The Star And The Moon

by Robobrony

The Star Rises

It had been a year since Midnight Star practically sacrificed himself to the power of the Elements of Harmony in order to keep his corrupted father Sombra from escaping. He and his father had been turned to stone by the elements and imprisoned. Midnight Star’s petrified body was put on display in Ponyville Park in memory of his act of sacrifice. He had his front lowered to the ground with a pained struggling expression while the head of his father was trying to fly out of his back with a trail of smoke behind it. The two were connected and petrified.

Before the incident happened, Midnight Star had confessed to having feelings for Princess Luna and shared how her nights were the inspiration for his first work of art that earned him his cutie mark. Midnight Star was able to recreate his first work from a thousand years ago. Luna kept it with her in her room and always looked at it before she brought out the moon and went to bed. Every week, in the middle of the night however, she would teleport to Ponyville and leave a single blue rose on the statue of Midnight Star.

Every day, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike would pay a visit to his statue as well to always remember their friend. And every week, they would notice the blue roses being left on the statue. They figured who the roses might be from.

Luna was still feeling a little distraught over the loss of the one pony in Equestria who seemed to understand her despite she had her older sister to help her in her times of need. Celestia continued to try and console Luna in her grieving. By the half year mark since the incident, Luna had seemed to get better, but not completely. She still seemed to mope about the castle a little and ate slower than normal.

On the night of the one year anniversary of Midnight Star’s petrification, Luna did the same as she always did one night a week and came to the statue of Midnight Star and placed a single blue rose on the statue. Once she did, she gazed upon Midnight’s form and spoke softly. “Midnight Star, I know it may be foolish of me to say this, but I will not give up hope. Discord was sealed in stone for a thousand years and broke free after that time period. If he can break free, then so can you, I pray to the heavens for you to return to me. I love you Midnight.” A single tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto the rose she recently planted. She turned and disappeared in a flash of magic back to the castle.

“Midnight……Midnight, wake up.” A soft soothing voice called out to Midnight Star as he floated in a void of white.

“Mmmm, hmmm.” He mumbled as he was laying down with his eyes closed.

“Midnight, come on now, it’s time to get up.” The voice said again.

“Five more minutes.” Midnight Star complained.

The soft voice chuckled. “Come on now son, you need to wake up.” A light pink hoof touched midnight on his side and nudged him.

Midnight’s eyes fluttered open. “Hmm, mmm, wha….” He tiredly mumbled as he stirred.

“Come on now sleepy head, you need to wake up now. Your friends are waiting for you.”

Midnight finally lifted his head and looked to his side. “Wha….what friends, what’s going on?” He rubbed his eyes to try and free himself from his dreariness to see clearly. Once his vision was clear, he saw a mare with a pale pink coat, a white mane and tail, and a pink heart with strings attached to it as a cutie mark. Upon seeing this mare, Midnight’s eyes widened. “Mom…..is that you?” He asked surprised.

The mare gave a sweet smile to him. “It is son, it’s good to see you again.”

Midnight was surprised to see his mother before him again. “Mom!” He exclaimed as he lunged forth and wrapped his forelegs around her. “I can’t believe it, it’s really you!” He pulled back. “Wait, what are you doing here?” Midnight then looked around himself and saw where he was. “What….what is this place, where are we?”

Heart String continued with her smile. “It seems you will get to live your life after all Midnight.”

“Live my life, what do you mean?” Midnight asked in utter confusion.

“I was tasked with delivering a message to you by the powers that be. They said you showed great sacrifice for doing what you did to help every pony. The elements of harmony are meant to purify evil, not imprison it forever. You are in no way evil, so you will get to go back and live your life.”

Midnight was stunned by this bit of news. “Really? So….I’m going back?”

“Yes, and I’m glad to say you won’t be going alone.” Heart String stated as she stepped aside to reveal a stallion slightly taller than Midnight with a grey coat, a black mane and tail with three stars as a cutie mark, and brown eyes.

“Hello son.” The stallion stated with a smile.

“D….d….dad?” Midnight was again stunned. “Is….is that….really you?” Tears were starting to form in his eyes.

The stallion gave a warm smile to Midnight. “It is Midnight, it’s me, your dad.”

