Chapters The Star And The Moon The Star Rises
It had been a year since Midnight Star practically sacrificed himself to the power of the Elements of Harmony in order to keep his corrupted father Sombra from escaping. He and his father had been turned to stone by the elements and imprisoned. Midnight Star’s petrified body was put on display in Ponyville Park in memory of his act of sacrifice. He had his front lowered to the ground with a pained struggling expression while the head of his father was trying to fly out of his back with a trail of smoke behind it. The two were connected and petrified.
Before the incident happened, Midnight Star had confessed to having feelings for Princess Luna and shared how her nights were the inspiration for his first work of art that earned him his cutie mark. Midnight Star was able to recreate his first work from a thousand years ago. Luna kept it with her in her room and always looked at it before she brought out the moon and went to bed. Every week, in the middle of the night however, she would teleport to Ponyville and leave a single blue rose on the statue of Midnight Star.
Every day, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike would pay a visit to his statue as well to always remember their friend. And every week, they would notice the blue roses being left on the statue. They figured who the roses might be from.
Luna was still feeling a little distraught over the loss of the one pony in Equestria who seemed to understand her despite she had her older sister to help her in her times of need. Celestia continued to try and console Luna in her grieving. By the half year mark since the incident, Luna had seemed to get better, but not completely. She still seemed to mope about the castle a little and ate slower than normal.
On the night of the one year anniversary of Midnight Star’s petrification, Luna did the same as she always did one night a week and came to the statue of Midnight Star and placed a single blue rose on the statue. Once she did, she gazed upon Midnight’s form and spoke softly. “Midnight Star, I know it may be foolish of me to say this, but I will not give up hope. Discord was sealed in stone for a thousand years and broke free after that time period. If he can break free, then so can you, I pray to the heavens for you to return to me. I love you Midnight.” A single tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the rose she recently planted. She turned and disappeared in a flash of magic back to the castle.
XXX
“Midnight……Midnight, wake up.” A soft soothing voice called out to Midnight Star as he floated in a void of white.
“Mmmm, hmmm.” He mumbled as he was laying down with his eyes closed.
“Midnight, come on now, it’s time to get up.” The voice said again.
“Five more minutes.” Midnight Star complained.
The soft voice chuckled. “Come on now son, you need to wake up.” A light pink hoof touched midnight on his side and nudged him.
Midnight’s eyes fluttered open. “Hmm, mmm, wha….” He tiredly mumbled as he stirred.
“Come on now sleepy head, you need to wake up now. Your friends are waiting for you.”
Midnight finally lifted his head and looked to his side. “Wha….what friends, what’s going on?” He rubbed his eyes to try and free himself from his dreariness to see clearly. Once his vision was clear, he saw a mare with a pale pink coat, a white mane and tail, and a pink heart with strings attached to it as a cutie mark. Upon seeing this mare, Midnight’s eyes widened. “Mom…..is that you?” He asked surprised.
The mare gave a sweet smile to him. “It is son, it’s good to see you again.”
Midnight was surprised to see his mother before him again. “Mom!” He exclaimed as he lunged forth and wrapped his forelegs around her. “I can’t believe it, it’s really you!” He pulled back. “Wait, what are you doing here?” Midnight then looked around himself and saw where he was. “What….what is this place, where are we?”
Heart String continued with her smile. “It seems you will get to live your life after all Midnight.”
“Live my life, what do you mean?” Midnight asked in utter confusion.
“I was tasked with delivering a message to you by the powers that be. They said you showed great sacrifice for doing what you did to help every pony. The elements of harmony are meant to purify evil, not imprison it forever. You are in no way evil, so you will get to go back and live your life.”
Midnight was stunned by this bit of news. “Really? So….I’m going back?”
“Yes, and I’m glad to say you won’t be going alone.” Heart String stated as she stepped aside to reveal a stallion slightly taller than Midnight with a grey coat, a black mane and tail with three stars as a cutie mark, and brown eyes.
“Hello son.” The stallion stated with a smile.
“D….d….dad?” Midnight was again stunned. “Is….is that….really you?” Tears were starting to form in his eyes.
The stallion gave a warm smile to Midnight. “It is Midnight, it’s me, your dad.”
Tears streamed down Midnight’s face. “DAD!” He called with a smile, he galloped forth and lunged at his father. “Dad, it’s you, the real you….I don’t believe it!” He cried as he hugged his father.
Sombra hugged back as tears formed in his eyes as well. “My boy, I’m so sorry for everything I put you through, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but all I can say is I’m sorry.”
“Of course I forgive you dad, it wasn’t your fault, that accursed black magic messed with your head, I never gave up hope you could return to normal.” Midnight cried as he hugged tighter.
“My boy, it’s so good to hold you again.” The two held their embrace for a good long while before they broke and turned to Heart String. Sombra walked up to her and smiled, his eyes still wet with tears. “Heart String, I missed you so much, I’m so sorry I let my grief of losing you get to me like it did. Because of me, I caused our son so much trouble, and all of Equestria.”
Heart String said nothing, but instead leaned in and pressed her lips to her husbands. Sombra was surprised at first, but closed his eyes and kissed back. They held it for a good long minute before separating. “I forgive you Sombra. I’m just glad you’re free now, and you can be with our son again.”
“So, this means we’re going back together?” Midnight asked as he walked up to his parents.
Heart String gave a smile. “You two are yes, my time in Equestria ended long ago.”
Midnight frowned. “But…..but you have to come, we’re finally together again, we’re a family.”
Heart String took her son in a warm hug with a smile. “My boy, you still have a life, as does your father. My time ended a long time ago when I died, you two can still live. Go back and live your lives, find happiness.”
Midnight hugged back as more tears started coming out. “But I love you mom, I don’t want to lose you again.”
“You will never lose me, I will always be in your heart. As long as you remember me, I’ll always be with you. Never forget that. I love you Midnight.” They broke their embrace, Midnight lowered his head with his eyes closed. Heart put a hoof to his chin and lifted his head. “Son, look at me.” Midnight opened his eyes and looked to his mother. “I will always be with you no matter what, remember that.”
Midnight allowed himself a sad smile. “I will mom, I’ll never forget you, and I’ll miss you so much.”
“I’ll miss you too.” She then turned to her husband. “Sombra, take good care of Midnight.”
Sombra gave a sad smile as well. “I will, I have a lot to make up for.”
“I pray you find happiness, find a good mare to settle down with won’t you?” Heart said with a smile.
“I guess I can try, but no mare could ever compare to you. I’ll never forget you Heart String, thank you for sharing your life with me and giving me such a wonderful son.” The two shared one last hug and a kiss.
“I love you both, take care you two, and try to be happy.” Heart String said as she started to fade away.
“Good bye mom, I’ll never forget you.” Midnight said to his fading mother’s form. Once she was gone completely, Midnight and Sombra were blinded by a bright light.
XXX
It was just after Luna had left that the statue of Midnight and Sombra started to glow. Cracks started to form with white light seeping out. They started at the hooves of the statue and slowly moved up. They made their way all over the statue and covered the whole thing. In a brilliant flash, the statue exploded in a brilliant white light. Once the light was gone, the statue that once stood on the base was gone and two unicorns lay on the ground behind it unconscious.
Morning arose in Ponyville. Many of the citizens came from their homes and went about their business. Twilight Sparkle had gotten up a bit earlier than usual with Spike to grab an early breakfast. They were to meet up with their friends for they wanted to pay a visit to the statue of their lost friend Midnight before they had to work today. “Come on Spike, let’s get going.” Twilight said to her assistant.
“I’m coming Twilight.” Spike called from the kitchen, he was just finishing up cleaning the dishes from their breakfast and met Twilight in the main room of the library they called home. They made their way out the library and started heading for the center of town where their meeting place would be.
“If I’m not mistaken, there’s going to be a new rose at Midnight’s statue, this is the one year anniversary since…..he was….” Twilight started strong, but slowly lost the luster in her speech as she neared the end. Her mood slowly dropped.
Spike hung his head. “Yeah, I know. I wish there was something we could do.”
“We’ve been through this Spike, The elements of harmony are responsible, we know so little about them or their powers. There isn’t anything we can do.” Twilight stated sadly.
“I’m sorry Twilight. It’s just that what happened to him isn’t fair. Why did the elements have to turn HIM to stone along with Sombra? Midnight wasn’t evil.”
Twilight gave a sigh. “I know Spike, I think it isn’t fair either. But what’s done is done, all we can do is just remember him and honor the sacrifice he made to help us.”
The two soon reached the middle of town where their friends were waiting. They all greeted one another with sad smiles.
“Howdy Twi, good morning to ya.” Applejack greeted.
“Hello every pony, it’s nice to see you all.” Twilight greeted.
“So, shall we head onward and pay a visit to our friend?” Rarity questioned.
“That’s what we’re here for isn’t it?” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Of course, let’s go say hi before we all have to get to work today.” On a day like this, even Pinkie didn’t seem as bubbly and happy as she usually does.
The six mares and dragon began their trek to the park and chatted. “I still can’t believe it’s been a year since that happened.” Fluttershy stated.
“I know, I still wish we could have found a way to save Midnight.” Twilight said sadly.
“Darling, don’t beat yourself up, we all had a hoof in it, we are the ones that used the elements of harmony on Midnight that turned him to stone.” Rarity stated feeling a little guilty.
“But let’s not ferget that Midnight Star wanted us to so that his father wouldn’t get away.” Applejack pointed out. “He risked himself fer us and all of Equestria, there’s no tellin what kind of trouble Sombra might have caused ifn’ he got away back then.”
“Applejacks right, Midnight was a hero. If it wasn’t for him, Sombra would have escaped for sure and would have done who knows WHAT to Equestria.” Rainbow then said as she fluttered along just above every pony’s head.
“I just wish it wasn’t at the cost of him being petrified.” Spike said sadly.
“We all do dear.” Rarity said with a small smile to try and cheer up Spike.
The group soon arrived at the park and were on approach to the location of Midnight’s statue when they noticed the statue was gone. They all gasped upon seeing this. “WHAT THE HAY!?” Rainbow exclaimed.
“Midnight’s Statue, its gone!” Twilight pointed out in surprise and shock.
“Now who in tarnation would take Midnight’s statue?” Applejack asked.
“Oh my goodness, who would do such a thing?” Fluttershy asked in worry.
They all galloped up to the base to inspect the area. “There must be some clue here to tell us what happened.” Twilight surmised as she carefully examined the base.
“Oooooooohhh.” A groan was heard from behind the base.
The girls and Spike all turned their attention to the base. “What in tarnation?” Applejack asked.
“Did you hear that?” Fluttershy asked with a bit of worry.
“Oooooohhh.” Another groan was heard.
“That’s gotta be the culprit!” Rainbow pointed out angrily as she quickly flew over the base and landed on the other side. “All right you, what did you do with….” She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing the two ponies on the ground before her. “No way.” Her magenta eyes widened in disbelief.
“Rainbow Dash, what is it?” Twilight asked.
“You guys gotta come here quick!” Rainbow exclaimed.
The group quickly came around the base and joined with Dash to see what she was looking at. “No way.” Spike gasped out. “It can’t be…..can it?” He asked.
“Good heavens.” Rarity said as she put a hoof to her chest.
“Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy expressed in disbelief.
“Well I’ll be, it’s…..it’s….” Applejack tried to say but was too stunned.
“Midnight, it….it’s Midnight.” Twilight finally pointed out.
The six mares and dragon gazed upon the form of Midnight Star. “Ooooh, my head, what happened?” He asked as he lifted his head and proceeded to rub it with a hoof.
“MIDNIGHT!” The six mares and dragon happily cried out.
“Huh? HOMPF!” Midnight looked to his side just in time to see seven faces lunge at him and engulf him in a group hug.
“Midnight, I can’t believe it, you’re here!” Rainbow expressed.
“Welcome back partner!” Applejack added.
“I can’t believe it, you’re free from that stone statue!” Rarity cried out.
“Oh Midnight, we missed you so much.” Fluttershy pointed out meekly with a smile.
“We’re so super-duper allyooper happy to see you again Midnight!” Pinkie cheered happily.
“How is this possible, how did you get free?” Twilight happily asked.
“Girls.....Spike….your kind of crushing me.” Midnight pointed out through strained breathes.
They all released him with a sheepish smile. It didn’t last long as a big grin was plastered onto their faces again. “Midnight, I can’t believe it, your free!” Twilight pointed out. “What happened, how did you get free?”
“What was it like being sone?” Rainbow asked.
“Was it terrible being like that?” Fluttershy asked.
“Were you with your dad?” Spike asked.
“Did you get any cupcakes?” Pinkie asked happily.
“Girls, girls, one at a time please!” Midnight called out as he raised both hooves. They all took a moment to settle down before they spoke. “Now, I’m sure you all have questions and are just as happy to see me as I am you, but I’m not sure how this is possible.”
“What do you remember?” Twilight asked.
Midnight turned his head in thought. “I remember……waking up in a white void…..my mother was there. She said that I was being given my life back or something. I saw dad…….DAD!” He quickly exclaimed. He looked around and saw a unicorn stallion just now getting up as he rubbed his head.
The other’s saw this as well. “YOU!” Rainbow expressed angrily. She quickly flew over and pinned him to the ground. “Oh no you don’t, you’re not getting away this time!”
“Hold on Dash, I’m comin!” Applejack said as she and the others, minus Fluttershy and Spike, ran over to the pinned Sombra.
“No wait, please let me explain!” Sombra tried to reason.
“You got a lot to answer for pal.” Twilight expressed angrily as she glared at him.
Midnight quickly rushed over. “Girls wait, he’s not evil anymore, let him go!”
They all paused and looked at Midnight. “What do you mean he’s not evil anymore?” Rarity questioned.
“Just what I said, he’s good now, please, let him up.” Midnight said to them.
“You sure bout that partner?” Applejack questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“I’m positive, look at him. Does he really look like the evil Sombra you all know?” Midnight tried to reason.
Every pony eyed Sombra carefully. “Now that you mention it, he does seem different.” Fluttershy pointed out.
Rainbow Dash slowly got off him. “His horn isn’t red.” She stated.
“And his eyes aren’t green and slitted like before.” Rarity added.
Sombra stood up and looked them over. “I swear to you, I’m not evil, the darkness that took me over is gone, I’m good now.”
Once he was up, Midnight ran around the girls and wrapped his father in a hug. “Dad, it’s so good to see you, I missed you so much.”
Sombra returned the hug with a smile. “Didn’t we go through this already?” He asked.
“I know, but I’m just happy to be with you again. I missed you.”
“I missed you too son.”
They soon broke their embrace and Midnight turned to his friends. “You see girls, he’s back to normal, I have my father back.”
The mares and dragon smiled. “Well shoot, congratulations partner.”
“Yes, we are very happy for you.” Rarity said.
Sombra stepped forward and addressed the group. “Everyone, I realize I did terrible things when I was possessed by the darkness. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, and I won’t blame you if you don’t forgive me, but I am very sorry for all I did. I was just so overcome with grief at the loss of my wife, I wanted nothing more than to bring her back. But as I delved deeper into the dark magic I was learning, it corrupted my mind. I have no right to ask for forgiveness.” Sombra hung his head.
Twilight gave a smile. “Sombra, while it is true you did terrible things and you weren’t in your right mind, your son already told us all this and I think we can forgive you for what you did.”
Sombra raised his head in surprise. “Really?”
“Hey, as long as Midnight says you’re ok, then we’ll believe you.” Rainbow stated with a smile.
