> Darkest Midnight
>  by Midnight Flash 777
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> Chapter 1: The Call
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	So our story begins... That’s usually how these things begin right? You know the story of a great hero facing challenges along the way to his ultimate goal? I assume so, but you know, every author can take their own spin on things. Anyway enough talk, well I guess there will be more talk, but you know what I mean. Righto then, enough stalling let’s get this thing rolling.
We join our hero, well maybe not hero, there’s nothing particularly heroic about him, he’s just your average everyday Unicorn, well Unicorn may not be the right word considering everyone in this world is an anthropomorphic pony, but we’ll call him a Unicorn. Anyway back to our protagonist, yes that’s a better word for him, we join him in his home in Canterlot during his morning rituals, sipping coffee and reading the paper, that’s what normal ponies do in the morning, right? Regardless our protagonist is about to leave for work at the local cafe, shall we hear what he has to say?
“Buck me, I shouldn’t have had all that hard apple cider last night...”
Classy... well everypony has their flaws, but let’s look past that for now, I’m sure it won’t be an important plot point later. Now then let’s let him continue.
“Luna damn them all... I really don’t want to go to work today, but I need my paycheck if I want to make rent this month.”
Our protagonist quickly finishes his coffee, puts on his jacket and scarf, combs his long, dark blue hair which has a single black stripe in it and proceeds to the cafe for his sure to be eventful day, or not, we’ll find out I suppose. Our protagonist arrives at the front door of the just opening cafe and steps in to be greeted by his co-worker, Lunar Shine.
“Hey Midnight, boy you look like shit this morning.”
“Gee thanks Lunar, just what I wanted to hear when I walked through the door.”
Lunar Shine giggles and gives a dismissive wave.
“I aim to please, now get back there and do what you’re paid to do.”
“Yes mother.”
And with that Midnight Flash goes into the back and begins to get things ready for the morning rush, though this doesn’t stop him from complaining.
“Buck, why do I have to do this same shit every morning, can’t that cheap bastard hire on a few more hands? It’s always just Lunar and I to handle the morning, and it ain’t easy.”
“Hey Midnight, you almost done back there? We got more customers coming in quick.”
“Don’t worry I’m almost done, just focus on your job and I’ll focus on mine.”
And thus they did, they worked and worked all through the morning. What you actually wanted to read through the morning rush? You’re a strange individual. But back to the story at hand.
“Buck... that was a rough shift...” says an exhausted Lunar Shine.
“No shit, who does that bucker think he is working us to near death?” asks an agitated Midnight Flash.
“Hey, don’t complain, he pays well, so what if we’re a bit tired at the end of the day?” asks Lunar.
“I just don’t find it fair, if he were to hire a few more ponies around here maybe we wouldn’t struggle to keep up.”
“You just bitch and complain about everything don’t you? No wonder you got booted from the royal guard.”
“I told you I didn’t follow the orders because they were stupid ass orders.” Midnight responds.
“So you say, but honestly, you were living the high life, protecting the Princess of the Night no less. How could you just throw all of that away?” asks Lunar.
“It came easier than you might expect, they were fine without me so I left.” replies Midnight.
“I still don’t buy that load of horse apples you know, but I guess I won’t get the truth from you anytime soon, anyway our shift is over, you go on ahead, I have some things I need to finish up here.”
“Right then, later Lunar.” says Midnight as he exits the cafe.
So it was a semi-eventful day I suppose, but regardless, we follow Midnight as he heads to meet up with his best friend Gray Flames... what do you mean you recognize that name from another story? I have no idea what you’re talking about, you’re obviously mistaken.
“Yo, Gray!” shouts Midnight as he walks up to Gray Flames.
“Midnight! Man it’s been too long!” replies Gray.
“You’re telling me, it’s been what, seven months?”
“Yeah, it’s nice to see you again man.”
“Likewise mate, anyhow, what brings a Pegasus like you to Canterlot?” asks Midnight.
