//------------------------------// // Prologue Part Two // Story: Even In Darkness, Light Can Be Found // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// It had been several months since Celestia had taken Night Mist under her tutelage. He learned new flight techniques at an unfathomable rate, Celestia herself was astonished. His mind was as sharp as Twilight's, although, getting him to sit down and indulge in a book was a tad troublesome. It wasn't that he didn't want to learn anything, it was just reading most subjects bored him. Celestia did find that he did have an interest in ancient pony tales and myths, some Celestia knew to be true, and other she knew to be complete fable. So, Celestia found a common ground to let him look into books he liked, while the rest of his learning that didn't involve flying was vocally spoken by one of the teachers at her school that made any subject sound interesting, even grammer, which, Celestia herself had the hardest time with growing up in her early days. Many noble pegasi that resided in Canterlot were very enthusiastic about Celestia's idea to start a flying school for gifted young fliers, and this arose to also setting in motion, a junior fliers competition, much like the junior magic competition that had been going on for decades now. Automatically, all noble pegasi were adamant about enrolling their charges into the school once it opened, and thankfully there were some Wonderbolts willing to pass down their knowledge about flying, as well as some pegasus royal guards, both feeling they could also teach the young ones means of defense and offense, should they get themselves in a tight spot. But there was also a lot of paperwork that had to be done, so progress was slow to start the school, but the teachers gave as much time as they could. Another problem that was starting to arise, was some nobles were beginning to be a bit pushy about Celestia personally teaching Night Mist. They had no problem with Twilight Sparkle, seeing her family was of nobility, but with Night Mist having no ties to any known noble bloodline in the area, they were being biased, stating how their children would perform far better, and Celestia shouldn't bother her time with the young bat pony. Even Blueblood was trying to find some means to send Night Mist away from the castle. But Celestia stood her ground. She reminded them that when she started her school for gifted unicorns, she and others she trusted, chose unicorns based on their unique magical talent and power. Not on their family back ground, be they noble or common pony. The same would be decided for any pegasi who would enter her school for talented fliers, once she could officially announce it had started, and even pointed out that it was Night Mist who had inspired her to want to start the new school. But some nobles were stubborn, and even tried to claim he had no right to even be on castle grounds, but were easily bested when Celestia stated she had signed no such policy into law. It was a constant day to day annoyance she was dealing with, but she wasn't gonna turn Night Mist away just to please nobles. Night Mist was dealing with his own problems. Sure he heard about nobles wanting him gone, and claimed he was just a no body, but he trusted in Celestia's word when she told him he was talented, and the words didn't hurt so much. And he was glad he had gotten to know Twilight Sparkle. She was just as excited as he was about learning, especially her interest in ancient writings and myths, and she was like an older sister to him. When he could, he was able to get her nose out of a book, and have her interact with him, and some other ponies, as well as Spike, who was a hoof full, being how old he was. Unicorns seemed to be the norm for their circle of friends, which wasn't much of a surprise, since many unicorn families outweighed the other pony races in the capital. But what really troubled him was when noble pegasus children, none of them bat ponies, would poke fun at him for being the only one of his kind in the city. They'd drench him in cold water, shine the sun's reflection with a mirror into his eyes, and even throw mud at him. They'd call him vulgar names like freak, unicorn lover, abomination, the list went on. But he kept his will strong. He wanted so much to sink his fangs into their necks and throw them into a pile of mud or the moat surrounding the castle for payback. But he stayed level headed, one, because he wanted to stay in Celestia's good graces, and two, because Celestia told him the first time he was teased, "Don't let the hatred win, keep your eyes open to the truth." He didn't quite understand what she meant by that, but he followed her advice none the less. Some things that had surprised him was when Celestia had let him use the spare room in her chambers, which he had found, was a spare bedroom. He half expected her to give him one of the guest rooms in the castle, like she had Twilight, but he didn't question her decision. In fact, he was very thankful for all she had done. She had gained his full trust, respect, and dare he say it, love, as if she were his mother. Not that she could ever replace his real mother, but she had earned an equal share of his love. Today had been a less than eventful day. Learning some noble etiquette, so should a public appearance with nobles arise, he could show he was able to act the part, even if his blood wasn't from noble origins, which impressed some who had gotten a glimpse of it already. Other lessons involved some cooking lessons from the royal chef, should he need to cook for himself, which usually ended in the chef saying, "Embarrassing..... but delicious." There was of course the general knowledge all little ponies received, and than of course, the one thing he cherished the most, flying lessons from Princess Celestia herself. They just finished another lesson