Many years ago...
Night time in Baltimare was always quiet and peaceful. Night Echo, an earth pony colt with a dark gray coat and dark blue mane, tail and eyes, sneaks out of his bedroom for his nightly stargazing session. Looking at the moon, young Echo recounts the tale of Nightmare Moon. Everypony thought it was just a fairy tale meant to scare little fillies and colts, but Echo knew differently. The mare in the moon looked beautiful as always, but tonight, she was showing a look of remorse.
Echo looks behind him as the back door creaks open, his father exiting the house. He trotted over to his son and sat next to him, looking up at the stars with him. “The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they, Echo?”
“They sure are. Celestia has blessed us once again.” He said with a quick smile. He set his gaze at the ground and dug at it with a hoof. “Do you think we'll ever meet her sister?”
Echo's father looked down to his son and rubbed a hoof on his head. “Come on, Echo. You know Princess Celestia doesn't have a sister. You also know Nightmare Moon isn't real. Now come on, let's get you back to bed before your mother throws a fit.” He said, standing back up. “Besides, you'll have the whole summer to look up at the stars after school tomorrow.”
Echo followed his father to the door and took one last look at the moon. He smiled and headed back to his room.
Echo's father tucked him into bed and smiled. “See ya in the afternoon, kiddo.” He said, giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
Once his father left his room, Echo looked out of his window, up at the moon. “Good night, Nightmare Moon.”
Four years ago...
Night Echo had grown up to be a fine stallion, his cutie mark is a telescope with three stars over it representing his love of watching the night sky. It was time for the Summer Sun Celebration. The main event was held at Ponyville this year. He and his parents attended many Summer Sun Celebrations together over the years, but this was the first time he went to a main event.
Echo stood in the crowd in Ponyville's town hall, eagerly awaiting the reveal of Princess Celestia before she raised the sun, marking the first day of summer. A beautiful and elegant white Unicorn tugged on a rope to open the curtains, but Celestia wasn't there!
A dark blue cloud of smoke appeared and built itself up, revealing a black Alicorn, laughing maniacally as she appeared. “Am I not royal enough for you?” She asked the citizens. “Don't you know who I am?”
Echo couldn't believe what he saw. The stories were true. On the balcony before them stood Nightmare Moon herself. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” She continued. Echo thought back to the tale. He had seen the stars converging on the moon the night before, but didn't really think anything of it.
“I did.” Said a feminine voice. Echo searched for its source, and found Twilight Sparkle, the Unicorn he was supposed to meet with later that day. “And I know who you are.” She continued. Everypony stared at her as if she went mad. “You're the Mare in the Moon... Nightmare Moon.”
Nightmare Moon returned to her cloudy form and left town hall followed by Twilight Sparkle and five other mares. Nightmare Moon's sudden appearance put everypony in distress. Echo trotted up to a Pegasus guard and helped him up.
“I'd like to help out.” Echo requested as the guard pulled himself together.
“If you want to help, make sure everypony gets to a safe location.” The guard ordered. “We'll look for Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon.”
“Good luck.” He said, acknowledging the guard's order and trotted away to do his part.
At the hooves of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, Nightmare Moon had been defeated and Princess Luna has returned. The group and Celestia rode into town together on a chariot from deep within the Everfree Forest. Echo was once again in the back of a large crowd. He looked at the various ponies, whose reactions to this new Alicorn were mixed; some were understandably terrified, yet others were excited to see her.
With a warm smile, Princess Celestia looked toward the crowd and raised a hoof. “My little ponies, I am happy to announce the return of my sister, Princess Luna!” The crowd cheered and two young Pegasi flew up to Luna and hung leis on her.
The night princess looked up to her sister and smiled, glad to be back at her side. This brought a smile on Echo's face, as well as some tears to his eyes, seeing her happy like that made him happy. He had finally seen Celestia's sister and knew his whole life that she existed, but he had no idea that Luna and Nightmare Moon were the same pony, but now the story made sense to him. He was so close in meeting the princess who had inspired him to become an astronomer, but he would never get the chance... or so he thought.
Echo followed the crowd to Sugarcube Corner, the town's confectionery at the insistance of Pinkie Pie. The proprietors of the shop decided to give everypony a fifty percent discount on account of Luna's return. All kinds of sugary treats were served and he would not miss it for the world since it was a once in a lifetime event.
