remembering anything that has happened is driving me insane. Having removed any needles and medical equipment which was attached to my body I was able to find a set of fresh clothing which had been left for me. A grey set of cargo trousers, a crimson red T-shirt and a thin black jacket.

Groaning in discomfort I lift my arm as I slide it into the sleeve of the jacket, "I'll be fine. I can't just sit in bed, I need to be up and about."

"Your injuries haven't fully healed. I know you think that magic and potions work instantly but they don't, especially with internal injuries."

"As long as I can walk, I'll be fine, Besides, I'm not going back to work for a while so I'll likely be in my own bed or with the girls."

Shaking her head she approaches me, "You're lung still hasn't fully healed, not to mention the damage to your stomach. Without medication, you'll be in a significant pain."

Wincing slightly as the jacket presses against my chest, I pocket my phone from the bedside table and move towards the door. "Then give me a prescription for some painkillers." Stopping at the door I release a sigh as I look back at Redheart, "I-I just can't stay here. I feel as though I'm going to go insane with my thoughts, I need to take my mind off the other day."

Cocking a brow she moves alongside me, "You haven't been here for just one day. You've been here for six days, the Princesses spent days in your mind trying to get you back."

Looking at her in confusion I shake my head, "Six days? It can't have been that long."

"I guess being in someponies mind takes longer than they originally thought." Stepping into the hallway she looks back at me, "If you insist on leaving then I'll need to get your prescription ready. I'm not exactly going to be able to stop you from leaving." As she makes her way down the hall I follow close behind. As we walk my mind keeps running back to the last few days, or at least tries to. No matter how hard I try I can't remember anything about them, it all just seems to be a haze.

Reaching the pharmacy I wait as Redheart heads behind the counter in order to collect my medication, in the short walk it took to get here I already feel as though I'm running short on breath. After a few minutes, she returns with a small paper bag containing a few small phials of potion along with a few packets of tablets. Taking the bag I look back to her, "Any last minute advice?"

"Stay here and get plenty of bed rest." Looking up at me she releases a sigh, "Though you won't listen to that so just make sure you get as much rest as you can and avoid any physical activities." Nodding to her I take my leave and exit the hospital, on my walk out a number of the medical staff look at me with fear. I guess they've been made aware of what I apparently did whilst I was under Tirek's control.

As soon as I step out of the hospital my eyes immediately snap to a tall structure in the distance. What the... that wasn't there before. It seems to be some sort of castle or tower made from some sort of gemstone, all it seems to do is reflect the sunlight over the town illuminating the surrounding area. A flag hangs from a balcony showing Twilight's cutie mark leading me to believe that it's hers. Well I suppose as a Princess she needed an upgrade from the library.

Deciding to head to the new eyesore of the town I make my way through the streets towards it. To my surprise, as I walk through the town the ponies don't seem to be acting any differently around me, either they've been given all the details of what took place or the Princesses tried to keep the events under wrap. Approaching the castle I find it difficult to climb the steps as a sharp pain shoots through my gut, fighting through the pain I ascend the stairs and push the golden door open.

Inside the hallway, I'm met with an oversized corridor which leads to a number of rooms to the castle, large support columns are spaced around the room supporting the roof of the structure as a red carpet canvases the hard rock floor to act as a walkway through the building. Straight ahead I can see a number of staircases which leads to the upper floor which acts as a balcony overlooking the main floor. Scattering various positions on the walls are a number of golden doors which likely lead to a number of rooms, not knowing where to look for Twilight I decide to take the passage.

After a moment of walking, I start to make out the sound of voices speaking from the doorway at the end. As I cautiously approach the door I'm able to make out the voices of the girls on the other side. Stopping before the door I rub my eyes as I prepare for this potentially uncomfortable meeting between us, I know I'm probably not going to like it but I need to get this out of the way.

As I reach for the door it shoots open as the girls all try to walk though, as they see me they all come to a halt as Twilight back peddles slightly. We just stare at one another as nobody says a word, as this starts to get awkward I decide to speak up, "Umm... hey."

Twilights demeanour quickly relaxes as she steps forward, "John, you're alright."