“Every pony deserves a second chance.” Rarity followed up.
Applejack turned to Midnight Star. “Midnight, you sure we can trust him?”
Midnight stood next to his father. “Girls, I promise you, he is good now. He’s not evil.”
“Then that’s good enough fer me.” Applejack smiled.
“So, just like that……you all are just going to forgive me and give me a second chance?” Sombra asked.
“Like we said, if Midnight says you’re ok, then we’ll believe him.” Twilight stated firmly.
Sombra gave a smile of his own. “Thank you girls, I really appreciate that.” His smile then dropped. “Though, I imagine it will be harder to convince the princesses and every other pony.”
Midnight put a hoof on his dad’s back. “Don’t worry dad, Twilight here and the others have a good connection with the princesses, if they say you’re ok, then the princesses will listen.”
Sombra couldn’t help but smile at this bit of news. “I’m glad to hear it. So now, all we need to do is figure out where we go from here, any ideas?”
Author's Note
And here we have the start of another story, I hope you all enjoy this one.
The Star and Moon Reunite
The Star and Moon Reunite
Before the group headed into town, Midnight had a thought. “Hold on, we can’t just waltz into town like this.”
“Why not?” Rainbow asked.
“Yes, what is the problem?” Rarity added in.
Midnight began to explain. “If you all recognized my dad with the changes to his appearance, then think of how all of Ponyville will act If they see him. It’ll be impossible to try and convince them all that he isn’t the evil tyrant they know.”
Sombra hung his head in sadness. “Oh, right.”
“Good point there partner, but what are we gonna do, he’s sure ta stick out like a sore hoof.” Applejack pointed out.
“Well…..I guess I could teleport us to the library and send word to the princesses. They’re sure to help.” Twilight suggested.
“It’s the best option we have I’d say.” Midnight agreed. “Thanks Twilight.” He said with a smile.
Twilight smiled back. “Happy to help a friend.”
“Um……excuse me, I’m glad your back and all midnight, and that you’re reunited with your father, but I need to get to my animals and start work now.” Fluttershy said meekly. “If you don’t mind that is.”
“Yeah, I need to get busy too. Got a lot of work to do.” Rainbow pointed out.
“I as well, I have so many dresses to make today. I wish you two the best of luck.” Rarity said with a smile.
“Yeah, sorry sugar cube, we all got jobs we need ta get to. I got a lot of apples ta buck at ma farm. We’ll see ya’ll later.” Applejack said as well.
“And don’t worry, I’ll have a great big party to celebrate your come back later on. See you then.” Pinkie happily cheered before hopping away.
“That’s fine girls, I don’t expect you all to put your lives on hold just for me.” Midnight stated. “I’m glad to be back, and thank you. I’ll see you all around ok?”
They all said their good byes for now and headed out to their jobs, leaving Midnight Star and Sombra with Twilight and Spike. “Now then, shall we teleport to my place?” Twilight offered with a smile.
“Thank you for going through the trouble miss Sparkle.” Sombra said as he bowed his head.
“Please, just Twilight is fine.” Twilight informed. “Now brace yourselves.” She said as she lit up her horn. In a flash of purple magic, the four disappeared from the park and teleported to Twilight’s library.
“Wow, what a rush.” Midnight said. “I’ve never teleported before, that was interesting.”
Twilight faced Spike. “Spike, get ready to take a letter please.”
“Sure thing Twilight.” Spike went to fetch a parchment and quill and returned shortly, ready to write. “Ready when you are.”
Twilight began to dictate. “Dear princess Celestia, I have great news for you today. Midnight Star has been freed from his stone prison, and so has his father. But please do not be alarmed, Sombra has been purified by the elements, he is good now. They are both with me right now. I was hoping you might have some ideas on how to inform and convince the citizens of Ponyville that Sombra is no longer evil. Your faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.”
“Ok, ready.” Spike rolled up the letter, opened a window and sent the letter on its way.
A few moments of waiting and there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it.” Twilight trotted up to the door and opened it to find the princess of the night there. “Princess Luna!” Twilight exclaimed happily. She bowed before the lunar princess.
“Princess Luna?” Midnight asked quietly.
Twilight got up from her bow and saw a rather frantic look on her face. “Princess, what is it?”
“Where is he, his statue is gone, where is Midnight Star?!” She asked.
“Princess, what are you….”
Twilight was cut off as Luna continued. “I had some free time this morning and wanted to pay a visit to his statue but it’s gone, you must tell me what happened.”
Midnight quickly trotted up and past Twilight. “LUNA!” He cried happily. He then remembered himself and screeched to a halt just in front of her. “Uh….I mean….hello princess.” He said with a bow. “It is good to see you again.”
At this point, Luna was just stunned to see Midnight before her. She was silent for almost half a minute before speaking. “Midnight….is it really you?”
Midnight smiled up at her. “It is princess, I’ve been freed from my stone prison.”
A single tear rand down Luna’s cheek as she smiled. “MIDNIGHT STAR!” She cried as she scooped him up and hugged him tightly. “I can’t believe it, it’s you, it’s really you. Thank the stars your back.” Luna quickly remembered herself and set Midnight down. “I mean…..I am pleased to see you all right, I was most worried when I did not see your stone form in the park this morning.” She couldn’t help but smile. “Thank the stars you’re here, I missed you so much.”
Midnight smiled back. “It’s good to see you again too princess Luna, I missed you too.”
Luna couldn’t contain her joy, she quickly leaned down and pressed her lips to his. Midnight was surprised by this as his eyes shot open in surprise. After a two second kiss. Luna pulled back quickly and blushed. “My apologies, I was…..overcome by my emotions, please forgive me.”
Midnight was blushing a little as well. “It’s…..it’s fine princess, I….I don’t mind. You just surprised me is all.”
Luna raised a hoof and cleared her throat. “*Ahem* At any rate, how is it possible you are standing before me now? How did you get free?”
Midnight did his best to explain to Luna what happened, then began to tell of his father being freed with him. “And so here we are, but please don’t be alarmed about Sombra princess, he’s good now, he was purified and freed from the darkness that was controlling him.” Midnight walked back in with Luna close behind.
Sombra saw Luna enter and quickly bowed. “Good morning your highness.” He said as he got as low as he could.
Luna cocked an eyebrow at this. She scowled a bit. “You, you…..”
Midnight cut her off. “Princess, please….please believe me, he isn’t evil anymore, he’s my father and he’s good.”
Luna looked over to Midnight and saw him give her a pleading look. She looked back to Sombra and scrutinized him carefully. After a moment, she sighed. “*Sigh* I suppose you are right. He does look different from the Sombra I am familiar with.”
Midnight smiled. Twilight and Spike, who were watching silently, smiled at the scene as well. Sombra rose from his bow. “Thank you princess, I realize I may have a lot to answer for, and I am willing to do what it takes to make up for my crimes.”
Midnight was about to say something to that effect when there was a blinding flash in the room. Princess Celestia now stood at the center with all eyes on her. She did not look happy. “Sister?” Luna ventured. “What are you doing here?”
“Where is he?” Celestia asked.
Twilight stepped forward. “Princess, what is going on?”
“Where is Sombra?” Celestia asked again.
Sombra answered from Celestia’s side before any pony could answer. “I’m right here your majesty.” He bowed to her in respect. “I take it you’re here to arrest me for my crimes against your country?”
Midnight became panicked at this. “WHAT?!” He ran and placed himself between Celestia and his father. “Princess, please don’t punish him. Remember what I said about him? About how he was so stricken with grief he turned to dark magic to try and bring my mom back but was corrupted by the dark magic? Please don’t take him away from me. We just got back together after so long. I beg of you!”
Sombra took to his son’s side and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Son, it’s all right, we both should have seen this coming. I did terrible things and it is time I answer for them.”
Midnight looked to his father with a few tears in his eyes. “But we just got back together, now we have to say good bye again? It’s not fair! I won’t let her take you away!” Midnight said with angry tears.
Sombra looked his son in the eyes. “Midnight, please try to understand, I’m glad we are together again, but I did terrible things when I was corrupted. I have to answer for them or my conscience will bother me to no end. This is something I have to do. Besides, we don’t know if I will even have to leave. Who knows what the princess has in store for my crimes.”
Midnight frowned. “That’s EXACTLY what I’m worried about! What if she throws you in a dungeon for the rest of your life…..or worse…..seals you away again for another thousand years! Please dad, I don’t want to lose you again.”
Sombra took hold of his son in a hug. “Midnight, it will be ok. You’re a grown stallion, you don’t need your old man around anymore. You’re all grown up and have friends. You don’t need me. You’ll be fine. Besides, we’ll always be together in spirit.”
They broke their embrace as Midnight looked into his father’s eyes. “But….but….” Midnight couldn’t finish his thought.
Sombra gave his son a comforting smile before he stepped closer to Celestia, took a proud stance, and looked her dead in the eye. “Your highness, I am ready to accept whatever punishment I deserve for what I had done. I await judgement.”
Twilight took to Midnight’s side and held him to try and comfort him. Luna decided to speak up. “Sister, do we really have to punish him, this is the same as when I was Nightmare Moon. Surely we can forgive him just as you and every other pony forgave me for my mistakes.”
Celestia thought for a moment, then smiled. She quickly removed it before speaking again. “Sombra, though you have committed crimes against Equestria, I believe you have served your time for your crimes.”
Midnight’s head shot up and looked to Celestia, Sombra looked surprised as well. “Uh….excuse me princess?”
“I think one year sealed in stone is enough punishment. Besides Midnight, if you say he is good and my sister thinks so as well. Then I see no reason to think otherwise myself.” Celestia’s smile returned at the end of her sentence.
Midnight looked up with a smile as well. Sombra was a little surprised as he spoke. “Really, so….you aren’t going to arrest me or anything?”
“No, I am not. Besides, how could I tear such a loving family apart.”
Almost instantly, Midnight grabbed onto his dad and hugged him tightly. Sombra returned it happily. After a brief moment, Midnight broke the hug and stood before Celestia. “Thank you princes, for not punishing my dad.” He bowed.
Celestia smiled at Midnight. “You are welcome Midnight. And it is good to see you again.”
Luna cut in. “Excuse me Midnight Star.”
Midnight rose from his bow and looked to Luna. “Yes princess?”
Luna smiled. “You can just call me Luna, you need not address me as princess.”
Midnight smiled at her. “As you wish.”
Luna continued. “I believe you still owe me a date.”
Midnight blushed a little. “Oh? Oh, right…..um, that….heh heh…..*AHEM* so when….”
“This Friday night at seven. Will that be good for you?” Luna cut him off.
“Uh…..sure…ok. I’ll be waiting.” Midnight stated.
“Great, I’ll see you then.” Luna said with a smile.
Celestia let out a light chuckle. It was now time for the princesses to go back to the castle. They agreed to set up a meeting with the town to help every citizen of Ponyville know that Sombra was back but not evil. Like what they tried with Midnight when they tried to help him get along with the citizens.
Before disappearing though, Luna had a thought. “Oh, before I forget, Midnight?”
“Yes Luna?” Midnight said as he looked to her.
“I would be more than happy to help you get a house in town if you’d like.”
Midnight waved a hoof. “Thank you for the offer Luna, but I think I can manage.”
Luna cocked an eyebrow at this. “Are you sure? It wouldn’t be a problem at all for me.”
“Thank you, but I’d prefer to do this on my own.”
“Very well, I’ll see you on Friday for our date.” Luna stated with a smile before teleporting away with her sister.
Once the princesses were gone, Midnight began to wonder. “What am I going to do for a house?”
Spike wondered something. “If you don’t know what to do, why didn’t you take Luna up on her offer?”
Midnight turned to Spike to answer. “Because Spike, she’s a princess. I wouldn’t feel right about asking her for a favor, I’d feel like I was taking advantage of her.”
Twilight stepped in. “Midnight, it’s not taking advantage if she offers. She was more than happy to offer help.”
“Maybe, but I still want to try and figure this out without having to ask her for help.” Midnight stated.
Twilight gave up in this. “Well at least take advantage of my hospitality, you and your father are more than welcome to stay here for now.”
Sombra threw in his thoughts. “We might as well take her up on her offer Midnight. We don’t really have much of a choice.”
Midnight caved. “I suppose your right. Ok Twilight. We’ll take you up on your offer. Guess the house I had before isn’t available anymore anyway is it?”
Twilight answered. “Actually, it never got sold. It’s still available.”
Midnight was surprised by this. “Really? Sweet! Maybe I can work out a deal with the mayor to get it back. Come on, let’s head to town hall and see if we can talk to her about it.”
Sombra interrupted. “Hold on son, we can’t just waltz out there.”
“Why not?” spike asked.
“Me.” Sombra simply answered. “Remember the whole reason we teleported here instead of walking in the first place?”
“Oh, right.” Spike said.
Twilight thought for a moment. “Sombra, I think I have an idea. You two wait here for a while. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Before the two could question what she had in mind, Twilight was out the door with her saddle bags on her back. With nothing to do now but wait, the father and son sat with Spike and just chatted a bit to catch up. Almost an hour passed before Twilight returned. “Sorry it took so long. Rarity can be rather insistant on things.”
“You went to Rarity without me? Twilight.” Spike whined.
Twilight just rolled her eyes at him. Midnight then spoke up. “Twilight, why did you go to Rarity’s?”
Twilight used her magic to open her saddle bag and levitated out a grey cloak with black lining. “This is from Rarity. It’ll hide your face so no pony will freak out when they see you Sombra.”
“For me?” Sombra questioned.
“Mmhmm, compliments of Rarity.” Twilight proudly said with a smile. She levitated it for sombra to take in his own grey magic aura.
He looked it over carefully before commenting on it. “Wow, this is very nice, I’ll have to give rarity my thanks next time I see her.” Sombra then dawned the cloak and, just like Twilight said, it was enough to hide his face.
“Twilight, don’t I get one?” Midnight asked.
“Why would you need one Midnight?” Twilight responded looking at him with confusion.
“Well, don’t you remember how the other ponies here acted when they knew I was the son of Sombra? I didn’t exactly get a warm welcome.” Midnight stated sadly. He then turned to his dad. “No offense dad. But the ponies here see you as….well…”
Sombra cut him off by placing a hoof on Midnight’s shoulder. “I know son, I know. It’s because of the terrible things I did that you were pretty much shunned by others. I am very sorry.”
Midnight gave a smile as he shook his head. “It’s fine dad, you have nothing to apologize for to me. I’m just glad we’re back together.”
Twilight cut in. “Don’t worry Midnight. After what you did when your father was controlling you, the princesses made sure every pony knew of the good deed you did. They’ll actually be glad to see you.”
“They will? Gosh, ok then, so let’s go. You ready dad?” Midnight asked as he turned to his father.
“Ready as I’ll ever be son. Let’s go to the mayor and see about getting your house back.” Sombra stated with a smile.
Twilight and Spike led the two through town. Needless to say, Midnight was getting lots of looks. Most of which were of shock. He just smiled sheepishly as he waved and continued on. Sombra just looked around him nervously.
Eventually, Midnight was confronted by a familiar face. A grey Pegasus with a blonde mane and tail and bubbles for a cutie mark flew down from the sky and landed in front of the group. “Midnight? Is that you?” She asked as her crossed eyes looked Midnight over.
“Hi Derpy, long time no see. It’s good to see you again.” Midnight said with a smile.
