Twenty years ago. Equestria was struck by a violent crime wave, criminals and terrorists ran rampant but none more dangerous than the cultist group known as "The Pure Ones". A group of radicals who dedicated their lives to wiping out all who were not of true unicorn lineage, many families lost their children to these fanatics and their leader; Deacon. A twisted, sadistic psychopath who would stop at nothing to see his vision fulfilled with only the city of Canterlot and its rulers standing in his way.

During that time Luna had one child. Her son; Midnight. Deacon had plan to use him to crush her spirit by having him murdered along with several dozen children who were stolen from Canterlot, when Midnight was taken Luna sought out the help of a once great war hero; Death Stroke. When he had learned what was to become of the infant prince he did not hesitate in assisting with the downfall of the cult and with his tactics and skill alone did he crush them and their leader who soon to be revealed as former baron Black Fire.

With the children rescued and the prince returned. Death Stroke was reinstated into the royal guard as its new commander and as the years past crime fell and Equestria was at peace once more but the aging stallion knew that this would not last forever and so he found an apprentice in the prince he rescued.

When Midnight became of age Death Stroke trained him, taught him everything he knew and as the years past the young prince grew into a fine warrior. The people of Canterlot and the royal family became proud of Death Strokes prodigy but one day tragedy struck. Death Stroke, after so many years was caught in an explosion during a mission. No body was found and poor Prince Midnight was left without a master. Or so it seemed.

Princess Luna had fallen in love with her night guards newest member: Super Nova. In time their loved blossomed and before long they were married and was already with their first child; Princess Nidra. Nova then took the prince under his wing and became the father Midnight needed and over the years their bond grew stronger.

Present Day

It was a bright, sunny afternoon. Midnight, now eighteen years and baring a cutie mark of blue smoke on his shoulder stood in the center of the castle courtyard, blindfolded as several guards charged him from all sides.

"HYAAH!!" His reaction to their attack was phenomenal; Like he could predict where the attack was going and where it was coming from. What most could do in minutes he had done in a matter of seconds. The guards were defeated and the crowd who had been watching applauded his performance.

"Well done my prince! Excellent form!" Shouted Fancy Pants who was with his wife Fleur and his daughter Créme.

"Thank you sir but to be honest I was worried for a bit." Midnight was being humble as he was taught but Fancy was one to notice quality when he saw it.

"Oh nonsense! Why with the training you've acquired I'm sure you're old master would be proud. rest his soul." He gave a quick bow of the head as one of the servants handed the prince a towel. As the group prepared to leave they heard a crashing noise come from inside followed by the sound of little wings flapping.

"YOU GET BACK HERE YOUNG LADY!!"

"NO!!"

"Oh no. Not again!" Midnight realized that it was time for his little sisters nap and like always she didn't want to take it. Luna chased her around the castle halls for what seemed like forever until she finally caught the little filly and carried her off to her room.

"Now Nidra, for the hundredth time. Are you ready to go to bed?"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Sweetie it's noon! You must be a little tired."

"NO!!"

The servants began to clean up the damage left in their wake as they did every afternoon when this happened. Nova who had heard the commotion decided to try and help knowing how his daughter could run her mother ragged.

"Trouble dear?" He asked seeing Luna rub one of her temples.

"I'm at a loss. I though you bat pony's were supposed to sleep during the day."

"Big brother doesn't have to take a nap!" Little Nidra protested as she struggled to get loose.

"Let me try." Nova offered as he gently took hold of his daughter.

"Daddy!" Nidra cheered happily.

"This oughta be good." Luna said smugly, wondering what her husband was planning to do.

"WEEEEE!!!" Nidra shouted as her father tossed her high into the air. Luna's face broke into shock as her husband caught her by the tail, her head inches away from the floor.

"SUPER NOVA?! THAT WAS COMPLETELY-!!"

"Shhhh." Nova scolded his wife as the little princes slowly drifted off to sleep. He had done it!

"She IS a bat pony Alicorn after all." He pointed out as Luna stared at him, impressed that he was able to get her to sleep. The couple then proceeded to Nidras room where she was tucked in and left to rest for the rest of the day.

"She can be a handful sometimes." Luna sighed as she gently closed the door with her magic.

"She's young, she'll get used to it." Nova comforted his wife with a peck to the cheek, Luna snuggled against him in reply before noticing her son headed towards the courtroom for today's meetings with his aunt.

"Midnight!" She called out waving a hoof but he did not notice her. Luna began to feel sad and placed a hoof on her chest.

"Hey what's wrong?" Nova asked, noticing her behavior.

"I...I don't know. Ever since Midnight got older it feels like we've drifted apart, especially after Nidra was born....It's like I'm not even there."

"Hey now that's nonsense! You know he's just busy, being a prince isn't all glitz and glamour."

"True. But I still miss the days when he would wait for me to come home and hold him." Luna gave a sad sigh as she leaned against her husband. Just then, Nova was struck with inspiration and quickly devised a plan for her and Midnight.

"Tell ya what? How about I watch Nidra and handle the courts tomorrow while you and Midnight go out for some fun?"

"Nova that's a lot to take in! Are you sure?" Luna asked, feeling concerned her husband bit off more than he can chew.

"It'll be fine and besides you two need some mother, son bonding."

Luna pondered for a moment, laying out the facts: Nova had been in numerous courts before serving her, Nidra always behaved herself whenever he was around and being a royal guard he could take whatever was thrown at him.

"Oh...very well. I'll do it."

"That's my girl!" He cheered her on, this time with a smooch to the lips.

"Now you better go get some rest before our little girl wakes up."

End of Part 1

Author's Note

The script between Luna and Nidra is from the comic Upside Down. Property of Kilala97