Burying Remnants of a Dark Past
It had been many weeks since Night Mist had a run in with Daring Do. He had heard many great things about her. But he never expected her to help him find his way. In fact, he was surprised she had bested him in combat. But now, he had to help clean up the mess he had made. All those years of terror he had dealt to others with his past henchmen, that wasn't gonna be an easy thing to clean up and get him a better reputation. He had heard of Starlight Glimmer, and what she had dealt with a single event, but he felt his was much worse.
And now, it was time to, as many warriors would say, bury the hatchet. Night Mist had made it to the castle grounds, stripped of his armor, but not his sword and personal saddle bag. As expected, he was met with Spears and swords pointed at him. "Halt in the name of," Said one of the guards before Night Mist interjected, "My mother and aunt, I know."
"Put him in chains," said Lieutenant Silver Shield.
Night Mist did not put up a fight and let them chain him up. "You are very foolish to be here without your fellow betrayers," Silver said.
"I don't do that anymore. I came here to mend a broken fence best I can. I don't seek forgiveness, only an audience with my kin to apologize, then, I will go to the dungeons, or take my leave in exile. Does that sound fair?" Night Mist asked annoyed.
Silver chuckled, "I never thought I'd hear those words leave your mouth young prince. I'll see what I can do. A lot has changed in your absence."
"I don't doubt it," Night Mist said.
It took about half an hour, but soon, the princesses and their kin were gathered in the throne room. Night Mist soon made his way in, escorted by guards. "Hello mother, brothers, Aunt Celestia, cousin Blueblood, Aunt Cadence, Aunt Twilight, Uncle Shining," Night Mist stated.
"Why are you here?" Shadowmane snorted.
"Only to apologize for what I have done," Night Mist said.
"And you seek forgiveness?" Blue Blood spat.
"I seek no forgiveness, just to give you the knowledge that I am done. I am done with the terror I have given to others. I know I left a scar on many, and it's not something I can undo. Believe me, I wish I could travel back through time and change what happened, but after hearing what Starlight had accomplished in a single act, I feel my actions would upset the balance, and could have a potential to cause more harm rather then good. I'm sorry that I had blinded myself so much with anger, but, you all know why I left. I can't expect you to understand or to forgive me for what I did, but I had to mend this hole in my heart best I could. If you wish me to be thrown in the dungeons, or banished forever to some far off realm, then so be it. I'll go without struggle," Night Mist said.
Luna looked at her sister and Celestia nodded. She was about to say her piece when Blueblood spat, "I say we banish him to the moon. I cannot bare to even look at this pathetic runt, let alone be in the same room as him!"
Luna bellowed, "That's Enough Blueblood!" She took a deep breath and looked to her son. "Night Mist. I took you in when you were just a mere foal along with your brothers, and gifted you with the mark of the Alicorn. Now you have your reasons for leaving, including one that will remain between us, but I had always hoped you would have stayed gentle. I'll admit, the terror you struck surprised me. But now, you are back and claim to have rid yourself of continuing these deeds. I want to believe you son. I really do, but you know trust can be hard to earn once you lose it," Luna said.
"I understand mother," Night Mist said with his ears going down and back, and hanging his head in shame.
"Therefore, I cannot accept you back into the ranks of our kin.... not yet. You must first prove yourself. Befriending ponies can be easy enough, so having Princess Twilight mentor you won't be enough. I have a different task for you. You will be sent to help rebuild the lives of those you put in terror, all the while being their protectors. Knowing that your past allies of terror are still at large, it will be your task to track them down and bring them to justice. The path will be difficult, but with every town you rebuild and every criminal you bring to justice, you will be that much closer to being able to walk among your family again," Luna said.
"And I shall be there to help him along the way, and make sure he doesn't go astray again," Peanut Butter said.
"I will too," Shadowmane said.
"Thanks for your support brothers, but you're not skilled enough in the art of combat to handle these ponies, especially the mares," Night Mist said.
"You think we can't take on a few mares?" Shadowmane asked.
"Well, these are Norse Mares we are talking about, they're even braver then the stallions I came across. Funny things is, they are mother's followers," Night Mist admitted.
"Oh," Peanut Butter said.
"Still, somepony has to keep you out of trouble. Besides, our little brother should be able to teach us how to fight these guys," Shadowmane boasted.
"Okay, but you asked for it," Night Mist warned.
"Then it is settled. I hope one day, you can prove yourself Night Mist. I do wish to see you among the thrones of Equestria. Good luck, my son," Luna said.
Night Mist bowed his head to his mother and aunt, and soon was released from his chains and escorted out the door by his brothers, heading to their first stop in Baltimare.