Resting a hand on my chest I look past them, "I wouldn't say okay, but definitely better now that I've got my mind back." After another brief pause, I let out a sigh. "Look... I don't know what happened after Canterlot, I don't remember coming to Ponyville or anything at all for that matter. Luna and Celestia gave me a quick round up of the events so I know... I did some terrible things, including trying to hurt you, Twilight." Letting out a slight groan of discomfort I kneel down in front of her, "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I hope you girls know that I'd never do anything to hurt any of you. Tirek just... fucked with my head."

Twilight gives a soft smile as she closes the distance. Resting a hoof on my shoulder she pulls me closer, "We know, John. You've got nothing to apologise for, you weren't in control. Just, don't try fighting off a powerful being by yourself again."

Grinning I pull back from the embrace, "I'll keep that in mind." Shakily pushing myself to my feet I step past them to look into the room. Scattered around the room are a number of thrones with each of the girl's cutie marks situated around a circular table rested in the middle, it seems to be displaying Equestria and the surrounding area. Hovering over a location is the girl's cutie marks as they spin overhead, looking closer at the map I'm unable to make out the location.

Hoping alongside me Pinkie waves her hooves towards the map, "Neat, isn't it?"

Cocking a brow I look back at her, "That's... one word for it." This whole place just seem wrong to me. Where the hell did it come from in such a short period of time? Looking back to Twilight I rub my hand across the thin stubble which started to grow during my time in hospital, "Where did all this come from? I've only been out for six days."

Rainbow groans as she drags her hoof over her face, "We've been over this a million times. We found all six keys, defeated Tirek, and got this castle. The end."

"Wait. So you opened the chest and this castle just... appeared?" Laughing sarcastically I shake my head, "Come on, you can't expect me to believe that." The girls all stare at me with blank expressions leading me to believe that they aren't lying. Sighing I rub my hands over my face, "I really, really hate magic sometimes." Releasing my face I point back to the map, "What about that then? Why are your cutie marks floating over the middle of nowhere?"

"We don't know, sugarcube," Applejack answers.

Twilight nods as she looks back at the map, "This map only surfaced a few minutes ago but it seems to be sending us to that location for a reason. We're going to go there to figure it out."

Rubbing the bridge of my nose I look back to them all, "Okay, but I'm coming with you."

"What!?" All the girls shout in unison as their eyes widen.

Brushing her hoof over the floor, Fluttershy steps up to me, "Are you sure? You should be resting, not travelling halfway across Equestria."

"Besides," Rarity adds, "The Princesses told us that you weren't supposed to be carrying out any duties until you've fully recovered. Though it is noble that you wish to aid us, we simply can't allow you to do so in your state." The girls all nod in agreement.

Stepping around them I pass the doorway into the main corridor, "After what has just happened you girls shouldn't be out there without protection. Besides you don't even know where the map is sending you, for all you know it could be dangerous. You're not going without some sort of escort. As for not engaging in guard duties, who said I'd be going in uniform?"

The girls all look to one another sceptically before Applejack turns back to me, "Are you sure 'bout this?"

"I need to... take my mind off things. This will keep me occupied." Moving down the corridor I turn back to them, "Just give me twenty minutes. I'll meet you at the train station." Before any of them can argue I move out of earshot and leave the castle. I need to take my mind off Spectre. They may say that I killed her but... how could I have? I should remember... why can't I remember? Is it true that I killed her? Or is it something else? This is going to drive me crazy.

The walk back to the barracks takes me a little longer than I expected, hobbling around town with a busted gut and lung isn't exactly the greatest way to get around. Though I'm in quite a bit of discomfort when I move I'm not having to worry about being in much pain, I only tend to feel pain when I overstretch or move my abdomen around too much.

Reaching the barracks the two guards posted outside eye me curiously before giving a quick salute. As I approach the door the one guard turns to me, "Welcome back, Sir." Nodding to her in response I make my way inside. As soon as I step into the reception the voices from the kitchen and canteen suddenly grind to a halt, tilting my head I notice a number of guards all looking at me in surprise.

Not wanting to interact with everyone at the moment I move straight for the corridor and make my way towards my office. Climbing the stairs proves to be a challenge for me, having to hoist myself along the bannister as I climbed only served to send a shooting pain through my gut. Finally reaching my floor I stumble down the hallway and push through the door into my office. Once I'm inside I quickly throw the paper bag of medication to the desk and dig through its contents.

