Lunar Legacy

Nightmare Moon would not know that he knew as well. She would only be expecting these ponies to try and stop her. He had the element of surprise. He quietly took off and headed towards the everfree forest as fast as he could. He began scanning the forest, searching for the ruins; but the forest was massive, magical, and dense. He began to think that even if he found Nightmare Moon in time, he wouldn’t be able to defeat her without at least some armor.

He decided to fly back to Ponyville and retrieve the armor he was issued as Captain of the night weather squad. It was for emergency use, in case of a monster attack, and this was close enough. But even his ancestor’s armor didn’t stand much of a chance against Nightmare Moon, and it was made for fighting. He banked around and decided it was still better than nothing to wear his armor.

Vines shot upward from the forest, wrapping around all four of his legs and his wings, dragging him down into the trees. He bit one and tried to tear through it, but it was no normal vine. They continued to drag him down until he hung a few inches from the ground, suspended on the magical vines. He wondered if this was trap set by Nightmare, or just the forest not liking that he could avoid it by flying over it.

He tried to tear through the same vine again but he couldn’t even scratch it. He heard hoof beats heading towards him, he searched the forest blackness around him, but he couldn’t penetrate it. He braced himself to fight back as much as he could, still being held by the vines.

“This is a fine mess you’ve gotten yourself into this time, Midnight.” Scoffed a familiar voice

“Mystic Heart, Is that you? I could really use a hand!” He called out

“Yes it’s me. I saw you head into the forest, and I was watching from a tree when I saw you get grabbed. Where are you?” she called out

“I’m over here” he called out to her. “The vines that grabbed me won’t break, I can’t bite through them!” he called out again.

“I’m coming, hold on a moment” she called out to him, closer this time.

A moment later a Purple mare with a black and red mane and tail stepped out into the moonlight.

“There you are. I’m not even sure how to get you out of this.” She said, sounding puzzled.

“Follow the vines and try kicking the tree, it might let me go.” Midnight instructed her.

Just as he said, she followed the vines that held his wings and bucked the tree as hard as she could. Just as midnight predicted, the trees vines released their grip. The trees were definitely magic.

The vines recovered however, but midnight had already out powered the other vines with his wingpower and darted over to Mystic Heart and picked her up and flew back to Ponyville as fast as he could. He landed beneath his house, setting Mystic Heart down.

“Are you crazy? The forest is dangerous!” Midnight Lectured her “Don’t get me wrong, I am glad you were there, but you should be more careful.”

“I know, but I had no idea what was going on, and I thought you might have some idea, heading off into the forest like that. I figured you must know what’s going on.” She retorted

“It’s alright, you’re not hurt, are you?” he said, concerned

“No, I’m fine” she replied

“That’s a relief. I need you to do me a favor. Find Serenity and get somewhere safe. Nightmare Moon is very dangerous and I don’t know if we can stop her.” He said as seriously as possible, trying to get his point across. They were the closest thing Midnight had to friends.

“I hear ya. I’ll keep her safe for ya.” She said with a wink as she turned and walked away.

“Thank you!” he called out to her.

He flew up to his home and headed straight to his armoire, where he kept his armor and weapon. He opened the armoire in his bedroom to find, not his armor; but that of a fine warrior. His armor had been taken and replaced by a fine set of shining steel on a dark cloth under layer and his standard issue bit-sword was replaced by a magnificent blade that looked as though it was made from the stars themselves. The chest plate had a black eight-pointed star emblazoned across the center. The same shape as his Cutie Mark. He lifted the helmet and found a note underneath.

Midnight Star,

You may not believe me, but I still remember what your ancestor, Moonlight Gleam did for all of us. I certainly know you have not forgotten. I have foreseen Nightmare Moon’s return and had this prepared for you. It is enchanted to hold strong against the dark magic Nightmare Moon wields. The Bit-blade was named Star Fang. It was Moonlight Gleam’s personal weapon, forged to defend Equestria from evil. She had left it in her home the night that Nightmare Moon rose.

I have also sent my faithful student Twilight Sparkle to stop Nightmare Moon, though I hope I was not mistaken in believing that she holds the key to stopping her. If I am wrong however, I know that you have the power within you to stop Nightmare Moon once and for all. I would use the elements against her again, had I not lost my connection to them after I sealed Nightmare Moon away all those years ago. But I have faith in my student, and I have faith in you.

Princess Celestia

Midnight could feel a small tear run down his cheek as he finished reading the letter. He thought the princess had forgotten Moonlight Gleam. He donned his new armor and placed Star Fang in it’s sheathe and strapped it around his waist. He stepped forth from his home a Shining Steel Warrior. The armor would slow him down a little, but not much, as he was a strong flyer already.

He took off and headed back towards the Everfree Forest. He flew as fast as he could, scanning the forest below for signs of the ruins spoken of in the book. He continued mainly south, deeper into the forest. After the few minutes he spotted something in the distance and flew closer. It appeared to be the ruins of a castle. He thought to himself “This must be the place” and he flew down into what was left of the main hall.

He stepped forward into the ruined building, before him stood a statue display with 6 display arms but only 5 objects. Each was a round stone sphere emblazoned with a different shape. He stepped forward and looked upon the Elements of Harmony. Just then, Nightmare Moon arrived at the castle, stepping in behind him.

“Hmmmm? Who might this be?” she mused at him

He turned around and shouted to her “I am Midnight Star, Descendent of Moonlight Gleam! I am here to stop you!”

“Ah, the one who interfered before. That wretched traitor just couldn’t step out of the way. I should have known her descendants would stand in my way once again when I returned.” She said, sounding aggravated

Midnight Star would have no more words with this monster. He leapt forward using his wings to propel him forward, and tackled Nightmare Moon to the ground. She quickly recovered however, and began firing bolts of magic and lightning. Midnight Star gracefully dodged around the attacks, using his wings to keep his body moving. He whipped Star fang from its sheathe and used it to slice right through one of Nightmare Moon’s attacks.

He continued to close the distance between them, one he got close enough, he lifted into the air and performed a mid-air spin kick that struck against Nightmare Moon’s chest. He then touched down with his left hoof and flapped his wings as hard as he could and kicked up at the same time, flipping backwards and kicking Nightmare Moon in the jaw.

Nightmare Moon howled in anger; Midnight was coming around for another attack but Nightmare Moon turned into a swirling cloud of purple smoke and vanished. He figured he would lie in wait near the elements; she had to be after them. He sheathed Star fang and headed over to the elements. He went around to the far side of the massive display and concealed himself among the rubble.