//------------------------------// // Act III - Chapter: 15 - Family Matters // Story: A DJ in the Night // by dj_neon_lights //------------------------------// A DJ in the Night By: Michael A Chapter: 15 - Family Matters [Romance][Slice-Of-Life] “Okay… easy does it, now…” I mumbled as I slowly levitated the last tube into place for the new tube amplifier that I had finished building. To those technologically impaired, a tube amplifier is like a normal amplifier, except it uses electron tubes instead of transistors to up the voltage of the input. Now, the advantage of a tube amp over a normal one was that a tube amplifier gives an analog output rather than a digital one, making sounds clearer and precise. The downside is an increase in distortion, but I digress. Anyways! I slowly lowered the tube into its place, making sure to get every pin went down strait. I would use my hooves, but the oils from the could cause it to, you know, explode. Which was not good. Slowly, the pins slid into place, and I let out a sigh as began to wiggle it down tighter. Pop! “Fuck!” I screamed, the sudden sound and flash scaring me enough to make me not only jump, but also throw the tube in the process. I watched in almost slow motion as the very expensive, and essential, piece of my hardware fly through the lair and crash onto the ground. My lip curled under as I couldn’t help but whimper at the sight. “Oh… Did we scare you again?” a voice called from behind me. I nodded. “And…. and did we cause you to accidentally break your, uh… thing?” I nodded. “Oh… do you… do you want a moment.” I nodded again, sniffing a few times as I mourned over hours of works. After all but a funeral service, I rotated in my workbench seat to come face to face with a blushing and guilty looking unicorn. “S-sorry about that, Neon… We should have listened when you told us not to ‘pop in out of nowhere and scare the shit out of me,’” Midnight mumbled apologetically, her gaze locked on the floor. I let out a sigh, shaking my head. “Yes, that would be nice, but don’t feel bad about this. What is done is done.” I took a deep breath, wiping my aggravation and sadness away and replacing them with my normal, bubbly attitude. “So, how are things at the castle?” It had been about three days since the last time I had seen the mare, to which she sent many a letter detailing her apologies for, but it appears that she had managed to clear some time in her schedule, a prospect that I was extremely grateful to hear. “Busy, as usual. Many of our ponies feel that it is the government's duty to solve their petty disputes. Sometimes we fear they lack the ability to solve their own problems…” Midnight shakes her head sadly. “But, we guess it is better than dealing with war, or disputes between neighboring nationions.” I nod with a laugh. “Okay, okay. I gotta ask: What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever had to deal with in court?” I really had to ask. I mean, there has to be some funny moments wrapped up in there, somewhere. Midnight sat on her haunches, bringing a hoof to her chin as she sat in contemplation. “Well, there was this one stallion who wished to secede for our nation to create his own, to which both our sister and we could not help but laugh at.” “Wow, why did he want to do that in the first place?” “He believed that we would eventually become tyrants and take over our nation as a dictatorship, a blasphemous idea!” Midnight scoffed. “The nerve of a pony to believe we would be so cruel, especially after all we have done to preserve freedom, in our home state and others!” Yikes, that must have hurt… time to switch the subject! “So, Midnight, did you have any plans for today, or do you want to make it up as we go?” Midnight shrugged. “Nothing in specifics. We wished to simply relax with our romantic companion and enjoy the day in relative comfort,” Midnight spoke, before hastily adding, “if that is okay with you, that is!” I nodded. “Yeah, that sounds great! I don’t have work today so we can hang out for the entire day if you want… How’s about we chill here for a little bit, order in some food, and just relax for the afternoon, then go somewhere ‘fancy’ or something for dinner.” “We would like that very much, Neon,” Midnight said with a smile, one that I couldn’t help but melt at. Celestia damned it, she was so adorable! I got up from my chair and wrapped the mare into a hug, pulling her in close before pulling back just enough to place a quick, passionate kiss on her lips. “To the couch?” I spoke as I got up and trotted over to the comfy piece of furniture. Midnight followed, and we both hopped on before entangling our bodies in a cocoon of each other's embrace, her head snuggling into my chest with my hooves gently wrapped around her waist. I had never been one for snuggling before, but I would definitely consider myself one now. I don’t care if it’s not ‘manly’ or anything like that; it was awesome, being able to almost be one with somepony who you felt completed you, as if completing the bond that we shared. And that, my friends, is worth losing some manly points in my book. As we layed there, I levitated my phone over and ordered us a pizza. To my surprise, but enjoyment, Midnight said she was a huge fan of the ‘modern cuisine’, saying that it was her favorite food that she had tried since