//------------------------------// // Chapter Four: Crash, Hope, Remembrance // Story: Timeless // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Luna sighed as she sat down, the ancient wooden doors closing seamlessly behind her. “How is he?” Celestia asked cautiously, the younger alicorn then shrugging. “Distraught. It is like my first week when I returned. He now is aware of the crushing realization that everycreature he once knew and called a friend is long since gone. I don’t believe he ever truly was able to accept it; the reality being dulled by his own mind. I-I cannot help but remember my own turmoil with this issue, nor your response, which I gave to him. My own words failed me, Sister,” Luna whispered, head shaking slowly as she continued, a tiredness now creeping into her voice. “He will recover, but for now, he must come to terms with his loss. He is preparing one of his spells, and said we will hear when it activates so you may inspect it for safety,” Luna was then quiet for a time, a forelimb rubbing against the other in thought. “You are pensive, sister,” Celestia mused, a simple nod greeting her words. “It is…new to me, to be picked over you for something like this,” Luna whispered, prompting a wide grin from Celestia. “Hmm?” “Comforting ponies. They usually look to you for such a thing. I am not as approachable. To have a pony see me as comforting, to request that I stay because I bring him peace is…new. I am not as soft.” A snort greeted Luna’s words, Celestia shaking her head. “You most certainly are! I can see why the public may not see it however. You simply don’t have a thousand years of curated….” the Solar Princess searched for the word as she waved a hoof, Luna then jumping in as she stared at the floor with a slight frown. “Tolerance for stupidity?” “…I was going to say overwhelming patience when dealing with boneheads, but yes. You know that perhaps at times you may come off as too formal or forceful, but you’re getting better at it!” A hoof then lifted Luna’s chin, Celestia’s beaming face split with a genuine smile. “But you’re still one of the most caring and gentle individuals I’ve ever known. It just takes certain creatures to see that, and apparently Shifting is one of them. If he finds comfort in your company, then he, at the very least, is able to see an honest glimpse of the pony I know and love.” Luna’s mouth began to curl upwards in a smile, a low hum then drawing the sister’s attention. “I assume that is the spell…” Celestia mused, the pair making their way back into the casting room. As the doors opened, the pair could only stare at the spectacle in front of them. A massive white glowing rune filled every inch of the circular platform, complicated symbols dancing this way and that on consecutive inner circles that spun inwards towards the middle of the circular pattern. In the center stood Shifting Sands, three beams of blue arcane energy coursing through his body and then diving into the rune once again like the tributaries of a river. “In luna lumen invenio in me virtus mea, dum ego potest deficere, sed maneant,” the stallion whispered, tapping a few smaller runes at the base of his hooves and sighing, sitting down with a few deep breaths. A few tears trickled from his eyes even now, but seemed to slow as magical energy continued to course through the stallion and across his armor. “In the moon's light I find my strength, for while I may fade it shall remain,” Luna whispered, the ancient poem itching at the back of her mind. She had heard it once before, a rather long set of prose concerning the night. It was one of the few poems that praised the moon at the time instead of the horrors of eternal night. “This is a leyline connection rune, your Highness’s, but I assume you knew that,” Shifting remarked softly, attention drawn to the two rulers. “This is the extent of the spell; it simply aids in meditating, feeling your own magic mix with that of the land. It’s o-one of the few things that hasn’t f-faded…” the stallions’s words began to stutter, the pony turning away shamefully as a few more tears fell. “As difficult as this is, I can finally feel, or at least am starting to. So, thank you. May I stay here though? And perhaps then return to my guest quarters at a later time?” he asked, Celestia nudging Luna to take the lead. “You are most welcome, Shifting. And you are our guest, so you have mostly free reign of the castle, provided you stay within the mostly-public areas. We will leave a medallion inside the door here for you, which will ensure you won’t be harassed by the guards,” Luna explained, noting how the pony’s shoulders seemed to relax at the sound of her voice. “Take as much time as you need to adjust; we have a proposal for you when you are ready, of how you may wish to occupy the time. But that can wait, and is not a request or order, merely an offer of help.” Shifting nodded, taking a few deep breaths. “I understand, thank you. I will remain here for a time then. If it is permissible, how may I…contact you? I do not wish to disturb either of you unless necessary however, since I know you have many other duties.” “We shall enchant the medallion with a communications spell, and leave a note of best times. It is likely those times will overlap meetings with nobles though…sadly,” Luna mused with a smile. The slight joke elicited the barest hint of a smile from Shifting, the