Raising the Moon Princessby GamerArtistWriter106ChaptersPrologue: Discovery & HospitalityAuthor's Note: SLIGHTLY ImportantPrologue: Discovery & Hospitality (Updated)Chapter 1: Sleep TroublesPrologue: Discovery & HospitalityPrologue: Discovery & Hospitality My life could have never felt more dull and depressing. The bustling streets of Toronto, the cars and transit buses, including the many people walking on the sidewalks from both directions seemed far and distant to me. The cold and misty air didn't affect me either, mostly because I was already cold, my arms and legs slowly going numb from sitting on this stone park bench for so long. I let out a long sigh, a cloud of steam bellowing out like I had just taken in a good drag from a cigarette, leaning my head back and looking toward's the dark grey sky that loomed the city. After a bad dispute with my family, which for the first time turned physical when I had struck my own father across the face when he made a remark about me being....well...I won't go into details. After it happened I travelled here to start a new life as an adult, buying a good house in a quiet neighborhood outside the city, but finding a job was the tough part. Sure, I had at least a few thousand bucks that would help with the electricity, the internet, groceries and tv, but I knew it would eventually run out in a few months if I didn't find a good paying job. Finally willing myself to move, I got up from the bench and began to make my way down the sidewalk. The feeling in my legs came back with each step, now fully aware at how much I was actually freezing, letting out a shaky breath as I descended down the steps into the subway. It was a tad warmer than outside in the light rain, but still, the cold air was vacant inside as I waited for the train to arrive. The ride home was uneventful as always. Each time I walked these streets, there was never anything interesting that would spice this particular night up, even if it was just a cat jumping out from behind a dumpster then running off. My eyes caught sight of a 24 hour convenience store. Hmph. Well...maybe a few drinks and snacks wouldn't be too bad. I thought to myself as I entered the store. The clerk behind the counter looked up briefly as I walked in before she went back to whatever she was doing. I walked in each aisle slowly, scanning the many names and brands of candy bars, potato chips, 2 liter bottles of soda....you name it. After a few minutes, I had picked out two bottles of soda, some small bags of chips and a couple of candy bars. The clerk scanned the items, named the price it came up to, me paying her the amount and leaving the store. The air still felt cold and wet, a slight drizzle was now pouring down from the sky. I thought that the rest of the walk home would be boring and miserable....if it wasn't for the quiet but still audible shuffling right beside me. I turned in the direction of the sound but only found myself looking at half a cardboard box sitting on the sidewalk. It was then that curiousity got the best of me. Kneeling down, I could get a closer look at what might have moved underneat it, and heard a soft whimpering. The noise suprised me. This certain scene seemed all too familiar from a fanfic I read on the internet once. I slowly reached a hand forward, slipping my fingers underneath the edge of the cardboard, and lifted it up slowly. What was there, shiverring in a small ball, whimpering and sniffling softly, nearly made my heart stop. The creature had a dark, navy blue colored coat, despite a few darker patches near it's hind legs. Adoring it's head was a much lighter colored mane, a sky blue, I think it was. But I couldn't believe it. It was a foal....a foal....Princess Luna! I'll be honest. A few months back, I recently began to watch a children's show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, but from the way it was scripted and portrayed, it made the show look like it was made for other audience's besides little girls. I practically watched every episode of season 1, as well as season 2, loving and enjoying each moment. My mind snapped back to my current situation, looking down at the small filly before me. The little alicorn stopped whimpering, but sniffled every few seconds, before slowly turning her head up at me. The reaction I expected from her was spot on. The minute she saw me, the filly gave a frightened squeak and started to visibly shake, her small blue eyes looking at me like I was the most terrifying thing in the entire world. "Shhshhshh. Shhhhhhh, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." I said to her in my best comforting tone, still holding up the cardboard slab so I could see her better. The little Luna still looked at me with fright, although her expression softened a little, her shaking stopped and she seated herself onto her haunches. Those large beautiful blue eyes never left me. I smiled at her, hoping to get her more comfortable with me. The alicorn finally took her eyes off of me and looked at her surroundings, perking up at the sound of a siren in the distance. The drizzle had stopped, so I took it as a chance to remove the soggy roof off of her. Her eyes snapped back onto me as I moved the cardboard onto the ground beside her, "Well....", I started, not wanting to leave the filly scared and uncomfortable, "Where did you come from? Do you know where you are?" I ask her, of course, knowing she may not be able to answer me. She looked like she was at the age where they couldn't even talk yet. I saw her small ears flatten against her head, her wet mane ran down her back and hung in front of her face slightly, and she got this heartbreaking expression on her face. It was obvious she had no clue where and how she got there. "Are you lost?" I blurted out softly, but now wishing I hadn't said that. A second after the words left my mouth, the little alicorn looked up at me with the most saddest eyes I have ever seen. Her eyes dilated, a pout came onto her face, and I could of sworn her bottom lip was quivering. She whimpered softly, then they grew into soft and tiny hiccups, before turning into tiny cries. The sight and sound made my heart ache. I couldn't just leave her here like this. "Hey. Heeeyyy, come on. Shhhhhhhh." I whispered soothingly to her, then gently running my hand over the top of her head, rubbing over her ears and down her mane. Little Luna's crying died down slowly, the petting must have gave her some comfort, before she turned her tear stained face toward me, sniffling softly. "Do you....want to come home with me? It's warm and safe where I live. Would you like that?" I asked the young filly. The baby alicorn rubbed a forehoof against her cheek, wiping away her tiny tears before getting up and, much to my suprise and joy, crawled over to my feet and propped her front hooves against me. I looked at her and saw a face that said: Please. I don't like it out here. I'm cold and alone. Like the meme goes: my heart exploded. I smiled and gently brought a hand down to pick up the small filly, her tiny wings gave a few quick flaps as she was hoisted up, opening my jacket to settle her in there. "Come on, Luna. There." I said to her, making sure she didn't fall out before I started walking again. After a few minutes, we finally made it back to my house. The walk didn't feel so bad. My mind was set on making sure the now sleeping alicorn in my arms didn't fall out, or that I didn't jostle her around too much, until we reached the patio. I padded softly up the small set of stairs toward's the door, setting down my bag of drinks to search for my keys, which took me a few seconds because of the filly I was cradling in my jacket. I felt cool metal against my finger tips, telling me that I had found them. I pulled them out, sliding the main key into the master lock, then unlocking the door knob. I glanced down and saw Luna looking up at me with a curious expression. She must have heard the noise the key's made. I gave her a gentle smile before opening the door, figuring that she would want to be somewhere warm at the moment. I wiped my feet off my floor mat before sliding my shoes off, setting the filly onto the floor, then sliding my jacket off (which, to me, now smelled a little like wet dog....or was it wet pony?). I heard sniffling again. Uh oh, I thought, Either she's still a little scared or she may have already caught a cold from the weather. I turned around and expected to see a sad, runny nosed, face sitting on the floor. But instead, much to my relief and amusement, she was already exploring about the living room, her nose dipped close to the ground. The sniffling was her smelling the carpet, as well as any other object that was giving a new or strange smell. The little dark-blue alicorn lifted her head and inspected the large flat screen tv I had set on a entertainment stand. Well....maybe when she's older I'll show her how it works....but I'll need to avoid that one channel and show....for her sake..., I thought to myself, a certain chapter in My Little Dashie had brought it into my head. I felt a soft tug on my leg, and I looked down, Luna was sitting down by my feet, her big blue eyes staring up at me. "Oh, sorry, Luna. Are you hungry?" I asked, kneeling down to rub the filles mane. The minute I asked, her tiny ears perked up, her tail giving a small flick. I couldn't suppress a chuckle, "Heh. I figured. Hold on, let me see if I can make you something." I said to her, getting up and walking toward's the kitchen. Yet another adorable moment, I could hear small hoofsteps right beside me along the way. I opened the fridge to see what would be appropriate for a small filly to eat. Actually....what WOULD a filly at her age eat? Let alone if they even ate anything solid at this age. I didn't want to risk her choking if she couldn't handle anything hard, so the logical choice was to get out the carton of 2% milk I had, and hope that she would eat from a baby bottle. At least for now until she was older. After rummaging through the drawers and cabinets, I finally found a suitable baby bottle and nipple. I made sure to rinse it off under hot water before pouring the milk in, that way any bacteria would be washed off, and make it safe for little Luna to eat from. After filling the bottle, I padded over to the little alicorn, and gently scooped her up into my arm. I carefully set myself down onto the couch, putting the bottle down beside me, and carefully moving the little filly so that she was lying on her back while being cradled. Picking the bottle back up, I held it in front of her, and receieved the most cutest reaction ever. The minute she saw the bottle, her front hooves waved in front of her excitedly, small happy squeaks emanating from her tiny throat. The sight made my heart explode for the second time. I moved the bottle forward until she seemed to try and grasp the sides of it with her tiny hoofs, her little mouth open for the nipple of the bottle. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwww.", as I watched Luna eat. Seeing as how she reacted so happily from seeing the bottle, I figured she would start guzzling down the milk, but instead, she was drinking at her own comfortable pace. The alicorn filly suckled softly, her blue eyes occassionally glancing up toward's me, clearly enjoying her meal. I let out another big smile as her suckles began to slow down, and her eyelids started to flutter softly, starting to get full and sleepy. Luna licked her lips as I moved the bottle away, and carefully lifted her up until her front hooves and head were resting on my shoulder. I remember reading on the internet that horses, maybe even ponies, were physical incapable of vomiting. Would Luna do that if I attempted to burp her? Although....she was only a baby. A little bit of milk on my shirt wouldn't bother me. I started to gently pat the filly on the back, in between the bottom of her mane and her small wings, hoping she would burp so she wouldn't be uncomfortable as she slept. A few seconds passed, then I heard it. Urp! I smiled and lifted Luna off my shoulder and cradled her, rocking back and forth. She had already fallen asleep. I managed to get up from the couch as best as I could, turning off the living room and kitchen lights, before walking into my bedroom. It was a fairly nice size, plenty of walking room, my computer and Playstation 3 were hooked up to two seperate screens. I carefully set Luna down onto the bed, making sure I didn't wake her up in the process, before lying down right next to her. Just from looking at her sleep, I knew that I found something that would make me feel happy for the untold future to come. But once again, the thought of that fanfic came back to me. I knew, like in the fic, Celestia would eventually arrive sometime after the next few years, once Luna reached the age she was in the show. Now that I found her, she was already part of my life. She stirred for a moment before she lay still again. Then, she had said it. I barely understood it.....but it was clear. "Dad...dy...." I heard her tiny voice mutter. I thought I had stopped breathing for a second. She had called me Daddy. My vision blurred, a tear having tickled it's way out the corner of my eye. I felt myself smile, a real one, for the first time since the day I left my parents behind. I leaned in and kissed the filly between her ears, a small smile appearing on her face. "Good night, Luna. Sweet dreams." I whispered, before I too drifted into a deep slumber. Tomorrow, and the many years to come, were going to be the best moments of my life. Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Equestria..... Hammers. That was the best way for her to describe it. Celestia brought her front hooves to her head and groaned loudly, the pains and aches boring themselves deep into her skull, the alicorn crouching low to the floor in agony. I knew there was something fishy about that spell, Celestia thought to herself as she summoned the energy to stand up, I hope Luna didn't get caught in the-, the ivory alicorn froze. Luna! What happened to her? Despite the minor headaches, Celestia frantically searched around for her younger sister, hoping to find ANY sign that she wasn't hurt. "Luna? Luna! Where are you?" Celestia called out, trying to see through the smoky haze that had engulfed the room, "Luna! If you can hear me, say something!" The alicorn coughed, flaring her wings to try and fan out the smoke. She took a few steps forward before one of her hooves kicked something. Judging by the sound....it was metal. The sun princess glanced down at the object, confused at what could have been broken or left behind, and drew in a sharp gasp. It was one of Luna's royal hoof shoes. The alicorn took in the sight before moving her gaze further up. The other three hoof shoes lay either in one piece or broken from the explosion, now laying next to a navy-blue metal chest piece and a small metal crown of the same color....lying on a smoldering spot of the floor where Luna had been just moments before. "L-Luna...." Celestia choked out weakly, dropping to the floor, tenderly picking up the crown that onced belonged to her sister. The alicorn princess couldn't stop the cascade of tears that now flowed down her face, clenching her eyes shut as she wept quietly. Celestia's horn suddenly shone brightly, the alicorn using every ounce of her power to try and locate the moon princess. Anything....anything! A lock of her hair, a chip of her hoof, a fragment of her magical aura! Anything to find where she was! But....there was nothing! No. No no nonononono. Celestia whispered in her mind. Falling to her haunches, the alicorn hung her head low, and began to cry in sorrow and guilt. Her only sister....was gone. Author's Note: SLIGHTLY ImportantHey, bronies! I apologize for the long absence since the first chapter, but, I've been having some major internet troubles lately, and it has been interfering with checking my account here on FIMFiction. BUT! I'm using this chance to announce that I will be submitting a slightly longer and updated version of the prologue! Since I didn't have internet for that short amount of time, I took the chance to proof-read and add more parts to the chapter! So expect the next chapter to be an update to the first! Thanks for reading! SilverQuillBrush Prologue: Discovery & Hospitality (Updated)The bustling streets of Toronto. The cars and transit buses, including the many people walking on the sidewalks from both directions seemed far and distant to me. The cold and misty air didn't affect me either, mostly because I was already cold, my arms and legs slowly going numb from sitting on this stone park bench for so long. I let out a long sigh, a cloud of steam bellowing out like I had just taken in a good drag from a cigarette, leaning my head back and looking toward's the dark grey sky that loomed the city. After a bad dispute with my family, which involved how much I should grow up, even though I'm already 18. Having heard enough about this sort of conversation, I finally snapped and told my parents that I will show them growing up, then revealed to them about the apartment I had found and paid for in Toronto. I can't find a right word to properly describe their reaction, for both about me moving to the big city, and the day after I packed up my clothes and such and left. I swore that day, that I would come back when I felt like it, mostly because I wanted to show them that I was grown up enough. After I arrived in Toronto and got my things moved into my house, now was the time to begin a new life as an adult, caring for myself and making sure I had enough groceries. On a particular day when I was checking my bank account for grocery money, I was suprised to find that the amount in my bank had been boosted to almost eight thousand dollars, no doubt either an apology or just some grateful help from my family. After a few days in the city, burning off most of my cash for groceries as well some entertainment in my home, nearly depleted my bank account. Sure, I had at least a few thousand bucks that would help with the electricity, the internet, groceries and tv, but I knew it would eventually run out in a few months if I didn't find a good paying job. But this depression I was feeling, it began a few days after I left my parents house. Maybe it was from not having them nearby, or maybe because I felt like I left them behind, on my own choice. Finally willing myself to move, I got up from the bench and began to make my way down the sidewalk. The feeling in my legs came back with each step, now fully aware at how much I was actually freezing, letting out a shaky breath as I descended down the steps into the subway. It was a tad warmer than outside in the light rain, but still, the cold air was vacant inside as I waited for the train to arrive. As I stood behind the yellow line, the screeching of the train making it's stop at the station, I can hear a small amount of talk coming from a family beside me. Turning to look at them slightly, I see that the weather didn't have any changes in their mood, the husband and wife conversing happily of a family event coming their way. Standing in front of them was a little girl, their daughter, who was clutching a teddy bear sized Rainbow Dash plushie in her arms. Something I haven't felt before rose in my chest: It was the longing for a friend, a companion, something to help get through this depression that was slowly eating me alive. Did I mention I had a best friend once? The two of us would always be seen together whenever he came over. We had the same interests, one of which involved gaming. But later on, because I was so busy with high school and my own life, we barely kept in touch anymore. Just from seeing that little girl with the plushie, seeing how tightly she kept it close to her, made want to find something just like that. Something that I could hold close and comfort myself with. The rest of the way home was uneventful as always. Each time I walked these streets, there was never anything interesting that would spice this particular night up, even if it was just a cat jumping out from behind a dumpster then running off. My eyes caught sight of a 24 hour convenience store. Hmph. Well...maybe a few drinks and snacks wouldn't be too bad. I thought to myself as I entered the store. The clerk behind the counter looked up briefly as I walked in before she went back to whatever she was doing. I walked in each aisle slowly, scanning the many names and brands of candy bars, potato chips, 2 liter bottles of soda....you name it. After a few minutes, I had picked out two bottles of soda, some small bags of chips and a couple of candy bars. The clerk scanned the items, named the price it came up to, me paying her the amount and leaving the store. The air still felt cold and wet, a slight drizzle was now pouring down from the sky. I thought that the rest of the walk home would be boring and miserable....if it wasn't for the quiet but still audible shuffling right beside me. I turned in the direction of the sound but only found myself looking at half a cardboard box sitting on the sidewalk. Getting ready to take another step forward, the shuffling came back, making me stop in my tracks once again. What could hiding underneath it? A lost dog, maybe? It was then that curiousity got the best of me. Kneeling down, I could get a closer look at what might have moved underneath it, and heard a soft whimpering. The noise suprised me. This certain scene seemed all too familiar from a fanfic I read on the internet once. I slowly reached a hand forward, slipping my fingers underneath the edge of the cardboard, and lifted it up slowly. What was there, shiverring in a small ball, whimpering and sniffling softly, nearly made my heart stop. The creature had a navy blue colored coat, despite a few darker patches near it's hind legs. Adoring it's head was a much lighter colored mane, a sky blue, I think it was. From underneath it's mane, I could make out the tip of a horn and the tiny portrusions coming out of her back. Which I knew were wings. But I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a foal....a foal....Princess Luna! I'll be honest. A few months back, I recently began to watch a children's show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, but from the way it was scripted and portrayed, it made the show look like it was made for other audience's besides little girls. I practically watched every episode of season 1, as well as season 2, loving and enjoying each moment. My mind snapped back to my current situation, looking down at the small filly before me. The little alicorn stopped whimpering, but sniffled every few seconds, before slowly turning her head up at me. The reaction I expected from her was spot on. The minute she saw me, the filly gave a frightened squeak and started to visibly