she had returned. After that, Midnight and I just remained together on the couch, enjoyed each other’s warmth and proximity. A large smile on each of our faces. But, everything has to come to an end, as a knock on the door signaled our pizza was here. Groaning, I gently tapped Midnight, who seemed to have fallen asleep. “Food’s here. I’m gonna go grab it and be right back,” I muttered softly, to which Luna nodded. Slowly, I untangle our bodies before making my way towards the door. I was actually quite impressed at how fast they had managed to get here, only taking about ten minutes instead of the usual half an hour. Another knock on the door, and I quickened my pace, opening the door wide. “Sorry about that, you guys usually aren’t… this… fast…” My jaw dropped, eye twitching at the sight of the pony standing just outside of my threshold… a pony who I had not seen, by design, in a long, long time. Through gritted teeth, and a fake smile, I spoke. “Hey… Mom.” There is a lot that you don’t know about me, especially about my past, and there is a reason for that. We all grow up differently, with different families in different places and in different situations. I had tried to forget that part of my life, leaving the past in the past and only focusing on the future. But, my past had finally caught up with me, and was currently standing in front of me. My mother was an average sized mare, her mane a dark silver and her coat was only a few shades lighter than mine. On her flank was a pair of conductors batons crossed, magic radiating from one to the other. “Neon! It has been ages since I have seen you!” The mare called out, lunging forwards and pulling me into a strong hug. “I’ve missed you so much.” I embraced the mare. “Nice to see you too, mom,” I spoke, my words betraying my true inner feelings. “Neon? Who is that at the door?” Midnight called from the couch, lifting her head to see me and the mare at the door. Before I could say anything, my mother jumped from my embrace and ran over to my filly friend, standing just in front of her. “Oh my! You must be my son’s filly friend!” She squeed, reaching over and taking Midnight’s hoof, shaking it rapidly. “As you may have guessed, I am his mother, Symphony!” Midnight was taken back by the upfront mare, but I think her years of being a princess helped her keep her composure as my mother berated her with questions. I slowly trotted back over to the couch, sitting down next to Midnight and waiting for my mother to stop questioning her, which she sure did. “And how did you meet?” my mother asked. “Well, I decided to attend one of his ‘gigs’, as he calls it, at the club and he found me, coming right up to me and asking if I was okay, as I was not used to the environment and was quite nervous,” Midnight said calmly, turning to flash me a smile. “Our relationship developed from there.” My mother clopped her hooves together. “Oh! What a gentlemen!” she began, “And you also said you were an astronomer, correct?” Midnight nodded. “Yes, our job is observing celestial behavior, both charting and categorizing our findings.” “Our?” my mom asked. Midnight shook her head, to my surprise, quite collectively responding, “Sorry, old habit. I used to speak for the entire division rather than just myself, and the habit just grew from there.” As I sat and listened, I couldn’t help but try and guess my mother’s game. There were many things that made my mother unique, patterns that she never deviated from, and one of them was never, ever doing anything without a purpose. She was not a random pony, as she may have seemed. My curiosity on the point finally won out as I inquired about this. “So, Mom, what brings you to Canterlot?” My mother stopped her conversation with Midnight to shake her head and chuckle. “My apologies, I did not mean to digress,” she began. “Your father and I were here on business and decided to visit our son! Is that a crime?” I shook my head. “No, not at all. Just a little unexpected, that’s all,” I spoke flatly. A silence swarmed over the room, one that none could have welcomed more them me. But, it was soon broken as my mother stood up. “Well, I’m sorry to say but I must be going! Much to do and much to see!” She started to head for the door, before turning and saying. “Neon, would you see me out?” My eye twitched, but I stood up and walked my mother to the door, seeing her out. “Goodbye, mother,” I spoke clearly. As soon as she was out of view of Midnight, her bubbly face turned serious, her happy-go-lucky tone dropping almost immediately. “We have a private dinner reserved at the Puis Fantaisie Poney tonight at eight, you will attend. And no guests will be aloud, I am afraid.” With that said, the bubbly personality returned and she smiled and gave me a hug before trotting away. I waved her away, before turning and slamming the door as I entered the room, my usual carefree nature disappearing as a neutral expression invaded my face. I didn’t like to get angry. As I flopped on a neighboring chair, Midnight spoke, “I sensed no hostility from the mare, but your demeanor says differently… if we may inquire, what is the cause of your strife against your parent?” I took a deep breath, hesitant, but knowing all too well that getting this off my chest would only help me. “Luna, there is a lot about my parents that nopony