The Forsaken

Midnight

Finished with what might pass as poetry, if a pony was blind and deaf, I sighed as I tried to gather my thoughts.

The colt suckling loudly broke my train of thought. Silver Tears was feeding her foal at the dining room table while trying to eat lunch herself. Learning how to multi-task wasn’t easy but she was doing remarkably well for a mare so young…

I cleared my throat. “Have you named him yet?”

Silver shook her head. “I have the name that popped into my head when he was born but I just don’t know…”

Anon placed a comforting hand on her wither. “What was it?”

Silver smiled. “Golden Dawn.”

I smiled slightly. “That sounds quite noble. Why do you resist the name?”

Silver shook her head. “It's too grand for an orphan. 'Golden Dawn' sounds like a noble's name. I fear I'd be setting him up for disappointment with such an ambitious name.”

I shook my head. “You are both under my care and I am a Duke and a Prince. You weren’t present for the conversation we had the day I saved you, but I have decided to take you in as a Ward, if I can’t do better for you. Don’t think of yourself as an orphan. You should use the name as I believe it suits the young colt.”

Silver sighed. “Were it so easy…”

* * *

I watched Silver Tears continue to feed her colt, Golden Dawn, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The sight of such a young mare caring for a foal stirred something deep within me - a mixture of anger at those who had wronged her, and a fierce protectiveness I hadn't felt in centuries.

"Golden Dawn," I repeated aloud, tasting the name on my tongue. "I stand by my opinion of the name, as it's a fine name, Silver. One that speaks of hope and new beginnings. Don't let your past dictate your son's future."

Silver Tears looked up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Do you really think so, Lord Midnight?"

I nodded firmly. "I do. The name Golden Dawn will be one to be proud of, I assure you."

As I spoke the words, I felt the weight of my decision settle upon my shoulders. This wasn't just about offering shelter to a young mare and her foal. This was about righting a grievous wrong, about bringing justice to those who had exploited the vulnerable.

I turned to Anon, who had been quietly observing our exchange. "We need to talk," I said, my voice low and serious.

She nodded, understanding the gravity in my tone. We excused ourselves and made our way to my study, closing the door behind us for privacy.

"The orphanage," I began, my voice tight with barely contained rage. "Lord Rapier and his monsters who run it... they can't be allowed to continue. They need to be brought to justice."

Anon's eyes hardened, a fierce determination settling over her features. "I agree. What's the plan?"

I paced the room, my hooves clicking against the wooden floor. "I've gathered enough evidence. It's time to strike. Hard and fast. They won't see it coming."

"I'm coming with you," Anon stated, her tone brooking no argument.

I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous. These aren't just common criminals we're dealing with. Lord Rapier has connections, influence. I can't risk you getting hurt."

Anon's eyes flashed dangerously. "I'm not some delicate flower, Midnight. I'm your wife, your partner. If I had my way… I’d become a Death Lord myself. If you think I'm going to sit idly by while you face danger alone, you've got another thing coming. As it is… I’m tired of sitting around this house when you go on your missions."

We stared at each other, locked in a battle of wills. I knew that look in her eyes - the same stubborn determination that had first drawn me to her. I sighed, realizing this was an argument I wasn't going to win.

"Fine," I conceded. "But if you're coming with me, you need to be prepared. Properly prepared."

I led Anon down to the basement, where my ale, wine and moonshine storage was, and then led her deeper to a hidden room that I rarely entered. The air was thick with magic, shimmering with an ethereal blue light. In the center of the room stood a large chest, intricate runes carved into its surface.

"This," I said, placing a hoof on the chest, "is my stockpile of Moondust. One of the rarest and most potent magical substances in Equestria."

Anon's eyes widened in awe as I opened the chest, revealing a swirling, glittering powder that seemed to pulse with an inner light.

"With this, I can forge you armor and a weapon unlike any other," I explained. "But it will take time, and once it's done, you'll need to learn how to use them."

