Rune shift was a soft blue unicorn originally from Manehattan. She had a orangey-pink mane and her cutie mark was an old spell rune. Her special ability was old magics, magic lost to the ages, spells that needs circles to cast, forbidden magic, and forgotten alchemy. She was a bookworm like Twilight. But while Twilight's study was the magic of friendship, hers was focused into the lost magic of long ago. She had studied ancient magic for years at the School for Gifted Unicorns. Where she was in charge of conducting  research into the powerful magic used by the ancient Lunar Guard. She wanted these spells ready in case disaster came again and the elements weren't around to save us. Having powerful spells that anypony could cast ready would help the royal guards to defend Equestria.

She was reading an old book on Lunar guard fighting techniques in the Canterlot archives. The shelves seemed to go on forever stacked as high as they were wide. Her only direct light was the light spell she had cast so she could read the book. The window in the room shown the moon wide and proud. Adjusting her glasses she thought back on some of her research she had conducted as she looked up at the moon.

“They prayed to the moon, to get its blessing in their endeavors.” her voice was soft but not meek, she spoke with authority. She moved to the window and bowed her head in silent prayer. Praying that she could find what she was looking for. The magic to repel threats from Equestria, and to protect its ponies.

Found you.

She spun around ready to defend herself from some pony only to find herself alone in the archives.

“Who's there?” she commanded. No reply. Only the silence and darkness of the archive answered back. There was no-pony there. “I ask a again, show yourself!” barking now most of the softness left her voice. There was no reply, again.

“What is with the shouting?” a loud but motherly voice commanded from the darkness. Rune recognized the voice. Princess Celestia came into the archive her horn alight with a light spell. “Oh, Rune Shift.” she smiled. “What are you doing here so late?”

“I was continuing my research into the Lunar guard.” she said dispersing her magic and bowing to Celestia.

“Ah, then this should interest you greatly, I was going to inform you of this tomorrow but since you are here already.” Celestia walked over to the window. “My pu-” she stopped, smiled and restarted. “Princess Twilight Sparkle has taken an interest in that section of our history as well. And has started to recover many of the ancient books for the abandoned castle in the Everfree forest. I am sure many of these may be in interest to-” Rune bolted from the archive before Celestia could finish. “my my, she never changes does she? Reminds me of when Twilight was here.” Celestia’s smile was soft and beaming. She could hear Rune Shift talking to herself about travel arrangements as she ran through the castle. She turned her gaze to Luna’s moon through the window. Her sister had outdone herself with this night, the stars shimmered brightly and the moon tonight rivaled her sun in brightness. It seemed that the beautiful night was an echo of Luna’s feelings. She smiled and stretched out her magic to find her sister. Everfree Castle? Strange. Why was she there? Oh that made sense, Lunar Library, Twilight must have asked for her expertise on the ancient books.

Acropolis was out of his armor and standing in front of his house. The sun was breaching the horizon and casting its bright rays far into the sky. All his valuables had fit in a single duffle bag. It made him sad somewhat to leave his home in Ponyville. However he didn't sell it or anything, he was just relocating and he wanted to have it in case he got vacation time. After all who doesn't want a vacation home in the country? As he stood there Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed near him and walked over.

“Hey there Acro!” Dash called as she approached. He looked over and smiled at the pair.

“Morning.” Fluttershy cooed.

“Morning Ladies. What brings you out my way?” he asked.

“We heard from the other town guards that you were leaving for Canterlot to join up there.” Dash asked looking somewhat sad.  

“Yes, I’m actually commanding a new unit being formed within the guard.” he smiled.

“WAY TO GO!” Dash hollered with excitement. As much as she liked to succeed she liked seeing others succeed as well.

“Oh, wow. Commanding? don’t you have to, oh I don’t, uh, be, uh, trained for that, oh, not that you're lacking.” Fluttershy asked once again showing she was more world traveled than she let on. Her tone was more concerned than anything.

“This unit isn't like the regular guard, all it seems to take is a desire to protect and the will to do so.” he replied. Dash and Fluttershy both knew of what had happened to his family and his tryout at the royal guard.

“Well, then Im sure you’ll do great!” Dash cheered! “Kudos on getting your dream Pal!” she offered her hoof for a hoof bump. He reached up and gave her the hoof bump. Fluttershy smiled.

“Well, my train leaves in a few.” He put the duffle bag on his back. “I wanted to ask you two, could you take care of my house? Just make sure it doesn't burn down or get overgrown?” he asked.

“Sure.” Dash and Fluttershy replied almost in unison.

