He had finally fallen asleep which was their cue to leave except for Luna who had entered his dreams to prevent the nightmare. After a while, she came out with the rest of them taking a deep breath trying to prevent her own tears. Though as she looked at the others she could tell they were doing the same.

"I-it's no wonder he didn't remember his past when h-he came here. H-his world i-is horrible..." Twilight spoke up breaking the silence.

"Yes, f-from what he told s-so far it does sound h-horrible. But it's o-only part of his s-story, a-and let's not forget h-he has yet to fully remember things." Luna said as she looked through his window along with Lyra and Derpy who each took one side of the Alicorn, and wrapped their hooves around her.

"Hey, Luna?" Lyra spoke up.

"Yes, Lyra?" Luna quietly responded.

"W-when he was sleeping for those days was he dreaming?" Lyra asked making Luna sigh.

"In a way, but not normal dreaming. I would have been able to visit him while he slept," Luna answered and they all knew what she meant by that.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" It was Fluttershy who asked.

"I have no idea at this point, we'll have to wait and see how he responds to his full memories. We really have no idea when his full memories exactly came back to him, and even if they came back while he was held captive he was more focused on staying alive. Not his memories," Luna answered though no one asked anything after that, at least not from her.

His doctor came by himself to check everything though none of them asked because they all knew how he was doing physically. Anytime he seemed to go into a nightmare Luna's horn lit up and her eyes glowed for several seconds. Soon he completely stopped stirring and a little smile tugged at his lips.

"They're even worse than before, which does not surprise me as it took some time for his nightmares to not be as potent the first time around. I honestly had expected this for a while for when his memories came back." Luna said with a deep sadness in her voice. "Hey, Twilight? If you would do me a favor and send a message?"

"Um, sure no problem. But where? To who?" Twilight asked bringing out an empty scroll and quill.

"First let's take care of writing the letter, in private, and then I will tell you. As to who, I'm afraid I cannot say but he is someone who might help." Luna then got up making Twilight follow her making the rest of them wonder about the letter.

"So, um, Lyra do you mind playing me a song?" Derpy asked making Lyra give a little sigh. But the unicorn nodded and looked at the mailmare for her request. "Um, hang on."

To Lyra's surprise, Derpy came over and whispered in her ear and then gave her a deep kiss. Which did seem to energize the unicorn as she grabbed her lyre and began to play. Which all of them couldn't help but be mesmerized by the song, her voice coming out like silk and her lyre sang sweetly. Derpy leaned against the wall with her eyes closed with a little smile.

"My mom used to always sing me this song before bed," Derpy said after a few more notes.

"Y-yeah, it's a classic and old lullaby. I remember when my mom did the same, before she, they, passed on..." Applejack said wiping a few tears away.

"I actually remember when the song was first written," Luna said making them all jump, and Lyra all but dropped her lyre. "A nice mare actually, she wrote it for her sick filly. It... was hard on her, and when her daughter passed she taught others that song because it had brought her daughter joy in her last moments. The mare knew that joy would help her heal in the long run."

"I-I see, and it lasted this long," Rarity said.

"Yes, it has because the song was created from the heart. Anything from the heart will last in some shape or form," Luna simply stated and they couldn't help but agree.

"D-did you get your letter sent?" Lyra asked as she tuned her lyre.

"Twilight is working on it, the place I want it sent can be difficult to transfer to, even by magic. But my guess is that we will have a new visitor in a day, maybe two at the most." Luna answered. "Before any of you ask, it's because the town was built surrounded by mountains that contain magic damping crystals."

"W-wait, who did you send it to though? And to where exactly?" Derpy was the one who asked.

"It is a place no normal ponies live, as to whom that will be answered when he arrives." Though as Luna gave her answer she seemed to have some regret in her voice. But neither Lyra or Derpy asked her why mostly because they knew she would not give them an answer.

Once again they all sat in silence, mostly as Lyra started to play her lyre again but she did not sing this time around. Rainbow and Applejack volunteered to go get them some dinner as Twilight finally came back a bit exhausted. She nodded to Luna who gave her a smile of thanks, and soon after the doctor came and checked in again.

"I think he will be able to travel by tomorrow, but I want him to check in with his doctor at Ponyville once he arrives. As for any visits after, that will be up to them," The doctor said.

"Thank you, for everything," Luna said not taking her eyes off of Brandon as he was starting to wake again.

"It's been my pleasure, may have been the highlight of my career. But I'll take my leave, nurses will still come and check on him. They'll also give you some instructions on his treatment, and I'm sure his primary doctor will go over it just in case." At that, the doctor gave a little bow before going on his way.

"Are you ready?" Twilight asked, mainly directed at the three mares now looking through his window. Which after that they did not hesitate and went in.

"H-hey..." Before he said another word Luna locked lips with him, and after her Lyra and Derpy then took their turns. "W-wasn't expecting that..." He had a little grin as he got into a sitting position and winced as he put a little weight on his injured side.

