Damocles awoke as the door slammed open as a voice sang out with a slight tone of exhaustion "Damocles~ its time to wake up my dear boy." Luna was excited as the thought of having a child seemed to fill her with glee.

"With the voice of an angel a demon doth come my way." Damocles stated as he got up. "What are you doing here so early Luna it's like seven in the morning. Shouldn't you be asleep?" He groaned as he looked at the all too preppy mare.

"While normally yes but today is special because we need to get you packed and that means we need to get you fully acquainted with whatever clothes you may go to wear. Formal attire will be handled by rarity when we get you to Ponyville. Now in regards to the Regalia you should wear I was thinking something stoic, yet simple. Such as this cloak." She pulled from one of the bags a simple shimmering cloak that was a midnight blue.

"Now because its you and your ties to.... them... I had the royal dresser embed a constellation of Enchanted Black Diamonds in to its back. Its of the guardian before death. While in our stories it's a bringer of peace, for you it will have a different meaning. Death is viewed as a sly serpent it sneaks up on us without warning, which is why we care so much for each other because of the pain its venom can cause. The sadness of loss and the pain of not being able to say goodbye. You take upon the serpent you use its poisons to heal others as you drink their pain." Luna stated as she ignited the gems with her magic. "They are tied to glow in three situations. When I want to see you or at least hear from you when you are safe. To warn those who are stepping too close as they will be tied to your anger, and to let you know if there is one who you can save at least a little longer from Her touch." Luna smiled as Damocles crawled out of bed to look at the glowing diamonds.

"The snake handler... Luna I don't-" Damocles began before being interrupted.

"Stop right there. First it's not Luna it's Mom, Mommy, Mother or Nightingale. Second Its a gift from her mother to her son I had long wanted to make the constellation official but never had a purpose for it to be a main aspect. You can be so much more than the warrior you set yourself out to be you have basic medicinal knowledge, but you are so clever, even to the point that you're probably already trying to figure out the best way for you to either represent me and what crowds to run with. I don't want that... what I want is for you to figure out who You are now. I know your past since you shared it with me, but that is the past. Your new lease on life begins today. You want to protect us, Ok then do so but in the way that you can be proud to do so. Thinking about what you said last night I understand that you still have resentment to your Aunt, the Elements, Discord and myself, despite not admitting it even to yourself. That's alright." She walked up to him and with her magic wrapped the cloak around him as his wings shifted.

"I don't expect you accept us. I'm surprised you haven't lashed out further. But you have been doing that by starting the fights and even in your indoctrination into the Night guard. But I'll be honest if it wasn't for your will to follow the limitations during each of those matches and fights you probably would've killed more than a few of them." Luna said her voice slightly disturbed.

"But my point is, that you can do so much. And only a hoof-full of Ponies know about your true past. Honestly with how much you have been through you could compare battle scars to dragons. Yet you are given a fresh start. You've lived your last life passing through the motions of it. Putting on one mask until you need the next. Here you don't need to be afraid and you don't need to hide." She pulled him close and kissed his forehead. "I'll be here to help you every step of the way. Celestia will be there with you. Twilight and her friends will be there when you want them. Blueblood has given his respect to you. Troubled Mind is upset but impressed. Shining Armor praised you in private and Baron Rio and his Daughter are more curious and happy about your appearance than anything else. They even requested for you to stay at their home when you go to visit. Just be yourself and do what you want. If you need to let out aggression talk to Blueblood, Shining Armor, Discord, Celestia or myself. Now enough on that subject." Luna said quickly before Damocles could offer a counterargument.

"Outside of that I have a few basic tops and a necklace for you, and as by recommendation of Midnight, an Officers Armor of the Night Guard. The Rank on that is Warrant officer however you are a captain of your own branch. After you have some basic knowledge of the land the, history and how to write our language I will let you move around to the different Areas and Recruit. For now you are being assigned 4 Night guards who will act as wardens and soldiers for you. They will also be the first in your Branch of military." Luna stated. Using her magic she picked up Damocles and put the armor on him along with the necklace.