“Well actually I came here on other business.” replies Gray.
“And what would that be?” Midnight asks suspiciously.
“Oh you know, I’m just dating Princess Luna is all.” Gray replies smugly as he runs his hand back through his silver hair.
Midnight looks at Gray in shock and disbelief but the look on Gray’s face proves his claim to be true, Midnight’s best friend was dating Princess Luna.
“No bucking way... you lucky bastard, how did you manage to do that!?” asks Midnight.
“Oh with a little help from some friends.” replies Gray.
The two talk for some time before it is time for Gray to go meet up with the lovely Lunar Princess.
“Oi I better see you around here damn soon, ya hear?”
“Don’t worry man, I’ll be sure to keep in touch.” replies Gray.
Gray Flames flies off leaving Midnight alone in town square, it’s beginning to get late so Midnight decides to head home to relax for the evening. What do you mean you’re confused? You say it seems like quite a time jump considering this started early morning? Well let me ask you something who is the author here? Yeah, that’s right, now just read the rest of the damn story.
“Buck me I’m tired, I think I’m just going to go to bed...” says Midnight.
So Midnight does as he says, and don’t even start with “Oh it can’t be much later than mid to late afternoon considering the day started at early morning.” well to that I must say, would you kindly shut up and read the story, these constant interruptions are making it difficult to tell it. So back to what I was saying before, Midnight does his bedtime rituals and is soon out like a light, though something is different, almost, off, in a sense. The night seems darker than usual and all the electronics in the room cease to function. Midnight begins to shift in his sleep, possibly from a bad dream but then a voice echoes through his head,  a deep ominous voice filed with power.
“I am thou... And thou art I... From the sea of thy soul, I come...” says the mysterious voice.
Midnight wakes with a start and lights the room with his magic, after seeing nothing he concludes it must have just been a bad dream and goes back to sleep. Now just what was that all about?
> Chapter 2: Waking Up
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		It’s Seven A.M. as we join Midnight just waking up getting ready to start his day.
“Alright I better get ready to head for work, don’t want to be late.” says Midnight to himself.
As Midnight heads for the bathroom he passes by the calendar and realizes that it’s Saturday, his day off, needless to say Midnight was not happy about this realization.
“Luna damn it, why did I set my alarm when I knew today was bloody Saturday?” Midnight asks to no one in particular.
“Well I’m already up, might as well stay that way, only question is what should I do?” Midnight asks himself.
Midnight eventually decides to do his daily sword practice. What? Everyone has a hobby. Midnight grabs his dull rapier and other equipment and heads to his back yard. He sets up one of his practice dummies and gets to work.
“Man I need to sharpen this thing, poor bastard could hardly cut through butter.” says Midnight as he takes a swing at the practice dummy.
Midnight is quite elegant with a blade, weaving and rolling as he cuts the dummy more and more with each swing. Using his magic he raises more dummies and proceeds to lacerating them as well. Then Midnight gets an idea.
“Wait a second; if I use an animation spell on one of these dummies I’ll be able to further my training!” says an enthusiastic Midnight.
Midnight’s horn glows an electric blue with his magical aura which envelopes a practice dummy. The dummy springs to life and gets on its feet and grabs a wooden sword that was lying on the ground.
“Blimey it worked! I’m actually kind of surprised myself. Last time I tried to animate something it exploded.” Midnight says to himself.
The training dummy takes a defensive stance anticipating Midnight’s attack.
“Righto then, let’s get to work!” Midnight shouts as he charges at the dummy.
Midnight makes the first strike which the dummy deflects and counters with a horizontal slice which Midnight ducks under. Midnight goes in again with a stab but the dummy sidesteps and brings its blade down on the rapier causing it to dig into the ground. The dummy then slides the wooden blade up the length of the rapier going for Midnight but Midnight is too quick bending backwards to dodge the incoming attack. Midnight then gets his blade out of the earth and slices the dummies legs causing the dummy to fall to the ground with a slight thud. Midnight raises his blade and plunges it into the dummies chest for a finishing blow, Midnight had won this fight.
