Even In Darkness, Light Can Be Found

Chapters

Prologue Part One
Assignment to Ponyville
A Taste of the Country Side and A Speedy Taste of Rainbow
A Nightmarish Encounter
Prologue Part Two

Prologue Part One

Celestia had just finished another Magical Lesson with Twilight. Today's lesson had been on changing water into non-alcoholic apple cider. And Twilight, as always, passed with flying colors. "Well done on today's lesson Twilight. Keep this up, and you may have our head butler ask for your help in making more delicious beverages."

Twilight merely blushed. This happened often when Celestia praised her achievements in front of guards and castle staff they passed. Celestia then began to converse on past lessons, and what Twilight planned to do to help her succeed at her next lesson. Just as they were nearing the dining hall for dinner, they heard a huge shattering of glass, and glanced up, only to see a young colt screaming as he plummeted in their direction. Celestia went wide eyed and with a swift action, caught the young colt in her arua of magic, letting him down slowly onto the floor. As he sat there, he trembled, obviously shaken up from his fall.

This was where Celestia got a clear picture of the colt she had saved from serious injury. He was of a race very rarely seen in Equestria. He was, a bat pony, or thestral as some liked to call them, being a cousin race of the Pegasi. His fur was a dark grey, and his mane and tail were of a mix of light grey and white. As the bat pony began to try and get to his feet, Celestia was quick to advise, "Take it easy there my little pony. You're okay, but you must take it slowly, that was quite a fall you took."

The young colt looked slowly up at Celestia, and replied, "S-Sorry for breaking your window, your highness. It was an accident. I lost control."

"Well, windows can be replaced. Ponies cannot dear. If you don't mind me asking, where are your parents. They must be worried about you to be out at this hour of the night," Celestia reasoned.

The young colt hung his head a bit, "I, I don't have any parents your majesty. I was told they passed away a while ago. I don't even know how, but, their grazing in the Elysian Fields now."

"Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you young one," Celestia apologized.

"It's not your fault. You didn't know. I do miss them. But the orphanage did say that they would want me to be happy, even though they aren't with me right now," the young colt replied.

"Well, the orphanage caretakers are very wise to state that dear. If you don't mind me asking, what is your name young one?" Celestia inquired.

"It's Night Mist your highness," Night Mist said as he raised his head back up.

As Celestia heard the name, and Night Mist's eyes looked onto her, they reminded her of another stare she had been familiar of in her youth, far before the events of that terrible night 1000 years ago, but she just couldn't place it at this point. "Hmm, that name sounds familiar. But beside the point, I must say that I am impressed Night Mist. Not many pegasi or bat ponies your age take to flight that early. Who taught you?" Celestia wondered.

"Well, I, sort of, taught myself," Night Mist admitted.

This astounded Celestia. While he did need a lot of work on his flying skills, to have taught himself without another's help at his age was a feat in and of itself. But if he was going to become an excellent flyer, he needed a teacher. Then, an idea stuck Celestia. While she had developed a school to have Unicorns of gifted magic skill, perhaps, she should also look into developing a school for little flyers who showed great potential. And Night Mist, she could easily state, was already a prime pick with what he already presented. Perhaps she could look into asking a Wonderbolt or two to provide teaching when she couldn't. After a lot of fast thinking, Celestia stated, "Well, that is quite a feat. Why don't you join Twilight and me in the dining hall for dinner. I have a proposition I'd like to discuss."

Night Mist felt a little flustered. "M-Me. Eat at the palace. B-but.... I don't know anything about eating like royals do your majesty," He stuttered.

Twilight Sparkle chuckled, "Clearly you've never seen Princess Celestia eat before Nighty."

Night Mist blushed and made a goofy smile at Twilight calling him "Nighty". Celestia chimed in, "It is true. Only time I ever eat, as you say, "like royalty", is when it is an important event I have to attend. In other cases, I can be as messy as a foal. But before we walk on, let me make sure you don't have any injuries. If you do, I don't want you to strain yourself by trotting on a sprained leg or anything."

Celestia looked the young colt over, and as she parted his mane back a bit, a mark caught her attention. It was a crescent moon shape on his forhead. This mark was something Celestia had seen before. She had read about it in her books and seen it on some ponies of the past whom she remembered very well. But to not worry young Night Mist, she finished looking him over, and soon, found he was fine. Soon they made their way to the dining hall, and sat down to start eating, a few castle attendants were surprised by the bat pony's presence at the table, but after Celestia stated she would explain later, they when about their routines. As the appetizers were served, Celestia gestured to Night Mist, "So, young Night Mist. I understand that you are probably wanting to head back to the orphanage, but while you were asking for your appetizer and meal, I spoke with one of my guards and they stated the weather was about to get a little troublesome, so I already let the caretakers know of your situation and that you will stay here at the castle tonight. I understand it is short notice, but I already have some of my staff setting up a small bed for you in my chambers. Now, I know this seems a little out of the ordinary, but our unoccupied guest rooms, require a bit of refurbishing, so they're not ready to accept ponies to occupy them yet. Going to have to look into that later to straighten that out."

Night Mist giggled a bit at her face when she made herself look goofy, but then inquired, "But, are you sure. I-I mean, I, uh....."

Celestia was puzzled, obviously Night Mist had something on his mind he'd rather keep private then, she realized she could use a telepathy spell, and cast it, soon saying in thought, "You can tell me in thought. I understand if it's touchy for you to say it out loud dear, I am using telepathy right now to speak to you in mind."

Night Mist jumped by the surprise connection, but then he blushed as she explained, and soon replied in mind, "I'm afraid of the darkness. And I don't have my night light your majesty."

That caught Celestia off guard a bit. Sure she knew many fillies and colts had this nighttime fear, but to hear a bat pony admit it, now she felt maybe she had been a little too stereotypical about bat ponies. But beside the case, she was sure that she had a few left over from previous scholar she taught at the castle when they were little ones. But she felt there might be a deeper reason why Night Mist feared the dark that maybe even he was unaware of, and after their little chat here, there was something else she needed to discuss with him in private. She finally replied in thought, "Well, that won't be a problem dear. I have plenty of those at the castle. Some are even used to light the hallways since the torches were going out too often."

This stifled a giggle out loud from Night Mist, peaking Twilight's curiosity. "What so humorous?" she pried.

Celestia looked back to her student and replied, "Oh nothing important my dear, just letting Night Mist know that even the guards get scared of the dark."

Twilight chuckled and joked/admitted, "Yeah, even my brother, Shining Armor is scared of the dark."

Night Mist's jaw dropped, "Your brother is the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor?!"

"Yes, and... wait, how do you know my brother?" Twilight inquired.

Celestia's interests were peaked as well. And Night Mist answered, "He saved me from a timber wolf attack."

"Timberwolves?! In Canterlot?!" Celestia gasped.

