Pupil of the Night

by Echo-Web Productions

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony Comic, Nightmare Moon, Adventure, Violence, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 4044

The introduction of my first MLP OC, Painted Night and her life as the forgotten student of Luna.

Once known as current and real, much of Equestria's history has been turned into myths and legends. From the benevolent Princess of the Night, to the disorder caused by an all powerful creature, the ponies simply made tales of them.

However, not all history was preserved as stories, much was forgotten. Amongst the forgotten was one that would return and change Equestria and its citizens, for better or for worse.

This is the story of the Pupil of the Night.

Published 2022-10-07 04:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-05-18 20:43:19 UTC

Chapter 1 - The Pupil

Another day passed in Equestria, the radiant sun, tired after her duties, began to lower, falling below the land to rest. In her place, the brilliant moon awoke, rising into the heavens and washing the land in a soft glow.

The remaining light of the sun danced gently before joining the shadows of her sister. In the wake of the night, ponies began to shuffle themselves home, wanting to board themselves up until the day returned with her magnificent light.

Though the citizens retreated from the night, some of the castle ponies embraced it, awaking with the moon to start their work. The ponies were quick to get ready, silver and black armor shining in the moonlight, giving them all an ethereal look as the crest of the moon showed their loyalty.

They greeted their tired counterparts, those of golden armor and the crest of the sun proudly placed on their chests. Some stopped to exchange words, others to give updates of the castle they all protected. Eventually the moon crested ponies began wandering the halls, beginning their patrols.

They weren't the only ponies of the night. Nay, a young, light teal unicorn roamed the halls of the castle as well, enjoying the soft light of the moon and the twinkling of the stars. Horn alit with teal magic, she picked up her pace, books, scrolls and quills floating behind her. Greeting the Lunar Guards as she passed them, she hurried down the hall, mouth stretching into an excited grin.

It wasn’t long before the unicorn reached a large, black door, adorned with a white crescent moon and splattered with small stars. Stopping in front of the door, the teal pony took a breath, fixing her mane and books before knocking softly and opening the door.

A large, dark room greeted her. The walls and ceiling were a cool midnight blue, the floor a pearly white tile. Along one wall was a black door, leading to another room, while another wall held a fireplace, crackling as it set the room in a soft, orange glow.

The unicorn’s gaze skimmed over the room, landing on the glass balcony doors left open. Just through the doors, a figure stood, facing away from the filly. Her smile brightened and grew, her magic setting her things by the fire as she trotted through the doors and onto the balcony.

Her eyes widened as she watched her beloved home fall dark before being cast in the soft glow of the moon and stars. As the moon came to a stop, hanging proudly in her place in the heavens, the unicorn looked to her right, watching as a dark blue alicorn held her head high, wings outstretched majestically. The blue glow of her magic faded from her horn, her teal eyes opening from their closed state of concentration.

The alicorn looked to the young unicorn and smiled softly, wings folding as she bent down and nuzzled the filly.

“Good evening, my little Painted Night.” Painted Night smiled and nuzzled the alicorn back, looking to the sky briefly.

“The night is as beautiful as always, Princess Luna!” Luna’s smile softened even more and she looked to the sky as well.

“Thank you, Night. If only more ponies saw it as you did.” Painted noticed Luna sadden with her comment and quickly changed the subject, not wanting her Princess to be upset.

“I’m sure they’ll see your night soon! I’ll even be the one to teach them about it!” She posed proudly, causing Luna to chuckle as she turned towards the room.

“Well then, in order to do that, you gotta know all about the night and her creatures. So how about we continue from last night's lesson?” Giving an excited nod, Painted bounced past her mentor, sitting on the blue rug in front of the fire, taking a book from her pile and opening it.

“Oh oh! Can I activate the stars tonight?!” Luna gave a graceful nod as she settled next to her student, wrapping a wing around her.

“Of course you can.”

A happy squeal escaped Painted Night as her horn lit up with her magic’s color. Taking a deep breath, she began to concentrate, her horn glowing brighter as the fire began to flicker.

“Remember, patience, my Night. Don’t force it.” Luna reminded her student gently.