He picked himself up a slice of apple pie with the apples provided by Sweet Apple Acres. He looked for an empty table, and when he found one, he trotted over to it to enjoy the pie.
He set the pie on the table and took a seat while he kept an eye on the party. He scanned everypony in the room but found one particular pony missing. “Where is Princess Luna?” He asked himself. As soon as he said that, he caught Princess Luna out of the corner of his eyes. The two were talking about something briefly before Luna stood up and began trotting away from Celestia with a warm smile on her face.
Luna's path would take her toward Echo's table. She smiled and nodded as she approached him. Night Echo instinctively bowed before his princess. Luna halted and approached him. “Rise.” She requested.
With mixed feelings of his own, Echo complied. Luna extended a hoof and Echo accepted the hoofshake. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.” He says. “My name is Night Echo. I've been an admirer of yours my whole life.”
Luna blushed. “Even during our stay on the moon?” She asked. Echo nodded to her inquiry. “What do you do, Night Echo?”
Echo cleared his throat. “Please, call me Echo. I'm an astronomer, Your Majesty. I study the stars and have since I was a colt.”
Luna rested a hoof on Echo's shoulder. “Echo, you may call me 'Luna'.”
Echo smiled and nodded. “Would you like to go out and get some fresh air? Maybe get away from the party for a little bit?”
Luna nodded. “I would like that, yes. I've been sitting around for a while...”
Echo understood. “And you're getting restless.” He finished. “I know the feeling.”
The two walked through the empty streets of Ponyville. Everypony was still at Sugarcube Corner, having a party in Princess Luna's honor.
“Where are you from, Echo?” The princess questioned.
“I'm from Baltimare. I got my cutie mark at the observatory there one night while I was stargazing.” He trailed off looking to his cutie mark briefly before he returned to the topic. “I had heard that Canterlot has an amazing observatory near the castle, but I was always too busy locating new star clusters or looking for any potential threats in the form of comets or asteroids.” Luna giggled. “I was supposed to meet with Twilight Sparkle at the library yesterday, but...”
Luna nodded. “Of course.”
“We should probably head back to the party.” Echo suggested. “It is for you, after all and I'm sure a lot of ponies want to meet you.”
She nodded in agreement. “You are right, Echo. Thank you for walking with me.”
The two returned to the party, which was winding down. Princess Celestia approached the two and Echo bowed.
“It looks like you found a new friend, sister.” Celestia giggled at Luna, then turned her attention to the earth pony. “What is your name, my little pony?”
Echo straightened up. “Night Echo, Your Majesty.”
Celestia nods. “Oh yes, the astronomer from Baltimare. You are a rare breed, Night Echo.” She rested a wing on him. “I received your letters requesting entrance to the Canterlot Observatory. Rest assured, you are welcome there any time you wish.”
Echo nodded and grinned. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Celestia looked to her sister. “Come, Luna. We should return to Canterlot. You have a lot to catch up on.”
Echo took another quick bow. “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Luna. I hope we can see each other again soon.”
The two left, escorted by the Royal Guard. Twilight Sparkle trotted after the princesses as they entered the carriage and briefly spoke with Celestia before heading back toward the library. Despite how it began, the day turned out to be the best in Night Echo's life.
Now...
It had been four years since Night Echo met Princess Luna... and four years since he last saw her. Since their meeting in Ponyville, Echo would schedule one week every month to go to the Canterlot Observatory and Princess Celestia would be generous enough to let him stay in the castle during his time there.
For the last four years, he'd gone to Canterlot, but he has never been able to see her. As a pony whose career meant he had to stay up during the night, he would have thought that he'd see Luna more frequently, but no. He had two reasons to be at the observatory, business and pleasure. He wanted to use the resources at the observatory to gain more insight into their universe, but he also wanted to be closer to Luna.
There was a period a couple of years ago where he didn't go to Canterlot on account of a Changeling attack. He had given the Princesses two months to recover from it before heading back.
Once the train arrives at the Canterlot station, Echo makes his way from it toward the castle. As he reached the front of the entrance, two of the Unicorn guards deliberately block Echo's pasageway inside. “Come on, guys.” He plead. “I've been coming here for the last four years, you two should know me by now.”
The two guards gave a smirk and freed the path. “We know, Echo. We just wanted to mess with you.”