"Well no. I was sort of trying to find a place to stay before coming to Canterlot Orphanage. I was near a town called, um, Ponyville I think the name was. That's where he found me. He took me straight to the capital's orphanage after he found out my situation. I still haven't gotten a chance to thank him for that," Night Mist stated.

Celestia was awe struck. Her Captain of the Royal guard had saved this young colt's life from magical beasts. She would have to recognize him for this somewhere down the line when she got the chance. She then stated, "Well, you're safe, and that's what matters. Anyways, getting onto a topic I had briefly spoke about earlier, Night Mist, I am wondering, would you be interested in taking flying lessons from me, to help improve the use of your wings?"

Night Mist hiccuped as he accidentally swallowed some soda he had sipped down the wrong tube, coughed before replying, "Y-You want to teach me your highness? But.... I thought that... that you only taught unicorns magic, not that I doubt your flying ability your majesty."

Celestia found it adorable how the young colt stumbled over his words. "That is true, I did found a school for talented unicorns, but I have been giving a lot of thought into starting a school for talented young fliers among the pegasi and bat ponies who show great potential. And your little, shall we say, crash landing was enough to impress me. I know that sounds odd that a crash landing would impress me, but the fact alone you self taught yourself to fly at such a young age was enough to impress anypony. In fact, if you learned properly, you may outdo any previous Wonderbolt, or pegasus guard. Wouldn't that be something?" Celestia propagated.

"But, I mean, don't you have a lot of, um, princessy stuff you have to take care of. I don't want you to waste time teaching me when you have other things you need to take care of," Night Mist stated.

Celestia chuckled, "While it is true I do a lot for the kingdom, you'll find that ruling well over 1000 years has sharpened my skills to complete daily tasks quite efficiently, sparing me a lot of time, and even lessons with Twilight and some of my other students at my magic school can be done in nearly no time. And helping you sharpen your flying skills would not be a waste of my time Night Mist. And I think you'll find I can out maneuver any Wonderbolt or guard, and they are some of my most skilled flyers. Remember, again, I have lived over 1000 years I just never issued the challenge to them, since I know they'd let me take the win of the challenge even if they were better then me."

Night Mist was speechless. The Princess of Day was asking him... a common bat pony, to become her pupil for flying? She could have easily taken him to one of those junior flight camps he heard so much about, but here she was, offering to be his personal mentor, on top of being Twilight Sparkle's mentor. He heard great things about Twilight. to learn things alongside her?..... This was a lot to take in. He finally mustered up the courage to speak and said, "Um, if you really think it best your highness, I'll do it."

"Well, glad we could settle that arrangement. And don't worry about having to return to the orphanage every night. I'll explain to them what's going on so you don't have to make such a long trek all the time to receive your lessons," Celestia stated.

"Thank you, your majesty," Night Mist gestured.

"You're welcome. Oh, and there's no more need for formalities dear. You can just address me as Celestia if you like when we're not at a public gathering. I've told the same thing to Twilight, but her habit of formally addressing me is hard to change," Celestia teased.

Twilight blushed once again at this statement, since she did have a hard time trying to kick the habbit of addressing the Princess formally. As the group soon finished their meal, they soon made their way to the chambers to rest. Celestia would inform her niece of the new student she had taken under her tutelage come morning, since she had been away on a public showing in Baltimare for the last week, and was on her way home. Once Twilight bid Celestia and Night Mist good night, the two made their way into Celestia's private living quarters. Night Mist was astonished. Although she dined in the castle's dining room, Celestia had her own kitchen, what he would consider a family den and a door to her bathroom in her quarters. It was a house within the castle. And then he saw two other doors. One he assumed was Celestia's bed chamber, but he couldn't place the other one. He'd have to ask Celestia later, as he watched one of the doors open and a maid walked out. "Good evening Princess Celestia and Sir Night Mist. The bed chamber is ready for both of you when you wish to turn in for the night," The maid stated.

"Thank you Misty Hooves. You may take your leave for tonight," Celestia stated.

"Thank you your highness," Misty replied.

Night Mist was a bit taken aback by being called "Sir" Night Mist, but he shrugged it off as her being polite in the princess's presence. Celestia soon sat down on the sofa in her den, and gestured Night Mist to join her. Night Mist soon situated himself in front of her and Celestia stated, "Night Mist, I know a lot of things are moving at a fast pace for you, but your thoughts will eventually catch up with all that's happened. But there was something else I wanted to bring to your attention, but privately."

"Okay, what is it Prin-, er, I mean, Celestia?" Night Mist inquired.

"Well, when I was looking you over for injuries, I noticed something. You have the mark of the Crescent Moon on your forehead. I know you maybe think it's a birth mark that doesn't mean much at all, but I have seen that mark before, and it's a sign you are destined for great things. Those who have bared this mark before you aspired to greatness in their lives. But this is the first time I have seen it on a bat pony," Celestia admitted.

"But, what will I become great at Celestia?.... I am a no pony," Night Mist stated bluntly.

"That is something I cannot answer Night Mist, but you will become a great pony. And you are not a no pony. Don't ever let any pony make you think your are worthless. We all have something to offer our world, and we all learn what that purpose is at some point in our lives. But you have much time to find your way Night Mist. The reason I did not want to bring this up in front of my student, is because she would start to bury herself in research trying to figure out what your crescent mark meant for you. It's a quirk she has, and I much would like to pry her nose out of those books if I can. Perhaps you can help in that aspect," Celestia proposed.

"I, I'm afraid I don't understand," Night Mist pondered what she said.

"Twilight needs some friends. She's more focused on her magic studies that even I am running out of things to teach her at her level right now. I do want her to go to the next level of her studies, but not so soon. If you think you can, perhaps, think of something that will get her mind off studying, and a little more out in the open," Celestia stated.

Night Mist thought about it, then he said, "Well, I don't have ones I can call friends yet, so, I guess your student is a start. But I don't want her to think I'm doing this because I was asked to. I want to do it to make good friends."

"And that's all I ask of you. I don't want to force a friendship between you two, but I would say that you get to know her. If you don't wish to be her friend after getting to know more about her, I can completely understand that dear. But now I feel perhaps I have given you a little too much to pressure yourself with for one night. What do you say we get ready for bed?" Celestia asked.

Night Mist yawned, "Sounds good to me."

Celestia giggled at how he made the cute yawning scene, and soon guided him to the bathroom so they could brush their teeth. Soon after, she led him into her bed chamber, where a bed just his size sat near her massive bed that looked like it could fit her and at least 30 other ponies on it. Celestia soon installed a nightlight near Night Mist's bed, and the little Bat Pony soon passed out from the day's recent events. She smiled at him, and gently placed a cover of the moon's phases, and the stars over his sleeping form. A cover her sister once used when she was little. She soon maneuvered herself into her own bed and joined Night Mist and her faithful student Twilight, in dreamland.

