//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 "The Council's Decree" // Story: The Son Of Luna // by DanielScratchAnimations //------------------------------// “GAH!” In a swift motion he pulled Starry off with the hoof that held Daniel and threw her across the room causing her to hit the wall with enough force to knock her unconscious. All creatures big and small gasped, but none felt more at fault than Daniel as his whole world shattered at the sound of his best friend hitting the hard stone walls. “...S-Starry…?” “...Daniel…” “...Daniel” “Daniel.” Daniel awoke, getting up slowly as his head began to throb with pain as he looked around the room he and his friend were currently in. It was a rather large medical room, and Daniel couldn’t help but feel afraid from all the medical supplies that were in the room...not to mention the very sharp objects that he couldn’t seem to get away from. Suddenly, he felt a soft bump against his body distracting him from his raging headache causing him to look down. What he found was a distraught Starry Swirls, tears flowing from her puffy eyes as she held tightly onto his torso. “Daniel!” Starry began to gently nuzzle her friend, tears staining her white coat as she held her friend close. Daniel had been unconscious for the better part of 4 HOURS, and Starry had stayed with him despite her mother and many nurses asking her to rest after the whole ordeal. “S-Starry, wait what happened, w-where’s my mom, and why are you crying?” Daniel asked, confused and a bit flustered. “Y-You don’t r-remember?” Starry asked, a worried look on her face. “Remember what?” Daniel questioned. “When Atla-” “Starry Swirls, please I understand you care for him but allow Daniel a moment to rest from his ordeal.” Vinyl demanded, interrupting the young filly’s explanation. Daniel was looking between them in confusion, seeing his friend looking down sadness in her eyes caused his head to hurt more. “Daniel, are you okay kiddo?” Vinyl asked, gently holding the young prince’s shoulder with a hoof. Daniel shook his head, his headache beginning to throb more from the sudden movement. “Y-Yeah, I’m f-fine..” Daniel answered, as he got to his feet Vinyl and Starry both moving quickly to stop him. “Easy, you were ju-” “Ah, you’re awake dear nephew.” Celestia interrupted, as she entered the room. “P-Princess Celestia?” Both Starry and Vinyl asked surprised, quickly bowing in her presence. “Now, there’s no need for that I’m only here for my nephew, the council wants to speak with you regarding what will happen to him.” Celestia explained, gesturing for the young prince to follow her. “I-I’m sorry Princess Celestia, but your sister gave me explicit instructions that I am to be at the young colt’s si-“ “My sister, no longer requires your services so please take Ms. Swirls to her mother, and do your best not to fail like you did earlier.” Celestia ordered, a slight annoyance in her voice as she again gestured for her nephew to follow her causing the guardian to become even more suspicious. Vinyl was very insulted by the remark, but showed no sign of it as she stood in firmly in front of her charge. Her young charge was startled by this looking up at Vinyl in confusion as he saw her angry expression. “Again, I understand your highness but I am his PERSONAL guard, and I was ordered to stay by his side no matter the situation.” Vinyl stated firmly, unyielding to the sun goddess before her as she did her best to sound as professional as possible. “...Very well you may join us…” Celestia stated, an annoyed look across her muzzle. Daniel looked up at Vinyl, unsure of why his guardian was so cautious around his aunt. The wave of tension caused the young prince to worry, looking between the two as Starry stood beside him a suspicious look adorning her face as well. “Come on kiddos, time to go.” Vinyl stated, using her magic to lift the young prince and place him on her back as she quickly moved around the monarch and opened the nearby door allowing Celestia to exit first. “Vinyl, what’s gonna happen?” Daniel asked, a worried and confused look on his face as he held onto his guardians coat gently.. “I’m sure everything will be fine kiddo, don’t you worry we’ll be with you no matter what happens.” Vinyl stated, giving him her signature smile. Vinyl felt a small nudge on her side causing Daniel and her to look down to see Starry, looking up at the young prince with a encouraging smile as she rubbed away the last of her tears. “I’ll be here for you too Daniel, and nothing will ever keep me from MY friend.” Starry stated, a confident and determined look in her eyes as her face began to glow with a small blush. Daniel gave a small smile in return a large blush on his face hiding his face, not as confident as his guardian or his best friend. Vinyl was hesitant to follow the solar counterpart of her princess, but in order to ensure Daniel’s safety she had to go along with it...for now. Gesturing to the small filly, she began to follow her as Starry walked beside them doing her best to keep up as they trotted down the corridor. As they re-entered the council room there was something that gave chills to both children, Daniel looking down to his guardian with worry as Starry moved closer to them both. “Daniel, my son how are you feeling?” Luna asked, moving quickly towards the trio and nuzzling her son gently in relief. “I-I’m okay momma, but what happened?” Asked the young prince, earning a confused look from his mother. “Y-You don’t remember what happened, my son?” Luna asked, concern rising in her chest as she looked him over for any serious injuries. Daniel only shook his head shyly, not able to look his mother in the eye feeling as though he forgot something important. “I see…” “Luna, we must join the others to give our verdict.” Celestia told Luna, as she moved passed her towards the large table earning her an annoyed look from her younger sibling. “Y-Yes sister, Vinyl please watch over my son till