stallion simply nodding. “We shall leave thee be, Shifting Sands,” Luna remarked as she and Celestia turned to leave. The Night Princess then paused, a gentle smile on her lips. “I don’t believe we ever formally thanked you for saving our life. So, thank you, Shifting.” The stallion raised his head, bowing it briefly as a bit of life and determination slid into his eyes, pushing aside the sorrow for a time. “I would do it again in a heartbeat, Princess. I made a promise to you once, and I don’t intend to break that.” “We are glad to hear that. And Shifting, if it is just us, Luna is fine.” As the Alicorn left, she had to resist a giggle at the utter perplexed look that dawned on Shifting’s face… But the genuine care in his eyes made her steps seem all the lighter. “He hasn’t left for five hours?” “No, your Highness. We delivered some food as he requested, rather politely I might add, and then let him be.” Luna sighed, nodding to the guards as she trotted along the hallway. She was unused to dealing with the Royal Guards as much as her own, but with the Night Guards skill and loyalty in jeopardy; it was a necessary precaution. The latter group was still undergoing a screening process, only the newest of recruits having been processed after the traitorous attack. The individuals who hadn’t undergone the mandatory magical and intensive personal interview were still confined to either the barracks or sent back home to Hollow Shades until they were summoned. As for her guest, Luna though it best she check in on him. She found Shifting in the same position as before, with leyline energy still coursing through his body as he sat on the spell-casting platform. “Ah, your Highness…” Shifting began, brow then furrowing slightly. His eyes were closed, and a slight red tinge shone through from under his eyelids. “Is everything well? I hope I haven’t-” “Shifting, everything is fine. We are simply checking to see how thou are doing,” Luna interrupted, continually amused by the stallion’s assumption of wrongdoing. Amusing, but that can be so self-destructive, so best we provide a remedy for that as soon as possible. “I am both doing well, and very…not so much,” the stallion remarked with a sigh. “I need a distraction, but am unsure as to what that may be. Meditation can only calm me for so long. If I may impose, do you have a training area where I may exercise? Practice strikes, combat techniques and such.” Luna nodded, still regarding the pony with a curious gaze. “Aye. I would be happy to open up the Night Guard training grounds for you.” The stallion then chuckled, shaking his head. The laugh lacked the airy tone of previous utterances, this time carrying with it a bit of almost dark enjoyment. “Forgive me, but I don’t think that will do. I would destroy the equipment rather quickly, as sturdy as it might be. I was hoping for something more…durable.” The Night Princess couldn’t help but smile now, nodding as she pulled some parchment out of the Nether, scrawling a simple declaration before sending it on its way with a magical ‘zap’. “I have just instructed the current guards to open up some of the equipment in a usually cordoned-off area of the training grounds. It is where I train, when I have the time. I think you will find it adequate. The punching bags are meant to be shredded however, and are easily repaired, replaced, and recycled, so fear not if that is the case.” Shifting nodded, an eager smile on his face as he stood. The runes around him vanished into mist, the stallion’s eyes flickering red as he looked over to Luna. The tinge then vanished, Shifting taking a deep breath. “Thank you, Princess Luna.” The alicorn waved a hoof dismissively, gesturing to the door. “Just Luna is fine.” As they walked down the removed hallway, Shifting then paused, ears perking up in thought. “You mentioned that there was a proposal?” Luna blinked, nodding cautiously. “Yes, but we thought it best to wait for a time, at least a few days.” Shifting shook his head urgently, eyes beginning to glow an unnatural crimson once again. “Princ-erm, Luna, I would be very interested in what you have to say. I need a goal, something to occupy my time. Meditation is necessary, but I need a direction for the…things I am feeling. Until this point, I have always wandered, guided by where my cutie mark sent me. Now however, I feel as though I am to be here.” “Very well, but may I ask; is that what causes the ailment of your eyes?” Luna ventured to ask, nodding at Shifting’s words. She was not prepared to have the stallion nod, and then let out a hiss through his teeth. “Of course it is the cause. What else could it possibly-” he caught himself with a sharp intake of breath, wincing slightly at his abrasive and furious tone. “Forgive me, Luna. There is a great deal of emotion simmering in my heart, and I am struggling to keep it in check and respectful. That is why I requested the training grounds, and kept myself away for the long hours. I do not wish to say anything disrespectful,” he admitted shamefully, ears flattening to his skull. “It is alright, Shifting. I will not take any outbursts too seriously. As to the proposal, it is rather simple. Eventually, I have other offers to make, but this may assist you in having a task. This is not a request, nor order. This is an offer, from one pony to another,” Luna paused, then smiled ever so slightly. “Or, if you would like, from one