Luna was a princess, there was no questioning that. She was one of the two royal alicorns that made some of the most difficult decisions in all of their kingdom, but in her long 200 year life she has learned that no amount of responsibility outweighs the responsibility of taking care of a child or in this case HER child.
Daniel was walking beside the royal princess, holding onto her foreleg as tight as he could as they walk through the castle. Luna had done her best to make this morning go as slowly as possible, going as far as holding the moon at dawn until her elder sister forced the moon to set much to Luna’s dismay. After her first attempt failed, instead of allowing the royal chefs to cook their breakfast Luna herself made a full-course meal to her son’s delight causing him to smile brightly for the first time that morning. Before they began to eat their meals, Starry arrived rushing into the dining hall to hug her beloved friend, apologizing for having to leave home to tell her mother the situation causing the young prince’s smile to fade quickly.
“I-It’s okay Starry…I-I’m just glad you’re here…” Daniel stated softly, taking his seat once more as Starry joined them.
“Ms. Swirls, please feel welcome to eat breakfast with us. I believe you deserve to spend as much time as you can with my son, and I know it will cheer him up to be near you.” Luna stated, causing Daniel to look at his friend with his signature soft smile as both his and Luna’s food arrived. “Ah speaking of which, excuse me but could you request one more breakfast for my son’s guest?” Luna requested to the young mare who brought them their food, causing her to bow as she quickly went back to the kitchen to carry out her princess's request.
The trio began to eat slowly, Daniel gaining some energy after taking the first bite of his mothers cooking Starry following suite. Luna couldn’t help but smile warmly at the sight of Starry moving sneakily towards her friend, placing a hoof around her sons back despite the obvious discomfort Luna could tell she felt moving her hoof around Daniel’s larger frame.
Luna, having enough of this sore mood placed her utensils down seeing that both Starry and her son were done eating. “Daniel, Ms. Swirls would you like to see something amazing?” Luna asked, smiling genuinely at the idea she had.
Both the children nodded, mostly to just be polite as they were too depressed to do anything else as Daniel and Starry were lifted gently onto her back leaving the dining hall. As they travelled the halls Daniel realized he’d never been to this part of the castle, hearing loud birds as they neared a set of medium sized doors that were just the size of the Lunar princess. “Umm, princess where are we going?” Starry questioned, as if reading the young prince’s mind.
Luna chuckled, her horn aglow as she used her magic to open the door slowly. “Somewhere I believe you and my son will enjoy.” Luna stated, the door now fully opened, and the two saddened children were now looking in awe at the large room filled with a certain species of bird. Not just any bird however, what the children were witnessing was one of the royal sisters’ greatest secrets. “Starry Swirls, Daniel my son, welcome to The Oasis of the Phoenix.”
The room was large to say the least, not the size of the Mess hall or council room but the sheer height of this room would throw anypony off to their size. The room like much of the castle was made from dark cobblestone with the only difference being that most if not all the room was covered wall to wall with large window-like frames, as well as pedestals for all phoenix to perch onto when they arrive.
Luna gently walked into the room, giving a small nod to the team of caretakers as well as the set of guards stationed who were now bowing to the Princess and to her young son. As the children look down towards the caretakers before them, they several of them tending to flock after flock of phoenix by preening them, refilling their food supply, and even tending to those who possessed wounds. However, both Starry and Daniel were in for a surprise when they felt and heard Luna clearing her throat to catch their attention causing them to turn to look ahead of Luna.
What they saw, made any sad thoughts they had left disappear from their minds. What they saw was, entire nests of nothing but phoenix eggs.
“Woah…” Both children state, Starry having stars in her eyes while Daniel just looked in awe as he slowly moved off his mother back towards the eggs.
Luna could only chuckle as she gently held her son back with a hoof, using her magic to lift the young filly off her back as well. “I hoped this would cheer you up, this room while used for mainly caring for injured phoenix who manage to fly here, we also have them send messages to and from other countries through notes or letters.” Luna explained, doing her best and failing to keep her smile to herself.
“W-Why do they look like fire, do they hurt?” Daniel asked, causing Luna to grit her teeth in an attempt to hold in a ‘Dawww’ from escaping her lips. Instead, she cleared her throat looking down to her son with a smile and a small chuckle.
“No, my son, the phoenix species look like that so other birds don’t try to hurt them. They aren’t going to hurt you unless you try to hurt them.” Luna explained, gently leading Starry and her son to the eggs.
