//------------------------------// // The Newest Lunar Family Member // Story: The Family of The Night // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// The night was nice, crisp, and cool, with a slight breeze bowing through calmly in the streets of Canterlot. At this time, many colts and fillies were being tucked into their beds by their parents, and some of the older ponies were taking night strolls together or having their time at the bars in the city. Of course the guards of the royal castle's night watch were standing their posts as instructed. Prince Artemis Eclipse, Luna's husband, was taking a midnight walk to think about the next day ahead. He was an alicorn who's sheer size dwarfed Celestia's, even a full grown unicorn, pegasus or earth pony would look like a little filly or colt standing next to him, even Big Macintosh. But he was very gentle when it came to speaking with subjects or his family. He and Luna had brought a cute little filly into the world some years back, and her name was Moonlight. At this time she was asleep in her chambers as was Luna, for Night Court had ended and it had been exhausting for her. She of course never minded her husbands midnight strolls, after what he had been through, she felt it was something he needed. His past had originated in the Crystal Empire, which had been torn from him many centuries ago, as had his wife. Not only that, he had also been an adopted big brother to Cadence, the Alicorn of Love. Where he originated from himself was still a mystery to many historians since he did not want to talk about it. Through his battle to fight off Sombra, he had been left scared and blinded in his left eye, but no pony ever made snide remarks about his battle wound, and for many they thought it made him look tough in a way. Now Cadence herself had been taken by the Mane Six to grow up in the time when Twilight and her friends were just themselves foals, and he couldn't help but think how cute Cadence had come to care so much for Twilight. Of course after Twilight took off to live with her friends in Ponyville, Cadence felt a bit sad she couldn't foal sit anymore. That is until Moonlight came about. She always loved spending time with her even after she had married Shining Armor and they had their own foal named Lovestruck not too long after Moonlight's birth. Their births were around the time after Cadence, Shining and the Mane six along with Spike had defeated King Sombra and Cadence had been given the Crystal Empire to rule over. Artemis was also given the chance to return to the Crystal Empire and call it home, but Luna had won his heart long before the Empire had reappeared. Now, as he made his way through the calm streets of Canterlot, he heard a small colt's voice say, "I gotta hide, I can't let them catch me. I am never going back." As he turned the corner, he came upon the sight of a little pegasus colt, who seemed to have a similar coat to that of his wife, his duaghter and himself. The child was very small, and seemed to be undernourished, and what really saddened him was that the child seemed to be having trouble walking on his back legs. He came closer and asked, "Are you alright little one?" "Wah! Please don't hurt me," the young colt pleaded as he covered his eyes and cowered low to the ground. Artemis was surprised, this little colt seemed to have it far too rough and more then likely thought everypony was out to get him for something. "Calm down. Calm down little one, I'm not going to hurt you," Artemis said. The little colt removed his hooves and looked up at Prince Artemis. "Y-your majesty, please forgive me. I didn't know it was you," the little colt said as he bowed his head. "It's alright little one, nothing to worry about. Now, may I ask what you are doing out so late at night?" Artemis Requested as he laid down to not tower the little pegasus so much. "I... I was running away sire," the little colt replied. "Running away? Why are you doing that? Your parents must be worried about you," Artemis stated. " I... d-don't have any parents your majesty. I've been running away from the orphanage, they..." the little colt was beginning to cry, unable to finish his sentence. Artemis knew that he must have had some terrible experience and wanted to help the little colt, but he needed to know what they did. "Little one, I'm here to help you however I can. Now what did they do?" Artemis asked as he nuzzled the little colt. "They," the little colt looked at his legs, "They broke my legs so that I couldn't escape... at least not til now while every pony was asleep, and I don't have enough strength in my wings to fly away," the little pegasus answered. Artemis was in shock. How could the orphanage do such a thing so traumatizing to a little colt like him? Did these ponies have no heart? How many other little fillies and colts were receiving this kind of treatment? Many more questions were circling in his head as he thought about this. Artemis soon came to notice the little colt burying his face into his massive chest. He was touched by this moment. Even though he had only met the little colt moments ago, now he didn't want to let the little guy out of his sight. His mind was set. He was going to adopt this little colt and make him a Lunar Prince. His fur was already helping him fit the part and Moonlight had always been talking about wanting a brother or sister to play with. He knew Luna would agree to it and probably would find this colt all too adorable anyhow. "Well, how about you come with me young one. You look like you could use the rest," Artemis said. "Wh- you mean go to the castle? But your highness, I'm not royalty," the young colt stated. Artemis chuckled and levitated the young pegasus onto his back. "You don't always need to be royal to live in the castle," Artemis said. "Are you sure it's okay your majesty?" the little one asked. "Of course. Also, might I ask what your name is little one?" Artemis requested. "I-It's Moon Dust your highness. I think it's because my fur seemed to take after Princess