The fire continued to flicker, the young filly grunting softly. Suddenly, the fire distinguished, plunging the room into darkness. Painted Night gasped as her magic fizzled out, head turning towards the ceiling, the filly smiling all the while.

Minutes passed and Painted’s smile slowly fell as the room remained dark. She looked towards her mentor, eyes growing big and tears already building.

"D-Did I do it wrong?" The Princess of Night shook her head softly, a gentle, patient smile on her lips.

"No, just a little too fast. Try again." She encouraged, leaning down to touch her horn against Painted Night’s. Luna’s horn sparked with magic, helping her student control the spell. The ceiling above them began to glow and Painted laughed happily, watching eagerly. Slowly, the ceiling came to life, showing the two ponies a swirling galaxy and millions of stars.

Their horns died out, magic dissipating into wisps as they finished the spell.

“I did it, Princess Luna! I did it!” The young unicorn clapped her hooves together.

“That you did, my dear Night. Congratulations." The dark alicorn looked to the galaxy, eyes gliding across the countless constellations. "Now, can you tell me which stars make up the Ursa Major?”

And so their night continued, filled with wondrous lessons of Luna’s night and eager questions from her young student. When it came time to lower the moon, Painted Night was barely awake, still adjusting to being a nocturnal pony. Princess Luna gently covered her student with a blanket, walking out onto her balcony.

Looking across the land, Luna sighed sadly as she noticed all of her subjects were still asleep, once again missing out on her night. Horn alighting with her magic, she slowly lowered the moon, watching as her sister’s beloved sun rose to take its place.

Once the moon disappeared below the horizon, Luna returned to the room, shutting the balcony doors behind her. Her magic sparked to life, the ceiling returning to normal and pillows and blankets floating in from the adjacent room. She built a small fort around Painted Night, soon joining her as tiredness crept up on the Princess.

Pulling her student close with her wing, Luna fell into a light slumber and that was how her sister found them, sleeping peacefully in their makeshift fort.

Chapter 2 - Departure

Author's Note

Hey all! I hope you are enjoying the story so far! I know this was updated not long after the first chapter was published, so I wanted to say now, there is no scheduled updates for this book. Chapters will be added whenever I am able to write.

Of course this is subject to change, as I could suddenly find myself with a lot of free time or could write many chapters in advanced. Either way I will let ya'll know!

Now that that's out of the way, I hope you enjoy Chapter 2 of Pupil of the Night!

Make sure to let me know what you think of it!

Have a wonderful day/night!

Chapter 2 - Departure

"Painted Night."

A soft voice rung out in the silence, pulling a groan from the filly. Low chuckles followed.

"Painted Night, my dear, I need you to get up."

"Five more minutes, Mrs. Bear." The filly whispered, snuggling deeper into the plush of her bed. Suddenly she felt the familiar tingle of magic as it wrapped around her, gently sitting her up.

"I'm afraid we must talk before you can continue your rest, my Night."

Groggily, Painted Night opened her eyes, head falling to the side in question.

"Princess Luna?" She yawned, mouth wide as she looked to her covered balcony doors. She noticed the bright light peaking through the cracks and looked back to her Princess, her face showing her worry. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes and no." She smiled at her pupil, stepping onto the bed and laying next to her. "But don't worry about the no, it's merely royal problems Celestia and I must attend to."

Painted's brows furrowed in confusion.

"Wait, why did you wake me up?" Quickly realizing how she whined, her cheeks reddened and she sputtered, quickly trying to fix her believed mistake. "N-not that I'm complaining! I love spending time with you! I just.... I... I'm gonna stop talking."

Luna laughed softly at her pupil's reaction, a wing unfurling to pull her close.

"Easy, my lovely pupil, I understand. It is only midday after all, neither of us should be awake." The Princess of the Night grimaced and gave a wry smile. "However, those royal problems require our immediate attention. My sister and I will be leaving the castle soon and I do not know how long we will be gone."

"What about our lessons?!" Painted looked up to her Princess with wide eyes.

