Son of the Moon

Chapter Four

Luna has been somewhat frantic the past few days. This ‘Konrad Curze’ has been attacking her son every night, and has gotten to the point to where she cannot leave his side while the foal slept. The Night Court understood their princess’ position, handling her royal duties and using the Night Guard to protect Equestria until the prince’s crisis had passed… After all, this was her only heir, and required extra attention. Even Luna’s personal guard were put on high alert, placed within her chambers to keep an eye on Night Haunter, in case she had to step out.

To say the Moon Princess was drastic, was an understatement. She saw the damage Konrad was doing to her foal, first hoof. She needed help, and her ability to jump into dreams could only do so much. Luna had to call in two of the best ponies for this. The first was one she trusted, Twilight Sparkle. The second was her friend, and was suggested to help them with their situation, due to her specific expertise. Zecora, the wise Zebra.

“A-Are you sure about this, Twilight Sparkle? I mean, i-is it safe? After all, there is even only so much I can do against him.” Luna asked, nervously, while both her and Twilight watched the scene, her guards at the ready.

“Zecora is the best at these sort of things, Luna. After all, she had a potion to help me during that plant infestation a while back.” Twilight answered, smiling at Luna.

“B-But this seems so…” Luna looked at the two, Zecora burning a strange incense while placing tribal artifacts around the foal. “So...”

“Primitive? Aren’t we so attentive.” Zecora teased, the zebra walking over to her bag, pulling out a purple potion. “Before we see what plagues young Haunter… We must prepare a proper counter.”

Luna raised an eyebrow, looking at Twilight for the answer. “What she means, is… Before we can find out why this ‘Konrad Crurze’ is attacking Night, we must be ready in case he tries to attack us.”

The whole room echoed with ‘ooooh’, as the whole group now understood what Zecora meant. “I see, that means she is preparing for anything unforeseen.” Luna gave a nod still nervous about it all.

Zecora smiled at the alicorn colt, holding the purple potion. “Do not worry, little one. I will make sure you do not zone.” This caused Night Haunter to give her a confused look, the zebra holding the potion. “Drink this here potion, so we can set things into motion.”

Night Haunter looked to Luna, who gave a nod, the colt reaching for the potion offered. “O-Ok…” He said, taking it from Zecora. Night Haunter used his teeth to uncork the potion, hearing a fizzing sound come from the contents inside. He carefully drank the potion, down to the last drop. “It tastes like grape-!” Night Haunter’s eyes suddenly glowed white, his wings flaring out, and dropped the flask.

“Night!” Luna yelled, trying to rush over, but she was stopped by Twilight.

“He’s fine, Luna! The potion is simply taking effect on him, is all.” Twilight answered, Luna still watching the colt, worry filling her eyes.

A strange two colored mist surrounded Night Haunter, one being a midnight blue while the other was a strange black color. They swirled with one another, trying to mix but something was stopping them. “How interesting, there is more to this that we were believing.” Zecora said, looking at the two alicorn princesses. “Seems like this Konrade Curze, is no evil ruse… He and the boy are the same, hence why he does not treat him like some toy.”

Luna gave the zebra a confused look, before looking to Twilight for the translation. To her surprise, the younger princess had a shock look on her face. “Twilight Sparkle, what does Zecora mean?” She asked.

Twilight shook her head, snapping out of the trance she was in, looking up at Luna. “W-Well, Princess Luna… It means.” She looked around, noticing that even the guards were looking to her for the answer. “It means Night Haunter and this ‘Konrad Curze’ are the same pony.” Luna went wide eyed at the answer, the guards looking to each other. “My guess, another personality… Another version of him, that had formed within his mind, to protect him from something-?” She noticed Luna’s reaction.

Luna looked at Night Haunter, mouth wide open. “C-Could he be… Protecting him from.” She thought, looking around while she did, remembering what she saw in that nightmare. “If so, then why would he show him-!” Then it all made sense, the pieces coming together all at once.

After a few more moments, Night Haunter snapped out of the strange trance he was in. “W-What happened?” He asked, rubbing his head with a hoof.