friend to another, or at least the beginnings of such.” The stallion’s ears immediately perked up, the unicorn nodding briefly. Emotion swarmed across his face; shock, uneasiness, and then genuine thanks and warm acceptance. “Friend? I’d…be privileged to be seen as such, Luna.” The alicorn let out a huff, waving a hoof at his words. “You saved my life and have been nothing but respectful to me and my sister. I would be glad to call you a friend if not acquaintance. Now then, the offer is this. It has come to my attention that the Night Guards are woefully undertrained and underprepared for any event. That is, in part, due to trusting my traitorous Captain with their training. Be it intentional or not, their training and readiness has suffered. I need a Drill Sergeant to get them back into shape, and I would like to extend that offer to you, for I can think of nocreature better suited for the task.” Genuine shock plastered itself across Shifting’s features, and then a flurry of emotions returned. This time his eyes actually appeared to dampen briefly, before the unicorn nodded, standing tall with a quivering smile. “I am honored by such a proposal…and I accept.” Luna blinked as they continued to walk, head tilting curiously. “So easily? I would have thought thou would want some time to think?” Shifting chuckled, a bit of darker emotion creeping through once again. “Your Highness, I have far too much time to think. Thinking is my enemy right now. All I can think about are those I have failed, and those I have lost. I-” He paused, hooves drifting to a stop as tears promptly flowed from his eyes. “Sorry, these rapid emotional shifts are d-difficult,” the stallion whispered, taking a deep breath before walking a bit further, eyes starting to dry up. “I greatly appreciate such an offer, and am eager to start, at least after my mind settles a bit. With a goal, a purpose, it makes coping with things a bit easier.” Luna nodded as they walked out of the castle proper, down towards training arenas set inside the mountain itself. “We thought as much. When we first returned, my sister gave me quite a few tasks. I was not sure why she suddenly burdened me with such things until she sat me down and told me. I realized then that such duties helped me cope. Instead of the reality of my situation crashing down at once, it trickled in through my duties and tasks. I hope this can do the same for you. I will admit the other motive is that my guards do need training, and you have clearly demonstrated the ability to get them back up to par.” Shifting smiled, bowing his head as they trotted down a long stone hallway, lit by magical torches that ignited as they passed. “I fully understand the dual purpose of such an offer and am still flattered by it. Does that mean I am to be enlisted as a Night Guard? Or…?” The unicorn definitely didn’t miss Luna’s eyes sparking as she grinned, the alicorn trotting along with a bit more spring in her step. “Aye. But if you recall, I never asked for you to renounce your Lunar Knight vows either. But, first things first, Shifting Sands. You will be enlisted as a Drill Sergeant for my Night Guard, effective as soon as you are willing and able.” Nodding in understanding, Shifting grinned at seeing an old cavern open up before him, then spotting primitive but sturdy and well-used equipment dotting the domed room. “I am quite willing and able now, Luna. However, I do not trust my mental capacities as of yet. Until I do, I shall remain here training and meditating in the other room with your permission,” he stated, trotting over to examine a pile of canvas punching bags, and a pile of solid rocks net to them. “Oh. This is perfect, Princess Luna,” Shifting said, eyes beginning to glow red. “If I may be alone for a time, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for opening up this facility for me; I feel it will make my adjustment much easier.” “Of course, Shifting. My Night Guards may stop by the entrance, but I will instruct them to stay clear. The only one’s present are new recruits who may have gotten lost.” “Thank you, Luna.” Shifting then turned to the punching bags, and began to load up one with rocks. “Oh…this is going to be fun,” the unicorn growled, levitating the massive object to hang from a chain embedded into the stone ceiling. Luna hadn’t heard that much anticipation in the anypony’s voice in a rather long time… Optional Music http://www.infinitelooper.com/?v=N-ted7frO6U&p=n#/83;172 The sound of cracking stone echoed from the cavern’s walls, a lone unicorn ducking a swinging canvas punching bag to deliver a brutal kick. The remnants of the bag’s brethren were present against the wall, torn and battered from being used for the past few hours. With each strike, the unicorn’s mouth moved almost imperceptibly, and yet even though not audible, words were present with every motion of his lips. Faces flashed to his mind, even as tears mingled with sweat that rolled from his brow and cheeks. I can remember. Copper Bit, he always had that stupid coin in his saddlebags, all the time. The punching bag groaned under a flurry of strikes, the stallion’s hooves shattering the rocks held within. Dusty Barrel, he always ran the cleanest inn I’ve ever seen. The bag swung back, Shifting Sands meeting it with devastating hind kick that tore some of the canvas material. Steel Flask. I swear he was addicted to that hard cider