“Oh ha, ha...” Echo sarcastically replied as he enters the castle. “Nice one, guys.” The guards were definitely nice, but some of them liked to pull pranks on him. Although they were always harmless, he didn't like it. But alas no harm, no foul.
As luck would have it, he almost ran into Celestia herself while making his way to his quarters. “Princess Celestia.” He says, bowing to show his respect.
“Echo!” She greeted, urging him to stand. “Here for another round of data gathering?”
“Yes, ma'am.” He answered. “I'm curious though... where's Luna?”
“Well... every time you come here, she's indisposed.” A heavy sigh escapes her mouth. “The truth is, despite her success with the first Nightmare Night in Ponyville, my sister still remains a nervous wreck when socializing.”
Echo nods. “Then, shall I request an audience with her.”
Celestia smiled and nodded in appreciation. “I'll tell her when I see her.” Before long, she continued on her path.
Echo finally arrived at his room and hastily unpacked everything without an incident. Echo acknowledge the maid's entrance which she swiftly dropped off a clothes basket. “Thank you.” The maid bowed before she went back to her work.
He finished putting away his things and heard somepony clearing their throat. Echo turned, expecting to see a guard, or a servant. He never expected the pony to be- “Luna?”
“Yes, Echo.” She trotted up to him. “I heard you wanted to see me.”
Echo was beyond happy to see the princess once again as he tried to restrain himself from giving her a hug, but failed miserably. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you... to know that you're alright.” He quickly broke the hug.
“Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?” She asks before the answer dawned on her. “Of course! We haven't seen each other since...”
Echo nodded. “Since your party in Ponyville.”
Luna blushed. “Can you forgive me, Echo? I'm still wary about-”
Echo rests a hoof on Luna's shoulder. “You have nothing to apologize for, Luna. I'm sure you would think that many ponies don't like you, but nothing could be further from the truth.” He says, reaffirming her, setting his hoof back on the floor.
Luna cracked a smile and wiped away some tears. “Thank you, Echo.”
“What do you have planned for the night?” He casually asks.
“I had been sleeping, but 'Tia woke me and told me you wanted to see me.”
Echo lowered his head and sighed. “I'm sorry about that, Luna. I didn't expect her to tell you until later tonight.”
Luna pressed a hoof against his chin to level his head. “Don't be. I wanted to see you again, but I was too afraid to.” She spoke as fresh tears formed on her eyes. “Besides, it didn't take a lot of convincing to get my rump out of bed and come here either.” She added with a laugh.
“Come on, I'll treat you to dinner.” Echo offered.
The two were about to leave when a pair of Celestia's guards approached them. Luna turned at Echo and shrugged. “It's protocol.”
Echo nodded. “Of course. I expected this.”
Echo, Luna and the guards exit the castle and into the city proper, toward a diner that he frequented. They received a lot of stares along the way, along with some quiet murmurs regarding the pair, some jealous remarks that an earth pony is trotting side-by-side with Princess Luna; others were less tasteful, but the two ignored the comments and enter the bistro.
As soon as they entered, everypony inside stopped what they were doing and focused on the odd pair and gasped. A hostess approached the two and bows before Luna. “Your Majesty! We are honored to have you in our humble restaurant.” She welcomed her before rising. “Echo! Please, follow me.”
The guards remained outside of the diner while Echo and Luna are taken to a VIP booth. “Your server will be here shortly. Enjoy your meal.” The hostess trotted off to greet more stunned customers.
Luna looks around, taking in the décor and ambiance of the diner. “I must get out of the castle more often.” She commented. “How long have you been coming here?”
“Since my first visit. I had asked one of your sister's guards if he knew a good place to eat and suggested this place.”
Luna nodded. “I have been used to dining in the castle... I never thought about going out.”
Echo stifled a laugh. “I hear ya. I don't think I'd want to leave if I had guards following me everywhere I go.”
Luna glared at him for a little bit before a server arrived. “Good evening, Echo...” he greeted, “Your Majesty.” He levitated one menu toward the princess. “I suppose you'll be having your usual, Echo?” Echo nods.
Luna returned the menu back to the server after a brief glance. “Make that two.”
The server bowed before her as he gracefully took the menu. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
Echo cleared his throat as the server trotted away. “Forgive me, Luna. I understand the purpose of the guard is to ensure the safety of you and your sister. I was out of line.”