can see except me.” I sighed, my face falling. “I… I want to talk about it, but…” “You are ashamed.” I nodded. “Yeah…” A silence fell over the room as I delved into thought, mental conflict and old wounds reopening at the simple return of one pony. Midnight, for her part, stood there silently. Not interuption, not questioning, just giving me time to think. I appreciated that. Finally, my will folded and I let out a long, slow sigh. “My parents are control freaks. They may not seem like it, but they need to make sure that everything and everyone does exactly what they want it to happened when it needs to happen. It’s a good quality for being a conductor, as my mother is, and also in being a stage manager, like my father, but not in being a parent…” I lowered my head, repressed memories I thought I had gotten rid of flooding back. “I… I was supposed to be a protege; a glorious creation of two ‘great’ individuals, but apparently I wasn’t good enough… They made me learn how to play every damned instrument in their orchestra! I practiced until my hooves bleed, I studied as hard as I could in school because ‘a good mind is the missing piece for a whole body’, and I attended every. Single. Concert they brought my too!” I screamed, sitting up in my chair and seething as I shared death at the floor. “And not once, once, did they ever give me credit! It was always, ‘again’ or, ‘not good enough’!” I could not hold back my anger anymore, stepping off of the padded chair and kicking it over. Midnight stared at me with shock, but did not flinch. But, I did not look in her direction, my gaze continued to be glued onto the floor. “But, it didn’t end there…” I began again. “My father was a violent stallion, but he kept it in control when he was near other ponies, and when he was sober. But when he drank, and all eyes were off… he didn’t care what he did.” I shuddered, my back hurting from the phantom pain. “And my mother… she was worse. She may never have laid a hoof on me, but she was far, far worse. She demanded perfection, she was the one who forced my every waking moment to be filled with practice for instruments that I hated. I was good, probably the best, but I never cared. All I could think of was that I wasn’t good enough for them. At first, I thought it was my fault, then I just got angry. Angry at everything, everyone, anything I could get my hooves on. I never hurt anypony, though. If they taught me one thing it was how evil anger could be. I don’t get angry, because what I hate most in this world is that vile emotion!” I stood in the middle of my room, my breath panting and my body heaving as anger overtook it. I wanted to scream, to throw something, but I did what I always did and curled up into a ball, my hooves and legs tightly wrapped at my chest. I didn’t cry, as I was not saddened by anything. No, I curled myself there because then I couldn’t hurt anypony. I didn’t care what happened to me, I’d learned to deal with the pain, but I would never, ever inflict it onto somepony else. As I layed there, I soon felt something curl up next to me. Soft, gently hooves wrapped around me and held me close, and I only curled up tighter. “Please, just go away, Luna. I just need to calm down; I don’t want to hurt you.” But, my word fell on deaf ears as the hooves held me tighter, her head gently nuzzling my side. I expected her to act like all the others that I’ve told, my friends and therapists alike. ‘It wasn’t your fault,’ or, ‘It’ll get better,’ or some other bull! But, to my surprise, the mare remailed silent, simply holding me while the anger slowly faded. We laid there, for how long I don’t know, and for the first time in my life I felt the anger just… wash away. Usually it remained, building up until I eventually had one my ‘mental breakdowns’ or, as my parents called it, ‘temper tantrum’. Finally, Luna broke the silence and spoke, her voice soft and gentle. “You have endured a lot, suffered more than any child should, but I must say one thing about you that we find remarkable: you did not give in. We know anger, and we know hatred, but we have never seen somepony with so much to be angry about, yet not give into it. You are strong, taking the harder path of enduring instead of giving up. But… there is more to your story that you have not told, and we wish to hear it.” I… I didn’t know how to respond to her words. So, I just did what she said, and continued my story. “When I turned eighteen, I ran away. I grew up in manehattan, and had to hitch hike my way across the country until I ended up in Canterlot. My parents tried to bring me back, to save ‘their investment’, but I never looked back. And, so, with not a bit to my name I managed to get a few odd jobs, until eventually getting a scholarship to the Canterlot University of Music. I had to work, like, three jobs, and constantly search for more money, but I did it… I graduated, got hired by big time, and that’s where I am now.” I let out a loud sigh, my anger now gone. I turned to face the mare spooning my back, pulling her close. “I don’t know what my parents want now, but my mom wants me to meet them alone at a private dinner tonight and… and I’m…” I took a deep breath, finally whispering, “Afraid…” Midnight raised her head from my chest and looked me in the eyes. “You are afraid of facing them?” I shook my