this is over.” Luna asked Vinyl, as she quickly moved to follow her older counterpart. Vinyl simply bowed, cursing under her breath as she now knew that Celestia was attempting to get rid of her for some reason. She might not have known the reason why she wanted her out of the way, she knew she had to keep a VERY close eye on Daniel as she gently lowered her charge down to the floor with her magic. “Vinyl...are you okay?” Daniel asked, pulling gently on his guardians armored leg as he looked at Vinyl with a nervous expression. “Of course, don’t you worry about me kiddo…” Vinyl stated, gently holding his hand with her hoof fear secretly rising in her chest over what the council’s verdict would be. Without warning, there was a sudden slam on the large pristine table drawing the attention of the startled trio. They saw all the royals standing tall looks of seriousness dawning their faces, even Luna who was just recently had a look of worry and relief on her muzzle now matched the mood of the room completely. “Attention Prince Daniel Moon, today you stand before the Royal Council to be judged on weather or not you present a threat to this, or any of our fellow countries.” Celestia announced, looking down in the direction of the trio as if they were petty criminals. Daniel moved forward, both of his most trusted friends just behind him as he made himself stand proud like his mother best he could. Being the center of attention was something Daniel didn’t enjoy, especially in this situation when the stare’s he was receiving felt almost like he was back on that cold room that his mother saved him from. “After recent events, the council has agreed that you would be of great assistance to our forces and wish to welcome you with open arms.” Celestia then stated, doing her best to adapt to the company currently present in the room. The two behind the prince shared a look of both happiness and relief, even Daniel managed to relax a bit still feeling his heart racing. “However…the council also agrees, that with these current events that you could become a potential threat if you do not learn to control the unknown power inside you. So, as a precautionary measure you will be going with the King Akachi of the Zebrican tribe so that he can train you.” Celestia declared, as each and every creature stomped in agreement. Daniel couldn’t believe his ears, everything around him seemed to fade away as he felt his world shatter before him. The young prince’s heart began to race with fear, and his pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks as his breathing became short and erratic. At that very moment he felt as if he had returned to the lab he was saved from... “OBJECTION!” Everyone turned to see that both the young prince’s confidants were now in front of the boy, looks of disapproval upon their faces. Starry held onto Daniel with all she was worth, doing her best to look strong as she defended her best friend. While Vinyl stepped in front of them both, offering herself as the first line of defense for her young prince. “No disrespect to the Zebra’s your highness, but how can creatures how have no experience in magic hope to teach him how to control his!” Vinyl protested, stomping her hoof definitely. “Also, how long will he be exiled to their lands? Will he be promised protection?” Starry quickly asked, uncaring of her status among them. “SILENCE, both of you!” Roared Dragon Lord Baddrydag, however neither yielded to the mighty dragons roar as Luna raised a hoof in protest causing the fiery dragon to stand down quickly as she moved towards them once again. “Vinyl Scratch and Starry Swirls, I understand your concerns and at first shared them with you, but King Akachi volunteered to train him not only to control the power inside my son, but to also learn to control the emotions that initiated them in the first place.” Luna softly explained, mostly to her son rather than the two who seemed more nervous about it. “B-But, Momma w-what about our trip?” Daniel asked, a sad expression on his face. “...I’m sorry my little one, but we won’t be able to go anytime soon…” Luna stated, unable to look her son in the eyes as she bit her lip to keep her composure the best she could. Daniel looked down, disappointed that he couldn’t see the brightest stars out there as he hugged his mother tightly. “Luna you have to understand, it’s for his own good that he learns how to use his powers wisely if he is to help in the effort to end this long war.” Celestia stated, everyone in the room looking at her lunar counterpart with a mixture of pity and disappointment. “Please, don’t do this he isn’t ready for the burden of war…h-he has already been through so much for his age...please...” Luna begged, looking out in desperation at the royals before her to see if any would take her side on the matter. However, no royal yield results as each stood proud in their decision causing Luna to look down defeated. “W-Where, will he be sent…” she asked, looking at her sister with worry as her gaze moved around the table. “Well, we were discussing it and Love Struck and I believe-” “I will take him.” interrupted Akachi, earning surprised looks from all who sat at the table. “No disrespect, but I highly doubt Zebra’s can even come close to being magic teachers.” Chuckled Baddrydag, crossing his arms and looking at the Zebracan King with a smug grin. “None taken, however compared to all of you we are the best candidates to teach him how to fight in battle.” Akachi stated, as he stood from his seat. This comment, while a bit bold wasn’t in fairness untrue the Zebrican army while small in numbers made up for it with brute strength and an unrivaled knowledge of martial arts making the Zebras formidable opponents for any who tried to challenge them. Not to mention their invaluable knowledge in potion making which rivals even the highest level unicorn healing spells, in truth Zebras were one of the most well rounded species alive. “That may be, b-but