“Midnight….but…..how….I saw you frozen in stone just yesterday at the park, how are you here now?” Derpy asked with surprise.
“I’m not exactly sure myself, but here I am, I’m free now and I can live my life.”Midnight stated.
Derpy smiled big in return. “Midnight, it’s good to see you again!” She said as she took Midnight Star in a bone crushing hug.
“You….too….Derpy.” Midnight said with a strained smile. “Could you…..let go now please.”
“OH, sorry.” Derpy quickly released him. “I’m glad to see you Midnight.”
Midnight was surprised by this. “Really? We didn’t really get much of a chance to hang out or anything.”
“I know, but after hearing what you did, I felt bad about that. So I’m just really glad we get the chance to now. So what do ya say, you wanna get together some time?”
Midnight smiled at her. “Sure, sounds good. But right now, I’m on my way to town hall to see the mayor about getting a house.”
“Really? Ok then. Good luck with that, I need to get back to delivering the mail. I’ll see you later Midnight Star.”
“Bye Derpy, it’s good to see you again too.”
Twilight came up next to him. “You see Midnight, ponies will be happy to see you.”
Midnight smiled as he looked at her. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Later on, in Mayor Mare’s office, Midnight was with the mayor now speaking with her. “Midnight Star, I don’t believe it.” The mayor gasped out.
“Yeah, I’ve been getting that a lot lately.” Midnight joked.
“How is this possible?” The mayor asked.
“I’m not sure, all I know is that I’m here now, and I’m free. I understand the house I had before is still available.”
“It is….but given your track record with that…you can understand my hesitance to sell it to you.” The mayor said with a straight face.
Midnight gave a sheepish laugh as he rubbed the back of his head with a hoof. “Heh heh, yeah, sorry about that. Things just kept coming up.” He dropped the sheepish look and gave a smile. “But I promise, this time I’m here for good. No running off, no disappearing without a word. I promise this time, I’m here to stay, so what do you say, can I have it back?” Midnight grinned with a squee.
The mayor rolled her eyes. She sighed out. “*Sigh* All right, you do realize this will be a bit of a paper work nightmare for me right?”
“I’m really sorry mayor. Once I start earning bits, I’ll start making payments for the house. And as a thank you for your trouble, how about I treat you to something from Sugar Cube Corner?
“That won’t be necessary. Just sign these papers and you can start making payments at the beginning of the next month.”
Mayor Mar slid some papers on her desk closer to Midnight. “Thank you very much miss mayor. I really appreciate it.”
“As long as you don’t go disappearing again for the third time, it’s fine.”
Midnight took hold of a quill in his magic aura and signed the papers the mayor provided. “Thank you again miss mayor, I am very grateful to you.”
“Don’t mention it.” The mayor said with a smile.
So for the third time, Midnight Star had a house again. Hopefully this time, for good.
The Star's Date With The Moon
The Star’s Date With The Moon
Just as Celestia promised, they arranged a town meeting in Ponyville to let every pony there know what had happened with Midnight Star and Sombra, informing them that Sombra had been purified by the elements of harmony and no longer posed a threat. After every pony’s last experience with Midnight, they were a little more accepting of this and welcomed him. Though, there were still a few that did not like the idea that a former tyrant was now in their town.
Because of his situation, Sombra ended up staying with his son in his house and used the couch as his bed. Midnight tried to tell his father he didn’t mind taking the couch and letting his dad have the bed, but Sombra wouldn’t have it. Midnight’s artistic career started off pretty good since every pony saw him as a bit of a hero. He got so many requests for his artwork. His six friends even helped to advertise his talent by showing off the paintings they had he made for them. All this in the span of a few days.
Friday night finally rolled around and Midnight had a snazzy suit to wear for his date thanks to Rarity. It was a black tuxedo with gold cuff links with diamonds embedded in them, a white undershirt and a black bow tie. Midnight was upstairs in his room looking himself over in a mirror. He sat on his haunches and fiddled with his tie a bit. “Wow, don’t you look handsome.” Sombra stated from the entrance of the room.
Midnight turned to face his dad. “Oh, hey dad, thanks. I still can’t believe I’m actually going on a date with a princess. But not just any princess, princess Luna herself.”
“I’m proud of you son. You seem to be doing well for yourself already.” Sombra said as he walked in and came to his son’s side.
Midnight gave a smile as he turned back to the mirror. “Thanks dad,” He then frowned as he looked himself in the mirror. “…But I am kind of nervous. Sure I had a chance to meet her before and talk with her, but this is an actual official date.” He hung his head.
Sombra offered a smile as he placed a hoof on Midnight’s back. “Midnight, relax, you’ll do fine. Just be yourself and you’ll do great. She wouldn’t have agreed to this date if she didn’t like you. Besides…” Sombra gave a smirk. “….I saw you two kissing when she first saw you on our return. She likes you.”
Midnight blushed at the memory. “Dad.” Midnight whined.
Sombra just chuckled. “Heh heh, awe come on son, I’m just messing with you.” He stated with a nudge.
Midnight smiled. “Yeah, I know. I’m glad to have you back dad.” He wrapped his forelegs around his father in a hug.
Sombra smiled as he returned it. “I’m glad to be back son. I really missed you.” They held their embrace for a good minute before separating and smiled at each other.
“So, how has your job hunt been going?” Midnight asked.
“Not as good as I had hoped I’m afraid.” Sombra stated.
Midnight cocked an eyebrow. “Really? Gosh, I’m sorry.”
Sombra shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll find something. I don’t want to be mooching off my own son.”
“Dad, you’re not mooching off me, I’m helping my father to stand on his own hooves by giving him a place to stay. If you need a job, I guess I could use an assistant.”
“An assistant?”
Midnight’s eyes lit up. “Yeah! Ha, why didn’t I think of this before. I can hire you on as my assistant with my art studio and you can start earning your keep and some bits so you won’t feel like you’re taking advantage of me, which you’re not.”
“I don’t know son.”
“Come on dad, what other choice do you have? If you don’t like it, it can just be until you find some other job. I won’t take no for an answer.” Midnight stated boldly as he poked his dad in the barrel.
Sombra rolled his eyes. “You won’t huh?”
Midnight closed his eyes with a smile. “Nope.”
Sombra sighed out. “*sigh* Fine, you win son. I’ll be your assistant for your art studio.”
“GREAT! I promise you won’t regret it.” Midnight cheered. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe it’s almost time for my date.”
Just after he said that, there was a knock at the door. “I guess it is.” Sombra said. He followed his son down the stairs and into the living room.
Midnight approached the door and opened it using his magic. “Good eve-“ He stopped himself when he saw it wasn’t Luna there but a bat pony wearing dark blue armor. “Uh…..hello?” Midnight said.
The pony in armor looked Midnight over. “Greetings, are you Midnight Star?” He asked.
“Yes, who are you?”
“I am here to take you to princess Luna for your date. Please follow me outside to the carriage.” He stated.
Midnight was a little confused about this. “Uh, ok.” Midnight turned to his dad. “See you later dad, have a good night.”
“You too son, take care and have a wonderful time.” Sombra said as he waved his son off.
After facing forward again, Midnight saw a carriage waiting for him with three more bat ponies harnessed to it. It was an open carriage and was dark blue with fins on the side just above the wheel covers and two more fins on the sides on the backing of the carriage. “Whoa.” Midnight expressed. “Um, what’s with the fancy carriage?” He asked.
“This is princess Luna’s personal carriage. She has decreed that any pony courting her will be given rides, when necessary, in her carriage to meet with her for a date.” The guard Midnight was following answered. “Please board and we will be underway to Canterlot.”
“Uh, ok, sure.” Midnight climbed onto the carriage and sat on his haunches. The guard then took his place with the others and hooked himself up. They galloped forth and took to the air. “Uh oh. Uh, maybe this is a bad time to mention I’m afraid of heights!” Midnight called out as the carriage lifted off.
As the carriage flew on in the night sky with Luna’s moon beaming full and the stars twinkling in the sky, Midnight was lying on the floor of the carriage and covering his face with his hooves. “I would like to get down now!” He called out.
“We are almost there sir!” The back left guard called back over the rushing of the wind.
Midnight removed his hooves from his head, crept to the edge of the carriage and looked down to see trees just below him passing by. He yelped and ducked back down. “Please don’t fall, please don’t fall, please don’t fall.” He chanted to himself.
After a long flight, according to Midnight but was really only ten minutes, the carriage came to a landing on a wide balcony. Midnight jumped down out of the carriage and began kissing the ground as he was happy to be on solid earth. “Oh sweet beautiful ground, *kiss* *kiss* How I missed you. *kiss* *kiss*.” Midnight Star then noticed a pair of dark blue hooves with silver shoes before him. He looked up and followed the legs up to a pony form with a horn and wings.
“Midnight, are you ok?” Princess Luna asked with a concerned look.
“Princess!” Midnight quickly picked himself up and dusted himself off. “Hello there, it’s good to see you.”
“What were you doing just now?” She asked.
“Well….I uh….heh heh. I was just…..” Midnight searched for an excuse. He didn’t want to say why he did what he did out of embarrassment. “I was just…..admiring the floor, very nice structure. Good and solid.”
“I see.” Luna said as she raised an eyebrow, not sure if she should believe him.
Midnight finally took a good look at Luna. She was wearing her usual royal attire, but she also wore a silky dark blue dress that sparkled like the stars as she moves. “Wow Luna, you look amazing.”
Luna smiled. “Thank you Midnight, you look rather handsome yourself.”
“Thanks, so where shall we go for our date tonight?” Midnight asked, glad to be off the subject of his odd behavior.
“There is a restaurant in Canterlot I have heard good things about. We shall go there, unless you have something else in mind.”
“I don’t actually, I don’t know anything about Canterlot. This is my first time here.”
“Very well then, let us be on our way.”
“After you my dear.” Midnight said with a bow. They began their walk through the castle to make their way out into Canterlot with Midnight next to Luna.
Along the way, they ran into Celestia. “Oh, hello Luna, good evening Midnight.”
“Hello sister.” Luna greeted.
“Greetings princess.” Midnight said with a bow.
“I hope you and your father are settling in well in Ponyville.” Celestia said with a smile.
“I am princess, thank you. Though, my father has been having a little trouble, but nothing serious.” Midnight informed.
“Oh? What kind of trouble?” Celestia asked in concern.
“Nothing really, but it has been resolved, he’s just been having a bit of trouble finding a job.”
“But he managed to find one?” Luna asked.
“Yes, he did. I gave him one as my assistant.”
“Your assistant?” Celestia questioned.
“For my art studio.” Midnight clarified. “He’s been feeling like he’s been mooching off me and felt bad about it. This way, he can feel like he’s earning his keep while staying with me until he can find another job and get a place of his own.”
“I see. I am glad things are working out for you two.” Celestia said. “But if you should ever need anything, please feel free to contact myself or Luna if you need to.”
“That is very kind of you princess, but I think I’ll reserve that for only the most dire of circumstances.” Midnight said with a smile.
“Very well then, I shall leave you to your date then. Luna, I wish you and your date a lovely time.”
Luna smiled back. “Thank you sister, we shall. See you later.” Luna said before the couple continued on their way.
A little later, they arrived at the restaurant Luna mentioned. It had a lot of couples and families waiting to get in. It was a very high class looking place and all the ponies that were there to eat were dressed very nicely. Luna and Midnight Star walked up to the stallion in charge of the seating. He was a unicorn with a white coat, a black mane and tail and a black mustache. “Yes, how may I…..” He paused upon seeing Princess Luna. “Princess Luna, a pleasure to have you here this evening.” He stated with a smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?”
“Good evening sir, I am here on a date with my colt friend Midnight Star.” Luna informed proudly.
The stallion looked at Midnight who wore a sheepish grin and waved to him. “Hello.” He said.
The stallion lost his smile upon seeing the pony with the princess. “I see, you are dating a commoner?” He asked.
Luna frowned. “Watch thy tone knave!” Luna said, nearly slipping into her royal Canterlot voice. “He is a very kind and noble pony, surely you have heard of him have you not? He is my date and you will show him proper respect. Understood?” Luna scolded the pony who was now cringing behind his podium.
Midnight was a little surprised at Luna’s reaction to how the stallion spoke of him.
“Of-of course your majesty. P-please forgive my ignorance.”
“We will forgive thee this time, but choose your words more carefully. We have a reservation for tonight.” Luna said.
“Yes, of course princess.” The stallion went down the list in front of him. “Here we are, princess Luna and Midnight Star. Allow me to show you to your table.” The unicorn lit up his horn and levitated two menus from under the podium.
Upon entering further into the place, Midnight saw the place was two stories, it had a second floor. On the first floor, there was a stage where a band was playing classical music.
The stallion led Luna and Midnight to a round table on the second floor of the restaurant at the edge of the second floor so they could look down. This made Midnight a little nervous being so close to the edge but held in his fear. “Here you are, a waiter will be with you momentarily.” The stallion said with a bow.
“Thank you good sir.” Luna said as she sat in her chair.
“Yes, thank you.” Midnight added with a bit of nervousness in his voice as he took his seat across from Luna. The stallion left them to return to his post.
Luna sent a smile at Midnight as she started up a conversation. “So Midnight, how is your art studio coming along?”
“Oh, it’s....It’s coming along nicely, I already have a few ponies who requested something and paid me in advance so I managed to get the art supplies I’ll need to fulfill the requests.” Midnight informed.
“We are…..I mean, I am most pleased to hear this. You know, I still have that painting you made me.”
“Really? So I take it you’re enjoying it?” Midnight asked, managing to forget his fear as the conversation went on.
“Indeed, I looked at it every night before I raised the moon to remind me of you. I missed you very much when you…..well.” Luna stopped mid-sentence and frowned as she looked to the side.
Midnight frowned as well. He smiled again as he reached a hoof over and placed it on Luna’s cheek to get her to look at him. “Hey now, no need to worry about that. I may not know what you went through when I was gone, but I’m back now, and we can be together. That’s all that matters, right?”
Luna smiled again. “You are right Midnight, it fills my heart with joy to see you back.”
An earth pony stallion approached them. “Good evening, I’ll be your waiter tonight. What would you like to drink to start off with?”
Luna levitated her menu up and went through the drinks. “Let’s see, I would like the apple wine please.”
“An excellent choice. Apple cider aged a bit with a bit of pineapple and cherry in the mix.” The waiter said. “And you sir?”
“That sounds nice, I’ll have the same please.” Midnight said.
“Very well then, I’ll bring you your drinks soon, would you like to order your meal now or do you need more time?”
“We’ll need a bit more time thank you.” Midnight informed.
“Very well then. I’ll be back shortly.” The pony left to retrieve the drinks.
“So Midnight, are you enjoying your time with me?” Luna asked.
“I sure am, I’m still a little blown away that a princess, of all ponies, is showing interest in me.” Midnight stated.
“Princess?” Luna said to herself as her smile faded. “Midnight, do you……like me just because I am a princess?”
Midnight cocked an eyebrow at her question. “What do you mean Luna?”
“I mean do you like me just because I happen to be a princess?” She asked again.
Midnight smiled again. “Of course not. We may not have gotten to spend much time together, but from the time we have spent, I can tell you’re a kind, caring, wonderful mare. Note how I said MARE there instead of princess. I don’t care that you’re a princess, Luna. I like you for who you are, not what you are.”
Luna looked at Midnight curiously. “Really, you do not care that I am a princess?”