“May I, touch an egg princess?” Starry asked, somewhat afraid as she moved closer to the eggs trying her best to contain her scientific excitement.
“Why of course Ms. Swirls, just be cautious phoenix eggs can be rather fragile.” Luna stated, chuckling to herself as Starry reaches a hoof to touch one of the many eggs before her.
Daniel did the same, carefully placing a hand onto one of the eggs as he gently rubbed the top of it. Luna watched in amusement at the two, smiling gently and nuzzling her now awestricken son.
“Daniel, Starry while I did bring you both here, I actually had a gift mainly for you my son. Something that you could use to always keep in touch with me should you need me, and a companion if you ever feel too lonely.” Luna explained, Starry’s eyes widening at the realization and Daniel looking curious at his mother.
“Are you going to give Daniel a baby phoenix?!?” Starry question, excitement adamant in her voice as she moves her hoof from the egg and jumps around excitedly.
“In a sense, however I won’t be giving you one of these eggs. While I trust you son, the eggs can take years to hatch and I feel you need something more…experienced as your guide.” Luna explained, once again chuckling to herself as she turned towards the team of caretakers.
“Summer Starling, come her please.” Luna called, and a mare with a disheveled blue, orange, and white mane and tail ran over to the princess bowing quickly as she skidded to a stop.
“Y-Yes princess, h-how may I b-be of assistance?” Summer Starling questioned, stress and nervousness simply radiating from her causing both Luna and her young son to worry about the mare.
“Y-yes well, Ms. Starling do you happen to have any phoenix who is close to rebirth?” Luna asked, causing the young mare to look up with a small smile.
“Why yes, in fact we have one that is about t-“ Summer Starling started to say, before she felt a small hand on her chest causing her to look down at the young prince who was looking at her with a worried expression.
“Umm, may I help you...?” Starling questioned, looking at Daniel confused as he just looked at her.
“A-are you okay miss?” Daniel asked, looking at her more and more concern filling his expression as his mother gently pulled him away.
“Apologies Ms. Starling, this is my son Daniel he is the one I’m giving this phoenix to.” Luna explained, causing the young mare to panic slightly as she bowed softly to Daniel.
“M-My apologies Prince Daniel, I meant no disrespect.” Starling stated in a panic, only receiving a nod from the young prince she sighed in relief. I-If you’ll please follow me, I’ll take you to her.” Starling bowed, turning to lead them in the direction of another section of the room.
In this section, hidden behind a white cloth that was using metal bars to stand, was a very large flock of very sickly-looking flock of birds that looked nothing like the ones just outside causing both children’s faces to change drastically.
“Here we are princess; please will you allow me to say which is closest to rebirth?” Starling requested, receiving a nod from Luna she hastily looked through each of the ill-looking phoenix each one looking sicklier than the last.
After a few moments Starling picks up which is probably the most Ill-looking phoenix of them all and places it into the young prince’s cupped hands. “This little lady is just about ready to start it’s rebirth, now don’t move this can startle a lot of ponies the first time they see this.” Starling stated, however it seemed to have fallen on death ears as Daniel looked at this poor phoenix with sadness in his eyes.
“W-What’s wrong with her, i-is she hurting?” Daniel looked at his mother, his eyes filled with sadness and confusion. This caused Luna to nuzzle her son, smiling as she gently consoled him to calm him.
“No son, don’t fret, what you are about to bare witness is what all of the phoenix species go through.” Luna explains, as she does the small bird in Daniel’s hands suddenly lights aflame turning into ash within seconds. This causes the young boy to gasp in fear, the only thing keeping the young prince from crying was his mother and his friend who was now next to him understanding that he doesn’t realize what’s going on.
“Daniel, the phoenix species is known for two things, one is for their healing properties, and another is their ability to come back from the ashes to live a new life.” Starry explained more simply, gesturing to the pile of ash that was now swirling into the air by some unknown force.
Daniel looked up in amazement, the pile that was once ash began to glow like fire as it swirled above even the head of Luna as the now spinning flame exploded into a form of a bird, it’s wings spread at full mast as it began to fly around Daniel causing him to flinch. However, what Daniel felt wasn’t pain but in fact a warm feeling covering his body as if it was his mother holding him. Opening his eyes, he managed to catch as the now revived phoenix land in his still cupped hands as she looked upon him curiously.
