Chapters 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
Project Midnight Book One-Awakening
At her sisters command. Luna went to the royal spa for a full day of relaxation while Celestia handled the baby. Upon arrival the entire staff greeted her at the entrance. They had tied up her mane and dressed her in their finest robes before escorting her to the massage center where a small handful began to work their magic on her rather stiff muscles.
"Goodness your highness! you're so tense." One of the ponies said in shock as he popped a section of her spine, the sensation was very soothing for Luna.
"Well what do you expect? She is a full time mother now but I bet it's worth it when you get to see the little guys face just light up whenever he sees you. Isn't that right Luna?" Another masseuse addressed the princess by her first name while working on her legs. The others seemed shock by that, the princess didn't mind however.
"It is. Just the sight of him so happy makes it so worth it." Luna said with a smile as she felt the wing joints on her back pop, making her sigh with relief. The moment however was cut short as a news report flashed onto the tv hanging above, the news was horrifying.
Ten foals found murdered
"We are coming to you live from Manehattan square where the bodies of ten unicorn foals have been found. The bodies have been identified as the group of children who went missing two weeks ago but the identity of the killer remains a mystery. This has been but one of many child killings within the past month and as always the mysterious figure known only as "Deacon" left this message."
The news feed cut to a shadowy figure sitting in a chair, behind him a pentagram which appeared to be drawn in blood. He had a southern accent and began acting like a priest in church.
"Citizens of Manehattan. Weep not tears of sadness but tears of joy! These children were impure; not of TRUE Unicorn blood! They were but the first step in cleansing ALL of Equestria of those who would defile the noble bloodline of the Unicorn! Join me; Join us! and together we will bring about a new age! the age of The Pure Ones !"
"Just who are these "Pure Ones" anyway?" Asked the pony massaging Lunas feet.
"They are a cultist group descended from the Unicorn monarchy that once governed Equestria. Before me and my sister took over." Luna answered surprising them all before going for a soak in the hot tub.
Back at the castle. Celestia had been carrying Midnight with her all day while attending to her duties with a few minor hiccups including the occasional diaper change and feeding time. Celestia headed back to the throne room for some alone time when her other nephew; Blueblood trotted up behind her, carrying a scroll with the royal seal.
"Aunt Celestia. It's the report you wanted." He said in a casual tone as she took the scroll while handing Midnight over.
"Hold him for a second please?"
"But I uh...oh dear." Blueblood was nervous. He never handled children before much less held one and while Celestia read the report the two simply looked at one another before Midnight broke into a giggle, reaching out for his cousin.
"Aww he likes you!" Celestia smiled as Midnight tugged at Bluebloods mane and face.
"Rrr! So I see! ow ow!" The prince struggled for a bit before his cousin finally settled down. Blueblood saw the innocent look in his eyes despite being born a bat pony and a warm smile crept on his face as he allowed his baby cousin to grip one of his fingers.
"You don't suppose I could watch him when he's older do you?"
"You'll have to ask Luna about that." Celestia didn't want to give an honest answer, knowing Bluebloods reputation of being a snobby, stuck up selfish, self-centered jerkface. (I'm getting off track)
Meanwhile. Luna had finally finished her spa treatment and was feeling like a brand new mare "Ahh. Celestia was right, this is JUST what I needed. Thank you everypony!" The princess proclaimed out loud as she waved goodbye before taking off to the castle and though her relaxation day was nice she was eager to hold her little prince back in her arms.
That night, as the entire castle slept. Luna was lulling Midnight to sleep with the same lullaby she sang to him every night and thanks to Celestia she could get a good nights rest knowing her little one was in capable hands.
"Goodnight my little prince."
"Ma ma..." The little foal yawned widely as his mother kissed his cheek. Luna then laid him down and tucked him in before putting his favorite teddy bear next to him.
"Mommy will visit you in your dreams tonight."
Luna smiled as she saw her little one sound asleep before quietly closing the door and this time she would only leave two guards to watch him but as the princess left for her bed chambers a sinister plot was beginning to unfold.