"Be careful!" All three mares yelled at the same time, making him give a little laugh. Though he seemed to have cheered up a bit, they could tell he was trying to be strong for them. It was obvious his memories weighed heavily on him, but to hear him give a little laugh brought them hope he would recover.

"I'll, be fine but thank you all for staying here," Brandon said giving them all a smile.

"We wouldn't be anywhere else darling," Rarity said and the other nodded and his three marefriends each gave him another quick peck.

They all sat in his room again in silence, until he asked them they wouldn't mind playing a game with him. Which when they finally decided which game to play they had a decent time. The game they decided on was just go-fish, and as they played it became obvious Brandon didn't want to tell them any more of his past or his world. For the time being, they were glad since all it would have done is to make them all upset and feel sorry for him, which they knew wasn't what he wanted at the moment.

"I see, but didn't you say you were expecting somepony?" He asked after Lyra let the letter thing slip.

"Yes, but if he arrives after we leave I will ask the staff to inform him where we have gone. And please do not ask any more until he arrives, alright?" Luna asked and for whatever the reason it made it start cracking up. "W-why are you..."

"I-I'm sorry, but you sometimes have this tone. Never really thought much of it, until now at least. Reminds me of this Principal that seemed to have it out for my brother," He looked out his window with a sad smile.

"Oh, and it's just funny?" Luna asked but she couldn't keep a straight face herself.

"Yeah, because he never actually got into trouble by her. They had a bit of a weird mentor-student relationship," He answered. "By the way, do you have any three's?"

"Here, and I'm glad to hear you give an actual laugh. I-I... we didn't know i-if..." Brandon gave a sigh and put down his hand.

"I'm not completely sure how they're going to affect me, let's just call this a good day and a good sign. But whatever happens, I know you'll all be there for me. Oh, that reminds me, and to change the subject, did Tallia and Ginger mention anything about their friend?" Brandon asked, making all but his marefriends confused.

"No, I think they wanted to wait until after you came back to Ponyville. I may know the answer, but are you planning on canceling your plans with Baron?" Luna asked.

"No, the opposite actually. I-I think it would be nice, just like I want to take you three out on a group date before my one-year anniversary here," Brandon replied making them all give a look of surprise. "Look, I know but I-I want to try to get back to some kind of normalcy."

"We're glad to hear that, but just as long as ya don't try to hide from your past," Applejack said making him nod.

"I'll try, but no promises for now okay?" He asked locking eyes with each and every one of them. They all seemed to understand exactly what he was asking, which none of them would have pushed anyway.

"I'm glad you're at least going to give it a try, and we're looking forward to our date," Luna said.

"Can you give us a hint though?" Lyra asked.

"Also, remember your shoulder," Derpy mentioned making him shake his head.

"Don't worry, I think you guys will like it and it won't bother my shoulder at all. Before you ask again Lyra, no hints for you!" He said and gave her nose a little poke. Though he gave a big yawn right after.

"I think we've kept you up long enough, I will keep the nightmares away," Luna said helping him lay back down.

"I'll only go to sleep if you guys get some rest yourselves," He said though they knew it was more of a command.

"Deal, and don't worry you can tell us the rest of what you remember whenever you want," Luna said as his eyes closed and it wasn't long before he was fully asleep. "Good night."

At they all said their goodnights to him they all went back into the hall where a nurse gave them some clean blankets and pillows. Soon they all had fallen asleep except for Luna and Derpy, who both sat looking through his window. The only reason Lyra hadn't stayed up was that she seemed completely drained from the day.

"I've thought about your letter, and I think I know at least where you sent, I think we all know," Derpy spoke up.

"Yes, the badlands, but do not worry for the pony I asked to come may help far more than any of us," Luna said.

"I hope so, he may have acted like himself but he didn't have the same sparkle in his eyes or the same enthusiasm that he had before. I mean it was good to hear him genuinely laugh, but how long will it last before the grief he's holding back breaks through? The pain he must be in for all of the guilt, we all know he won't be able to resist going into another depression. That's why I pra whoever you sent for will be able to help," Derpy said giving a sad sigh.

"I hope so too, even if I do have to see that pony again," Luna said and Derpy knew from her tone that was the end of that discussion. So, she just lay her head onto Luna's shoulder who wrapped her wing around the pegasus as she fell asleep.

It was midmorning, and they were all wide awake and talking to each other. Rarity had suggested that they send a letter to Pinkie Pie to let her know when they were coming back, which would be tomorrow morning according to one of the nurses. After that, Brandon managed to convince them all to go get something other than hospital food. He even, with the help of Luna, got Derpy and Lyra to go as well.

"It's fine really, just bring me back whatever looks good on the menu," Luna said as they walked out of the room giving Brandon a concerned look. "I will watch him and keep him company."

"Alright, it really is too bad they won't let him eat anything else right now other than that soup." Lyra said,

"That soup actually has medicine in it to help drive out the remaining toxin, now get going!" Luna said making both of the mares run and catch up to their friends.