“Go on son, pet her.” Luna encouraged, nuzzling Daniel gently as he did as he was told. The phoenix backing away slightly, but soon accepting and even enjoying the gently rubs and scratches Daniel gave her.
“Do you have a name for her!” Starry asked excitedly, her hooves barely holding back her large ear-to-ear grin as she sat right next to her friend. Daniel only gave a confused look to his mother.
“Doesn’t she have a name momma?” Daniel looked at the now imprinted phoenix, as she gently nuzzled and gently bit into her new owner. This caused Luna to look at Starling, causing the mare to stand more stiffly as she nodded in response.
“In her previous life her name was Philomena, however you don’t NEED to name her the same if you don’t want to.” Starling explained, causing Daniel to look into the young phoenix eyes as she investigated his.
“I like that name, Philomena it sounds pretty.” Daniel stated, causing all around him to nod, Starling reaching down to pet the phoenix only to be greeted with a violent bite that made the tired mare back off in pain as she felt a small yet harsh nip at her hoof.
“Ah, it seems Philomena sees that her owner can’t really defend themselves.” Starling stated, gently sucking on her hoof as Daniel gently scolded the now named phoenix.
“Well, now that you have named it let me tell you-“
“Princess Luna!” The sound of Vinyl’s voice could be heard all over the oasis, causing all to get startled some of the phoenix flying off into different direction while the staff tried to calm them.
Using her magic, she quickly yet gently rushed out of the large tarp around the section of rebirth. Seeing Vinyl, she notices she was out of breath and what was a look of stress was now forming into a face of relief as she sighed. “What is the meaning of this Commander Scratch?” Luna questioned, a small amount of sternness on her muzzle.
“My apologies Princess, but the Zebra’s are readying for their departure and no guard had seen you since breakfast.” Vinyl explained, bowing her head in apology as Luna sighed in exasperation.
*Honestly, does my sister trust me so little that I cannot simply take my son for a walk…* Luna thought, slightly annoyed as she looked at Vinyl. “It’s fine Commander, please take us to the departure area.” Luna commanded, causing Vinyl to nod and Daniel to hold Starry and Philomena close for comfort. With a sigh, Luna used her magic to lift her son to her back once more.
“W-Wait!” Starry gently shouted, almost forgetting who she was talking to as Luna, Vinyl, and Daniel looked down to her. “I-I’m sorry princess, but c-could I come w-with you?” Starry requested, shutting her eyes as she struggled not to upset the lunar goddess.
“Why of course, how rude of me to attempt to separate such good friends without saying goodbye.” Luna stated, causing both children to sigh in relief thus making Luna smile doing her best not to chuckle at the display as she lifted Starry to her back as well. As Luna made her way with the help of Vinyl, the two children and newly added Philomena began to huddle together to comfort each other.
“W-Wait!” Daniel objected, his head raising as he used a free hand to gesture to Starling who had just exited the Rebirth section.
Starling moved curiously over to the young prince, bowing gently to him. “Yes, Prince Moon?”
Daniel did not say anything at first, instead Starling felt a hand on her forehead and a sudden warmth spread over her body as if all her stress known and unknown was flushed away. “Please, rest miss.” Daniel requested, simply and softly as the mare looked at him in amazement only receiving a nod in response. This caused Luna to look at her both in surprise and understanding. She hadn’t fully accepted why her son had to be sent away, but one thing was for sure in the princess’s mind.
*No matter his feelings, he will always put others above himself.* She thought, as she moved to follow the equally smiling Vinyl to the departure gate.
The group took their time getting to the departure gate, but eventually they arrived and were greeted by none other than that of King Akachi himself. During the meeting, he had adorned a royal attire however it seemed as if he’d been an entirely different Zebra. At this moment he had removed all the royal attire he had on previously and to both Daniel and Starry he had looked as normal as any pony could.
“Good morning Luna, my you sure kept us waiting didn’t you old friend!” Akachi yelled, waving a hoof at the slightly annoyed Luna who looked like she wanted to strike him.
“Well, I apologize that I wished to spend as much time with my son as I could before his departure.” Luna commented coldly, causing the young king to stutter from her coldness.
“A-Ah yes, well I apologize for interrupting. I would have scheduled to leave at a later hour, however my wife has sent word that the elders are getting rather anxious.” Akachi stated nervously doing his best to sound as regal as possible, however was failing miserably as Luna only grew more upset as she gently lifted her confused son and his friend down off her back where they chose to stand.
