It is said that our experiences never leave us. They make us who we are, and without them, we would be completely different. The good, the bad, everything the person experiences shapes them from the young days well into the future. And no matter what, nothing can be forgotten and dropped like it was nothing. In life, each moment matters, for anything can happen in an instant. It might not be a conscious decision, but it does influence the consciousness itself.

Even the defeat of the Figure didn't bring an end to every problem Sirius had. When he appeared in this new world, he had no direction, no goal. And now, it seemed like there was no going forward. The perpetual motion of his life came to a screeching halt. It was peaceful, and yet troublesome. He thought he had everything he could ever wish for: a loved one, a mansion, and his living is paid for by the government to thank him for defeating a foreign invader. He was set for life, and every door was open to him. And yet, when one is presented with so many choices, they blend in and become nothing.

He became free, truly free. However, all he knew in life was a line stretching from his birth to a goal. When he was a kid, it was preparing to school. When he was a teenager, it was learning. This routine was broken by events that left him scarred, but even they presented a clear goal. The brutal but quick death of his father made him want to go forward, hoping to achieve something his father would be proud of. He found his first love, and he wanted nothing more than to prove his worth and gain the affection he desired. When it was gone, reduced to nothing, he had a simple school routine to cling to.

But then the unthinkable happened. Abduction, torture, rape. It proved to be the final breaking point, and the violence brewing inside Sirius was unleashed. Like a predator, he stalked those who wronged him, planning a precise and deadly strike. His fists itched for flesh to tear, and the urge of revenge boiled inside him. Each night, he would fall asleep thinking about how he would tear them apart, piece by piece, limb from limb, and all agonizingly slow.

They were three, and he had something special for each of them. In the end, he avenged himself and all the other victims of those utter monsters, and nothing but the charred remains of the last one remained. Sirius fulfilled his vengeance, and then he hoped for eternal rest.

And yet, that wasn't the case, for his death was just another beginning. His new life began, a chance to start it all anew. Unfortunately, the new mind was still his own, and the painful memories remained. He wanted to reject this second life, he desired nothing more than to lie at peace and undisturbed. Even if he wished for a second life deep down, he thought it to be impossible.

Something different happened. Something that turned his life around and showed him that there were things to live for. The warmth of an embrace, the care and understanding he longed for, and love. It took him a long time to adapt and to let the past go, but undoubtedly, it was worth it.

Months have passed since he awoke on a strange red leaf in the middle of a lake. He had done things he regretted, but regrets are the experience everyone needs to be able to grow as a person. Every regret, no matter how big or small, teaches a valuable lesson. Through mistakes, people learn what it means to be wrong. By acknowledging the wrongdoings they committed, they can become better.

Sirius had never been religious. He didn't believe in hell, heaven, reincarnation, or afterlife. To him, those things didn't matter at all. If there was a higher power looking after people, the world wouldn't be such a terrible place. However, there was something he was wrong about. The death wasn't the end but a beginning of something new. It didn't make sense, but many things in the universe worked in ways humans couldn't understand just yet. Maybe one day, Sirius would learn why he appeared in the new world. However, it didn't matter at all to him. After all, life went on, he couldn't just wait for someone to hand him the answer.

However, he did what many religious people do — he confessed his sins. He confessed all that he thought were his misdeeds. He didn't confess it to a silent, supposedly omnipresent being, however, but instead, found the one person who could turn his confession for good.

Princess Luna was trying to help Sirius ever since she first saw him. In him, she saw a broken and lost soul, someone looking for help but not knowing how to accept it. Unfortunately, the alicorn wasn't as smart about her help as she believed she should have, and the resulting misunderstanding nearly cost both of them their lives. Fortunately, however, Sirius managed to find the right person to help him — Iclyn. Princess Luna could barely believe that the two managed to take off and even love each other. She had seen many relationships where one or both partners suffered from mental issues. In an overwhelming majority of cases, the partners separated because they couldn't bear such a burden.

Sirius and Iclyn turned out to be very good for each other, however. The pegasus filly was good-natured, and perhaps she found something she liked in the former human even way back when they first met. When asked about it, Iclyn couldn't offer much of an answer, but she said that despite all the things she could see were wrong with him, he was ready to go out of his way to help others in his own way. He didn't seek to be a hero, but he remembered very well how it felt to be a victim. He stood against all the nonsense he saw as well.