as Night Mist landed in the court yard with a soft landing, with a little help from Celestia's magic of course, since he was still having trouble with the landing part. "Exemplary work Night Mist. If you keep this up, I may have to recruit you early into my royal guard. Not that Captain Shining Armor hasn't been begging already I enroll you when you come of age," Celestia chuckled. Night Mist giggled, "Thanks Celestia. But I think Cadence is demanding that my, as she put it, cute little face, stay away from guard duty. She doesn't want to see a single scratch on me for some reason. I still shudder at how she reacted that one day when she saw those bullies hurting me. Though it was pretty funny to see their faces when she, ahem, taught them a lesson in love." Celestia giggled herself and joked, "Well, you could say she proves "love" is the strongest force on earth. But I think you know that already." Night Mist raised an eyebrow, "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean Celestia." Celestia smiled, "I know that if you are not with me, Twilight's other friends, or one of the tutors at the castle, you will travel with Twilight Sparkle over to her family's abode. I have nothing against that, truly. But it's no secret that they've been like a second family to you. I know you see Twilight and Shining as siblings you never had. And Velvet Sparkle has been more than just somepony you know. Honestly, Velvet approached me one day, and told me how much she loved having you around whenever you visited." Night Mist couldn't really deny it. Just like Celestia, Twilight's family felt like family to him as well. Shining was like a big brother, giving him playful noogies and teaching him some stuff other colts liked to do when he didn't have guard duty. Twilight had been like a big sister, being as she was older than him, always finding the most opportune moments to peak his interest about a new myth or legend she found in the books she read. Night Light Sparkle was like a dad, always teaching him how to stay organized, and Velvet, even though she had her extreme sports enthusiasm about her, she was always sort of babying Night Mist, making sure he didn't get hurt, and helping him feel better when times were tough. "Well.... yeah, they're great ponies. They're some of the few nice ones I have met around Canterlot," Night Mist admitted. Just than a guard pony galloped up to them and called, "Princess Celestia! They're here, they've got what you asked for." Night Mist was now in utter confusion. Who was here? What did they have that Celestia wanted? Was it something from a far off land? Something rare anywhere in the world? He wasn't sure. All he could tell was, Celestia knew full well what the guard was talking about, but he was completely in the dark. Celestia than looked to Night Mist and said, "Night Mist, why don't you go and visit with Twilight and your other friends, perhaps grab some doughnuts from Pony Joes, I'll meet you there later, alright?" Night Mist sighed, "Okay." He hung his head in displeasure, figuring this was probably some nobles wanting to take up Celestia's time again, trying to keep her mind away from Night Mist as much as possible. Celestia put her hoof under his chin, and had him look at her, as she stated, "Trust me, my little pony. You will be pleased with the results of who I am meeting with. But I can't let you know yet, it's a surprise." Surprise? Well now Night Mist was really thrown for a loop. He never got a surprise before. Had he forgotten about his own Birthday? No, that wasn't at least for another three months. Was it Twilight's Birthday? No, than she would be getting a surprise, not him. What in Equestria could Celestia have in store for him to give him a surprise? One's thing for sure, he wouldn't find out until Celestia met him at Pony Joe's Doughnut Shop. He soon made a trot towards the astronomy tower to visit Twilight, who was trying to finish up her constellation homework she had been assigned. Once he reached there, he opened the door and asked, "Hey Twilight. Um, how's the homework going?" "Actually I just finished. I was about start a chapter ahead so I could finish the next part of the homework, and..." Twilight was cut off as Night Mist put a hoof over her mouth. "Stop right there. You know Celestia gets annoyed when you do that. I know you like learning Twilight, but, you have to take a break. It's not the end of the world," Night Mist stated. "But what if I just," Twilight was cut off again as Night Mist raised a hoof. "Nope. Nope. You're comin with me. Spike's coming too. Celestia wants us to take a bit to meet with our friends, and have doughnuts at Pony Joes," Night Mist informed her. "But....... oh, alright, let's go. I mean, it's been a while since we've seen Pony Joe," Twilight said. "Exactly," Night Mist replied. Just as Twilight was trying to sneak in a page or two from her book of constellations, Night Mist used his hooves, closed the book, put it in her saddle bag, and carefully got Spike settled in the other bag. Then he pushed Twilight onward to get a move on. After gathering up their friends, they finally arrived at Pony Joe's Doughnut Shop. "Night Mist and Twilight Sparkle. Long time no see," Pony Joe said. "Hey there Pony Joe. The usual, if that's not too much trouble," Night Mist stated. "Not a bit," Pony Joe stated, and soon got to work on the groups favorites. As the group of friends conversed and dug into their snacks, Night Mist started thinking back to the night Celestia met him in the castle. So much had happened since than. The school he was going to be in was soon to start. Nobles were getting lippy with the Princess about his continued presence. And, though he hadn't noticed it much, guards seemed to be tailing him somewhat. He wasn't sure why, and he didn't want to ask Celestia about it. He felt he was being too paranoid, and it was