"They will be put on hold. You are free to practice and study what you have already learned of course, but think of the time of my absence as a sort of.... vacation!" Luna assured, her smile confident and gaze kind. "And you won't be alone while I'm gone. One of my most trusted guards and dearest friends has volunteered to stay behind and watch you. She also-"

A knock at the door interrupted Luna’s further thoughts, her horn springing to life as it opened the door. Painted glanced to the door, watching as a crystalized white unicorn mare was revealed. She was garbed in armor similar to the other Lunar Guards of the castle, but Painted recognized the moon cycle the wrapped around her chest plate. She was captain of the Lunar Guard and Princess Luna’s personal guard, Snow Star.

"Captain Snow Star, impeccable timing as always. I was just telling my student how you would accompany her while I was gone." Luna and Snow shared a smile before Luna tilted her head to the side, looking behind the captain. "Is this your little one?"

"It is, my Princess." Snow Star chuckled as a silver coated unicorn filly bounced out from behind her, smiling brightly.

"Hi!! I'm Dusk Dagger!" The filly, who was wearing fitted armor similar to her mom's, noticed Painted Night and trotted over to her. "You must be Painted Night! It's awesome to meet you!"

"It's nice to meet you too." Painted was taken back by the filly's energy and excitement, smiling shyly at her.

"She has your energy." Luna spoke to Snow Star as the young unicorns got acquainted. Her brow was raised as she gave the captain a knowing look.

"Oh hush. I thought we agreed to never bring up my trainee days again?" Snow Star playfully glared at the alicorn, the two of them sharing a laugh.

"I suppose we did." A moment of comfortable silence stretched between the older mares, both of them listening to the fillies chatter to each other. "Thank you, Snow Star, for agreeing to watch her. I was worried when Celestia told me of the troubles up North. I wish I didn't have to leave her."

"Anytime, Luna. She'll be safe under my watch and she won't be lonely with Dusk around, I promise." The captain leaned against her Princess comfortingly. "Just be safe. You won't have me around to save you~"

Luna scoffed and rolled her eyes at the unicorn’s words, nudging her playfully with her wing.

"That was one time."

"Still counts~!"

"Didn't we also agree to ne-"

"BEST FRIENDS!"

The two mares were startled out of their banter by Dusk's shout, looking over to see the two fillies giggling and hugging. Smiling softly, Luna walked over to the bed, Snow right behind her.

"What was this about best friends?" She asked, mouth quirking upwards at how happy her ~~daug~~ pupil looked.

"P-Princess Luna!" Dusk stuttered, standing to attention and saluting. "I'm sorry for shouting. P-Princess. Me and Painted are excited to become best friends!"

Luna watched as the filly dropped her salute, turning back to Painted and giggling. Bringing a hoof to her mouth, Luna chuckled in amusement.

"You will make a fine guard, Dusk Dagger, but no need to call me Princess. Just Luna is fine."

"Really?! Of course, Prin- I mean Luna!" Dusk saluted again, stars appearing in her eyes as she looked to her mom proudly.

"Now, my dear Dusk Dagger, could you give me and Painted a moment? I wish to talk to her." Luna spoke, watching the filly nod, jump off the bed and trot over to her mom, humming happily.

"Princess Luna. Do you have to go?" Painted asked, ears pinned back and mouth dropped into a small frown.

"Unfortunately, my little pony. But do not fear, I'll be back before you know it and when I return, we'll go for a night fly."

"Really?"

"Mhm, but you must be good for Snow Star and promise to not be sad while I am gone."

"I promise! But you have to promise to return safely! And tell me all about your adventure!"

"Hehehe, I promise, my Night."

Luna leaned close and nuzzled her pupil lovingly. Pulling away, she resisted the tears that threatened to build.

"Good day, Painted Night."

"Good day, Princess Luna!"

Smiling, the Princess of the Night turned to the door, stepping to the side as a blur ran past her and tackled Painted. She walked to the door, opening it and stepping into the hall.

"Luna."

"Yes, Snow?" She stopped, looking back at he captain and beloved friend.

"Show that tyrant the wrath of the night."

Luna nodded determinedly, a silent promise passing between the two. The door shut and the alicorn began her walk down the hall, eyes narrowed angrily as she thought of her mission ahead.