Scanning through the various medicine I lift a phial containing a clear liquid and rapidly drain its contents, as the liquid makes it way down my throat it leaves a burning sensation as the taste makes me gag. Soon after taking it I can feel my heart rate increasing as the pain seems to fade away, it almost feels as though I've gotten a rush of energy.

Regaining my composure I look at my armour racking in the corner of the office and notice its condition. The breastplate had been fitted to the frame allowing me to clearly see the damage caused. Three sizable holes are scattered across the steel of the armour. I only remember being shot once.

Approaching the armour I slowly raise my hand and lightly brush over the puncture marks. As my hand comes into contact with the lower hole a sharp pain suddenly shoots through my head, screaming in torture I fall to my knees as I force my hands against my head in an attempt to numb the pain. Closing my eyes I'm able to make out a blurred image in my head. I find myself advancing on Sunny with her rifle pointed towards me, as I close the distance she pulls the trigger. The round knocks my balance off as I clatter down onto my knees, forcing myself up I advance a few steps as she turns her head away only for me to collapse on the floor.

My head rocks back as I'm able to reopen my eyes, panting for breath I plant my hands firmly on the floor in order to support my position. Sunny... she had to shoot me? Is my mind just playing tricks on me or did I regain a memory? As I try to climb back to my feet I hear the door bursting open followed by a set of hooves entering the room before they quickly grind to a halt. Tilting my head I look to the doorway and freeze, Shadow. As our eyes remain locked on one another I'm able to see that the tip of her ear is missing, along with a set of bandaged wrapped around her chest.

As I try to open my mouth her face scrunches up in anger as she releases a primal scream. Before I can act she leaps over the desk wrapping her forehooves around my chest. As we crash to the floor the impact knocks the wind out of my as my chest feels as though it's on fire. As quickly as she lands on top of me she begins to deliver a succession of quick jabs against my head. In an attempt to shield myself, I force my elbow upwards clipping the bottom of her jaw.

My attempt at defending myself on results in her becoming infuriated. Crying in rage she delivers a strong strike against my cheek knocking my head to the side and impacting the floor below me. With the pain in my body becoming unbearable I find myself unable to act, I'm forced to lie there helplessly as she continues to assault me. Raising both her forehooves I close my eyes as I prepare for her to force them down on my head. The strike never comes though, as her weight suddenly lifts from my torso I open my eyes to find her being lifted in a magical aura.

As she tried to break free I roll onto my side as I begin to heave, spitting onto the floor a sizable amount of blood escapes my mouth. Groaning in anguish I force myself onto my hands and knees as I look to the doorway. Suspending Shadow in the air with her magic is Sunny with Sure Strike standing alongside her with his sword at the ready. As I look to Sunny my eyes drift down to her hind leg to find it canvassed in bandages, no doubt as a result of my actions.

Yelling with ferocity Shadow stares daggers at me as tears streak from her eyes, "You! You killed Spectre! I'll rip your bucking head off!"

Coughing for air climb to my feet as I use the desk to support me, "Shad-"

"-Shut up!"

"I'm sorry."

"-Sorry!?" Shadow roars. "Because of you, my sister is dead! You don't get to be sorry!"

Wheezing I stand up straight as I wipe my hand over my bleeding lips, "You think I wanted to that to her!? That wasn't me, I had no control over myself, I don't even remember anything."

"Y-you had to be a stupid bastard and fight Tirek by yourself! Your actions led to it, you've got nobody to blame but yourself!"

Forcing my eyes shut I step up to her face, "You think I don't know that!?" Her eyes lock onto mine as she watches me. "I know that I killed her, if I approached it differently than your sister may still be alive. I have to live with the guilt for the rest of my life, knowing that I'm responsible for her death. It's another fuck up to add to my growing list. I've lost too many friends but now I have to live with the fact that I was the one who killed my friend. Beating the shit into me won't change that. Tirek is the one you should be taking your anger out on, not me."

Lowering her head she begins to sob as Sunny slowly brings her to the floor on the other side of my desk. Once Sunny's hold of her is broken she raise a hoof to rub her eye. "How... how am I supposed to go on without her?"

