Son of the Moon

Chapter Three

The next morning, Luna was pacing back and forth, in front of Celestia’s Meeting Chambers. She had Night Haunter in a pouch on her chest, one of the maids getting it for her once the shops opened up… After what occurred the night prior, she could not leave him alone, and rather happy he was finally asleep.

She looked at the doors, anxious about what could be said within the chambers. “It has been nearly two hours, since they started.” Luna muttered, features betraying the anxiety. If she wanted to take Night Haunter, as her child, while being a princess… That meant she had to have votes from the Night and Day Courts in her favor.

Her gaze went back down to the sleeping foal, in the pouch. Luna gained a smile at how peaceful he slept now that she was near. Every time the Moon Princess moved away, he started to whimper and brought her right back. Never again will she ever talk against Celestia about how “easy” it is to brush in one’s bed. She now knows how hard it truly is, and possibly how long it took the older princess to gain such a skill without some mirror to aid her.
When the doors opened, and Celestia walked out with a passive look, Luna rushed up to her. “W-Well, Tia?” She asked, knowing how the Sun Court never, truly, approved of her return… The nobles did not like their power being halved with the Night Court.

“There was talk of denying your adoption of young Night Haunter, many believing you were far too young to be a mother.” Celestia started, Luna’s face suddenly turning into sorrow… That is, until Celestia gave a bright smile. “Until I mentioned about what occurred last night, and how you handled the situation. Many found it hard to argue your motherly instincts, especially after Dusk Wing spoke of what occurred when you arrived.”

“That was his name?” Luna though, she never had time to actually learn the names of her guards, just yet. “I must find some way to thank him for his words.” She said, looking up to her older sister, smiling. “What was their decision?”

Celestia continued to hold her bright smile. “Congratulations, Luna… You’re going to be a mother.” She giggled, as Luna tapped her hooves in excitement. “I’ve always wanted to say that… Now, Luna, you know it cannot be done unless young Night Haunter agrees with it, and an official witness being present.”

Luna nodded, smiling up at her older sister. “Promise, Tia! I will ask him later today, um… Can you be this witness? Or should I ask Dusk Wing, since he did help.” She asked, tilting her head, wondering how she was able to hold in all this excitement swelling up inside.

“Here is a better idea. I will be present, as the official… And Dusk Wing could be the witness. Have four names instead of three.” Celestia suggested, Luna nodding in agreement with her.

“Then, sometime after he wakes, I will meet with the two of you, and ask him.” Luna agreed, Celestia giving a nod.

“Good… Now, get some rest. You had a long night, and I have much to do.” Celestia said, nuzzling her younger sister before kissing the top of Night Haunter’s head. “Also, I cannot wait to properly greet my newest nephew.”

The two alicorn mares shared a laugh, before Luna headed towards her room. When inside, her horn glowed and the colt was lifted from the pouch on her chest. She kissed the top of his head, getting into her bed, laying down with the colt nuzzling against her stomach. “Goodnight, my little Prince of the Night.” Luna whispered, before joining the colt in the World of Dreams.

-Later that Day-

Night Haunter couldn’t believe how long he slept for, it felt like he spent years without sleeping. Waking up next to Luna was an added bonus, too, he smiled up at the Moon Princess… Something about being near her, felt right to him. The colt let out a squeaked yawn, causing the mare to wake up from her own slumber. With a warm smile, Luna looked back at Night Haunter. “Good evening, Night. Did you sleep well?”

The colt slowly nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” He said, eyes still seeming a bit sleepy. “How about you?”

She gave him a playful nuzzle. “Wonderfully.” Luna suddenly used her magic to bring a brush over, and started to take care of her unruly mane. “Now, go tidy up, Night Haunter. We have something to handle tonight.”

Night Haunter nodded, hopping off of her bed. “Yes, ma’am!” With that, the young colt left for the bathroom. Luna smiled, the foal responded so well to her request.

“I do hope he accepts me, as his mother…” Luna thought, taking a thoughtful stroke with her brush. “I mean; it is almost like he was brought to Equestria for me to care for.” She looked out the window, noticing the orange tinted sky of dusk. “Almost time for me to raise the moon, Tia must be tired by now.” Luna actually spoke, putting the brush down and standing up.

“Wow! You raise the moon, Luna?” The Moon Princess looked towards the door, and saw the colt, his face beaming with excitement.