“Thanks, ill be seeing you gals around! Stay out of trouble!” he waved and walked off towards the train station. His dreams huh? Why was that statement eating at him? He felt that there was something he had forgotten. He dismissed it and continued on.

The train was pulling in. The conductor was leaning out with the driver gauging when to stop completely. The platform wasn’t that big and besides the ticket seller there were only a few ponies standing there half asleep. The train rolled to a stop and the conductors called out in unison.

“Ponyville! All out that’s getting out! Train leaves in ten minutes! Ponyville! Ten minute layover! Returning to Canterlot!”

Acropolis waited as ponies got off the train, once the out flow stopped he boarded. While he checked his ticket he noticed a soft blue unicorn asleep in the rear car. This is the last stop for this train so clearly she was going to Ponyville. He reached out to her. When his hoof touched her he felt a strange sensation like someone was calling to him from just outside his hearing range. He shook her.

“Miss? Miss? This is Ponyville.” He called to her.

“Ponyville?” She rose. “PONYVILLE!” she grabbed her book bag and ran out of the train. “Thank you!” she hollered back at him. He smiled and waved as she left the platform. What a strange girl. But what was that feeling he had? He figured it was just a side effect of the armor merger. Dismissing it he settled in for the train ride.

Fluttershy was inside Acropolis’ house dusting up. She took the charge of maintaining her friends house very seriously and what a better time to start than right now? There was a knock on the door breaking the rural silence. Fluttershy was confused, really the only ponies who visited Acropolis were her and Dash. She quietly flew over and opened the door.

“Hello?” Fluttershy asked spotting the soft blue unicorn standing on the stoop.

“Acropolis?” Rune asked confused. “No, are you his wife?”

“Ah!” the question caught Fluttershy off guard. “Oh. No,” she blushed. “Im just a friend. He’s not home, he’s gone to Canterlot, im just watching his house.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate. I was told he could guide me to the castle where Twilight Sparkle is doing her research.” she looked defeated. Fluttershy pondered who could lead her into the Everfree.

“Zecora!” Flutershy blurted out.

“Pardon?” Rune asked.

“Zecora! Shes a Zebra who lives in the Everfree forest. She could lead you safely to the castle.” Fluttershy explained. “She'll be in town today. Try the flower shop, she’s usually there.”

“Oh, well thank you, uh.” Rune implied for Fluttershy’s name.

“Oh, Fluttershy.” she bounced in the air.

“Rune Shift, a pleasure.” Rune smiled. “Thank you again!” she left Fluttershy to her duties and headed into town.  

Zecora had agreed to lead Rune through the forest, the path wasn't well worn but the recent traffic had made it more visible. Zecora made Rune feel tiny, she had such a confident presence. Walking tall unfazed by the shear creep of the forest she called home. They crossed the rickety bridge to the castle, Rune could see the smoke from a fire coming out from inside. Zecora stopped at the gate.

“This here is where we part, I wish you luck in your art.” Zecora cooed in her rhyming tone. Smiled and walked back across the bridge leaving Rune alone at the gate.

Come

She had heard that tone before, in the archives. But it was much louder this time. Twilight opened the gate to welcome her new assistant. She seemed to running through them quickly.

“Hi there! Im Twilight Sparkle!” she greeted.

“Rune Shift.” she bowed.

“No need for that, the whole princess thing is just more of title at the moment anyway.” Twilight mused her station. She led her in, the throne room was still in same shape it was when Acropolis was there for the most part, there were more books piled up in the middle of the room. She motioned to the books and to a second cot she had set up. “Princess Celestia mentioned we had similar hunger for knowledge so I assumed you would want to stay here with me, and that you would want to start right away.” she had not even finished her sentence when Rune ran past her and started in on the books.

“Oh great.” Spike spoke up. “Another one!” rolling his eyes. He had his claws full of Twilights book obsessions but now he had two of them on his hands.  

“Is there more?” Rune asked looking up from her book.

“Yes there are more in the Lunar Library. But its locked up during the day, the locks only undo at night.” Twilight explained. This irritated Rune but alas nothing she could do about it she would have to wait till night.

She was awestruck by the carvings on the walls, the massive doors, the windows, everything. The reality of the room paled in the historical records she had read. While twilight began her book sorting Rune took a look around the wing. Her eyes found the barracks door.

“What’s in there?” Rune asked motioning her horn towards the door.

“Lunar Barracks and Armory, but I wouldn’t go in there.” Twilight said examining the books. “Last pony to go in there, got.” she paused trying to word Acropolis’ endeavor. “A promotion? no, a job? No, honor? No, well just say he got more than he bargained for. So I would stay out of there.” Twilight returned to her books.