Iclyn remembered the time when Sirius refused to accept the school hierarchy. He refused to bow before anyone, and he made sure no one could mess with him, no matter how strong they were or how much power they had. She saw that Sirius was fearless and accepted no compromise. He was willing to get into trouble if something was wrong, and in a certain way, it was admirable. Iclyn was by no means a weak person, but she more often than not followed rules set out in front of her.

Sirius had changed a lot since he first appeared in this world. Bitter, depressed and angry on the inside, and yet seemingly emotionless and numb on the outside, that was the impression Luna had. He was able to control himself, but the beast inside was always waiting. However, Sirius changed for the better, and now no one would be able to guess that he had looked death in the eye way too many times. Perhaps, his numerous scars were a good indicator of his encounters with the void, but he could easily make up stories about them.

Without self-loathing and depression tearing him apart, Sirius dramatically changed. His hidden personality came out, and now the thing he had been hiding and suppressing for a long time saw the light of day. In some way, he hadn't grown up much since his early teenage years.

Ever since he defeated the Figure with the help of Iclyn and Luna, he had been visiting the princess regularly for therapy sessions. He knew that he still had certain problems, and he felt the need to talk about his own world. Many terrible things happened there on a regular basis, and he hoped the princess would be able to prevent them in her own world.

"I will make everything possible to ensure that anything even remotely suspicious is investigated thoroughly," Luna promised him during one of his therapy sessions, "What you've told me... It is unbelievable, unimaginable, but I'm certain you're telling the truth," she looked away for a moment, "I don't want to believe what you told me, but... the reality has no concern about anyone's beliefs. I..." she let out a shaky breath, "I have seen my own share of terrible things. I have seen the victims, what they went through, and some were beyond my help..." she hung her head as certain memories appeared in her head. The times of war when villages and cities were plundered, crops burned. Nooses hanging from the trees, and the grass brown from dried blood. Everyone remembers the two royal sisters for their peaceful reign, but few knew what came before.

"Luna?" Sirius called quietly, breaking the silence.

"Ah, I apologize," Luna replied hastily, returning to the present, "So, you want to help this world become better, and I most certainly appreciate it. It might seem like we're simply talking, but your story, it's... in a certain way, it drives me to make a better world for all of us."

"I know I can help more," Sirius slightly leaned in, "I have read a lot, and... I think you're the right person to ask about it. Can you tell me more about the Royal Guard?"

"Ah, I see you're thinking about joining them," the alicorn made a small smile, "That is very admirable, I must say. Very well, I shall answer every question you might have about the Royal Guard."

"What is it that they exactly do?" he asked.

"Their first duty is to protect Equestria. It is true that they also protect us, princesses, but..." she chuckled, "To be honest, my sister and I can take on all of Equestria and win if we wanted to. Most of the times, we don't need protection."

"But... I, um..." he nervously fidgeted in place, "I nearly... Uh..."

Luna leaned in, a serious but caring expression on her face. She knew very well what Sirius was trying to say. She remembered the duel they had, the ferocity and rage in his eyes, and the glistening of steel as it swung through the air. If not for Iclyn's intervention, the nightly princess could've died then and there.

"I, I'm sorry..." he hung his head, "I probably shouldn't even remind you..."

"It's alright, Sirius," she told him in a gentle voice, "What happened there wasn't your fault. I forgive you for what you have done. Please, remember that."

Slowly, Sirius nodded and slowly sighed.

"We can't ignore what happened," Luna continued, "But both of us have learned our lessons. And one of the lessons is that I am not all-powerful and do need protection from time to time."

"Y-yeah, I suppose..." Sirius fidgeted in place, "And I... I learned that acting on emotions can lead to... devastating consequences. If I only waited just a bit, if I..."

"Sirius, please, it won't do you any good thinking about 'what if'," the alicorn told him, "What happened, happened. We can't change that, but we can go forward. We both know what it's like to have regrets, feel guilt. But we have made amends, and it's time we leave the past behind and embrace the new."

He nodded in response. He understood that moving on was the only option he had, and nothing could prevent the past. And yet, he couldn't stop the nagging feeling inside him, the feeling that told him that he could prevent it.