Anon nodded. “I will do whatever you need me to do.”

The matter settled, I started the forging process and her combat training.

* * *

Over the next few days, I worked tirelessly, shaping the Moondust into a suit of chainmail perfectly tailored to Anon's form. Alongside it, I forged a Moon Blade - a sword that gleamed with an inner light, its edge sharp enough to cut through steel as if it were butter.

As I worked, I also began Anon's training. Hours were spent in the courtyard, teaching her the basics of swordsmanship and how to move in armor. She was a quick study, her determination driving her to push through exhaustion and pain.

"Remember," I instructed as we sparred, "the Moon Blade is an extension of yourself. Feel its weight, its balance. Let it become a part of you."

Anon nodded, her face set in concentration as she lunged forward, the blade whistling through the air. I parried her strike, but only just - she was improving rapidly, to my great joy.

As we trained and prepared, I also began finalizing my plans for bringing Lord Rapier to justice. The evidence I had gathered painted a horrifying picture of exploitation and abuse, far beyond what I had initially suspected.

My authority as a Death Lord would allow me to kill him, without the need for a trial… but I felt the need for a deeper level of justice.

Lost in thought and unsure as to how I wanted to proceed, a scroll materialized before me in a burst of golden flame. I recognized Princess Celestia's seal immediately.

"What is it?" Anon asked, lowering her blade as she saw my expression darken.

I unfurled the scroll, my eyes scanning its contents quickly. "A summons," I replied, my voice tight. "The annual Meeting of the Lords is to be held in Canterlot in three days' time."

Anon frowned. "But what about the orphanage? We can't just-"

I held up a hoof, cutting her off as an idea began to form in my mind. "No... This could work to our advantage. What better way to bring these criminals to justice than in front of all the Lords of Equestria?"

A slow smile spread across Anon's face as she caught on to my thinking. "A public denouncement... it would be impossible for them to weasel their way out of it."

I nodded, a grim satisfaction settling over me. "Exactly. We'll need to move quickly, gather all the evidence we can. Are you ready for this?"

Anon straightened, her new armor glinting in the sunlight. "I'm with you, Midnight. All the way."

I nodded at her. “Then it’s time. Are you ready to become a Death Lord and serve Equestria at my side?”

Anon's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement crossing her face. "I never thought you'd actually consider it," she breathed.

I sighed, deeply conflicted. “I honestly don’t know what it will do to you. It might even kill you. You said you wanted to be a Death Lord though, and as my wife, I’m not sure I can tell you no.”

She nodded. “Let’s do this then.”

I took her outside and prepared my blades. Cutting off one of my wings, I wrapped her within my flesh.

“Blood of my Blood. Flesh of my Flesh. What was once two is now one. Fortify thy body, heart and soul with the offered flesh and become one. I command thee to rise again… as a Death Lord.”

Anon’s body was wrapped in the red blood-like substance of the spell and emerged stronger. The command aspect of the spell was missing, making her my equal, as opposed to my subordinate.

She looked herself over. “Whoa. I’m like an Amazonian. I’ve never had muscles like this. Do you like it?”

I gulped. “You look amazing. I name you, Anon, the Death Lord of Life. You are my equal and my opposite. I expect you to serve at my side for the good of Equestria. Be the light to my darkness.”

Anon walked towards me and kissed me. “As you wish, my husband.”

She leaned down and licked the blood from the stump of my wing. “Salty. How long until your wing grows back?”

I shrugged. “It normally takes a few minutes. You want some red meat?”

Anon smiled a feral grin. “Maybe… I just want you.”

I snorted. “And you shall have me. Whenever you like.”

As the moment passed, we made our final preparations. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my wife. She had taken to her training with a fervor that impressed even me, and the sight of her in the Moondust chainmail, Moon Blade at her side, stirred something primal within me. She was my equal.

