Artemis had answered the door to see his sister-in-law Celestia standing in front of him with two solar guards standing on either side of her. "Celestia, I didn't expect to see you here this morning. We're usually coming to see you," Artemis said.
"Oh Artemis, I am very sure you know why I am here. I heard of what happened last night, and I have one thing to say about that.... Thank you. Had it not been for you, those foals that we are taking care of right now might have never recovered from what had happened. Rest assured the sins of these orphanage caretakers you helped apprehend will be brought to light, and justice will be served. It's, just gonna take a while to put everything in order for their trial, so, in the mean time, they will spend time in the dungeons. Now, the main reason I am here is, I heard that there is a little addition to the Lunar Family. Am I right?" Celestia asked with a smile that said 'let me see him'.
Artemis smiled back and motioned her to come in. She signaled her guards to stand watch next to the Lunar Family's guards that had been assigned this morning. As the family saw Celestia come in, Moon Dust suddenly hid under Luna's wing as they sat on the bench in the dining area of their chambers. "Good morning sister, and good morning Moon Light. How are you this morning?" Celestia asked casually.
"Great, Auntie Tia, how are you?" Moon Light asked.
"Just fine dear. I heard rumor that there's a new Lunar member," Celestia mentioned.
"Indeed sister," Luna removed her wing before she continued, "This is our new son Moon Dust."
Moon Dust huddled close to Luna, a little shy about seeing Celestia. "It was thanks to him that we saved all those sweet little fillies and colts," Artemis said, seeing his new son blush at the statement.
"Is that so? Well, I can certainly say that he definitely earned his new ascension that he was gifted," Tia teased, knowing she would have done the same, had she been in Artemis's situation at the time he found Moon Dust.
"Indeed, I feel that meeting your new nephew is not the only reason you are here though," Luna said.
"I'm afraid not. If I may speak with you and Artemis alone for a moment?" Celestia requested.
"Alright, Moon Light, could you take Moon Dust and show him those video games you like to play?" Luna urged.
"Yes Mama," Moon Light said as she finished her breakfast, and soon led Moon Dust to the living room area, and showed him a list of games she played on the "Playstation Lunar".
When Celestia felt they were out of ears reach, she spoke, "So, it has not only spread through the castle, but also, into Canterlot, and I am sure that other cities and towns will soon hear of this latest development that has occurred. The good news, many have praised this accomplishment. The bad news, the nobles who have received wind of it, some are in an uproar. I know you want to spend time with your children, but this requires our attention," Celestia said.
"I understand Celestia. We'll have to have one of our personal hoof maidens look after the children," Artemis said.
"I already had Misty agree to take care of them. She is waiting outside until we have to take off," Celestia pointed out.
"Very well," Artemis states.
Luna soon told their children she and Artemis had to take care of something and would be back as soon as they could. Moon Dust was a little nervous about not having his new parents close, but he trusted them enough to not try and stop them from leaving. Soon the three alicorns were in the throne room, and many nobles had arrived as well. It hadn't taken long for the castle staff to set up the room for the meeting. Celestia then spoke, "Good morning everypony, I know why you are all here, so I will skip all the useless information that everybody already knows. Artemis will now address his actions that he made last night."
"Thank you Celestia. Now, my actions don't require any defense, in the same situation or a similar situation, I would do it again. It is completely unbecoming of me to look the other direction and act as if nothing is wrong. These caretakers of the Canterlot Orphanage have displayed criminal behavior," Artemis said.
"Disciplining young fillies and colts is not criminal your highness," The Noble name Lord Thunderhoof said.
"I never said it was. But when does child abuse, such as breaking a young one's legs, pass by as discipline?" Artemis fired back.
"What in Equestria? They would never do something like that. You should witness what happens before you make serious accusations of that nature your highness," Thunderhoof debated.
"Oh, I have personally witnessed it. I found a young colt trying to escape their abuse, and his... his back legs had been purposely broken," Artemis said, as he teared up, remembering the scene the night before.
Luna placed a hoof on her husbands shoulder. "If that is not proof enough for all of you, you can ask the guards and castle staff that we sent to the orphanage what they saw last night, and they will tell you the same exact thing," Luna said.
"How do we know you didn't just make this story up, and you just have a personal quarrel with the caretakers?" Thunderhoof implied.
"Lord Thunderhoof. The only grudge that my brother holds is with that dark king that once ruled Princess Cadence's fine empire. He didn't even know about what the orphanage was doing until last night," Celestia said.
"Where is this proof you have that this took place?" Thunderhoof said.
"Lord Thunderhoof, my aunts and uncle are known for many things. But being liars are not one of those things," Blueblood stated.
"I still wish to see this proof, Prince Blueblood," Thunderhoof demanded.
"We have them waiting right outside the door," Celesita defended herself.
The guards soon opened the door, and there standing before them were all the fillies and colts, excluding Moon Dust, that had been saved the night before. "You let these common ruffians walk within the palace? This is absurd your majesty," Thunderhoof snapped.