Author's Note

Phew, that took a little longer then expected. So yeah, this is part 1 of the prologue, and Intend to have the second part of the prologue out by the end of the month. I know you think that it's a problem I won't keep, but I look to stand by this one. After part 2, I have a certain direction I wish to take the story, but for now, I will let you guys state what you thought of the chapter.

Assignment to Ponyville

It had been many years now since the announcement had been made that Night Mist had become a Prince of Equestria, along with Twilight and Shining Armor. While Shining was still a prince, it did not sway him from his dedication to the Equestrian Royal Guard. Sure, all three of them were given lessons on how to handle royal matters, but they did try to keep their heads on straight, and low on publicity. Night Light Sparkle had become Celesitia's Master of Coin, seeing as how the last stallion had nearly bankrupt their wealth on meaningless things. Velvet Sparkle had become her chief advisor, after the last one had tried to ban all Daring Do Books from being sold in Canterlot, and had been arresting ponies for embarrassing him in the streets.

Night Mist had been sharpening his flying skills, which by this point, he had mastered his landings, however, with his eyes, it made things a bit hard for him to see, when he forgot to put on his prescription shades. He still had some problems with pegasi giving him grief for his heritage, but he had met one filly, by the name of Rainbow Dash, who had his back when they teased him. He even met a griffon named Gilda who was pretty cool to. And both gave him some good competition in flying. The Wonderbolts and Royal Guard Pegasi, that had volunteered to be their flying tutors when the school open, saw great potential for Rainbow Dash and Night Mist. And Rainbow Dash admitted she was jealous of him getting to have Celestia as his mom and flying tutor, with all the stories she had heard about Celestia. Not that she wanted to be royal, just able to give Celestia a run for her money in flying. At this time though, Rainbow Dash had gone back to Ponyville, since that's where she lived in the summer, and School was out for about the next month, in recognition of the Summer Sun Celebration, which was ironically enough, being held in Ponyville this year.

Night Mist had been away from flying today, and had just attended another session with his adopted sister, and cousin, Prince Blueblood. Prince Blueblood was trying to come up with new reasons as to why Night Mist should booted out of the castle, and should be stripped of the title prince, as well as his ties as Celestia's son. And time and again, Night Mist enjoyed the humor of Celestia throwing Blueblood's complaints right back in his face. He soon headed up to the library where he and Twilight often studied. He knew about Moon Dancer's party, but felt that he had some time to kill before heading there.

He looked through the books, and one title caught his attention, "Prediction's and Prophecies". He took it from the self and sifted through the pages, and saw a page that captured his attention titled "Mare in the Moon". He could have sworn that was a fancy pony tale his mother Velvet told him when he slept at her place when he was little. He was about to read up on the ledgend, when Spike walked in. "Hey Nighty. What's goin on?" Spike asked.

"Not much. You know me. can't pass up old myths and legends you find in books sometimes," Night Mist admitted.

"I figured. That's your thing. You're gonna go to Moon Dancer's party right?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, just wanted to get a quick read in. Was about to read Mare in the Moon," Night Mist stated.

"Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old pony's tale," Spike pointed out.

"I know, doesn't mean it can't be a good read," Night Mist fired back.

"Touche`" Spike admitted.

Just then, the doors behind Spike opened, and the two of them heard Twilight calling out Spike's name before she found him on the floor. "Quick, I need you to find me that book Predictions and Prophecies," Twilight commanded.

"I got it right here Twi. WOOOW!!!" Night Mist screamed as he was dragged over with the book in Twilight's magic.

"Ah, thank you Night Mist," Twilight gestured.

Night Mist was too dazed to respond. "Elements, elements, E, E, ah. Here we are, Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?"

Spike and Night Mist looked at each other in surprise at the sudden coincidence. "What does the story say?" Night Mist asked.

"The Mare in the Moon. Myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about night time eternal. Huh! Nighty, Spike do you know what this means?!" Twilight asked in desperation.

"I don't know," Spike admitted.

"It's lunch time?" Night Mist joked.

Spike chuckled, "Good one."

"No, Spike I need you to write a letter to the princess," Twilight demanded.

"Okie dokie your majesty," Spike responded.

After stating that Twilight felt Nightmare Moon was going to escape from the moon and that Equestria was in danger, Spike sent the letter, Night Mist looked to his sister, "Don't you think you may be over reacting sis? I mean, that tale is almost as old as this castle, which is pretty old. I enjoy a good myth as much as the next pony, but I feel you're taking this too seriously."

"I never take things too seriously Nighty. We are both a prince and princess of Equestria, just like our mothers and father, and it is our job to look after the ponies we rule over," Twilight stated.

"I understand, but even so, I think you're being a little paranoid. I mean, look at it this way. Some nobles still think I am some sort of curse Nightmare Moon left behind 1000 years ago, and call me vulgar names, which still hurts some, but I learned to deal with, and also, how can a be a 1000 year old curse? I was born only 19 years ago," Night Mist assured her.

"I suppose you have a point, but I think this is something we need to prepare for," Twilight said.

"Well, I wouldn't hold your breath on Celestia. I think she will tell to stop overthinking this. Last time you did something like that, you were unconscious for 3 days. You gave us a good scare," Night Mist admitted.

"That was 6 years ago. I've made sure not to over work myself," Twilight stated.

Night Mist and Spike both chucked, before he replied, "Well, maybe after we get a reply from Mother Celestia, we should take our mind off this for a little bit, and head to Moon Dancer's party for a bit."

"I don't really think we have time for," Twilight was interrupted as a magical burst of flame erupted from Spike's mouth.

See. I knew she would want to take immediate action," Twilight bragged.

Night Mist smiled and rolled his eyes a bit. Spike read that Celestia wanted Twilight to get her head out of all the books she and Night Mist had been reading. Just as Night Mist was about to state they should go to Moon Dancer's party after reading that, Spike stated unexpectedly that the three of them should head to Ponyville to look over preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and make some friends there. This caught Night Mist of guard. He could understand why Twilight was being sent, since she was one of the most organized ponies in Equestria, but he wasn't sure why his mother was sending him. And making friends as a task? He wasn't sure why it would be an assigned task, but Celestia was who she was, and he would sooner or later find out the answers of the questions he was seeking. Plus, he needed to get a taste of towns outside the capital. Plus, he'd get a chance to bump into Rainbow Dash again.

After getting all of their things packed for their journey, they were saying their goodbyes to their family. Shining Armor than said, "Now, you make sure to keep an eye on our sister while you guys are there. I know the ponies might be friendly. But the Everfree forest isn't so nice. Oh, and I got something for you."

