The Ballad of Midnight Edge

A few days passed since Babs Seed and Midnight Edge started their secret relationship, both were extremely discrete about it since they wanted to make sure they would not get in trouble before making it public. Their secrecy however did not mean they would not rise suspicion at all, many ponies noticed they spent a lot of time together, which Babs Seed often stated was due to her interest in Midnight Edges unusual stories. Her claims were not baseless, she was interested in his stories, however it was evident they did not spend that much time on stories only, it was after all common to see them visiting different places in Ponyville.

One of the places they visited often was the bowling alley, which was a fairly good cover for their dates since Midnight Edge would often tell stories regarding how bowling was in different world, apparently it was popular in many, and in some worlds was a rather grisly sport in which rather round heads or skulls from fallen enemies were thrown at the pins. Interestingly enough they never actually played the game. Their dates were in general pleasant and slow paced. They did not rise suspicion most of the time during their dates, any bystander would think they were just friends, it was when they were not together when they would rise suspicion.

The reason for this was simple, both would make questions related to love and love relationships to other ponies. Babs Seed asked her cousins about what it was like to be in love, and sometimes she would imply she was in love. Midnight Edge on the other hand would read books seeking relationship advice and would review all Equestrian Law, with emphasis on love relationships and some other laws such as those related to land ownership in order to divert attention from his true interests. Even though Babs Seed considered what he found enough to relax, Midnight Edge preferred to be cautious. There were few laws regarding age disparity, and their relationship was legal enough for them to marry without opposition from authorities. The legal precedents were old, and so were the laws regarding such matters, some of them in fact written before Princess Luna was banished to the moon, that was their advantage, but also their greatest disadvantage. Even though the law stated what they were doing was completely legal, the public opinion was mixed, and an example of that were the answers given by the Apples and some of Babs Seed's friends.

Older ponies such as Granny Smith would have a positive opinion on it, stating that age disparity was common when they were younger, and often the stallion would be considerably older than the mare, sometimes even getting married when the mare was still a filly. For them it was commonplace even a few decades ago. Younger ponies such as Apple Bloom would actually find it cute and considered true love was all that matters in a relationship. It was ponies close in age to Midnight Edge who would have more varied opinion on the matter. Some ponies such as Twilight Sparkle would have a neutral opinion based on mere logic and using logical arguments and cold hard facts to compare the pros and cons reaching to the conclusion that in the end each case had to be taken individually, working ponies such as Applejack were neutral to it since all that matters to them was that both ponies were decent ponies, it was stallions, and the more cosmopolitan mares, such as Big McIntosh and Rarity who had a rather negative opinion on it mostly because they assumed the older pony could take advantage in such relationships.

It was evident the opinions were divided based on their views on life. Those who were extremely protective of others would often respond with a neutral or negative reaction, and so did those who followed fashion trend since such relationships became scarce in later decades. And those ponies who were rooted on tradition, had a carefree personality, or considered the laws written by Celestia as the ultimate authority held a mostly positive opinion. To Midnight Edge only Celestia could decide the fate of their love in many ways. He intended to request a meeting with her, but later, once he was knew it was worth the risk.

...

And so they continued their secret affair, they would not even hug in public, but when there were no witnesses they indulged in cuddles and kisses. Babs Seed found the secrecy a bit silly, but felt it was exciting to keep a secret, no matter how silly it was Midnight Edge found it hard to understand if his heart would pound out of excitement or fear, and remained always alert. For him even the sound of hoofsteps scared him enough to ruin the mood. But eventually they had to move on to something more “datelike” than going to a park or spending time at the bowling alley. The day came when Babs Seed asked Midnight Edge for a favor, something only he could do since everypony else refused.

"What if we go watch a movie?" The filly asked expecting to hear an affirmative answer. – It would be like a date.

"You mean, as in going to a theater and watch a film together? But that would cause suspicion wouldn't it?" Midnight Edge was not even that fond of most “foal friendly” films shown that season.