shake, her small blue eyes looking at me like I was the most terrifying thing in the entire world. "Shhshhshh. Shhhhhhh, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." I said to her in my best comforting tone, still holding up the cardboard slab so I could see her better. The little alicorn still looked at me with fright, visibly quivering and uttering tiny squeaks from herself. After about a minute, she finally calmed down, shifting until she was sitting on her hind legs. Those large beautiful blue eyes never left me. I smiled at her, hoping to get her more comfortable with me. The alicorn finally took her eyes off of me and looked at her surroundings, perking up at the sound of a siren in the distance. The drizzle had stopped, so I took it as a chance to remove the soggy roof off of her. Her eyes snapped back onto me as I moved the cardboard onto the ground beside her, "Well....", I started, not wanting to leave the filly scared and uncomfortable, "Where did you come from? Do you know where you are?" I ask her, of course, knowing she may not be able to answer me. She looked like she was at the age where they couldn't even talk yet. I saw her small ears flatten against her head, her wet mane ran down her back and hung in front of her face slightly, and she got this heartbreaking expression on her face. It was obvious she had no clue where and how she got there. "Are you lost?" I blurted out softly, but now wishing I hadn't said that. A second after the words left my mouth, the little alicorn looked up at me with the most saddest eyes I have ever seen. Her eyes dilated, a pout came onto her face, and I could of sworn her bottom lip was quivering. She whimpered softly, then they grew into soft and tiny hiccups, before turning into tiny cries. The sight and sound made my heart ache. I couldn't just leave her here like this. "Hey. Heeeyyy, come on. Shhhhhhhh." I whispered soothingly to her, then gently running my hand over the top of her head, rubbing over her ears and down her mane. Little Luna's crying died down slowly, the petting must have gave her some comfort, before she turned her tear stained face toward me, sniffling softly. "Do you....want to come home with me? It's warm and safe where I live. Would you like that?" I asked the young filly. The baby alicorn rubbed a forehoof against her cheek, wiping away her tiny tears before getting up and, much to my suprise and joy, crawled over to my feet and propped her front hooves against me. I looked at her and saw a face that said: Please. I don't like it out here. Like the meme goes: my heart exploded. I smiled and gently brought a hand down to pick up the small filly, her tiny wings gave a few quick flaps as she was hoisted up, opening my jacket to settle her in there. "Come on, Luna. There." I said to her, making sure she didn't fall out before I started walking again. No matter how many times I checked to see if she was comfortable in my jacket, I was always met with her blue eyes looking at me now with timid curiousity, occasionally glancing elsewhere if she caught an unfamiliar noise. After a few minutes, we finally made it back to my house. The walk didn't feel so bad. My mind was set on making sure the now sleeping alicorn in my arms didn't fall out, or that I didn't jostle her around too much, until we reached the patio. I padded softly up the small set of stairs toward's the door, setting down my bag of drinks to search for my keys, which took me a few seconds because of the filly I was cradling in my jacket. I felt cool metal against my finger tips, telling me that I had found them. I pulled them out, sliding the main key into the master lock, then unlocking the door knob. I glanced down and saw Luna looking up at me with a curious expression. She must have heard the noise the key's made. I gave her a gentle smile before opening the door, figuring that she would want to be somewhere warm at the moment. I wiped my feet off my floor mat before sliding my shoes off, setting the filly onto the floor, then sliding my jacket off (which, to me, now smelled a little like wet dog....or was it wet pony?). I heard sniffling again. Uh oh, I thought, Either she's still a little scared or she may have already caught a cold from the weather. I turned around and expected to see a sad, runny nosed, face sitting on the floor. But instead, much to my relief and amusement, she was already exploring about the living room, her nose dipped close to the ground. The sniffling was her smelling the carpet, as well as any other object that was giving a new or strange smell. The little dark-blue alicorn lifted her head and inspected the large flat screen tv I had set on a entertainment stand. Well....maybe when she's older I'll show her how it works....but I'll need to avoid that one channel and show....for her sake..., I thought to myself, a certain chapter in My Little Dashie had brought it into my head. I felt a soft tug on my leg, and I looked down, Luna was sitting down by my feet, her big blue eyes staring up at me. "Oh, sorry, Luna. Are you hungry?" I asked, kneeling down to rub the filles mane. The minute I asked, her tiny ears perked up, her tail giving a small flick. I couldn't suppress a chuckle, "Heh. I figured. Hold on, let me see if I can make you something." I said to her, getting up and walking toward's the kitchen. Yet another adorable moment, I could hear small hoofsteps right beside me along the way. I opened the fridge to see what would be appropriate for a small filly to eat. Actually....what WOULD a filly at her age eat? Let alone if they even ate anything solid at this age. I didn't want to risk her choking if she couldn't handle anything hard, so the logical choice was to get out the carton of 2% milk I had, and hope that she would eat from a baby bottle. At least for now until she was older. After rummaging through the drawers and cabinets, I finally found a suitable baby bottle and nipple. I made sure to rinse it off under hot water before pouring the milk in, that way any bacteria would be washed off, and make it safe for little Luna to eat from. After filling the bottle, I padded over to the little alicorn, and gently scooped her up into my arm. I carefully set myself down onto the couch, putting the bottle down beside me, and carefully moving the little filly so that she was lying on her back while being cradled. Picking the bottle back up, I held it in front of her, and receieved the most cutest reaction ever. The minute she saw the bottle, her front hooves waved in front of her excitedly, small happy squeaks emanating from her tiny throat. The sight made my heart explode for the second time. I moved the bottle forward until she seemed to try and grasp the sides of it with her tiny hoofs, her little mouth open for the nipple of the bottle. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwww.", as I watched Luna eat. Seeing as how she reacted so happily from seeing the bottle, I figured she would start guzzling down the milk, but instead, she was drinking at her own comfortable pace. The alicorn filly suckled softly, her blue eyes occassionally glancing up toward's me, clearly enjoying her meal. I let out another big smile as her suckles began to slow down, and her eyelids started to flutter softly, starting to get full and sleepy. Luna licked her lips as I moved the bottle away, and carefully lifted her up until her front hooves and head were resting on my shoulder. I started to gently pat the filly on the back, in between the bottom of her mane and her small wings, hoping she would burp so she wouldn't be uncomfortable as she slept. A few seconds passed, then I heard it. "Bup!" A tiny belch escaped her muzzle. I smiled and lifted Luna off my shoulder and cradled her, rocking back and forth. She had already fallen asleep. I managed to get up from the couch as best as I could, turning off the living room and kitchen lights, before walking into my bedroom. It was a fairly nice size, plenty of walking room, my computer and Playstation 3 were hooked up to two seperate screens. I carefully set Luna down onto the bed, making sure I didn't wake her up in the process, before lying down right next to her. Just from looking at her sleep, I knew that I found something that would make me feel happy for the untold future to come. But once again, the thought of that fanfic came back to me. I knew, like in the fic, Celestia would eventually arrive sometime after the next few years, once Luna reached the age she was in the show. Now that I found her, she was already part of my life. She stirred for a moment before she lay still again. I smiled as I layed a blanket onto her sleeping form. "Good night, Luna. Sweet dreams." I whispered, before I too drifted into a deep slumber. Hammers. That was the best way for her to describe it. Celestia brought her front hooves to her head and groaned loudly, the pains and aches boring themselves deep into her skull, the alicorn crouching low to the floor in agony. I knew there was something fishy about that spell, Celestia thought to herself as she summoned the energy to stand up, I hope Luna didn't get caught in the-, the ivory alicorn froze. Luna! What happened to her? Despite the minor headaches, Celestia frantically searched around for her younger sister, hoping to find ANY sign that she wasn't hurt. "Luna? Luna! Where are you?" Celestia called out, trying to see through the smoky haze that had engulfed the room, "Luna! If you can hear me, say something!" The alicorn coughed, flaring her wings to try and fan out the smoke. She took a few steps forward before one of her hooves kicked something. Judging by the sound....it was metal. The sun princess glanced down at the object, confused at what could have been broken or left behind, and drew in a sharp gasp. It was one of Luna's royal hoof shoes. The alicorn took in the sight before moving her gaze further up. The other three hoof shoes lay either in one piece or broken from the explosion, now laying next to a navy-blue metal chest piece and a small metal crown of the same color....lying on a smoldering spot of the floor where Luna had been just moments before. "L-Luna...." Celestia choked out weakly, dropping to the floor, tenderly picking up the crown that onced belonged to her sister. The alicorn princess couldn't stop the cascade of tears that now flowed down her face, clenching her eyes shut as she wept quietly. Celestia's horn suddenly shone brightly, the alicorn using every ounce of her power to try and locate the moon princess. Anything....anything! A lock of her hair, a chip of her hoof, a fragment of her magical aura! Anything to find where she was! But....there was nothing! No. No no nonononono. Celestia whispered in her mind. Falling to her haunches, the alicorn hung her head low, and began to cry in sorrow and guilt. Her only sister....was gone. "Luna...." Celestia whispered in between sobs, her sadness slowly beginning to rise, ".....Luna.....Lunaaa!" Her voice slowly began to rise. Unable to bear the sadness any longer, the alicorn drew in a long breath. "LUUNAAAAAAAAA!!" She screamed into the air, her voice echoing throughout the entire castle. "AH!!" I woke up yelling, sitting upright in a cold sweat. What the hell did I just hear? And more importantly, where did it come from? I was calmly asleep for the past few hours, but....that scream. Right next to me the sheets rustled softly, before a small head poked out under them. Luna blinks tiredly a couple times before her little mouth opens wide, and a tiny yawn escapes. Smacking her lips softly, she rubs her eyes with her hooves, taking a look around before her gaze lands on me, and smiling brightly the minute she saw me. "Heh, good morning, Lulu. Sleep well?" I ask her, rubbing a hand through her mane tenderly. She responds to the act of affection by nuzzling my hand and climbing into my lap, curling up comfortably and looking up at me with those adorable eyes and that smile. As the meme goes: my heart exploded for God knows how many times. But the moment barely lasts before a small but loud gurgle comes from her tiny stomach. Little Luna gets an adorable look of shyness and a blush on her face, her front hooves huddling closer to her muzzle. I barely suppress a chuckle as I gently lift the small alicorn into my arms, "Hehehe, somepony sounds hungry. Come on, let's get us both something to eat." I say to her before getting up from the bed and, with Luna in my arms, heading for the kitchen. After a few seconds of rummaging through the cabinets and the fridge, I realized that I should have gone out and bought some groceries. Out of all the edible things, I only have a package of oatmeal, three fresh apples and some Honey-Nut Cheerio's. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Crap." I turn around and look at Luna, sitting idly and looking at me expectantly, no doubt waiting for her breakfast. Turning back at the counter I look at the box of oatmeal, debating whether it was the right and safe thing for her to eat, let alone hoping it doesn't make her sick. "Hold on, Luna. Let me...", Grabbing an apple and a sharp knife, I start to cut it into slices, making sure they were a suitable size for her to eat, "...give you an apple for now. Then...," I scoop the apple slices onto a plate and set it down in front of her, "...while you eat those, I'll cook up the oatmeal for you, okay?" Turning to look at her while I was getting a pot out, she's already sniffing the sliced fruit curiously, briefly looking back at me. Smile, I gesture at the plate, "Go ahead, try it." She turns back and leans down to grab one of the slices in her tiny teeth. Instead of picking up the entire slice, she bites down on the area she has in her teeth, a quiet crunch coming from it as she starts to slowly chew. Her reaction to the taste and flavour of the fruit never made me smile this big for her before. From the first bite, little Luna already starts to chow down on the other apple slices, clearly enjoying the sweet fruit. The adorable sight nearly got me distracted from the now bubbling pot of water sitting on the stove. After letting it cook and thicken up in the water, plus a teaspoon of sugar and some milk to give it a lightly sweetened and smooth taste, the oatmeal is ready for the young foal. "Here we are, Luna. Ready to eat?" I ask, letting her smell the steam wafting from the bowl. She lightly draws back, as if noticing how there's a barely any kind of scent to it at all. After grabbing a spoon from the silverware drawer, I sit down in front of her, the bowl sitting in between us. She watches me in utter curiousity as I scoop a proper amount of oatmeal, blowing on it, then holding the spoon out to her. "Here we go, Luna." I say to her, watching her eye the spoon with a tiny raised eyebrow. To me she looks a little apprehensive of eating this unfamiliar food item, sniffing the oatmeal again, and looking at me with a questioning stare, "Come on, please? You'll never know if you'd like it or not if you don't try it." I tell her, knowing that the apples wouldn't be enough to satisfy her hunger. Luna turns her gaze back to the oatmeal and finally opens her mouth wide for it. Slipping the spoon into her mouth, she closes it around the oatmeal, and I slip it back out. The alicorn chews slowly, grimacing at the weird texture, before her eyes light up. "Mmmm!" She mumbles in an adorable fashion, a smile forming onto her muzzle as she claps her front hooves together, earning a smile from me. "See? I knew you would love it!" I say to her proudly, getting another spoonful, once again cooling it off before feeding it to her. The next few minutes were the most cutest moments I have ever experienced. A few times she would clap her hooves together again, smiling and giggling happily, and I would feed her a spoonful the way some parents would do for their younger children. Sometimes saying, "Here comes the airplane!", or, "Here's the choo-choo train! Next stop, Tummyland!" Alright, that last one sounded kind of corny, but you get the idea. After awhile, she nearly finishes all of the oatmeal, looking tired and full. I was suprised that she nearly finished the entire thing, seeing how she was so small right now. "Are you finished, Luna? No more?" She responds to me with a small belch, lying down with a cute satisfied expression, licking her muzzle of any remaining drips of oatmeal. Looking at me once more, she nods at me slowly, resting her small head on top of her hooves, as if getting ready for a nap. As gently as I could, I lifted Luna into my arms and carried her into my bedroom, the alicorn only giving a small huff before drifting off to sleep. After tucking her in I went back into the living room, sitting onto the couch, with a happy smiled plastered across my face. I never knew acting like a babysitter would feel so good! I managed to get her to try something new, without really trying to persuade her! Best of all...she went down for a nap as easy as that! "I guess being a caretaker is going to be easy as pie." I chuckle to myself, imagining Pinkie Pie popping out from somewhere and saying 'Pie?!'. But before I could even get the chance to relax, a certain noise reaches my ears. It's a quiet whimper at first. Then it escalates into lonesome crying. I facepalm myself and groan. Well....maybe not so easy at first. I get up from the couch and head back to the bedroom to comfort the little alicorn. Chapter 1: Sleep TroublesIt's been 4 days since I found her. It's happened again for who knows how many times. I turn over tiredly and look at my clock: 4:36 AM. Ah, for the love of..., I groan to myself, removing the blankets and getting up from my bed, exiting into the hallway. Her cries sound like their everywhere, in the hall, in the living room, but the main source is behind a half-closed door. Gently pushing it open, I immediately catch a glimpse of the baby alicorn sitting up on her bed, her eyes closed in a sad way as small tears run down her face. Her tiny sobs sound so cute...yet so heart-breaking. She cries for a few more seconds before she finally notices my presence. Luna sniffles several times before holding her hooves out for me, whimpering softly. I sigh and walk forward, slightly bending down to scoop her up, cradling her in my arms, "Again, Luna? It's way too early." I whisper to her, slightly annoyed at being woken up again. The only response I get is the baby alicorn sniffling a couple of times, before she her tiny hooves cover her eyes, crying again but only more quieter than before. Poor girl..., I thought as I walked with her to the living room,...She must be lonely. As I mentioned before, this had happened quite a few times. Luna would wake up in the early hours of the morning, crying for at least 3 extra hours, before finally falling back asleep. I was starting to wonder if anything was wrong with her. Was she sick? No. She would have been coughing and might've had a fever if she was. Was she lonesome? Highly possible, she doesn't have a mother or a father to comfort her properly, though she seemed to like my own method's. Sitting on the couch, I slowly begin to rock her back and forth, all the while the little alicorn continued to cry softly. What was I supposed to do next? She already had a bottle with her in the bedroom, just to help her sleep more easier when I put her to bed. She flutters her tiny wings against my arms as I try to rock her to sleep, giving a few small hiccups, looking up at me with a tear-stained face. I sigh softly, closing my eyes in exhaustion, opening them to look into her eyes, "Can you please go back to sleep, Lulu?" I ask, slightly in tired annoyance, still rocking her gently. She lets out another sad wail, her tiny whooves lightly wave at the air, her back legs kicking in a cranky manner. Good grief...I can barely keep up this. What else can I do to make her stop crying and go to sleep? I thought to myself, groaning in frustration at the problem at hand. I honestly tried anything that would have worked! I tried to give her a bottle earlier before, but she only pushed it away with her hooves. Rocking her to only calmed her down a level, but not enough to get her to stop crying. I began to wonder if I should sing her a lullaby. Do I even know any songs? Then again, the thought of trying to sing her to sleep never came to mind. I never actually sang a lullaby before, I thought to myself, looking down to see a sad, tear-streaked face sniffling up at me. Sighing, I try to think of any type of song that would help her relax. Well...I remember one...I think it would be perfect for her. Looking back down at Luna, who's wiping the tears from her eyes, I smile and take a deep breath...it would be worth a shot. As soon as the words began to flow, her cries reduce to whimpers... You would not believe your eyes If ten million fireflies Lit up the world as I fell asleep I began to sing softly, looking down at the little alicorn, gently rocking her back and forth. 'Cause they fill the open air And leave tear drops everywhere You'd think me rude but I would just stand and...stare~ I smile at Luna, brushing a tear soothingly off of her face, earning a tiny smile from her. I'd like to make myself believe That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems Luna smile grows, looking right at me with a happy expression, she claps her hooves together softly with a giggle. 'Cause I get a thousand hugs From ten thousand lightning bugs As they try to teach me how to dance A foxtrot above my head A sock hop beneath my bed A disco ball that's just hanging by a thread Her smile is still on her cute little face, but her eyes start to flutter slightly. I'd like to make myself believe~ That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems Glancing down at Luna, I catch her holding a hoof to her mouth, trying to cover a yawn. Leave my door open just a crack 'Cause I feel like such an insomniac Why do I tire of counting sheep? When I'm far too tired to fall asleep? To ten million fireflies I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbye's I got misty eyes as they said farewell But I'll know where several are If my dreams get real bizzare 'Cause I saved a few and keep them in a jar I'd like to make myself believe~ That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems~ I had my eyes closed as I finished the last verse of the song. Opening them slowly, I look down at my arms, smiling brightly. Luna has fallen into a peaceful looking slumber, her small breaths the only sound heard through the living room. I lean down and tenderly kiss her on the forehead. Not wanting to disturb her, I carefully manuevure myself so I'm laying on my back, resting my head on the arm rest of the couch. Making sure she's safely cradled in my arms, and that she was comfortable, I give a quiet yawn of my own. Finally...time to get some shut-eye... Unable to hold my eyes open any longer, I fall to sleep. With Luna safely cradled in the crook of my arm.