He levitated a box over to Night Mist and when he opened it, it showed a suit of armor, and Shining helped him don it. "We call it Gaia Armor. It's as light as a feather, but as hard as a full grown dragon's hide. Even a strike from the strongest hooves can't be felt when wearing this. You'll see them strike, won't feel a thing, and then next thing you know, you're airborne. I should know, cause I had one tested. Mine was made for battle armor, not the armor attire you see me in now. This is just for show, per Prince Blueblood's request," Shining rolled his eyes.

"While he is an annoyance, his fashion sense continues to surprise me," Night Mist chuckled.

"Well, at least you won't need me this time, should you run into Everfree forest trouble," Shining Armor joked.

"Yeah, the Timber Wolves won't know what bit them, er, what they bit," Night Mist corrected his joke.

Soon the two brothers gave one last goodbye hug, afterwards, Celestia trotted up to her son. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow. I know you and Twilight got this, but, even though it may sound too protective of me, please be careful and look out for each other," Celestia urged.

"Don't worry mom. You and Shining Armor taught me everything I know," Night Mist assured her.

"Yes, but not everything "we" know," Celestia admitted.

Night Mist chuckled, and soon the two had a long hug before NIght Mist mounted the carriage with Twilight, and the two took off. "Do you really think he and Twilight are ready Celestia?" Velvet asked.

"I have faith in them. They will succeed, I just know it," Celestia answered.

"I think you're right Celestia," Night Light agreed.

"I hope you're right," Velvet worried.

Soon the three ponies made their way back into the castle to take care of other task before prepping for their own departure to attend the Summer Sun Celebration.

Author's Note

End of Chapter three. Hope you all enjoy it. We'll see what happens in chapters to follow when they arrive in ponyville and Night Mist get's to

A Taste of the Country Side and A Speedy Taste of Rainbow

As the Twilight, Night Mist and Spike arrived at Ponyville, they got an interesting reaction from a pink pony, than were introduced to what seemed like the whole of the Apple Family, of course with a royal greeting. After a filly named Apple Bloom put on a cute face to have them stay for brunch, Night Mist said, "Come on sis. It's not every day these ponies get to dine with royalty. And I think you might find you like these ponies if you get to know them. And the celebration's not til tomorrow. We have til late at night tonight, and it's not even noon yet."

"But Nighty. Princess Celestia entrusted us with," she was cut off as Night Mist clamped her mouth.

"None of that Twily, you know our mother isn't going to just have a meltdown if you take it easy a little more," Night Mist insisted.

"He's right Twi, come on. Besides, I haven't had anything since breakfast," Spike added.

"Oh, fine," Twilight agreed in defeat.

With that, they sat and began chatting with the Apple Family. "So you're the son of Princess Celestia, Raibow Dash keeps tellin us about?" Applejack inquired.

"That's right. Well, adopted son. As you can see, I'm no alicorn," Night Mist admitted.

"Ya'll don't have to be an alicorn to be part of the royal family. I have an aunt in Baltimare who's Pegasus, even though I'm Earth Pony. Have to admit though, and heed no offense you highness, I've never seen a Bat Pony around here before. Ya'll are really rare round here it seems," Applejack stated.

"I hear that a lot. And I don't take offense. I haven't seen any other bat ponies either. Was kind of baffling. But then again, I was living at the Castle. Not sure if any nobles in the area were bat pony, I'm sure there are others in other parts of the kingdom. Who knows, maybe I had an uncle or aunt out there. Or both. But I don't know. My parents went to the Elysian Fields when I was really little. Not even sure how it happened," Night Mist sighed.

"I can understand how that feels. My parents were gone when my little sister was just a wee little baby. We don't even know what exactly happened to them either," Applejack admitted as she placed a hoof on Night Mist's shoulder.

"Well, I mean, I had my mother Celestia to look after me. And from what I understand, your Grandmare, Granny Smith was really good to you," Night Mist inquired.

"Yeah. She's been great. But hey, maybe something at the Library can help you find out more about Bat Ponies. I'm sure I saw a book there once about Bat Ponies. Did they have any in Canterlot for you to look at?" Applejack wondered.

"Now that you mention it. The Library seemed to lack that particular field for some reason," Twilight chimed in, finally hearing a subject she could relate to.

"Well, that's odd, usually the Ponyville Library gets its books from Canterlot's library itself..... maybe we asked for the only copy?" Applejack pondered.

"Could be. I mean, how many books on all three races really get published. Perhaps we overlooked the copying spell to make more copies of the same book. It's not the first time something like that has happened," Twilight stated.

"Well, even so, the brunch was nice, and it was great to get a chance to meet your family, but before Twilight gets herself in a state of panic, there are other areas of the Summer Sun Celebration's preparations we have to attend to, to ensure that we don't have a repeat of what happened in Las Pegasus," Night Mist shudders before adding, "I can still smell the gumdrops."

Applejack chuckled, "Well, twas a pleasure maken yer acquaintances yer highness's. Hope ta see ya'll at the start of celebration tonight."

"We'll be there," Twilight stated as she hurried Spike and Night Mist along.

After getting away from the farm and Twilight finally feeling the weight of too much Apple Pie, Spike states, "Hey, Rainbow Dash got the pleasure of clearing the clouds for the celebration."

"Well, she's not doing a very good job is she?" Twilight retorted.

"Twily!!! Heads Up!!!" Night Mist warned before pushing Twilight out of the way of an approaching blur of Rainbow.

Soon, Twi and Spike watched as a rainbow maned cyan pegasus mare took a roll with Night Mist into a puddle of mud. "Whoops, sorry Prince Night Mist, uh, I was practicing a maneuver," the rainbow maned pegasus.

"Let me guess Rainbow Dash, didn't go according to plan. You don't need to make elaborate excuses to meet and greet me you know. But, do you mind? You're cutting off my air supply," Night Mist informed her.

"Oops, sorry," Rainbow Dash stated as she lifted herself off of Night Mist and helped him up.

"Rainbow Dash, always in a rush," Twi shook her head.

"Oh Princess Twilight, I didn't expect to see you here," Rainbow Dash jumped before bowing.

"Usually I can't get her nose out of a book, but thankfully mother Celestia got her mind focused on the celebration," Night Mist joked.

"How goes the cloud clearing by the way?" Spike asked, before Twilight would get into a fuss.

"Fine, I know there's still a few to clear. I mean, I could get them done in 10 seconds flat," Rainbow Dash stated.

"Then why don't you?" Twilight asked in monotone.

"Well, I'm practicing for the Wonderbolts your highness, I want to show my stuff," Rainbow Dash proudly admitted.

"And you don't think clearing the clouds in 10 seconds flat wouldn't impress them?" Spike tried to save Rainbow from more of Twilight's bantering.

"Well, maybe, but they are not here yet," Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"Why wait for the approval of the Wonderbolts? You got Royalty here to judge your speed and expertise. 10 bits says you can't clear them in 10 seconds flat," Night Mist challenged.

"You're on," Rainbow Dash accepted.