held in that metal container of his! More strikes tore at the bag, Shifting now letting out a growl as he felt his hooves begin to ache. For the first time in years, the stallion could see the faces and names of his friends. I was there. I was at their funerals… More tears slid from the stallion’s eyes, making his target blurred and shimmer. I helped lay them to rest, celebrated their life with their friends…I did care. Letting out a roar, Shifting sent a punch into the center of the bag causing it to rip and spray out gravel across the floor. His horn ignited with a furious flash, a blast of raw energy burning away the canvas and heating up the rocks to molten slurry. His armor was long since discarded, and Shifting’s sides heaved for breath as sweat matted his fur. I can feel. I can remember them all! As he guided his magic to shove the ruined bag aside and hang a new one, Shifting caught sight of two yellow eyes staring at him from the entrance of the long tunnel. I wondered how long it’d take to be noticed here… “I know Luna gave you an order to not come here. But if you are curious, you can stay in the tunnel and watch. Just be careful, I’d rather not hurt one of her guards. An armored thestrel now trotted into the hallway, stopping halfway with a nod. If I saw a crying pony beating up a stone-filled punching bag, I’d be perplexed too. Shifting finished hanging the new bag and began his routine. A series of left, then right jabs, some kicks, and then an all-out assault on the bag for a few moments, and then repeat. The small audience quickly faded from his mind, more faces now surging to the fore. Shiny Turnip. I always thought your name was silly but you always grew the best crops in the province. I hope you were watching and laughing from the clouds as your grandchildren made your farm explode in popularity and then prosper. The bag swung back, hitting Shifting in the shoulder with a thud. The unicorn spun, delivering a kick that turned chunks of stone to mere gravel. Steam Gear. I never thought that engine of yours would work- but you did it. And your children revolutionized how to log and process trees and planks… How could I ever forget any of you? A few tears sprang back to Shifting’s eyes, a slight growl leaving his throat. Tossing the bag aside with a surge of magic, the unicorn focused on five wooden pony mannequins in the corner. With a spark of arcane energy, they activated, drawing wooden practice weapons as they advanced. I never forgot about you! You were always there…Charging the lone unicorn, the two earth pony mannequins swung their swords first, the two unicorn and one pegasi circling around behind him. It could have been Shifting’s imagination, but he could have sworn a collective gasp arose from somepony’s that echoed through the chamber as he blocked the strike with his forelimb, grinning at the faceless combatant. His strengthened bones only ached slightly, muscles humming with energy at a blow that should have fractured his forelimb. A single face stood out from among his memories; a young blue filly, happily waving him on, treating him as a pony rather than a mere commoner, the act making the colt smile for the rest of the day. A proud Lunar Princess welcoming him to her personal guard with a quip only he would have understood. And most recently, gentle shoulder to lean on, providing comfort where none was to be had else ware? You’ve always been there, haven’t you, Luna? I wonder if your guards know, if Equestria knows what I do? Can they see your grandeur? Your hidden playful spirit? Can they see the pony that I swore to defend with my life? The training dummies swarmed the unicorn, Shifting blocking strike from wooden sword, knife, or hoof. His eyes began to glow, a determined smirk edging onto his features. Tapping the floor, Shifting caused a rune to ignite across the ground, white bolts of arcane energy zipping across his frame. Jumping and delivering a punch that shattered the wooden skull of a dummy, Shifting skated towards another, the blow with his shoulder shattering the unicorn’s durable structure. As the training ponies began to regenerate, the unicorn yanked a familiar saber from his discarded armor on the side of the cavern, the edge glowing a soft white. The glow from his horn brightened even further, a shield of sand colored magic weaving itself into form on his left forelimb, hovering and awaiting his command while the sabre held out with his magic in front. Now he knew there was somepony muttering but Shifting paid it no mind. With a smile, he glanced at the magical shield and the saber, the familiar tools feeling like another appendage after all these years. Emblazoned on the shield’s front face and the sabre’s pommel, was the ancient sigil of the Lunar Knights. I never renounced my vows, and perhaps someday I can be worthy of that station once again! With a roar, the unicorn charged towards the dummies, his weapon beating the others to splinters, shield blocking strike after strike. Copper Bit, Dusty Barrel, Steel Flask, Shiny Turnip, Steam Gear… I remember you all, and so many others. Luna’s words flashed to the front of Shifting’s mind, the stallion beating the nearest wooden pony’s face to a pulp with his bare hooves. “We remain to ensure their legacy lives on.” Shifting’s eyes continued to glow as he sent a magical command to five more training dummies, sharpening the edge of his