Just below the royal nursery two shadowy figures with green eyes slithered their way through the castle halls, undetected. They had made their way to the entrance where Lunas night guards had been keeping watch over the prince and were preparing to make their move.
"Objective in sight." One of the figures whispered over a radio as he peeked around the corner.
"Proceed."
The two figures instantly took out the guards with little noise as they quickly entered the nursery. Little midnight was smiling in his sleep, having a pleasant dream. He was dreaming of flying in the night sky with his mother, the two flew around with Luna making sure he stayed afloat as they played around before landing softly on a bed of flowers.
"Ma ma!" Even in his dreams, little midnight was happy to see his mother just as she was happy to see him.
"My little one." Lunas voice was warm and gentle like any mothers would be towards their child. She snuggled her baby close and was prepared to lay down with him when suddenly. The wind began to howl violently, tearing the sky and ground apart.
"Ma ma?" Midnight was becoming frightened as he clinged to his mothers chest, Luna began to look around for the source of the disturbance. Her horn flaring with magic.
"It's alright sweetie. Just stay close." The princess tried to comfort her child when a giant black hole ripped open in the night sky and from it came two sinister claws that snatched the baby from her grasp.
"NO!!" Luna grabbed the babies hands as he cried out in fear, desperately wanting his mother to save him but try as she might Luna lost her grip, falling forward as the baby was sucked into the black hole still reaching out for her.
"MA MAAAAA!!!!!"
"AHH!!!" Luna sprang from her sleep, dripping in sweat when she realized something was wrong.
"Midnight...GUARDS!!" The princess quickly darted out the door and straight for the nursery where she saw the two guards knocked out.
"No..." Fear was in her voice. She knew that what she experienced was no mere nightmare and quickly burst into the room to find the crib empty with only the teddy bear and a strange note with the letter "D" marked on it.
"NOOOOO!!!!" Luna's cries could be heard throughout the whole castle. Celestia soon became aware of the situation and demanded that all the guards begin searching the city at once.
"Please Celestia! Please find him!" Luna begged as she clinged to her sister.
"We'll find him Luna. I promise, no matter what it takes we WILL find him!" Her voice was filled with sorrow but her eyes burned with anger. Whoever took Midnight had broken her sisters heart, she would find them and she would make them pay.
The Next Day
The guards had searched into the night but there was no trace of the prince or the ones that took him. Luna had become distraught, thinking that this was somehow her fault, that she should've known something was wrong and there was nothing Celestia or the castle staff could do but comfort her as best they could. They sat in the guest room hoping the guards had found any clues.
"I'm sorry you majesties. We've looked everywhere around the castle, there was no trace of the prince or the foal nappers." That was the news Luna did NOT want to hear.
"Then search the city! Search EVERY part of Canterlot! FIND MY SON!!!" Luna's voice thundered with fury as it echoed in the castle halls and it looked like she was ready to kill him.
"Y-Yes your highness!!" The guard frantically made his way towards the exit as Celestia placed a hand on Lunas shoulder, giving a scolding look.
"I'm sorry sister." Luna apologized knowing she was out of line despite the given situation.
"Something will turn up Luna. They couldn't of gotten far."
"AUNT CELESTIA!!" Blueblood came rushing into the throne room completely out of breath. Some of the guards tried to help him stand but they were shoved off as he rushed to turn on the guest rooms tv. It was Deacon.
"To the princesses living in Canterlot. We have come to purify this once great city of the filth that contaminates it, already the first to join the cleansing has joined us." Deacon snapped his fingers as one of his followers brought forth Midnight who had been crying for some time.
"Princess Luna. You allowed yourself to be tainted with the seed of a commoner and sired this bastard foal into our noble society! But fear not! We will correct your mistake and send this vile creature back to the pit from whence he came. Then and ONLY then can the royal blood line be saved! there is no need to thank us we-KABLAAM!! "
Luna had heard enough.
"Deacon...."
End of Part 3
Project Midnight Book One-Awakening
Deep beneath the caves of Canterlot. The cries of foals could be heard, many begging to go home but their captors ignored their please and continued to stand guard.