“Luna, I wouldn’t care if you were just a simple mare living a regular life like other ponies. I like YOU for who YOU are.” Midnight said to ease her mind. “As I said, I can see you are kind, caring pony who just wants to be liked. Not to mention how beautiful you are.”
Luna smiled with a blush at the compliment. “Thank you Midnight, your words are most kind.”
“And I mean every one of them Luna.” Midnight stated firmly.
Luna leaned across the table and planted a kiss on Midnight’s lips.
Midnight Star’s eyes widened in surprise, but smiled soon and enjoyed the moment. They soon parted from their kiss with both of them blushing. There was a comfortable silence for a bit before the waiter finally came by with their drinks. “Here you go, your apple wine. Are you ready to order now?”
Luna went first. “Yes, I would like the hay soup with a fruit salad on the side.”
“Very good, and you sir?”
Midnight looked over the menu a bit before giving his order. “Let’s see, I think I’ll have the spaghetti and hay balls with a fruit salad on the side as well.”
“Sure thing, your orders will be out momentarily.” The waiter took their menus from them and left.
Luna’s eyes suddenly widened like she just remembered something. “Oh, Midnight, before I forget, I have something to give you.”
“Luna, you didn’t have to get me anything.” Midnight stated with a smile.
Luna levitated out a necklace with a silver chain and a light blue six pointed star on it. The star had a depiction of a crescent moon at its center. “Here Midnight, this is for you.”
Midnight eyed the necklace floating in front of him. “Wow Luna, this is very nice. You didn’t have to do this?”
“Yes I did, it is the mark of the royal courter.” Luna stated.
Midnight cocked an eyebrow again in confusion. “Royal courter?”
Luna placed the necklace around Midnight’s neck with her magic as she explained. “Yes, this necklace is to let every pony know that you are my colt friend and courter. It is tradition for a stallion courting a princess to wear a mark of the princess they are dating.” She said with a smile.
“Um….is this really necessary?”
Luna frowned. “Do you not like it?”
“It’s fine….it’s just….isn’t that a bit much? I mean…..a necklace just to show I’m dating you?”
Luna began to hang her head. “I see, you do not like me as I thought.”
Midnight frowned as well. He soon realized his mistake and scolded himself inwardly. “You IDIOT! Refusing this necklace means, to her, that you don’t like her like she does. How can you be so STUPID?!” Midnight smiled again and spoke proudly. “Princess Luna, I will proudly wear this necklace as a sign that I am your colt friend.”
Luna’s face lit up at his words. “You will?”
“Yes, I’m sorry if I worried you there.”
Luna’s smile got bigger, if that were even possible, and reached across the table to pull Midnight into a hug, rubbing her cheek with his. “Thank you Midnight, this means so much to me.”
Midnight hugged back. “If it makes you happy, I’ll do it. I’m proud to say I’m dating princess Luna. Besides, it is a really nice necklace.”
Luna pulled her head away from Midnight’s cheek and looked him in the eyes. “Thank you Midnight. You have made me very happy this night.” She then gave him a kiss on the cheek in gratitude.
After, they sat back down in their chairs just in time for the waiter to come with their food. “Here you go, hope you two enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you very much.” Midnight said to the waiter.
So for the rest of the night, Luna and Midnight Star ate and enjoyed each other’s company, talking and smiling, getting to know one another better. For Midnight Star, it was the most magical night of his life.
Another Day For The Star
Midnight Star and princess Luna shared one final kiss before saying goodnight. “Goodnight Midnight Star, thank you for a wonderful evening.” Luna said.
“I had a wonderful time too, I’m glad we did this. I’m looking forward to our next date.” Midnight stated with a smile. He then turned to face the carriage that was to take him home. His smile instantly disappeared and turned to a fearful look.
Luckily, because he was turned around, Luna did not see his face. “Midnight, are you ok?” Luna asked with concern.
Midnight didn’t turn around when he answered. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He said with a nervous smile. He gulped and walked to the carriage to climb in. He was shaking slightly with fear, but he was too far away from Luna for her to notice.
“Until next time my love.” Luna said as she waved a hoof.
Midnight waved back with a nervous smile. “Yeah, until next time.” With that, the carriage took off into the air. Once he was sure he was far enough away from the castle, he dropped down to the floor of the carriage and covered his eyes.
The carriage came to a landing and Midnight climbed out feeling relief to be back on solid ground. “Maybe I should tell Luna I’m afraid of heights.” He said to himself. “Thank you for the ride.” Midnight said to the ponys. They nodded and headed back to the castle. Midnight Star then made his way to his front door and entered his house ready for bed.
Princess Luna walked back to her room feeling giddy as a school filly with a huge grin on her face. “This Night couldn’t have gone better.” She said happily. She soon reached her room, opened the doors and made her way to her closet. She used her magic to remove her dress and placed it back on the hanger she got it from. Then removed her jewelry and placed them on her vanity mirror, turned back around and jumped to her bed. With a poomf, she landed with her chin on a pillow. She rolled over on her back and grabbed another pillow, hugging it tight. “Midnight Star, could you really be the one for me?” She asked happily.
Morning soon arrived as Celestia’s sun peeked out over the horizon and greeted the town of Ponyville with its morning rays. Midnight slowly stirred from his sleep as the light crept into his room from his window. He yawned as he stretched out his forelegs. Midnight Star removed himself from his bed and used his magic to fix up the covers, then made his way to his bathroom for a shower. Once done, he came back out and was about to head downstairs when he remembered something. “Whoops, almost forgot.” Midnight went up to his nightstand next to his bed and used his magic to lift up the necklace Luna gave him on their date last night.
Midnight took a moment to admire it. “It really is a nice necklace. A moon as a symbol of her, and a star, just like my name. Quite the coincidence.” He then just placed it around his neck and headed downstairs. As he walked down, his nose was met with a pleasant scent.
“Good morning son, I trust you slept well?” Sombra asked from the kitchen as he was making pancakes.
“Dad, you didn’t have to make breakfast.” Midnight said with a smile.
“Sure I did, this is my first day as your assistant now, so I figured what better way to start the day than to make breakfast for my new boss.” Sombra said as he flipped another flapjack. “Go ahead and take a seat at the table, there’s a plate there ready for you.”
Midnight walked up to the kitchen table and took a seat at the table with a stack of pancakes ready to be eaten with a cup of orange juice. “Well dad, I’d say your off to a good start.”
Sombra soon joined his son at the table with a plate of his own. “Well, what are you waiting for, let’s eat up.” The two wasted no time and dug in.
Once breakfast was done, Sombra started to get up. “Oh no you don’t, you’ve done enough dad, I’ll take care of the dishes.” Midnight insisted.
“Can I at least lend a hoof?” Sombra asked.
“Fine, you can help, I’ll wash and you dry.”
“You got it boss.” Sombra said with a smile and a salute.
Midnight just rolled his eyes.
As they cleaned up the kitchen, Sombra finally noticed the necklace his son was wearing. “Say Midnight, where did you get that necklace?”
Midnight looked to his dad first, then to the necklace, he used his magic to lift up the center piece a bit. “This? Princess Luna gave it to me last night during our date. She said it’s a sign that I’m her colt friend now. I think she even went so far as to give me a title, calling me her royal courter or something.”
Sombra chuckled a little. “Nice, dating a princess and earning a title. You’re really moving up in the world son.”
“Whatever.” Midnight said with a smile.
The two soon finished with their task and got the kitchen spotless. “Well, that’s that. So what’s on the agenda for today Midnight? Whoa!” Sombra was unexpectedly gripped in a hug by his son. “Midnight?” He asked as he looked down at his son.
“I really missed you dad.” Midnight said with a smile and closed eyes.
Sombra smiled and hugged back as well. “I missed you too son.” They held the embrace for a good minute before Midnight finally released his dad. “So, as I was asking, what are we doing today?” Sombra asked again.
“Well first, I need to get a few more things for my art supplies, I just want to make sure I’ll have enough paint and pallets to fill the orders I got.” Midnight left the kitchen, his father behind him, and went to the stair case closet. He opened it up and took out his saddle bags with his magic, placing them on his back. “Come on dad, let’s head out.”
“You got it.” Sombra said with a smile.
The duo were making their way through Ponyvill when they had an encounter with a familiar grey Pegasus. “Midnight, hey there.” She greeted cheerfully.
Midnight greeted back. “Hey Derpy, good to see you. What’s up?”
“Nothin much, I’m just doing my morning rounds delivering mail. I just wanted to say hi.” Derpy said.
“Well that was nice of you. OH, by the way…” Midnight then pulled his dad closer to his side. “Derpy, I would like to formally introduce you to my father, Sombra. Though, I guess you already knew that huh?” Midnight asked with a light chuckle.
Derpy’s smile faded a bit and was replaced with a nervous one. “Oh, right, your dad….Sombra….it’s…nice to meet you.” She greeted nervously.
“A pleasure to meet you miss.” Sombra said with a welcoming smile.
“The post office?” Derpy asked.
“Yeah, my dad needs a job and I figured he could be of help to you and the others at the post office.” Midnight informed.
Midnight cocked an eyebrow. “Really? Cause I’m pretty sure I saw a help wanted sign posted in the window yesterday.”
“Oh that, well….um…..that position was filled….so……yeah, sorry no.” Derpy said nervously. “Oh would you look at the time, I gotta go. It was nice seeing you again Midnight, later.” With that, Derpy took off like a shot into the air.
Midnight gave a credulous look. “What was that all about?”
Sombra frowned and hung his head a little.
Midnight saw this and turned his attention to his father. “Dad, what’s wrong?”
Sombra lifted his head back up and plastered a smile on. “It’s nothing son, come on, let’s get those supplies you need.” He then took the lead.
Midnight still looked a little confused as his dad started walking. It suddenly hit him and he realized what happened. “Wait a minute, dad hold up.” Midnight galloped up to his dad’s side. “Dad, I think I know why Derpy acted like that.”
“Oh?” Sombra asked, feigning ignorance.
“Come on dad, I know you know why too. She still sees you as that tyrant you used to be when you were corrupt. I know she was here when the princesses made that announcement explaining how you were purified by the elements of harmony. So it doesn’t make sense that she acted like that.”
“Midnight, it’s fine.”
Midnight stood firm in front of Sombra, stopping him in his tracks. “No dad, it isn’t fine. Every pony should understand that you aren’t evil.”
Sombra’s ears folded back as he recoiled a little from his son. “Midnight….”
“Dad, you need to show them you’re not bad anymore.” He then smirked. “You also should try to find a mare of your own.”
Midnight interrupted again. “Come on dad, it’s what mom would want. She did say for you to find a nice mare before she said goodbye didn’t she?”
“Come on Midnight, do you really think I could with the kind of past I have?” Sombra asked sadly.
“Dad, there is bound to be a mare around here that won’t care about that. You just need to try.” They resumed their walk. “For now, let’s get those supplies and head back home.”
They soon retrieved said supplies and were on their way back home when something caught Midnight’s attention. “Dad, hold up.” He said as he placed a hoof in front of his dad to stop him.
“What is it son?” Sombra asked.
“Look over there.” Midnight pointed to a mare with a mulberry colored coat and a light pink and white mane with three sunflowers with smiling faces for a cutie mark. She seemed to be struggling with her saddle bags that were packed with groceries. “Dad, I think this is a perfect opportunity for you to show others that you’re a good pony. Just go over there, say hello and offer her your help.”
“Just like that? I don’t know.”
“Come on dad, just try. Her name is Cheerilee, she’s Ponyvilles school teacher for the young ones. She’s really nice and all. So I’ve heard.
“You’ve heard?” Sombra cocked an eyebrow.
“Well, I have run into her now and then in the past. In fact, she’s one of the ponies who asked me to make a painting for her. Just go over there and help her.”
“I don’t know son…I…”
“Go!” Midnight said as he got behind his dad and started pushing him over to Cheerilee.
Once Midnight finished pushing him, Sombra looked back at his son first, then to Cheerilee and trotted a bit to catch up with her. “Um, excuse me.” He said to get her attention.
Cheerilee stopped in her tracks to face the pony that spoke. “Yes? Oh, hello.” She greeted a little nervously.
“Hi there, um, I couldn’t help but notice you may be having a little trouble with your bags there. Would you like some help?” Sombra offered.
“Well, uh....” Cheerilee was a little surprised that Sombra had come to her offering his assistance. She did hear the princesses say he had changed and was no longer evil, but there was still a little doubt in her. But at the same time, she knew she should give him a chance. “Why, thank you. That is very nice of you to offer. Sombra is it?” She asked with a smile.
Sombra smiled back. “Yes, it is. Here, allow me.” Sombra used his magic to lift Cheerilee’s saddle bags off her back and placed them on his own. “So, do you live close by?”
“Kind of, just follow me and I’ll lead the way. I’m Cheeriliee by the way.”
“I know, my son told me.”
“I’ll see you back at the house dad.” Midnight said as he started walking off.
“Ok, see you later son.” Sombra called back.
Two hours later, Midnight had finished getting everything set up to begin work on his first painting. Just as he was about to start, there was a knock at the door. “Oh come on. Really?” He said with a smile. “It never fails, just when I’m about to start work, I get a knock at the door.” Midnight shook his head as he made his way over to the front door. He used his magic to turn the knob and open the door. “Yes?”
“Hi Midnight.” Derpy said as she stood there looking a little guilty.
Midnight gave a light glare. “Oh, hey Derpy, what’s up?”
Derpy shuffled a hoof in the ground before responding. “I…I wanted to apologize for how I acted this morning when you introduced me to your dad.”
Midnight cocked an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yeah, I shouldn’t have acted that way. I should believe you and the princesses when you and them said he had changed. I wanted to apologize to him for that. Is he around?” She asked as she looked up.
Midnight smiled a little. “He’s out at the moment. He should be back soon, you can come in and wait for him. We can just talk while you wait if you want.”
Derpy smiled. “I’d like that, I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“Nah, come on in, I was just about to start on a painting, we can talk while I work.”
“You sure?” Derpy asked with a concerned look.
“Sure, come in.” Midnight stepped aside to let Derpy in. She walked in with a smile. “You can have a seat on the couch. Would you like something to drink?”
“Sure, do you have any applejuice?”
“Yep, just a sec.” Derpy took a seat on the couch and made herself comfortable. Midnight came back with two bottles of applejuice floating next to him and sent one to Derpy. He then took a seat and opened his bottle up. “Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres, courtesy of Applejack. I tried to tell her I could pay for it, but she wouldn’t let me.”
“Yeah, that sounds like her.”
“And here I thought Rarity was the generous one.” Midnight stated. The two then shared a good laugh at that.
“Yes Derpy?” Midnight continued to paint, keeping his eyes on the canvas while he worked.
“I guess you also know I lied when I said that position at the post office was full too huh?” She asked as she hung her head.
“Kind of, yeah.”
“Well, if he wants, he’s more than welcome to come by and apply for the position. He’ll be given a fair chance just like any other pony.” Derpy stated happily.
Midnight paused in his work, moving his brush in his magic grasp away from the canvas. “Really? That’s great, he’ll be glad to hear it.”
Suddenly, the front door opened and Sombra walked in. “Hey son, sorry it took so long.”
“Well, when I got to Cheerilee’s place to help her with her groceries, we ended up talking a bit.”
“That’s good.”
Sombra finally noticed Derpy. “Oh, hello, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. Derpy Hooves right?”
Derpy gave a small smile. “Yeah, that’s me. I came by because I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I’m really sorry about that.”
