//------------------------------//
// Amends (II of II) 
// Story: My Son, My Soldier, My Hero 
// by That_Random_Pony 
//------------------------------//


Celestia's ears perked as the doors opened, when she had specifically ordered her guards to keep them closed for the rest of the day, as Luna was readying for her first night court in a thousand years. She shifted through a stack of papers for another second before teleporting them away and clearing her throat.

"Good eve…" Her words left her as she looked down to the middle of the room. Slowly her jaw slackened, a lump formed in her throat, and her knees wobbled as she stood up.

She unsteadily trotted down the steps and across the marble floor, slowing as she approached. It had to be an illusion. A sick, demented image of her imagination that came because of his approaching birthday. His eighteenth to be exact. Her hoof stuttered its motion before raising up to his cheek without her horseshoe. If it was real… if he was alive… she had to feel the skin she touched so long ago. Her alabaster limb closed the distance, and a silent gasp left her. His hand rested on her hoof as tears brimmed each of their lids.

"Hi, Mom." His voice was slightly deeper, but it was her son, no question about it. 

Her lips quivered into a smile, as did his. They pulled each other close and hugged harder than ever before. Celestia hummed softly as she rubbed his back, and she restrained her own sobs as Draco let out shuddering sobs. The fur over her shoulder was matted down as he let the dams break, and they flooded out from his eyes as he finally let go. Celestia sniffled and fell down to her knees with her son, who finally had a sense of comfort that no other pony, dragon, or creature could ever give him. It encouraged his tears, cheered as he sobbed, and only asked that he let out all of his frustration and anger. The pent up rage… the anger towards her… and the sense of despair he had no need for. Because his mother was here… she was here with him no matter what. 

Moon smiled softly, watching them cry and hold each other close. This really was the first time Draco didn't hold back his emotions. It was strange, seeing his strong buddy crying his eyes out into his mother's coat. She hummed a small lullaby tune into his ear, nuzzling him with all the love she wished to have given him during his absence. When she leaned back, his irritated eyes along with the quivering lips reminded her of the time he scraped his knee. She planted a small kiss on his forehead and he smiled weakly. 

"Hello, honey," she whispered. 

Draco laughed weakly, his nose running and his tears continuing to fall. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry for lying, Mama," he sobbed. Draco rested his head back beside hers and cried like a scared colt.

"Shh, it's okay, Draco… it's fine," Celestia whispered softly. "You're safe… and that's all that matters."

Draco smiled, but it fell when he shuddered a bit louder. "That's it?" he asked. "But… I lied to you… about it all."

Celestia laughed quietly and brushed his mane back. "Yes, you did," she said. "But I'm your mother… and I love you even when you don't love me back. I had to learn this through you… remember?"

He chuckled nervously, then wiped his nose with his arm sleeve and moved back. "Yes, Mama… and I'm sorry," he sniffled. 

Celestia wiped tear from her eye and nuzzle him once more. "You're safe, and that's all I care about," she repeated. "Does Twilight and Rainbow-"

"They're in the guest rooms," Draco sniffled. "I just wanted to see you."

Celestia smiled and caressed his cheek once again. "And who's your friend?" she asked, glancing to Moon.

"Oh… Ma, this is-"

"Midnight?"

Draco, Celestia, and Moon turned towards the side door, where a midnight blue alicorn with an ethereal mane resembling the stars above stood. Her jaw was slackened and she took cautious steps forward, unsure if she was hallucinating or imagining it.

"Is it thee?" Luna questioned.

Moon's tail drooped as well as his ears as his mother stepped closer. "Yes, Mother. We have missed you in thine absence," he said. Luna hugged him vigorously, and he returned the gesture.

"It hath been a millenia," she whispered. "We had thought-"

"We resided in the forests of the Kingdom… waiting for thy return," Moon whimpered. His first actualy tear matted down the dark fur of his face until they dripped onto the floor. 

Luna glanced to Celestia and Draco, the first nodding softly. "We hath been occupied for long, Midnight," Luna smiled. "How did thee findeth thine way to the castle?"

Moon nodded towards Draco. "He came to me with a friend who was gravely injured, and I used the methods of recovery you showed me to help her," Moon said. "Where have you been?"

Luna smiled and scratched just behind his ear. "Far, Midnight," she said. "But not anymore."

"So… he's your son?" Draco questioned. 

"More or less," Luna laughed softly. "And you are my nephew, I take it."

"Yeah," Draco chuckled. "I never thought I'd have an aunt."

Celestia laughed a bit as she stood up and wiped her eyes clean of any remaining tears. "It looks like you have a cousin, Draco," she smiled. "And now I have a nephew."

Draco and Moon smirked at each other. "I think I can live with that," Draco grinned.

"As can I," Moon replied. "At least we'll have a chance to settle the tie."

"Tie?" Luna questioned. Moon growled softly and nuzzled his mother.

"Another time," he smiled. "Do not worry. We've grown close as brothers."

"And now we're family," Draco said with a large smile. 

"Yes… a family," Celestia laughed. "You've grown so much! But you still haven't done your mane?"

Draco chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Didn't think it'd matter," he admitted. 

"I believe he looks fine like that," Luna commented. "Natural disheveledness common among the stallion guards from a thousand years ago."

"No matter," Celestia smiled. "I expect you to dress formally for your own birthday."

Draco eyes widened, and he smacked his palm straight into his face. "You forgot?" Moon asked with a laugh.

"Yeah," Draco murmured. "I turn… eighteen in two days, yes, Mama?"

She witheld another tear upon hearing the name he had called her by. "Yes. Eighteen in two days," Celestia nodded. "We can invite all of Canterlot, and your friends if you'd like."

Draco glanced to Moon, who nodded with a grin. "As long as we're all there, invite Equestria," Draco laughed. "I'm just glad to be home."