head. “No, and nothing I can do can change their minds. It’s not me they hate, but themselves. No matter what I do, I will never meet or beat what they expect of me. All I can do now is avoid them like the plague and forget what they… what they did to me.” “Then, perhaps, the only way to beat this is to prove yourself to the only person who matters.” I raised an eyebrow. “And who would that be?” Midnight raised a hoof, poking at my chest. “You.” I couldn’t help but smile. I guess… I guess that really is all that matters. I pulled the mare into my hooves tighter, holding her protectively, never wanting to let go. “Thank you, Luna… Thank you.” The mare only embraced me back, no words were shared, nor needed to be. “Do you want us to come with you?” Midnight said from the silence. “You need not face them alone, as you have me now. You were there when I confronted my demons, so I believe I should return the favor.” My mother's words about not bringing company still rang through my head but at the same time Luna’s words sung louder. “I… I would like that.” Midnight and I stood outside the Puis Fantaisie Poney, the fancy, finely constructed architecture that composed of the outside entrance taking up my field of view. Though it was beautiful, what was hidden within was what scared me. I was finely dressed in my best suit, the one hand tailored, and my usually wild mane was neatly combed back. To my right stood a, well, godess! Both literal and metaphorically. After my… moment, the pizza had come and both me and Midnight ate, and soon afterward she told me she would be, ‘right back’, and teleported away. Four and a half hours later, she reappeared wearing, well, this! The dress was an amazing shade of blue, matching her coat perfectly. Silver tendrils ran all along its length while precisely punched out portions composed it to look like the night sky. I had asked, after I snapped out of my initial shock, where she had gotten it, to which she replied, ‘a friend of a friend.’ Anyways, we now stood in front of the restaurant, Midnight patiently waiting by my side as I prepared myself for the encounter. “Okay, I’m ready,” I said aloud, looking to Midnight for support. The mare nodded, holding my hoof as I escorted her to the desk attendant. “Reservations?” The stallion who stood at said desk spoke, his accent posh and reserved. I didn’t like it. I cleared my throat. “Neon Lights.” The stallion looked over some papers, before nodding. “Yes, right this way, Mr. Lights,” he drawled, motioning for us to follow as she turned and trotted into the restaurant. Midnight and I followed, remaining just behind the stallion as he lead us through the fancy eatery, passing nobles and elites alike. Soon, we made it to a private, cut off portion of the restaurant, separated by a single door. The waiter opened the door and motioned inside, to which I nodded thanks and entered. The inside of the private room was what you would expect: expensive. Expensive painting, expensive carvings, expensive table. Hell, even expensive silverware! And that was just what I could see! Anyways, I trotted through the threshold and instantly noticed my parents sitting at the dinner table. My mom was sitting patiently on one side of the table, while on the other, looking pissed off as usual, was my father. He was a slightly larger than the normal stallion, but was well toned from years of physical work. Yes, he did manage the stage and everything, but he never wanted to look weak so he made sure to, at least, be one of the strongest stallions in the room. His coat was a light blue, with a dark black main. His cutie mark was of stage lights shining down on a pair of moneybags. They were soon to notice me, my mother perking up instantly while my father merely gave me a half-hearted glance. “Neon! It’s about time you got here! You’re already five minutes late and–” her voice cut off as soon as she saw Midnight, her scolding expression instantly flipping back to its bubbly state. “And you’ve left your dear parent waiting!” she finished, pulling a complete one-eighty. My dad even perks up a little at the site, rather because of Midnight’s stunning appearance for for show was beyond me. “I thought you told him to come alone, honey,” my father spoke to my mother in a gruff voice. Not threatening, but still commanding. My mother rolled her eyes. “I did mention that, dear, but i’m guessing that he wanted to bring his date.” Midnight, for her part, used her formal speaking pattern to her advantage, as well as keep a calm, collective composure. “I am sorry to intrude, but it is my fault. Tonight is the only night me and Neon are free to eat together, so I may have asked to tags along.” It was a good lie, as it was half-true. My parent seemed to buy it, or at least didn't press the issue any further. “That’s fine, dear, it was just supposed to be a family dinner, but it would be rude to ask you to leave now.” She motioned for us to sit, which we did. Almost instantly the door opened and several waiters trotted in, each bringing some sort of fancy appetizer or something… I don't know, it looked small and expensive. Anyways, they place the food on the table before leaving, the door shutting signaling my mother to speak. “Well, Neon, as I have told you me and your father have come to canterlot on business, but upon which