Sobra cocked an eyebrow at first, then smiled. “Really? Well I’m glad you did. I take it you don’t think me as evil then?”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. No, I just…….never mind, can we start over?” Derpy asked with a smile.
“Hm, sure.” Sombra said as he extended a hoof for a shake. Once the greeting was done, Sombra took a seat on the couch next to Derpy. Midnight then went back to his canvas to begin his work. “So son, what painting are you working on?”
“This one is for Golden Harvest, she asked for a scenery painting of an open field.” Midnight said as he took hold of his brush with his magic.
“Sounds nice.” Derpy said. Midnight, would you be willing to make a painting for me too?”
“Of course, just let me finish this and we can discuss it.”
As Midnight worked, Derpy and Sombra talked. She soon told Sombra that the post office was indeed hiring and he was more than welcome to apply for a position.
Half way through Midnight’s painting, he finally asked. “So dad, you and Cheerilee had a good talk you said?”
“Yes, she is a nice mare.”
“What did you two talk about?”
“Stuff.” Sombra simply answered.
“What kind of stuff?”
“Midnight.” Sombra said with a smirk.
Midnight looked back at his father. “What, I’m just curious.”
Sombra rolled his eyes and Derpy just giggled.
“Derpy, this painting is going to take a while, are you sure you want to wait until I’m done? You can come by anytime.” Midnight stated.
“I don’t mind waiting, I would like to see you work, if you don’t mind that is.” Derpy said.
Midnight gave her a smile. “I don’t mind. It’s nice to be able to hang out with you, even if it is while I’m working.”
“*Sigh* All right son, I’ll spill.” Sombra said with a sigh.
“Great, so what happened?” Midnight asked happily.
“We got to talking, she was curious about my past so I kind of told her. She offered her sympathy upon hearing what happened to Heart String. She told me a bit about her and before we knew it, we made plans to meet again.”
“Who’s Heart String?” Derpy asked.
Midnight seemed to slow his work upon her mention. “She was my mom.”
“Was? Oh, I…..I’m sorry, I….” Derpy frowned as she hung her head.
Midnight looked back at Derpy with a smile. “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.” Midnight continued his work as he, his father, and his friend talked about various things. It was just a regular day for Midnight Star.
The Star's True Confession of Love
Chapter 5: The Star’s True Confession of Love
It was another Friday night and Midnight was getting ready for his second date with Luna. At the same time, Sombra was getting ready for a date of his own with Cheerilee. Sombra had applied for the job at the post office and was hired on as the post office’s clerk, working at the front desk and helping customers as they came in. Sombra was still living with Midnight, but it would just be until he could get a house of his own.
Midnight was looking himself over in a new tuxedo he got courtesy of Rarity. He managed to convince her to let him pay for it as he didn’t want to take advantage of their friendship and get something for nothing. It was a simple black tuxedo with a white undershirt, black bow tie, and white diamond cuff links. He was also wearing Luna’s necklace. Sombra was wearing a similar tuxedo for his date. “Looking good son.” Sombra stated from Midnight’s door.
Midnight turned to face his dad. “You’re not looking half bad yourself there dad.”
Sombra walked in more with a smile. “Thanks son. We look like quite the mare killers, don’t we?” He stated with a light chuckle.
Midnight Star chuckled back. “Yeah, I guess so. I hope you and Cheerilee have a good time on your date tonight.”
“Thanks, I hope you and the princess have a good time on your date tonight too.”
There was a knock on the door. Midnight gulped nervously. “Well, there’s my ride.” He started heading out of his room.
Midnight turned to face his dad. “Yeah?”
Sombra looked at his son with concern. “You are going to tell her tonight, right?”
“Tell her what?”
Sombra gave a flat look. “About your fear of heights?”
Midnight folded his ears back as he hung his head. “Oh…that…” He lifted his head back up. “I guess so, I was planning on it.”
Sombra smiled. “Good, you really should tell her so you don’t have to get a fright before what is supposed to be a night of romance.”
Midnight smiled. “Right, I’ll tell Luna. I’d better go now, see you later dad.”
“See you later son, have fun on your date.”
Midnight made his way to the front door and opened it up with his magic. One of Luna’s guards stood before him. “Greetings sir, we are here to escort you to the castle for your date.”
“All right then, let’s get this over with.” The guard led him away from the house to Luna’s carriage waiting for him. As they approached, Cheerilee was seen approaching Midnight’s house wearing a red silky dress. Midnight Star stopped in his tracks to greet her. “Hello miss Cheerilee. You’re looking lovely tonight.”
“Hello Midnight, good to see you, and thank you. You look rather handsome yourself.” She then saw the carriage. “Is that Luna’s carriage?”
“Yeah, Luna said that whenever we have a date, the royal courter is to be brought to the castle in the personal carriage of the princess the courter is dating.” Midnight stated with a smile and sounding like a noble.
Cheerilee chuckled. “I see. Is your father inside?”
“Yes, he’s waiting anxiously for you. Hope you two have a good night.” Midnight said as he continued on his way up to the carriage.
“Thank you Midnight, I hope you enjoy your date with Luna.” Cheerilee offered before continuing her way up to the house.
They soon arrived at the castle and Midnight was more than happy to step off. “Oh sweet ground, how I missed you.” Midnight stated as he dropped to the stony floor to caress it.
“Midnight?” Luna asked as she looked down at him.
Midnight looked up to see Luna standing before him wearing a black shimmering dress. He quickly stood up with a nervous smile and rubbed the back of his head. “Hey Luna, how’s it going?” He let out a nervous chuckle.
Luna cocked an eyebrow at him, then smiled. “You certainly like to appreciate architecture don’t you?” She asked.
“Yeah…architecture.” He dropped his hoof from behind his head. “Listen Luna, there’s something I need to tell you. I feel bad about keeping secrets from you.”
“Oh, what is it Midnight?” Luna asked.
“You see, while I appreciate you letting me ride in your carriage, I’m…well….”
“Afraid of heights?” Luna said with a smirk.
“Yeah…wait, you knew?” Midnight Star asked with surprise.
“Only after the second time you seemed to ‘appreciate’ the floor.” Luna let out a chuckle.
“I see, that obvious huh?”
“Maybe a little. I suppose we’ll have to make other arrangements for us to meet that don’t involve flying.” Luna offered.
Midnight smiled at that. “Thank you Luna, I would appreciate it. I’m a unicorn, always had my hooves on the ground. Any other way just seems…a bit scary to me.”
“I understand, flying isn’t for every pony. Come, tonight we will dine in the castle’s dining hall.”
“Here? Well okay, if you want.” Midnight followed Luna as they left the carriage landing port.
“I hope you do not mind, but I asked Celestia and Blue Blood to join us so they could have a chance to talk to you and get to know you.” Luna stated.
“Really? That’s fine, it would be an honor to dine with them.” Midnight stated with a smile.
The pair soon arrived at the dining hall where Celestia was already seated and waiting for Luna and her date at the head of the table. On her left was a unicorn stallion with a pristine white coat, blonde mane and tail, a light brown four pointed star for a cutie mark and wearing black lapels. “Good evening Midnight, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Celestia greeted with a smile.
Midnight bowed before Celestia. “Good evening your majesty, it’s always a pleasure.” He then turned to the stallion. “Greeting your highness, it’s an honor to meet you.”
The stallion simply cocked an eyebrow. “This is the pony my auntie is dating huh? Hmpf, he’s just a commoner. What could Luna possibly see in him.” He thought to himself.
Luna took a seat across from Blue Blood and Midnight sat next to her. “Now then, shall we begin?” Celestia asked.
“Indeed, I am famished.” The stallion prince stated.
The castle staff soon came out with silver trays holding a delicious looking assortment of fruits and vegetables prepared in different ways to get the full flavor of each dish. They set the food on the table and left. “Dig in every pony.” Celestia said with a smile. She was about to take her first bit when a guard suddenly approached her and started whispering in her ear. “Really? Oh dear.” She turned to Luna. “I’m terribly sorry sister, but it seems something has come up at the worst possible time. I’m afraid I’m going to miss dinner with you and your date.”
Luna let out a pout. “Oh, really?”
Celestia gave a comforting smile. “I’m sorry, but you know how it goes.”
Luna relented. “Yes sister, I know. Go then, take care of whatever problem popped up.”
Celestia then looked to Midnight. “I’m terribly sorry about this Midnight. Perhaps we will have a chance to do this again some time.”
Midnight gave a smile. “It’s quit all right princess, I understand. No need to apologize.”
Celestia gave a bow. “I hope you will enjoy your evening everypony.” Celestia then left. A servant soon came and took Celestia’s plate away.
“What a shame, I was really looking forward to this. At least you’re still here Blue Blood.” Luna stated, looking to the princely stallion across from her.
“Yes, quit.” Was all Blue Blood said. “Can we eat now please, I’m hungry.”
“Of course, let’s enjoy this meal.” Luna said. They then started to eat up. During the meal, Blue Blood was relatively quiet while Luna and Midnight did most of the talking during the meal. A few times, Midnight had made a few jokes that made Luna laugh.
A minute or two passed after Luna’s departure. Blue Blood decided to voice his opinion on Midnight dating his aunt. “So, Midnight Star was it?”
Midnight looked up from his plate to Blue Blood. “Yes?”
At this point, Luna had come back but heard the start of the conversation. Letting curiosity get the better of her, she simply peeked in through the door that was cracked open. The two guards on either side silently rolled their eyes at the princess’s spectacle. She was very curious as to what Blue Blood could possibly have to say to Midnight.
“I must say, I don’t really see what my auntie sees in you, you’re a commoner.” Blue Blood stated simply.
“Excuse me?” Midnight stated as he cocked an eyebrow.
“You heard me, you are just common filth. Not even worthy to date a princess.” Blue Blood turned his nose up.
Midnight gave a light glare. “With all do respect your majesty, I care about Luna. She’s a grown mare and a princess. She is free to date whoever she wants. I feel lucky for at least knowing her, and even luckier that she sees me worthy of dating her.”
Those words made Luna smile again.
Blue Blood looked back to Midnight. “Do you really think this will last? What do you think will happen when a prince comes along to sweep her off her hooves?”
Midnight paused. He thought for a moment, then faced Blue Blood again. “If she does end up dumping me, yes, I will be hurt, but I’ll get over it and be happy for her as long as this prince makes her happy. That is all I care about, her happiness. I love Luna with all my heart and I would do anything for her. So with all do respect, again, perhaps it best you keep your opinions to yourself….your majesty.”
Luna pulled back from the door and raised both hooves to her mouth with a smile. “He really does love me.” She whispered to herself. She had stopped listening at that point and just let those words Midnight said roll around in her head.
“How dare you speak to me like that. You do realize I can have you thrown out of here or put in the dungeons right?” Blue Blood sneered.
“Oh yes, I’m so sure Luna would love to hear how you had her date thrown in the dungeons.” Midnight shot back.
Luna suddenly burst through the doors. “Midnight, did you mean all that?” She asked with a smile.
Midnight and Blue Blood looked to her in surprise. “Princess Luna?” Midnight questioned.
She walked up to him and looked him in the eyes with a smile. “Did you really mean all you said, about how you loved me and would do anything for me?”
“Well, of course but…” Midnight was cut off as Luna suddenly gripped him in a hug.
“Oh Midnight, I’m so happy to hear you say that.” She then pulled back and planted a loving passionate kiss right on Midnight’s lips. Small moans of pleasure escaped between the two as they kissed.
Blue Blood looked away in disgust. “Ugh, please spare me.”
Luna broke the kiss, leaving a goofy smile on Midnight. “Nephew, don’t think I didn’t hear what you said you would do to Midnight.”
Blue Blood looked back to Luna with fear as his ears folded back. “I…that is…well…”
“We’ll talk about this later. For now, let’s try to enjoy the rest of the evening.” Luna stated.
Blue hung his head. “Yes auntie.”
The meal continued on as Luna and Midnight talked more. Blue Blood had elected to keep his muzzle shut lest he incur his aunt’s wrath from saying something against her date.
The evening wore on and it was soon time for Midnight to go back home. “I had a lovely time with you Luna. I look forward to our next date.” Midnight stated.
Luna smiled as she responded. “Me too, Midnight Star. I will be awaiting anxiously for when we meet again.”
“Um, one question though.” Midnight said with a slightly nervous smile. “How am I going to get home without the flying?”
Luna had an answer already. “I shall teleport us to your house. From now on, I will meet you personally and we will teleport to wherever our next date will be. That way, you don’t have to worry about your hooves leaving the ground.”
“That does sound better.” Midnight stated.
“Perfect, then let us be off.” Luna lit up her horn with her aura and, in a flash of magic, they vanished from the castle.
“Are you okay Midnight?” Luna asked with concern.
Midnight gave a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. I definitely like teleporting over flying.”
Luna smiled. “Glad to hear it, then that is how we shall meet from now on.”
“Until next time my love.” Midnight said a bit overdramatically with a bow. He then raised up, took Luna’s hoof in his and kissed it.
Luna couldn’t help but let out a giggle. “Until next time my sweet.” Luna said, keeping up with the theatrics. She lowered her head and planted a kiss on Midnight’s cheek. She gave one last smile before using her magic to disappear and teleport back to the castle.
Midnight turned and walked up to his house. He used his magic to open the door and head inside.
Back at the castle, Luna was happily trotting down the halls to her room. She even threw in a few twirls on her hind hooves once in a while as her joy could hardly be contained. She passed by her sister’s room and decided to pop in and give her the good news. “Sister, I had such a wonderful time tonight.” Luna said after practically throwing the doors open.
Celestia looked up from the desk she was sitting at and looked to her sister in surprise. “Oh, hello Luna, I’m glad to hear it.” She stated with a smile.
Luna practically danced her way into Celestia’s room and over to her. “Oh, you should have heard what he said when Blue Blood tried to point out how Midnight wasn’t good enough for me all because he wasn’t a prince. Midnight said he would do anything for me and that he loved me, and that all he cared about was my happiness.”
Celestia’s smile grew a little more. “I’m pleased to hear that, though it seems we may need to have a talk with Blue Blood about this.”
Luna snapped out of her joy only for a moment. “Huh, oh yes, him. Well don’t worry about it.” She shrugged off the issue and went back to her mirth. “I’m off to bed now sister, I wish you a pleasant night.”
“Good night Luna, sweet dreams.” Celestia said to her sister. Once Luna was gone, Celestia blew out the candle on her desk, then removed her crown, necklace and shoes, and made her way to her bed where she laid down, got comfortable and drifted off to sleep.
Luna entered her room and removed her dress, placing it back in her closet. She then removed her crown, necklace, and shoes, and made her way to bed. She plopped down on it in joy. “Oh Midnight, you have made me so happy. I just know we can spend the rest of our lives together….forever.” That word made her pause. Her eyes opened and she sat up. Her smile had disappeared and was replaced with a frown. “Forever.” She repeated again. “Oh Luna, you fool, how could you forget something like that?” She laid back down and made herself as comfortable as possible on her bed. A single tear escaped her eye.
Chapter Six: The Immortal Star?
A couple days had gone by since Midnight Star and princess Luna had their second date. Luna had seemed less enthusiastic and energetic then her usual self. Celestia had confronted Luna about this but Luna just shrugged off her sister’s concern. Luna was making her way through the halls of the castle as she thought about the realization she came to after the date. She and her sister were immortal, but Midnight Star, like every other pony, was not. “What to do? I love midnight, and he loves me. Could I really go on without him? How could a relationship work between us?” It was then she finally made a decision. Her eyes narrowed in determination and made her way to her sister’s room.