"Well, not exactly. You see, there is this movie... I can't watch it without a grown up, but nopony wants to go with me."

"Are you implying something compromising? I am not fond of that kind of films in case you wonder. I would never watch such things with you."

"Don't be silly. It's not that kind of movie. It's a horror movie. It is called Unnatural Disaster. My parents said I was allowed to watch it if I found a grown up willing to watch it with me. But they said nopony was that crazy."

"Have you asked somepony else? I mean, your sister, your cousin, a friend's relative? I would not want to get in trouble."

"You are not my last choice, but not the first either. I know you want to be cautious and you don't want to watch movies with me because of that, but nopony else agreed to go with me. Applejack and my sister said they would not stop me from watching it but would not take me there, Big Mac is too protective, I was about to ask him but he, well, I think he would not even let me watch it if I needed his permission, and Rainbow Dash already took Scootaloo to watch it, so, well, if you say no I might as well ask Rarity, she would say no anyway."

"Fine. I am not sure it is a good idea, but as long as I don't get in trouble for it, let's go. Just remember, if you get too scared or have nightmares it was not my fault. You brought it upon yourself little one."

"Scootaloo said it is not that scary, if she can take it I can. I am starting to think you are the one who is scared." Babs Seed tried to tease Midnight Edge with her words.

"A work of fiction would never scare someone who saw the things I saw. How could a film scare me when I fought against real zombies once, I joined a military campaign, and I even explored a real haunted castle." Midnight Edge responded in a way that made clear he failed to get the joke.

"But in the end it was the ghost of a mouse, you already told me that."

"A very angry ghost mouse. It was not as funny as you think. I bet the film will not be nearly as impressive as seeing the real thing. I could even bet my own life there are some parts where you can see wires holding objects that were supposed to float or a microphone on screen."

"Let's find out then!"

...

And so they agreed to watch the film. Unnatural Disaster was a film which to Equestrian standards was a bit over the top. The plot was simple, an alien species invades Manehattan using a portal to connect both worlds and a group of ponies fight back the invasion, finally they manage to defeat the aliens by joining forces with another faction on the other side of the portal. The special effects were not very good, and the producers apparently compensated by using exaggerated scenes and violence. Babs Seed was unamused by the visual effects, often pointing how some effects could be easily made with common household products, the blood looked fake, the amounts of it were unrealistic, and the alien blood looked ridiculous, but she did not point that to calm herself as one would expect, but to calm Midnight Edge who looked horrified from the moment the aliens were revealed until they were defeated, his face was almost literally that of someone who saw a ghost.

"Come on! It was not even scary! And the aliens looked kinda cool." Babs Seed tried to calm Midnight Edge once the film ended.

"They are... were not cool, not cool at all." Midnight Edge responded notably stressed and sweating.

"Are you scared by a bunch of fictional aliens made of plastic? I thought you were the one who traveled between worlds and faced monsters nopony has ever seen."

"Well, nopony saw those things on screen before... But I have seen them before." Midnight Edge's answer explained why he was scared, they were real, very real, and he knew how dangerous they were.

"You mean they are real? How? How could the movie producers know them?"

"Have you ever had a dream so real it makes you feel sick once you wake up?"

"Maybe... I don't really pay that much attention to dreams."

"How about having a dream where you see somepony you never met and then you meet that same pony in real life?2Midnight Edge sounded serious, he knew not all dreams were just dreams, some of them were visions from other places, some more distant than others. "Somepony must have seen them in dreams and put them on screen, and in a very accurate way. I was there... I saw them invading another world. I fought them, I could not let them destroy all those lives, I was one of the dozens of mages sent to fight in the war. In the end we won just like in the film. Their world is at war, there are many factions fighting each other. Some of them invade worlds to extract resources from them or force the natives to fight for them. They have invaded many worlds, and after they retreated they just moved on to the next world. I wanted to follow them and stop their next invasion, but I can't. I don't know where they are or where they are going next. For all I know, we are their next target."