Tears streamed down Midnight’s face. “DAD!” He called with a smile, he galloped forth and lunged at his father. “Dad, it’s you, the real you….I don’t believe it!” He cried as he hugged his father.

Sombra hugged back as tears formed in his eyes as well. “My boy, I’m so sorry for everything I put you through, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but all I can say is I’m sorry.”

“Of course I forgive you dad, it wasn’t your fault, that accursed black magic messed with your head, I never gave up hope you could return to normal.” Midnight cried as he hugged tighter.

“My boy, it’s so good to hold you again.” The two held their embrace for a good long while before they broke and turned to Heart String. Sombra walked up to her and smiled, his eyes still wet with tears. “Heart String, I missed you so much, I’m so sorry I let my grief of losing you get to me like it did. Because of me, I caused our son so much trouble, and all of Equestria.”

Heart String said nothing, but instead leaned in and pressed her lips to her husbands. Sombra was surprised at first, but closed his eyes and kissed back. They held it for a good long minute before separating. “I forgive you Sombra. I’m just glad you’re free now, and you can be with our son again.”

“So, this means we’re going back together?” Midnight asked as he walked up to his parents.

Heart String gave a smile. “You two are yes, my time in Equestria ended long ago.”

Midnight frowned. “But…..but you have to come, we’re finally together again, we’re a family.”

Heart String took her son in a warm hug with a smile. “My boy, you still have a life, as does your father. My time ended a long time ago when I died, you two can still live. Go back and live your lives, find happiness.”

Midnight hugged back as more tears started coming out. “But I love you mom, I don’t want to lose you again.”

“You will never lose me, I will always be in your heart. As long as you remember me, I’ll always be with you. Never forget that. I love you Midnight.” They broke their embrace, Midnight lowered his head with his eyes closed. Heart put a hoof to his chin and lifted his head. “Son, look at me.” Midnight opened his eyes and looked to his mother. “I will always be with you no matter what, remember that.”

Midnight allowed himself a sad smile. “I will mom, I’ll never forget you, and I’ll miss you so much.”

“I’ll miss you too.” She then turned to her husband. “Sombra, take good care of Midnight.”

Sombra gave a sad smile as well. “I will, I have a lot to make up for.”

“I pray you find happiness, find a good mare to settle down with won’t you?” Heart said with a smile.

“I guess I can try, but no mare could ever compare to you. I’ll never forget you Heart String, thank you for sharing your life with me and giving me such a wonderful son.” The two shared one last hug and a kiss.

“I love you both, take care you two, and try to be happy.” Heart String said as she started to fade away.

“Good bye mom, I’ll never forget you.” Midnight said to his fading mother’s form. Once she was gone completely, Midnight and Sombra were blinded by a bright light.

It was just after Luna had left that the statue of Midnight and Sombra started to glow. Cracks started to form with white light seeping out. They started at the hooves of the statue and slowly moved up. They made their way all over the statue and covered the whole thing. In a brilliant flash, the statue exploded in a brilliant white light. Once the light was gone, the statue that once stood on the base was gone and two unicorns lay on the ground behind it unconscious.

Morning arose in Ponyville. Many of the citizens came from their homes and went about their business. Twilight Sparkle had gotten up a bit earlier than usual with Spike to grab an early breakfast. They were to meet up with their friends for they wanted to pay a visit to the statue of their lost friend Midnight before they had to work today. “Come on Spike, let’s get going.” Twilight said to her assistant.

“I’m coming Twilight.” Spike called from the kitchen, he was just finishing up cleaning the dishes from their breakfast and met Twilight in the main room of the library they called home. They made their way out the library and started heading for the center of town where their meeting place would be.

“If I’m not mistaken, there’s going to be a new rose at Midnight’s statue, this is the one year anniversary since…..he was….” Twilight started strong, but slowly lost the luster in her speech as she neared the end. Her mood slowly dropped.

Spike hung his head. “Yeah, I know. I wish there was something we could do.”

“We’ve been through this Spike, The elements of harmony are responsible, we know so little about them or their powers. There isn’t anything we can do.” Twilight stated sadly.

“I’m sorry Twilight. It’s just that what happened to him isn’t fair. Why did the elements have to turn HIM to stone along with Sombra? Midnight wasn’t evil.”