“Phew, not bad there mate, you almost had me there for a second.” says midnight out of breath.
Slight clapping can be heard from behind him as Midnight turns to find the source his gaze is met with a figure wearing a hooded blue robe sitting on his fence, the hood hiding the figure’s face.
“Very impressive young Midnight Flash, I can see the kingdom is safe from rogue practice dummies.” the figure says in a feminine voice.
“Hey just who are you, and what are you doing on my property?” Midnight asks the hooded woman.
“I am but a messenger, and I was sent here to deliver something to you.” says the hooded woman.
“And just what would that be?” Midnight asks with apparent interest.
The woman brings up a long container that was hidden behind the fence.
“I am to deliver this to the one my master has deemed worthy.” says the woman.
The container is enveloped in a blue aura similar to that of the robe the woman wears and is floated over to Midnight and is dropped at his feet. Midnight looks down at the container which is the same shade of blue as the robe the woman is wearing and looks back up to ask her more questions but when he raises his gaze she is gone.
“Okay what the hell is going on here, is this a joke?” Midnight asks.
Midnight brings his gaze back to the container on the ground and decides to bring it inside to open it there. His horn glows its electric blue aura and envelopes the container lifting it off the ground and it follows Midnight inside. When inside Midnight studies the container in more detail, it is a deep blue unmarked box which opens from the top. After studying the box for some time Midnight decides to finally open it.
“Well no point in standing here wondering what’s inside, better open the bucker.” Midnight says.
Midnight grasps the top of the box and lifts the lid open revealing a sword, a rapier similar to his own but more clean and sharper and of much better make. Midnight admires the make of the blade before noticing the other objects in the box, a card with an insignia that looked like an X followed by three I’s. Midnight realizes that this is the Roman numeral for thirteen. He then turns his attention to the last object, a holster that would go under his right arm containing what looks like a pistol. Midnight wonders for a long time what these items were given to him for but his train of thought is interrupted by a knock at the door, Midnight quickly shuts the box and moves it to the side out of sight and goes to answer the knocking.
“For bucks sake, who could that be?” Midnight asks as he goes for the doorknob.
He opens the door and gets his answer as he is met with the sight of Gray Flames holding something that makes Midnight stop for a second, a container similar to the one that was given to him but slightly smaller in size.
“So judging by that look, you got one too huh?” Gray Flames asks Midnight.
Midnight can only nod as he is still shocked by this sudden event, his eyes, one ruby red and the other lavender purple, staring right at the box that Gray Flames was holding.
“We need to talk, now.” says Gray Flames as he enters Midnight’s house.
> Chapter 3: The Answer
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	Gray Flames walks past Midnight into the average sized house and sets down his blue box on the floor.
“You probably have some questions, ask away and I’ll do my best to answer.” says Gray Flames.
“Well first off what is all this about?” asks Midnight.
“You’ve been chosen by Luna herself to defend Equestria.”
“Defend Equestria? How exactly?”
“A new threat faces us, Midnight and Luna is recruiting ponies to stop it.”
“Why doesn’t she just get the bearers of the Elements to stop this new threat?”
“Because they aren’t like you and I Midnight, they can’t use the power we possess.” replies Gray Flames.
“Powers we possess? What are you talking about Gray? What makes us so special?” asks Midnight.
“Listen I don’t have time to tell you everything right now Midnight, I have to gather the others and prepare for tonight.”
“Others? Just how many other Ponies were chosen?”
“One other at the moment.” Gray Flames says as he stands up to leave.
Gray Flames grabs his blue box and makes for the door but stops just as he is about to exit.
“Oh and Midnight, meet us at the cafe tonight at midnight. Don’t be late.” Gray Flame says as he exits Midnight’s house and flies off.