Luna walked up to him, with a smile. “We found out why Konrad has been attacking you, sweetie.” She answered

“We did?” The whole room asked, their eyebrows raised.

“Yes. What Zecora, and Twilight; explained, plus what I saw in the nightmare… The pieces come together.” Luna leaned down, nuzzling the colt. “I need you to sleep, Night… Try and draw him out. I’ll be there to help you soon.”

“A-Are you sure?” Night Haunter asked, Luna giving him a comforting nod. “Then o-ok.” He then laid down, Luna moving to lay next to him with her horn glowing. “I’m r-ready.”

“Good. Don’t worry, Night, when he appears… I’ll be there to help you confront him.” She said, watching the colt lay his head down. Once she was sure he was ready, Luna placed her horn against Night Haunter’s own. The group saw a bright flash, having to look away for a few seconds. When they looked back, both Night Haunter and Luna were fast asleep.

-Night Haunter’s Dream World-

Night Haunter, timidly, looked up at the nine-foot-tall giant. He had a fanged grin on his face, arms crossed and claws tapping against them. “Isn’t this a change of pace? Usually I have to come for you, not the other way around.” Konrad leaned over, slowly licking his lips. “What is it you want?”

Night Haunter continued to shake, slightly moving away from him. “It isn’t me who wanted to talk.”

“Oh? Then who was it?” Konrad asked, starting to laugh.

“It was me!” A voice called out, making Konrad stop laughing. When they looked up, both saw Luna slowly floating down and land next to Night Haunter. She smiled at the colt before her attention drew back to Konrad.

“Well, well, well… If it isn’t the segregate mother and Princess of the Moon, Princess Luna.” Konrad gave a mocking bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you in person.”

“Likewise, Konrad Curze… And you may call me ‘Luna’.” She replied, staying next to young Night Haunter, giving him reassurance.

“Now that the pleasantries are over.” Konrad suddenly threw his claws out, raven feathered cloak flying up and making his bat wings expand, it looked like he was ready to attack them both. Night Haunter instantly went behind Luna. “What are you going to do to stop me, Luna!” He cackled.

Just as he went for her, Luna simply smiled at the movement. “You may stop the act now, Mr. Curze. I have already figured out what your intentions are.”

Konrad halted himself, his middle claw only a centimeter away from her nose. “You what now?” He asked her, Night Haunter even poked his head out, from behind her, and gave a confused look. “What have you figured out?”

“That you never intended to harm Night Haunter, since you and he are the same pony. That you only wish to make him stronger, by revealing the truth of who you are.” Luna explained, Konrad pulling his claws away from her. “You don’t won’t what happened to you, to happen to Night Haunter. But, there is something you must know about Equestria, Mr. Curze.”

“That is?” Konrad asked, with a raised brow.

“It is not like the place you are from!” Luna exclaimed, spreading her wings out wide. “And Night Haunter is now my son, which makes him the Prince of the Night!” Her display actually making Konrad smirk, impressing him some. “And I would appreciate it if you would stop forcing him to have nightmares, and instead help me make him into something special for Equestria.” Luna lowered her wings back down, placing them against her body again. “Please?”

Konrad just looked at her, then burst into laughter. This caused Luna to raise an eyebrow at his reaction, confused. “Really? That is what you ask of me?” He asked her, after halting his laughter. “Well then, Luna, I have one question for you.”

Luna gave him a nod. “Please, ask.”

He suddenly appeared in front of Luna, his black eyes locked on to her teal ones. “What is stopping you from doing to him, what my father did to me?”

Luna’s eyes were wide, but she slowly composed herself. “I do not know what your father did to you, but I can assure that it will never happen to Night Haunter, Mr. Curze.”

Konrad gave an inquisitive look. “Oh, and why is that?”

“Because I’ve always wanted a foal of my own, to give them the love only a mother could possibly do.” She glanced to the side before returning her gaze to those black orbs, that were Konrad’s eyes. “And to have their own love fill the whole in my heart.”

Konrad tilted his head, the Primarch could tell that she was being serious with her answer. “I see.” He suddenly flashed her a fanged grin. “I will do, as you ask.” Konrad stood up straight, and turned around. “But do not expect me to go easy on him… Though, from now on, you both may call me Konrad.”