* * *

The night before we were to leave for Canterlot, I found Anon in our bedroom, methodically checking her armor and weapon.

"You know," I said, watching her from the doorway, "there's an old saying among the Death Lords. 'Love is the death of duty.'"

Anon looked up, her eyes meeting mine. "And what do you think about that?"

I moved into the room, coming to stand before her. "I used to believe it. Thought that to truly serve, to protect, one had to set aside all personal attachments."

I reached out, gently caressing her cheek. "But now, looking at you, I'm not so sure. Maybe love isn't the death of duty. Maybe it's what gives duty its purpose."

Anon leaned into my touch, a soft smile on her face. "I like that interpretation better."

As we embraced, I felt a sense of certainty settle over me. Whatever challenges awaited us in Canterlot, whatever dangers we might face, we would face them together. And woe betide anyone who stood in our way.

* * *

The next morning, as the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, we set out for Canterlot on the train from Ponyville. Silver Tears and Golden Dawn were safely hidden away, protected by a platoon of my most trusted guards. They would serve as our key witnesses when the time came.

As we approached the gleaming spires of the capital, I couldn't help but feel that we were on the cusp of something momentous. The annual Meeting of the Lords had always been a tedious affair of politics and posturing. This year, however, it would be different.

This year, justice would be served.

* * *

Luna

I stood on the balcony of my chambers in Canterlot Castle, watching as the lords and ladies of Equestria arrived for the annual meeting. It was a spectacle of pomp and circumstance that I had never truly grown accustomed to, even worse after having been gone for so many centuries.

My gaze was drawn to a pair of figures approaching the castle gates - one a tall, imposing stallion, the other the only human woman in all of Equestria, clad in armor that seemed to shimmer with an inner light.

Even from this distance, I recognized Midnight Stalker and his wife, Anon. What I didn’t understand was why, or rather how, she was wearing Moondust Armor. The large procession of soldiers that followed them also didn’t sit right, but I trusted Midnight…

There was something different about them, a sense of purpose that set them apart from the preening nobles around them. I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest. Midnight had always had a flair for the dramatic, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was about to become far more interesting than usual.

As I turned to make my way to the great hall, I caught sight of my reflection in a mirror. The circlet of my station sat heavy upon my brow, a reminder of the weight of rule and the responsibilities that came with it.

"Love is the death of duty," I murmured to myself, recalling the old adage. But as I thought of Midnight and Anon, of the fierce devotion I had seen in their eyes, I wondered if perhaps we had all misunderstood its meaning.

With a flick of my mane, I strode towards the hall, ready to face whatever revelations this day might bring. After all, what was rule if not the greatest duty of all? And what was duty, if not an expression of love for one's subjects?

As I neared the great hall, a commotion outside caught my attention. I rushed to the nearest window, my eyes widening at the sight before me. In the distance, a dark cloud was approaching rapidly - but this was no weather formation.

It was an army. Midnight's personal bat pony army, to be precise.

My heart raced as I watched the legion of winged warriors descend upon Canterlot. Their arrival was as silent as it was swift, a testament to their training and discipline. They all wore armor, and they were all armed to the teeth, as befitted a Death Lord’s personal army. I could see the panic beginning to spread among the nobles and common ponies alike as they realized what was happening.

This was no ordinary Meeting of the Lords. This was a reckoning.

I hurried to the great hall, my mind reeling with possibilities. What was Midnight planning? And how would this dramatic entrance affect the delicate political balance we had worked so hard to maintain?

* * *

Midnight

The great hall of Canterlot Castle loomed before us, its gilded doors a stark contrast to the grim purpose that brought us here. Anon stood beside me, resplendent in her Moondust chainmail, the Moon Blade at her side gleaming with an otherworldly light. Behind us, a platoon of my most trusted bat pony guards flanked Silver Tears, who was sitting in a wheelchair, and cradled Golden Dawn protectively in her forelegs.

