//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: His Name is Phobos 
// Story: Nyx Midnight and the Moon Dragon 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

Twilight Sparkle and her friends including Ben and Spike gathered at the cafe. They were discussing and talking about something important, which involved Nyx.

"So, what's an emergency, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie asked happily.

Rainbow Dash squealed happily, "A dangerous monster attacking our home?! New bad guys to deal with?! Changelings Invasion?!"

Applejack sighed, "Come on, you'all. Stop jumping to conclusion. And just let Twilight say it. Go on, sugarcube."

"It's nothing serious or special," Twilight Sparkle smiled. She then giggled happily, "Except Nyx's birthday is coming up!"

"Really?!" Mane Five asked in surprise and shock.

Ben nodded in agreement, "She's serious about it! Her birthday is after three days!"

Pinkie Pie screamed in shock and amazement, "Nyx's birthday's coming up? Why didn't you tell me? You know I love a good birthday party!"

Spike chuckled uneasily, "Sorry about that, Pinkie. We just found out this morning. We kinda forget it."

Fluttershy hummed in concern, "I didn't know she had one. I thought she was made by that evil cult, not born like the babies. Ooh... If you want a birthday for her, that's nice."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Nyx is my little daughter. She's a pony. And she deserve one like others, just like Spike. So, will you help me?"

Applejack smiled, "Aw shucks, Twilight. Of course, we do. We're your friends especially Nyxie is my sister's best friend."

Rainbow Dash smiled, "Count us in!"

Pinkie Pie cheered wildly and happily, "PARTY TIME! So, what's the plan?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Just some gifts, nothing big or special, just to show her of how much we care for her."

Ben smiled, "And also, we need some good decoration and cake. Up to the job, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie Pie scoffed, "You're kidding me?! You're talking to the best party planner in Ponyville! Nothing too big or small that I can't handle! This is so nothing!"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Just make sure the cake is black and add some purple cream. And I need it to be done by third day. Got it?"

"No problem mo, amigo!" Pinkie Pie commented happily,

Rainbow Dash hummed curiously, "So, why 18th July? I thought she was born during the winter time. You know that day after Megan and her family left."

"Well, it was," Spike answered before scoffed, "No thanks to Discord for screwing the time from spring turned into summer time. But we definitely remembered it's thirteen days ago before Discord's first appearance - 18th July."

Pinkie Pie giggled happily, "Oh maybe it's the very first day when PenStrokePony and Batty Gloom start publishing the story!"

Twilight Sparkle giggled, "I'm gonna ignore it. But you all know your assignment, right?"

"Definitely! Let's do this!" Mane Five exclaimed happily.

Twilight Sparkle smiled in relief, "I'll go and pick Nyx up. Think you can handle some management?"

Ben smirked as he gave his girlfriend's cheek a kiss, "Not a problem. I learn from the best."

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she gave him a kiss by cheek. She then trotted off to pick her daughter up now. She can't wait to prepare and start her birthday party...





Twilight Sparkle arrived at Ponyville Schoolhouse as she was ready to pick Nyx up. She even have a chat with Cheerilee.

"Hello, Twilight, it's good to see you," Cheerilee said happily, "Come and pick Nyx up as usual?"

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "The usual. But I have something important to tell you. My daughter's birthday is in 3 days." 

"Oh my gosh, no way!"

"Cheerilee, no offense, when you say that, you sound like a teenager."

"Sorry, I get so excited for birthday parties."

"Anyway... I was hoping you and the class can make a very birthday gift for Nyx," Twilight Sparkle whispered to Cheerilee, "Nothing big, just to show how much you care for her." 

Cheerilee smiled, "I know what you mean. She's a real prodigy, just like her mother. I'll give Nyx her three days off. I'll be sure to tell the class the big news." 

"Thank you. Not a word to her."

"Gotcha..."

Outside of Ponyville Schoolhouse, Cutie Mark Crusaders including Pipsqueak were discussing about letting him to join their clubhouse.

Scootaloo hummed, "I don't know. I still against it."

"Come on, Scoot. Just let him in," Nyx pleaded, "After all, he doesn't have a Cutie Mark and gets bullied by Diamond Tiara a lot."

Apple Bloom nodded, "Nyx does have a point. We should let him."

"Yeah. It's a great idea," Sweetie Belle agreed, "The more the merrier for our clubhouse."

Twist giggled, "Besides, you did let me in, even though I got the Cutie Mark. It's fair for him to join us."

"I support it too. We can stand up together against Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for insulting us about blank flanks. We are one and united," Dinky Doo insisted.