"They are the proof Thunderhoof. You can see many have bandages and casts for their injuries. They did nothing to deserve these personal scars, and should be treated far better. Another reason we have brought them here is so we can heal their wounds. You can also see they have been undernourished, and the castle is the best place to help them receive the nourishment they need, so before you make claims that my brothers actions were unjust, you should think of what it must have been like for them and if you would have wanted to be treated that way," Celestia said.
Thunderhoof was at a loss for words. Soon Celestia, Artemis and Luna all helped to heal the young ones and sent them with the castle staff to receive a good meal that morning. "Well, I can honestly say that I am impressed your highness. However, there is the matter that was brought to our attention about this colt that Prince Artemis decided personally to take in as a member of the royal family," Duke Silver Mane stated.
"I can personally say that what my husband decided was purely out of selflessness. It was this colt that was able to bring to our attention the orphanage's mistreatment. After he seemed to trust Artemis so much, my husband felt it would be unfair to abandon the colt to somepony elses care, and make the colt think he was no better then the orphanage, thus in turn, giving him a bad impression of the royal family and nobles alike. Even right now, he is nervous to not be in our presence, but our daughter is helping to keep him calm," Luna said.
"What is the colt's name if I might ask your majesty?" Silver Mane asked.
"His name is Moon Dust, er, Prince Moon Dust now. That was the name he gave me when I found him," Artemis corrected.
"I see, how old is he?" Silver Mane asked.
"He's our daughter's age, but he's somewhat smaller then she is in size," Luna said.
"Why are you asking these questions Silver Mane?" Celesita inquired.
"Well, I had this crazy thought, but all evidence just proves that it's no more then my head toying with me," Silver Mane stated.
Artemis wasn't so sure he was certain that Silver was certain that his theory was out of the question, and would pull him aside later about it. "Well, after having heard his story, and seeing his condition, I was extremely moved, and I decided then and there to make him a prince. I also have given him the gift of becoming an Alicorn. I know that it is only presented in special cases, such as Twilight recent ascension, and in this particular case, it was necessary. For starters, he was hesitant about the offer. He was thinking about the fillies and colts that had been at the orphanage with him, and how he felt it might be unfair for him to be a prince and them not. To think about others before one's self is a fine quality for any Prince or Princess. For another, had it not been for his bravery to speak up, we may never have known of the treachery of the Canterlot Orphanage. While it will require time and care for him to feel comfortable around many ponies, I am sure he will grow up to be a fine, brave Prince of Equestria. Thirdly, in his present condition, I was not entirely certain how strong his mortal form was. He could barely keep himself up when I found him. I was afraid that his body may have become to frail and felt that I had to take action. After giving him his immortal alicorn appearance, I soon came to find that it had been the right choice. My son, right now, can barely walk, and for being severely undernourished, I can understand why that would be so. Had I left him in his mortal form, he may have never recovered, and he may have died before he had a chance to start his life. I'm sure that you all have your opinions in this matter, but Moon Dust is our son, and I will not leave him to fend for himself out there," Artemis said.
"One does not just simply take a foal off the streets and make him a Prince of Equestria. You expect us to bow down to a common orphan," Thunder Hoof scolded.
"No, I expect you to bow down to your newest Prince of Equestria. His origins may be unknown, and may have started out as the common folk. But one pony can adopt another pony no matter what their position in society, and should that give the adopted pony in question a higher position, well then so be it. Position in society should not dictate who a pony is. It defines what they are, but not who they are. My son has as much right as any other pony that is adopted into royalty, should we decide it," Artemis debated.
"He, and every other orphan do not have a right to become royalty!" Thunderhoof spat.
"And where did I ever sign, in the thousands of years that I have been ruling, that the royal family is unable to make such an act. I would have remembered such a bill being signed into law. Don't think that I don't read every parchment sent in by the politicians, including yourself. Artemis and Luna have every right to adopt him, and to clear things up, I have the documents right here, that I had sent in from Ponyville Orphanage via Spike's magical flame, and they are fully signed by both my sister and brother, making Moon Dust an official Prince of the Night," Celestia boasted in Thunder Hoof's face as she held the documents in her magic.
"You.... he.... they.... I...." Thunderhoof was stuttered as he was speechless and had everypony in the room starting at him.
He had lost his argument's strong point as the documents were rubbed in his face, and now it was official he would have to show the proper respect to his new prince. Artemis and Luna felt satisfied, and had a feeling that Lord Thunderhoof had an investment in the Orphanage and not lost all his profit because of the actions Artemis had taken. If that was the case, he would be having a share in the blame of what happened to the those fillies and colts and their son... especially their son. They would find out for sure later, but soon had their thoughts interrupted as Blueblood cleared his throat from a gigglefest and said, "Well, I suppose we can conclude that Moon Dust shall now officially be known as Prince Moon Dust and that he now has a share in the wealth of the Alicorns and their relatives. I would say he has earned it after what he has been through. Don't you agree Aunt Celestia?"