Prologue: Discovery & HospitalityPrologue: Discovery & Hospitality My life could have never felt more dull and depressing. The bustling streets of Toronto, the cars and transit buses, including the many people walking on the sidewalks from both directions seemed far and distant to me. The cold and misty air didn't affect me either, mostly because I was already cold, my arms and legs slowly going numb from sitting on this stone park bench for so long. I let out a long sigh, a cloud of steam bellowing out like I had just taken in a good drag from a cigarette, leaning my head back and looking toward's the dark grey sky that loomed the city. After a bad dispute with my family, which for the first time turned physical when I had struck my own father across the face when he made a remark about me being....well...I won't go into details. After it happened I travelled here to start a new life as an adult, buying a good house in a quiet neighborhood outside the city, but finding a job was the tough part. Sure, I had at least a few thousand bucks that would help with the electricity, the internet, groceries and tv, but I knew it would eventually run out in a few months if I didn't find a good paying job. Finally willing myself to move, I got up from the bench and began to make my way down the sidewalk. The feeling in my legs came back with each step, now fully aware at how much I was actually freezing, letting out a shaky breath as I descended down the steps into the subway. It was a tad warmer than outside in the light rain, but still, the cold air was vacant inside as I waited for the train to arrive. The ride home was uneventful as always. Each time I walked these streets, there was never anything interesting that would spice this particular night up, even if it was just a cat jumping out from behind a dumpster then running off. My eyes caught sight of a 24 hour convenience store. Hmph. Well...maybe a few drinks and snacks wouldn't be too bad. I thought to myself as I entered the store. The clerk behind the counter looked up briefly as I walked in before she went back to whatever she was doing. I walked in each aisle slowly, scanning the many names and brands of candy bars, potato chips, 2 liter bottles of soda....you name it. After a few minutes, I had picked out two bottles of soda, some small bags of chips and a couple of candy bars. The clerk scanned the items, named the price it came up to, me paying her the amount and leaving the store. The air still felt cold and wet, a slight drizzle was now pouring down from the sky. I thought that the rest of the walk home would be boring and miserable....if it wasn't for the quiet but still audible shuffling right beside me. I turned in the direction of the sound but only found myself looking at half a cardboard box sitting on the sidewalk. It was then that curiousity got the best of me. Kneeling down, I could get a closer look at what might have moved underneat it, and heard a soft whimpering. The noise suprised me. This certain scene seemed all too familiar from a fanfic I read on the internet once. I slowly reached a hand forward, slipping my fingers underneath the edge of the cardboard, and lifted it up slowly. What was there, shiverring in a small ball, whimpering and sniffling softly, nearly made my heart stop. The creature had a dark, navy blue colored coat, despite a few darker patches near it's hind legs. Adoring it's head was a much lighter colored mane, a sky blue, I think it was. But I couldn't believe it. It was a foal....a foal....Princess Luna! I'll be honest. A few months back, I recently began to watch a children's show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, but from the way it was scripted and portrayed, it made the show look like it was made for other audience's besides little girls. I practically watched every episode of season 1, as well as season 2, loving and enjoying each moment. My mind snapped back to my current situation, looking down at the small filly before me. The little alicorn stopped whimpering, but sniffled every few seconds, before slowly turning her head up at me. The reaction I expected from her was spot on. The minute she saw me, the filly gave a frightened squeak and started to visibly shake, her small blue eyes looking at me like I was the most terrifying thing in the entire world. "Shhshhshh. Shhhhhhh, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." I said to her in my best comforting tone, still holding up the cardboard slab so I could see her better. The little Luna still looked at me with fright, although her expression softened a little, her shaking stopped and she seated herself onto her haunches. Those large beautiful blue eyes never left me. I smiled at her, hoping to get her more comfortable with me. The alicorn finally took her eyes off of me and looked at her surroundings, perking up at the sound of a siren in the distance. The drizzle had stopped, so I took it as a chance to remove the soggy roof off of her. Her eyes snapped back onto me as I moved the cardboard onto the ground beside her, "Well....", I started, not wanting to leave the filly scared and uncomfortable, "Where did you come from? Do you know where you are?" I ask her, of course, knowing she may not be able to answer me. She looked like she was at the age where they couldn't even talk yet. I saw her small ears flatten against her head, her wet mane ran down her back and hung in front of her face slightly, and she got this heartbreaking expression on her face. It was obvious she had no clue where and how she got there. "Are you lost?" I blurted out softly, but now wishing I hadn't said that. A second after the words left my mouth, the little alicorn looked up at me with the most saddest eyes I have ever seen. Her eyes dilated, a pout came onto her face, and I could of sworn her bottom lip was quivering. She whimpered softly, then they grew into soft and tiny hiccups, before turning into tiny cries. The sight and sound made my heart ache. I couldn't just leave her here like this. "Hey. Heeeyyy, come on. Shhhhhhhh." I whispered soothingly to her, then gently running my hand over the top of her head, rubbing over her ears and down her mane. Little Luna's crying died down slowly, the petting must have gave her some comfort, before she turned her tear stained face toward me, sniffling softly. "Do you....want to come home with me? It's warm and safe where I live. Would you like that?" I asked the young filly. The baby alicorn rubbed a forehoof against her cheek, wiping away her tiny tears before getting up and, much to my suprise and joy, crawled over to my feet and propped her front hooves against me. I looked at her and saw a face that said: Please. I don't like it out here. I'm cold and alone. Like the meme goes: my heart exploded. I smiled and gently brought a hand down to pick up the small filly, her tiny wings gave a few quick flaps as she was hoisted up, opening my jacket to settle her in there. "Come on, Luna. There." I said to her, making sure she didn't fall out before I started walking again. After a few minutes, we finally made it back to my house. The walk didn't feel so bad. My mind was set on making sure the now sleeping alicorn in my arms didn't fall out, or that I didn't jostle her around too much, until we reached the patio. I padded softly up the small set of stairs toward's the door, setting down my bag of drinks to search for my keys, which took me a few seconds because of the filly I was cradling in my jacket. I felt cool metal against my finger tips, telling me that I had found them. I pulled them out, sliding the main key into the master lock, then unlocking the door knob. I glanced down and saw Luna looking up at me with a curious expression. She must have heard the noise the key's made. I gave her a gentle smile before opening the door, figuring that she would want to be somewhere warm at the moment. I wiped my feet off my floor mat before sliding my shoes off, setting the filly onto the floor, then sliding my jacket off (which, to me, now smelled a little like wet dog....or was it wet pony?). I heard sniffling again. Uh oh, I thought, Either she's still a little scared or she may have already caught a cold from the weather. I turned around and expected to see a sad, runny nosed, face sitting on the floor. But instead, much to my relief and amusement, she was already exploring about the living room, her nose dipped close to the ground. The sniffling was her smelling the carpet, as well as any other object that was giving a new or strange smell. The little dark-blue alicorn lifted her head and inspected the large flat screen tv I had set on a entertainment stand. Well....maybe when she's older I'll show her how it works....but I'll need to avoid that one channel and show....for her sake..., I thought to myself, a certain chapter in My Little Dashie had brought it into my head. I felt a soft tug on my leg, and I looked down, Luna was sitting down by my feet, her big blue eyes staring up at me. "Oh, sorry, Luna. Are you hungry?" I asked, kneeling down to rub the filles mane. The minute I asked, her tiny ears perked up, her tail giving a small flick. I couldn't suppress a chuckle, "Heh. I figured. Hold on, let me see if I can make you something." I said to her, getting up and walking toward's the kitchen. Yet another adorable moment, I could hear small hoofsteps right beside me along the way. I opened the fridge to see what would be appropriate for a small filly to eat. Actually....what WOULD a filly at her age eat? Let alone if they even ate anything solid at this age. I didn't want to risk her choking if she couldn't handle anything hard, so the logical choice was to get out the carton of 2% milk I had, and hope that she would eat from a baby bottle. At least for now until she was older. After rummaging through the drawers and cabinets, I finally found a suitable baby bottle and nipple. I made sure to rinse it off under hot water before pouring the milk in, that way any bacteria would be washed off, and make it safe for little Luna to eat from. After filling the bottle, I padded over to the little alicorn, and gently scooped her up into my arm. I carefully set myself down onto the couch, putting the bottle down beside me, and carefully moving the little filly so that she was lying on her back while being cradled. Picking the bottle back up, I held it in front of her, and receieved the most cutest reaction ever. The minute she saw the bottle, her front hooves waved in front of her excitedly, small happy squeaks emanating from her tiny throat. The sight made my heart explode for the second time. I moved the bottle forward until she seemed to try and grasp the sides of it with her tiny hoofs, her little mouth open for the nipple of the bottle. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwww.", as I watched Luna eat. Seeing as how she reacted so happily from seeing the bottle, I figured she would start guzzling down the milk, but instead, she was drinking at her own comfortable pace. The alicorn filly suckled softly, her blue eyes occassionally glancing up toward's me, clearly enjoying her meal. I let out another big smile as her suckles began to slow down, and her eyelids started to flutter softly, starting to get full and sleepy. Luna licked her lips as I moved the bottle away, and carefully lifted her up until her front hooves and head were resting on my shoulder. I remember reading on the internet that horses, maybe even ponies, were physical incapable of vomiting. Would Luna do that if I attempted to burp her? Although....she was only a baby. A little bit of milk on my shirt wouldn't bother me. I started to gently pat the filly on the back, in between the bottom of her mane and her small wings, hoping she would burp so she wouldn't be uncomfortable as she slept. A few seconds passed, then I heard it. Urp! I smiled and lifted Luna off my shoulder and cradled her, rocking back and forth. She had already fallen asleep. I managed to get up from the couch as best as I could, turning off the living room and kitchen lights, before walking into my bedroom. It was a fairly nice size, plenty of walking room, my computer and Playstation 3 were hooked up to two seperate screens. I carefully set Luna down onto the bed, making sure I didn't wake her up in the process, before lying down right next to her. Just from looking at her sleep, I knew that I found something that would make me feel happy for the untold future to come. But once again, the thought of that fanfic came back to me. I knew, like in the fic, Celestia would eventually arrive sometime after the next few years, once Luna reached the age she was in the show. Now that I found her, she was already part of my life. She stirred for a moment before she lay still again. Then, she had said it. I barely understood it.....but it was clear. "Dad...dy...." I heard her tiny voice mutter. I thought I had stopped breathing for a second. She had called me Daddy. My vision blurred, a tear having tickled it's way out the corner of my eye. I felt myself smile, a real one, for the first time since the day I left my parents behind. I leaned in and kissed the filly between her ears, a small smile appearing on her face. "Good night, Luna. Sweet dreams." I whispered, before I too drifted into a deep slumber. Tomorrow, and the many years to come, were going to be the best moments of my life. Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Equestria..... Hammers. That was the best way for her to describe it. Celestia brought her front hooves to her head and groaned loudly, the pains and aches boring themselves deep into her skull, the alicorn crouching low to the floor in agony. I knew there was something fishy about that spell, Celestia thought to herself as she summoned the energy to stand up, I hope Luna didn't get caught in the-, the ivory alicorn froze. Luna! What happened to her? Despite the minor headaches, Celestia frantically searched around for her younger sister, hoping to find ANY sign that she wasn't hurt. "Luna? Luna! Where are you?" Celestia called out, trying to see through the smoky haze that had engulfed the room, "Luna! If you can hear me, say something!" The alicorn coughed, flaring her wings to try and fan out the smoke. She took a few steps forward before one of her hooves kicked something. Judging by the sound....it was metal. The sun princess glanced down at the object, confused at what could have been broken or left behind, and drew in a sharp gasp. It was one of Luna's royal hoof shoes. The alicorn took in the sight before moving her gaze further up. The other three hoof shoes lay either in one piece or broken from the explosion, now laying next to a navy-blue metal chest piece and a small metal crown of the same color....lying on a smoldering spot of the floor where Luna had been just moments before. "L-Luna...." Celestia choked out weakly, dropping to the floor, tenderly picking up the crown that onced belonged to her sister. The alicorn princess couldn't stop the cascade of tears that now flowed down her face, clenching her eyes shut as she wept quietly. Celestia's horn suddenly shone brightly, the alicorn using every ounce of her power to try and locate the moon princess. Anything....anything! A lock of her hair, a chip of her hoof, a fragment of her magical aura! Anything to find where she was! But....there was nothing! No. No no nonononono. Celestia whispered in her mind. Falling to her haunches, the alicorn hung her head low, and began to cry in sorrow and guilt. Her only sister....was gone.
Author's Note: SLIGHTLY ImportantHey, bronies! I apologize for the long absence since the first chapter, but, I've been having some major internet troubles lately, and it has been interfering with checking my account here on FIMFiction. BUT! I'm using this chance to announce that I will be submitting a slightly longer and updated version of the prologue! Since I didn't have internet for that short amount of time, I took the chance to proof-read and add more parts to the chapter! So expect the next chapter to be an update to the first! Thanks for reading! SilverQuillBrush
Prologue: Discovery & Hospitality (Updated)The bustling streets of Toronto. The cars and transit buses, including the many people walking on the sidewalks from both directions seemed far and distant to me. The cold and misty air didn't affect me either, mostly because I was already cold, my arms and legs slowly going numb from sitting on this stone park bench for so long. I let out a long sigh, a cloud of steam bellowing out like I had just taken in a good drag from a cigarette, leaning my head back and looking toward's the dark grey sky that loomed the city. After a bad dispute with my family, which involved how much I should grow up, even though I'm already 18. Having heard enough about this sort of conversation, I finally snapped and told my parents that I will show them growing up, then revealed to them about the apartment I had found and paid for in Toronto. I can't find a right word to properly describe their reaction, for both about me moving to the big city, and the day after I packed up my clothes and such and left. I swore that day, that I would come back when I felt like it, mostly because I wanted to show them that I was grown up enough. After I arrived in Toronto and got my things moved into my house, now was the time to begin a new life as an adult, caring for myself and making sure I had enough groceries. On a particular day when I was checking my bank account for grocery money, I was suprised to find that the amount in my bank had been boosted to almost eight thousand dollars, no doubt either an apology or just some grateful help from my family. After a few days in the city, burning off most of my cash for groceries as well some entertainment in my home, nearly depleted my bank account. Sure, I had at least a few thousand bucks that would help with the electricity, the internet, groceries and tv, but I knew it would eventually run out in a few months if I didn't find a good paying job. But this depression I was feeling, it began a few days after I left my parents house. Maybe it was from not having them nearby, or maybe because I felt like I left them behind, on my own choice. Finally willing myself to move, I got up from the bench and began to make my way down the sidewalk. The feeling in my legs came back with each step, now fully aware at how much I was actually freezing, letting out a shaky breath as I descended down the steps into the subway. It was a tad warmer than outside in the light rain, but still, the cold air was vacant inside as I waited for the train to arrive. As I stood behind the yellow line, the screeching of the train making it's stop at the station, I can hear a small amount of talk coming from a family beside me. Turning to look at them slightly, I see that the weather didn't have any changes in their mood, the husband and wife conversing happily of a family event coming their way. Standing in front of them was a little girl, their daughter, who was clutching a teddy bear sized Rainbow Dash plushie in her arms. Something I haven't felt before rose in my chest: It was the longing for a friend, a companion, something to help get through this depression that was slowly eating me alive. Did I mention I had a best friend once? The two of us would always be seen together whenever he came over. We had the same interests, one of which involved gaming. But later on, because I was so busy with high school and my own life, we barely kept in touch anymore. Just from seeing that little girl with the plushie, seeing how tightly she kept it close to her, made want to find something just like that. Something that I could hold close and comfort myself with. The rest of the way home was uneventful as always. Each time I walked these streets, there was never anything interesting that would spice this particular night up, even if it was just a cat jumping out from behind a dumpster then running off. My eyes caught sight of a 24 hour convenience store. Hmph. Well...maybe a few drinks and snacks wouldn't be too bad. I thought to myself as I entered the store. The clerk behind the counter looked up briefly as I walked in before she went back to whatever she was doing. I walked in each aisle slowly, scanning the many names and brands of candy bars, potato chips, 2 liter bottles of soda....you name it. After a few minutes, I had picked out two bottles of soda, some small bags of chips and a couple of candy bars. The clerk scanned the items, named the price it came up to, me paying her the amount and leaving the store. The air still felt cold and wet, a slight drizzle was now pouring down from the sky. I thought that the rest of the walk home would be boring and miserable....if it wasn't for the quiet but still audible shuffling right beside me. I turned in the direction of the sound but only found myself looking at half a cardboard box sitting on the sidewalk. Getting ready to take another step forward, the shuffling came back, making me stop in my tracks once again. What could hiding underneath it? A lost dog, maybe? It was then that curiousity got the best of me. Kneeling down, I could get a closer look at what might have moved underneath it, and heard a soft whimpering. The noise suprised me. This certain scene seemed all too familiar from a fanfic I read on the internet once. I slowly reached a hand forward, slipping my fingers underneath the edge of the cardboard, and lifted it up slowly. What was there, shiverring in a small ball, whimpering and sniffling softly, nearly made my heart stop. The creature had a navy blue colored coat, despite a few darker patches near it's hind legs. Adoring it's head was a much lighter colored mane, a sky blue, I think it was. From underneath it's mane, I could make out the tip of a horn and the tiny portrusions coming out of her back. Which I knew were wings. But I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a foal....a foal....Princess Luna! I'll be honest. A few months back, I recently began to watch a children's show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, but from the way it was scripted and portrayed, it made the show look like it was made for other audience's besides little girls. I practically watched every episode of season 1, as well as season 2, loving and enjoying each moment. My mind snapped back to my current situation, looking down at the small filly before me. The little alicorn stopped whimpering, but sniffled every few seconds, before slowly turning her head up at me. The reaction I expected from her was spot on. The minute she saw me, the filly gave a frightened squeak and started to visibly shake, her small blue eyes looking at me like I was the most terrifying thing in the entire