Here it is, bronys; Enter the Blueblood. This is a little longer than most of my other chapters just because I started writing and couldn't bring myself to stop for a break. this NEEDED to get out there. so, hope you enjoy the madness that is to come!

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Chapter 10

Black and Blueblood

            Midnight walked around his guest room, enjoying the attention he was getting for his actions. The phonograph that Pinkie had sung along with earlier was re-wound and playing since they returned to the room, now playing what sounded to Midnight like a more relaxed form of dub-step, or ‘dub-trot,’ as the case were. The cyan pegasus and white unicorn, now known to him as Rainbow Dash and Rarity, were busy following him down the table as they all took treats and drinks for themselves, paying him various compliments.

            “That was SO AWESOME! I totally didn’t know what you had in mind when you told me and Fluttershy to grab the curtain, but WOW!” Dash squealed as she floated just above and behind Midnight. He placed the last treat of his choosing on his plate and, taking it in his mouth, walked the plate over to an empty night stand and placing it down.

            “I must agree with Rainbow, dear Midnight; Very cleaver thinking at the spurt of the moment. I dare say, Pinkie may not be with us right now if it wasn’t for you.” Rarity cooed and batted her long eyelashes at him, eliciting a deep blush from the young stallion. He half-choked on the cookie he was eating and struggled to form a response.

            “Um, uh… yeah. I-it was nothing. I just, ya know, did what I had to do. Couldn’t let one of Equestria’s greatest warriors go falling five stories to her doom, right.” He gave a light chuckle and looked around the room, expecting another word or two of praise, or at least a giggle from Pinkie. However, he was met with a mix of silence and confused stares.

            “Um, ‘warriors,’ Midnight?” Rarity mused. “We are not warriors. Wherever did you get THAT idea from?” He gave her a confused look of his own.

            “But… you guys are supposed to be those “Elements of… Melody, or something, right? Heroes? Did something really heroic and big together? Saved the world?” Dash gave him a cross look and hovered down closer to him.

            “Duh,yeah, we’re the ‘Elements of HARMONY.’ And yeah, we saved the world, from eternal night and Nightma-” Twilight came from nowhere and tackled Dash out of the air, much to the surprise of all the ponies present (especially Dash). Twilight held a hoof over Dash’s mouth and grinned nervously up at her friends and guest.

            “Hehehe. Oh, Rainbow. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to bore our guest of honor by bragging, now, would you?”

            “What? C’mon, Twi. You know that bagging is what I do-HEY!” Quickly, Rainbow was covered in a purple aura and lifted off the ground, following Twilight. As she passed her friends going back farther into the room, each one became encapsulated in the same purple aura, being drug into a tight circle near the balcony doors. Midnight could only stare in amazement. This was the first real display of magic he had ever seen! How did that Twilight DO THAT? He stood by the table as the six mares spoke in private.

            “Rainbow Dash, how COULD you? Don’t you remember the order from Princess Luna?” Dash thought for a moment and shook her head.

            “Nope. Don’t remember.” Twilight sighed and scanned the faces of her friends.

            “Princess Luna doesn’t want Midnight to know she and Celestia are alicorns yet. You almost blew a royal order.” Twi hissed, causing Dash to raise an eyebrow.

            “B-but why, Twilight? Why would the princesses care if he knew that or not?” Fluttershy spoke up. Twilight only shook her head at the yellow mare.

            “I don’t know, Fluttershy. But I’m sure it’s some important reason.”

            “I agree, darlin.’ Iffen the princesses want ta keep that little fact quiet, I’m sure they have their reasons. So, we should respect that and keep it hush-hush.” Applejack said with a nod. Twilight took a breath and gave each of her friends a reassuring look.

            “Alright, just let me handle it. I won’t lie, but I have to make sure we don’t betray the Luna or Celestia’s trust. Alright?” They all nodded in agreement and broke the tight circle, turning back to a very confused and nervous Midnight.

            “I’m sorry, Midnight. I don’t want you to think we’re trying to keep something important from you, but please understand; there are secrets and security risks that every country has, some that even most of the citizenry doesn’t even know. But to answer your question, no, we are not warriors. We’re ordinary, everyday ponies who, until we became the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, lived pretty uneventful lives. Applejack, the element of Honesty, runs her family farm with her grandmother, brother and little sister. Pinkie Pie, the element of Laughter, is a party hostess who works in a bakery and sweetshop in Ponyville. Rarity, element of Generosity, is a famous fashion designer and dress maker. Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, is a weather mare, who helps control the weather around Ponyville. Fluttershy, element of Kindness, is an accomplished animal caregiver and herbalist. And I, Twilight Sparkle am the resident librarian of Ponyville and Princess Celestia’s personal student. And my element is Magic.” Midnight sat mesmerized by Twilight’s speech, feeling ashamed that he thought Luna would give him anything but the best teachers to show him how to use his body’s abilities. Twilight held her punch cup before her and took a sip before continuing.