"Indeed, I shall also have my investigators of the EBI question the mare and stallion caretakers of the Canterlot Orphanage for their outlandish acts of cruelty and also send investigators located near the other orphanages of the other cities and towns to inspect those orphanages undercover as employees. Are there any further questions?" Celestia asked.
All waited patiently, and after no one brought up any arguments, Celestia stated, "Then we are adjourned from this meeting. I shall meet with you in one week to speak about the matter of the disappearance of Derpy Hooves. Some may know her as Ditzy Do or Bright Eyes, if you know her in any matter."
As everypony left, Artemis and Luna hurried back to the Lunar chambers. It was just as the meeting had finished, Luna and Artemis could feel a surge of energy, telling them their son was in distress. As they came into the chambers, what they saw startled them. Moon Dust had his eyes shut tight and he was grabbing his head. "Mom! Dad! Help!" Moon Light urged, worried about her brother.
"I have tired everything I can to help him, but he keeps saying he's seeing all these images. I don't know what they are, but it seems to be giving him a headache," Misty said.
"I'll see if I can help him," Luna said.
She started to used her magic to link her mind with her son's. When she tried though, she was met with a blockade. "Ah! I... I can't get into his mind. He's blocking his thoughts from me to be able to enter. Artemis, you're the only one who can help me get in there. Please?!" Luna pleaded with worry in her eyes.
Artemis nodded and soon linked himself and his wife's thoughts and they soon press into their son's mind. When they were there, they could see every single memory that was within his mind, from his earliest days to just recently all flash by so fast. Luna soon made her way to her son's subconscious self. "Moon Dust, we are here. Calm yourself son," Luna urges Moon Dust.
"Mommy, there's so many images. I... I want it to stop. Help me," Moon Dust said.
Luna was surprised he had not called her Luna, but she went with it. She and Artemis nuzzled him and this began to slow the flashing images to his present memories of becoming part of the family. Soon they left his subconscious and saw that their son was breathing easy, or at least catching his breath. "Are you okay Moon Dust?" Moon Light asked.
"Uh huh? Thanks Mommy," Moon Dust said.
Luna smiled and walked over and nuzzled her son. When she saw his eyes, she was a bit shocked, but kept calm. "Well, how about we have lunch and then let you have a nap. I think you could use it sweetie," Luna said.
"But I'm not ti..." He collapsed onto the living room mattress he had been sitting on before he finished his sentence.
"Or, maybe the nap is in order first," Luna giggle and laid down beside her son covering him gently with her wing.
Artemis picked up Moon Light and said, "How about you play the rest of your game while Mama and I talk honey?"
"Okay Daddy," Moon Light said.
Artemis set the volume low as she played. "Artemis, his eyes. When I saw them they were..." She was cut off as Artemis covered her mouth.
"I know, they reminded you of her Luna. I can not say why exactly, or if their permanent, but it didn't seem to change how he sees us. He sees us as his parents," Artemis stated.
"It's not just that. I'm not sure if you saw it, but when we dove into his memory. I saw something. Something that he couldn't have possibly had in his memories... unless..." Luna trailed off.
"Unless what sweetie?" Artemis asked.
"Honey, do you remember what happened before I became her?.... Nightmare Moon?" Luna asked.
"I do remember that were having a good time before that event occurred the night of your transformation and that event had been the last straw for you," Artemis said.
"Do you remember anything else? Dig deeper into your memory honey," Luna pleaded.
Artemis thought long and hard. Then it hit him. "Oh my goodness. I remember. But it can't be... can it?" Artemis pondered.
"He's... he's our son from 1000 years ago," Luna said.
"But, our child wasn't even born yet at the time. You were still pregnant when you transformed," Artemis argued.
"The elements must have had a hoof in his birth. I just thought I had miscarried upon return. Turns out I was wrong," Luna said.
"That actually would explain a few things. Like why there were two pony images in the moon. And how there still seemed to be one after you were released. That also explains why, a few years back, I saw the stars acting strange and heading towards the moon and the next night the image was gone," Artemis explained.
"I thought was because I had eaten or drank the wrong thing," Luna joked.
"Well, we can't change the past, but we can prepare for the future, like telling him once he wakes up. If we keep this from him, he might not forgive us for withholding it," Artemis said.
"I agree, but do know what else this means. Part of Nightmare Moon's gifts reside within him, and they are powerful. If he is guided the wrong way it could become dangerous. And with the way he was treated, I am surprised he's kept those powers suppressed to this point. How he had become mortal might have been due to the stars bringing him back to Equestria. But now that we have awakened his immortal side, we need to find a way to extract the power of Nightmare Moon from him. Her power on top of his own could cause trouble for us all," Luna said.
"I agree, but it won't be easy Luna," Artemis said.
"I know," Luna nuzzled her son, before she continued, "I know."