Distant Worlds: Shards of Harmony

Chapter 2: A Shard of Loyalty part 1: A Moonlit Oath.

Luna pretty much slept the day away whilst I familiarised myself with walking on four legs and attempting to use magic to move things around. Luna explained that it was like grabbing something mentally, it got easier with practice and it felt like I was moving it as if it was a part of my body.

Luna came down refreshed from her rest, “How are you feeling Silent Passion?” She asked, “I'm fine, just trying to get my head sorted that's all.” Luna gave me a concerned look, “Afraid of what others will say?” I nodded, “It's best we get going, it's dark out now so we shouldn't run into any problems.” Luna nodded, she knew I was trying to change the subject. So we headed out into the comforting night.

A few lamp posts lit the streets outside, giving where I lived there was very few people out at this time of night. As we ran past various cars and buildings I could have sworn we ran by a few people, but given my apparent ability to go unnoticed and disappear in the crowd when I needed to in the past I merely chalked it up as that. Luna was probably using some sort of magic to keep herself hidden.

It would be another hour before we reached my parents home at the speed we were travelling at. It's been over a year since I've been to this part of town, it was no different from home...endless greys of concrete from the roads and buildings it was depressing, what happened to the colour, the liveliness of the town I grew up in. The only colour was the soft blues given of by the moonlit sky above us and the warmth of the street lights.

“Luna we're here.” I said coming to a halt and pointing to the two story house in front of us, I was kind of relieved that Dad kept the front garden so vibrant I never would admit that to him though. “C'mon over here.” I beckoned, taking a moment to survey the garden. Dad's car was gone he must be on the night shift this week. We both approached the front door, but I hesitated...how would Mom react seeing her son like this? “Are you okay, Silent Passion?” Luna asked concerned, “I don't know how Mom will take this Luna, honestly I'm a little frightened.” I said simply, “Would you like me to explain?” I nodded.

Luna knocked on the door and waited for my Mom to answer, soon enough the door opened. Mom stood there in complete shock, “May we come please?” Luna asked, Mom just nodded dumbfoundedly and let us in.

In the living room which was as cosy as I remembered it, I curled up on my favourite pillow on the chair in the corner, Luna on the couch by the window. Mom came in an looked at me, “I'm sorry but my son doesn't like people sitting there.” I sighed, “I know Mom...” I answered.

Mom looked speechless, “H-how your in the hospital comatose...?!” I turned away ashamed, “I do believe I can explain this.” Luna exclaimed, “Silent Passion...I mean Mark, saved my life the other night and I simply returned the favour.” Mom looked outraged, “But turning him into this!!” she shouted pointing at me, “Mom! That's enough if it wasn't for Luna I would've been in a coma for who knows how long!” Mom calmed down, and hugged me. “Oh my baby boy, it'll be alright we'll find away to turn you back...”

“I'm sorry to say that is not possible, the condition of the spell I cast is that it is permanent. Her former body was destroyed as a result and cannot be undone.” Luna explained sadly, Mom looked at me and then back to Luna. “Why would you do this...” Mom asked again, “Because kindness such as hers is apparently rare in this world, from what I've experienced.” Luna explained with a sour look, “What you see in your son now is her true form if she was born in my world.” Mom looked me again mouthing words like 'she' and 'her'.

“I'm sorry, but I hardly understand any of this.” Mom said simply, “To put it simply the spell I cast, brought out a side of your son she locked away because she was afraid of how people see her.” Luna explained, “This again...I thought you put that all behind you Mark...but I guess this is your truth now, isn't it?”

“I think you should see this honey.” Mom nodded, turned on the TV and put on one of the news channels.

“...Across the world people have been disappearing and in their place these ponies have been appearing claiming to be the missing people, the ponies that have been rounded up by animal control and taken to a secure location where they will be studied.”

Luna and I looked at each other with concern on our faces. I'll be honestly surprised if Luna doesn't decide to drop the moon itself on Humanity if this sort of thing continued, pushing the thought aside we continued watching.

It was disturbing to say the least, the ponies they had rounded up and caught were clearly afraid and had no idea of what was going on. I think it speaks for itself that some humans in general are bastards, more so if animals are involved.

“You know the more I learn about all this, the more thankful I am you turned me into a pony Luna.” I stated, “I can't imagine what sort of impression you have on humanity at the moment, but I'm certain it's not a good one” Luna gave a short nod.

“Current research shows that these pony like creatures will group together in herds in an effort to protect themselves and others of their kind.” The news reader continued. I asked Luna what this meant.