"SIILEENCE!!!" A voice came from the entrance, it was Deacon. He was a unicorn dressed in ancient robes that bore the same pentagram decorated on the prison cells. He looked at the numerous cages full of foals with disdain and hate as he scowled at the helpless children.
"Why are you doing this? What did we do?!?" A foal shouted in anger.
"You wanna know what you did wrong child? You were BORN!!" Deacon said coldly with a frightening look in his eyes and began rambling once more.
"You are all false Unicorns! You are not of TRUE nobility and therefore must be cleansed! The world may hate us now but in time they'll see! Oh they'll see that I was RIGHT! and when all is said and done you will be forgotten! Nopony will care that you existed! Your parents will see you for the filth that you are!"
"YOU'RE WRONG!! My parents love me!!!"
"Mine too!!"
"CRAZY OLD MAN!!"
Deacon stormed out of the room, ignoring the angry voices of the children.
"These brats don't get any food or water. Keep them weak until the ceremony is ready."
"Yes sir."
Another day had passed in Canterlot with no news of the prince and like always Luna was in the nursery awaiting for news of her child. She sat in front of the empty crib, holding the teddy bear and blanket that she gave him.
"Luna?" Celestia quietly entered the room with a tea tray in hopes of getting her sister to eat.
"How's about some breakfast?" Celestia offered a few sandwhiches and tea but Luna kept her focus on the crib.
"I'm not hungry..."
"You must eat sister! It won't do you any good if Midnight comes home to find his mother too weak to even hold him." Celestia's voice was desperate, she had been worried about her sister ever since the foal napping. Luna tried to ignore her but the growling from her stomach had other plans.
"I guess...one bite wouldn't hurt." She sighed in defeat and followed Celestia to the table by the window, it had a marvelous view of the castle gardens. The sisters sat quietly, eating their meal when one of the guards came in holding a strange flashing crystal. Taped to it was the same initial "D" that was left in Midnights crib, it was their first clue.
"One of the servants found this on the front door."
"It's a mind Crystal." Celestia instantly recognized the gem and decided to investigate, cutting their meal short.
"I'm coming with you."
"Luna now is not the time to-!"
"I'm coming! with you!!" Luna was more stern that ever and stared Celestia straight in the eye, her sister could see she was not going to back down at the one chance they have of finding Midnight and any other missing foals. The crystal was taken to the observatory on the east wing where Twilight was already conducting some research on evidence the guards had missed.
"Twilight!" Luna said in surprise as the purple alicorn darted around the lab, fiddling with the various devices and chemicals.
"What do you have Twilight?" Celestia asked as her former student stopped to give her the report.
"There was a trail of magic residue leading to the nursery. The kind that comes from shape shifting magic, they left not footprints because they weren't even in physical form."
"Of course! Shadow melding. It's an ancient and very advanced magic technique that very few know about."
"And perfect for the ones who took Midnight." Celestia then showed Twilight the crystal that was delivered. She immediately began to inspect it.
"The crystal seems to respond to a certain aura." The moment Twilight held it the flashing stopped, making her more curious.
"Princess Luna. I think this was meant for you."
Luna took a deep breath as she took the crystal from Twilight. At first nothing happened, then a blinding flash shot out from the crystal followed by the sounds of a crying baby. It was Midnight and next to him a gray, old unicorn with a snowy white mane dressed in a ceremonial robe.
"Take a good look Princess Luna for this is the last you'll see of this abomination." Luna gritted her teeth in anger after hearing him insult her child.
"In honor of his name we will cleanse him and the other half breeds at midnight tonight! Do not hope to find their bodies for they will be bathed in the flames of purification!!" The crystals glow then died down as it fell to the floor. Luna picked it up gently and held it to her chest knowing it held what may be the last vision of her son.
"Twilight. Did you find anything else?"
"Yes. Some dust by the crib, it looks like gravel so whoever broke into the castle must've gone underground."
"Then how are we supposed to find them?"
"I called in an expert."
"HIII!!!" Pinkie sang out as he burst into the room, startling the entire lab staff.
"Glad you could make it Pinkie. We need you to take a look at something." Twilight called pinkie over to the microscope as the pink mare hopped over, giving a quick look.