Scootaloo sighed, "Fine... You do it since you like him."

Nyx blushed as her friends laughed at her in amusement and happily. Nyx did has some crush on Pipsqueak.

"Aw, come on!" Nyx protested in annoyance. She turned and ignored them. She approached Pipsqueak, "You're in, Pip!"

Pipsqueak gasped as he jumped and hugged Nyx happily, "Thank you so much, Nyx. I promised that I will not let you down. You can count on me because I'm the Cutie Mark Crusader."

Nyx smiled as she allowed Pipsqueak into her and her friends' clubhouse. They all began their discussion for their next Cutie Mark hunt.

Apple Bloom suggested, "Perhaps we could git our cutie marks fer our birthdays."

"Can you do that?" Dinky asked in concern.

Apple Bloom shrugged, "Well, don't know if we can't try, right?"

"Uh... what's a birthday?" Nyx asked curiously.

Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in shock as they all looked at her in shock and surprise. Nyx doesn't know about it?! Is she serious?!

"Nyx, everypony knows what a birthday is!" Scootaloo exclaimed. 

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, it's the anniversary of when somepony was born."

"I got one, remember?" Twist reminded Nyx..

Nyx rolled her eyes as she commented, "I haven't been to yours, I was Nightmare Moon at the time."

"Oh right." Twist said in realization.

"Yeah, when somepony was born... It's a very special day." Pipsqueak said with a smile. "You know... from your mommy... Well, I didn't get much further."

Nyx sighed in shame, "To be honest, I was actually created, not born naturally like anypony. I don't even think I would need one."

Apple Bloom scoffed as she patted Nyx, "Don't be silly! Everypony deserves a birthday, even you. So, no matter what happens or even bother what others said about you, we and our family will be there for your birthday. You can count on that, partner." 

Cutie Mark Crusaders chatted and commented in agreement about it. They'll be glad to be there for her birthday parties.

"Wow, I'd never thought of it," Nyx said in surprise yet relief. She then hugged her friends, "Thanks, guys. You're the best. I can't wait to have that birthday!"

Upon arriving at the scene. Diamond Tiara scoffed, "Oh, please! Who would want to be in her stupid party? After all, she is the Nightmare Moon."

"Yeah! She did try to destroy our home and our princesses! She don't deserve it," Silver Spoon said in amusement.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon giggled in amusement. Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a glare at the Snotty Duo.

"Oh yeah? It's a good thing that we don't have to be in one of your birthday party like the last time," Apple Bloom remarked.

Sweetie Belle nodded, "Lots of our classmates rather support and celebrate with us than yours because we're better than you."

Scootaloo giggled, "Yeah. Yours is lousy."

Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled happily and amusingly about the joke. This comment annoyed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon a lot. Diamond Tiara smirked as she had a way to get payback.

"Oh sure... Like this little brat has anything different from mine?" Diamond Tiara commented in amusement, "I mean, who would want to be part of her party? She is Nightmare Moon."

Silver Spoon nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Nopony would be stupid enough to join hers."

"So therefore, nopony cares about your party, Nightmare Moon."

"You bet nopony cares! Believe in us. Who cares about your party?! You're a monster."

Snotty Duo laughed and giggled in amusement. Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned in anger while glaring at them both. Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle have arrived at the event.

"That's enough, Diamond Tiara," Cheerilee said sternly, "I believe you and Silver Spoon got something else to do. You'd better leave before I call your parents about this."

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon groaned in anger. Cutie Mark Crusaders laughed in amusement and happily about the duo getting themselves busted. As the Snotty Duo left, Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"As for you, Nyx, you'll be off for three days straight," Cheerilee said calmly, "You need time off."

"WHAT?!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in shock while Snotty Duo exclaimed happily.

"Why?! Did I do something wrong?" Nyx asked in concern, 

Twilight Sparkle yelped in nervous and worry, "No, Nyx! Nothing like that, sweetheart! I just... I just need some help and spend some quality time with you. You deserve it. After all, Nyxie; what kind of mother am I for not treating you with love and caring?"

"Can I bring my friends with me?"

"Sorry, Nyxie. This is just us only. But don't worry, sweetie; they'll come and join us. I promise."

Nyx sighed, "Okay, mummy. Sorry everypony."

Cutie Mark Crusaders remarked and commented to Nyx that it's no big deal or serious about it. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx headed off. Cheerilee took all of the classmates including Snotty Duo into the class as she has some news to inform them...





With all of the classmates including Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon gathered, Cheerilee smiled happily as she's now making an announcement.

"Class, I got good news."