business I have yet to say,” my mother began, taking a dainty bite of… it, before chewing, swallowing, taking a sip of wine, then continuing, “and that business is about you.” I could have never guessed… I mentally deadpaned. “If you don't mind me asking, but what specifically? I though since you disowned me you didn't want anything to do with me?” I spoke, shocking myself at how direct I was. My mother seemed shocked too, take a moment before speaking again. “Well, uh…” “You were an ungrateful brat who ran away, we were mad and sad what we said because it was how you treated us,” my father finished bluntly, nodding his peace. My eye twitched. “I left because you were driving me crazy!” I spoke, louder than before. “How many times did I have to tell you I didn't want to play before you got it?!” “As many as it took to get you to see reason!” my father commanded, hitting his hoof against the table. My mom gave him a stern look, before looking softly at me. “Neon, we’re worry, we truly are. We want to make amends, for all those years we put you through so much stress.” I… What? They wanted too… What?! “A-apologize?” I stuttered out, not believing what was being said. “Yes, honey, we wanted to apologize to you for that, and to make it up to you we set you up as a first chair player for any of the Royal Canterlot Orchestra!” The room went silent, her excitement fading against my lack of a reaction. “Neon, did you hear what I said? First chair!” she repeated. “Listen to your mother, boy!” My father commanded. I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I heard her, and though I appreciate the gesture, I respectfully decline.” Silence, again. “W-what?!” My mother cried out. “After all the work I went through you refuse?!” “I’m sorry, mom, but I meant what I said, I don't want to play anymore. I like electronic music, and I love the club. I’m happy where I am, and although I appreciate it, I do respectfully decline,” I stated, matter-of-factly. My mother looked in shock, while my father looked… Well, pissed as usual. “How can you chose to work at that… That hovel rather the the most prestigious musical organization in all of Equestria?!” My mom called out. “It's ludicrous!” “Because I just do! I get to make ponies feel better, give them a place of release. And although the Orchestra does similar, it's not the same feel for me. It's not just the music that sends the message—it's the atmosphere, the light, sounds, and even smells! That how I like to play music, with all senses and just just one.” “That’s the stupidest thing I've ever heard!” my father called out. “We traveled all the way over here to forgive you for your stupidity, and your throw away something we worked really hard to set up?!” “If you’d listen, you’d hear that I appreciate the offer, but it's not for me!” “If you’d listen you’d hear what a horrible son you're being!” I slammed down on the table. “Listen!” I screamed. “Can you two get your heads out of your asses and think about what I want for once?! I don't want this, you do. You wanted me to become a famous musician, not me. You made me practice, I didn't chose too. And now I chose for myself!” My father stood up, looking me dead in the eyes. “You sit your ass back down before I put it down for you. You’re taking this position and that’s final.” I looked him back, for once in my life not backing down at the stallions command. “No.” His eye twitched. “What?” “I said, no, old man.” “Don't talk to your father that way!” My mom chimed in. “Honey, I got this!” He called to her. “Now, you are going to accept this position, or we will make sure you never work in this city again. We have powerful friends, you know this, and we will blacklist you from Canterlot.” “My boss would never do something like that!” I retorted. My father chuckled. “Yes, but there are ponies higher up they your boss, there always is. After all, it's Canterlot! Now, accept or get out…” I… Shit. I went quiet, not knowing what to say. I didn't question my father word, as I knew it was true. I bit my lip, considering my next words. But, luckily, I didn't have to answer for myself. “I’m sorry, but Neon has already refused your offer,” Midnight chimed in. She had remained quiet for almost the entire argument, and I had actually forgotten she was there. Now, however, she made herself known, standing proudly besides me. “He has already told you, numerous times, that although he appreciates the gesture, he will respectfully decline.” It was finally my mother turn to stand up, her patience and resolve faded and she had no problem breaking her facade to yell back at Midnight. “Excuse me, but this is a family matter. Please stay out of this.” Midnight didn't flinch. “No, this is a matter between adults, and a threatening one, no less. I suggest you leave Neon alone and leave this city.” My mother scoffed, and my dad outright laughed. “Oh! Now you have your stargazing filly friend speaking for you?” my father laughed out. “Keep out of this, lady. Go look at stats or something.” I looked wide eyes ahead. Not at my parents, but at Midnight. They didn't knew who my filly friend really was, and with both fear and excitement they were getting dangerously close to finding out. “I believe we are done here,” Midnight spoke, grabbing my hoof and turning us away, beginning to walk away. I