"Then they could invade Equestria. Well... I am not scared." The filly spoke with confidence.

"Are you crazy? You just saw what could happen if they reached Equestria!"

"I saw what could happen if nopony expected them. But we know how they look now, and we know their weaknesses. I don't think they could win."

"But many could get hurt. You could get hurt." The once serious and defiant stallion now sounded weak and vulnerable. "I don't want you to suffer the same fate some of my friends went through back then."

"And I won't... Because you have defeated those things before, and you will do the same if they show their ugly heads. I am not scared because, no matter how real they are, no matter how dangerous they are, I feel safe as long as you are around. Just make sure to be here if they show up."

"I... I hope they never reach this place. I will do all I can to make sure they never reach this place." Midnight Edge regained his strength. Knowing somepony had faith in him struck something in his heart.

"That's the stallion I like!" Babs Seed smiled. She really had faith in him. But not only in him, she had faith in all of Equestria, she knew they would never let an army of inter-dimensional bullies win. When evil showed it's ugly head, Equestria would fight back and send the bad guys back to wherever they came from. Princess Twilight Sparkle already defeated Tirek, a bunch of weird aliens were not enough to defeat all of Equestria.

...

After that date, both Midnight Edge and Babs Seed grew more confident and relaxed the caution regarding their relationship. They spent more time together and seemed notably closer to every Ponyville resident. Their habits did not reveal they were in a love relationship, and were often seen as very good friends, however most ponies suspected Babs Seed had a crush on Midnight Edge, believing it was mere puppy love and not a real relationship built on trust and understanding.

Things were going perfectly fine except for one thing. Midnight Edge insisted on caution because he felt observed by something. He was not paranoid, he felt clearly when he was observed and when he was not. He noticed some places such as Twilight Sparkle's castle and Sweet Apple Acres were clear, but most locations in Ponyville often seemed under surveillance by an unknown force. And it was not a group, it was a single individual, separate from the rest, which seemed interested in them. Maybe it was just a local gossip or something, but that did not mean his concern was unfounded.

To worsen the situation Babs Seed would leave in a matter of days. She would return to Manehattan and go back to school. Midnight Edge knew it was necessary and actually made sure it would be that way. Babs Seed considering skipping classes for a few weeks in order to stay, but Midnight Edge made clear that would not work, if she missed classes because of him, they would break up. Both accepted they had to find a way to make a long distance relationship work or reduce the distance. Coming up with a plan could take time, but they wanted to enjoy those last few days together.

That afternoon they were at a local food joint drinking milkshakes and hayburgers together. Nothing especial, just a normal date, maybe a bit closer to feel romantic than other dates. Their conversation had a serious turn after Babs Seed suggested getting more serious.

"So... What could happen if we kissed? I mean, right now?"

"I would rather not find out. I think the resulting drama is not worth it." Midnight Edge was reluctant to show so much affection in public. "I am sure somepony is watching, even right now."

"You mean somepony is spying upon us? Why?"

"Not us, only me. Whoever is watching has been observing me ever since I arrived. Probably is one of those ponies who don't like me. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I am sure of it. Maybe it's an amateur journalist or a local gossip."

"And who could it be? If you think somepony is watching you, there must be suspects."

"My suspects are Bon Bon, Roseluck, and Spoiled Rich."

"That bucking mare! I bet it's her! She almost ruined Diamond Tiara's life already. Spying on others is not below her."

"Watch your language. I bet you don't even know the meaning of that word."

"Of course I do. It's not big deal."

"Well, maybe you know the usual meaning of the verb, the act of applying force with the hind legs, but the other sense is a bit more... personal and adult."

"I know. But it is not big deal. I have heard worse things in Manehattan."

"Profanity does not fit such a cute filly. That is why you should avoid such words."

"But she makes me so angry. She made Diamond Tiara act like a cruel pony, she treats other ponies as if they were below her. She is horrible."

"I am certain of that, and if you ask me she deserves a terrible fate, but those words, well... I am sure Applejack would not approve that language."