saber with a growl. And so I will. Their legacy, my legacy…and to protect Her. As the ten opponents charged, Shifting readied his shield and saber with a bellow. “COME ON THEN!” Even the clash of wood and metal that ensued couldn’t drown out a few cheers that emanated from the tunnel entrance. (end music) “Erm, your Highness?” a royal guard asked respectfully, stifling a yawn. “I apologize for the interruption, but there appears to be a gathering at your private training grounds.” “Thank you, Corporal. I’ll see to that.” A grumble left the Alicorn’s mouth as she trotted out of her private study, heading towards the caves. It was almost time for her to lower the moon; and she was fatigued both from the day or two of interesting events, as well as her duties in the dream realm. I expected my guards would eventually find Shifting, despite the note. But so help me, if they are interfering I’ll…. Her jaw dropped on seeing over two dozen thestrals gathered in the hallway, the nearest waving to her and prompting a slight smile. I always did see them as family more than subordinates, as it should be perhaps, remaining loyal after all these years. “Princess! Have you seen this guy? I mean of course you have. He said we could watch by the way, so it’s ok!” the bat-pony squeaked, her grey-furred ears swiveling as the sounds of combat echoed through the cavern. Making her way through the tide of similarly-colored thestrals, Luna sat down near the front, her Night Guards parting to make way. She wasn’t concerned about another betrayal, not from this bunch. These appeared to be some of the newest recruits, and had been the first guards to be double-checked after the incident a day or so ago for true intent and hidden motives. Barely a month into training they likely hadn’t even fully understood the traitorous events that had transpired. Of course, they’re the ones to find Shifting. I suppose they’ll be the first to be taught…so how appropriate. She then caught sight of the stallion, and the Alicorn’s eyes could only widen in surprise. Dancing among ten training dummies, Shifting Sands was a blur of movement and arcane energy. His sabre lashed out to sever the heads of three at once, while the shield held to his left blocked strike after strike, occasionally smacking the head of an opponent who got too close. “He’s been like this for hours….it’s incredible,” one of the guards whispered to Luna’s left. Something seemed to stir within the stallion in front of her, Shifting letting out an enraged roar as he battered one of the dummies with his hooves, breaking off a limb or two before stomping it with his rear hooves. All the while, his eyes were aglow with a brilliant crimson sheen, and Luna’s sharp gaze noted both tears and sweat occasionally dripped down Shifting’s cheeks. And yet the stallion was the most alive Luna had ever seen from him. Every move was delivered with precision and the utmost power, no holds being barred as he engaged his ten opponents. Every block with his sabre and shield was impeccable, yet there were times he disregarded both and used just his hooves. It was like watching an artist paint a glorious masterpiece, or in this case, forcefully deconstruct one. A thousand years of training…. She saw a smirk dawn on Shifting’s face, the stallion tapping the ground with his hooves. Determination seemed to fill the unicorn’s frame as the ten dummies arrayed themselves in front of him. “Ut nocte confirma ubi infirmus sum!” Shifting bellowed, the rune surrounding the stallion igniting with a blue light that made every pony wince. The new recruits now gasped, a light blue half-moon now shining brightly above the stallion as energy licked across his sweat-plastered frame. His weapons were now discarded, and Shifting’s raw blows surged with power, energized by the spell he had cast. The slightest blush now dawned on Luna’s cheeks as Shifting battled, the words of the spell reaching up from her memory. “May the night strengthen where I am weak,” Luna whispered with a smile, not able to tear her gaze away from the stallion. He’s fantastic… She blinked, thankful her thoughts were not broadcast to the awed ponies surrounding her, even if she had no reservations about such a statement. You are quite a stallion, Shifting. I only hope we can help you adjust to this new life, as my sister helped me. The dummies now shivered to a stop, Shifting’s spells slowly fading away as he gasped for breath. With a flourish to the ceiling, the sabre was then stowed as the shield vanished. Only now did the unicorn turn to fully look at the crowd, thestrals stomping their hooves onto the ground in approval. A bit of color rose to the unicorn’s cheeks at the sight, his brown eyes meeting Luna’s for a brief moment. The Alicorn’s heart skipped a beat as she saw nothing but adoration and determination in Shifting’s gaze, the unicorn then taking a mock bow. What are you thinking, Shifting Sands? What other surprises do you have for me? “You two, can you please inform Shifting where the showers are?” Luna directed to the nearest guards, the new recruits happily nodding and guiding the stallion down a side-hall, Shifting nodding to Luna respectfully with a slight smile. As the thestrals dispersed and Luna made her way back to her own quarters two brown eyes refused to leave her mind. And the emotion that had swirled within them gave Luna pause at every recollection.