//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 "The Prince's Arrival" // Story: The Son Of Luna // by DanielScratchAnimations //------------------------------// It had been several days since Luna had read THAT file,...... and just as she promised herself she treated him as she normally did. However, she was finding it harder with each step not to spread her wings, and fly in pure rage towards the enemy for all the pain her son had gone through in that awful laboratory. Daniel had somewhat healed from his injuries and was now walking/limping side-by-side with his mother. "Are you alright, Daniel?" Luna asked, while gently nuzzling the young colt. Daniel nodded slightly, looking up at his mother "I-I'm ok Momma it doesn't hurt too bad anymore." "Very well, but if it starts to become too much I want you to tell me ok?" Luna said, worry in her voice. Daniel nodded, once again staying close to his mother. Luna knew that the bandages the nurse has been re-applying every day has been a satisfactory way to keep his feet from anymore injuries, however they could only do so much... *I should ask one of the cordwainer's at the palace to attempt to make special shoes for him...* Luna thought still looking towards her son. "Your Highness, we will be arriving at the palace in less than an hour." Stated one Of Luna's many lunar guards wearing a one star uniform. Luna only nodded, the guard taking that as his cue to move on to his other duties as Luna turns to daniel. "You hear that Daniel we're almost to your new home." Luna said, happily smiling at her son. Daniel could only shuffle nervously on his hind legs as he looked up as his mother, "Do y-you think they will like me?" He asked genuinely curious and, a bit nervous. Luna look down at him seeing the worry in her son's eyes she wanted to comfort him, and tell him that 'of course ponies would like him in fact even love him.' However, she couldn't tell him that because even she herself couldn't predict how ponies would react to him so she did something that she'd know she regret, she told him her honest opinion. "W-well Daniel I-I'm not entirely sure....but, what I am sure of is that with time I'm sure all the ponies will see you as one of us." She said, trying to make it seem better than even she imagined. Daniel could only look down, contemplating on what his mother said trying really hard to understand. "B-but, I'm n-not one of you momma...I don't have hooves, wings, I don't even know if I have magic. H-how can I get the ponies to accept me when I'm so....different." Luna visibly flinch at her sons statement, she didn't expect him to understand what she meant so quickly. *I guess those lessons with Vinyl are really helping him* she thought, a little pride welling up in her heart. Luna sighed, and using a hoof lifter her sons chin to face her. "I-I'm so sorry Daniel but, I think this is something you will have to figure out yourself. However, if you need any guidance or just somepony to talk to you can talk to Vinyl, your Auntie Celestia, or me understand?" Luna smiled, to him to emphasize her point of trusting each other. Daniel smiled back happy that his mother helped him feel better. Daniel was about to ask her something else however, the moment was ruined by his stomach growling loudly. "Sounds like somepony is getting hungry." Said a familiar voice behind them. Luna and Daniel looked behind them the ladder looking with excitement and happiness while the former looked at that mare with a small smile. "Vinyl!!" Daniel exclaimed, excited to see his teacher, and closest friend. Vinyl while chuckling pats Daniel's head gently while levitating a large bowl of fruits. "I thought so, I brought you some fruit hopefully it'll be enough till we get to the palace." "Yay!!" Daniel exclaimed, trying to reach up and grab the bowl greedily. "Now Daniel be patient and, say thank you to Vinyl." Luna said, in a stern yet motherly tone. Daniel looked quickly at his mother and, just as quickly calmed down. "Sorry momma, thank you for the food Vinyl." Vinyl shook her head, "Don't worry about it kiddo you earned it with all the progress you've been doing." She said, a small smile adorning her muzzle. Luna nodded, the same kind of smile forming on her muzzle, "Yes, you have been getting better I must say." She chuckled, "However your manners still need a bit of work." Daniel chuckled nervously rubbing his head, "hehe sorry momma I just can't help it..." Luna sighed smiling knowingly, "Yes, I suppose you can't you are only a child." She said placing