"Hey I am not ok with this! This is embarrassing! I am a man!" Damocles shouted as the armor was put on while he struggled. Luna couldn't help but laugh at the display. When it was done he was placed in front of the mirror as she began to brush his hair. Damocles took the moment look over the way he looked. A Warrior bearing the marking of one who can heal was what he took away from it. The necklace was a Rose that ended in a sword's blade with two snakes coiled around it looking to strike each other or the flower.

"I saw it and it reminded me of you when you and I first talked when you were showing me your past. You are more frail than you show. Yet you hide it so carefully." Luna stated as she finished packing the bag.

"Nightingale?" He responded as he turned around to face her.

"Yes Damocles?" She answered with a soft voice. He went up and hugged her.

"Thank you.... I'm sorry..." he said his voice was almost whimpering and she wrapped her wings around him.

At the Train Station 2 hours later

"So We need to protect potentially the most dangerous Pegasus in the entire world while also being capable of detaining him even if it means Resetting him?" Virulent asked.

"To that end we can employ any tactic?" Satin added

"And every tactic?" Eclipse finished off.

"That is our orders. Apparently we aren't going to be Zodiacs anymore. The new armors are going to be designed soon, but we are supposed to be apart of the new regiment headed by Damocles." Veil Commented as over looked the documents while they stood at train station.

"So what are we going to be staying at the nearby barracks? Or in Twilight's Castle?" Virulent asked as he secured everyone's luggage onto the cart.

"Doesn't say... But apparently we are supposed to secure some things for Damocles Courtesy of Princess Luna. Considering the Receipt I think we are making our home." Veil stated.

"Right, so where is our 'Captain'?" Eclipse said with a snicker.

"Probably with his mommy as she had to make him presentable." Virulent Laughed this made Eclipse, Veil and Satin join in.

"And what's wrong with looking good for travelling?" Luna stated with a coy smile. Immediately the four bat ponies fell in line with Veil a step from the rest forward. All with stoic faces but terrified eyes followed with the standard Salute. The very being they were mocking was standing behind them next to their Princess.

"Mom I think you scared them ease up on them. I'm sure they didn't mean anything by it. Besides, I think I look amazing and if I'm travelling anywhere I want to make sure its in style." Damocles stated with a smirk. "After all I have appearances I need to keep. I can't let everyone view me as a monster or a barbarian, That's for the nightmares of those who threaten the peace of this world. And any Soldiers who think light of me." Damocles growled.

"Good Morning Sir, Good morning Princess Luna. We apologize for our rudeness." Veil stated after dropping her salute.

"It's quite alright... Oh my I cant call you by your Zodiac Ranks anymore, Captain Damocles get with your Unit and on the ride to Ponyville I need you to begin working on the paper work for the official regiment you are making including proper Ranking and the such. Is that Understood Centurion Damocles?" Luna Declared. For the first time in Damocles's presence she was acting with authority and Discipline.

"Yes, Your highness." Damocles Saluted bringing his wing forward then snapping it back. "Company! Attention!" The 4 Ponies dropped their salute looking straight.

"Damocles Play nice. Veil make sure he gets to school on time. Virulent Taking him out drinking Occasionally. After you all finish building your home that is. I'll be off." Luna's horn began to glow as she readied her spell. "Have fun Dear!" she said with glee as she teleported away.

"Company At Rest! All eyes on me." Damocles ordered the 4 as he turned to face them. "Now Before we start talking seriously I want to make something clear. I want to thank the 4 of you for your help in that... I guess you can call my Exhibition match. Virulent you sang the song exactly as it needed to be. Veil you were excellent with convincing the rest of the Night Guard to join in. Eclipse and Satin Thank you for your musical capabilities. Now talk to me Veil, What are we facing in Ponyville?" Damocles smiled.

"Well sir after securing the materials we need to build our A.O. You need to meet with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends to find a proper location. Meet with Mayor Mare to approve said Location as well as meet with your teacher Miss Cheerilee." Veil stated struggling to keep a straight face at the end of the statement. Virulent began to snicker followed by Eclipse and Satin before the 4 broke into laughter.