Come

It came from the barracks. Rune was skeptical by nature but with what she had read about the Lunar Guard anything seemed possible. Perhaps it was the magic she sought calling to her. The documents she desired lied with in the barracks. Made sense to her, weapon spells in the armory. Brilliant. She bade her time sorting and transporting the books into their categorized piles in the throne room. Twilight left to have some food, leaving Rune there alone in the library. She wasted no time, she opened the barracks door and entered. The room was massive and lit by the moon, on the other side was another door with a crescent moon on it. She assumed it was the armory. As she got closer she noticed a royal notice on the door.

“Anypony found able to open this door by accident or on purpose will report directly and immediately to Princess Luna.” it read.

“Able?” she said aloud. Wondering what she meant, she could feel the enchantment of the door, ancient and powerful. But it didn't seem to be holding the door shut very tightly. It was more of a barrier, to prevent ponies from touching the door. Her curiosity spiked and she reached her hoof to the door. She figured worse case scenario she had to talk to a princess. She got to the barrier and her hoof passed right through it. Touching the door she pushed ever so slightly. It swung open.

Luna’s tea cup shattered as it hit the ground. The guard in the room jumped at the sudden noise. Luna stood bolt upright, her guard perplexed by her sudden movement. Night court was usually quiet so this sudden movement caused other guards to come into the Canterlot throne room.

“Princess?” the guard asked. “Everything okay?”

“Night court is canceled, it would seem I still have business in Everfree.” she spread her wings and teleported away. Leaving her guards confused. Shaking their heads they returned to their posts. By this point nothing Luna did surprised any of them.

Twilight had returned from her quick meal only to find the barracks door open and Rune Shift gone.

“EQUESTRIA’S NIGHT!” Rune’s voice echoed through the barracks into the library.

“Not again!” Twilight sighed and ran into the barracks. Somewhat to her expectations Luna stood between her and the armory. “Luna! Again? So soon? I thought you said the process could take days or even years!”

“It would seem fate hath guided another here.” Luna was visibly excited she loved the idea of receiving another of her guard. “Who is in there?”

“Rune Shift, a unicorn from Manehattan, researcher at the Unicorn School. Well respected, well liked.” Twilight explained. “like me, more of a book learner than a fighter. She isn't anything like Acropolis, why would it pick her?”

“Why indeed?” Luna mused. She moved into the armory and recast her spell to see the apparitions, but no one appeared. It would seem that this armor had not absorbed enough energy to manifest the soldier it was attached to. It made her sad somewhat, she was looking forward to seeing him again. Before the armor stood the mare her dark blue eyes locked on the armor. The shouting had stopped. Luna felt that the selection process could be trusted now.

“Rune Shift.” Luna called, Rune turned and bowed. “Don thy armor!” Luna motioned to the rack in the middle of the room.

“No night of consideration? No dream walking?” Twilight called out from outside the room.

“No need, we believe in their selections.” Luna called back. “Oh yes! We will need that shield again Twilight!” She said at the door slammed shut.

“Okay.” Twilight sighed and went upstairs to cast her shield.  

Luna was excited, she was amazed that after all this time ponies worthy of her armor were appearing. Rune was putting on her armor, it hung loose. Clearly it was designed for a male and fit very poorly on her. She shook her head regaining her mind from the trance of the initial contact.

“Princess? What’s happening?” she looked around. “Why am I here?”

“Thou, My little pony, hath been chosen to become a member of our Lunar Guard!” Luna said with great pleasure. “Thou hath shown promise which our enchanted armor saw and drew thee here to become one of our guards.”

“But im just a researcher! I’m not a guard!” Rune pleaded.

“Really? Then why art thou in here? What was thine looking for?”

“I-I was looking for a spell. To defend Canterlot form another invasion if it came.” she hung her head. “I wasn’t going to use it, I was going to give it to Shining Armor or the Princesses!” Rune seemed desperate to get out of the armor.

“But surely thou would cast it to make sure it worked?” Luna asked. “My dear, we can feel your concern but we must ask why can’t thou use the spells held in these halls for Canterlots defense? Does thou not have the ability? The desire?” Luna prodded with her questions.

“THAT’S NOT WHY!” Rune barked, bristling with anger. Luna had hit a nerve. It reminded her of an scientist pony she knew, he had a assistant would go off at anyone who had called him a coward.

“THEN WHY?” Luna returned the tone. “WHY CAN'T YOU DEFEND MY KINGDOM?” she demanded.

“I-I Hurt a lot of ponies before, I can't cast that kind of magic, legally, anyway.” she hung her head. There was more to this mare than she had assumed. Luna seemed to be assuming a lot from these ponies she met. These ponies were nothing like the others.  