"Hmm...this dust is sediment from a cave or more precisely a mine dug right here beneath Canterlot, further analysis shows that this soil is from the lowest parts of the caves, possibly a checkpoint station where the miners could get out through the elevator shaft." Everypony just stood there like statues, amazed at what Pinkie had just done.
"What? When you live on a rock farm you learn a few things. So Twilight how are we gonna get in?"
"You're not." Luna stated as she headed for the door with a look in her eyes Celestia didn't like.
"Luna wait!" She grabbed her sisters shoulder just as the door creaked open.
"Are you really going to ask him?"
"If it's the only way of getting my son back then so be it!! SLAM!!" They could see Luna flying off towards the western part of the city, Celestia only shook her head knowing what the kidnapping of her nephew had forced her sister to do.
"Princess Celestia who was she talking about?" Twilight asked as Celestia sat in the nearest chair.
"When you were just a foal. Luna's night guard had an elite unit known as: The Dark Knights . They were a special ops group that handled raids, espionage and everything in between, among them was an exceptional soldier. His abilities were unlike anything they had ever seen, he was capable of slipping in and out of enemy lines undetected, could take down an entire squadron single handed but one mission it cost him. He lost his wings and his left eye and was honorably discharged. He however refused and said that he could still prove useful, so we let him stay on but only as a mentor so long as he promised never to go on another mission unless it was dire. His name....is Death Stroke ."
End of Part 4
Author's Note
I'm a bit of a batman fan and Death Stroke is one of my favorite villains next to Bane and Killer Croc so you can guess what the crossover tag was for.
Project Midnight Book One-Awakening
Luna had arrived in the western part of the city to a quaint little house near the wall. The yard had a small swing set and a sandbox but both looked like they hadn't been used in years.
"Come in. It's unlocked." A deep voice called out, startling the princess before she entered. The first thing she saw was a coffe table decorated with family photos, one in particular that caught her eye. It was with a bat pony stallion and mare who was holding a little foal wrapped in a blanket.
"Happy times."
"Captain Death Stroke." Luna addressed the bat pony behind her but he was different. His wings were gone and his left eye had an eyepatch that partially covered a large scar, his mane was snowy white yet his body looked as if he was coming into his forties.
"Please just Death Stroke, I'm not a captain...Not anymore." His voice sounded depressed and cold, as if he had lost something very precious to him. He poured them some tea while Luna put the photo back in its proper place.
"I need your help."
"You know I'm retired." Death Stroke reminded her in an almost annoyed tone before taking a sip of his tea.
"Please Death Stroke! they have my son...."
Even with his one good eye, Death Stroke could see the desperation in her eyes and then he took the photo Luna had been looking at earlier. He once had a wife and child during his days in service to the crown but one day all of that changed.
Twenty Years Ago
Death Stroke had arrived on the one o clock train in Canterlot along with a few of his men. He had just returned from his latest mission with a few "minor" Injuries that shocked his wife.
"Death Stroke! your eye!"
"It's fine dear and besides I don't need both eyes to tell me that you're glad I'm back." Even with his flattering statement his wife gently brushed a hand over his wound before having it moved away gently.
"No need to worry. I've earned a vacation, a LONG one. Which means I have time for both you...and Rose." Death Stroke looked down at the little foal smiling at him, eagerly reaching out for her father to hold her and hold her he did.
"Hi sweetheart."
"Da da!" Rose shouted as she wrapped her arms around her father.
"I've missed you Adeline." He hugged his wife with his free arm before heading home. That night, as Adeline was preparing dinner she noticed that they were fresh out of onions and in all the excitement forgot to go grocery shopping.
"I'll get them. The market should still be open." Adelines husband offered as he grabbed his coat.
"Are you sure dear? You just got back."
"It was a long train ride, I need to stretch my legs. Now rose you be a good girl and behave for your mommy okay?" He kissed his daughters forehead as she waved goodbye but the moment her father stepped out the door was the last moment she would remember him by.
Click BOOOM!!! A fiery explosion blasted him face forward onto the pavement. Death Stroke began to see flashing lights and heard echoing voices before finally passing out. Hours later he awoke to find himself in the ICU of Canterlot Hospital and had been wired to several monitors along with an ivy injection.