a hoof on Daniel's head ruffling his hair a bit. Daniel only giggled as he grabbed the nearby bowl and, began to eat hungrily. Luna and, Vinyl couldn't help but chuckle truly happy that Daniel has become more open to them. -------------------- The palace was just as Luna left it well, relatively what with all the attacks from several different species including but not limited dragons, griffins, and many different kinds of monsters from the surrounding forest. "Seems that the palace is still standing" Vinyl said, as they all were crossing the bridge towards the large castle fortress. "Yes, well Daniel what do you think of your new home?" Luna asked looking back to her son laying on her back nervously hiding himself behind her mane. "I-it's big a-and kinda scary momma are you sure it's s-safe?" Daniel asked still hiding behind his mothers mane frightened by the large castle before him. "Of course, inside this castle I promise nothing will ever hurt you again." Luna stated her voice growing slightly darker. "And besides," Vinyl said, patting Daniel's forehead gently "if anyone tried we'd protect you no matter what kiddo." Daniel smiled, giggling a little at the friendly touch. This scene brought a smile to Luna's muzzle but, she still worried about how the residents of the castle would react. *I just hope they don't try to hurt him, maker knows how I will react towards ANY pony or, creature who would hurt MY BABY.* Luna thought, darkly subconsciously moving her wings to cover daniel more protectively. As they drew closer to the castle a few solar guards could be seen patrolling the castles exterior. "The Princess has returned! Open the gates!" Yelled one of the solar guards causing Daniel to flinch and hide more under Luna's wings. Two solar unicorn guards just above the large gates began to use their magic to open the door for the long awaited lunar princess. As they began to enter Daniel chanced a look out of Luna's mane only to receive a large spear pointed at him. "What is that!?!" Yelled the guard clearly cautioned by the young boy. Daniel frightened, went back to hiding behind behind his mother "M-mommy? He's scaring me..." Before Luna could do anything however, Vinyl pushed the guard back and stared him down with her glowing red eyes threatening him to continue "That's enough Colonel! He's with us and, he's the princess's son so unless you want to be killed for treason I suggest you PUT IT DOWN!!" The pen-drop silence, allowed the sounds of the residence of the castles busy marketplace be heard perfectly but, what drew Daniel back from hiding was a sound he's only heard from himself, the sound of children's laughter. However, his curiosity was short lived as the solar guard put his spear down and quickly bowed to the lunar goddess. "Please forgive me your majesties for my foolishness." Luna was looking at the foolish guard of her sisters and, would keep him in mind and make sure he received the harshest punishme- "I forgive you mister..." This caught everypony by surprise especially Luna looked at Daniel in surprise. "Are you sure my son?" "After the way he treated you?" Vinyl asked, just as surprised as Luna. Daniel nodded nervously still hiding half his face under a wing "J-just as long as he doesn't do it again..." "O-of course not prince never again!" He stated a little too loudly as he bow low enough for his muzzle to touch the floor. Luna couldn't believe it, after everything her son had gone through in that horrible lab he is still as kind as any child could be. This brought a feeling of pride and happiness that caused tears to flow from her eyes as she quickly nuzzled her beloved son's head. "Mommy a-are you okay?" He asked, worried And unaware that his mother was crying tear of joy. All she could do was kiss his forehead lovingly hoping he would understand the gesture. To her joy he did and they continued on into the castles main courtyard/marketplace. Vinyl followed suit her own smile present with just as much pride welling up in her chest. -------------- The marketplace was always an amazing sight, full of smiling faces and, playful banter coming from nearby children. Daniel was most of all curious as he saw several young ponies played a game completely unknown to him as he rode on his mothers back. "Momma, c-can I play with them?" He asked clearly nervous. Luna smiled, nuzzling him again as they kept moving "Yes, but later okay Daniel right now we have to get you some clean clothes, and something to cover your hind hooves then, we are going to see your auntie so I