Chapter 3 - Friend of the Pupil

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Chapter 4 - Unprecedented Change

Author's Note

Howdy hey ya'll! I'm finally back and I'm really excited to show what I've worked on not only for this story, but other stories that I will be releasing this year! :pinkiehappy:

Of course, I am very sorry for the wait with this chapter and story in general. I had many life and health issues that popped up and I started a creative studio, hence the name change, that took a lot of time to start and I'm still working on it. But I am back and, again, very excited to share the rest of this story and the others.

I still have no update schedule, simply due to my 2 jobs, but it will definitely have quicker updates than the time between Chapter 3 and 4!

Anyways, here is Chapter 4 of Pupil of the Night and I hope ya'll enjoy!

Chapter 4 - Unprecedented Change

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Rhythmic beeping filled the area, quickly becoming irritating to anyone forced to listen to it. A soft groan was lost amongst the beeps, a mare opening her eyes as she became conscious once more. She winced at the bright lights above her, eyes shutting and a hoof coming up to cover them.

“What in Faust?”

Her voice was rough and quiet from her dry throat. Lowering her hoof, she slowly opened her eyes once more, greeted with the sight of a white ceiling. She looked around, noticing the white cot she was on and the identical ones spread out in the large room.

“The infirmary?”

“Ah, you’re awake. Good morning, Captain Snow Star.”

Snow Star looked to the new voice, eyeing the peach colored pegasus as she marked on the paper on her clipboard. Seemingly satisfied, the pegasus trotted over to Snow, her board being tucked under her wing.

“How are you feeling Captain?”

“Uh… Good. How…” Licking her dry lips, she tried again. “How did I end up here?”

“You collapsed on training field 3. Two fillies and Private Night Mist brought you here.”

Snow shot up in her cot, ignoring the pain that flared in her chest. The memories hit her all at once and she all but jumped out of the cot, looking for her armor. Startled, the pegasus nurse tried to calm the unicorn, attempting to get her back into her cot.

“Please Captain! You must rest and allow us to see what is wrong!”

“The two fillies, where are they?”

“With Lunar Private Night Mist and Solar Captain Sun Stone! Now please get back in the cot!”

The Captain stopped in her frantic search, taking a calming breath as she stared at the nurse. Taking another breath, she released it as a sigh, climbing back onto the cot.

“Apologies, Nurse..”

“Head Nurse, Solar Specter.”

“Apologies, Solar Specter, my worry for the fillies had over ridden my logic.”

Solar Specter chuckled softly, using her wing to pat Snow’s shoulder in comfort.

“Fear not, Captain, I have fillies of my own and completely understand. Now, if you are ready and don’t mind, could you tell me what happened?”

Pulling away, the pegasus took out her clipboard once more, quill in mouth as she waited for the unicorn to speak.

“Of course. I was training with the fillies and pushed myself past my limits. I haven’t slept much recently and all my free time was spent watching and training them. My shield wasn’t able to hold and I was hit by one of their spells. I believe that is what caused me to lose consciousness.”

Snow Star made sure to look sheepish, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof and ensuring the nurse believed her story. After all, she couldn’t tell the truth without consulting the Princesses, she didn’t want to start a panic.

“Hm. You do have no visible injuries and your coat is dull, which is a sign of exhaustion, correct?”

The Lunar Captain nodded, forcing down the panic she felt swelling inside of her. She didn’t notice her coat being dull and that fact only solidified her fear.

“Then I believe all that is needed is some rest. I recommend a few days of bed rest and to have another guard help you with the fillies. Do you have any questions, Captain?”

“I do not.”

“Then you are free to go. Go check up on the fillies and head to your chambers for some rest, your armor is on the table.”

“I will. Thank you, Solar Specter.”

The two mares shared a nod and the pegasus left the room, clipboard tucked under her wing once more. Snow Star released the breath she was holding, slowly getting out of the cot. She flinched as her hoof met the floor, a loud clop sounding out. Tears sprang to her eyes, the unicorn already missing the familiar tink her crystalized coat made.

‘Focus, Snow Star. You are a captain and have responsibilities.’