remained quiet, following her lead. “Where do you think you’re going?!” My father cried, rushing forwards and blocking the door. “We aren't done here!” Midnight glared neutrally at my father. “Yes, we are. Now move before you get hurt.” He laughed, chuckling loudly. “And how are you going to that, little mare?” And then, Luna snapped… The inside of Puis Fantaisie Poney was peacefully quiet, as usual. Guests are, a string quartet played in the background, and five star food was served to ponies of all the highest positions. The entire scene sensed to represent the feeling of peace and prosperity. But, like all things, it couldn't last forever, as that peace was interrupted by a stallion sent flying all the way across the main dining areas, impacting and cracking the far wall of the fancy restaurant. All eyes went from their food and to the stallion embedded in the wall, then following his launch path to the large hole in the wall that leads to the private dining area. If one was to peek in, they would see a very horrified unicorn conductor, a wide eyed DJ, and a petite Astronomer who looked quite pleased with herself. “We believe he as been taken care of,” Midnight spoke, staring out the gaping hole in the wall. “Mother of Neon, we wish you a good feast, as we will not be partaking in any.” She then turned to me. “Come on, Neon, let us make our leave,” she spoke, grabbing my hoof and pulling me through the hole. I nodded dumbly, staring at the unconscious, but still breathing, from of my father on the opposite wall. “Oh… Okay…” I mumbled, taking my gaze away, shaking my head as a smile crept up across my face as I finally snapped out of my daze. “Yes, let's get out of here. Pizza?” She nodded. “That would be delightful.” And with that, we both trotted out of the restaurant, my mother trying to remove my father from the drywall, while all eyes remaining on us until we were out of sight. “I can't believe you through him through the wall!” I laughed out, trotting closely by Midnight as we trotted to a more proper eatery, a twenty four hour pizza place. Midnight furrowed her brow. “We believed he had it coming! A father talking so selfishly to his son, as well as blocking our path.” She snorted. I chuckled, shaking my head. “In all honesty, that could have gone better, but at least now I think my parents will finally decide to leave me alone,” I said, before adding. “Although, I hope they don’t press charges…” Midnight chuckles. “Do not worry about that, Neon, as we have already taken care of that. If he tries anything, we will make sure it won’t head to court, as technically we don’t exist.” She shrugs. “And fear not about your parents threats of exile, as we would not let that happen as long as we shall breath.” I smiled, pulling midnight into a side hug, to which she responded by nuzzling my shoulder. I smiled, guiding us forwards down the street, before turning and heading into our new, more preferred restaurant. It didn’t take long for us to be seated, to which we were given our fair share of strange stares at our more regal attire. Although, me and Midnight could care less. Our food was served almost as fast as we were seated, with both of us digging into our shared veggie pizza. Although we had magic to assist us, pizza still had a bad habit of getting, well, everywhere, but we had managed to isolate the affected area to our faces. After all had been eaten, we both shared a good laugh at how me messy the other one was, and I even got her to blush the deepest I’ve ever seen when I leaned forwards and licked some off her muzzle. After the food was finished, and the bill was payed, my and Midnight headed home. The streetlights lit up the dark sidewalk, lighting the way as we trot closely besides each other, our body's almost one as, our tails intertwined. As we trotted towards home, I couldn't help but look at the beautiful night sky, it's beauty reminding me of the mare that trotted right besides me. “Hey, Midnight?” “Hmm?” she answered, her eyes closed as she relied on my guidance to move our collective forwards. “How… how do you make the sky so beautiful?” I ask, genuinely curious. The mare smiles. “It's not my doing, the beauty relies on a balance that I only help maintain, not create. Every star, planet, and moon has its own place, their balance designed by the physics that hold our, and all other, universes together.” Huh… that’s an interesting thought. “So… You make sure that we don't die from some cosmic event?” I ask. Midnight nods. “Yes. It is minute corrections that help hold backs our systems collapse. Magic, itself, is random, and needs some direction every once in awhile.” I smiles, looking up at the stars with a further appreciation. “Harmony is beautiful…” I muttered, to which Midnight nodded in agreement. Today has been… Interesting, to say the least. What started off good, turned bad, then turned scary, then turned good again. But, even when it was at its worst, I still had the mare who trotted beside me for support, allowing my a feeling of comfort and peace I had never truly felt before. I had helped her fight her demons and, in return, she helped me fight mine… I didn't want to say it earlier, as to jinx things, but now I know one thing for certain, a fact that I had suspected for a while now, but only truly knew for certain now. I love Luna.