Luna, Princess Moonlight and yourself, your majsety, but the caretakers keep saying it's because I'm... as worthless as moon dust," Moon Dust answered as he hung his head while sitting on Artemis's back. Artemis now felt a hint of anger. The Canterlot Orphanage caretakers used his wife's beautiful moon as an insult. That was not something his family took lightly. And to insult his soon to be sons name was down right cruel. There would be consequences for all the actions Moon Dust had described. He looked back at Moon Dust and said, "Well I like your name. I think it's cute and suits you very nicely. Also moon dust is not worthless. It's actually very valuable, since some of it is found on the ground of equestira it self. It's very rare." This lifted Moon Dust's spirits a little. "R-really your highness?" Moon Dust asked with puppy eyes. Artemis nodded. Just as he was about to take off for the castle, some new voices caught his attention as once female voice said, "How dare that little brat escape from the orphanage." A male voice added, "Looks like breaking his legs wasn't enough. Seems he needs a tougher lesson." "Oh no, it's them," Moon Dust said as he hid himself as much he could in Artemis's mane. "His food rations will be cut in half for week because of this I'll make sure of it," the female said. "Please don't let them take me sire," Moon Dust pleaded. "No one will ever harm you again little Moon Dust," Artemis said. As he finished speaking the two who had been talking rounded the corner to reveal a female unicorn and a male earth pony. "Oh, uh your highness, how lovely to see you tonight," the unicorn said as she and the earth pony bowed. "The feeling isn't mutual," Artemis said as his horn lit up. Before the ponies could ponder what he meant, they found themselves in chains bolted into the ground that had appeared around their legs and necks. "Sire, what is going on? We haven't done anything criminal," stated the earth pony. "Do not think your conversation fell on deaf ears. I heard how you treated little Moon Dust here and there will be consequences for such abuse," Artemis said. "Your highness. We only punished that little colt for being such a troublemaker. He deserved what he got," the unicorn argued. "Your lies will not fool me. It seems that our inspectors have been going easy on your orphanage, either by being fooled themselves, or by being bribed into not telling us the truth. I am very sure that if I ask another filly or colt from your orphanage what you do, they be more then willing to tell the truth. You will remain here until I send some guards to escort you to the palace prison," Artemis said. The Earth Pony tried to break free, but couldn't. "Those chains are enchanted, so not even your magic will help you escape them. Oh, and one more thing," Artemis lit his horn again and then continued, "I have cast a disabling spell to prevent you from getting any bright ideas once the guards have began escorting you." The two ponies protested but Artemis was not swayed as he had little Moon Dust hang on as he took off. Once they were a cruising speed, Moon Dust finally said, "Your highness, that was amazing. Thank you so much." "Your welcome, and there's no need to for formalities. Also I'm not about to let them harm another filly or colt again," Artemis said. "But, there are other's like them still at the orphanage your highness," Moon Dust stated. "I know. That's another reason I chained them there, so they can't warn the other caretakers that we have guards coming for them as well. I'll also be having some of the Castle Staff escort the little ones to the palace so that they have ponies to watch over them for the night and until we can find subjects trustworthy of treating them with kindness," Artemis said as he landed outside the doors of the palace. One of the guards, Sargent Oak Leaf greeted them. "Good evening your highness, I trust your tour through the city fared well," he said. "Indeed, and there is something I need you and some of your fellow Guards to do," Artemis said. "What is thy biding your majesty," Oak leaf requested. "There are two Canterlot Orphanage caretakers that need to be escorted to prison on Starswirl Avenue. Here are the keys to release them from those chains once you have a hold of them. I also need another party of the night gaurd to make their way to the orphanage itself along with some of the staff members we have to night to arrest the other caretakers til trial and to bring the children here until further notice," Artemis stated. "I see. It's a good thing we built that foals section of the palace in for situations such as, well, this," Oak stated. "Indeed, now I will be off with little Moon Dust here towards the Lunar Chambers. I trust you have everything under control Sargent?" Artemis inquired. "Of course your majesty, the night is still young and I'll have everypony ready to go in fifteen minutes, or less if I am lucky," Oak Leaf said. "I leave things in your hooves then," Artemis replied, and soon made his way indoors with little Moon Dust. As they made their way through, Moon Dust was blown away by what the Palace looked like. "Amazing isn't it?" Artemis asked. "It's way more cooler then I could have imagined," Moon Dust complimented. A moment later, a growl came from Moon's stomach and he blushed as Artemis looked back at him and chuckled. "You must be hungry after having travel so far. Let me take you to our dining room. Our night chef will be more then happy to make you something to eat," Artemis said as he made a turn towards the dining hall. "I really don't wanna be a bother your majesty," Moon Dust replied. "Oh you wont be. He always likes to make meals for little fillies and colts that get to tour the castle and dine here and is always intrigued to make something genuine to their liking. Your no different," Artemis stated. Soon they made their way to the dining hall and were greeted by the head night chef, Chef Funnel Cake, a relative of the Cake family in Ponyville. "Ah your majesty, a pleasure to see you tonight, the