world. "Shhshhshh. Shhhhhhh, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." I said to her in my best comforting tone, still holding up the cardboard slab so I could see her better. The little alicorn still looked at me with fright, visibly quivering and uttering tiny squeaks from herself. After about a minute, she finally calmed down, shifting until she was sitting on her hind legs. Those large beautiful blue eyes never left me. I smiled at her, hoping to get her more comfortable with me. The alicorn finally took her eyes off of me and looked at her surroundings, perking up at the sound of a siren in the distance. The drizzle had stopped, so I took it as a chance to remove the soggy roof off of her. Her eyes snapped back onto me as I moved the cardboard onto the ground beside her, "Well....", I started, not wanting to leave the filly scared and uncomfortable, "Where did you come from? Do you know where you are?" I ask her, of course, knowing she may not be able to answer me. She looked like she was at the age where they couldn't even talk yet. I saw her small ears flatten against her head, her wet mane ran down her back and hung in front of her face slightly, and she got this heartbreaking expression on her face. It was obvious she had no clue where and how she got there. "Are you lost?" I blurted out softly, but now wishing I hadn't said that. A second after the words left my mouth, the little alicorn looked up at me with the most saddest eyes I have ever seen. Her eyes dilated, a pout came onto her face, and I could of sworn her bottom lip was quivering. She whimpered softly, then they grew into soft and tiny hiccups, before turning into tiny cries. The sight and sound made my heart ache. I couldn't just leave her here like this. "Hey. Heeeyyy, come on. Shhhhhhhh." I whispered soothingly to her, then gently running my hand over the top of her head, rubbing over her ears and down her mane. Little Luna's crying died down slowly, the petting must have gave her some comfort, before she turned her tear stained face toward me, sniffling softly. "Do you....want to come home with me? It's warm and safe where I live. Would you like that?" I asked the young filly. The baby alicorn rubbed a forehoof against her cheek, wiping away her tiny tears before getting up and, much to my suprise and joy, crawled over to my feet and propped her front hooves against me. I looked at her and saw a face that said: Please. I don't like it out here. Like the meme goes: my heart exploded. I smiled and gently brought a hand down to pick up the small filly, her tiny wings gave a few quick flaps as she was hoisted up, opening my jacket to settle her in there. "Come on, Luna. There." I said to her, making sure she didn't fall out before I started walking again. No matter how many times I checked to see if she was comfortable in my jacket, I was always met with her blue eyes looking at me now with timid curiousity, occasionally glancing elsewhere if she caught an unfamiliar noise. After a few minutes, we finally made it back to my house. The walk didn't feel so bad. My mind was set on making sure the now sleeping alicorn in my arms didn't fall out, or that I didn't jostle her around too much, until we reached the patio. I padded softly up the small set of stairs toward's the door, setting down my bag of drinks to search for my keys, which took me a few seconds because of the filly I was cradling in my jacket. I felt cool metal against my finger tips, telling me that I had found them. I pulled them out, sliding the main key into the master lock, then unlocking the door knob. I glanced down and saw Luna looking up at me with a curious expression. She must have heard the noise the key's made. I gave her a gentle smile before opening the door, figuring that she would want to be somewhere warm at the moment. I wiped my feet off my floor mat before sliding my shoes off, setting the filly onto the floor, then sliding my jacket off (which, to me, now smelled a little like wet dog....or was it wet pony?). I heard sniffling again. Uh oh, I thought, Either she's still a little scared or she may have already caught a cold from the weather. I turned around and expected to see a sad, runny nosed, face sitting on the floor. But instead, much to my relief and amusement, she was already exploring about the living room, her nose dipped close to the ground. The sniffling was her smelling the carpet, as well as any other object that was giving a new or strange smell. The little dark-blue alicorn lifted her head and inspected the large flat screen tv I had set on a entertainment stand. Well....maybe when she's older I'll show her how it works....but I'll need to avoid that one channel and show....for her sake..., I thought to myself, a certain chapter in My Little Dashie had brought it into my head. I felt a soft tug on my leg, and I looked down, Luna was sitting down by my feet, her big blue eyes staring up at me. "Oh, sorry, Luna. Are you hungry?" I asked, kneeling down to rub the filles mane. The minute I asked, her tiny ears perked up, her tail giving a small flick. I couldn't suppress a chuckle, "Heh. I figured. Hold on, let me see if I can make you something." I said to her, getting up and walking toward's the kitchen. Yet another adorable moment, I could hear small hoofsteps right beside me along the way. I opened the fridge to see what would be appropriate for a small filly to eat. Actually....what WOULD a filly at her age eat? Let alone if they even ate anything solid at this age. I didn't want to risk her choking if she couldn't handle anything hard, so the logical choice was to get out the carton of 2% milk I had, and hope that she would eat from a baby bottle. At least for now until she was older. After rummaging through the drawers and cabinets, I finally found a suitable baby bottle and nipple. I made sure to rinse it off under hot water before pouring the milk in, that way any bacteria would be washed off, and make it safe for little Luna to eat from. After filling the bottle, I padded over to the little alicorn, and gently scooped her up into my arm. I carefully set myself down onto the couch, putting the bottle down beside me, and carefully moving the little filly so that she was lying on her back while being cradled. Picking the bottle back up, I held it in front of her, and receieved the most cutest reaction ever. The minute she saw the bottle, her front hooves waved in front of her excitedly, small happy squeaks emanating from her tiny throat. The sight made my heart explode for the second time. I moved the bottle forward until she seemed to try and grasp the sides of it with her tiny hoofs, her little mouth open for the nipple of the bottle. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwww.", as I watched Luna eat. Seeing as how she reacted so happily from seeing the bottle, I figured she would start guzzling down the milk, but instead, she was drinking at her own comfortable pace. The alicorn filly suckled softly, her blue eyes occassionally glancing up toward's me, clearly enjoying her meal. I let out another big smile as her suckles began to slow down, and her eyelids started to flutter softly, starting to get full and sleepy. Luna licked her lips as I moved the bottle away, and carefully lifted her up until her front hooves and head were resting on my shoulder. I started to gently pat the filly on the back, in between the bottom of her mane and her small wings, hoping she would burp so she wouldn't be uncomfortable as she slept. A few seconds passed, then I heard it. "Bup!" A tiny belch escaped her muzzle. I smiled and lifted Luna off my shoulder and cradled her, rocking back and forth. She had already fallen asleep. I managed to get up from the couch as best as I could, turning off the living room and kitchen lights, before walking into my bedroom. It was a fairly nice size, plenty of walking room, my computer and Playstation 3 were hooked up to two seperate screens. I carefully set Luna down onto the bed, making sure I didn't wake her up in the process, before lying down right next to her. Just from looking at her sleep, I knew that I found something that would make me feel happy for the untold future to come. But once again, the thought of that fanfic came back to me. I knew, like in the fic, Celestia would eventually arrive sometime after the next few years, once Luna reached the age she was in the show. Now that I found her, she was already part of my life. She stirred for a moment before she lay still again. I smiled as I layed a blanket onto her sleeping form. "Good night, Luna. Sweet dreams." I whispered, before I too drifted into a deep slumber. Hammers. That was the best way for her to describe it. Celestia brought her front hooves to her head and groaned loudly, the pains and aches boring themselves deep into her skull, the alicorn crouching low to the floor in agony. I knew there was something fishy about that spell, Celestia thought to herself as she summoned the energy to stand up, I hope Luna didn't get caught in the-, the ivory alicorn froze. Luna! What happened to her? Despite the minor headaches, Celestia frantically searched around for her younger sister, hoping to find ANY sign that she wasn't hurt. "Luna? Luna! Where are you?" Celestia called out, trying to see through the smoky haze that had engulfed the room, "Luna! If you can hear me, say something!" The alicorn coughed, flaring her wings to try and fan out the smoke. She took a few steps forward before one of her hooves kicked something. Judging by the sound....it was metal. The sun princess glanced down at the object, confused at what could have been broken or left behind, and drew in a sharp gasp. It was one of Luna's royal hoof shoes. The alicorn took in the sight before moving her gaze further up. The other three hoof shoes lay either in one piece or broken from the explosion, now laying next to a navy-blue metal chest piece and a small metal crown of the same color....lying on a smoldering spot of the floor where Luna had been just moments before. "L-Luna...." Celestia choked out weakly, dropping to the floor, tenderly picking up the crown that onced belonged to her sister. The alicorn princess couldn't stop the cascade of tears that now flowed down her face, clenching her eyes shut as she wept quietly. Celestia's horn suddenly shone brightly, the alicorn using every ounce of her power to try and locate the moon princess. Anything....anything! A lock of her hair, a chip of her hoof, a fragment of her magical aura! Anything to find where she was! But....there was nothing! No. No no nonononono. Celestia whispered in her mind. Falling to her haunches, the alicorn hung her head low, and began to cry in sorrow and guilt. Her only sister....was gone. "Luna...." Celestia whispered in between sobs, her sadness slowly beginning to rise, ".....Luna.....Lunaaa!" Her voice slowly began to rise. Unable to bear the sadness any longer, the alicorn drew in a long breath. "LUUNAAAAAAAAA!!" She screamed into the air, her voice echoing throughout the entire castle. "AH!!" I woke up yelling, sitting upright in a cold sweat. What the hell did I just hear? And more importantly, where did it come from? I was calmly asleep for the past few hours, but....that scream. Right next to me the sheets rustled softly, before a small head poked out under them. Luna blinks tiredly a couple times before her little mouth opens wide, and a tiny yawn escapes. Smacking her lips softly, she rubs her eyes with her hooves, taking a look around before her gaze lands on me, and smiling brightly the minute she saw me. "Heh, good morning, Lulu. Sleep well?" I ask her, rubbing a hand through her mane tenderly. She responds to the act of affection by nuzzling my hand and climbing into my lap, curling up comfortably and looking up at me with those adorable eyes and that smile. As the meme goes: my heart exploded for God knows how many times. But the moment barely lasts before a small but loud gurgle comes from her tiny stomach. Little Luna gets an adorable look of shyness and a blush on her face, her front hooves huddling closer to her muzzle. I barely suppress a chuckle as I gently lift the small alicorn into my arms, "Hehehe, somepony sounds hungry. Come on, let's get us both something to eat." I say to her before getting up from the bed and, with Luna in my arms, heading for the kitchen. After a few seconds of rummaging through the cabinets and the fridge, I realized that I should have gone out and bought some groceries. Out of all the edible things, I only have a package of oatmeal, three fresh apples and some Honey-Nut Cheerio's. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Crap." I turn around and look at Luna, sitting idly and looking at me expectantly, no doubt waiting for her breakfast. Turning back at the counter I look at the box of oatmeal, debating whether it was the right and safe thing for her to eat, let alone hoping it doesn't make her sick. "Hold on, Luna. Let me...", Grabbing an apple and a sharp knife, I start to cut it into slices, making sure they were a suitable size for her to eat, "...give you an apple for now. Then...," I scoop the apple slices onto a plate and set it down in front of her, "...while you eat those, I'll cook up the oatmeal for you, okay?" Turning to look at her while I was getting a pot out, she's already sniffing the sliced fruit curiously, briefly looking back at me. Smile, I gesture at the plate, "Go ahead, try it." She turns back and leans down to grab one of the slices in her tiny teeth. Instead of picking up the entire slice, she bites down on the area she has in her teeth, a quiet crunch coming from it as she starts to slowly chew. Her reaction to the taste and flavour of the fruit never made me smile this big for her before. From the first bite, little Luna already starts to chow down on the other apple slices, clearly enjoying the sweet fruit. The adorable sight nearly got me distracted from the now bubbling pot of water sitting on the stove. After letting it cook and thicken up in the water, plus a teaspoon of sugar and some milk to give it a lightly sweetened and smooth taste, the oatmeal is ready for the young foal. "Here we are, Luna. Ready to eat?" I ask, letting her smell the steam wafting from the bowl. She lightly draws back, as if noticing how there's a barely any kind of scent to it at all. After grabbing a spoon from the silverware drawer, I sit down in front of her, the bowl sitting in between us. She watches me in utter curiousity as I scoop a proper amount of oatmeal, blowing on it, then holding the spoon out to her. "Here we go, Luna." I say to her, watching her eye the spoon with a tiny raised eyebrow. To me she looks a little apprehensive of eating this unfamiliar food item, sniffing the oatmeal again, and looking at me with a questioning stare, "Come on, please? You'll never know if you'd like it or not if you don't try it." I tell her, knowing that the apples wouldn't be enough to satisfy her hunger. Luna turns her gaze back to the oatmeal and finally opens her mouth wide for it. Slipping the spoon into her mouth, she closes it around the oatmeal, and I slip it back out. The alicorn chews slowly, grimacing at the weird texture, before her eyes light up. "Mmmm!" She mumbles in an adorable fashion, a smile forming onto her muzzle as she claps her front hooves together, earning a smile from me. "See? I knew you would love it!" I say to her proudly, getting another spoonful, once again cooling it off before feeding it to her. The next few minutes were the most cutest moments I have ever experienced. A few times she would clap her hooves together again, smiling and giggling happily, and I would feed her a spoonful the way some parents would do for their younger children. Sometimes saying, "Here comes the airplane!", or, "Here's the choo-choo train! Next stop, Tummyland!" Alright, that last one sounded kind of corny, but you get the idea. After awhile, she nearly finishes all of the oatmeal, looking tired and full. I was suprised that she nearly finished the entire thing, seeing how she was so small right now. "Are you finished, Luna? No more?" She responds to me with a small belch, lying down with a cute satisfied expression, licking her muzzle of any remaining drips of oatmeal. Looking at me once more, she nods at me slowly, resting her small head on top of her hooves, as if getting ready for a nap. As gently as I could, I lifted Luna into my arms and carried her into my bedroom, the alicorn only giving a small huff before drifting off to sleep. After tucking her in I went back into the living room, sitting onto the couch, with a happy smiled plastered across my face. I never knew acting like a babysitter would feel so good! I managed to get her to try something new, without really trying to persuade her! Best of all...she went down for a nap as easy as that! "I guess being a caretaker is going to be easy as pie." I chuckle to myself, imagining Pinkie Pie popping out from somewhere and saying 'Pie?!'. But before I could even get the chance to relax, a certain noise reaches my ears. It's a quiet whimper at first. Then it escalates into lonesome crying. I facepalm myself and groan. Well....maybe not so easy at first. I get up from the couch and head back to the bedroom to comfort the little alicorn.
Chapter 1: Sleep TroublesIt's been 4 days since I found her. It's happened again for who knows how many times. I turn over tiredly and look at my clock: 4:36 AM. Ah, for the love of..., I groan to myself, removing the blankets and getting up from my bed, exiting into the hallway. Her cries sound like their everywhere, in the hall, in the living room, but the main source is behind a half-closed door. Gently pushing it open, I immediately catch a glimpse of the baby alicorn sitting up on her bed, her eyes closed in a sad way as small tears run down her face. Her tiny sobs sound so cute...yet so heart-breaking. She cries for a few more seconds before she finally notices my presence. Luna sniffles several times before holding her hooves out for me, whimpering softly. I sigh and walk forward, slightly bending down to scoop her up, cradling her in my arms, "Again, Luna? It's way too early." I whisper to her, slightly annoyed at being woken up again. The only response I get is the baby alicorn sniffling a couple of times, before she her tiny hooves cover her eyes, crying again but only more quieter than before. Poor girl..., I thought as I walked with her to the living room,...She must be lonely. As I mentioned before, this had happened quite a few times. Luna would wake up in the early hours of the morning, crying for at least 3 extra hours, before finally falling back asleep. I was starting to wonder if anything was wrong with her. Was she sick? No. She would have been coughing and might've had a fever if she was. Was she lonesome? Highly possible, she doesn't have a mother or a father to comfort her properly, though she seemed to like my own method's. Sitting on the couch, I slowly begin to rock her back and forth, all the while the little alicorn continued to cry softly. What was I supposed to do next? She already had a bottle with her in the bedroom, just to help her sleep more easier when I put her to bed. She flutters her tiny wings against my arms as I try to rock her to sleep, giving a few small hiccups, looking up at me with a tear-stained face. I sigh softly, closing my eyes in exhaustion, opening them to look into her eyes, "Can you please go back to sleep, Lulu?" I ask, slightly in tired annoyance, still rocking her gently. She lets out another sad wail, her tiny whooves lightly wave at the air, her back legs kicking in a cranky manner. Good grief...I can barely keep up this. What else can I do to make her stop crying and go to sleep? I thought to myself, groaning in frustration at the problem at hand. I honestly tried anything that would have worked! I tried to give her a bottle earlier before, but she only pushed it away with her hooves. Rocking her to only calmed her down a level, but not enough to get her to stop crying. I began to wonder if I should sing her a lullaby. Do I even know any songs? Then again, the thought of trying to sing her to sleep never came to mind. I never actually sang a lullaby before, I thought to myself, looking down to see a sad, tear-streaked face sniffling up at me. Sighing, I try to think of any type of song that would help her relax. Well...I remember one...I think it would be perfect for her. Looking back down at Luna, who's wiping the tears from her eyes, I smile and take a deep breath...it would be worth a shot. As soon as the words began to flow, her cries reduce to whimpers... You would not believe your eyes If ten million fireflies Lit up the world as I fell asleep I began to sing softly, looking down at the little alicorn, gently rocking her back and forth. 'Cause they fill the open air And leave tear drops everywhere You'd think me rude but I would just stand and...stare~ I smile at Luna, brushing a tear soothingly off of her face, earning a tiny smile from her. I'd like to make myself believe That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems Luna smile grows, looking right at me with a happy expression, she claps her hooves together softly with a giggle. 'Cause I get a thousand hugs From ten thousand lightning bugs As they try to teach me how to dance A foxtrot above my head A sock hop beneath my bed A disco ball that's just hanging by a thread Her smile is still on her cute little face, but her eyes start to flutter slightly. I'd like to make myself believe~ That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems Glancing down at Luna, I catch her holding a hoof to her mouth, trying to cover a yawn. Leave my door open just a crack 'Cause I feel like such an insomniac Why do I tire of counting sheep? When I'm far too tired to fall asleep? To ten million fireflies I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbye's I got misty eyes as they said farewell But I'll know where several are If my dreams get real bizzare 'Cause I saved a few and keep them in a jar I'd like to make myself believe~ That planet earth turns Slowly~ It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep 'Cause everything is never as it seems~ I had my eyes closed as I finished the last verse of the song. Opening them slowly, I look down at my arms, smiling brightly. Luna has fallen into a peaceful looking slumber, her small breaths the only sound heard through the living room. I lean down and tenderly kiss her on the forehead. Not wanting to disturb her, I carefully manuevure myself so I'm laying on my back, resting my head on the arm rest of the couch. Making sure she's safely cradled in my arms, and that she was comfortable, I give a quiet yawn of my own. Finally...time to get some shut-eye... Unable to hold my eyes open any longer, I fall to sleep. With Luna safely cradled in the crook of my arm.