Twilight gave a sigh. “I know Spike, I think it isn’t fair either. But what’s done is done, all we can do is just remember him and honor the sacrifice he made to help us.”

The two soon reached the middle of town where their friends were waiting. They all greeted one another with sad smiles.

“Howdy Twi, good morning to ya.” Applejack greeted.

“Hello every pony, it’s nice to see you all.” Twilight greeted.

“So, shall we head onward and pay a visit to our friend?” Rarity questioned.

“That’s what we’re here for isn’t it?” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“Of course, let’s go say hi before we all have to get to work today.” On a day like this, even Pinkie didn’t seem as bubbly and happy as she usually does.

The six mares and dragon began their trek to the park and chatted. “I still can’t believe it’s been a year since that happened.” Fluttershy stated.

“I know, I still wish we could have found a way to save Midnight.” Twilight said sadly.

“Darling, don’t beat yourself up, we all had a hoof in it, we are the ones that used the elements of harmony on Midnight that turned him to stone.” Rarity stated feeling a little guilty.

“But let’s not ferget that Midnight Star wanted us to so that his father wouldn’t get away.” Applejack pointed out. “He risked himself fer us and all of Equestria, there’s no tellin what kind of trouble Sombra might have caused ifn’ he got away back then.”

“Applejacks right, Midnight was a hero. If it wasn’t for him, Sombra would have escaped for sure and would have done who knows WHAT to Equestria.” Rainbow then said as she fluttered along just above every pony’s head.

“I just wish it wasn’t at the cost of him being petrified.” Spike said sadly.

“We all do dear.” Rarity said with a small smile to try and cheer up Spike.

The group soon arrived at the park and were on approach to the location of Midnight’s statue when they noticed the statue was gone. They all gasped upon seeing this. “WHAT THE HAY!?” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Midnight’s Statue, its gone!” Twilight pointed out in surprise and shock.

“Now who in tarnation would take Midnight’s statue?” Applejack asked.

“Oh my goodness, who would do such a thing?” Fluttershy asked in worry.

They all galloped up to the base to inspect the area. “There must be some clue here to tell us what happened.” Twilight surmised as she carefully examined the base.

“Oooooooohhh.” A groan was heard from behind the base.

The girls and Spike all turned their attention to the base. “What in tarnation?” Applejack asked.

“Did you hear that?” Fluttershy asked with a bit of worry.

“Oooooohhh.” Another groan was heard.

“That’s gotta be the culprit!” Rainbow pointed out angrily as she quickly flew over the base and landed on the other side. “All right you, what did you do with….” She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing the two ponies on the ground before her. “No way.” Her magenta eyes widened in disbelief.

“Rainbow Dash, what is it?” Twilight asked.

“You guys gotta come here quick!” Rainbow exclaimed.

The group quickly came around the base and joined with Dash to see what she was looking at. “No way.” Spike gasped out. “It can’t be…..can it?” He asked.

“Good heavens.” Rarity said as she put a hoof to her chest.

“Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy expressed in disbelief.

“Well I’ll be, it’s…..it’s….” Applejack tried to say but was too stunned.

“Midnight, it….it’s Midnight.” Twilight finally pointed out.

The six mares and dragon gazed upon the form of Midnight Star. “Ooooh, my head, what happened?” He asked as he lifted his head and proceeded to rub it with a hoof.

“MIDNIGHT!” The six mares and dragon happily cried out.

“Huh? HOMPF!” Midnight looked to his side just in time to see seven faces lunge at him and engulf him in a group hug.

“Midnight, I can’t believe it, you’re here!” Rainbow expressed.

“Welcome back partner!” Applejack added.

“I can’t believe it, you’re free from that stone statue!” Rarity cried out.

“Oh Midnight, we missed you so much.” Fluttershy pointed out meekly with a smile.

“We’re so super-duper allyooper happy to see you again Midnight!” Pinkie cheered happily.

“How is this possible, how did you get free?” Twilight happily asked.

“Girls.....Spike….your kind of crushing me.” Midnight pointed out through strained breathes.

