Torture! What the fuck was she thinking!? I can't believe her! I quickly descend the spiral staircase as my mind races, my boots stomping into the stone staircase causing a loud echo to ring through the tower. Reaching the main floor, I let out a frustrated groan as I look to a polished set of armour that lines the hallway in order to view my reflection. Turning my head to the side, I can see the skin on my cheek beginning to redden, a small cut being evident on my bottom lip. I can't believe she fucking hit me.

With a brief glance to the staircase, I quickly move away before anyone comes downstairs. As I move at a rapid pace through the castle, my mind keeps running back to our argument. She had little choice? She's the Princess of an entire nation, she could have easily bribed or blackmailed Spitfire in order to keep her silent. But torture? No... there are some things you should never do.

But, can I really take the high ground? In her situation, I may have seen the appeal of showing Spitfire who's boss. Then again, I don't have to govern the nation for all eternity. She can't let anyone perceive her as weak, she needs to maintain control at all times. Maybe what she said was true? Perhaps she really didn't enjoy doing what she did, but simply had no other alternative. The fallout if anyone knew about us could be immense, she had no other choice but to ensure that our secret remained hidden... at all costs.

Nearing the main parlour, I come to a halt as I hear the numerous voices inside. I can't return like this, they'll likely question me as to how I got a cut in the short amount of time I was gone. Lifting my forearm, I look to the watch and realise that it is now mid-afternoon. Since the conference had officially come to an end, I could easily slink away.

Stepping up to the set of Guards who are watching the main entrance, I look at the two of them with the frustration still clearly evident on my face. "I need to find somewhere to disappear, preferably a bar with cheap yet strong drinks."

The guards look at each other curiously before their eyes seem to focus on the cut along my lip. "Sir, is everything-"

A frown quickly surfaces as I glare at the guard, my hands clenching into fists as my head begins to thud. "Not another word. You didn't see me, you didn't speak to me. Just tell me where I can find a fucking bar away from here."

The guard's posture stiffens as he audibly gulps, "The Lucky Mare. It's in Old Town, near the corner of fifth and mane street." I move away as quickly as I can, not wanting to remain near the castle in case Luna decides to come after me. Making a beeline to the castle entrance, I move at a rapid pace in search of the bar in question.

I can't believe him! Calling me heartless! And referring to me as Nightmare Moon... She is no longer a part of me! I slide my forehoof across my desk in my anger, numerous pieces of papers and stationery are sent across the room. Not thinking clearly, I grasp onto the underside of the desk with my magic and propel it, sending the table onto its side as a loud crash sounds throughout the room.

Regaining my breath, I run my forehoof across my eyes to wipe away the layer of moisture which was forming. What is wrong with me? Have I really gone weak since my return? His words hurt more than anypony else's would have. Normally I can brush comments such as that off without a second thought, but with him... it's much more difficult. The anger he possessed, how he laid his morals straight on the table before me. In a way... I see a bit of myself in him, not giving up his morals and beliefs for anypony else.

As I attempt to regain my thoughts, a timid knocking comes from the other side of the door as it is slowly pushed open. I turn my head with a scowl as one of my Guard's pokes his head through the doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he sees the desk which lies away from its usual home. "Y-your Highness, is everything alright?"

I let out a shallow sigh in an attempt to regain some composure, "Fine... I'm fine. I was simply..." I close my eyes momentarily as I fail to think of an excuse for the state my study is in. "You may return to your post."

The Guard seems to be hesitant at first, but soon retracts his head and seals the opening and myself within the room. I let out another groan as I furiously start to pace throughout the room. He has no idea the struggle my sister and I go through in order to maintain order in Equestria. He may be a good soldier, with plenty of knowledge and experience in battle, but he lacks political understanding. Does he really think that ruling a nation is easy? No... Ruling a nation is not a leisurely stroll through a meadow.

Reaching one end of the room, I freeze suddenly as I look out the window towards the castle's courtyard gate below. Examining the gatehouse, I make out a figure as it leaves the compound, its shape similar to that of John's, however, I wasn't able to see it fully. Come on, Luna, what other creature has his uniform and walks around like that? It's clearly John. What catches my eye is the mare that seems to be following after him, a camera hanging around her neck and a pencil being held against her ear.