can introduce you to her." Daniel nodded, understanding there was a lot to be done before he could play. "O-okay momma I u-understand." The sound of his voice was painfully clear, disappointment it hurt Luna to prevent her son from the joys of a regular child. Truth be told she could've do all she needed without Daniel but, she couldn't let him out of her sight even for just a moment, after what happened at the gate she didn't want it to happen again. "I promise, you will get to play soon just be a good boy for your momma okay?" Luna said, nuzzling Daniel lovingly. Daniel giggle as her muzzle tickled him, "hehe, yes momma." "I'm sorry to intrude Luna but, the lunar guards and I must report to the barracks I will rejoin you and Daniel soon." Vinyl said, bowing to Luna and Daniel respectively. Luna nodded, with a smile "Yes, of course Vinyl we will see you soon." However, before Vinyl could leave Daniel reached out with great difficulty and placed a hand to Vinyl's shoulder worry in his eyes. "Y-you will come back r-right?" Vinyl smiled, reached and, patted Daniel's head with hoof gently while chuckling. "Of course, kiddo I'll be right back just stick with your mother, and you'll be ok." Daniel nodded, understanding retracting his hand back from Vinyl's shoulder. Luna nodded as well as, she began to trot forward to the castle with Daniel huddled closely to her. Daniel saw all kinds of species completely new to him but, they all seemed nice to him. Nonetheless he stayed with his mother as they entered the castle where countless amounts of lunar and solar guards were training some stopping to bow to their lunar monarch. "Momma, I'm getting hungry." Daniel stated, simply his stomach growling. "Yes Daniel, I know we will eat soon but, right now..." she waved at one of the several servants with a violet mane, and a rosy pink coat. "Welcome back Princess Luna, what can I do for you today?" Asked the mare with a small bow. Luna waved a good gesturing her to rise as she lifted Daniel off her back him struggling just a bit before just allowing it. "Hello Ivory Sparks, this is Daniel and I'm assigning you to clean him up as well as dress him in new garments." She introduced, as Daniel hid behind one Luna's front legs. Ivory eyes darted between the princess and the young boy in surprise and a bit of fear but, nodded her head hesitantly. "Y-yes your majesty it will be done." Luna nodded, seeing the hesitance in her eyes "I also want you to tell the local cordwainer to fabricate some shoes for him without hooves he can get easily hurt and, that brings me to my warning..." Luna stated, getting closer. It was as if the room itself went dark around them as Luna darkly warned, "If I find that ANY of the guards or, servants hurt this child I will PERSONALLY see to it that they are punished understand?" Ivory gulped audibly, clearly fearful for her life "Y-y-yes y-your m-m-majesty." She said bowing just as the solar guard did earlier. "Momma?? W-where are you going?" Daniel asked afraid to be with any pony besides Vinyl or his mother. Luna lowered her head down to meet Daniel's fear stricken face. "I'm going to get us some food and gather your auntie and, some of mommies.....friends." Luna said, unsure if that word really described the royal council. Daniel looked down, still very afraid to be alone but, reluctantly nodded, but looked toward Ivory nervously, "I-is she a nice pony m-momma?" Daniel asked. Luna nodded, "Ivory, was rescued just like you....from captivity and slavery." She stated, looking to Ivory towards the end of the sentence. This cause both Daniel, and Ivory to look at each other in surprise. Ivory looked to Daniel in surprise, *H-he's so young...those monsters still recruiting children.* Ivory thought darkly. "I understand, now Luna I will take good care of him I promise." Ivory stated bowing to Luna this time calm and collected. Luna nuzzled Daniel lovingly and gave him a small kiss on his nose "I promise, Daniel I'll see you at dinner and I'll give you a big meal to make you happy okay?" Giggling and Looking back to his mother he nodded, "Y-yes momma I'll go with m-mrs. Ivory." Luna nodded, and for the first time since they met, left him with Ivory to get cleaned up. At first she wanted to rush back to him and give him his first proper bath herself but, she knew things had to be done regardless so, relentlessly she steeled herself, and trotted in the direction of the throne room. ------------ Daniel was afraid, there wasn't any other way to describe this feeling that has lived with