She soon zoomed off and started cloud busting while Night Mist stated, "Offer that mare a challenge, and it will be hard for her to refuse, unless she knows the challenge is something beyond her limits, which aren't very many."

"That'll be ten bits Princy, ten seconds flat," Rainbow Dash bragged after landing next to Night Mist.

"Awww, okay, but can you pay us the ten bits tomorrow?" Night Mist asked.

"Nah I'm good for it, I'll pay you the ten bits now," Rainbow Dash answered as she payed him ten bits.

Twilight looked at the two, completely confused. "Rainbow Dash lost a bet a couple weeks ago, and owed me 20 bits. She didn't have it on her at the time, so I had her on an I.O.U status til she could get it, and we met up again. I cut her pay up in half by making this bet, and losing," Night Mist explained.

"Clever," Spike stated.

"You guys are always a a riot when we get to meet. I can't wait to hang out some more when you get time your highnesses, but I can see you have some other things to take care of before that happens. Don't be a stranger you two," Rainbow Dash orders, before speeding off.

"She never changes. But that's what I like about her," Night Mist admits.

"What's next?" Twilight asks.

"Let's see, ah here we are, decorations," Spike answered.

They soon headed for the town hall, where the main decor would be at.

Author's Note

So, I know I said I was only gonna do one story, but for some reason, something in the back of my head begged for this one to be continued, sorry I keep changing my mind. I will add another chapter to Mother of the Night, and my new story is almost done. Just working out a few more kinks. Hope to have it out before Tuesday.

Anyways, let me know what you guys thought of this chapter. You're opinion will be greatly appreciated and

*Sludge crashes through, nearly flattening me.*

A Nightmarish Encounter

The rest of the preparations went as well as anything could. Rarity went into a fashion frenzy dressing both Twilight and Night Mist in fancy bits of attire, and daydreaming about Canterlot. She even tried to woo Night Mist into falling for her, who chuckled, both nervously, and at the fact that this wasn't the first time a young mare tried to woo him. After the fashion frenzy was over, they checked on the music, and Night Mist found it cute about the young mare's shyness, though it wasn't surprising her name was Fluttershy. There was also a party that took place at the library the two would be staying at, and while Night Mist bonded with the ponies, Twilight had secluded herself once more.

Than, they all started to make way for the town hall to wait for Night Mist's mother Celestia. Night Mist stopped and trailed behind the crowd a bit as he took in the calm night air. As he looked to the heavens though. Something caught his attention. Stars were moving towards the Moon. Perplexed by the sight, he stay frozen where he stood. He watched as the Moon flashed a little more brightly for a moment, before the face that was the Mare in the Moon disappeared before his eyes.

He then saw a mist descend directly towards him. Then, everything went black. When he got his senses back, he could see he was no longer in Ponyville, he was in what looked like Canterlot Castle, only, as if it had been far older and much more battle worn from a vicious fight. He heard a mare's voice chuckle. "What a night it has been. Celestia missing in action, ponies stampeding about in panic, and it's only been an hour since the sun hasn't risen. All because of you Night Mist," Said a tall dark mare with a flowing mane much like Celestia's.

"Uh huh, and you are?" Night Mist inquired.

"Princess Nightmare Moon, the goddess of the Night. No doubt you've seen my likeness on the temple walls and the windows of the palace throne room," Nightmare Moon stated.

"I may uh....... you know, they don't do you justice," Night Mist admitted.

"Indeed. I am sure you are wondering why I brought you here. Well, allow me to explain, the moment I was released from my Moon prison, I noticed you watching, but I also noticed something about your appearance. You have the crescent moon upon your forehead. A sign you are destined for great things. In fact you're a lot like me," Nightmare Moon tried to sway him.

"I am nothing like you!" Night Mist spat, knowing the tales and songs from the books he read about her.

"No? Let's see if this sounds familiar. You are different. You are special. But you aren't treated that way by many. I know what that feels like. All too well, it plagued me for generations, but I can change it," Nightmare Moon stated.

"You can?" Night Mist asked.

"Powers of the night. Show this colt's future with me," Nightmare Moon commanded as she charged her horn, than blasted it into the ground.

All of the sudden, Night Mist was surrounded by what appeared to be decor remnant of what he would expect from Nightmare Moon. But that wasn't all. Ponies were bringing gifts of many sorts and bowing in front of him. It wasn't something he had come to know very well, even if his sister Twilight Sparkle was given such praise, as well as his mother. "You see. If you join me, you will finally win the respect of your fellow ponies, you will be my mighty second in command, a true ruler of the Night, and all it's glory. No pony will ever hold prejudice against your heritage ever again. You will be the pony you've always wanted," Nightmare Moon tries to tempt him.

Night Mist stood there in a daze. What he was seeing was overwhelming. Ponies not calling him vulgar names and not publicly trying to humiliate him. A world where he would be respected. But he started to come to his senses as his sister's voice was heard in the distance. He realized, he would be betraying everything he stood for. He'd be betraying the family that took him in. He'd give all that up..... just for a little respect.

"You think that you can deceive me with your tricks Nightmare Moon?" Night Mist scoffed.

"Wha-?" Nightmare Moon hiccuped in shock her ruse hadn't swayed him into submission.

"You'd show me a future where I indeed rule. But I rule it with an iron hoof. Through fear and intimidation. And under your watchful eye to ensure I never raise arms against you. You'd have your own grip of fear on me. That's not the future I want. That's not the pony I want to be. I will not cower under a tyrant who cares only of her own ambitions. No matter what it takes, even if you do succeed in bring Equestria to kneel before you, I will tell you now, my bravery and compassion for others will be one of your greatest challenges you will face, and even if I am to be struck down, others will rally behind my cause," Night Mist stated as he pressed the gem embedded in his necklace and it soon released the armor it held within, the same armor Shining Armor had given him.

Nightmare Moon charged Night Mist to tackle him. But Night Mist, using the skills Celestia and the guards had taught him, and dodged the charge. However, Nightmare Moon was no cluts, and while he dodged the tackling move, Nightmare Moon's horn charged and struck him square in the chest. It flung him clear across the room. He got up from the shock of being thrown, and shook it off, but what Shining Armor had said, breathed true. The Gaia armor had done it's job. "Impossible. That blast should have incapacitated you for hours," NIghtmare Moon stated in shock.

Night Mist regained his composure and battle stance and replied, "Got a little present from my brother to help me take on threats without his presence. Thankfully the blacksmiths were dedicated to this armor they crafted."

Nightmare Moon was enraged and zapped Night Mist again, not to send him flying, but to give him a bit of a painful shock. Night Mist braced, but the pain never came. He looked at his armor, the lightning clung to him for a moment, then it dissipated. "That's interesting," Night Mist awed.

He looked at Nightmare moon who was shocked. "No, I will not be bested by some pampered little ankle biter. I will ensure the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon spat.

