Darkest Days, Brightest Nights

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The Story of Prince Noctus (989 CR)

Chapter 1: The 10th of the line

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Aug, 989th Year of Celestia's Reign.

Noctus Decimus, or in more formal terms, Sir Noctus the 10th. He was the latest in a long line of Canterlot nobility, and he hated his title with a passion, nearly as much as he hated his family. Currently, he was at a fancy dinner party with royalty. He was obviously a little peeved.

"DAMMIT MOM! THIS IS THE STUPIDEST THING I'VE EVER DONE IN MY LIFE!"

"Decimus! Behave yourself! We are in the presence of royalty!"

"Yeah? Well how about this? You and the princess, BUCK OFF!"

"Watch your language, colt! Such words are unbecoming of a ten-year-old!"

"AAGH! THE MOMENT I TURN EIGHTEEN, I AM MOVING OUT OF THIS HOUSE!"

He stormed out of the room and out onto the balcony. As he left, he heard the Princess say soothingly to his mother, "I will speak with him."

Noctus put his forelegs on the railing and looked out at the city. The Princess did the same beside him. They stood like that for a few minutes before Celestia spoke. "Don't tell your mother, but I agree with you." Noctus didn't respond. "Actually, you remind me of my sister."

That piqued his intrest. "You have a sister?"

"Indeed. She is... away... right now. I'm not certain what kind of mood she will be in when she comes back though. Would you like to know a secret?"

"What kind of secret?"

"Something that nopony else in the whole world knows. You'll have to promise not to tell anypony about it."

He nodded. "I promise."

"Okay, come over here." Noctus edged closer to her and she leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Luna will be coming home in eleven years."

"Really!? Does that mean that I'm going to get to meet her!?"

"Yes it does.  In fact, my little pony, I can see a lot of potential in you. When Luna is home again, I might even recommend you to her as her student."

Noctus may have been young, but even he realized that sounded a little suspicious. "Why?"

"Let's just say that... I have a feeling."

"So, I'm really gonna be taught by a princess!?"

"Only if she decides she wants to take a student. And remember, you can't tell anypony about this."

"Don't worry Princess, your secret is safe with me!"

"One more thing. You need to try to get along with your parents." Noctus' smile fell instantly and he groaned. "I know, but if you can manage it, even if Luna decides she doesn't want a student, I promise that I will find a good position for you in the castle once you are of age."

He was grinning again. "Thank you!" He gave her the biggest hug he could manage. "I'll do my best!"

She wrapped a wing around the colt. "I know you will."

As Celestia walked away, she pulled what appeared to be a watch out of thin air. Noctus couldn't see what she did with it, but when she looked back, just for a second, she looked a bit sad. What he failed to notice, however, was a flash of light on his flank.

Dec, 996th Year of Celestia's Reign.

"No," Noctus told his friend firmly. "I promised her that I wouldn't tell anypony. I don't even know if I should've told you that she'll get me a job when I turn eighteen next year."

"C'mon Noctus. You can trust me, bro."

"She's a goddess. She probably already knows that I told you this much."

"The Princess sucks. I don't even know why you're doing anything for her."

"Seven years ago, I made a promise. I'm not going to break it. You should be more respectful of Celestia. If it weren't for her, I probably would have ran off to some small town a long time ago. I'll tell you one thing though, in four years, everything will get much better for me. Just watch."

June, 999th Year of Celestia's Reign.

"One year from this day, Noctus."

"I know, Princess. I've been counting them."

"Would you like to see a painting of her?"

"Oh! Yeah, I guess I've never actually seen what she looks like."

They began walking. Noctus was wearing a black cloak, which blocked his cutie mark from sight, and the Princess was adorned with her usual regalia. "There were illustrations in the book."

"It was a foal's book."

"So the illustrations were a bit simple. They got the colors right at least."

"So then, your mane used to actually be..."

"Pink? Yes."

Noctus stopped and looked at her few a couple seconds. "Yeah, I suppose I could see that."

"Where best to hide secret information than a foal's book? Everypony would assume that it's all just made up."

"But not your student?"

"No. She'll be smart enough to figure it out."

"You're putting a lot of faith in her."

"She puts a lot of faith in me. I'm already lying to her about so many things. The least I can do is return that faith."

"What if your plan fails?"

"Then Luna will kill me and plunge the world into eternal darkness."

Noctus laughed nervously. "But you're certain that won't happen?"

"Nothing is certain my friend, but I believe in my student's abilities."

They came to a room that had been locked for as long as Noctus could remember. With a flash of her horn, Celestia unlocked the door and it swung open to reveal what appeared to be a solid wall of black. "Um... Princess?"

"Yes, I forgot about her taste in decor. I'll open the curtains." With another flash, a single rectangle of blue sky appeared on the other side of the room. The rest of the room however, remained dark. Now Celestia was looking a bit awkward. "Erm... perhaps I shall simply use a light spell. Apparently magic was able to dispel the darkness, as Celestia's conjured miniature sun increased the light level to something remotely visible.