As we approached the entrance, I could feel the weight of countless eyes upon us. The nobles of Equestria, gathered for what they thought would be another tedious Meeting of the Lords, were about to witness something unprecedented.

I turned to Anon, my voice low. "Are you ready for this?"

She met my gaze, her eyes hard with determination. "More than ready. Let's bring this bastard down."

I nodded, then addressed Silver Tears. "Remember, you're safe here. Nopony can harm you or Golden Dawn. Just speak the truth and let me handle the rest."

Silver Tears nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I trust you, Lord Midnight."

With a deep breath, I pushed open the doors, and we entered the hall.

The cacophony of noble chatter died almost instantly as we made our way down the center aisle. I could see the confusion and curiosity in their eyes, mixed with no small amount of fear at the sight of my armed guards. Most nobles travelled with up to but no more than 4 guards. In my case, 120 armed and armored guards followed us through the door, and they parted to line the walls and efficiently surrounded the nobles who were present. We arrived last for that exact reason.

At the far end of the hall, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat upon their thrones, their expressions carefully neutral. But I knew Luna well enough to see the glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. She had always appreciated my flair for the dramatic.

As we reached the center of the hall, my eyes locked onto our target. Lord Rapier sat among his peers, his face a mask of practiced indifference. But I could see the flicker of unease in his eyes as he took in our unusual procession.

Princess Celestia called out. “Lord Midnight Stalker, Duke of Ponyville. Death Lord of War, Destruction and Death. Prince of Equestria… third in line to the Throne. Why does your personal army occupy my city? Is this a coup?” Her voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.

I stepped forward, my voice ringing out clear and strong. “I am as loyal to Equestria as I have ever been, but I will unseat you from that throne if you intend to stop Death Lord justice.”

A murmur whispered across the room; the nobles unsure if my threat was true…

Celestia's regal composure faltered for a moment before she regained control. "Justice, you say?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "A matter grave enough to warrant an entire army? Very well, you may proceed with my blessing, Death Lord."

I cleared my throat, and then my voice boomed out throughout the great hall. "My Lords and Ladies of Equestria, I stand before you today not just as a fellow noble, but as a Death Lord. And I come bearing grave news and graver accusations."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. They knew that a Death Lord’s accusations usually meant an execution. I felt Anon shift beside me, her hand moving to rest on the hilt of her Moon Blade. The rest of my guards, following her lead, also readied their weapons. The crowd stilled.

"For too long, a cancer has been growing in our midst," I continued, my gaze sweeping across the assembled nobility before settling on Lord Rapier. "A monster hiding behind a noble title, preying on the most vulnerable among us."

I gestured for Anon to bring Silver Tears forward. Pushed in her wheelchair, the young mare trembled slightly but held her head high as she took her place beside me, Golden Dawn nestled protectively in her forelegs.

"I present to you evidence of Lord Rapier's crimes," I declared, my voice rising. "Behold the victims of his twisted orphanage - young fillies forced to bear foals, colts murdered for the crime of their gender, and the fillies raised to be bred again!"

The hall erupted into chaos. Shouts of disbelief and outrage filled the air, while some nobles turned pale, no doubt fearing their own complicity might be revealed.

Lord Rapier surged to his hooves, his face twisting into a mask of indignant fury. "How dare you!" he bellowed, spittle flying from his lips. "These accusations are utterly baseless! I demand you retract these slanderous claims immediately or face the consequences!"

I met his gaze coolly. "They are neither baseless nor slanderous, Lord Rapier. I have spent months gathering evidence, testimonies from your victims, financial records that show the true nature of your 'orphanage.' But perhaps the most damning evidence stands before you now."

I turned to Silver Tears, my voice gentling. "Tell them, Silver. Tell them what Lord Rapier did to you."

Silver Tears swallowed hard, then began to speak, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I was born in Lord Rapier's orphanage; I never knew who my father was. They told me I would be safe there, that I would find a new family. Instead, I found horror."