"Sirius..." Princess Luna let out a sigh, "If it will make you feel better... Your desire to join the Royal Guard and protect Equestria will make this world a better place. You will be able to prevent terrible things from happening, I believe it. Do your best to protect your new home, and I will do my best to make this home worth protecting. Do you accept this?"

"Yes, I do," Sirius readily agreed, the shakiness gone from his voice. He remembered what he wanted and why he wanted it, and now it was the time to express it. For a moment, however, he was silent as questions appeared in his head. But there was no beating around the bush, so he voiced them: "But... where do I start? How do I join?"

"Oh, it's rather simple," Luna replied, "Before the current school year finishes, you should apply for Royal Guard training. It will prepare you for the service. You have great skill with a sword, but there are things you still need to learn. And, of course, you will have to pass medical examination."

"I'm not sure..." he looked at one of his hind legs. No matter which position it took, it looked wrong in a subtle way. He still limped everywhere he went, and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Yes, there are problems, but I'm certain you will be accepted," the princess assured him, "However, there is something else... You're a bit too young to join. But we can make an exception in your case. You have proven to be a capable fighter and protector, so I think the numbers can be overlooked. If anything, you are mentally mature, so I'd say you're fit for service."

"Alright, so if I pass... What's next?" he asked warily, for he was unsure. His determination to join was great, but he understood he needed to know more if he wanted to succeed.

"You shall learn battle magic along with ethics and investigative work. A Royal Guard is defined not only by their skill in battle, but by their skill in peace," Luna emphasized the last word, "You need to know how to conduct investigations, arrests, and inquiries. The Royal Guard is not only personal protection for the royalty and nobility, they are also law enforcement. To uphold the law, they must know what law is and how it applies to reality."

"That seems like a lot, but I will do my best," Sirius promised, "I... I have always dreamed of becoming someone who helps others. My... father did it, and he taught me about how important it is. I know I will have to make difficult decisions, but I will do everything I can to make things right and... just."

"I admire your spirit, Sirius," Luna smiled at him, "I can see that you will go far."

"Thank you!" Sirius replied with a smile of his own, "I will not disappoint!"

"I'm sure you won't," the princess nodded with certainty, "Alright, so I will make all the necessary arrangements for you to receive the attention from the Captain himself. I sense he would greatly appreciate such an eager stallion as yourself. And... I suppose this concludes our meeting?"

"Yes, I think it does," Sirius stood up from the sofa, "I'll go do the homework, and then there's training. Can't wait to become a guard!"

Luna stood up and smiled at him, appreciating his enthusiasm. He reminded her of a child who learned of a gift they would soon receive. And in a certain way Sirius was still a child. His experiences matured him, made him into a strong person, but a certain side of him was still underdeveloped. It might prove to be troublesome for a future Royal Guard, but Luna was certain he would make a fine stallion to be proud of. Together, she and Sirius would comb through his problems and issues, making sure that he would live the best life he could. It's the least Luna could offer him after she learned of what he had been through.

As she left Sirius' mansion, she looked at the building. The stallion had everything he could wish for: love, a house, and freedom. And yet, despite having the possibility of living a peaceful and carefree life in Canterlot, Sirius willingly chose to put himself forward and protect others from harm. Luna knew many guards in her lifetime, and a lot of them entered the service to escape the life they didn't want or enjoy. They wanted to make something of themselves, be it for money, fame, or what little power being a guard gives. However, Sirius had the fame and money and desired no power. He only wished to serve to make sure others wouldn't fall into the claws of those who wished harm upon them.

The few remaining leaves floated in the wind, leaving the trees naked under the gray skies. Luna noted that a rain was scheduled to occur in a few hours. And yet, this unpleasant weather didn't falter her spirit, which was filled with hope for Sirius to succeed. He had already left a big impact on the history of Equestria by defeating an invader, the Changeling Queen Chrysalis; Luna felt he would leave and even bigger mark once he has the famed golden armor of the Royal Guard.

The future will be interesting, she thought. Sirius' desire to protect the citizens of Equestria might result in something more than preventing petty thievery among the streets of Canterlot. Perhaps, it would bring something else, something Luna was uncertain of.

No matter what it will be, the future will become the present, and all will be unveiled.

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