"Pampered? Little?" Night Mist raised an eyebrow.

"Nighty!" Twilight exclaimed as she entered the room.

"Oh, so you know this colt little, young mare?" Nightmare Moon pondered.

"I do. He's my brother. And one of my closest friends," Twilight Sparkle stated.

"Then perhaps he'll be a little more submissive if I teach his sister a painful lesson," Nightmare Moon stated.

Twilight went wide eyed, as she saw Nightmare Moon charge up her horn. But, just as Nightmare Moon was about to blast Twilight with her magic, there was a moment of shock and awe, as Twilight watched Nightmare Moon get tackled by Night Mist. Both went slamming into the side of the room. "No one.... hurts my sister. No one," Night Mist spat.

Night Mist threw a few good punches in, but then, his hoof was stopped. It was caught in Nightmare Moon's magic. "Finally, some rage from you," Nightmare Moon chuckled.

Night Mist gasped as he saw the marks and bruises he left her disappear. "I need fierce ponies willing to be aggressive enough to keep the kingdom in check. And your display was exemplary," Nightmare Moon complimented.

Night Mist couldn't believe what he had just done. He had just punched somepony. All his hatred had gone into those strikes he made at Nightmare Moon. He was becoming exactly the colt she wanted as her second in command. Then, he remember what Celestia had told him. He remembered her saing, 'Don't let the hatred win. Keep your eyes open to the truth.' He had thought she meant others' hatred, but now realized, it was his own hatred. For a moment he let it win, but then he came back to his senses.

His thoughts were interuppted as Nightmare Moon stated, "But you did strike your Princess. So we'll have to think of some sort of punishment for that."

Night Mist watched as her eyes glowed, and he went wide eyed as she then forced him up against the wall, unable to reach the ground or her, flailing his hooves in a fit of desperation. "Perhaps a week in the depths of Tartarus will help improve your behavior," Nightmare Moon stated.

Just then, a flash alerted both of them. "The real thing you should have kept your focus on, was my sister. While you've been occupied with me, she and her new friends were able to get to the elements," Night Mist smiled, as he was held aloft against the wall.

Nightmare Moon was wide eyed. She saw the Elements of Harmony now in gem form, and adorned by Twilight and the five other mares that had accompanied her here. Nightmare Moon had let go of Night Mist, and he fell to the ground, as he watched Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rairty start to be surrounded by a light of pureness, and then as Nightmare Moon sent a blast in their direction, it was canceled out, as the mares charged up enough, to send a rainbow of magical pureness, and it struck down on Nightmare Moon, who screamed in defeat as she was engulfed by a tornado of color, "I Hate Rainbows!"

Just then, the room was taken over by a bright flash, and Night Mist shielded his eyes. When the light dissipated, he opened them again, Twilight and her friends were all laying sprawled on the ground, and getting up. Night Mist tried to get up, but soon came to realize his brief fight with the Dark Mare of the Night, had taken more out of him than he had realized, and collapsed once more. "NIGHTY!!!" Twilight screamed.

She galloped over to her brother, and nuzzled him to see if he was okay. "I'm fine Twi. I..... I....." Night Mist passed out, before he could utter any more words. The short battle had taken a tole on him.

When he came to, he found himself laying on his back, and a felt a blanket covering his torso. His vision was blurry for a bit, but as he came to, he came to see his siblings, parents, and old and new friends were there to greet his awakening as he was laying in the Ponyville hospital. "Did we win?" Was the first thing he had to ask.

Everypony else chuckled. "Yes Night Mist. The battle is over, and Nightmare Moon is no more. Thanks to the elements, she was purged from the pony she was hosting...... my sister," Celestia stated.

"........... So..... you're Princess Luna?" Night Mist asked.

Luna nodded as she looked at him. "............... I...... I thought you were.... taller," Night Mist admitted.

Luna herself laughed, "Well....... that's what happens when a darkness clings itself to you. Imagine if Celestia let darkness cling to her."

"Now there's a picture," Cadence chimed in.

Everypony laughed again, including Night Mist. "But..... if you don't mind me asking young colt...... they said your name was Night Mist?" Luna inquired.

"Yes," Night Mist replied.

"I-I had a son named Night Mist," Luna sated.

Celestia gasped, then thought. "I thought your name had sounded familiar when I first met you Nighty. But, I hadn't realized it was the same name as Luna's son," Celestia admited.

"Well, I mean, I can't have been the same pony. Her son would be over 1000 years old, if he is still alive. I was still a little kid when you found me, mother Tia," Night Mist pointed out.

Luna sat there and thought some things over. There may have been something she knew that she looked like she was trying to figure out how to best explain it.

Author's Note

End of chapter 5. And with that, I end the chapter on a cliff hanger. I didn't give Night Mist any ability to wield the elements, but did let the Gaia armor reveal some of it's many defenses. It's just full of surprises. I am sorry if it feels a little rushed. But when the next chapter does come about, it will explain why Nightmare Moon was originally so interested in Night Mist to begin with. There was more that she knew that no one else knew.

To avoid plagiarism, I did borrow some lines from Barbie Fairytopia, and some of the story was inspired by other parts of that movie. I've got 4 sisters, so don't judge me for watching Barbie movies.

Anways, what will Luna reveal? Also, how long was Night Mist out? And......... how did I end up in a party howitzer?

Pinkie: Hehe Haha. A party pony never reveals her secrets. *Pulls the trigger rope, and blast me clear across Equestria towards the Canterlot throne room.*

Night Mist: "AAAAAAH HOO HOO HOOEY!!!"

Luna: Oh dear. Well, while I teleport to help my mother and sister catch my son in the throne room, let him know what you thought of this chapter.

Prologue Part Two

It had been several months since Celestia had taken Night Mist under her tutelage. He learned new flight techniques at an unfathomable rate, Celestia herself was astonished. His mind was as sharp as Twilight's, although, getting him to sit down and indulge in a book was a tad troublesome. It wasn't that he didn't want to learn anything, it was just reading most subjects bored him. Celestia did find that he did have an interest in ancient pony tales and myths, some Celestia knew to be true, and other she knew to be complete fable. So, Celestia found a common ground to let him look into books he liked, while the rest of his learning that didn't involve flying was vocally spoken by one of the teachers at her school that made any subject sound interesting, even grammer, which, Celestia herself had the hardest time with growing up in her early days.

Many noble pegasi that resided in Canterlot were very enthusiastic about Celestia's idea to start a flying school for gifted young fliers, and this arose to also setting in motion, a junior fliers competition, much like the junior magic competition that had been going on for decades now. Automatically, all noble pegasi were adamant about enrolling their charges into the school once it opened, and thankfully there were some Wonderbolts willing to pass down their knowledge about flying, as well as some pegasus royal guards, both feeling they could also teach the young ones means of defense and offense, should they get themselves in a tight spot. But there was also a lot of paperwork that had to be done, so progress was slow to start the school, but the teachers gave as much time as they could.