"I can trust the 4 of you will assist me in regards to learning the required materials as we establish our First Base. I'm sorry you are all stuck with an incompetent leader as myself. Now fall out take care of your gear stow it properly and meet me in our cabin so we can discuss proper Rank and Pay Grade. Thank you all again for Volunteering, I just have one warning. if you have an issue with any species I attempt to recruit Pull me aside talk to me and explain what the issue is. I will NOT accept blatant racism as a viable reason for not wanting someone so you better have a solid reason for it. Or else you are done for. With that being said Fall out and lets get our gear stowed." Damocles turned to move the cart holding his gear to the train cart.

"I hope you weren't planning on leaving without me." An obviously annoyed voice stated.

Virulent turned to look at the source only to see Nurse Heart breaker walking with a less than happy look. His pupils shrinking to the size of pin pricks he quickly loaded all the luggage on and ducked for cover in one of the train carts.

"What's up Doc?" Damocles stated in slightly Nasally Voice. She shook her head.

"Nothing much, but I'm going to have to ask you some questions on the train ride so we can get your medical record set up, Tomorrow we test you for allergies." A dark smile crept across her features. "we should make sure to have you properly inoculated as well. Although given your natural.... recovery, you should be just fine. Also we need to see what blood type you are." Damocles shuddered and Virulent's voice can be heard from the train car.

"She's at it again boys, run for cover!" Immediately all the male Guards eyes widened and they moved hidden positions in a vain attempt to appear as if they aren't abandoning their posts. Eclipse couldn't help to laugh with Tender heart as she moved into the Reserved Train Cart. Shaking his Head he followed the mares onto the train and it began to depart shortly after.

1 hour later on the train

"So, Damocles." Veil stated to catch his attention. Damocles turned his head away from the window to look at the source calling his name.

"We know you told us about yourself already, but would it be alright if we ask you a few more questions?" Satin asked, Damocles looked at her and saw her eyes were filled with unbridled curiosity.

"That would depend on what you want to know." Damocles said before he looked back out the window.

"Ok then, I'll start." Virulent said irately. "Why did you mess with your wings like that?" Damocles looked over at him raising an Eyebrow before sighing then giving a smile.

"Ok tell you what lets make this a game. Every question you 3 ask me I'll give you 2 true answers and 1 lie, if you figure out which is the lie I'll pay for a spa treatment for you. Nothing happens if you don't a Win-Win Situation. The catch is though the one who asks the question cannot guess if its lie or truth. For your question Virulent, It's because where I come from Augmentations to ones self is normal. If you have the... well here it would be bits you could get it. I figured it would be most beneficial to me, and because I figured they wouldn't actually let me. Now which is the lie?" Damocles said with a wicked smile.

"Obviously the Augmentation bit is the Lie." Eclipse said Confidently.

"Tender, would you be a dear and set up a Lie detection field to confirm my response?" Damocles asked who nodded as she focused a bit to set the field up around him.

"No the Augmentation is true."

"Truth." She said as she scribbled something down on her pad. "Damocles Are you aware of the inkblot test? If so just tell me the first thing you see when I show you these." Tender heart held up the first one as he turned and faced it.

"A shadow with 4 eyes, 2 horns and 2 ears." Damocles stated

"ok If the Augmentation is true then it had to be you thinking it would be better for you, I mean why else risk it?" Satin stated.

"Nope, Because of the 'Reset' I was pretty sure I could just regrow my wings back to normal." Damocles said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Truth. Next image please.

"The lie was that i didnt think they would let me do it. I figured they would because of how much I gilted them." He said before turning to the image. Blinking he looked at it. "two things at once for the record A creature standing a top a roof corner with a cape flowing from flames of destruction underneath it and a face with a twisted and dark smile. The face was first if that means anything." She scribbled quickly.

"Ok, so your coming from a violent place, that is very advanced. That would do anything to get ahead. your birth parents are dead. You consider your special somepony dead along with your sister. your not allowed to die and now your a captain of a new military branch and the adopted son of Princess Luna. You have a really cool sword. And you have magic wings. How are you sane?" Satin began listing off before just looking at him incredulously.