him for as long as he can remember. "Shall we go, my young prince?" Daniel looked at the mare named, Ivory nervously but, nodded nonetheless walking next to her with a slight limp. The pain in his feet was still there but, it was manageable to him as he walked beside her. "Mrs. I-Ivory?" Ivory looked at him not with a very neutral expression which, brought Daniel some comfort as she wasn't look at him as those two mean guards were before. "Yes, Prince Daniel?" She asked, raising an eyebrow curious on what he wanted. "Is w-what my momma s-said true? Are you l-like me?" Daniel asked, a bit scared as much as he knew of the terrors that were held in that library he was afraid to find out what other things those monsters had. Ivory stopped in her tracks, and looked at Daniel a little darkly. However, when Daniel shied away Ivory collected herself and answered straightforwardly. "Yes, it's true I was found like you but, by Princess Celestia I was very young, and afraid. Nonetheless Celestia took me in and, made me part of the royal maids it's thanks to her that I'm a lot better then what I was. In fact I have a daughter of my own now around your age I think." Daniel smiled, his fear diminishing glad that he didn't have to worry about his new auntie hating or treating him like a monster. Ivory noticed his change in mood and, smiled herself, "Maybe my daughter, and you can be friends? She's been needing some friends to take her away from all those books of hers." She jokingly stated causing Daniel to get more comfortable around her. Daniel smiled excitedly, "R-really Mrs. I-Ivory do you really think me and your d-daughter can be f-friends?" "Of course, I'll help you in any way I can my young prince I am after all your maid as well." Ivory stated, more normally than she has since they had met. ----------------- The rest of their walk went in relative silence with neither party wanting to upset the other as they arrived to the royal bathing chamber. As expected many ponies were frightened of the young prince's appearance so, as most would imagine they were relieved to finally arrive at they're destination and Ivory opened and closed the door behind Daniel. "Well here we are d-do you know how to bathe yourself by any chance?" Ivory asked. Daniel tilted his head clearly confused, "B-bathe?? Momma told me that I would get c-cleaned that's all..." Daniel said nervously. "I expected as much come here." She requested as she began to rip off the master shreds of fabric that Daniel had on. Daniel allowed this to happen completely unaware of what the mysterious mare was up to. After Ivory was done removing the boys clothes she looked at him in shock seeing all of his scars. "You poor boy....you had it worse than I did." She stated, a little louder than she intended. Daniel shied away from Ivory and looked to the water afraid of what it might be for. Ivory slowly reached a hoof into the liquid and a look of slight surprise was on her muzzle. "Huh somepony has recently prepared this, most probably for your.....mother's return." Ivory stated, still not used to addressing him as a prince. Ivory slowly and gently lifted Daniel up, placing him in the water. At first, Daniel shivered in fear of what this strange new object was but, soon found it relaxing and slowly sat down allowing it to almost reach his neck as he did so. Ivory observed Daniel curiously a little happy that he was starting to enjoy the water when she thought of something, a certain something that all children loved to do. "Hey Daniel?" Daniel looked over to Ivory only to be blinded by the strange liquid hitting his eyes making them hurt. "Ahh!" Daniel screamed, causing Ivory to chuckle at first but, she slowly realized that.....he was crying. "Oh no, no Daniel I'm sorry I didn't mean to-" Ivory tried to reach out to him only for him to pull away and get as far as he could from her. Luckily for her however, he couldn't get out by himself so he just curled up In the corner sobbing and silently whispering. "M-momma...." Ivory looked at Daniel her heart aching. As she looked over him she saw.....herself. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you..." Ivory slowly trotted towards him. Daniel rubbed his eyes, still stinging him as he did his best to be on guard. Ivory sat at the edge of the bath looking down, smiling sadly, "I-I remember when I first came to the castle..." Daniel looked at Ivory, fear quickly replaced by curiosity. "I was completely frightened by everyone in this camp, even the one who brought me here...." "W-Who Mrs. Ivory?" Daniel asked, getting closer to her interested in her story. Ivory chuckled, "Your Aunt Celestia." Daniel's eyes widened, although his mother told him a lot about his auntie he felt that her stories were...forced, but the way Ivory talked about his Aunt felt sincere and admirable. "R-Really?" Ivory nodded, "Yes, she took me in and while she didn't make me a daughter like Luna made you her son but, she did look out for me, and the first thing we did when we got to the castle was take a bath in this room in fact." Daniel's mouth widened looking around in newfound interest moving around in the pool rather easily. "I was just as afraid as you were just now but, when Celestia saw this she splashed me and played with me in the tub, getting herself all soaked as well we had so much fun." Ivory smiled warmly at both Daniel, and at the memory of that time while she lived in the castle it's been a long while since she had spoken to Celestia and, after this she felt like paying her a visit but first, she had to get the young prince ready for dinner. "S-So, when you s-splashed me y-you wanted to play w-with me?" Daniel looked at her with surprise, and happiness. Ivory nodded, rubbing Daniel's head as Vinyl did when she was proud of him. "Now, my young prince I believe it's time for your first bath." Daniel nodded, "O-Okay M-Mrs. Ivory." Ivory shook her head, "No, you may call me Ivory Daniel after all we are family. Now close your eyes the soap may burn your eyes if it goes in there." Daniel nodded, tears of happiness streaming down his face. ----------------------- Luna had been waiting for about two hours for her baby to return to her side and, she was now waiting at a rather large dining room with more than half of the royal Night and Day guards. However, the pony sitting next her was looking at her with a curious expression. "Luna is something wrong? I haven't seen you this nervous since....well ever really does this happen to have to do with the little "somepony" you wanted to introduce to me?" Celestia asked, very calmly with a hint of worry in her voice. Luna looked at her older sister her pink mane flowing in the same manner as her own star field one in fact her very opposite in every way her coat was a beautiful white shade and, looked just as majestic as her title suggested. "Y-Yes, it does my sister. However, I must ask you to be patient with him." Luna replied a little nervousness in her voice. Celestia smirked and gave Luna a suggestive look, "Oh....it's a "he" my my, does my little Lulu have a coltfriend?" Luna blushes hard obviously embarrassed by the question, "N-NO! its nothing of the sort..." Luna stated quickly, her sister not even close to the truth. Celestia giggles at her sisters adorable nature, "Aww Lulu don't be-" -------------- The sound of the Dining rooms door never seemed to open as loudly to Luna until, this moment as she saw her son enter. He had been completely cleaned of the dirt and grim that accumulated over both, the return to the castle and, his time in THAT lab. He looked so adorable his skin was positively glowing with new found life, his hair which had been a dull, old grey before had turned itself to a sparkling silver that shun just as beautifully as the night sky. Finally, his outfit was absolutely adorable he wore a well-made wool black shirt, leather pants, fresh new cobbled shoes made specifically for him, but what really caught the rooms attention was his new fabricated trench coat made to resemble Luna's mane, and coat and had a depiction of the night sky at its finest all over it. Daniel truly looked like the son of the night his red eyes complementing the whole ensemble. However, Luna could see that Daniel still wore the tags that she had found on him underneath his shirt. Luna stood up smiling, and trotted to her son and looked at him with pride, "You look so handsome, Daniel." Luna whispered to Daniel in a cute baby voice that made Daniel smile and giggle with embarrassment. "Luna, who pray tell is this?" asked, the voice of Celestia behind Luna catching her attention. Luna turned to her sister wrapping her wing around Daniel bringing him close, the room becoming quiet and all guards in the room attentions on the royal sisters. Luna took a breath and, stood proud and addressed everyone in the room, "This, my dear sister is MY SON I found him In the wastelands and decided to adopt him." Celestia took several steps back in surprise and the whole room was filled with gasps, and whispers. "YES, THIS IS YOUR NEW PRINCE OF THE NIGHT!"