“Then I’m sure, you could wait a few more moments before leaving as to make sure my son has everything he needs.” Luna said coldly, as she looked away from the king towards her son who was startled by the now intimidating look she had on her muzzle.
“M-Momma?” Daniel asked in a quivering voice, looking at his mother with slight fear as Starry and Philomena put themselves in a defensive stance despite having no chance against the lunar princess.
After a moment however, Luna sighed seeing her son’s fearful face making her realize that she was being childish and needed to calm down. “I’m sorry son, please forgive your silly mother’s actions.” Luna apologized, gently licking her sons nose lovingly as she looked towards Vinyl. “Commander Scratch, were the clothmakers able to finish the task I set them to do?” Luna asked, raising her head to clearly face the guard who saluted and gave her answer clear and true.
“Yes princess, they were able to make a month’s worth of clothing for the young prince and everything has been securely packed and stored onto the main wagon in which he will be traveling.” Vinyl stated, getting a small nod from the princess as she looked down to her son once again.
“My son, are you alright?” She didn’t mean to ask such an inappropriate question; she knew that this was just as hard for him that it was for her. Luna was doing her best to hold back tears just to be sure not to make her son feel worse than he already felt, however that was shattered the moment Daniel ran to give her the strongest hug she has yet to receive from him. It wasn’t tight, in fact if she wanted to she could break this embrace easily, but the feelings that she felt from her son was there as she heard her sons soft yet heartbroken cries.
“I going to miss you Momma!” Daniel shouted, though it was muffled by Luna’s coat she could tell that her son was putting all his emotions out causing her to tear up.
“Don’t fret my son, we will be back together soon until then please be Momma’s brave little starlight.” Luna cried, as she nuzzled her son being sure to give him as much comfort as he continued to cry. “I want you to know that no matter what may happen, I will always love you my son.” Luna stated, it was simple, and she knew that her son knew how much she loved him however she could not keep herself from stating it.
“I love you too momma, please don’t forget me…” Daniel stated, causing Luna to smile briefly before once again giving one last affectionate lick to her son’s cheek.
“Daniel!” Starry exclaimed, her tears now falling freely as she almost tackled the small prince in the largest embrace, she could muster making the phoenix that was perched on his shoulder to fly up and around the two friends and remained hovering. “You promise to send letters through Philomena, right?” Starry looked up at her best friend her tears staining her friend’s shirt.
“I promise, Starry.” He stated, hugging his friend tightly neither caring of the others tears rubbing into them.
After a moment Daniel felt a hoof on his head, causing him to look up and see Vinyl who herself seemed to be the only one of the three to keep her emotions in check. “Hey kiddo, don’t forget about us neither okay? If you need anything, I’ll be there as fast as lightning.” Vinyl stated proudly, nuzzling her young charge causing him to giggle slightly.
King Akachi was smiling warmly at the entire display and felt even more guilty that he was the reason it was being torn apart. “Are you ready, young prince?” Akachi asked, offering a hoof to the young boy as he looked towards his family and friends.
“Will I be able to come back?” Daniel asked, looking at the king with a hopeful look in his eyes.
“In time, you must first learn how to harness and control your still unknown power. Once that’s finished, yes you may return without a question if it is what you wish.” Akachi stated bluntly, doing his best to sound as reassuring as possible.
With that, Daniel slowly broke free from the group hug Philomena retaking her perch on his shoulder and nuzzling away the remaining tears from her master’s face. As Daniel passed Akachi, the king place a hoof around him, doing his best to comfort him as they walked towards the carriage.
“Do not fret child, despite how mean they look the guards are here to protect us no matter what.” Akachi stated, trying to sound cool as he spoke but failing when he only received a nod in return. Sighing, he moved to the side to allow Daniel to enter the carriage first taking his seat soon after.
*He’ll warm up to you Akachi…hopefully…* Akachi thought as he entered and sat on the opposite side of the carriage as his guards closed the door.
“The cargo is safely secure!” A guard shouted, alerting all involved with the Zebrican entourage that they were ready to leave.
Luna, Vinyl, and Starry stared at the carriage, even after it left their line of sight, they stared hoping with every fiber of their beings that Daniel would be brought back. However, no such thing happened and instead they were only greeted with the distance sound of marching hooves.
“Till we meet again, my little Starlight…” Luna stated sadly, as she, Starry, and Vinyl turned around to return to the Castle.