Sweetie Belle squealed happily, "You're getting married?"

"You're getting replacement?" Scootaloo gasped in shock.

Apple Bloom hummed, "You're dating with Big McIntosh?! I saw you and him chatting and talking about dinner this morning at my home."

"No, no, no...and seriously, Apple Bloom, we need a talk about privacy." Cheerilee said in annoyance. Foals chatted in concern as they wondered of what she was talking about. She sighed happily, "I will give you a hint. She isn't here right now and she is a good friend of ours."

The foals hummed thoughtfully as they wondered of who their teacher was referring to. She gave some hints - black coat, purple mane and tail, wings and horn.

Snips yelped painfully, "Can you give us one more hint? I think I just have a big headache."

Snails moaned in upset, "Yeah, I don't get it still."

Cheerilee sighed in disappointment, "It's Nyx, class."

The foals including Cutie Mark Crusaders and Snotty Duo gasped in shock, "NYX?!"

"That's right. She'll be out with her mother Twilight Sparkle for three days while we handle with the gifts. So, who has the idea for it?"

The foals chatted in concern and worry about what gifts they should give to Nyx, and even for Snotty Duo. She deserved one.

"So, what's next, Diamond Tiara? Insulting her? Give her a bad present?" Silver Spoon asked in amusement.

Diamond Tiara hummed calmly while wondering of what to do. She initially dislike Nyx a lot for mostly being Nightmare Moon, as well as siding the ponies with blank flanks. However, she looked remorse and guilty about it since she indirectly caused the Nightmare Incident in the first place. She did it because of her mother - proud and please with her. But she also doesn't want to ruin her father's reputation of good citizen to be ruin because of her. She sighed as she gonna regret it. And students won't listen to her.

"Miss Cheerilee, Silver Spoon and I have the idea," Diamond Tiara said firmly. Cheerilee and the foals turned and looked at her as they wondered of what kind prank she cooped with. She sighed as she announced, "We should make a big birthday card with our own designs, comic stripes about her and us, and of course our signature excluding both of us."

Silver Spoon gasped in surprise before cleared her throat, "What she said. If you hate it, we'll be quiet."

Cheerilee and the foals, and even Cutie Mark Crusaders were surprise and shock about it. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon gave the idea - a good one - for Nyx?!

"That's...a nice idea, you two." Cheerilee smiled, "I'm glad to see that you both show some compassion and consideration for Nyx."

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sighed in relief. Cutie Mark Crusaders gave the suspicious and concern glare at them.

"What's with the suggestion, Diamond Tiara? Since when did you start caring about Nyx?" Apple Bloom asked suspiciously.

"I owe her a big apology about the mess. Just make it up for her. That's all," Diamond Tiara said in annoyance, "But that doesn't mean we're friends. After this party, we're back to the usual bully routine. We won't go easy on you. Don't tell her or my mother about this."

Silver Spoon nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Mrs. Rich isn't exactly kind of pony who wants her daughter to be so charitable and caring. Lucky she's not here too."

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other as they nodded in understanding while smiled happily to Snotty Duo. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon smiled and nodded as they headed off at once. Who knew those two had a heart for others? 

Maybe one day, they will change their ways... Someday...





Twilight Sparkle and Nyx walked across the Ponyville Park as they were chatting about they want to do next.

"So, what are we going to do next?" Nyx asked.

Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Anything you want, Nyxie. Like I said, I want to spend some quality time with you. That's all."

"I guess so. But are you sure that's the only reason?"

"Of course. Come on, Nyx. Let's play the swing. After that, I'm gonna teach you of how to do 'Sisters' Bonding Shake'. And the next, we'll find and adopt a puppy for you. I know you want to have one. Then, we'll go and see a movie. And next two days, you can do whatever you want."

Nyx cheered, "Alright! This is going to be the best three days off ever! Hey, do you think we can see a monster movie?"

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Nyx..." 

Nyx giggled in amusement, "Just kidding. How about 'Space Wars - The Return of Mystic'? I heard it's great!"

"Of course. I'll handle it," Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Come on, Nyx. To the swings!"

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx headed for the fun at the park. They then all began played the swing happily.

-------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie told the Cake Family about Nyx's birthday - black with purple cream cake. They all decide to use Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness or the 'MMMM' as her birthday cake. They then drafted of how the cake looked like. They smiled happily as they can't to get started with it. It will take them for three days.

At her Carousal Boutique, Rarity was working on the little filly's manikin of how and what kind of dress Nyx would wear. Rainbow Dash was practicing her Sonic Rainboom performance - she enjoyed it a lot. Fluttershy was looking through some animals as she wondered what kind of animals Nyx would adopt. Applejack and Big McIntosh were apple bucking and some food supplies for the birthday party.

