Flash hadn't expected to be leaving Canterlot quite so soon after his last foray into the unknown. But, as the old saying goes, no time like the present. So, here he stood, clad not in his usual golden armour, but a simple saddle-bag over his back. One which he promptly double-checked to make sure his precious cargo was safe and secure. Once he was satisfied that it was, he closed it again, looking out to the far horizon, where the sun was just starting to rise. It was a lovely sight, and one that was a nice start to the journey. So, he took a deep breath before taking that first step beyond the city walls. And no sooner had he taken that first step when he was halted from taking another by a familiar voice. "Leaving so soon?"
He smiled as he turned, looking into the face of Luna. "Figured it was worth getting a start on this. Set all my affairs in order. All that's left is to set off and keep watch over this." He chuckled as he again regarded the horizon. "And now my watch begins." He could hear Luna walking alongside him, looking out in the same direction. Though hesitant, he knew he had to say what needed to be said. "I'm...sorry. For your loss."
Luna gave a solemn nod. "I thank you for your kind words, Flash. But the loss happened a long time ago. This..." She turned, looking up to the palace high above them. "This was merely the acceptance of it."
Flash joined her in looking to the castle. "Your sister?"
Luna glanced back to him ."She will be returning back to Silver Shoals. I will be joining her there...after I've had time."
Flash nodded, understanding. "And the others?"
"Blueblood has resumed his regular duties," Luna explained. "As for Sweetie Belle, she has been returned safely home. Doubtless Rarity has been worried sick in her absence." Another nod from Flash. Afterwards, he turned away from the city once more, which prompted Luna to take on a more worried expression. "I do wonder though. First Harmony departs this mortal plane, and now my Father follows her. For both Harmony and Order to be gone from the physical world...I shudder to think of what consequences this might yield for the future."
Flash smiled to her. "Princess, I can tell you exactly what will happen." After waiting for Luna to look to him, he explained. "Ponies and their friends will band together...and we will face those consequences. Just as we always do."
A small giggle escaped the mare of the moon. "I appreciate your confidence, Flash. Goodness knows the world needs more of it sometimes." After a brief pause, she spoke again. "I assume the other two pieces of the crystal have been offered to your companions?"
Flash nodded. "They have. Where Tempest and Rockhoof will take them, I cannot say. I have my own piece to look after." Slowly, he began to smile. "And I believe I have just the place to do so."
Luna smiled also. "Oh? Do tell."
Flash pointed straight ahead. "There's a place far away from here, right on the edge of pony territory. It's just been discovered. Zephyr Heights. Lots of high cliffs and steep passes. Realistically, only pegasi can get there. A good place to keep something safe and isolated."
Luna regarded him. "Do you believe my Father was correct? That a day may come when it is needed?"
The stallion chuckled again. "If there's one thing I've learned about magical artefacts, Princess, it's that they always wind up coming back into the fore, one way or another."
"No argument on that point," Luna conceded.
Flash, sighing, began to walk away from her, looking over his shoulder as he did so. "Apologies, but the sooner I begin this journey, the better. It was good speaking with you, and I wish you and your sister all the best at Silver Shoals."
For a time, Luna watched him go. But then started to smile again. Flapping her wings, she soon reached up to him again, catching him by surprise. "I hope you don't mind some companionship on this jaunt of yours?"
Flash, understandably taken aback by this request, fumbled his words for a bit. "Um...no, I don't mind at all." He again glanced over his shoulder. "But didn't you want to get back to your retirement?"
Luna shook her head. "I'm an immortal, Flash. I literally have all the time in the world to do that. Where's the harm in a final trek across the land before I settle down?" She then gave him some side-eye. "Besides, given how dangerous your last quest was, it probably doesn't hurt to have a bit more power on your side for this one."
The now-former Royal Guard smiled back to her. "Touché. In that case, I happy accept your offer, Prin...er, I mean Luna."
Luna bowed her head slightly. "Very good. Now then, what else can you tell me of this Zephyr place?"
Flash shrugged. "Far-off, not many people, very quiet." A small smile came to him. "Honestly, the kind of place I'd maybe wanna settle down and start a family, if my life ever went that way of course."
Luna looked to him with surprise. "I never considered you the family type, Flash."
"One day, perhaps," Flash answered. "After all, if there's one thing I think we've all learned by this point, it's how important it is for there to be somepony to take the reins after us." He smiled to his new travelling companion. "Especially since I won't be here to look after this thing forever."
As they walked onwards, Luna continued to look to him. This ex-Guard who likely never would have gone on to have a place in the history books had it not been for the fateful decision to assign him to keep her father company. After a while, she smiled softly to him as they carried on with their journey together. "Well then...let's see what the future holds in store. For both of us."