She went on to describe the abuses she had suffered, the systematic exploitation of young fillies, the murder of newborn colts. As she spoke, I could see the color draining from Lord Rapier's face. When Silver Tears finished her testimony, the hall was deathly silent. I stepped forward once more.

"But we need not rely solely on testimony," I said, my horn beginning to glow. "I have recently mastered a spell of paternity, one that will prove beyond any doubt the parentage of young Golden Dawn."

Lord Rapier's eyes widened in panic. "You can't! I forbid it! This is a violation of my rights as a noble!"

Princess Celestia's voice cut through the tension. "As a Death Lord, Lord Midnight Stalker can do whatever he wants. And even if he couldn’t, in this case, he has my full authority to conduct this test. Proceed, Death Lord."

I nodded my thanks to Celestia, then cast the spell. A beam of light connected my horn to both Silver Tears and Golden Dawn, then arced across the room to Lord Rapier. The noble tried to back away but found himself held in place by Luna's magic.

After a moment, the light faded, and I turned to face the assembly. "The spell confirms it. Lord Rapier is indeed the father of both Silver Tears and Golden Dawn. He raped his own daughter while pretending she was an orphan entrusted to his care."

The hall exploded into chaos once more. Lords and ladies shouted for justice, for Lord Rapier's immediate arrest. But the accused noble had one last card to play.

"I invoke the ancient right of trial by combat!" Lord Rapier bellowed, silencing the crowd. "I challenge Death Lord Midnight Stalker to a duel. If he truly believes in his accusations, let him prove them with steel and magic!"

A hush fell over the assembly. All eyes turned to me, waiting for my response.

I felt Anon's hand on my shoulder, saw the concern in her eyes. But there was no other choice. To refuse would cast doubt on everything we had worked for.

"I accept your challenge, Lord Rapier," I said, my voice steady. "By Death Lord rules of Trial by Combat, let it be known that this duel is to the death. The victor shall be judged innocent in the eyes of Equestria."

Princess Celestia rose from her throne. "So be it. The duel shall commence immediately. Clear the center of the hall."

As the nobles scrambled to make room, Anon pulled me aside. "Midnight, are you sure about this? We have the evidence. We don't need to risk your life."

I placed a hoof on her cheek. "This isn't just about evidence, my love. This is about justice. About sending a message that nopony, no matter how noble their title, is above the law."

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Then end him, my love. Life demands Death. For Silver Tears, for Golden Dawn, for all the innocents he's harmed."

I kissed her briefly, then turned to face my opponent.

Lord Rapier stood at the other end of the cleared space, a sneer on his face. "I hope you've said your goodbyes, Death Lord. Your meddling ends here."

I said nothing, merely took my stance. Princess Luna's voice rang out. "The duel begins... now!"

Lord Rapier charged, his horn glowing with dark magic. His dark magic would have meant a death sentence in any other setting, since if he won this duel, he’d be considered innocent. I stood my ground, waiting until the last possible moment before sidestepping his attack. My own horn flared, and a blast of pure magic sent the noble sprawling. My illusion faded, revealing my wings and Alicorn status, to the shock of the nobles in the room.

He recovered quickly, firing off a barrage of magical bolts. I erected a shield, deflecting them easily. "Is this the best you can do, Rapist?" I taunted. "No wonder you prey on helpless fillies. You can't handle a real opponent."

With a roar of rage, Lord Rapier conjured a blade of dark energy. He lunged at me, swinging wildly. I parried each strike with my own magic, biding my time.

The duel raged on, magic clashing against magic, neither of us able to gain a clear advantage, though I was simply toying with him, waiting for him to exhaust himself.

The assembled nobles watched in awe and fear as we traded blows that could level buildings, their safety only guaranteed by the shields maintained by both Celestia and Luna. But I had faced far worse opponents in my long life. And I had something Lord Rapier lacked - a cause worth fighting for.