Cutie Mark Crusaders were at the clubhouse as they wondered of what to give Nyx a birthday present. They came to the decision that they would make the wooden statute of themselves and Nyx - show love and caring for her as their clubhouse's member.

Ben and Spike told some ponies about Nyx's birthday party as well as checking on the event. They hope everything went well.





"She will be here soon," Fluttershy said in concern as she was looking at the animals. She hummed in concern, "Ooh... This is very hard. I think it's best that I should let Nyx choose it."

Angel poked Fluttershy frequently. She turned and looked at him. He turned and pointed at the unconscious Moon Dragon. She yelped in concern and worry about it. She had forgotten.

"Oh dear, I've almost forgotten about him..." Fluttershy said in concern, "I wonder what really happen to him. Why is he here in the first place?"






Flashback:


Last night, Moon Dragon emerged from the flowing river near to Everfree Forest. The Moon Dragon dried himself from wet on his scales. He chuckled and laughed happily as he quickly headed off across out from the Everfree Forest. As he just emerged from the forest, he suddenly got rammed and knocked out very hard like something hit him.

Three Pegasi stopped at once, who were carrying the wagon trailer on their backs. Dumbbell, Hoops and Score turned and checked on something they hit on.

"What the heck was that?" Score asked in concern.

Hoops hissed, "Whatever it was, I hope it's not hurt."

As Dumbbell, Hoops and Score were checking on the animals, they yelped in fear upon looking at the appearance.

"What the heck is this?!" Score asked fearfully.

Hoops gulped, "Whatever it is, I hope Fluttershy takes care of it. I know she hates dragon but this one is harmless. It's just a baby..."

"Let's hope so. Come on. This little guy need some help," Dumbbell said in concern.

Dumbbell and his gang carried Moon Dragon on their wagon. They make their way to Fluttershy's Cottage. They explained to her about it and its condition. She allowed it to stay as well as help and heal it.


Flashback Ends






Fluttershy hummed in concern while looking at the dragon. She sighed in concern while looking at it.

"I just hope it's okay," Fluttershy said in concern. She then heard somepony calling her. She turned and looked at Angel, "Angel, look after him. Make sure he's okay."

At her cottage's entrance, Fluttershy found Twilight Sparkle and Nyx standing before her.

Angel nodded in agreement. He then check on Prisoner 626. Fluttershy headed off as she meet up with Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. They were all chatting about the pet the little one was looking for.

"Twilight, Nyx, you've come," Fluttershy said happily, "Have you come to take a pet?"

Twilight Sparkle nodded, "You bet, Fluttershy. So, whatever animal you want, you can take them home, Nyx. Just make sure, it doesn't cause unnecessary troubles."

Nyx smiled, "Not a problem, mummy."

At the barnyard, Moon Dragon moaned and groaned in pain as he slowly get up. He looked around of his surroundings. The animals were looking at him. It made him very scared and worry. The animals yelped and screamed in fear as they all quickly ran and move away from it. They all hid behind the walls and trees.

Moon Dragon screamed wildly and fearfully, "Where am I?! Who are you?! What do you want with me?! Please, don't hurt me! I'm too young to die! But... WHO AM I?! WHAT AM I?! I can't remember anything!"

Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Nyx yelped in concern and worry of what they just heard.

"What was that?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.

Fluttershy sighed, "I don't know. I just hope Angel and others are okay."

"I'll check it up. Don't worry, I can handle the bunny," Nyx giggled.

Nyx entered the barnyard as she found lots of animals hiding behind the trees, kennels, hen coops and bushes like something had frightened them. She decided to investigate the problem. She then found a Moon Dragon quivering and shaking fearfully on the middle on field. She approached it as she gently patted it. It yelped in concern as it turned and looked at her. 

The Moon Dragon sat still while wagging its tail while looking at her innocently and calmly. It makes Nyx more worry and scared of it yet she felt like she knows him before.

"Hi?" Nyx asked.

Moon Dragon growled a bit as he stood up a bit, "Hi..."

Nyx was amazed and shocked by his sudden talk. And just before she could do anything, Moon Dragon stood and hugged her. She's even surprised by him. She decide to take him as her pet and friend. As they headed to the entrance, they found Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy talking.

"I'm sure Nyx can find the good one. I have lots of good animals like how Rainbow Dash chose Tank and Ben chose Koga," Fluttershy commented happily. As she turned to Nyx and her newly pet, she yelped in shock, "Except that one!"

Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at what Nyx has on her hooves. She gasped, "No! Not that thing!"

Fluttershy quickly grabbed and dragged the Moon Dragon away from Nyx. Twilight Sparkle levitated Nyx away from it.

"Fluttershy, where on earth did you get that-that-that thing?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in concern.

Fluttershy squealed in concern while looking at Moon Dragon, "I don't know! Dumbbell and his friends brought Moon Dragon here. They told me it got hit by their wagon. It was hurt badly. I couldn't let it die."

Nyx squealed happily, "I like him! He's the one I want! Come here, boy!"

Moon Dragon barked happily as he crawled very hard towards Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. Fluttershy struggled in holding him back. As he reached his destination, he jumped and hugged Nyx tightly and passionately. He then licked on Nyx's face happily like a puppy. Fluttershy fell on Twilight Sparkle hard.

Twilight Sparkle groaned, "nyx, are you sure you want this dragon? He's... He's too dangerous."

"Why?" Nyx asked.

"Because he's the dragon." 

"But Spike is dragon. And you treat him like family too. So why not him?"

"Because Princess Luna said that the Moon Dragons are corrupted dangerous creatures in Equestria we ever seen. They were experimented by Demon Lord of Moon. They were meant to attack the ponies."

"But this one is good one. He didn't attack me. He wants to be my friend. Why?"

"Because I said so! And I don't trust this thing! He's not safe!"

Her words had shattered her. Nyx whimpered unhappily, along with her Moon Dragon. Fluttershy sighed as she gave herself a big slap. Both of them gave Twilight Sparkle a puppy dog's eyes. Twilight Sparkle yelped in concern. Oh dear.

"Nyx! No! Not that! Any but that!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern. Both Nyx and her newly pet continued giving her a puppy dog's eyes. She sighed in defeat, "Why do I get beaten by little foals? Fine. But keep an eye on him. And make sure he doesn't cause some troubles. I still don't trust this thing."

Nyx squealed happily as she hugged Moon Dragon happily, "Yeah! Thank you, mummy!"

"So, what are you gonna name him?" Fluttershy asked.

Nyx smiled while patted her Moon Dragon, "His name is Phobos. Okay?"

Phobos smiled as he barked happily, "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

"Are you sure, Nyx? It doesn't sound very..." Fluttershy was interrupted by Twilight Sparkle's nudge. She cleared her throat a bit. Fluttershy sighed, "... violent. Phobos is good. He's all yours, Nyx. I'll go prepare the papers and collar. I don't want to see the problem like Rainbow Dash lose her Tank again."

As Fluttershy was preparing the paper for Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, Phobos panted heavily as he looked around of his area. Unknown to any of them, a group of dragons were hiding behind the forest. They were armed with their swords, spears, shields, bows and arrows. They were led by Captain Moltzar and Princess Ember with greenish scale worn her golden armor.

"What's that Moon Dragon up to?!" Princess Ember demanded.

Captain Moltzar growled as he armed with bow and arrow, "Quiet! Prisoner 626 can hear us. He has sharp ears. This one is rare and special than any Moon Dragons I've encountered. Let's hope my paralyze arrow works on him."

Captain Moltzar aiming his bow and arrow at Phobos. A Moon Dragon walked and looked around of his surroundings like he's trying to get use to it.

"How good is his hearing?" Princess Ember asked in concern.

Phobos turned and looked at the northern area. Captain Moltzar groaned in anger before giving her a glare. Princess Ember yelped as she covered her mouth while having sweat drops. 

Captain Moltzar sighed as he continued aimed at Phobos. His familiar bites on left claw glowed darkly. His eyes then then glowed in greenish eyes with purple mists and crimson pupils-like, like he has turned to evil.

Phobos looked confuse and concern like he never seen the stranger, but he felt he knew the strange hunters from somewhere.

Captain Moltzar chuckled sinisterly, "Don't remember me? Doesn't matter now. Got nowhere to run, little traitor. You're gonna regret running away from us. Prepare to die."

Phobos turned to Nyx as he barked at her. Nyx came and hugged him passionately and happily. Captain Moltzar scoffed.

"Like that's gonna change it. Die... Now!"

Princess Ember gasped in concern before turned looked at Nyx and Phobos. She knew that she and her hunters were sent to hunt Prisoner 626 down but risking the little filly's life to finish the hunt? Was it worth? Will she allow this?! Is she willingly to let the innocent pony die?! Will she let ponies and dragons to fight against each other because of the mistake?! What will she do now?!

To be Continued...

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