Shifting Shadow: Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Umbra's Report

Two hours had passed since Princess Luna and Umbra ended their conversation at the castle. The alicorn had offered to take him home (It was a long journey indeed from Canterlot to Ponyville, especially when traveling on foot) but Umbra insisted that he wished to travel across the town at least, and Luna complied without argument. Umbra was alone on the road as he made his way toward his room at the inn, since everypony else had long since fallen asleep. He walked easily down the silent street, coming to rest at the inn's front door. Lyra opened the door just as he reached it - it seemed she had been unable to sleep as well - and wished him a good night as he ascended the stairs toward his room.

The room had been left untouched for the last two days, though Lyra had kept any dust from gathering on everything. Umbra pulled a scroll from his saddlebag, followed by a quill and ink. Walking around the bed to the small desk, he unrolled the scroll and began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Twilight Sparkle told me she sends reports to you almost weekly, explaining important lessons she and her friends have learned. I thought after everything that's happened in the last few days, I would write my own report. I apologize if I wake you with this message, but I feel it just cannot wait.

A week ago, I was General Umbra, approaching Ponyville as I prepared for an attack against Canterlot. I was supposed to have a major role in forcing you from your throne, and I was willing to do anything to make it happen. The lives of other ponies meant nothing to me; I only cared about my own power, and increasing it in any way possible. I was a monster.

Tonight, while we were being held in the complex, I met that monster. I saw the terrible creature I used to be, and it nearly destroyed me. Just when I was sure I was finished, though, I heard the others talking about me. They were concerned, worried, about somepony who would have killed them under different circumstances. They didn't know who I was before they met me; they only knew me after I lost my memory, only for a few short days, and they were putting their lives in danger to help me escape. Their strength and kindness allowed me to defeat General Umbra. Without them, I don't even want to think about what could have happened.

Now, General Umbra is defeated, the Nocturne is scattered, and their threat to everypony is gone. Now, I am just Umbra. I have the rest of my life to enjoy, and many new friends to spend it with. I'll never be completely rid of that darker part of me - I can still feel him, and his hatred for me, somewhere - but with my friends surrounding me, I know I will never have to face him again.

Your newest student,

Umbra

He rolled the scroll up, held it for a moment while he focused his spell, and sent it away. It disappeared in a flash of white light. Unable to sleep, Umbra stood out and looked into the sky again. The moon was beginning to set, and a faint line shone at the horizon, just a bit brighter than the rest of the sky. It would soon be dawn, but Umbra hadn't slept a moment. Couldn't ask for a better time to try Ponyville's coffee, he thought.

Umbra straightened up his bed, packed his belongings into his saddlebag, and walked to the door. He was interrupted by another flash of light; another scroll, this one marked with Celestia's own seal. Umbra quickly opened it at the desk and began reading it.

To my new student, Umbra,

I see that you have been through much in a very short time. My sister, Luna, has been through a change similar to yours in a way (though I doubt she would be willing to share it with anypony) so I have already seen the devastation and confusion it can cause. If ever you feel overwhelmed by it, please do not hesitate to tell me; I would gladly help you in any way I am able. I will look forward to your future reports, my young pupil.

Princess Celestia