The Press? No doubt, trying to get an 'inside scoop' on the meeting. But, with John in the state he's in, he'll no doubt give the paparazzi fuel to use against him. I let out a groan as rub I my forehoof over my muzzle. I need to make sure that nothing bad happens... then John and I need to have a really long talk. I know that he was standing up for his morals... but I need to try and make him see that I only did what was needed. I can't let something as trivial as this ruin what we have.

With a flash of my horn, I begin to transform my body into that of Moon Glow. Not wanting anpony to see the Princess running after her Captain, it will be better for me to keep an eye on him and remain out of focus. Channelling my magic, I teleport into one of the many side rooms of the castle, just around the corner from the parlour where the officers had decided to congregate after the meeting.

After a brisk walk through the halls, I come across a pair of guards who are posted outside the room. "Do either of you know where Captain John Davies has gone?" The two guards give one another a quizzical look at my questioning. It takes me a moment to remember that I had just changed my form, "The Princesses were asking to see him, but I was informed he left the castle."

"We didn't see him," The one guard replies.

His colleague turns his head to him, "But if the Princesses are looking for him, shouldn't we tell her where he went?"

The first guard scowls towards his friend, "We didn't see him," He repeats once again.

I clear my voice causing the two to shift their focus to me. "I suppose I shall have to inform Princess Luna that you two don't seem to be certain whether you've seen him. One of you says yes... the other says no. So, which is it?"

The first guard gives a sigh as he glares towards the other, "He didn't want us to say where he has going. He said that he wanted somewhere to go which had a bar and was away from here. We told him about The Lucky Mare in Old Town." A bar? I release a mental sigh as I begin to leave the guards. Of course he went to a bar. Likely going to drink, one of the only ways he seems to deal with his issues.

As I approach the end of the hall, the second guard calls out to me. "You may want to watch what you say around the Captain. He doesn't seem to be in the greatest of moods." I fail to respond to the guard as I move around the corner. Well, neither am I.

Crossing the district line into Old Town, I finally begin to lower my speed as I was able to create some distance between me and the castle. Moving along the cobble street road, I lower my head slightly and examine the medals which rest against my chest. Lifting my hand, I twirl the Lunar Cross between my fingers as it hangs from my tunic. 'The highest military honour in Equestria', yet the Princess behind the medal is more than willing to engage in shady activities.

Releasing the medal, it slaps against my chest as I continue to follow the street signs towards my target destination. I can't help but notice the high number of nobles who seem to be within this district compared to the rest of the city, many of whom hardly spare me a single glance. It starts to feel as though the guards sent me in this direction for a reason, perhaps they thought that, as an officer, I'd want to be surrounded by my 'own kind'."

"Captain John Davies?" A female's voice calls from behind me, a Scandinavian accent hanging on every word. Keeping my pace, I glance over my shoulder to see the pony that's calling after me. Gently beating her large wings she flies towards me. An Imperial Pegasus? They're mostly nomads and remain in the Frozen North. Why is one following me in central Equestria?

The grey Pegasus quickly overtakes me and lands on the cobbled street ahead of me. One of her tufted ears flicks as she brushes her snow white mane from her face. Her violet eyes look directly up to me as she back peddles to walk in front of me as I move. Her iron grey coat stands out against her clean mane, her unkempt fetlocks dragging lightly along the floor as she steps. My eyes are immediately drawn to the camera around her neck and the pencil which sits on her ear.

I come to a brief stop as I eye her curiously. Neither of us says a word until she clears her throat, "Captain, my name is Wintersong, I'm a journalist for 'Equestrian Combat,' Equestria's newest and only military magazine."

I roll my eyes and quickly weave around her, "Not interested."

"Not interested?" She asks in disbelief as she promptly runs to come alongside me. "You haven't even heard why I'm here."

"You're the press. If there's one thing I learnt in life, it's not to pay attention to the press. There's always an agenda."

Wintersong scoffs, "Normally, I'd agree with you, but this is different. We are staffed entirely by former members of the Equestrian military. Those who served in the Wonderbolts, Navy, The Long Guard and Crystal Guard make up a large number of our staff." I begin to increase my pace as she starts to fall back, "Even a member of The Everfree Rangers."

I halt upon hearing those words. "A Ranger?" I turn my neck to face her, her posture remaining stoic. "Who?"

A coy smile appears on her lips, "Let's make a deal. If you answer my questions and provide me with an interview, I will tell you who the Ranger is. Deal?"

I scoff and resume walking, "Nah. I'm not that eager to find out."