Luna smiled at his answer. “Thank you, Konrad.” A portal opened up behind her, the Moon Princess shepherding Night Haunter towards it, with her wings. “By the way, Konrad?” She stopped, looking at the Primarch, who barely moved to listen. “Giving the circumstances, this makes me your mother to… So, if you need somepony to talk with, or even somepony to give you that feeling… Please, have Night Haunter get me for you.”

“Please, I don’t need such things.” Konrad said, confidently, as the two crossed into the portal. His mind pondered what she said, after they left, and a look of sorrow filled his features. “I… Don’t need such things.” He repeated, his tone less confident, almost longing.

-Luna’s Chambers-

Both Luna and Night Haunter slowly woke from their slumber. Night Haunter seemed a bit groggy, and simply leaned his head against Luna’s stomach. The Moon Princess, on the other hand, smiled and kissed the top of his head. “Well done, my brave Prince.” She whispered, before Twilight caught her attention.

“Princess Luna! Is everything alright, how did it go?” The youngest princess asked, her faced filled with concern for the two.

Luna smiled, not moving from her spot until Night Haunter was ready. “After discovering more about this ‘Konrad Cruze’… I was able to convince him to help make Night Haunter into something special. It took some effort, but he will stop the attacks on him.” She leaned down, and nuzzled the colt. “It all turned out to be a simple misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? How was it that way?” Twilight sked, raising an eyebrow.

“A putting the nightmares together with Night Haunter’s appearance, along with what Konrad Curze has been telling him.” Luna looked up at Twilight. “Konrad had been believing that our world was like his, and trying to protect Night the way he only knew how.”

“That being?” Twilight was trying to piece everything together, herself.

“To use fear, as a weapon. If he became Fear itself, nothing would scare him, or dare harm him.” She looked down at Night Haunter, who slowly stood up. “Which would also make him a fearsome warrior.” Luna giggled at her joke, before using her magic to lift the colt on to her back.

Dusk Wing approached the three alicorns, and Zebra, while Luna stood up. “But that doesn’t explain the claw marks I found, on the first night.” He noted, Luna thinking for a moment.

“Konrad seems rather powerful. So, I will assume he has quite the influence on Night Haunter’s magic.” Luna explained, thinking a bit further on it. “So, he may have manifested himself by accident. Though, the claw marks were smaller than his, so I do not know.”

“I must admit; Princess Luna has tact.” Zecora smiled at the Moon Princess. “If I may, let us move on to a well-deserved snack?”

“I am to assume that means she is hungry?” The group started to laugh.

-Throne Room-

Celestia smiled, after Luna informed her of what occurred. “So, this ‘Konrad Curze’ turned out to be an ally, this whole time.” He let out a relieved sigh, before giving a concerned look. “But, if what you say is true, and those claw marks do not belong to him…”

“Then there is another after my poor Night Haunter.” Luna finished, for her, while looking at the marble floor.

“This is most troubling, Luna. We’ve solved one problem, only to discover that there is another waiting.” Celestia gave an irritated sigh, pondering about her current situation, for a few moments. “Young Night Haunter must remain under guard, at all ties. He must begin his lesson on magic along with training in combat.”

Luna looked up at her older sister. “Is that your royal decree, sister?” She asked, earning a warm smile from Celestia.

“No, it is my suggestion to the colt’s mother.” The elder princess answered, causing Luna to smile back at her.

“Then I will ask Princess Twilight if she could teach young Night Haunter about magic, while giving Dusk Wing the honor of teaching him martial skill.” Luna turned to leave, but was stopped.

“Ah, Luna, before you go?” Luna looked at her sister, with a raised brow. “Think I can spend a bit of time with my newest nephew? I’ve already had a stressful day, and-?”

“Of course, sister. I could never deny you a chance to play with my son.” Luna said, taking her leave of the throne room.

Celestia had the biggest smile on her face, because of Luna’s comment. “Luna has no idea how happy she just made me!” She mentally squealed, putting a hoof into her muzzle, preventing the alicorn from actually squealing. “That little colt is so adorable!”