Once she reached it, her look of determination had wavered, but the determination itself was still there. While she and her sister held a close bond, Celestia was still the elder sister and, after what had happened between them since Luna’s banishment and return, she still held a little fear of her sister, despite Celestia repeatedly saying that she did not blame Luna for what happened but herself. She steeled herself again and used her magic to open the door. She took a tentative step first, then another, and another. She soon found herself standing before Celestia as she sat at a desk going over some scrolls.
Luna started by clearing her throat to get her older sister’s attention. “*Ahem* excuse me sister, might I speak with you?”
Celestia removed her gaze from the scrolls before her and turned to her little sister with a warm smile. “Of course Luna, I’m glad to see you out and about again.” She gave a sympathetic smile. “Sister, what has been troubling you these past days, I am worried about you.”
Luna found some comfort in her sister’s smile and words, but was still fearful of how she would react upon hearing what Luna had in mind. She looked to the side in thought first, starting to second guess this decision. She reminded herself as to why she came to that decision in the first place. She was doing this to be with the love of her life. She looked back and began, her mind made up. “Sister, I was wondering. You know how much I love Midnight don’t you?” She asked.
“Of course.” Celestia said, keeping her smile.
“Well…I was wondering if….maybe…..we could make him an immortal alicorn like us.”
Almost instantly, Celestia’s smile vanished and was replaced with a frown. “Luna, you know we can’t do that.”
“Why not?” Luna asked.
“It is not our place to mess with the natural order of life and death.” Celestia answered seriously.
Luna’s eyes narrowed. “What about Cadence? You made her an alicorn. And don’t think I don’t know your plans for Twilight. You want to make her a princess too once she passes your tests.”
“Yes, I made them alicorns, but they are not immortal like us. They will age in time and pass on, like every other pony.” Celestia’s voice dropped a bit as she said those words.
“Sister, I love him, I can’t imagine facing eternity without him.” Luna stated sadly. “Surely you can understand. What about the one you loved. Wasn’t it painful to watch as he aged and died while you lived on?”
Celestia hung her head to the side. “It was, and it hurt.”
“And you want me to go through the same thing you did?” Luna asked. “You may have been able to handle it, but I can’t. Please sister, don’t let me go through the same pain as you.”
Celestia looked back to Luna with a serious expression. “I’m sorry Luna, but this is how it must be.” She gave a sympathetic look and placed a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “Sister, I know it will be painful, but I will be there for you to help you through the pain when he passes. We cannot interfere with the life cycle of mortals, it is wrong and could drastically upset the balance.”
Luna’s eyes were wet with tears. “But it’s just one pony!” She argued, with angry tearful eyes. “I love him, I can’t bear to watch him wither away while I live on!” Her look then became melancholy. “Please sister, don’t make me face eternity without him.” She hung her head and openly sobbed.
Celestia took Luna in a hug. She draped her head over Luna’s shoulder as a few tears threatened to escape her eyes as well. She couldn’t stand to see her sister like this. “Luna, please try to understand. We can’t meddle with the cycle of life and death. I know you love him, and I can understand how you feel, but….”
Her sentence was cut off as Luna pushed her sister away. Celestia looked at her sister in shock. Luna was glaring at her through her tears. “Then help me! Make Midnight Star immortal like us so we can be together!” Luna declared.
“I’m sorry Luna, but such a thing is forbidden. You know that.” Celestia said somberly.
Luna gave one last glare before her face fell. She quickly turned and ran out the room with tears streaming down her face, crying out the whole way to her room. Once she reached her room, she flung her doors open with her magic and galloped in, slamming the doors behind her. She jumped onto her bed and buried her head in her pillow, her cries muffled by it.
“Oh dear sister, I’m so sorry.” Celestia said after her sister had run off. She hung her head as a few tears escaped. She felt Luna’s pain once before, so she knew what Luna would be going through.
One thousand years ago:
Celestia stood over the bed of an old unicorn lying down. They held hooves as they looked at each other. “Celestia my love, do not weep for me. I am going to a better place now.” The old stallion said with a warm smile.
“Please Starswirl, let me make you immortal. We can be together forever.” Celestia said as tears streamed from her eyes. Starswirl raised his other hoof and placed it on Celestia’s cheek. “My dear, you cannot do that. It is a forbidden law for you and your sister. I will not ask you to do such a thing. You told me so yourself before, remember?” Starswirl said.
“I….I do.” Celestia said as she closed her eyes and leaned her head more into Starswirl’s hoof.
“Celestia, I know it will be hard, but you must live on, the ponies need you. You and your sister are their princess, they need you more than I. Live your life and find happiness. You will get over the pain in time. With such a long lifespan, I’m sure you’ll find another to love.”
“Don’t say that!” Celestia declared as she looked at Starswirl. “How could I ever find another stallion like you?”
“You just have to look.” Starswirl’s hoof slowly moved away from Celestia’s face. “My time has come. Be brave princess. I know you’ll be happy.” His eyes slowly started to close.
“No, please Starswirl, don’t leave me!” Celestia cried.
“Goodbye….my love.” His eyes closed and his breath stopped.
“Starswirl?” Celestia asked weakly. “Starswirl…..STARSWIRL!” She cried out. Tears flowed from her eyes as she cried out over the body of her love. She was never to feel his warmth or touch, never feel his lips upon hers, nor gaze into his eyes that always looked upon her as not a princess, but a mare he fell in love with.
Present day:
“I never did find another stallion to love Starswirl. I suppose after all this time, I should try. For now, my sister needs me.” Celestia raised her head and went back to her work. She figured that, right now, her sister needed time to calm down before she would try to talk to her again.
Later that afternoon, Celestia was a little worried Luna would still be too upset to perform her duties as the moon princess and raise the moon for the night. She had just brought the sun down and was somewhat relieved to see Luna on her balcony, bringing forth the moon. She gave a small smile. She left her balcony and made her way to Luna’s room to speak with her.
Upon her arrival, she first knocked on the door. “Luna, it’s me, I’ve come to talk to you if I may.” Silence was her answer. “Luna, I know your upset about Midnight, but as I said, this is something that cannot be changed. I know the pain you’re going through, I will be by your side to help you through it when the day comes that Midnight passes away.” Celestia waited a moment for a response. None came. It was quiet, perhaps too quiet in there. No sniffling, no crying, no weeping, no sound of covers shifting, nothing. “Luna? Are you in there?” Celestia asked. She used her magic to open the door and looked in. “Luna?” The room was empty, not a sign of Luna anywhere. “Luna? Where are you?!” Celestia called in a near panic. “Luna!” No response. “By the eternal heard, please tell me she isn’t going to do what I think.”
Ponyville was getting ready for the night as the sun had set and the moon started to rise in the sky, the darkness of it being decorated by small points of light that shone brightly. Midnight Star and Sombra were just getting ready for bed when there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it dad, you just go on to bed.” Midnight said. The two were in the living room when the knock came. Since the time of Midnight’s second date with Luna, he and Sombra had pulled their bits together to get a second bed for Sombra to use instead of sleeping on the couch.
“All right son, see you in the morning.” Sombra said as he made his way upstairs to the bedroom.
Midnight Star walked up to the door and used his magic to open it. “Hello?” He was surprised to see an alicorn princess before him. “Princess Luna? What are you doing here? Not that I’m not glad to see you.”
She was wearing a weak smile on her face as she greeted. “Hello Midnight, I’m sorry to intrude on you so late, but there is something I need to speak with you about. May I come in?”
“Of course, come on in.” He stepped aside to let Luna in.
She walked in and took a seat on the couch. “My, you have a nice home Midnight, this is the first time I’ve seen the inside of it.”
Midnight took a seat next to her. “Thanks, it took quite a bit of work to get the stuff to make it the way I wanted. So what do you need to talk to me about?”
She rubbed her forelegs together nervously. “I was wondering if….you would be willing….to let me make you…an immortal like me and my sister.”
An awkward silence filled the room for a minute. It felt like an eternity to her before Midnight finally responded. “I’m sorry….what did you just ask?” Midnight couldn’t believe what he may have just heard.
“I said….I want to make you an immortal like me. That way, we can be together forever.” Luna said again.
“Luna….I…that is….” Midnight Star was speechless. “You….what your offering me….this is a big deal. Live forever? I….I don’t know.”
Luna took Midnight’s hoof in hers. “Please Midnight, I love you, I just can’t face an eternity without you. Say you’ll do this, please.”
“I…I don’t know if I can. I mean, I need time to think this over Luna.” Midnight responded as he looked at Luna.
“Please Midnight, time isn’t something we have.” Luna said, almost desperately.
“Why not? What’s the rush Luna?” Midnight asked, looking of a mix with worry and confusion.
“I cannot say, just tell me, yes or no.”
“Luna….I….” His words were interrupted by a brilliant flash in the center of the room.
Princess Celestia stood before them, she looked down upon the two with a displeased expression. “Luna, what are you doing?” Her look softened. “Please Luna, let us talk about this.”
Luna glared at Celestia. “There is nothing to talk about. You want me to suffer the same way you did when you lost your love. I will not let that happen.”
“That’s not true Luna, there are still things in this world you don’t understand. We cannot simply give immortality to a mortal.” Celestia argued.
“I will not lose him. I love him, and I will do whatever it takes to keep him by my side!” Luna declared.
“Um….excuse me.” Midnight tried to say something but Celestia cut her off.
“Luna, please listen to me.” Celestia begged.
“NO! I won’t listen to you. All my life, I’ve played the obedient good little sister. I love you Celestia, I do, but I think it’s time I did something for myself. You think I don’t know the spell to make one immortal? I found it, I researched it and I know how to perform it on my own.”
“NO, you cannot do that, there are consequences for it, if you use that spell…..” Celestia tried to say looking fearful before Luna cut her off.
“I will not be alone, I love him, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him with me for all eternity!” As she said these words, Luna prepared a teleportation spell and had her horn light up with her dark blue aura. After she finished her sentence, both her and Midnight vanished.
“NO!” Celestia cried out. She quickly activated her magic and teleported away back to the castle, thinking that is where she went.
Celestia reappeared in the throne room. “GUARDS!” She called out.
Two stallion guards galloped in and up to Celestia. “Yes your majesty.” One of them responded.
“Search the castle, get every guard to search all over the castle for Luna and Midnight Star, we must find them quickly.” Celestia ordered.
“Right away your highness.” The other guard said. The two bowed and galloped off to follow their orders.
Celestia flew out of the throne room to begin her own search. “Luna, where are you?” She asked herself.
The Star’s Sacrifice
In a flash of blue magic, Luna and Midnight Star appeared in a dimly lit room with a few shelves of books lining the stone walls. Midnight shook his head from the teleport. “L-Luna, what is going on? What’s gotten into you?” Midnight asked.
Luna looked to Midnight with a saddened expression. “Midnight, I cannot bear to watch you wither away in time as I live on, I cannot face eternity without you. Please try to understand. I don’t want to be alone anymore.” She looked to the side as she hung her head.
Midnight walked up to her and used a hoof to make her look at him. “But you’re not alone Luna. What about your sister?”
“I am glad to be with her, but she provides a different kind of comfort. The kind I am wanting cannot come from family. Don’t you see Midnight? I….I just want to be loved.”
“You are loved Luna, weren’t you welcomed back by the ponies of Equestria when you were released from your confinement?” Midnight argued.
“Some have welcomed me and accepted me yes, but there are still those that see me as Nightmare Moon. I need this Midnight, please don’t deny me this.” Luna begged.
“What about these consequences your sister mentioned? What did she mean by that?” Midnight gave a worried look.
“She was just trying to scare me, please Midnight Star, let me make you immortal so we can be together forever.” Luna pleaded.
As Midnight Star gazed into Luna’s eyes, he could see the desperation and pain she was feeling. “Luna….could I really accept living forever? What about my dad? Well….he’ll pass away one day anyways, but still. Then again, I….I don’t want to hurt Luna’s feelings. I love her.” Those thought struck a cord in his heart. “I love her.” He thought again.
Luna looked on in worry at Midnight as he seemed deep in thought.
“….All right Luna, I’ll do it, I’ll let you make me immortal so we can be together.” Midnight finally answered.
Luna gave a smile. “Thank you Midnight.”
“Is there anything I need to do? Where are we anyway?”
“No, you need not do anything. This room is where we keep some of the more powerful spells. There is an enchantment on the room so only an alicorn can enter. The only way for an ordinary pony to enter is with an alicorn.” Luna explained.
“So what now?” Midnight asked.
“Just stand still and I will initiate the spell.” Luna closed her eyes and lit up her horn. Light blue lines began to appear and looked as if they were being drawn on the floor by an invisible force around Midnight. One by one, they connected to one another and eventualy formed a pentagram with two circles around it. One circle enveloping another with strange symbols between the circles. The lines grew brighter and a kind of dome formed around Midnight. It was see through but still had a light blue tinge to it.
“Luna, is that supposed to happen?” Midnight asked with worry as he saw a shadow form under him that pulsated and moved.
Luna opened her eyes and saw what he was talking about. “What? Wh-what is that, that was not part of the spell?” She said.
Midnight looked back to Luna with more worry. “You did read the whole spell didn’t you?”
“I’m sure I did.” Luna answered back.
The shadow moved from under Midnight to behind him and grew in size, as did the pentagram. Luna was forced to step back away from the circle that grew. Midnight stepped back from his position away from the shadow. Midnight was stopped by the wall of the dome. The shadow rose from the ground and appeared to become solid. A bony muzzle emerged from the shadowy form. The shadow seemed to become like a cloak, the bottom of it appeared gaseous. A pair of red glowing eyes were seen from the darkness of the newly formed hood.
“Luna?” Midnight said with fear and dread. “What is that thing?”
“I-I don’t know.” Luna answered back, equally afraid.
“A pact to be made. For immortality, you must make a trade.” The thing spoke with a dark demonic like voice.
“Wh-wh-who are you?” Midnight asked.
“I am death, master of life, to the living, I am strife.” The cloaked figure answered.
“It can’t be….the grim reaper. It is death itself.” Luna said. Her face had contorted to one of horror. “What are you doing here?” She asked.
“A pact you wish to make, summoned me you have. So now before you, here I stand.” The dark one explained.
“But…I used a spell to grant immortality.” Luna reasoned.
“Immortality is not one to give, I am the one to decide if for eternity one will live.”
Midnight Star was too shaken up to say anything as he trembled before this creature of death. The mere presence of him gave off a feeling of hopelessness and dread. The air smelled of death itself as well.
Luna’s expression changed to curiosity. “So….you can make Midnight Star immortal?”
“A pact to be made, for immortality you must make a trade.” The creature repeated his first line since appearing.
“A…a trade? What kind of trade?” Midnight managed to ask out.
Death turned his eerie stare on Midnight which caused him to shrink back. “Immortality must be taken in order for it to be given.”
“Taken….but only my sister and I are immortal. Are you saying one of us must give up our immortality in order to make one immortal?” Luna asked.
The dark being turned it’s red eyes back to Luna. “That is the deal, that is the pact, it must be made, this is a fact.”
Luna hung her head and closed her eyes. “I see…this must be the consequences my sister tried to warn me about.” Luna looked back up. “Then….then I want to cancel the spell, I will not sacrifice mine or my sister’s immortality!” She declared.
The shadowy figures red eyes grew brighter. “You have summoned me, I cannot go, not until the pact is made, I did not come here for a show.”