After that, Brandon and Luna sat quietly enjoying each other's company despite the sadness that he now seemed to radiate. Luna started to hum a sweet little tune that made Brandon get a little smile which she quickly wondered why. Which he just simply told her that he just simply enjoyed hearing her hum.

As the two talked, they jumped when a hard knock came at the door and they knew none of their friends would knock. Especially a knock like that, and the staff had a tendency to just barge in even if they knew that was their job. Which one look at Luna and he knew it was the pony she had sent the letter to, and she seemed to be asking him for permission for whoever it was.

"Come on in!" He called out, and as the door opened in stepped a stallion, but just not any stallion, a bat- pony.

Just from first glance, Brandon could tell that the stallion had seen a lot of battles, mostly from the stallion's eyes. As he looked the stallion over, he had a black coat and his mane and tail were red as if stained with blood. Signs of battle were written on the stallion's body as well, as Brandon could see some scars. One caught his attention as it was the most prominent scar, as it ran around his leg as if had once been severed.

"Lt. Knuckle Shadow reporting for duty ma'am!" Knuckles said, though as Brandon looked the stallion over he noticed that the stallion wasn't wearing any kind of guard uniform. Which when he looked over to Luna he saw the pain in her eyes making him guess who this stallion exactly was.

"I see, you're not a current Lieutenant, at least not for the current guard," Brandon said, which the stallion regarded him with a cold hard stare. Which he could tell would have made lesser men run in fear, but he had been through a lot himself and did not fear the stallion.

"You are right, he was a Lieutenant of Nightmare Moon, and it's been a long time Knuckles. I am glad to see you seemed to have found somepony," That's when Brandon noticed the mare. This mare was mostly white with a few speckles of black, and with a blond mane and tail.

"Yes, this is Bird Song, and before you ask ma'am, we've been together for five years now." Knuckles said looking at the mare and nodded his head toward them.

"H-hi, it's nice to meet you," Bird said giving a shy little smile.

"It's nice to meet you too," He replied giving the mare a little smile which she seemed to shrink a little.

"Yes, it is a pleasure. Now, let's get down to why I have called you here. I very well know you still seek redemption for your time serving under Nightmare Moon, despite you being imprisoned for nearly eight hundred years for your crimes." Luna said and an understanding seemed to pass between them, which told Brandon they knew each other before she became Nightmare Moon.

"You want him to my bodyguard," Brandon said snapping the two ponies out of whatever telepathic conversation they were having.

"Yes, but I may now have regrets summoning him. As loyal as he was, that loyalty leed him to commit heinous crimes in the name of Nightmare Moon." That told him that their conversation hadn't gone well, and he had reminded her of her past.

"I swear that I have left that part of myself behind, and if you really think by me helping protect your lover here then I will do just that," Knuckles said looking him over making him give a sigh.

"If only I thought that was the only reason she brought you here. I believe another reason is to help me deal with the pain that my memories have brought back," Brandon said making Luna lock eyes with him and that is what confirm it.

"He is very perceptive, I'll give him that. Yes, I believe that's exactly why she sent for me," Knuckles replied. "But from the sounds of it, we may have to take our leave."

"I don't think so," Brandon said still studying the stallion like he was studying him.

"Brandon, are you saying your willing to accept him as your bodyguard?" Luna asked making him nod.

"Yes, I-I'm tired of fighting and despite his hard exterior and his mistrust of me, I think it may work. After all, like you may have hoped he may be able to help me through..." He put a finger up to his temple and started rubbing, the pain and sadness now fully evident in his eyes. "Through the pain of remembering.'

"If that is what you wish, and as long as it's for a good cause then I accept your job offer and I swear my loyalty to you. I will guarantee you will not have to defend for your life no more, may the heavens strike me down if so," Knuckles said bowing a little.

"Brandon, are you sure?" Luna asked the doubt and regret clear in her voice.

"Yes, I accept, and thank you. I may not know what your crimes are, but I hope this is the start of a friendship. One that hopefully will guide both of us to a path of healing," Brandon said and at that, he seem to fall back asleep.

"Hmm, he must still be weak from his battle and his memories. But I do swear Princess, I will make sure he stays safe," Knuckles said as Luna stroked Brandon's cheek and planted a loving kiss on his forehead.

"I thank you, but know that I do regret calling you here just prove me wrong that you are not the same stallion from all those years ago," Luna said.

"H-he's not," Bird said making Luna look at the mare who shrank back even more under her gaze.

"You may be right, as you seem to be proof enough he has changed, even just a little," Luna said her gaze shifting back to Knuckles. "And know if you fail in your task, the heavens will be the last of your worries."

Author's Note

Alright, ladies and gentlecolts! I know it's been a year since the last chapter and I am very sorry for that. Also, all credit for the character of Knuckle Shadow goes to Darksoul85!