They entered and Celestia walked over to the wall beside the large bed. The room was littered with odds and ends, including a very ornate abacus sitting on a dark wood vanity. On another table, a strange candle burned with a black flame. "Over here." Celestia called to the still fascinated stallion. Noctus jumped and then slowly walked over, admiring the furnishings along the way. He stopped when he noticed the painting. The portrait showed a graceful dark blue alicorn with a mane of stars and nebulae that seemed to somehow be moving.

His jaw dropped. "Woah... she's beautiful..."

Celestia giggled. "Indeed?"

It was at that moment that Noctus realized he had spoken out loud. "I uh... I didn't... I mean..."

"No, no. You should tell her you think so when she gets back. She'll appreciate it."

"I think I'd rather keep that outburst under wraps actually."

"I understand. You are correct though, she is very beautiful... not like me..." She watched Noctus' reaction out of the corner of her eye. He remained silent. That caused Celestia to smile. "Of course you wouldn't deny your chosen princess a compliment, even to console me. You have true loyalty, Noctus. She will see that."

"I'm sure she will... but, if it isn't enough..."

"It will be."

"But if it's not, If she refuses to take me as her student, I want to be demoted to her servant."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain?"

"I have spent the majority of my life preparing to study under her. If I cannot, I will serve her in another way."

Celestia was smiling even wider now. "Your dedication is admirable. If I didn't have Twilight, I would likely take you as my student."

"Aw, but I wouldn't want that."

Celestia tried to look angry, but quickly smiled again and chuckled. "Noctus, that's the reason I like having you around so much. You don't worry about offending me, you simply treat me as an equal. Thank you."

"Thank you princess. Whatever I may say in jest, I truly do look up to you."

"I don't care what you think of me. You are my only true friend."

"Then that is what I shall be until the day I die."

"Thank you."

"Let's just agree that we thank each other equally."

With a quiet chuckle, she agreed, "Yes, let's." She began walking back to the door. "I assume you'll be staying here for a while. Try not to snoop around too much. And you may want to use a light spell of your own. It'll get pretty dark without me."

Noctus had a smug expression, rather unfitting on him. "Oh, silly Princess. I mastered the night-vision spell years ago."

"And I have no idea why I ever suspected different."

"Goodbye, Princess."

"Goodbye, Noctus."

June, 1000th Year of Celestia's Reign.

Noctus was once again sitting in Luna's chambers, playing around with his own abacus that he had built over the last year. He looked up as the sky outside turned dark. It was almost time. The Elements of Harmony would be preparing to face off against Nightmare Moon. Just a few more hours. He continued with his abacus, a smile on his face.

The sun rose again. The elements were successful. The Princess of the night was coming home. Noctus would be there to greet her. The door opened... and Celestia walked in. Noctus was more than a little worried. "Where's Luna!? Is she alright!? Did everything work!?"

Celestia quickly calmed him down. "She's fine. Everything is fine. She's a little drained so she's going to be spending the next few days in a... special place, to return to full strength."

Noctus just sat down again. "I've waited a few years, I can wait another few days."

"You shouldn't stay here the whole time."

"What if I miss her!?"

"She's not going to leave again."

"But I want to be the first one to welcome her home."

Celestia sighed. "Very well, Noctus. Just make sure you get something to eat."

"I can take care of myself, Princess."

Another week. Noctus rarely left Luna's room, but she still hadn't come. Now, Noctus was once again playing with his abacus, waiting another day away. He was honestly starting to get bored. That changed rather quickly when Luna walked through the door. She looked much younger than she had in the painting, and apparently her powers still weren't working good enough to let her see in the dark, because she failed to notice the awestruck grey stallion lounging on a chair in the corner. She walked over to the candle that was burning with a black flame and blew it out. The room immediately lightened. Still holding his prized abacus, Noctus leaned forward a bit. "Oh! So that's how it works!"

Luna yelped and jumped a couple feet into the air before flipping around to stare at him. "WHAT ART THOU DOING IN OUR ROOM!?"

"Well I've spent pretty much the last year here." Noctus answered casually.

"WHAT!?"

As Noctus finally realized that he had quite possibly made the worst impression he could, he quickly threw his abacus to the side and dove to the floor in a bow. "I apologize, my princess!"

He heard Luna approach, but kept his eyes glued to the ground. "Did'st thou make this thyself?"

Noctus looked up for just a fraction of a second to see Luna examining his abacus. He returned his eyes to the floor just as quickly. "Yes, My Princess."

"Rise." He obeyed, but continued watching the floor. "Look at us." He obeyed that too. "Thou dost not show fear, only shame."

"Correct, My Princess."

"Why?"

"I'm... not certain I understand?"

"Why dost thou not fear Us?"

"I have spent the last eleven years studying your life, my Princess. I know you well enough to tell that you are not angry, only confused." He chuckled. "I'm just ashamed that I made such a poor first impression."

Luna made a face. "Thou hath... studied Us? Why?"