"W...what happened?"
"You were caught in an explosion sir, you were lucky to escape with your life." A doctor came into the room for his hourly checkup. Death Stroke then felt an unbearable pain in his shoulders before he realized.
"M-My wings! What happened to my wings?!?" He shouted in distraught as he tried to reach back looking for them.
"Calm down Death Stroke! They had to be removed otherwise you would've died from infection!" A couple of nurses rushed in and wrestled him back into bed before he finally calmed down, he was completely out of breath from the sudden adrenaline rush.
"Right...s-sorry doc."
"I'll take it from here." A bat pony dressed in captains armor came into the room as the doctor ordered the other nurses to follow him. Death Stroke immediately recognized him
"General Dead Shot? What're you doing here?"
"Son...you best brace yourself for what I'm about to tell you." The general removed his helmet, looking down to the floor with regret.
"Do you recall your brother Slade?" The name filled both Death Stroke and the general with disgust.
"Yes. I caught him selling intel to enemy forces during a mission. He was sentenced to life without parole but what does he have to do with...no...don't tell me he-!"
"He escaped almost a month after your last assignment and tracked you down...he's the one who killed your family."
The news shocked Death Stroke to his core as he began to look around the other rooms.
"No...no no! Where's Adeline? Where's my little girl?!?"
"Calm down soldier!" The general was viciously grabbed by the breastplate. Death Stroke was enraged beyond all measure.
"TELL MEE!!!!"
"I didn't want to believe it but I knew that my family; Everything I worked so hard to protect...was taken from me." Death Stroke then placed the photo back on the table as he looked at another with him and another pony; His brother dead shot.
"Slade went into hiding after that, I searched and searched but found no trace and was then discharged by the government. The rest as you know is history so tell me Princess: Why come to me?"
"Because you of all others should know what it's like to have your child taken from you."
At first he said nothing and was prepared to demand that she leave but then looked at the photos of him and his daughter and began to remember. Remember the times they would play together, when he would rock her to sleep and look after her when she got sick or hurt. A single tear fell from his face before he clenched his fist.
"I'll do it."
That night, Back in the caves. Deacon and his followers had been tying the children to numerous pyres in a large cavern set up with cameras.
"Is everything ready?" Deacon asked as they dabbed makeup on him.
"Yes sir."
"Then let us begin." The cameras were then activated and every TV screen in Equestria was suddenly tuned in to their broadcast.
"Citizens of Canterlot and all of Equestria! The time of cleansing is upon us!!" Deacon threw out his arms as the spot lights illuminated the cavern, revealing the crying children. Ponies everywhere, especially the parents of the hostage foals looked in horror.
"At the stroke of Midnight the ritual will begin and it will start with the one who bares a false claim to royalty!!" The crazed unicorn stepped aside to reveal Prince Midnight on a stone altar, crying in terror.
"On this night! All of Canterlot will be once more PURIFIED!!" Deacon then pulled out a sacrificial dagger as the clock reached it's final countdown.
BONGGGG BONGGG BONGGG!!! The midnight chime rang out as Deacon slowly raised the knife, looking down in anticipation at the helpless babe before him.
SCREEEECH!!!!
"What was that?!?" One of the camera crew shouted just before the lights went out.
"Did somepony trip over a cable?"
"No we're still plugged in. Hey...who are-Ah! AHHH!!!!" one of the cultist was suddenly plucked off the grown and dragged into a nearby cavern. His scream was drowned out by the sounds of fists beating him silent.
"We have an intruder! SEARCH THE AREA!!" Deacon demanded while he guarded the prince. One by one the cultists were picked off with nothing but their screams echoing in the caverns. Deacon was beginning to grow nervous.
"Listen! Whoever you are, whatever they're paying you! I'll double it! No triple it!! Just please leave me alone!!"
"Do you think this is about money?" A deep eerie voice called out from the shadows.
"This is about vengeance Deacon Or should I say: Baron Blackfire? Oh yes. I know who you are."