usual I presume," Funnel Cake asked. "That would be great, and if you don't mind," Artemis stopped in mid sentence and turn his body to reveal Moon Dust. "Oh, and who is this striking young lad your highness," Funnel Cake asked. "This is Moon Dust," this got a hint of surprise from Funnel Cake before Artemis continued, "I'll explain in a moment, but I am sure it isn't too much to ask if you could make him something to eat." "No problem at all your majesty. And what might you like to have for a meal tonight young Moon Dust," Funnel Cake asked. "Um, c-could I have a tiger lily sandwich, some honey dew, and if it's not too much to ask, a small caramel roll and a glass of apple juice?" Moon Dust asked. "I can do that. A caramel roll sounds like a good challenge. I'll be right back with the dishes as soon as possible. Oh, your highness, wonder if I might have a quick word?" Funnel asked. "Of course," Artemis said. They soon trotted off and Artemis spoke to the chef about Moon Dust and what he had planned to do. The chef only approved more of the situation then had previously and soon made his way into the kitchen to prepare the meals as Artemis came to sit by Moon, who had been given a booster seat to be able to put his front hooves on the table. Artemis sat down and looked at him with a smile. "So how are you liking it so here far?" Artemis asked. "It's great your highness. And thank you for letting me and the other fillies and colts stay here in the children's area of the castle," Moon Dust said. "Well, if you want, I can let you sleep in the Lunar Chambers with me and my family," Artemis offered. Moon Dust looked up at him in surprise. "I-I don't understand your highness? Why let me sleep with the Lunar Family?" Moon Dust asked in curiosity. "Well, I have been thinking it over and, well, I want to make you my son Moon Dust," Artemis said. "Wha- your son, but... but I'm not an alicorn your majesty," Moon Dust said. "You don't have to worry about that or calling me you majesty and such. And don't worry about Luna or Celestia disagreeing. I'll tell them the story about what happened and they'll understand, plus I don't think they'd disagree anyways even if I didn't tell them. And Moonlight is always talking about wanting a brother or sister," Artemis assured him. Moon Dust was speechless. Here he was being offered a chance to become royalty. He wanted a family so much, he didn't think he could say no. The only thing that was making him think twice is what the other fillies and colts might think of him. Many of them didn't treat him poorly and were very nice, but that all might turn around once they know he's a prince and they aren't. "I know what you're thinking Moon Dust and don't worry, if the other orphans are anything like you, they'll more then likely congratulate you for becoming a prince," Artemis said to comfort him. Moon Dust wanted to trust Prince Artemis on this but he still had doubts. he thought about it for a while then said, "Yes, I'll become your son." Moon Dust soon hugged Artemis's muzzle as the prince bent down and Artemis nuzzled him in return. "I'm happy you agree my son," he said. After they hugged, Funnel Cake burst in and said, "Here we are, some delicious Zap Apple Jam sandwiches, a delectable moon pie, some zesty roasted tiger lilies in some crispy tortilla shells, a fine plate of tiger lily sandwiches, some sweet honeydew, a mouth watering caramel roll, and for the drinks, the fizziest fizzy apple cider for his esteemed Prince Artemis and a delightful glass sweet apple juice for the new little prince, Prince Moon Dust." Moon Dust was caught off guard for a moment by the last thing the chef said, but had a feeling his new father had told the chef earlier when they spoke privately and knew Moon Dust would say yes. Moon Dust looked at Artemis and his father winked. Moon Dust could only give a small smile and blushed a bit. "Well, dig in Moon Dust," Artemis said. "Um, shouldn't I eat properly like royals do?" Moon Dust asked. "Oh Prince Moon Dust your such a tease," Funnel Cake said. "It's okay son, we only do that when we have to attend banquets and such to impress the other ponies of nobility. You should ask Funnel here how much I made a mess of myself when others weren't in attendance," Artemis stated. "He was, as some might say, a sloppy eater. He sometimes made more of a mess of himself then Princess Moonlight did as a foal and even now as a filly. I sometimes think your dad likes to be young at heart and I don't mind one bit," Funnel added. "Like so," Artemis said before he started to gobble down his plates of food like a little foal. Moon Dust couldn't help but giggle at his new dad's sloppiness. He soon dug in himself and was amazed at how good all the food he requested had tasted. Artemis smiled at how his son made his own mess as did Funnel Cake, who was happy the little prince had approved of the dishes he had prepared. As Moon Dust finished up, for the first time he could remember he felt stuffed and had a bit of a belly to show for it now. As Artemis finished cleaning him off, Moon Dust began to feel drowsy. Artemis then put the "Little Prince of the Night" on his back and politely thanked the chef for a great meal in a quiet tone. Funnel Cake told him it was pleasure to have served them and soon let the to princes make their way to the Lunar Chambers. He made his way through the castle quietly as possible to not wake his new son, who had taken the liberty of using his new fathers mane as a cozy blanket. At this time, the guards were now escorting all orphanage the caretakers to prison or helping the castle staff escort the little ones to the guest chambers for children, carrying the foals unable to walk yet. Artemis smiled as he saw them walk in as he walked on the upper floors. Moon Dust merely stirred at the faint noise of the other orphans. Artemis couldn't wait to introduce Moon Dust to Luna. He was happy to have gained a son, and he had another surprise that awaited the young prince as he slept, aside from meeting his new family.