Luna smiled at him, and nodded. “I do, little one.” She got off the bed, making her way over to Night Haunter. “It is one of my royal duties, as Princess of the Night. I raise the moon up, as my sister lowers the sun, and take charge over Equestria while she rests.”

“Sounds like a really important job, Luna.” Night Haunter said, following the princess to her balcony. “And a spectacular sight to see!”

“One you’re about to witness.” Her words confused him, until her horn gained a blue aura around it. Night Haunter was in awe, as the sky changed from orange-red to a midnight blue. What shocked him more, was how the moon followed the irresistible path Luna’s horn was drawing for it. When it was in the perfect position, Luna smiled. Within seconds, the sky was suddenly painted with stars, shining brightly against the night sky. “There… Finished.” Luna huffed, doing such a task weakened her for a few moments afterwards.

“Wow… I can’t believe you are able to do all of that.” Night Haunter said, eyes filled with wonder. “And the night sky is so beautiful!”

Luna smiled at his words, somepony actually appreciating her lovely night. “I am glad you like it, Night.” She said, walking up to the colt. “Now, best we hurry, we cannot make my sister wait.” Night Haunter nodded, following the Moon Princess back inside, and into the hallway. The two Night Guards quickly stood at attention. “Dusk Wing, come. Your presence is required for our, and Night Haunter’s, meeting with our sister.”

The guard, Dusk Wing, saluted. “Yes, Princess!” With that, he followed right behind her and the colt, keeping a stoic posture.

-Canterlot Castle’s Throne Room-

Celestia waited, anxiously, for Luna’s arrival with the foal and guard. She had everything prepared, just right. “Adoption paperwork, check. Guards present, as extra witnesses, double check. Hopes of being an aunt tonight, a million times check.” Her mind recounted, while she sat back into her comfortable seat.

Her thoughts were interrupted, when Luna stepped through, with Dusk Wing and Night Haunter with her. To Celestia’s surprise, Night Haunter was riding on her back. He must have gotten tired, and Luna placed him there.

“Isn’t this a lovely surprise, Luna, sooner than expected. It seems that she has taken on this role a lot better, and easier, than even I would have thought.” Celestia thought, smiling as her younger sister placed the colt at her side. “Now then, time to begin… Night Haunter, my little pony, my sister has an important question for you.”

The colt looked between the two, both Celestia and Luna were smiling at him, for some strange reason. “What do you need to ask, Luna?”

“Well, I don’t really know how to ask this, but…” Luna started, using a hoof to tap her chin. “I was wondering if you will allow me to be your mother. I have the strangest feeling that I was meant to find you. Then, there are your features, and even though you’re an alicorn colt, you have the features distinguishing you as a Child of the Night.”

Night Haunter opened his bat-like wings, eyeing them closely, before looking back up at Luna. “You want… To be… My mother?” He asked her, his mind trying to piece that together, correctly.

Luna suddenly blushed, hearing him actually ask her that made the Moon Princess feel a bit self-conscious. The princess shifted on her hooves, and nodded. “Y-Yes. I do.” She looked at him, nervous about what his answer would be. “Will you take me, as your mother?”

He didn’t know why, but the prospect of having an actual mother… Made the colt feel happy inside. Without hesitation, Night Haunter leapt forward, and hugged Luna’s leg. “Of course I will! Nothing would make me happier, than having a mother who brings such a beautiful night out!”

Luna let out a sigh of relief, his answer making her heat jump with joy. She wrapped a leg around the colt, a smile threatening to be permanently glued on to her face. “Thank you, Night Haunter… It makes me happy, to hear those words from you.”

Celestia suddenly cleared her throat, causing the touching moment to end. Using her magic, the Sun Princess held up a few official documents. “Not to ruin the moment, but… The four of us have urgent business to attend to, since young Night Haunter made his decision.”

“O-Oh, of course, sister.” Luna said, a bit embarrassed she forgot about handling the paperwork right after. Her attention went to the Night Guard Pony, who has remained silent this whole time. “Apologies, Dusk Wing… Though, I must admit, I am most grateful for you doing this.”

The Night Guard gave her a respectful salute. “I live to serve you, Princess. It is an honor to help you adopt Master Night Haunter.” He said, dropping the salute.

Luna nodded to him, with a smile. “Your self-less service will not go unnoticed, Dusk Wing.” She gave a nod, before a quill and ink well appeared on both sides of her. “Ready when you are, dear sister!” Celestia giggled at Luna’s eagerness, sighing the document before passing it off to the next pony.