"I...I don't know what you're talking about!" The frightened unicorn gripped the knife with both hands, face drenched in sweat.
"Oh don't lie. I know all about you, how your family used to run Canterlot before Celestia and Luna came into the picture, how you tried to enforce the law that all ponies should marry within their species and especially how your wealth and entitlements were stripped away when you failed to stage a coup because you were unable to manipulate them."
"You think MY ideals were petty?!? They destroyed the natural order of things! The unicorns have always ruled the lower species! But then they came in and started teaching "Equality" and "Fairness"!! It was BULLSHIT!! The strong should always rule the weak!!!"
"You should really watch your mouth. There are children present." Death Stroke continued to mock him from the shadows.
"Mock me all you want but I will not stop! I'll never stop until every miserable half breed is lying in a ditch! cold and forgotten!!!"
"Then we have a problem."
"AHH!!!" Black Fire screamed at the top of his lungs as an armored figure appeared behind him. He swung at the masked figure only to have his arm broken in two places before Death Stroke kicked him into one of the spot lights but the insane pony would not stop.
"RRAAAH!!!" Black Fire grabbed a shard of glass and began swinging left and right but just like earlier Death Stroke toyed with him before breaking his other arm. He then slowly drew out an army pistol as he slowly approached the crippled cultist.
"Normally I would leave you to the courts. Click but you're just too dangerous to live." His voice was cold as he took aim
"No...NO PLEASE!! NO!!"
BANG!! One pull of the trigger and it was over. As Death Stroke sheathed his weapon he turned his attention to the crying foal on the altar and gently cradled him in his arms.
"It's alright kid. You're safe now." Death Stroke calmed the baby with a pacifier he kept in his vest pocket and even under the mask Midnight could tell he was smiling as he smiled back.
"This is Death Stroke. The hostages are secure, I repeat: The hostages are secure."
The End.
Author's Note
What happens next? Find out in "Book Two-Betrayal"
Project Midnight Book One-Awakening
Crime is on the rise ever since the Elements of Harmony disappeared. Criminal orgonizations, Terrorist groups and every day criminals plague society. Unable to ignore the threat Princess Luna has taken it upon herself to ensure the safety of all her subjects across Equestria by any means necessary.
Scene: A hidden genetics lab in Manehattan
Celestia had arrived in Manehattan to meet with her sister Luna at West Side Genetics one of the cities top research facilities to inspect a project conducted by Luna herself and given the result of her last creation. Celestia had insisted she come visit to ensure the avoidance of any more mishaps. Her sister had been gone for almost nine months
"Thank you for coming Celestia, I'm glad to have your support on this." Luna said as she pressed the last button on the elevator controls
"I'm just glad you decided NOT to keep this a secret."
Celestia had been told of the events that transpired in Ponyville after Lunas creature; Tantabus had escaped into the dreams of the townsfolk and almost escaped into the real world had it not been for the efforts of Twilight and her friends and of course she was furious after learning that her sister had still been punishing herself for what she had done as Nightmare Moon all this time instead of coming to her big sister for help.
"We've arrived." Luna spoke in a serious tone as the doors opened revealing a massive laboratory. Celestia was impressed at how well the facility had been equipped from it's main super computer to its engineering station which had been developing the latest in weapons technology but that was only part of what Luna wanted her sister to see.
"This way Celestia."
Luna lead her sister into the wing marked Genetics Development where a single earth pony had been taking notes while observing monitors around what appeared to be some kind of container filled with mist.
"Celestia. Meet Doctor Gene Splicer; The head of our genetics department." Luna gave the introductions but the scientist seemed more focus on his notes than the present company as he mumbled to himself while scribbling a few things on his clip board.
"Oh that's interesting-!!"
"AHEM!!"
"OH!! Your majesties!" Gene blurted out in a nasally toned voice, jumping back from the princesses before giving both a quick and slightly firm handshake.
"It is a PLEASURE to meet you Princess Celestia!" He greeted her with enthusiasm, rubbing his hands together in anticipation as he explained what kind of project they were working on.