Pushing it down, Snow made her way off the cot, shakily standing and walking towards the table with her armor. She looked up at her horn, praying to the moon that she could still use her magic. Her horn flickered for a few seconds before it was encompassed in a bright yellow glow. Nothing but relief filled her as she went through the familiar motions of dressing, mane once more tied high.

‘Alright, time to get back to Dusk and Painted.’

An hour. A whole bucking hour and she finally stood in front of the shared captain’s quarters. Exhaustion pressed heavily on her body and soul, begging for her to lay down and rest, but she couldn’t, not until Painted and Dusk were back in her care. Snow Star took a moment to regain her breath and fix her posture, looking untouched and every bit the Lunar Captain she was.

“MOM!”

The door had barely creaked open and suddenly Snow was sent stumbling back, a small, silver figure latching onto her legs and wetting her coat with tears. Snow looked down at her quivering daughter, ears perking as her weeping finally registered.

“Momma! Momma, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you! I didn’t know you wouldn’t be able to block it! Da said you’d be fine, but you wouldn’t wake up! And then those nurse ponies took you away and I’m sorry, momma!”

Wrapping a hoof around the filly, Snow Star pulled her close, hugging her tightly as Dusk sobbed into her chest plate.

“Shush, Dusk, I’m here. It’s not your fault my love. I’m okay.”

Rubbing Dusk’s back, the captain looked up, gaze meeting with teary teal colored eyes. A soft smile stretched her muzzle and she dipped her head, this time prepared for the collision of another small body. The two fillies hugged her tightly and she continued to shush and comfort them.

“Captain Snow Star.”

Upon hearing the familiar words and professional tone, Snow forced her attention to the two ponies still within the room. Her golden eyes roamed their figures, the all consuming black of her private’s coat a stark contrast to the pearly white of the Solar Captain. They were complete opposites, from their looks to their personalities and it showed as she noted how they regarded her.

“I’m glad to see you are doing better. We were all worried when we heard the fillies screaming and found you unconscious on the field.”

Captain Sun Stone gave her a soft smile, care and worry evident in his tone as he spoke, his leathery wings twitching as he ached to embrace his fellow captain, his beloved wife, and ensure she was okay, but he couldn’t, they were working right now. He settled for shooting her a concerned glance, one she responded to with a flick of her right ear. Later, she would tell him later.

“I apologize for the inconvenience and disturbing your rest, Captain Sun Stone. I am extremely grateful for you and private Night Mist for taking care of the fillies during my absence.”

Bowing her head over the two fillies, she gave a grateful nod to the contrasting thestrals.

“Of course, it was no issue. Now that everything seems to be in order, I will retire to my bed for the night, but I do expect a copy of the report, Captain Snow Star.”

“Of course, Captain Sun Stone. I shall see you during Rising Dawn. May the night provide the most pleasant of dreams.”

The two share a final bow and Sun Stone takes his leave, retreating to the bedroom found further into the Captains’ Quarters. The shutting of a door echoed in the quiet room and Snow Star was left with her cold and quiet Private, to whom she addressed.

“Thank you as well, Night Mist, you have my immense gratitude. When you return to your position, tell your superior that I kept you and that you are not to be punished, understood?”

Night Mist bowed his head in understanding and respect, icy blue meeting warm gold as he looked up at his captain. He was quick to look away, body turning as he stepped past her. Snow withheld her sigh, used to the silence often displayed by the other. Turning to lift the half asleep fillies at her feet, she was startled by a soft voice shattering the silence.

“You should be more careful, Captain Snow Star. You are the most important of the Lunar Guard and Princess Luna’s personal protector, not to mention the filly you were entrusted with while the princesses are away. If something happens to you… Nevermind, forgive me and enjoy your night, Captain.”

Watching as the dark thestral turned the corner, Snow ignored the sudden chill that washed down her back. His words were ominous and they left Snow with a bad feeling, but she knew he was right, she was, for lack of better words, the first and last line of defense for the night and their goddess and should she fall, many would follow her. So with a soft sigh, Snow Star gently picked up the fillies and laid them on her back, making her way to the safest place in the castle, the bedroom of their princess, where they all could rest under the moon’s watchful eye.

Chapter 5 - Homecoming

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