"I... I think you should ask your sister about that. I will return to my own chambers now. I just wanted to be the first to welcome you home."

An unrecognizable expression flashed across Luna's face for a second. "Indeed. What is thy name?"

He gave another quick bow as he responded, "Noctus Decimus, my Princess." He left the room, not realizing that Luna had begun smiling behind him.

The following day, Noctus was walking to Celestia's chamber to see what she had told Luna. He paused when he heard both of the aforementioned arguing. Celestia was currently speaking... screaming actually. "I BASICALLY PROMISED HIM!"

"BUT WE DO NOT WISH FOR HIM AS OUR STUDENT!"

"YOU'RE ONLY SAYING THAT BECAUSE YOU-"

Noctus burst in, surprising both of them. "CELESTIA!" He nodded his head to Luna. "I accept her decision."

"What!? Noctus, no!"

"I believe you made me a promise."

She shook her head. "Very well. Sir Noctus The Tenth, you are hereby demoted, and given a position as one of Princess Luna's servants."

Luna stomped a hoof. "Nay, sister. He shall not serve Us, in any position!"

Noctus' head lowered. "I know it was a bit awkward finding me in your room, but damn..."

Celestia probably hadn't been seen that angry for quite a while. "HOW DARE YOU JUST TURN HIM AWAY! HE HAS PRACTICALLY WORSHIPPED YOU SINCE FOALHOOD!"

Noctus was equally angry, but not at Luna. Never at Luna. "DAMMIT CELESTIA! YOU WILL ACCEPT YOUR SISTER'S WISHES! As will I. I leave Canterlot tomorrow morning. You've been a good friend, Celestia."

"As have you, Noctus. Contact me once you've found some place to settle down. I'd very much like to visit."

"Of course."

Surprising everyone present, Celestia rushed forward and hugged him, tears streaming from her eyes. "Goodbye, my oldest friend."

"Goodbye, Celestia. You've always done right by me. I'll be around if you ever need a good bladecaster." He turned to Luna, who was still shocked by her sister's outburst. "My Princess, It was... a pleasure to finally meet you."

Luna was not as happy as Noctus would have expected. "We... did'st not know thou were friends."

"It's okay. You made your choice, and though you evidently do not wish to be associated with me, I shall always strive to please you in everything I do. I wish you goodbye Selene Moon, Goddess of The Night. I shall forever remember you, and I do not regret the long years I spent awaiting your return."

"Thou art... kind. T'is more than We deserve."

"You have been alone for a thousand years. You deserve more kindness than the entire world could ever give."

By now, Luna was as teary as her sister. So far, Noctus had somehow managed to stay resolved. Celestia once again spoke. "I'll miss those overly dramatic speeches."

"I thought you didn't take them seriously."

She gave him a sad smile. "I don't, but I'll miss them all the same."

"Like I said, I'll be around. You certainly haven't heard the last of me." The three of them stood looking at each other for a minute before Noctus gave one last goodbye and left. It was only when his back was turned that the Princesses could see his tears hitting the floor.

Once he was gone, Celestia turned to her sister. "Why?"

"Pardon?"

"Why would you do that to him?"

"Thou knowest very well why We refused to let him serve Us."

"I do, but why did you let him leave?"

"T'was... easier... for Us."

"You know you'll likely never see him again?"

"He said he would contact thou when he settled down, did he not?"

Celestia chuckled sadly. "You never gave yourself a chance to get to know him, but if you had, you'd know that he'll never settle down. He'll wander the countryside, taking odd jobs where he can just to earn enough bits to survive. If you ever decide that you want to tell him you're sorry, you'd better go tour the country or something. That would at least increase your chances of meeting him on the road."

"And what makes thou think that We would ever decide that?"

"You won't realize your mistake until he's actually left. Then it'll be too late." She paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "Do you know what his cutie mark is?"

"Nay, sister. He never removed that cloak."

"Odd. I thought he would have at least shown you of all ponies. He got it on the day we first met, after pledging aleigance to you. He did so in great faith too, as he was the first I told of your existance. The moment he chose to serve you, his cutie mark appeared. Can you guess at what it was?"

"Something night-related we assume?"

"Indeed. In fact, his cutie mark is the exact same as yours, though surrounded by ten stars and with two crossed swords in front."

"That is... rare."

"Indeed it is. Yet you still do not understand just how special he is..."

"The swords. He said he was a bladecaster?"

"The best I know. Within minutes of beginning our first sparring session, he could replicate my style perfectly. Then he beat me."

"He bested thou in blade combat? What is his scale rating?"

Celestia smiled. "A seven. Only just above average."

"He is definitely unique."

"More than you know, sister..."

Luna too made for the door, then paused and turned around again. "One last thing. He knew Our true name."

Celestia shook her head. "It's not in any books, and I never told him. I've learned over the years that sometimes one simply shouldn't question how he does most of what he does."

Confused, but apparently satisfied by that answer, Luna nodded and left.

In the morning, Noctus was already gone, and it was many months before either princess even caught a glance of him again. It was years more before they spoke.