Project Midnight Book One-Awakening

Word had spread of Lunas new child and the kingdom was abuzz with excitement. A grand party was to be held in celebration of the infants birth and the princesses knew there was no pony better to plan a party than Pinkie Pie, given that the usual Canterlot parties were quiet and dull. With the assistance she received from Twilight and Celestia taking care of every last detail of the party, from food and music to games and decorations.

"And over here we'll have musical chairs! perfect for the other foals!"

"That sounds lovely Pinkie." Celestia approved as Twilight checked off another item on her rather long list. While the others were preparing the festivities, Luna was putting Midnight down for his afternoon nap in the castle nursery. The alicorn princess sat in a rocking chair as she fed the baby another bottle of formula while singing an ancient lullaby as she used her magic to strum a small lyre.

Just wait, though wide he may roam

always a hero comes home

he goes where no one has gone

but always a hero comes home.

He knows of places unknown

always a hero comes home.

He goes where no one has gone

But always a hero comes home.

The tune of his mothers voice and the instrument lulled the prince to sleep. Luna gently laid him down in his crib before tucking him in under the bed sheets.

"Sleep tight my little one." She whispered, giving a gentle kiss to his forehead before leaving to help with the party.

Later that night the event was in full swing. The guests were mostly of the canterlot elite (save for Twilights friends) and all seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially Celestia who was going for a slice of cake at the buffet table.

"Sister~!"

Celestia flinched at the sound of Lunas voice before trying to act like she couldn't make a decision.

"Oh Luna you're here! I was just trying to decide on what to get for Midnight."

"How kind." Luna decided to play along before feeling the baby fidget in her arms. He was reaching out at some sweet smelling apple tarts from the buffet table.

"Oh! Does my little Midnight want a cupcake?" Luna teased as the baby giggled.

"Well alright!"

"Luna is that a good idea?" Celestia asked, sounding a bit worried.

"Oh it's fine Celestia. What's the worst that could-SPLAT!-Happen..." Luna's face was smeared with icing. Some the party guests covered their mouths as they giggled, including Celestia and Twilight. Despite the embarrassing moment Luna just sighed as she wiped off the remaining pieces of the cupcake and saw her sons face was the same.

"Oh Midnight. what am I going to do with you."

"Mm...Ma ma!"

The crowd gasped in shock. Barely a week old and already the baby had said his first word, a word that made Luna's heart melt as tears of joy slowly began to leak from her eyes.

"Ma ma!"

"Yes. Yes Ma ma!" Luna praised Midnight, lifting him high into the air for everypony to see. The crowd gave a short applause before resuming the festivities.

"Mmm!" Luna snuggled her little one close, still feeling proud of him saying his first word but then remembered that Gene Splicer said he would have a highly developed brain for his age. None of that mattered to her though, all that mattered was that the fact her child knew who she was and they were closer than ever. As the hour grew late. Midnight began to rub his eyes showing the event had worn him out. Not wanting to keep the baby up late the sisters stood up to make an announcement as Twilight gestured the DJ to turn down the music a bit.

"I'm sorry everypony but my sister and her child must retire for the rest of the evening but please feel free to continue, the castle staff will handle cleanup."

"Come along Midnight. It's bed time for you." But the little foal was already fast asleep in his mothers arms. The crowd saw this and tried to keep quiet as possible while a few others tried to get in a conversation with the princess. Most were bachelors from around the city who were hoping to charm the princess and like always Luna politely turned them down knowing that most were just looking for another "Conquest" or a chance to gain access to the royal treasury but they were persistent and Luna was beginning to lose patience.

"Gentlemen! My sister has already given her answer. Now please allow us to leave so my nephew can get a proper nights rest!" Celestia scolded the stallions as they moved aside, bowing their heads.

Later in the nursery Luna placed Midnight in his crib while Celestia gently tucked him in. The two sisters smiled at one another before quietly sneaking away to their bed chambers, that is until Luna called forth a handful of guards.

"Report to me the moment you hear a disturbance."

"Yes your highness!"

"Luna isn't this a bit much?" Celestia was surprised at how well the guards were armed. Each carrying a loaded crossbow.

"Mother didn't seem to mind."

Luna reminded her sister of how protective their mother was when they were foals, knowing this was an argument she couldn't win Celestia simply walked off to bed along with Luna or so it seemed as the princess began to check on her son every five minuets and as the sun rose the next day Celestia was shocked to see her sisters condition. Her eyes were baggy, her mane was a mess and she was still in her night gown sitting in a rocking chair next to Midnights crib.

"Luna? What're you doing in here?"

"huh? huh? what? what?" Luna darted her head around, vision still blurry from waking up. Finally she noticed Celestia and rubbed her temples, feeling a sudden headache rush on.

"Were you in here all night?"

"No! Well...not ALL night." Luna was feeling a bit guilty from making her sister worry as she helped her out of the rocking chair.

"Sister I know you're worried about Midnight but you have to take a break once in a while."

"But I can't! I can't just leave him on his own."

"But he won't BE alone! I'm here and so are the other nursemaids." Celestia tried to reassure her sister. The guilt Luna was feeling got deeper as she rubbed her arms. Unable to even look at Celestia, she turned away."

"I just want to be a good mother..." She said overlooking the baby, still asleep in his crib.

"You already are Luna, Tell you what you go for a full day of relaxation at the spa and I'll look after midnight for the day?"

"Are you sure that's-!"

"No arguments!" Celestia cut her off not wanting this discussion to go further, it was clear she was very concerned about Luna ever since they brought back the baby.

"Now go freshen up while I get everything ready."

Knowing she could trust her sister, Luna placed a kiss on Midnights forehead before hugging her sister goodbye.

"Thank you Celestia." That was the only thing Celestia needed to hear before Luna left.

End of Part 2