As the noble began to tire, his attacks growing sluggish, I saw my opening. With a burst of speed, I closed the distance between us. My horn glowed with blinding intensity as I channeled every ounce of my power into a single, devastating strike.

Lord Rapier's eyes widened in shock and fear as my spell tore through his defenses. There was a blinding flash, a deafening boom, and when the dust settled, Lord Rapier lay motionless on the floor.

The aftermath of the duel left a gruesome scene, with evidence of the violent confrontation splattered across the once-pristine hall.

The hall was silent for a long moment. Then, slowly, a cheer began to build. It started with Silver Tears, then spread to Anon, then to the assembled nobles, until the entire hall was filled with the sound of justice long overdue.

I stood over Lord Rapier's body, my voice carrying to every corner of the room. "Let this serve as a warning to any who would abuse their power, who would prey on the innocent and vulnerable. The Death Lords may be few, but we are vigilant. And we will not rest until justice is served."

Princess Celestia descended from her throne; her expression solemn. "Death Lord Midnight Stalker, you have proven your accusations and emerged victorious in trial by combat. What would you have us do with Lord Rapier's estate and titles?"

I turned to Silver Tears and Golden Dawn. "Let them be given to his victims. Let the orphanage be turned into a true haven for those in need, overseen by those who understand the pain these foals have endured."

Celestia nodded. "So, it shall be done. This Meeting of the Lords is adjourned. Let the records show that on this day, justice was served, and a great evil was purged from our midst."

As the nobles began to file out, still buzzing with excitement and shock, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. Anon was at my side in an instant, supporting me.

"It's over," she whispered. "You did it, Midnight. You brought him down."

I nodded, too tired for words. Over Anon's shoulder, I saw Luna approaching, a mix of pride and concern in her eyes.

"Well done, old friend," she said softly. "You've reminded us of all of what the Death Lords truly stand for."

I managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Luna. But I couldn't have done it without Anon. She's proven herself a true partner in every sense."

Luna's gaze shifted to Anon, a newfound respect in her eyes. "Indeed, she has. Perhaps... perhaps it's time we revisited our earlier discussions about... arrangements?"

Anon's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could respond, Silver Tears approached, Golden Dawn cradled in her forelegs.

"Lord Midnight," she said, her voice thick with emotion, "I... I don't know how to thank you. You've given us a future. You've given us hope."

I reached out, gently stroking Golden Dawn's mane. "You don't need to thank me, Lady Silver Tears. Live well, raise your son with love, and know that you'll always have a place in our home if you need it."

Silver gasped, meeting my gaze. "Lady?"

My smile looked like a crescent moon, soft but sincere. "Yes, my lady. You have been granted Lord Rapier's wealth, estate and titles. I'm sure that includes ownership of the orphanage too. I have no doubt that you will run it better than Rapier did."

As Silver Tears nodded tearfully and walked away, I felt the weight of the day's events truly settle upon me. I had taken a life, exposed a horrific crime, and potentially changed the course of Equestrian politics. But looking at Anon, at Luna, at the grateful faces of Silver Tears and Golden Dawn, I knew it had all been worth it.

"Let's go home," I said softly. "I think we all could use some rest."

As we made our way out of the great hall, my bat pony guards falling into formation around us, I couldn't help but reflect on the old Death Lord saying.

Love is the death of duty.

No, I decided. Love is what gives duty its meaning, its purpose.

And with Anon by my side, Luna potentially joining our family, and a renewed sense of purpose as a Death Lord, I felt ready to face whatever challenges the future might bring.

The sun was setting as we left Canterlot Castle, painting the sky in shades of purple and gold. The train ride home was somber, but with lots of cuddles.

A new day would dawn tomorrow, and with it, the promise of a better, more just Equestria. And I, Midnight Stalker, Death Lord of War, Destruction and Death itself, would be there to see it through.

* * *