-The Castle Kitchen-

The Royal Cook gave a defeated sigh, as the young princess, the prince, and their zebra friend try to cook for themselves. He pleaded that they allow him to cook, but Twilight insisted that he allow them to cook, it being a fun experience for the three.

Now, his beloved kitchen was a complete an utter mess. Batter everywhere, liquids on the floor, spices poured on to the counter. This will take him hours to clean up. Worst part is of it all, the three ponies were laughing, covered in batter. The young prince even had flour on his face!

“Princess Luna is going to kill me.” The Cook thought, as he watched the three. “The only thing that will make things worse, would be if-!”

“What in Equestria is going on in here?” A snotty stallion said, making all four look towards the door, to see a white unicorn stallion standing there. He had his nose tilted up, like it was a sign of his privilege.

“Prince Blueblood showed up…” The Cook finished his thought, slinking down at how bad his luck was today.

Prince Blueblood made his way inside, his judgmental eyes on the three ponies. “I came here to have the servants make me something to eat, and what do I find?” His gaze started with Twilight. “The lowborne who got lucky. The primitive, who is not even good enough to kiss the ground I walk on.” The stallion’s gaze suddenly fell on to Night Haunter, who backed away from him. “And the brat who cannot even be away from Auntie Luna without wetting himself.” Prince Blueblood smirked. “She should have left you to those Timberwolves… No way a runt, like you, could be a proper Royal.”

“Like you, Blueblood? As if, Night Haunter would make a far better prince.” Twilight retorted, unimpressed by the spoiled stallion.

Prince Blueblood rolled his eyes. “Please, the runt probably doesn’t even have the guts to do what a real royal can do.”

“+He wishes to see what you’re capable of?+” Konrad’s voice echoed within Night Haunter’s mind. “+I am half tempted to let him see.+” He laughed.

The colt went wide eyed, while he watched the two older ponies argue, Zecora staying near him, in case the stallion tried something. “What do you plan on doing, Konrad?”

“+You’re curious about it? Well then, seeing how I am in control of your magic, until you’ve learned how to use it…+” The colt’s horn lit up with a crimson glow, as a jar of honey and a bag of flour floated up. Night Haunter watched, as the two objects floated over to Prince Blueblood’s head… Only Zecora seeing what’s happening. “+A minor prank, but it is sadistic enough for a prey, like Blueblood.+”

The jar’s li screwed off, and the bag tore open. The honey was the first to fall, Blueblood’s eyes going wide, as the sticky substance slid down his head. “W-What in-!” Then came the flour, the powdery substance sticking to the royal’s coat because of the honey. The group bean to laugh, even the Cook’s, as Blueblood’s glare found Night Haunter, who topped laughing. “You little brat, I’ll-?”

The sound of a mare clearing her throat caught Prince Blueblood’s attention. He turned around, to see none other Princess Celestia standing right behind him. “Blueblood… What were you about to say?”

“U-Uh, Auntie Celestia! W-Why, I was about to just scold the young colt, to not do such cruel jokes on inn-!” He was cut off.

“If you claim to be innocent, I will cut your allowances by three-fourths, and ban you from any form of Royal Accommodations.” The eldest princess said, causing the spoiled stallion to go paler than the flour on him. “I heard what you said to them, along with know that Night Haunter cannot fully control his power… Which means, the other personality protecting him did this to you.” She leaned closer to him. “And another thing?”

“Y-Yes, Auntie Celestia?” Blueblood asked, terrified of the alicorn mare.

“You even think about threatening Night Haunter again, and I’ll strip you of your royal title before throwing you into the dungeons.” Celestia’s eyes flared, causing the spoiled stallion to race off, screaming like a terrified filly. Once he was gone, Celestia’s loving smile returned and she looked at Night Haunter. “Now then, Night, time to say goodbye. We need to get you cleaned up. Auntie Tia has quite a day planned for you.”

Konrad’s voice echoed in Night Haunter’s mind. “+Whoa… She’s good, that got me even a bit nervous. From the look alone!+”

“Yes, Aunt Tia.” The colt looked at the mares. “Bye Twilight, bye Ms. Zecoa. It was fun.” With that, Night Haunter left with Celestia, the two mares waving goodbye.