They all released him with a sheepish smile. It didn’t last long as a big grin was plastered onto their faces again. “Midnight, I can’t believe it, your free!” Twilight pointed out. “What happened, how did you get free?”

“What was it like being sone?” Rainbow asked.

“Was it terrible being like that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Were you with your dad?” Spike asked.

“Did you get any cupcakes?” Pinkie asked happily.

“Girls, girls, one at a time please!” Midnight called out as he raised both hooves. They all took a moment to settle down before they spoke. “Now, I’m sure you all have questions and are just as happy to see me as I am you, but I’m not sure how this is possible.”

“What do you remember?” Twilight asked.

Midnight turned his head in thought. “I remember……waking up in a white void…..my mother was there. She said that I was being given my life back or something. I saw dad…….DAD!” He quickly exclaimed. He looked around and saw a unicorn stallion just now getting up as he rubbed his head.

The other’s saw this as well. “YOU!” Rainbow expressed angrily. She quickly flew over and pinned him to the ground. “Oh no you don’t, you’re not getting away this time!”

“Hold on Dash, I’m comin!” Applejack said as she and the others, minus Fluttershy and Spike, ran over to the pinned Sombra.

“No wait, please let me explain!” Sombra tried to reason.

“You got a lot to answer for pal.” Twilight expressed angrily as she glared at him.

Midnight quickly rushed over. “Girls wait, he’s not evil anymore, let him go!”

They all paused and looked at Midnight. “What do you mean he’s not evil anymore?” Rarity questioned.

“Just what I said, he’s good now, please, let him up.” Midnight said to them.

“You sure bout that partner?” Applejack questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m positive, look at him. Does he really look like the evil Sombra you all know?” Midnight tried to reason.

Every pony eyed Sombra carefully. “Now that you mention it, he does seem different.” Fluttershy pointed out.

Rainbow Dash slowly got off him. “His horn isn’t red.” She stated.

“And his eyes aren’t green and slitted like before.” Rarity added.

Sombra stood up and looked them over. “I swear to you, I’m not evil, the darkness that took me over is gone, I’m good now.”

Once he was up, Midnight ran around the girls and wrapped his father in a hug. “Dad, it’s so good to see you, I missed you so much.”

Sombra returned the hug with a smile. “Didn’t we go through this already?” He asked.

“I know, but I’m just happy to be with you again. I missed you.”

“I missed you too son.”

They soon broke their embrace and Midnight turned to his friends. “You see girls, he’s back to normal, I have my father back.”

The mares and dragon smiled. “Well shoot, congratulations partner.”

“Yes, we are very happy for you.” Rarity said.

Sombra stepped forward and addressed the group. “Everyone, I realize I did terrible things when I was possessed by the darkness. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, and I won’t blame you if you don’t forgive me, but I am very sorry for all I did. I was just so overcome with grief at the loss of my wife, I wanted nothing more than to bring her back. But as I delved deeper into the dark magic I was learning, it corrupted my mind. I have no right to ask for forgiveness.” Sombra hung his head.

Twilight gave a smile. “Sombra, while it is true you did terrible things and you weren’t in your right mind, your son already told us all this and I think we can forgive you for what you did.”

Sombra raised his head in surprise. “Really?”

“Hey, as long as Midnight says you’re ok, then we’ll believe you.” Rainbow stated with a smile.

“Every pony deserves a second chance.” Rarity followed up.

Applejack turned to Midnight Star. “Midnight, you sure we can trust him?”

Midnight stood next to his father. “Girls, I promise you, he is good now. He’s not evil.”

“Then that’s good enough fer me.” Applejack smiled.

“So, just like that……you all are just going to forgive me and give me a second chance?” Sombra asked.

“Like we said, if Midnight says you’re ok, then we’ll believe him.” Twilight stated firmly.

Sombra gave a smile of his own. “Thank you girls, I really appreciate that.” His smile then dropped. “Though, I imagine it will be harder to convince the princesses and every other pony.”

Midnight put a hoof on his dad’s back. “Don’t worry dad, Twilight here and the others have a good connection with the princesses, if they say you’re ok, then the princesses will listen.”

Sombra couldn’t help but smile at this bit of news. “I’m glad to hear it. So now, all we need to do is figure out where we go from here, any ideas?”