Another problem that was starting to arise, was some nobles were beginning to be a bit pushy about Celestia personally teaching Night Mist. They had no problem with Twilight Sparkle, seeing her family was of nobility, but with Night Mist having no ties to any known noble bloodline in the area, they were being biased, stating how their children would perform far better, and Celestia shouldn't bother her time with the young bat pony. Even Blueblood was trying to find some means to send Night Mist away from the castle. But Celestia stood her ground. She reminded them that when she started her school for gifted unicorns, she and others she trusted, chose unicorns based on their unique magical talent and power. Not on their family back ground, be they noble or common pony. The same would be decided for any pegasi who would enter her school for talented fliers, once she could officially announce it had started, and even pointed out that it was Night Mist who had inspired her to want to start the new school. But some nobles were stubborn, and even tried to claim he had no right to even be on castle grounds, but were easily bested when Celestia stated she had signed no such policy into law. It was a constant day to day annoyance she was dealing with, but she wasn't gonna turn Night Mist away just to please nobles.

Night Mist was dealing with his own problems. Sure he heard about nobles wanting him gone, and claimed he was just a no body, but he trusted in Celestia's word when she told him he was talented, and the words didn't hurt so much. And he was glad he had gotten to know Twilight Sparkle. She was just as excited as he was about learning, especially her interest in ancient writings and myths, and she was like an older sister to him. When he could, he was able to get her nose out of a book, and have her interact with him, and some other ponies, as well as Spike, who was a hoof full, being how old he was. Unicorns seemed to be the norm for their circle of friends, which wasn't much of a surprise, since many unicorn families outweighed the other pony races in the capital. But what really troubled him was when noble pegasus children, none of them bat ponies, would poke fun at him for being the only one of his kind in the city. They'd drench him in cold water, shine the sun's reflection with a mirror into his eyes, and even throw mud at him. They'd call him vulgar names like freak, unicorn lover, abomination, the list went on. But he kept his will strong. He wanted so much to sink his fangs into their necks and throw them into a pile of mud or the moat surrounding the castle for payback. But he stayed level headed, one, because he wanted to stay in Celestia's good graces, and two, because Celestia told him the first time he was teased, "Don't let the hatred win, keep your eyes open to the truth."

He didn't quite understand what she meant by that, but he followed her advice none the less. Some things that had surprised him was when Celestia had let him use the spare room in her chambers, which he had found, was a spare bedroom. He half expected her to give him one of the guest rooms in the castle, like she had Twilight, but he didn't question her decision. In fact, he was very thankful for all she had done. She had gained his full trust, respect, and dare he say it, love, as if she were his mother. Not that she could ever replace his real mother, but she had earned an equal share of his love.

Today had been a less than eventful day. Learning some noble etiquette, so should a public appearance with nobles arise, he could show he was able to act the part, even if his blood wasn't from noble origins, which impressed some who had gotten a glimpse of it already. Other lessons involved some cooking lessons from the royal chef, should he need to cook for himself, which usually ended in the chef saying, "Embarrassing..... but delicious."

There was of course the general knowledge all little ponies received, and than of course, the one thing he cherished the most, flying lessons from Princess Celestia herself. They just finished another lesson as Night Mist landed in the court yard with a soft landing, with a little help from Celestia's magic of course, since he was still having trouble with the landing part. "Exemplary work Night Mist. If you keep this up, I may have to recruit you early into my royal guard. Not that Captain Shining Armor hasn't been begging already I enroll you when you come of age," Celestia chuckled.

Night Mist giggled, "Thanks Celestia. But I think Cadence is demanding that my, as she put it, cute little face, stay away from guard duty. She doesn't want to see a single scratch on me for some reason. I still shudder at how she reacted that one day when she saw those bullies hurting me. Though it was pretty funny to see their faces when she, ahem, taught them a lesson in love."

Celestia giggled herself and joked, "Well, you could say she proves "love" is the strongest force on earth. But I think you know that already."

Night Mist raised an eyebrow, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean Celestia."

Celestia smiled, "I know that if you are not with me, Twilight's other friends, or one of the tutors at the castle, you will travel with Twilight Sparkle over to her family's abode. I have nothing against that, truly. But it's no secret that they've been like a second family to you. I know you see Twilight and Shining as siblings you never had. And Velvet Sparkle has been more than just somepony you know. Honestly, Velvet approached me one day, and told me how much she loved having you around whenever you visited."

Night Mist couldn't really deny it. Just like Celestia, Twilight's family felt like family to him as well. Shining was like a big brother, giving him playful noogies and teaching him some stuff other colts liked to do when he didn't have guard duty. Twilight had been like a big sister, being as she was older than him, always finding the most opportune moments to peak his interest about a new myth or legend she found in the books she read. Night Light Sparkle was like a dad, always teaching him how to stay organized, and Velvet, even though she had her extreme sports enthusiasm about her, she was always sort of babying Night Mist, making sure he didn't get hurt, and helping him feel better when times were tough.

"Well.... yeah, they're great ponies. They're some of the few nice ones I have met around Canterlot," Night Mist admitted.

Just than a guard pony galloped up to them and called, "Princess Celestia! They're here, they've got what you asked for."

Night Mist was now in utter confusion. Who was here? What did they have that Celestia wanted? Was it something from a far off land? Something rare anywhere in the world? He wasn't sure. All he could tell was, Celestia knew full well what the guard was talking about, but he was completely in the dark. Celestia than looked to Night Mist and said, "Night Mist, why don't you go and visit with Twilight and your other friends, perhaps grab some doughnuts from Pony Joes, I'll meet you there later, alright?"

Night Mist sighed, "Okay."

He hung his head in displeasure, figuring this was probably some nobles wanting to take up Celestia's time again, trying to keep her mind away from Night Mist as much as possible. Celestia put her hoof under his chin, and had him look at her, as she stated, "Trust me, my little pony. You will be pleased with the results of who I am meeting with. But I can't let you know yet, it's a surprise."

Surprise? Well now Night Mist was really thrown for a loop. He never got a surprise before. Had he forgotten about his own Birthday? No, that wasn't at least for another three months. Was it Twilight's Birthday? No, than she would be getting a surprise, not him. What in Equestria could Celestia have in store for him to give him a surprise? One's thing for sure, he wouldn't find out until Celestia met him at Pony Joe's Doughnut Shop.

He soon made a trot towards the astronomy tower to visit Twilight, who was trying to finish up her constellation homework she had been assigned. Once he reached there, he opened the door and asked, "Hey Twilight. Um, how's the homework going?"

"Actually I just finished. I was about start a chapter ahead so I could finish the next part of the homework, and..." Twilight was cut off as Night Mist put a hoof over her mouth.