“No apology necessary.” She smiled, understanding his reasoning. “In truth, I do find their constant watch annoying at times, but it is their job.”
“Of course.” He decided to change topics when it was becoming awkward. “What do you think of the place so far?”
“I like the rural atmosphere, it sets it apart from most restaurants in Canterlot; the staff is friendly enough, I suppose... probably more so since I'm here.” Mumbling the last part.
Echo lets out a quiet chuckle. Their server returns with two glasses of chilled tea with lemon wedges as a garnish. “Thank you.”
Using her magic, Luna pulled the lemon off of the glass and squeezes the juice into the tea before helping Echo with his. “One of the many perks of being part Unicorn.” She says with a smile.
The two soon finish their dinner in silence, enjoying each others company, and as promised, Echo pays for it all, including a generous tip for their server. Afterward, they exited the diner, followed by the guards. She remembered her promise to him and it was now dark enough for proper stargazing.
“Once again, you produced a beautiful night sky, Luna.” Echo commented.
Luna grinned. “I can't thank you enough, Echo. I've enjoyed my evening so far.”
Echo nodded in agreement. “I'm glad to hear that, Luna.”
Luna draped a wing over Echo and pulled herself closer to him and nuzzled his neck. “I wish this night would last forever.” A light giggle escaped from her mouth.
Echo chuckled nervously in response. “But alas, all good things must come to an end.”
Luna nodded. “Indeed. Let's head to the observatory.”
Echo's eyes widen. “Thanks for the reminder.”
A pair of Luna's personal guard came to relieve Celestia's guards.
“Evening, fellas.” Echo greeted.
“Echo.” The lunar guard to the left deadpanned. “Your Majesty.” The guard on the right saluted.
Echo had visited the observatory many times in the past, but the look on Luna's face would indicate this was her first visit. The guards parked themselves at the entrance.
“I think I've heard that you and Celestia weren't naturally born as Alicorns... if you don't mind me asking, what were you before you became one?” Echo curiously looked at Luna.
Luna made her way to a sofa positioned under the retractable roof. “Not at all.” She laid down on it and made herself as comfortable as the sofa could get her. “Both 'Tia and I were actually Unicorns once.” Echo presses a button, which opened the roof. “It wasn't until after we found the Elements of Harmony and defeated Discord when we then became Equestria's first Alicorns.”
Echo's ears perk as he went over to the telescope's control system. “Really? That makes sense.” He extended the telescope out of the building and peered through it. “I guess my hunch on them might have some merit after all.”
Luna gave the earth pony an inquisitive look as he returned to the control system to make some adjustments. “What do you mean, Echo?”
Echo gingerly turned a knob and lever. “It's probably not true, but I have a theory that they're sentient artifacts.” He returned to the telescope's viewer. “They may be separate items, but I'm thinking that the Element of Magic is sort of a hub and if it deems a user worthy, it would transform its wielder into an Alicorn.” He returned his full attention to Luna.
Luna closed her eyes in thought and rubbed her chin with a hoof. “We never thought of that before, but it does make some sense. But that doesn't explain Princess Cadance though...”
“Oh, Luna! Come here!” He excitedly called Luna in a hurried tone.
Luna inquisitively approached him while looking up at the sky. “An unscheduled meteor shower?” She asks. Echo stepped aside to let Luna have a look. “That is beautiful.” She commented before looking into the telescope. When she does, she lets out a quiet gasp. “I can see why you enjoy this.” She smiled.
Echo chuckled. “I knew you'd like it.”
It didn't take much longer for Echo to collect the data he needed. Luna would be peering through the lens while Echo wrote down anything of interest.
He finished up his night's report and cleared his throat. “Canterlot should be pretty quiet right now. Would you want to take a stroll?”
“Actually...” Luna looked back up at the sky, “if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to stay here a while longer.”
Echo nodded understandingly and slowly trotted to the sofa, sitting down next to Luna. Hours might have passed as the two enjoyed each others company. Echo would occasionally catch Luna nodding off while she was halfway nuzzling against his fur. But as time went by, he found was also losing himself to sleep at the sofa suddenly felt a lot comfortable than before. Just before Echo caved into the dark, he felt like the luckiest stallion in Equestria right now.