I hear her initially stammering before she rushes alongside me once again, "Seriously? Why won't you give me an interview? What have you got to lose?"

I groan as I glare at her, "I'm not in the fucking mood to answer shitty questions or to be pestered. Piss off, and leave me be."

"Come on... please? I-I'll buy you drinks... I have it on good authority that you enjoy drinking. You look like you could use one."

I let out a single laugh, "It's no secret that I like a drink. You'd be broke before I was even sozzled."

"I have no idea what that means, but I can only imagine that it means drunk."

"There you go," I clap my hands sarcastically. "Put that in your article. I'm sure everyone will be amazed that you learnt a British term." As I continue to move, a mild discomfort starts to resurface in my head, almost as though a migraine is starting to surface.

Wintersong sighs as she shakes her head, "I was told that you could be satirical."

"When I'm not in the mood to be irritated, like right now." I move around the corner when I notice the signs overhead showing that I'm on the intersection of fifth and mane. I can immediately see the bar in question, The Luck Mare. It seems to follow the natural curve of the road, large bay windows allowing sunlight to enter the bar. The stainless white walls make the building seem to be pristine, not a single blemish or mark on the exterior.

Picking up the pace, I enter the bar. Just like I predicted, it's far too upper class for my tastes. A classical band are playing a number of instruments for the patron's amusement. The main walls are covered with wooden panels and various pieces of art work, most of which just look like a load of blobs to me. A few booths rest along the windows, luxurious leather seats coating the chairs. The main bar is constructed from black timber with a wide selection of spirits for selection.

Advancing on the bar, I'm instantly met with a number of glances from gawking patrons. What the fuck are you all looking at? Is an army officer not sophisticated for you? Sitting at one of the stools at the bar, I wait until the barkeeper reluctantly makes his way over to me. "Three glasses of rum." I need a few drinks, may as well order them in bulk.

As the glasses are poured, Wintersong sits on the stool alongside me. The bartender shortly returns with my three drinks, each filled to the exact same level. "That'll be forty-five bits."

I stare at him in disbelief, waiting for him to give me the real price which never comes. Forty-five!? For three glasses of rum!? What a fucking rip off! I'm about to protest the price until my eyes slowly drift to the journalist alongside me. "She's paying."

Wintersong turns to me in a mixture of annoyance and optimism, "Does that mean you'll do the interview?"

"If there are any questions I don't want to answer, then you won't push them any further. When I say we're done, we're done. Clear?" Wintersong nods as she quickly deposits a number of bits to the bartender. As soon as he leaves us, she quickly digs through her saddlebag for a notepad which she rests on the bar counter as I take a sip of my first drink. I don't really want to be bombarded with questions, but it'll at least distract me.

I notice a number of prewritten questions as she begins with the first one, "When did you first join the military?"

"September 2006, I attended the Royal Sandhurst Military Academy with the British Army and joined as an officer cadet."

Wintersong quickly writes down my response before moving onto the next question, "What was your role in the British Army before joining the Equestrian Guard?"

I clasp onto my glass as I lower my head slightly, "I joined as a Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer. Transferred to become an Ammunition Technical Officer which is my current role in the Rangers."

"What was your first military engagement against a hostile force?"

I sigh, lifting the glass to my lips. "The war in Afghanistan, my first tour. A night time raid on an enemy stronghold which was used for the construction of IED's." I notice her expression of confusion as I finish my statement. "Bombs." With the clarification, she jots down my correction as she prepares to continue down the list. This'll likely take some time. To be fair, this rum is pretty damned tasty and seems quite strong compared to some of the other drinks I've had... that doesn't justify the fucking price.

Trotting through the streets of Old Town, I find the bar where the two guards had sent John to. Just by looking at the exterior, I could tell the this was not the kind of place John would usually visit. This location has a reputation for being the regular watering hole for a large number of the Equestrian elites within Canterlot, that's why the establishment charges extortionate prices.

Moving cautiously along the windows, I peer through the glass in an attempt to locate John. Sure enough, I find him sitting at the bar with five empty glasses and a fresh one in his hand. Drinking... of course, he's drinking. That isn't what irritates me. What gets to me worse, is the fact that he's sitting and talking to another mare alongside him. I don't know if it's the drink in his system or the fact that he simply has no respect for me, but he seems to be sitting fairly close to the Imperial Pegasus.