-Luna’s Chambers-

“Now, Night, if anything happens, do not be afraid to call for help. The guards outside have orders to break the door down, if need be.” Luna said, tucking the small alicorn colt into bed. “And, if they are called, remember I will arrive shortly.”

“Ok, mummy.” Night Haunter said, tucked into Luna’s bed, smiling at how comfortable he was.

The fact he called her ‘mummy’ made Luna’s heart skip! Her entire body shivered from the excitement, a smile appearing on her face. “Good to hear, Night… I won’t be as busy tonight, so if you have another nightmare…” Luna leaned down, and nuzzled the foal. “I’ll come and scare this ‘Konrad Curze’ off.”

Night Haunter giggled at her nuzzling, the mare actually ticking the foal. After she stopped, and left the room, the colt simply laid in the bed, smiling at what had occurred. “What a turn of events… You have a mother now, how adorable.” An all too familiar voice whispered to him, causing Night Haunter to shoot up from the bed. Before he could call out for help, Konrad quickly shushed him. “I am not here to harm you, colt. If I was, I would have killed you last night.”

Night Haunter looked around, trying to find the source. “T-Then what do you want from me?” He asked, eyes darting from shadow to shadow.

“Simple, Night Haunter, I wish to help you realize your full potential, what you can achieve.” Konrad said, like he was all around the alicorn colt. “To understand what power resides within Fear.”

Night Haunter continued to search for Konrad, slowly rising from the bed. “If what I saw that night, is what you offer, then I want no part of it.” He retorted, his eyes trying to find the intruder.

“Oh, poor, poor, Night Haunter… You cannot hide what you truly are.” Konrad said, a shadow slowly surrounding the colt. “Perhaps, you require a little reminder of the power you once held.” With that, the shadows clutched on to the colt! Slowly choking him, until he started to black out. “Sweet dreams, little prince.” Then, Night Haunter passed out on to the bed.

-Night Haunter’s Dream World-

“R-Run away! It-It’s the Night Lords!” A woman screamed, the crowds running away from midnight-clad super soldiers.

Night Haunter looked around, watching the savage carnage being left by the warriors. When he saw a man passing, Night quickly got in his way. "W-What is happening? Why are they doing this!?” He asked, the man’s face being filled with sheer terror.

“I-It’s… The N-Night Haunter! He has come for us; the Lord of the Night has come for our souls!!!” The man screamed, turning around and ran for his life.

“No, wait, I-!” Night Haunter stopped himself, seeing what he had reached out with. Instead of a hoof, he now saw a large, five finger clawed, gauntlet with images of death all around it! “W-What?” He was shocked, and looked left to see his reflection… There, staring right back at him, was a nine-foot-tall, midnight clad, warrior with pale skin, black eyes, and long raven-black hair. “T-That c-can’t be me!”

The image rippled from his shocked look, to a calmer version, smirking. “Oh, but it is, Night Haunter. This is the real you. The you we once were.” Konrad began to laugh, holding out both arms. “We were once Fear Incarnate! Lord of the Night, with an entire Legion at our command!” He gave Night Haunter a fanged grin, licking his lips. “No one, not even father, could stand against our might and power!”

Night Haunter fell to his knees, claws placed over his ears, not wanting to hear the last part. “Leave me alone! I’m not like you, I’m not even me right now!” He shouted, trying to get Konrad out of his head.

“Ave Dominus Nox!” Night Haunter looked up, seeing that he was surrounded by the army of super soldiers, all chanting, and holding their weapons high. “Ave Dominus Nox! Ave Dominus Nox! Hail, Lord of the Night!”

“Stop it!” Night Haunter pleaded, hunching over until his forehead touched the ground, his claws trying to muffle out the sound. “Please, stop it!”

“Ave Dominus No-!” They were suddenly cut off by a booming voice.

“ENOUGH!” A flash of blue magic suddenly destroyed the nightmare, replacing it with a twilight vale, filled with nocturnal flora. Night Haunter was a colt again, laying on top of a large flower, his head laying against a familiar nave blue coat. “Shh… Hush now, quiet now, my little prince. Mummy is here.” Luna cooed, nuzzling the terrified colt.

“Why is he doing this to me? Why?” He cried into her coat, the Moon Princess wrapping a wing around his small frame. “Why?”

“I don’t know, sweetie… I don’t know.” She continued to nuzzle him, trying to comfort the colt within the dream world.