It was then that Celestia burst in through a door off to the side. “Luna! Where are…..” Celestia paused as she looked over to the scene and saw Luna standing just outside a dome of magic made by a glowing pentagram on the floor. Midnight star near the edge of the dome facing down a large dark figure with red glowing eyes. “No….sister what have you done?!” Celestia cried out.
Luna looked to Celestia with fear. “Sister, I….I’m sorry I….”
Her words were cut off as Death suddenly stood taller. Bony hooves were seen now coming from the bottom of the cloak. A bony had reached out towards Celestia. A white glow enveloped Celestia as she started to cry out in pain. “AAAAAAHHHHHH!” The light began draining from her to the bony hand of death and started forming an orb.
“SISTER!” Luna cried out. She turned to Death and banged her hooves on the dome. “STOP IT! PLEASE! I beg of you don’t do this!”
Death ignored the please as he continued to drain Celestia of her immortality. The draining soon stopped, Celestia fell to the floor on her side. Luna rushed over to her sister and held her head in her hooves. “Luna….” Celestia weakly said as she raised a hoof. Her mane and tail had lost all color and no longer flowed as it once did.
“Sister, what have I done? I’m so sorry, I….I didn’t know this would…..I should have listened to you.” Tears escaped Luna’s eyes.
Midnight was speechless. He could only watch in horror as Celestia was drained of her immortality and left helpless. He looked back up at Death. “Don’t do this, I don’t want immortality anymore, not if it means having to take it from somepony else, give it back!” He declared, having found his voice.
Death looked down upon him as he held a glowing white orb. “You are not the one that made this start, you are to merely play your part.” The dark figured brought out another bony hand and raised the orb above his head. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, upon you immortality, I now thrust!”
“WAIT, I OFFER YOU MY SOUL!” Midnight cried out. This declaration caused the dark reaper of souls to pause.
Luna looked up from her sister to Midnight. “Midnight?”
“I offer you my soul, in exchange for returning Celestia’s immortality!” Midnight declared.
Death lowered the magic orb to his chest and lowered himself a bit so his cloak touched the ground again. “You offer yourself for another’s soul? Such a sacrifice, I can condole.”
“Midnight NO!” Luna cried out. She carefully placed her sister’s head down and galloped up to the dome, she placed her hooves to it as she looked at Midnight. “Please Midnight, you can’t!”
Midnight Star looked to Luna with a smile. “I’m sorry Luna, but I have to do this. You didn’t know this was going to happen. Equestria needs Celestia more than it needs me.”
“But I need you, I love you Midnight.” Luna argued as tears escaped.
“I know you do, and I love you, that’s why I’m doing this. Not just because Equestria needs Celestia, like it needs you, but because you need her, and she needs you. I know it will be hard, but please try to move on. You deserve happiness.”
“I can be happy with you, please Midnight…..I….” Luna was sobbing openly.
Midnight walked up to the edge of the dome and placed a hoof on it. “Luna, I’m doing this because I love you, and I don’t want to see you cry over your sister. Do you really want to face eternity without her?”
“I….I…no…I can’t….I don’t want to imagine what it would be like without her….but Midnight…” Luna tried to argue.
“I know Luna, but like I said, both you and Equestria need her more than you need me.” Midnight turned to face Death. “I’m ready, return Celestia’s immortality, and take my soul.”
“Such a noble act, I have never seen. Immortality, I will redeem.” Death spread his bony hands apart and send the orb flying back out of the dome. It hovered over to Celestia and entered her body. She began to glow white for a moment before her mane and tail were returned to their former glory.
Celestia slowly stood up and placed a hoof to her head.
“Sister!” Luna cried out as she galloped over to Celestia. She nearly tackled her elder sister in a hug. “I’m so sorry sister, I should have listened to you!”
Celestia hugged back as she nuzzled Luna. “It’s all right Luna, I forgive you. I’m sorry I wasn’t more understanding. I should have spoken to you more about all this.”
“Sister.” Luna buried her head in her sister’s barrel.
After a moment, the two looked over to the dome. They walked over to it to address Midnight. “Midnight Star, thank you for your sacrifice.”
“I’m sorry about all this princess, this is partly my fault for agreeing to letting Luna making me immortal.” Midnight responded.
Midnight gave a nod to Celestia. He turned to face Death again. “I’m ready.”
“The pact that was made has been undone, this night your life you have won.”
“What? Wait….you mean…” Midnight stuttered out.
“The sacrifice you were willing to make, your life now I cannot take.”
Midnight cocked an eyebrow in confusion. He still wasn’t sure he understood.
Death saw the confusion and actually seemed to roll his eyes. “Look, you get to live, all right? Luna cast a spell to make you immortal. Immortality has to be taken from another so it can be given to somepony else. Since you were the one that was going to be made immortal, you’re willing to give your life up for Celestia’s sake cancelled the pact. I gave Celestia her immortality back and you get to live. Get it now?” Death explained irritably. “Sheesh, try to be all threatening and speak in rhyme, and what do I get? I got souls to reap so if there isn’t anything else, I’m outta here.” In a brilliant flash of lightning, the grim reaper and the pentagram vanished.
The three were left stunned at what just happened. It was about two minutes before Midnight finally broke the silence. “Well….that was…..interesting.” Was all he had to say.
Once everypony collected their thoughts, they were able to converse normally. Luna looked up to her sister first. “Sister, I am so sorry for not listening to you. Because of me, you almost died. Can you ever forgive me?” Luna hung her head.
Celestia raised Luna’s head with a hoof and gave her a smile. “It’s all right Luna, I forgive you. Like I said, I should have spoken to you more and been a better sister to support you.” Luna gave a smile of her own. The two shared a hug then. After they broke their hug, they turned their attention to Midnight. “Midnight Star, I can’t thank you enough for the sacrifice you were willing to make for me and all of Equestria.”
Midnight gave a bow to Celestia. “I’m just glad everything turned out okay and things are pretty much back to normal. I think it best we just put all this behind us and forget it.”
“Agreed.” Celestia gave a nod.
Luna approached Midnight star. “Midnight, I’m also sorry for putting you in such a position. I let my emotions get the better of me again like when I became Nightmare moon. Not only did my sister suffer for my actions, but I could have lost you as well.”
Midnight gave a smile. He leaned his head closer and kissed Luna on the cheek. “Like I said, I’m just glad we can put all this behind us and move on.”
Luna smiled from the kiss. “Luna, there is still a way to make Midnight immortal, if the two of you are still wanting to do that.” Celestia suddenly said.
Both Luna and Midnight looked at Celestia with curious expressions. “What? How? Sister, don’t tell me you’re actually wanting to give up your immortality?” Luna said.
Celestia giggled. “No, of course not. What I mean is that there is a way we can make Midnight immortal without having to give up immortality.”
“But….what about what death said?” Midnight asked. “He said that immortality had to be taken in order for another to be made immortal.”
“According to the spell Luna used, yes.” Celestia corrected.
The two continued with their confused looks.
“Luna, the spell you used was from a spell book with dark magics in it.” Celestia pointed out.
“It…it was?” Luna asked.
“Didn’t you even bother to read the title of the book or look through the entire spell?” Celestia asked with a smirk.
Luna gave a blush of embarrassment. “I…may have only….skimmed it.” She admitted.
Celestia rolled her eyes. “There is a spell to grant immortality without one having to sacrifice theirs. To be honest, I thought that was the spell you were going to use Luna. And….I may have made the consequences of the spell sound more serious than what it actually was.” It was Celestia’s turn to look a little embarrassed.
“Okay, so what are the consequences of this other spell you’re talking about?” Midnight asked.
“A sore horn for a few weeks.” Celestia admitted.
Midnight facehoofed.
“Celestia?” Luna asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Well I didn’t think it was a dark spell you were talking about when you said you found a spell to make Midnight immortal.” Celestia admitted quickly. She cleared her throat. “*Ahem* In any case, let’s get back to the matter at hoof. Midnight, do you still wish to be made immortal so you can stay with my sister forever?”
Midnight put a hoof to his chin in thought as he looked up. He glanced at Luna with a smile. “Well…..sure, why not? I do love her, and I would do anything for her to make her happy. So yes, I am willing to be made immortal.”
Luna suddenly cut in. “But wait, sister, what about that other stuff you said about this being forbidden or something? About how it isn’t our place to meddle in the cycle of life with mortals?”
Celestia gave an embarrassed smile as she looked to the side with a blush. “I….may have exaggerated a bit there too. It won’t really be that big a deal if it’s just one pony.”
Luna gave a light glare at Celestia. “Sister, how could you?”
“Luna, I swear I will make it up to you somehow. For now, let me do this for you and make Midnight an immortal like us so you two can be together.”
Luna gave a sigh. “Very well.”
Celestia turned back to Midnight star. “Are you ready?”
Midnight gave a nod. “I’m ready.”
Celestia closed her eyes and lit up her horn with her yellow aura. Midnight’s body was soon enveloped in the same glow. He started to levitated off the ground a few feet, the glow grew brighter and brighter. Luna raised a hoof and closed an eye. Midnight body was soon encased in an orb of light. The magic swirled around him violently. The magic soon erupted in a brilliant flash that blinded Luna.
Once her vision returned, Luna looked to see Celestia lying on the ground panting. “Celestia, are you all right?” She asked as she helped her sister up.
“I’m fine, though my horn will be sore for a while.” Celestia winced a little from the pain she felt in her horn.
“Whoa, what the…” Midnight’s voice was heard.
The two sister’s looked to Midnight to see him inspecting a new pair of wings he had. “Midnight Star?” Luna addressed.
“Oh, I…guess I forgot about the wings thing. Part of the package I take it?” He asked.
“Yes, you are now an immortal alicorn like myself and Luna.” Celestia answered.
“Well….this is going to take some getting used to.” Midnight stated. “Just wait till dad sees me like this. Um….I’m not going to have to learn to fly am I?” He asked.
Luna couldn’t help but let out a giggle. “Don’t worry Midnight, I’ll help you learn and be with you every step of the way.”
“Great.” Midnight responded with a strained smile.
Author's Note
Okay, so I felt I just had to try and add a bit of humor near the end there. I hope you all enjoyed that. Just let me know what you thought as it was my attempt at humor. There’s still a bit more to go before this fic is over.
The Star’s New Light
It had been a couple days now since Celestia turned Midnight Star into an alicorn for Luna’s sake so the two could be together. Midnight wanted to get used to his new form before trying to learn how to fly. Needless to say he was nervous about that. Plus, he would have to start learning how to control his new found alicorn powers. It wouldn’t require much since he was already pretty familiar with magic because of him being a unicorn before. Everyday, ever since receiving it, Midnight wore the necklace Luna gave him as a sign of him dating her, a small silver chain holding a light blue six pointed star with a small crescent moon at the center.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends were all surprised to find out Midnight Star was now sporting a set of wings and Pinkie decided to throw a big party to celebrate his transformation. Sombra was equally surprised when he came down one morning and saw his son had a pair of wings now. During the party, Rainbow offered to help Luna with coaching Midnight on how to fly and both said yes to the idea.
“Right, just watch me do a few wing stretches and then you do the same, all right?” Rainbow said.
Midnight nodded. “Okay, I’ll keep a close eye on you.”
Rainbow began demonstrating by first spreading her wings and bringing them back in. Next, while keeping them spread out, she began rotating them around, then flapped them up and down. “Now you try. Get a good feel for how they move and flex.”
“Okay, no problem.” Midnight stated. He looked to his sides at his wings and tried to will them open. He could feel the muscles there but was having a little trouble getting them to move at first. After a bit of work and concentrating, Midnight managed to spread them out and began flexing them in and out until it felt more natural. “Okay, got that down.” He went through the rest of the exercises with a bit of difficulty but managed to get through them till he had a good feel for his new wings and confident he’d be able to use them without too much trouble.
“You are doing very good Midnight.” Luna encouraged.
Midnight smiled in response. “Thanks, so what next?”
“Now we start with the flying lessons.” Rainbow declared.
Midnight gave a nervous gulp. “I was afraid of that.”
Luna came up to Midnight’s side and placed a wing over his back then nuzzled his cheek. “Don’t worry Midnight, we’ll both make sure you have this down before letting you get too high and I’ll be close by to make sure nothing serious happens to you, all right?”
Midnight smiled at the nuzzling and nuzzled back. “All right, I’m ready for this.”
After a bit more coaching, Midnight was finally ready to try and hover off the ground. Midnight closed his eyes and began flapping his wings as Rainbow and Luna instructed. “Midnight, open your eyes, you’re doing fine.” Rainbow cheered.
“You sure?” Midnight asked nervously.
“Yes, Midnight, you’re doing just fine.” Luna added.
Midnight opened one eye to look and saw he was a couple feet off theground. “AH!” He yelped and stopped flapping before plummeting to the ground. Luna caught him with her magic before he hit the ground and set him down gently.
Rainbow sighed. “Midnight, you were doing fine, what happened?”
“I saw my hooves off the ground and freaked out.” Midnight answered with a shaky tone. “Sorry, I just need some time to get over my fear. I’m sure this flying will help.”
“It is all right Midnight, these things take time after all.” Luna said in a comforting tone.
“I want to try again.” Midnight stated. There was no hesitation in his words.
The lessons continued on till he was finally able to get off the ground with his eyes open. Eventually, he could hover around, then actually flying, and finally, going higher and up into the clouds. This would be the first time he’s ever set hoof on a cloud. It was a great experience for him as he actually had fun with Luna and Rainbow among them. They actually goofed around and played for a while. It helped Midnight a lot with getting over his fears.
Eventually, they came back down and Midnight smiled the whole time. “Girls, I can’t thank you enough, I actually had fun being up high. I never thought that would happen.”
“Glad you enjoyed yourself.” Rainbow said.
“You were marvelous Midnight Star.” Luna moved in on Midnight so the two could share a kiss.
Later in the day, Midnight returned home after bidding Luna and Rainbow a farewell. Rainbow had other things to do and Luna needed to return to the castle. He approached his front door just in time to hear a voice yell out. “YES! I WILL!” It sounded like Cheerilee and she sounded happy.
Midnight opened the door and entered in time to see Cheerliee hugging Sombra tightly and she had a diamond hoof ring on her left hoof. “Dad, what’s going on here?”
“Midnight, there you are.” Sombra said with a smile.
“Midnight, hello, you’ll never guess what just happened.” Cheerilee said with an equally big smile.
Midnight noticed the hoof ring again as Cheerilee held it out. He just gave a smirk and answered. “Let me see, I’m going to guess that Sombra proposed and you said yes, am I right?”
“How’d you know?” Cheerilee asked.
“Lucky guess.” Midnight responded.
“Isn’t this great son?” Sombra asked. “Me and Cheerilee are tying the knot, and I want you to be my best stallion for the wedding.”
“I’d love to dad, and congratulations.” Midnight replied.
Cheerilee went up to Night and took him in a crushing hug. “You are such a nice stallion, Midnight. Just think, I’m going to be your new mother in law.”
Midnight gave a strained smile. “Yeah, glad….to hear it. Could you let me go now, I can’t breath.”
“Oh, sorry.” Cheerilee gave a sheepish smile as she released Midnight.
“Man, you earth ponies sure are strong.” Midnight commented.
Sombra walked up to Midnight next. “So son, when are you going to propose to Luna? I think you’ve waited long enough and you two have been getting along wonderfully.”
“I…never thought about it yet really. You think I should?” Midnight asked.