why Daniel surely you have enough forces on your own?” Luna asked, only barely able to keep her composure. “True, however this isn’t about the number of forces I possess this is about the fact that my people can teach him how to defend himself and others with a calm mind set. I trust you remember the way he was when the guard named Atlas hurt his friend?” Atlas questioned, looking to everyone for an answer as they all nodded their heads in confirmation. “It was obvious to see that the only reason he was able to call upon such power, even though Luna made it clear he had no power to begin with was because he was infuriated that his friend had gotten hurt because of him. Our teachings help to learn how to fight with a clear mind no matter who is involved.” Atlas explained. For a moment, Luna wanted to say ‘no’ and move on however the very fact that Akachi had spoken up about him in the first place shows that he was interested in him. For while the Equestrian relationships with most other species was based on power, their relationship with the Zebras was based on respect and mutual agreements. Moreover, despite knowing of the Zebras power and forces they had never once been personally invited to their kingdom for any of their negotiations. “What kind of training will you provide…?” Luna asked, now beginning to see his thought process. +Ahem+ Luna was interrupted from her thoughts, as the small groups attention was brought to King Akachi as he moved towards her son bowing slightly before him. “Hello, I am King Akachi of the Zebrican alliance.” Akachi stated, as he brought his head back up looking at the young prince with a welcoming smile on his face. “H-Hello King Akachi, my name is Daniel Moon son of Luna.” Daniel responded, bowing in return a look of sadness still playing on his face as his thoughts were still on the trip he wouldn’t get to take with his mother. “Please, raise your head I have no intention of letting a polite boy such as yourself bow to me.” The zebra stated, ruffling the boys hair gently causing him to giggle softly and look at Akachi with a more child-like expression. “Daniel, you will be going to Zebrica with King Akachi to learn how to control your newfound powers I want you...to do your best to make a good impression your momma okay…?” Luna stated, tears threatening to make their way from her eyes as she subconsciously fixed Daniel’s hair and armor to look more presentable. Daniel was heart broken, and quickly moved to hug Starry and Vinyl tightly tears flowing from his eyes. Luna did her best not to break down as she looked at King Akachi, an apologetic smile on her face as a single tear fell from her eye blending in softly with her coat. “Do not fret Luna, I will allow you time to say goodbye to your son...We leave in the morning.” Akachi stated, bowing his head slightly. Luna simply nodded, sitting with her son as the other royals were led out of the room to leave the group alone. She despised the fact that with all the power she possessed, she couldn’t manage to keep her son beside her. Vinyl looked up, seeing her rulers distress as she stood alone beside them small tears making there way down her cheeks. Her heart went out to her, and deep in her own mind she knew that teaching him how to use his powers were for the best...nonetheless, she felt as though she was letting go of somepony she considered family, like a little brother of sorts... “Daniel...I think you should go..” Vinyl stated, not really meaning it. Both children looked up at her in disbelief, Daniel being the one most hurt by her words causing his guardian to grit her teeth in regret. Starry held tighter onto Daniel, unwilling to accept her friends verdict. “Daniel...believe me, having you leave is the LAST thing your mother and I want, but this is for the best because if you don’t learn, you could end up hurting someone by accident.” Vinyl explained, doing her best to sound firm and loving. Daniel contemplated what his guardian told him, looking down at his own hands. He might’ve not remembered much or any of the experience, but he remembered the rage he felt before he blacked out, he remembered the cry of pain from Starry as Atlas knocked her off his back. However, the most terrifying the he could recall, was his bloodlust he wanted more than anything to make Atlas suffer for what he had done to not only that poor guard but for hurting his best friend. “Daniel…?” Daniel was interrupted from his thoughts to see Starry looking at him, her golden iris shining under the current lighting. “W-Will I ever be able to see you again…?” Daniel asked, looking at both his mother and Vinyl. Luna’s eyes widened at the realization, her son thought he was being sent away...forever… “What are you talking about kiddo, of c-” Suddenly, Daniel was picked up suddenly by his mother's magic into the tightest most heartfelt hug his mother has ever given him as she nuzzled him lovingly. “Of course you will, my silly little prince nothing could ever stop me from seeing my precious son!” Luna exclaimed, tears now freely flowing down her cheeks as her son cried tear of relief with her. Daniel was so happy to hear that he would return as soon as he was finished with his training, and was about to rush down to hug his best friend. However, when he looked down he saw his friend looking down sadly, unable to look at him as he moved away from the warm embrace of his mother. “Starry…?” Daniel said, trying to gently get Starry’s attention. Tears fell from the young fillies cheeks, as she jumped into the arms of who she considered her first and only friend as she buried her face in his chest. “Y-YOU BETTER WRITE TO ME E-EVERYDAY O-O-OKAY!” Starry told the young prince, her voice muffled and silenced due to her muzzled buried in his chest. “O-Okay, I promise...Starry.” Daniel stated, returning the hug in full. Both Vinyl and the lunar princess giggled slightly, causing the children to blush slightly but not in any way break their embrace.