really nothing. For all he knew, it was just standard routine for anypony who stayed on a castle grounds. Just as he was about to think further, and or converse more with the group, the doors to the shop opened. Pony Joe literally tossed his tray of doughnuts up in the air when he saw who it was and bowed immediately. Night Mist and the others were baffled at his sudden reaction, and as Twilight was about to use her magic to save the doughnuts, another familiar aura had caught them and put them back on the tray. This in turn, caused the group to turn their heads to see Princess Celestia standing at the door, with her gaurds, and..... Twilight's parents. The group jumped out of their seats in realization they were in the Princess's presence, and bowed before her. "Arise my little ponies, and please take a seat to enjoy your sweets. I have some news you will all like to hear," Celestia said as she set the tray on the table Night Mist Twilight and the others were sitting at. Pony Joe soon went to get a fresh batch of Celestia's and The Sparkle Parent's favorite pastries as the Sparkle Parents and Celestia sat down to join the group. "I suppose you are all wondering why Twilight's parents and myself have decided to join you all on this afternoon snack," Celestia guessed. "Um, yes your highness. Is something wrong?" Moon Dancer asked. "Not at all, dear Moon Dancer. The reason I am here is because I have something I wish for you all to hear, well, me and the Sparkles wish for you to hear. Now, Night Mist, I'm sure you are fully aware that the orphanage caretakers have come to the castle from time to time, yes?" Celestia inquired. "Y-yes, you highness," Night Mist answered. "And I am sure you have also noticed that I have met with Velvet and Nightlight on many occasions as of recent, correct?" Celestia inquired more. "Yes, but you always were asking me to go and take a look at some of the books Twilight was reading when you did," Night Mist pointed out. "Well, there's a reason that I have been meeting with these two groups of ponies. Over the past several months Night Mist, you have shown yourself to be a very caring and kind soul. And I feel your parents would be proud. You have also shown a fierce act of leadership and devotion to those you care about. Also, over these months, you have really have just help me feel a happiness I haven't felt in a long time. But not only me, the Sparkles as well have shown affection for you. What I mean to say is, Night Mist, would you accept me as, not just your mentor, but a mother?" Everypony in Night Mist circle of friends gasped. Him? The son of Celestia? A Prince of Day? This was so sudden. "M-me, b-be your son?" Night Mist stumbled on his words. "Yes dear, as of today, and this will be announced to the public tomorrow, you are now Prince Night Mist of Equestria," Celestia said, as she floated a folder of adoption papers onto the table. Pony Joe dropped the empty pan he had been holding in his mouth as he jaw dropped at the news, as did all of Night Mist's friends. "But..... can you do that?" Night Mist asked. "There's no law stating I am not able to adopt you, and there never will be," Celestia stated. Night Mist was speechless. He wasn't ungrateful or anything, but to become the son of the Princess of Equestria? This wasn't something that had been seen in Equestria that he was aware of. He'd be the headline of every newspaper through Equestria and beyond. Night Mist finally found words to place as he replied, "I... I'd love to have you as my mom. But, um, who's the dad?" "Yeah, doesn't there need to be two signers?" Twilight asked. "Ah, well, there's a little twist to this. See, that's the reason the Sparkle parents are here," Celestia informed them. "Wait, you mean Nightlight's his father now?" Minuet inquired. "Well, seeing as how that might cause a bit of an uproar among the ponies of Equestria, we sort of well, had me signed as the second parent," Velvet admitted. "I...... I have two mothers?" Night Mist gasped. "On paper yes, but this does also mean that Nightlight is still entitled to be your father as well. We felt the public would be a little more okay with the idea that for this situation, two mares sign on as the legal guardians. But this also includes something else. Twilight, this also means that you, and Shining have been adopted into royalty as well, due to the fact your mother has signed off as the second gaurdian, and I the first," Celestia stated. Twilight's mouth went jaw drop, it almost looked like it would hit the floor. "But what do we do now, is there a book on how to be prince and princesses we should read?" Twilight inquired. Celestia chuckled, "There will be time for that in due course. But I will still be your mentors in magic and flight. You just don't have to address me as Princess anymore in public outings." "Doesn't that also make Velvet and Nightlight a prince and princess as well?" Lyra Heartstrings asked. "Well, I will publically have to announce to the public of a change in their social status, otherwise, the public will still see them as the noble status of Sir and Mistress at this point. But I can also recall that Velvet is tied to royalty, being a mortal descendant of my mother Gaia, heaven rest my mortal sister, Artemis's soul," Celestia stated as she took a moment to bow her head in respect to her mortal sister's passing more than a millennium ago. The group of friends soon cheered at the news that they were friends with two royal siblings now. Night Mist felt so happy. But something in the back of his mind was telling him that even though this was cause for celebration, he'd have to stay alert about something. But he celebrated happily, hugging his new mother, with tears of joy rolling down his face. He couldn't wait to see the look on Shining Armor's face when he found out the bat pony he had saved so many months ago was now his brother.