"Its Quite simple. I'm not Sane at all. At the same time I'm so sane I appear Insane. And I just look at things differently." Damocles stated as the next card flew infront of him. " The center point in red is a something like a bow the pieces falling off the sides are ribbons the rest of it looks like a fancy conservative top for a pony with a broach on the center."

"Ok in this one I'm calling it its that your so sane you appear insane." Virulent stated.

"That is wrong." Tender heart stated.

"Then it would have to be that hes not sane at all." Eclipse stated for the first time joining in.

"And thats a spa trip. Nice Job Eclipse." Damocles applauded with his hooves.

"Thank you now its my turn then, What is your breaking point?" Eclipse Inquired. Damocles closed his eyes.

"As my new mother has said to me before, I am actually a lot more fragile than you all would think. I'm pessimistic. Memories tied with specific emotions will break me down. And I am not very Trusting. But I have no fears". Another card floated infront of me. "Thats like a stone guardian or something. "

"Wait a second that's 4 different ones." Veil pointed out.

"Yes meaning this is the last one." Damocles said before turning his head away to stare back out of the window.

"If thats the case then... its that you have no fears..." Veil replied.

"Winner winner chicken dinner." Damocles said as he got up and began to walk away to the carts in the back. Virulent looked at him until the door closed and looked back at everyone there.

"What just happened?" He questioned.

"I think our fearless leader is terrified of this place." Eclipse said.

"Your not wrong, but not right. Hes afraid of ponies getting close to him, of hurting others and getting hurt." Tender heart stated as she finished writing and putting away the papers and clip board.

"What do you mean?" Veil's voice was more than confused.

"When you think of ponies as a whole what do you think of?" Inquired Tender.

"Usually happy kind and singing creatures that don't know what a good thing they have."

"Exactly. his view point of ponies, forged from his past which Luna kindly admitted me to knowing. Deception, lies, pain, manipulation, and abuse. Even of the Princesses. So far Luna has only made the beginning of strides to lesson this." Tender stated.

"Wait, so you mean he has experienced or saw it." Virulent stated more than questioned.

"I'm saying he's lived it on all sides. Experiencing, Seeing, and doing. But he hated himself when he did it." Tender finished

"Well atleast now we know how to snap him out of it if he goes berserk on us. Just try to remind him of things that make him sad."

"Sadness and pain doesn't imobalize him. what hurts him the most is the memories of what was pure and good. His happiness stops him." Tender said. "At least based off what Princess Luna has informed me.

"So we need to calm him by making happy? or reminding him of the happy times? How are we supposed to do that?" Virulent was growing annoyed. "It's like we are dealing with a baby that's capable of destroying everything!"

"It's like we are dealing with a child of an Alicorn." Veil said forcefully drawing attention to her. "And we are... He's even going to schol so we need to help him and make good memories."

"Someone may want to go wake him up... we are almost there now." Virulent stated as Ponyville Train station came into view.

Damocles's Dream

"Did you really think you can escape from me Rowan?" A voice sounded in the empty void of the dreamscape. Footsteps sounding from where the voice came from the field of dead and dying white roses changing with every echo into vivid Black Roses

"Shut up. Shut up. Shut up! Your not real!" Damocles screamed as he backed up.

"Come now you know you cant run from me or lock me away. Lets show your new 'friends' what we really are. It'll feel just as good as it did then!" The voice declared with its echoing Laughter. "Besides its thanks to you that all of the others are dead, and you know how HUNGRY we get."

"It's not real Luna said she would stop it. It's not real!" Damocles repeated to himself as his back hit the wall of his own abyss.

The voice and the foot steps stopped and from behind him Damocles heard his whisper " You know I am real, Because You. Are. Me." It declared jubilantly.

Author's Note

OH. MY. ME. IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG AND IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry it took me so long and i know this chapter is iffy I apologize its going to take me a minute to get back into my normal flow bear with me. But hey I'm back in Black and we will Carry on!