"Yeah. It doesn't fit my style. I don't want to look like an angry cab driver."

"Being cute fits you better. Cuteness is better than toughness."

"You are a crappy coltfriend you know?" Babs Seed stated with a teasing tone.

"Why? Why would you say that?"

"You want to keep it low, but you say all those things. You make it hard to keep it low."

"I would really like to end that. I mean, end the secrecy. At least I wish we could let somepony else know before you go back to Manehattan."

"Well, maybe the Crusaders would keep the secret, but I guess my friends would tell others. What about your friends?"

"Derpy would try to keep the secret, but she would end up spilling the beans anyway. Doc would not talk about it, but he probably would not care at all. And Twilight and her friends... Let's say I don't want Applejack to find out."

"Let's make everypony find out!" With those words Babs Seed proceeded to kiss Midnight Edge expecting to break the secrecy once and for all. Her plans ended in failure, no one seemed to care. Every single patron at the place was too busy minding their own business to notice another couple kissing.

"I guess it did not work." Midnight Edge sighed with relief. "It's better that way."

"I was not expecting that." Babs Seed spoke in disappointment. "I really wanted somepony to notice."

"Maybe we should be glad. Maybe that is how it should be."

"What do you mean? I don't want to hide it anymore." Babs Seed was uncomfortable, she began to wonder if Midnight Edge was actually a bit of a coward.

"Exactly! Maybe nopony cares! We no longer have to hide... Well, not all the time, only in front of our relatives and their friends."

"But... That means none of my relatives should know... Not even mom and dad... That feels wrong."

"I know. I hate it too, well... You can tell them if you want, once you return to Manehattan."

"No. I don't feel like telling them. They would not understand. I just... Feel bad for it."

"Me too. My parents probably would kill me if they found out."

"The next date will be the last for a while. We should do something great." Babs Seed changed the subject to lighten the mood. "We should do something new."

"How about that visit to the Crystal Empire I promised? Would you like that?"

"Yeah. That would be nice. But I don't think I will be allowed to go without somepony else."

"I have that covered." Midnight Edge smiled. He knew somepony who would help him without even knowing.

...

The mysterious mare walked into an alley, concealing herself from the locals. She carried a small radio to contact her superiors. As soon as she made sure she was alone she turned the radio on and began to send her message. "Command. Can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear agent. Report your situation." A voice responded from the radio.

"I have been watching him for weeks. Until now there is little of interest, but I am sure he is tied to something big. I am sure he has something to do with the mysterious signal we found in the desert. And also..."

"Is there something else we should care about?"

"Not really. It is not precisely illegal... Just... Well... Maybe She should intervene."

"Is he causing any trouble? Some sort of petty crime?"

"N... No. Just... Well... He is dating a filly. As in a younger filly, an actual foal. The laws say nothing about it, I think that is not right. They are trying to hide it. They think I don't know and I am making sure they think so until I get orders from you or another superior."

"Let the foal's parents fix it. As you said, it is not illegal. If she or her parents present charges the law will take care. If not... Well... Only Celestia and Luna have any authority over it and I don't think they care. They probably know already."

"But..." The mare was interrupted before she could complete her sentence.

"Stop wasting our time agent! Right now you are free to continue observing the target if you think he may be relevant, but don't call until you find anything useful. He is clean for now, until you prove otherwise. If you do then you may call us again." Her superior was clearly frustrated with her obsession, but she was certain she found something.

"But, what if he goes too far? I mean... What if they lay in bed and..."

"If the filly has her mark already only her family, the princesses, and herself, have any saying on it unless he hurts her. Then you may inform us. If you consider this so important, keep an eye on him."

"Understood..." The mare felt displeased. Her hooves were tied.

"I am glad you got it. Command out." Her superior ended the communication, leaving her stressed and angry. He would not get away with it. He had to be captured and interrogated.

"I am going to get you purple wizard. I am going to get you and make you pay." The mare walked out of the alley with determination.

...