“When ponies create a herd in Equestria it means that ponies trust and help each other. A pony can join a herd by crossing their front hooves and bowing.” Luna explained, “Do humans do something similar?”

“On occasion yes, but when a human does it usually seen as an act of loyalty to those they will willingly follow.” I answered. “Mom can Luna and I stay for the night?” Mom nodded, adding that no matter my appearance her son is always welcome here.

Luna and I had to share my old bedroom, and needless to say the news and the other night gave us plenty to think about. It was a small but cosy room with various posters, art reference books and games stacking the shelves on the sky blue walls. This room basically said it all about me, everything in here had sentimental value and memories of I had of when I was younger chilling out or having fun with my friends.

“I know dealing with all this is hard, but you needn't worry yourself about what I think about Humanity.” Luna said, attempting to break the ice, “It's not that Luna, it's just seeing those ponies scared like that not knowing what happened to them...It makes me sick that other people would treat others like that...” Luna stayed silent whilst I ranted, “These are people we are talking about here not some mindless beast. I know humans have done some terrible things, but there are good and kind people in the world...”

“I know there is your one such pony,” Luna added, a sincere smile on her face. “Thank you Luna that means a lot to me”

“Can you tell me why this bothers you so much, Silent passion?”

“My old man taught me how important it was to never abandon the people you care about...” I said flatly, “It was ironic how he taught me that lesson, because one day he just left no goodbye, no note nothing.” Luna put a wing over my shoulder to comfort me, “Did you ever see him again?” I nodded, “He didn't recognize me though...”

The rest of night was quiet, my thoughts kept drifting back to the news, what Luna had said about the situation and eventually to what I had told Luna. Nothing made any sense to me any more, and next to me was the only person who could make sense of everything that happened.

If anyone else saw me as I am now, what would they think? Would I be treated like those ponies on the news? It all came back to what Luna did to save my life, I literally owe her my life....

I got up from the bed, Luna watched me carefully. “Is there something wrong, Silent passion?” She asked, but I remained silent and turned to face her, crossed my fore legs and bowed.

The shock Luna's face was apparent. “Silent passion, do you know what you are offering?” I nodded, “As a human I hereby offer my very life to repay a debt to you and you alone, as a pony I will do my best to aid you in gathering the Elements of Harmony to prevent any one being hurt by our worlds fusing, and anything else you wish of me.”

Luna looked thoughtful for a moment, “Are you sure you want this Silent passion? Once you have made this decision you cannot go back on it.” I nodded in confirmation, “Very well then, Silent passion as princess and co-ruler of Equestria I hereby recognise your request and welcome you as member of our kingdom.” Luna's broken horn glowed brightly and touched my horn with hers causing it too to glow in confirmation. This in turn caused a silver ribbon form between us.

“I haven't seen that in over a thousand years.” Luna admitted, I asked what that ribbon was. “It represents our bond, the ribbon's colour symbolises the type of bond we have...silver represents absolute trust and loyalty.” Luna smiled happily, “With bonds like this we can recreate the Elements of Harmony little by little.” I asked what the other colours meant but Luna said it was better explained as they appeared.

After our pact was made, I admit I felt warm and safe by Luna's company alone. It was the kind of warmth a child must feel when they are being comforted by a parent. I eventually drifted to sleep...

I didn't know my mother was watching us the entire time, she signalled Luna over to talk.

“What did that all really mean?” Mom asked, Luna looked thoughtful for a moment. “Where I am from, when a pony offers themselves to make a pact like that. They are not only joining a herd but entering a covenant with pony they made it with. Since I am royalty this ultimately means she is now one of my students and is under my care and protection.”

It took a while for it to sink in, but Mom got the message.

“How old is your son?” Luna asked, “21. Why did you ask?”

“Silent passion's new body is roughly identical to adolescent mare, which would be roughly 14-17 years in a humans lifespan.” Luna explained, “A ponies life span is roughly around 80-100 years in this worlds time.” Mom let out relieved sigh, “Further more, as she is now my student I will be teaching her pony etiquette, culture and magic. Given the situation and how humanity is treating us she will be learning how to defend herself and others.”

“You mean he'll might have to...” Luna could see the horrified look on my mother's face, “If it comes to that yes we'll have to...but hopefully we won't have to go that far.” Luna reassured her, “It would be best if we both retired for the remainder of the night. We all have a busy night ahead of us tomorrow.” Mom nodded and watched Luna return and curl up next where I was sleeping. As Luna draped a wing over my sleeping form, Mom could've sworn she heard a soft purring coming from me.