With a slight scowl on my face, I walk through the main door and quickly tuck away into one of the booths out of his view. Nopony seems to have noticed that I even entered, giving me a better chance of remaining hidden. I should talk to him about what happened... but, why is he with that mare? Has he already decided to move on with somepony else? No.... no, stop being so paranoid, Luna.

"No comment," I state in annoyance to her third attempt at the question.

"What is wrong with telling me what you've got planned for the future of The Rangers?" Wintersong asks as she lifts her single glass of water.

My body sways slightly as I tilt my head back in order to drain half of the glass of rum. Normally, I can handle my drink, but this seems to be stronger than most of the other drinks I've had in Equestria. "Classified information. All I'm going to say is new toys."

"Ahh," She replies as she jots down my answer. "Shadow did say that you liked making toys."

My eyes widen as I nearly drop the glass, "S-Shadow? She works for this magazine?" Wintersong nods as she rests her notepad on the desk. "H-how is she doing?"

"She's better than when she initially joined us. She gave us plenty of insight into your unit for our first issue exploring all the military units of Equestria. Some days seem... difficult for her."

I let out a sigh as I rub the bridge of my nose, "I take it she... told you what happened."

"Yes, that Tirek corrupted you. That, while you were under his control, you attacked her and killed her sister." Wintersong pauses as she rests her forehoof on my hand, "You can't blame yourself."

I slowly exhale as I lower my head, "I can. He may have corrupted me, but I allowed him to. I had the fucking genius idea to fight him, one-on-one, and look what happened. I nearly died, I didn't even scratch him and I was sent to Ponyville where I killed Spectre. If I don't blame myself, then how will I do better? We learn from our mistakes... I have to accept that I made a mistake, costing my friend her life by my very hands."

"No... you didn't." I turn my head slowly to look into her eyes. "You were brave, going above and beyond your duty, risking your life to defend the Princesses. You almost lost your life, but instead lost control and all knowledge of your actions. You weren't aware of what you were doing, so you cannot blame yourself."

I release a sigh as I close my eyes, "I-I guess." I don't really believe her, knowing that if I had remained by Twilight's side... things could have been different. Wanting to move from this topic, I clear my throat as I reopen my eyes. "You... said that everyone in this magazine was ex-military. Why did you leave?"

Wintersong finally pulls her hoof from my hand, "I served in the Long Guard. It's rare that mares can even be accepted into that unit, based on its strict traditions. I served during the civil war, I even saw you when the Captain gave you one of our soldiers. The war... proved too much for me. When I got home, I started to have panic attacks, sleep terrors and couldn't cope with high-stress situations. I was medically discharged, diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder." Finishing the last of her drink, she slowly turns her head back to me. "I heard that... you may have been suffering from it as well."

"Possibly," I state as I bring my glass to my lips. "I had nightmares... all about my previous engagements back home. Relieving the deaths of my friends, personal injuries, and situations where I felt I was going to die. I had hallucinations, seeing my friend who died when I came here." I rub my hand over my face as I sigh, "Only one good thing came from Tirek. Since Luna and Celestia went into my head and cleared my corruption, I no longer seem to have nightmares or see Williams. I suppose, that they may have possibly cured me." Now I just see a corrupted version of myself. I guess that's an improvement.

The two of us remain quiet as we don't know what to say. Lifting her notepad, Wintersong drops it into her saddlebag. "John, no matter what anypony says... you're not as bad as they say. Just remember that." Moving closer, she gives me a quick hug before jumping out of her seat and leaving me at the bar.

With her gone, I start to slowly swirl the contents of my last drink side to side as I contemplate what I'm going to do with Luna. I was supposed to be staying in a room at the castle tonight, which likely meant spending the night with Luna. After what we had, I'm not exactly in the mood to spend the night with her. No doubt we'll have to talk, but we have a number of issues to discuss.

Without warning, I hear Luna's voice as she clears her throat. Looking over my shoulder, I find her in disguise as Moon Glow as she looks at me in anger. I take a sip of my rum, "...What?"

"Who was that?" She asks with an annoyed tone of voice.

"Wintersong," I respond with a shrug of my shoulders. "Am I not allowed to talk to other females, or are you the only one?"

"I never said that," Luna responds with a glare. "However, you were getting awfully friendly with her."

I cock a brow as I spin in my seat to fully face her, "I was talking-"

Luna scoffs as she turns her head to the side "-Yeah, right."

I stop partway through lifting my drink, "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"It sure didn't look like 'talking' to me."