"It isn't easy, I've lost two of my best friends. But Spectre wouldn't want you to be like this, she'd want you to carry on and push through this. I can't tell you how sorry I am, Shadow... but we need to try and move on."

Lifting her head she momentarily locks eyes with me before forcing her gaze away. Giving a frustrated sigh she turns away and steps towards the door, "I... can't." As Sunny and Sure Strike move out of the way for her, Shadow turns back to me, "I'm done. I can't be around you. If I see you again... I just won't be able to control myself." Before I can respond she rushes out of the room and out of sight. Sheathing his sword, Sure Strike slowly paces out of the office leaving me with Sunny.

Releasing a groan I slump back onto my desk as I rub my face. Trying to regain my thoughts I finally look back at Sunny and point towards her leg, "I take it... I was responsible for that?" Sunny gives a slow nod in response. "I'm sorry, Sunny. I had no control, I'd never want to hurt you or Chaser. You two are my best friends here. I... I know you had to shoot me, that couldn't have been easy."

Cautiously, Sunny limps towards me and quickly wraps me in a hug, "I knew it wasn't the real you, John. Though it wasn't you... I didn't want to hurt you. I had to protect Chaser, I'm so sorry."

Holding onto her back I slowly stroke my hand over the back of her neck, "Don't be sorry. As bad as it sounds, I'm proud of you." Sunny pulls back, her eyes watering as she looks at me. "You did what you had to in order to protect your friend. Though it wasn't easy you showed that you could persevere and do what was needed of you."

Wiping her eye she releases her grip of my and takes a step back. "I take it somepony told you that... you shot me."

Slowly I shake my head, "No. It may sound weird but... coming into contact with my armour caused some sort of... flashback. It allowed me to see what caused the marking, I saw you shoot me."

Sunny glances to my armour plate, "Maybe you could regain your other memories. Your possessions could be acting as a trigger, allowing your memories to return when you come into contact with them."

Shrugging I move to the door leading to my bedroom and head inside, "Maybe. But... do I want to know? I don't think I could go though with seeing me... kill Spectre. It's bad enough knowing that I'm responsible but seeing it-"

"-I know it won't be easy, John, nopony should have to relieve such a horrendous experience. But those memories are a part of you, seeing them will allow you to learn what really happened. Those memories will shape you, allow you to develop."

Stepping up to my bed I glance down at my rifle, webbing, utility belt, pistol holster and sword which have been left on the sheets. "I suppose... it won't be easy but I guess you're right." Taking a deep breath I clamp my eyes shut as I grasp my sword and draw it from its Scabbard.

When nothing happens I reopen my eyes and turn to Sunny, "Did you see anything?"

"No." Sheathing my sword I pick up my rifle only for nothing to happen, "I'm not getting anything."

"Maybe it requires some sort of 'key?' Some sort of action to unlock the memory?"

"Maybe." Grabbing my utility belt I secure it around my waist and fasten my pistol harness to my thigh. Securing the scabbard and sword to my hip I draw my pistol and check my magazine, finding that it isn't full I drop it on the bed and search through my webbing to place a full magazine into the Glock. "We can figure it out another time. I've got to get going."

"Going? Where? You're in no condition to travel."

Holstering my pistol I grab my field pack and turn for the door, "You sound like Nurse Redheart."

Limping behind me, Sunny sticks close to me, "Well she is the professional."

Stopping at my desk I throw the medicine into the field pack, piling it on top of my folded up MTP and leftover rations from the wargames. "After what has happened, I'm not happy for the girls to go to some unknown location without some sort of protection."

Stopping in front of the main door she gives me a stern look, "You're not in a condition to do that. If you fight then you'll likely be the one who needs protecting."

Stepping around her I make my way down the corridor, "Then find me one Ranger to come along. Whoever you get, they've got till the next train leaves to get to the train station." Reaching the stairs I quickly make my way down as I hear Sunny mumbling overhead. As I leave the barracks I quickly glance back as my thought focus on Shadow. I don't blame her for attacking me, I'd probably do exactly the same thing in her situation. Her sister is dead, although Tirek is the one to blame I was the pawn who was useless at trying to fight back against him.

My leadership has gotten two of my friends killed, now my actions are responsible for the death of another.