Midnight simply sits for a while and takes in the situation. What was it that made him so special, and what was this power that he possessed? These questions went around in Midnight’s head for some time. Then Midnight began to wonder who the other Pony was that was chosen and cursed at himself for not asking. After pondering all these things Midnight gets up and heads back to the blue box that was given to him. He proceeds to bring it back out into the open and lifts the top revealing the items. Midnight grabs the rapier that rests inside and grasps it in his hand and lifts it from the box.
“Woah, much lighter than I thought it would be, and it’s so well made, I can even feel magic radiating from it. Someone put a lot of work into this.”
Midnight sets the rapier back in the box and grabs the holster with the gun in it. Midnight proceeds to remove the firearm from the holster and examines it only to find that it is not actually a gun, but a mere replica of a pistol.
“The hell? This is just a hunk of metal in the shape of a gun. Why did that woman give me this?” Midnight asks himself while holding the model pistol.
Midnight wonders about this for some time but figures he will get his answers later on that night. He holsters the replica and sets it back into the box and grabs the last object remaining, the card with the XIII on it. He examines the card closely finding there is an ornate design on it depicting a skull in front of what seems to be a door with stairs leading up to it.
“Well this is certainly odd... I can feel magic coming from this as well, wait, what’s that noise?”
Midnight brings the card closer to his ear in an attempt to make out what the noise is coming from the card.
“Voices? I can’t quite make out what it’s saying though...”
Midnight tries for some time to make out what is being said but the voices suddenly stop leaving Midnight slightly confused.
“And now I’m hearing things, fantastic, well no sense dwelling on it, besides I get to play with my new toy now.”
Midnight sets the card back in the box and takes the rapier back out and heads out back to test his new metal. He sets up and enchants another practice dummy from earlier and takes a battle stance while the dummy slowly comes to life and grabs Midnight’s original rapier. Midnight rushes at the dummy and stabs at it but the dummy dodges and slashes at midnight just slicing the front of his shirt but missing his body. Midnight doubles back and jumps into the air and comes down with his blade aimed at the dummy, however the dummy anticipates this and moves at the last second and stabs at Midnight. Midnight dodges but only just and pulls his sword from the earth and knocks his opponents blade away and slashes at the dummy cutting it slightly. The dummy retreats and takes a defensive stance and waits for Midnight to make a move. Midnight does and rushes at the dummy bringing his sword up and bringing it down with all his might cutting straight through the dummy’s blade and cutting right into the dummy itself.
“Hah, this new sword really gets the job done I’d say.” Midnight says trying to catch his breath.
“Anyway better clean up and get ready for tonight.”
Midnight cleans up and rests up for a few hours while he waits for the time to meet up with Gray and the other pony. A few hours later and Midnight is preparing to leave for the meet-up. He straps on the holster that was in the box with the replica pistol and puts on his signature black jacket over it concealing it entirely. He then puts on the sheath he used for his old rapier which thankfully fit his new one. As he is about to walk out the door he puts on his electric blue scarf and heads out to meet Gray and the other pony. However as Midnight leaves his house two figures in the distance watch him, one wearing a long coat adorned with small red clouds with a high collar covering the lower half of his face. The other wears a similar coat but with a hood, the shadow of the hood making it impossible to see his face.
“Looks like your hunch was correct.”
“It would seem so.”
“Tell me, how did you know that he would be one of them?”
There is a long pause before the figure with the high collar answers.
“He is my little brother after all.”
“Ah that’s right he is isn’t he? Well anyway, should we take him out?”
“Not yet, I want to see what he is capable of before making a move.”
“Is that caution or compassion I wonder?”
“Watch that tongue lest I cut it out.”
The hooded figure chuckles and turns to walk away.
“Whatever you say man, whatever you say.”
The stallion with the high collar stands for some time looking into the distance before finally turning and walking away.