"Stop right there. You know Celestia gets annoyed when you do that. I know you like learning Twilight, but, you have to take a break. It's not the end of the world," Night Mist stated.

"But what if I just," Twilight was cut off again as Night Mist raised a hoof.

"Nope. Nope. You're comin with me. Spike's coming too. Celestia wants us to take a bit to meet with our friends, and have doughnuts at Pony Joes," Night Mist informed her.

"But....... oh, alright, let's go. I mean, it's been a while since we've seen Pony Joe," Twilight said.

"Exactly," Night Mist replied.

Just as Twilight was trying to sneak in a page or two from her book of constellations, Night Mist used his hooves, closed the book, put it in her saddle bag, and carefully got Spike settled in the other bag. Then he pushed Twilight onward to get a move on.

After gathering up their friends, they finally arrived at Pony Joe's Doughnut Shop. "Night Mist and Twilight Sparkle. Long time no see," Pony Joe said.

"Hey there Pony Joe. The usual, if that's not too much trouble," Night Mist stated.

"Not a bit," Pony Joe stated, and soon got to work on the groups favorites.

As the group of friends conversed and dug into their snacks, Night Mist started thinking back to the night Celestia met him in the castle. So much had happened since than. The school he was going to be in was soon to start. Nobles were getting lippy with the Princess about his continued presence. And, though he hadn't noticed it much, guards seemed to be tailing him somewhat. He wasn't sure why, and he didn't want to ask Celestia about it. He felt he was being too paranoid, and it was really nothing. For all he knew, it was just standard routine for anypony who stayed on a castle grounds.

Just as he was about to think further, and or converse more with the group, the doors to the shop opened. Pony Joe literally tossed his tray of doughnuts up in the air when he saw who it was and bowed immediately. Night Mist and the others were baffled at his sudden reaction, and as Twilight was about to use her magic to save the doughnuts, another familiar aura had caught them and put them back on the tray. This in turn, caused the group to turn their heads to see Princess Celestia standing at the door, with her gaurds, and..... Twilight's parents.

The group jumped out of their seats in realization they were in the Princess's presence, and bowed before her. "Arise my little ponies, and please take a seat to enjoy your sweets. I have some news you will all like to hear," Celestia said as she set the tray on the table Night Mist Twilight and the others were sitting at.

Pony Joe soon went to get a fresh batch of Celestia's and The Sparkle Parent's favorite pastries as the Sparkle Parents and Celestia sat down to join the group. "I suppose you are all wondering why Twilight's parents and myself have decided to join you all on this afternoon snack," Celestia guessed.

"Um, yes your highness. Is something wrong?" Moon Dancer asked.

"Not at all, dear Moon Dancer. The reason I am here is because I have something I wish for you all to hear, well, me and the Sparkles wish for you to hear. Now, Night Mist, I'm sure you are fully aware that the orphanage caretakers have come to the castle from time to time, yes?" Celestia inquired.

"Y-yes, you highness," Night Mist answered.

"And I am sure you have also noticed that I have met with Velvet and Nightlight on many occasions as of recent, correct?" Celestia inquired more.

"Yes, but you always were asking me to go and take a look at some of the books Twilight was reading when you did," Night Mist pointed out.

"Well, there's a reason that I have been meeting with these two groups of ponies. Over the past several months Night Mist, you have shown yourself to be a very caring and kind soul. And I feel your parents would be proud. You have also shown a fierce act of leadership and devotion to those you care about. Also, over these months, you have really have just help me feel a happiness I haven't felt in a long time. But not only me, the Sparkles as well have shown affection for you. What I mean to say is, Night Mist, would you accept me as, not just your mentor, but a mother?"

Everypony in Night Mist circle of friends gasped. Him? The son of Celestia? A Prince of Day? This was so sudden. "M-me, b-be your son?" Night Mist stumbled on his words.

"Yes dear, as of today, and this will be announced to the public tomorrow, you are now Prince Night Mist of Equestria," Celestia said, as she floated a folder of adoption papers onto the table.

Pony Joe dropped the empty pan he had been holding in his mouth as he jaw dropped at the news, as did all of Night Mist's friends. "But..... can you do that?" Night Mist asked.

"There's no law stating I am not able to adopt you, and there never will be," Celestia stated.

Night Mist was speechless. He wasn't ungrateful or anything, but to become the son of the Princess of Equestria? This wasn't something that had been seen in Equestria that he was aware of. He'd be the headline of every newspaper through Equestria and beyond. Night Mist finally found words to place as he replied, "I... I'd love to have you as my mom. But, um, who's the dad?"

"Yeah, doesn't there need to be two signers?" Twilight asked.

"Ah, well, there's a little twist to this. See, that's the reason the Sparkle parents are here," Celestia informed them.

"Wait, you mean Nightlight's his father now?" Minuet inquired.

"Well, seeing as how that might cause a bit of an uproar among the ponies of Equestria, we sort of well, had me signed as the second parent," Velvet admitted.

"I...... I have two mothers?" Night Mist gasped.

"On paper yes, but this does also mean that Nightlight is still entitled to be your father as well. We felt the public would be a little more okay with the idea that for this situation, two mares sign on as the legal guardians. But this also includes something else. Twilight, this also means that you, and Shining have been adopted into royalty as well, due to the fact your mother has signed off as the second gaurdian, and I the first," Celestia stated.

Twilight's mouth went jaw drop, it almost looked like it would hit the floor. "But what do we do now, is there a book on how to be prince and princesses we should read?" Twilight inquired.

Celestia chuckled, "There will be time for that in due course. But I will still be your mentors in magic and flight. You just don't have to address me as Princess anymore in public outings."

"Doesn't that also make Velvet and Nightlight a prince and princess as well?" Lyra Heartstrings asked.

"Well, I will publically have to announce to the public of a change in their social status, otherwise, the public will still see them as the noble status of Sir and Mistress at this point. But I can also recall that Velvet is tied to royalty, being a mortal descendant of my mother Gaia, heaven rest my mortal sister, Artemis's soul," Celestia stated as she took a moment to bow her head in respect to her mortal sister's passing more than a millennium ago.

The group of friends soon cheered at the news that they were friends with two royal siblings now. Night Mist felt so happy. But something in the back of his mind was telling him that even though this was cause for celebration, he'd have to stay alert about something. But he celebrated happily, hugging his new mother, with tears of joy rolling down his face. He couldn't wait to see the look on Shining Armor's face when he found out the bat pony he had saved so many months ago was now his brother.

Author's Note

End of chapter two. I know this will seem a bit rushed to some, but I didn't want to linger on this timeline for very long, there are other events I want to set in motion, and trying to stretch out the prologue would hamper things. Please let me know what you think of the new chapter. Til then I must look into some other things that require my attention.

Please leave a comment down below on what you thought about the chapter.