“I think so.” Cheerilee interjected. “You’re very lucky to be dating a princess.”
Midnight Star grew a smile. “All right then, I will. But it has to be perfect for when I propose. I want everything to be just right and very romantic to show how much I care.”
Sombra brought Midnight into a hug. “That’s my boy. I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”
Later in the day, Midnight had one thing in mind what to do. For that, he needed to go see Twilight. Midnight first gathered his saddle bags and placed a bag of bits in it, then went to the library and saw Twilight reading a book at a stand. “Hey there Twilight, you got a minute.” Spike was off to the side organizing a few books.
Twilight looked over her shoulder and gave a smile. “Hello Midnight. Sure, I can spare a minute, what’s up?”
Midnight stepped closer to Twilight. “I need a favor. Could I ask you to send a letter to princess Celestia for me through Spike?”
“Sure, but what’s this about if I may ask?” Twilight gave a curious look.
Midnight looked to the side and blushed. “Well, I need to ask Celestia something but I don’t want Luna to know about it as it’s going to be a surprise.”
“Ooh, a surprise huh?” Twilight asked teasingly. “What is it?”
This time, Midnight looked to Twilight with confidence. “I’m going to ask Luna to marry me but I need to know her horn size so I can pick out a horn ring.”
A clattering of books was heard of to the side. “You’re gonna what?!” Spike asked in surprise.
Twilight gave a drawn out gasp with a wide open mouth smile. “Oh wow, really? That’s great Midnight, I just know she’ll say yes.”
Midnight chuckled. “Thanks, I hope so anyway.”
“You can count on us to help then.” Spike said as he came over.
“Spike, take a letter please.” Twilight said.
Spike wasted no time and took out a parchment and quill. “Ready when you are.”
Midnight started. “Dear princess Celestia, this is Midnight. I wish to ask you two things but I would like to do it in person. The reason I’m sending this to you through spike is I don’t want Luna to know about this as I have a little surprise planned for her. Please let me know when we can meet where Luna won’t know about it.”
Spike finished writing the letter then set it ablaze with his fire. “And done.”
“Thank you Spike.” Midnight said.
Spike gave a little bow. “My pleasure.”
Not long after, a reply came as Spike belched out a scroll. Midnight picked it up and began reading it. “Dear Midnight, you may come now if you like as Luna is busy with royal affairs at the moment. I am curious what this surprise is. Looking forward to your visit.” He looked up from the scroll. “Guess I’m going to Canterlot then. Thanks for your help Twilight, Spike.”
“No problem Midnight.” Twilight said.
“Good luck with your plans.” Spike added.
“Thanks guys, see ya later.” Midnight made his way out. He thought about taking the train but decided to make use of his new wings and figured that would be faster. He spread them out and took to the air. “Woo hoo! Oh yeah, I am definitely liking this!” Midnight cheered as he soared through the sky towards Canterlot and did a few flips and spins along the way.
Midnight soon approached the castle and came to a landing. The guards let him pass with no trouble and he made his way to the throne room hoping to find Celestia there. Thankfully, she was. Celestia was sitting on her throne and was going through some scrolls with her assistant close by. She was an earth pony mare wearing glasses, a white coat, and black mane and tail. Her cutie mark was of an ink pot with a quill in it. “Princess, Midnight Star is here to see you.”
Celestia looked from the parchment she held in her magic to her assistant, then to where Midnight was approaching. “Ah, Midnight, there you are. So, what was it you wanted to talk about?” She set the scroll and quill aside.
Midnight bowed respectfully before answering. “Princess Celestia, thank you for taking the time to meet with me.” He rose from his bow. “I want to do this right so….I came here to ask for your permission to ask for your sister’s hoof in marriage.”
Celestia gave a look of surprise at first, as did the assistant. Celestia smiled soon. “Midnight, you don’t have to ask for my permission for something like this. But by doing so, it shows how much you care about her and love her. You have my blessing Midnight Star.”
“Thank you princess. Now, the other thing I wanted to ask was for your sister’s horn size. I want to make sure the horn ring I get for her fits just right.”
Celestia brought up a blank sheet of paper and wrote down a couple numbers. “Here you go. This is the measurement you’ll need.”
“I wish you the best of luck.” Celestia said and bowed her head.
Midnight bowed in return and turned to leave. After exiting the castle, he decided to look around Canterlot to find a jeweler for the perfect gem for Luna. It didn’t take him long to find a shop and walked in. He went up to the counter and greeted the mare in charge. “Good day mam.”
The mare in question looked to Midnight and took notice of his necklace. “Ah, you are the stallion dating princess Luna, yes?”
Midnight was a little taken back by this but responded. “Um, yes, I am. I came in to find something special for Luna.”
“Well you’ve come to the right place, what can I help you with?” The unicorn mare responded with a smile. “I’m Ruby by the way.” The mare had a ruby red coat with a dark red mane and tail. Her cutie mark was hidden by the pink and white dress she was wearing.
“Nice to meet you miss Ruby.” Midnight greeted. “Now, I want a gem that seems personalized for Luna, I’m thinking….a light blue gem and would it be possible to have a depiction of the moon on the inside?”
“But of course, that will be no trouble at all. Let me show you the selection of gems we have that might suit what you want.” Ruby pulled out a small display case with many gems of different shades of blue. “Take your pick.”
Midnight looked them over. “Wow, they all look so pretty, that makes it hard to choose one.” After some thought, he decided to go with a dark blue gem instead. Further thought got him thinking of how it might be better. “Miss Ruby, I decided to go with that dark blue gem at the end, and instead of having a depiction of the moon inside, I would like the gem itself in the shape of a crescent moon. Would that be all right?”
“Of course, I think that sounds much better. Just come by tomorrow and it will be ready for you.” Ruby said.
“Great, how much do I owe you?” Midnight levitated out his bag of bits.
“Five hundred bits please.” Ruby responded without hesitation.
Midnight nearly dropped his bit bag in shock. “Five hundred?! Oh wow. I figured it might be expensive but….”
Ruby frowned. “Do you not have the bits?”
Midnight shook his head. “I have enough. Also, I have the measurements for the ring here.” He levitated out the paper Celestia gave him. Then took out five hundred bits. “There you go.”
Ruby gave a smile. “Thank you for your business. See you tomorrow.”
Midnight departed the store and headed on home. “Five hundred, wow. But it’s worth it if it’ll make Luna smile. I’d do anything to make her happy.” With that, Midnight spread his wings and flew back to Ponyville to begin planning the perfect date to make his proposal.
Two weeks later, after much planning, Midnight had the date all planned out. It was getting to be winter. Midnight found out from the weather schedule what night there was going to be a light snowfall and figured that would be perfect. It was going to be on a night in the same month the celebration for Hearth’s Warming started. He sent a letter to Luna telling her he wanted to take her out on another date and when. She happily agreed of course.
Midnight Star had a handsome tuxedo on with a grey jacket over it and a black scarf around his neck for warmth. Midnight also had on a pair of black wool pants for his hind legs. He had the engagement ring he got for Luna tucked away safely in his tuxedo vest pocket in a blue velvet ring box. It was too cold to fly for his taste and he didn’t want Luna to bother her guards to bring the carriage to fly him to Canterlot, so he took the train instead. He soon arrived at Cantlerlot, departed the train, and made his way through the city as he took in the sights. This would be his first Hearth’s warming since after his thousand year imprisonment. Everything was so colorful and bright. The light’s on the buildings, the decorations, the many sweets being displayed in the windows of bakeries. It was enough to give Midnight a warm feeling inside. He could feel the magic and joy of the holiday season fill him up as he made his way through.
Midnight even spotted a few carolers singing some Hearth’s warming carols. He kept that in mind as he neared the castle. Midnight approached the castle and entered to find Luna speaking with her sister while waiting for him. “Good afternoon Luna, Celestia, happy hearths warming.”
Both sisters smiled, Luna with the biggest, upon seeing Midnight. “Happy hearth’s warming Midnight, I trust your having a good holiday?” Celestia asked.
Luna was wearing a think dark blue coat and scarf around her neck and a pair of tight looking dark blue pants for her back legs that looked both thin but warm at the same time.
“Very, Everything is so wonderful around here. All these decorations around Ponyville and Canterlot have really got me in the mood for this holiday. There weren’t such colorful decorations for this holiday a thousand years ago.” Midnight said.
“It is lovely isn’t it?” Luna asked. “So, are you ready for our date?”
“Ready and willing. I’ve got a great evening planned for us.” Midnight stated with confidence.
“Then let us be on our way.” Luna said. “Have a good evening sister.”
“You too Luna.” Celestia replied.
Luna and Midnight made their way out of the castle and out into Canterlot. “So, where are we going first Midnight?” Luna asked as she walked close next to him.
“I figured first, we could have dinner at the restaurant where we had our first date.” Midnight answered with a smile.
“That does sound nice.” Luna replied. They soon arrived at the place and was given a seat on the second floor, the same table they had their first date. “Same restaurant, same table, same view, you’re really recreating our first date aren’t you?” Luna said with a smile.
“Of course, I just thought it would be romantic. Do you like it?” Midnight asked with a look of uncertainty.
Luna gave a reassuring smile. “I think it’s wonderful Midnight. Thank you.”
Midnight sighed in relief. “That’s good, for a minute there I was starting to think this might have been a bad choice.”
Luna giggled in response with a hoof to her chin. “You made a fine choice Midnight.”
The dinner went on as they chatted away and enjoyed their meal. Luna talked about some gossip going on around the castle while Night talked about how his business had been going and that Sombra and Cheerilee were going to get married. Luna smiled at the news and offered her congratulations.
After dinner, Midnight paid for the meal and escorted Luna out and on to their next destination which was a skating rink in Canterlot. It was an outdoor skating rink for every pony to use. Once again, Midnight paid for skates for himself and Luna. It wasn’t until getting his skates on that Midnight realized something. There was a small error in his plans at this that may very well ruin the whole date….he didn’t know how to skate.
“Of all the things to go wrong, how could I have forgotten I don’t know how to skate? I’m gonna make a fool of myself in front of Luna.” Midnight thought to himself.
Luna was putting her skates on when she looked over to Midnight and noticed he seemed a little worried. “Midnight, are you all right?”
Midnight snapped out of his thought’s and looked to Luna. “Huh, oh yeah, I’m fine. Just…getting my skates on, heh heh.” He chuckled nervously. He looked back down nervously. “Just relax Midnight, she loves you, she’s not going to just laugh at you and make fun of you for not knowing how to skate…is she?”
“Come on Midnight, let’s go.” Luna’s cheery voice bright Midnight out of his thoughts again.
Midnight looked up and saw Luna standing with all four skates on her hooves at the rink’s entrance. “Oh, uh, coming.” He got up from the bench and managed to keep from falling but his legs wobbled under him. “Whoa.”
“You are sure you’re all right?” Luna asked again with a concerned look.
Midnight took careful steps over to her. “I’m fine, really. Let’s get out there and have fun.” He managed to get next to her.
“All right then.” Luna took the first steps onto the ice and started skating around then stopped to wait for Midnight.
“You can do this Midnight, how hard can it be? It’s like walking, right?” Midnight placed a hoof on the ice and right away it started to wobble. He managed to steady it before placing the next on and it too wobbled followed by his entire front falling over. “Oof! I’m okay.”
Luna skated over to Midnight in worry and lowered her head to his. “Midnight, are you hurt?”
“No no, I’m fine, just a little tumble is all.” Midnight said.
Luna raised her head with a smirk. “You don’t know how to skate do you?”
Midnight froze at the question for a moment before responding. “No, I don’t. I just thought this would be romantic and made plans for it without even realizing I didn’t know how.”
Luna giggled and helped Midnight back up on his hooves. “It’s all right Midnight, I appreciate the thought. I can give you a quick lesson to help you if you like.”
Midnight Star managed to stand up but his legs wobbled again under him. “That would be appreciated. So much for the romance part though.”
Luna giggled again. “Don’t worry, this can still be romantic. Now, just watch how I move, all right?” Luna started demonstrating how to skate while Midnight kept his eyes on her.
“Wow, she’s so graceful. She must do this quit often.” Midnight couldn’t take his eyes off of Luna as she skated about in demonstration.
Luna skated back to Midnight and offered her hoof. “Just hold onto me and I’ll keep you from falling over.”
Midnight smiled at the offer and took hold of Luna’s right hoof. “All right, I trust you.” With that, he made his way on to the ice with Luna holding him and helping him get the hang of skating.
After a bit of coaching, Midnight was able to skate on his own now but kept close to Luna. “This is great, you’re a great teacher Luna.”
Luna smiled and blushed at the compliment. “Thank you Midnight.” They continued skating amongst the families and couples on the ice. As they did, a light snow fall started to add to the atmosphere. “Look, it’s snowing.”
“It does add to the beauty of the night, but nothing could be as beautiful as you Luna.” Midnight said as he gazed into Luna’s eyes.
Luna gave a soft warm smile. “You are too kind Midnight. You are very handsome yourself. I’m so glad I met you.”
“I’m glad I got to meet you too.” Midnight added. They slowly moved their heads close to one another until their lips met and they shared a loving kiss. After, they simply leaned into one another as they glided across the ice. They simply lost track of time and the world around them as they merely enjoyed being with each other. To them, there was no world, just Luna and Midnight.
It was an hour later before they decided to stop skating and move on to something else. Midnight led Luna to where he saw some carolers and listened to a few songs before donating a few bits.
To finish the date off, Midnight took Luna to the Canterlot gardens and strolled on through looking at the decorations and lights. “Midnight, I must say this has been a wonderful evening. I’ve really enjoyed our time together.” She nuzzled Midnight lovingly.
“Same here Luna, I really like spending my time with you.” Midnight stopped Luna at a bench and the two sat for a spell. He figured this was the perfect time to ask. “Luna, I can think of no better time than now to ask you something very important.”
Luna looked to Midnight in curiosity. “Oh, what question is that?”
Midnight got off the bench and stood right in front of Luna. He used his magic to pull the zipper of his jacket halfway down, then levitated the ring box out before pulling his zipper back up. “Luna, I have always admired the night sky you provide every night. It was you that inspired me to become a painter and earned my cutie mark. We’ve spent so much time together and you helped me fly and got over my fear of heights. Not only that, but you are, without a doubt, the most beautiful mare I have ever seen, no offense to your sister.” He added. “Princess Luna…” Midnight opened the box to reveal the ring.
Luna listened to Night’s speech in curiosity but smiled as it went on. When he revealed the box, she gasped in awe.
“Will you do me the honor of marrying me and making me the happiest stallion in the world?” Midnight finally asked.
Luna put both hooves up to her mouth as tears of joy began to form in her eyes. It was a moment before she launched off the bench and tackled Night in a hug and peppered him with kisses. The tackle caused Midnight to drop the ring box on the spot but thankfully, the ring didn’t fall out. She soon pulled off and gave her answer. “Yes, I will marry you Midnight Star, I will.” With that, she locked her lips with his again for a longer kiss filled with love.
Midnight kissed back and wrapped his forehooves around Luna’s neck. When they finished kissing, Midnight picked the ring box up with his magic and took the ring out, then gently placed it on Luna’s horn. It was a perfect fit as it rested halfway down her horn. The two were now to be wed and would live happy lives together. Midnight Star would be a new prince of Equestria.
The End.
Author's Note
And thus concludes this series. I’m sorry my updates have been slow. I hope you all enjoyed this fic and thank you all for your support.