"Right then. Follow me ladies-Snort snort! I've always wanted to say that-Now then. As I'm sure you are aware your highness, Princess Luna created a creature to look into a ponies most secret and darkest fear-the "Tantabus" was it?."
"Gene?" Luna scolded, folding her arms as she tapped her foot from impatience.
"Right. Back to the subject!" He said fixing his glasses as he lead them around the lab.
"After the events in Ponyville we discovered that a small portion of the Tantabus remained inside Luna. Barely clinging to life."
"Barely?" Celestia asked as she turned to Luna.
"When it was no longer able to feed off my fear or the fear of others it-I mean he began to starve."
Celestia was surprised that Luna referred to the creature as a "He" and she would soon find out why.
"When the creature was brought to us we began looking for ways to give it a living body but the only way to do that was with a compatible DNA sample. In this case a vial of Luna's own blood. so in a manner of speaking well-snort! "
"He's your son." Celestia had finished his sentence before noticing Luna had placed a hand on the tube.
"Gene. Has my sister...interacted with the test subject?"
"Midnight! His name is Midnight." Luna scolded her sister, almost looking offended by her last remark.
"Uh...no, in fact today will be the first day the kid opens his eyes."
"Kid?" Celestia did not understand what Gene meant until he had vented the mist filling the pod to reveal a tiny bat pony wired to the machine. At first the princess was shocked to see such a sight but soon noticed the infant began to stir from its sleep.
"Alright. Opening the container." Gene said aloud as he punched in the codes. The tube gave a loud hiss, waking the baby as it began to cry out. Unable to ignore the child's cries, Luna reached out and cradled the baby in her arms while Gene ran a few scans to make sure it wasn't sickly in any way.
"Shhh sh sh. There there." She said in a gentle voice as she gently bounced the baby up and down and bit by bit little Midnight calmed down as he looked up to see the mare holding him.
"There's a good boy." She said with a smile and in return her child smiled back, reaching one hand up to her.
"Good news Princess. His immunity's are at one hundred percent!" Gene said with pride before tickling the little colts stomach. Midnight had a night sky blue coat and mane and a pair of teal blue eyes like his mother, Luna had never felt such joy as she gently snuggled her child before noticing Celestia was watching her with a happy expression.
"Sister? Would you like to hold him?" Luna offered her sister as she held up Midnight to her. At first Celestia was hesitant but like any mare meeting a newborn child she could not resist the innocent look on his face or his adorable cries as he reached out for her.
"Oh...I guess. Come to Auntie Celest!" She cooed to the foal as he clinged to her.
"Um ladies? I hate to cut this touching first meeting short but there are some details we need to look over." Gene stated as he finished polishing off his glasses.
"Now. As you requested Princess Luna, we added no accelerated growth hormones during the incubation process. Therefore Midnight will have a steady growth like any normal foal but with one major difference. He has developed frontal lobe which will allow him to learn faster than most children; He'll have high intelligence. His skin and muscle tissue have a high levels of metabolism so if injured he can heal fast. His nutrition MUST be kept in balance though; Not too much junk food."
growl
"Mmm...mmm! UWAAAHHH!!! AHHH!!!!" The foals cries were as loud as a siren and began to draw the attention of the entire lab.
"Um. Speaking of food I think somepony's hungry."
"Perfectly normal for a newborn. Luckily I prepared a bottle!" Gene quickly scrambled for the labs mini fridge, pulling out a small bottle as he quickly fed it to the crying foal. Midnight instantly calmed down as he began to suckle making both Luna and Celestia sigh with relief.
"I grew up with three sisters. Now I'll just give you the basics on caring for a foal: Make sure he is fed whenever he gets hungry or before nap time-trust me you'll WANT him to take a nap!-and make sure he is changed at least every hour and be sure to use talcum powder so he doesn't get a rash. I've also prepared an extra bottle of formula for your journey home."
"Thank you Gene."
With the details taken care of Luna had prepared forged documents saying she had gone to Manehattan for an insemination and decided to stay in the city to avoid any stress during the pregnancy and like always the public bought the story. No questions, no interviews, it was just they royal family welcoming its newest addition; Prince Midnight, Son of Princess Luna.
End of Part 1