As he lied on the bed of his room, Midnight didn’t know how long he spent thinking as he went over the various pros and cons of the spell he’d just learned of.
He could go home, just like that! He could see his friends and family again, his little brother Twinken, feel his Twilight in his arms again.
But Star Swirl had pointed out a very big con – Midnight had played key-roles in history, even though it had been from behind the scenes. If he hadn’t followed Luna, he would never have left that alert spell to draw Celestia to the archipelago to find the lunar ponies, if he had not impersonated Star Swirl history would not remember him as the one to reform Scorpan, if he had not stayed in the empire he would not have helped Autumn Wheat escape to warn the sister of King Sombra’s madness. So many ifs and maybes, it was driving Midnight up the wall.
But then as his thoughts turned to his master, he recalled something Sombra once wrote to him. Taking out the journal, he poured through that first message he got from the prince after the unicorn had been thrown into the past.
He found it!
…Because as I write this message, the pony who you will become stands beside me. I have no doubts this Midnight I have spoken with is you, who you are meant to become, who you will be. But only after you have travailed the very history of Equestria!
As those words began to sink in, so did the reality as Midnight found his answer.
“I have to decline,” he told Celestia.
The princess said nothing, only looked at the blue unicorn before her expectantly.
“Don’t misunderstand, Princess. With all my heart, I wish I could use this spell and just go back to the time and place where I belong…”
“But…?” Celestia bade.
“But it’s a shortcut,” Midnight explained, “and would have more consequences than I dare to imagine. I considered Star Swirl’s words carefully, Your Highness, and I think he was right! I still have many roles in history to play, and if I don’t then the future as I know it will be remade into something beyond recognition. For better or worse, I must continue my journey through time and make it back to my friends and family on my own.”
Celestia nodded in understanding, and in pride of this pony before her.
“I can see it in your eyes that you will not be swayed otherwise. Very well, Midnight, I will keep Star Swirl’s spell secret until you ask it of me. But before you go… let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”
That’s just what they did. They talked, and Midnight admitted to being the one to leave the spell that eventually drew Celestia to the isles to discover the lunar ponies. At this point, Celestia brought up the sonic scream Midnight had done, telling him it was a power common to the lunar ponies. When he asked about how he was able to move the boulder that failed to crush him, she explained it was another lunar pony power, Gravitokinesis!
The more Midnight learned of lunar ponies the more he realized he really was becoming one. However Celestia then brought up what caused lunar ponies the stigma of being outcasts to other ponies – Their diet including meat.
Midnight swore he hadn’t eaten meat since that night he witnessed the beginning of the lunar ponies but Celestia warned him eventually the hunger would set in, that it hadn’t yet because Midnight had not been fully exposed to Luna’s magic that night. However the spell had begun the process and would eventually complete its purpose.
That disturbed Midnight but there was no point in worrying about it- What was done was done, and even if he wanted to reverse the process, it would mean prolonging his journey. Since he’d seen the signs of his conversion, he’d also noticed how much more lunar energy he absorbed, making his time-jumps easier and further along history. If becoming a lunar pony fully and completely would help him get home sooner, he was for it.
Then Celestia brought up she intended to take measures to protect the Elements of Harmony. Midnight almost protested but listened as Celestia assured him the artifacts would remain hidden in the Castle of the Two Sisters. She merely intended to wrap them in a fog of myth and mystery, their anonymity would help to shield them from unwanted sight.
Midnight then “suggested” Celestia should make further protective measures by leaving tests for worthy ponies who could overcome them to become the protectors of whosoever be found worthy of the Elements themselves.
She gave him a sneaky look but agreed nonetheless.
Midnight also asked Celestia what became of Autumn Wheat. Celestia explained the crystal mare was devastated to hear of the Crystal Empire vanishing, but a guard managed to cheer her up. Before long, Autumn gave birth to a daughter and fell in love with the guard. With Celestia's blessing, she released the guard from service so he and Autumn could leave to start their lives together. Celestia recalled her former guard expressing an interest in starting an apple farm. Midnight chuckled to hear that but it also made him wonder.
Soon it was time, and as the full moon reached its peak, Midnight and Celestia stood in the courtyard as they gazed up at the lunar sphere. Midnight saw a beckoning light as it cast its gentle embrace over him, filling him with strength but when he looked at Celestia, the look on her face made him realize she was seeing something else. He gave the moon another look and finally saw it.
The Mare in the Moon.
He sighed sadly but took a deep breath as he turned to face the princess.
“I guess this goodbye again.”
“Not goodbye,” Celestia shook no but with a smile. She took Midnight into another hug, which he welcomed gladly as the princess said, “just… until we meet again.”
“I wuv you, Tia,” Midnight whispered, and Celestia looked at him warmly, and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
“Faust-speed, my little pony,” she whispered back.
Midnight stepped back and smiled as he invoked his Time Stone.
Celestia watched as the breeze sparkled turquoise blue like Midnight’s eyes, swirling around him as he rose up, his mana enveloping him in a bubble, and in a Wink of Light he was gone!