I narrow my eyes as I lean back against the bar, "Yeah... because your idea of talking involves torturing ponies and trying to pull their wings off." As I look to Luna, I can feel the pressure in my head building up once again.

Luna matches my expressions as she leans closer, "And your idea of talking involves getting close and trying to chat up mares. She was holding your hand and hugging you... I've never even heard you mention her. So, was that simply being friendly? Because it sure looked like more than that to me."

I let out a chuckle as I shake my head, "You're being fucking delusional." Leaning closer, I bop the end of her muzzle with my finger which clearly irritates her. "You're paranoid."

"I am not paranoid," Luna responds defensively.

"Nah, you're just getting pissy cause a mare hugged me and touched my hand. Of course, that's not paranoia. You just think that something is going on." I drain the last of my glass before slamming it against the bar surface.

"I don't think, I know what I saw."

"Yeah... I was making a move on her," I state in a sarcastic tone. "I was sitting in my seat, you daft woman."

"Oh, cut it out!" Luna shouts back, causing a number of patrons to turn their heads towards us. "She was buying you drinks and touching you, how is that not getting close!?"

"What, did you think that I was gonna fuck someone else? That I would cheat?" I look directly into Luna's eyes, "I would never do that. I had hoped that you'd have a little more faith in me."

"Then why are you here with that mare?"

"To get away from you." Luna's expression drops as she looks at me. "I needed to clear my head, try to think about something else. She wanted an interview about myself and The Rangers, I gave her one." Climbing out of my seat, I get my bearings before gesturing for Luna to follow me. The two of us make our way outside, away from everyone else. "We need to talk about things... to get everything squared away."

Luna nods as her expression softens slightly, "You're right."

Sighing, I rub my face. "What you did was wrong. I can never agree with torture, no matter who does it. I can understand why you did what you did, but I don't agree with it."

"And what about you?" Luna responds as she steps around me. "Can you honestly tell me that you've never acted out against somepony?"

"Not like you did, no." I sigh as I rub my face, thinking back to my time in Afghanistan and during my second deployment in the Griffin Empire. "I have smacked a person or two who were in my custody... but they were killers. My actions were also wrong, but I limited how far I went."

"But you still acted out, abusing your power. The difference between us is the field we play. You have a Company to control, I have a country. Our issues require different solutions"

"This wasn't an issue with The Rangers or Equestria. It was a personal issue for the both of us. We should have discussed it and come to a decision together. Instead, you went out and acted without consulting me. That is what irks me the most, you didn't even talk to me."

"Because I know you... you'd never have approved of my decision. You may agree with me in some areas, but there are some places where I must act. I didn't want you to find out, I knew this would happen."

"Luna, 'we all have demons. Sometimes we just need somebody to rein us in'. That's what you told me." Luna lowers her gaze upon hearing me reciting her own words to me. "Let me help you, the same way I hope you'll help me."

Luna sighs as she turns away from me, "I... It's not that easy, John. The stresses and hardships of leading a nation means that I often have to act in such a way that many will disagree with-"

I try my hardest to listen to Luna, but soon find myself unable to as my ears ring heavily. I raise my hands to my head as a shooting pain courses through my brain. I groan under my breath as I feel my muscles tensing slightly, veins pushing their way to the surface of the skin. W-what's happening to me?

Did you really think that you and your girlfriend could get rid of me that easily? I raise my head to find a copy of myself standing alongside Luna as she seems to continue talking. Grinning, he rests his elbow on her head as he looks at me with those lifeless white eyes. She makes sense. She did what was needed, just like you should be able to. You can't... can you? Because you're weak compared to me.

I clench my eyes shut as I try to force the image from my head. "John, are you even listening?" Luna asks as I slowly reopen my eyes to find that the apparition is no longer present. Trying to hide my discomfort, I shakily nod my head. "So... I think it's best that we kept our distance for some time. It'll allow us to get our heads clear, and to stomp out the rumours about us." Finding myself unable to speak through the pain, I nod my head once again.

Luna sighs as she steps closer. Leaning towards me, she places a very brief peck on my cheek, "I'm sorry, John, for everything." Turning, she makes her way down the street back towards the castle as the pain in my head becomes unbearable. I'm able to keep my position until she's fully out of sight before collapsing to my knees, my hands shielding my head as an attempt to relieve myself from the pain.

W-what's happening to me?