“Explain.” Luna looked at her with eyes of a concerned mother instead of a monarch.

“When I was younger, I was teased much in school. It got so bad.” she hung her head even lower remembering the sorrow of being outcast. “they were relentless, I started studying at night and sleeping during the day, avoiding every pony. One night instead I just watched the sky, I saw the mare in the moon and recalled what my mother had said about Nightmare Moon. She felt ignored and resented, hated even.” Luna’s head hung slightly lower. “And in her anger she wielded her magic like a weapon in an attempt for the throne. And in my anger I figured if she could use her magic like that then I thought I could use it to stop the bullies.” Luna was seeing where this was going. “I researched a bit on the properties of magic and the only offensive magic I found was in a very old book. A few days after that the bullying peaked, after school, they dragged me into the shed and were pelting me with rotten fruit.”

“Children can be cruel.” Luna chimed in. Rune Nodded.

“They didn’t like Unicorns, I was the only one there at the time. Anyway, I cast the spell from the old book. I-I don’t remember much after that but the magic was powerful and, and, I hurt them, badly.” her voice shook as she explained.

“How?” Luna asked.

“Paralyzed one, broke another’s two front legs, fractured another’s ribcage, made another go blind in one eye, and broke the last ones jaw. In three places.” Luna was shocked and a little impressed. For some pony so young to cast that kind of magic was impressive. “After that, we moved away from Manehattan for obvious reasons, even my mother got it rough in that neighborhood. We went to Canterlot on a relocation visa, and I was enrolled in the School for Gifted Unicorns. My mothers attempt to contain my violent magic. I’ll never forget that day, so much happened I even got my cutie mark that day too. Old world magic it seems, was my talent.” Luna could tell there was more. “Shortly after we moved were robbed in the night, I tried to use my magic but the teachers and guards telling me never to cast the old world or combative spells made me hesitate, and my mom got pushed down the stairs of our house. She never completely recovered, and died soon after from complications.” her story completed, Luna had a better understanding. Her armor were choosing ponies who were hurt, and lacked the ability to strike back in the moment they were most needed. Acropolis’ story was far more brutal, but Rune’s was just as sad. She was defeated by her self, having the power to stop tragedy but forbidden to use it.    

“Rune.” the meet eyes. Luna‘s eyes called deep into Rune‘s, feeling her resolve forming, she wasn’t a soldier, she was a scholar, but not all fighting is done with sword and shield. Luna knew all to well the need for a powerful combat wizard. And she could feel the magic pouring off this little mare. “Now state thine purpose.”

“My purpose? My purpose is to … ?” Rune paused and looked deep into Luna’s eyes. She breathed in and with a sudden flash she felt as if a chorus of a thousand warriors crying for victory were singing in her mind. With their help she released a mighty roar. “TO DEFEND THOSE CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES! TO PROTECT THOSE WHOM WOULD BE DONE HARM! TO SHIELD THOSE WHOM WOULD BE DONE WRONG! TO BRING THOSE TO JUSTICE WHOM DESERVE HER COLD TOUCH! TO SERVE MY PRINCESS! TO SERVE HER LAW! TO SERVE HER NIGHT! AND TO SERVE EQUESTRIA!” the armors chants grew silent and suddenly snapped tight to her body. Clamping down hard on her horn, across her chest and flank. It burned so badly, the dark magic swirling in her head, fire, pain, cutting, stabbing, breaking, like every magic she knew went off all at once. She could feel it digging deep into her mind bringing every painful memory she had to the front. Driving her to the edge of insanity. Her surge of magic shattered her glasses, but she did not fall. instead she arched her back upward and cast her dangerous magic towards the ceiling. Luna’s own magic shield kept it from actually damaging the ancient ceiling. Rune whipped her head around casting destructive magic all over. Solid beams of magic slid all over the barrier all forming into one beam straight up. All of Rune’s pain and suffering was placed into one solid beam, and it was powerful, thick, and black. The green smoke pouring off her filled the room. All her anger was being focused into one point, making her magic dark and powerful. Luna was assured that this pony was worthy of being her lieutenant. As suddenly as it came, the magic dispersed. The smoke cleared as Rune’s eyes came back to normal. Rune looked up at Luna and bowed. “My princess.” and just as quickly fell to the floor unconscious. Her Mane covered by armor, coat black as night, her eyes were blue slits instead of Acropolis’ red. And her horn was solid, black and sharp, it looked more like a knife than a horn. Another Unique morph, Luna smiled content with the knowledge that this unicorn would be taking up her mantle.