            “We are the ‘Elements’, a nickname given to us by the palace staff, because we exemplify the greatest qualities of each of our Elements of Harmony. Together, we defeated a dark and evil foe, who wished to wrest rule of Equestria away from Princess Celestia, and cast the land of ponies into eternal night. Since then, we’ve been the best of friends and are given a great deal of trust by the Princesses, having saved our land from this foe. That is why they have called on us to teach you about this new body you have, and to act as guides for your stay in our world; because they trusts us with all her heart to do our very best for you. Because that’s the kind of rulers that they are.” Midnight actually felt really touched. He knew what one of these incredible beings would be treated like on his world; caged, examined, experimented on, even destroyed and dissected. But in this world, he was taken in, healed, taken care of, and was now being taught to use these fantastic abilities that came with his current body. All the while, the rulers of this world were constantly looking for a way to send him home.

            “Wow… ladies, I had a feeling you were all famous, but I had no idea just how important and incredible you all are. Thank you. Thank you all for making the time to come here and show me all that you know. I felt lucky that I landed here and was taken care of so well. But now, I really see how lucky I am.” Midnight actually had to fight back tears as the six mares trotted up to him and together, gave him a tight group hug. Most of his memories of his world were back, except the intimate details about his life and of course his name, but he found it hard to believe that he would have ever forgotten a moment like this if he had one before. After a moment, and a gasp for breath after a particularly tight squeeze from Pinkie, the young stallion walked over to the balcony, looking down. “So, what’s next, ladies; magic or flying?”

            The six friends joined him on the balcony, some hopping up and hanging their front hooves over the side as they all looked out across the wide, expansive view. It was the same as it was the last couple days when Midnight had looked out on Equestria, however, it was still one that took his breath away. The pegasus guards were flying in formation over the palace, while weather teams pushed clouds back and forth across the skies, seemingly at random. And down in the court yard, heading to the palace was a rather large entourage, with a large, white coated unicorn in the center, approaching the palace doors. Suddenly, Rarity’s eyes opened wide as she gasped, retreating back into the room as she quickly trotted in place.

            “I need to go! I need to get back up to my room, immediate! I refuse to allow that boorish, uncouth lout anywhere near me! Bye, girls!” Rarity turned and left the room at speeds that reminded him of his chase with Pinkie. The group looked at each other with worry, all except Midnight, who sat thoroughly confused by the refined mare’s sudden change in behavior.

            “Is something wrong, ladies? Am I missing something, here?” Pinkie giggled at him as she put a foreleg over his shoulder.

            “Oh, you know young love, Nighty. Makes a mare do CRAZY things.”

===

            “Why, my dear Prince Blueblood! Back so… soon? To what do we owe this visit?” Celestia moved to meet her guest as Luna tied her best to shrink behind her out of sight. The arrogant stallion was dressed to kill in his usual white dress jacket, complete with his favorite blue bow tie, seeming to pose as his personal assistants trotted in behind him, all looking very disenchanted with the prince, themselves.

            “Oh, my dear aunties! I have JUST been feeling so LOW lately since the Gala, and you both know that nothing cheers me up like a visit with my favorite royal relatives. Tell me; have you any clue yet as to the location of that dreadful mare, Rarity? I feel that bringing her to justice may be the only way to alleviate my current melancholy mood.” Luna rolled her eyes at the white stallion’s overplayed dramatics. This was his usual ploy for sympathy from the alicorn sisters, usually Celestia more than Luna. The moon goddess never understood why Tia indulged this cad! She hissed in her sister’s ear her displeasure.

            “Celestia, I know what’s on your mind and NO. Don’t even THINK about it!” she gritted her teeth as she spoke, barely above a whisper from behind the sun goddess. Celestia put on a fake smile as Blueblood adjusted his mane. She turned her back to him and faced Luna.

            “Look, do you want him to wonder upstairs and find our ‘guest?’ You don’t have any choice, sister! Please, just make sure he doesn’t go in the guestrooms. He’ll most likely just take his usual place in the garden, bother the kitchen staff for lunch and then leave. Please? I need to address the gallery today, and I’ve kept them waiting enough. Please?” Luna looked over Celestia’s shoulder and shuddered at the manure-eating grin the noblestallion wore. She knew, if she was to keep Midnight away from him, she would have to keep an eye on him until he left.

            “Fine. But you owe me, BIG time. Like, ‘naming a new holiday in my honor,’ big.” Celestia giggled at her sister’s predicament, knowing she would most likely have to hear all of her sister’s griping later. She turned to Blueblood, giving a slight bow before continuing.

            “My dear nephew, I am sorry, but affairs of the state call. Do not worry, though; you have Luna’s undivided attention for this afternoon. Please excuse me. I’ll see you again later!” And with that, Celestia trotted towards the throne room and out of sight.

            “Goodbye, Auntie Celly! See you later!” The prince chirped, waving his hoof almost effeminately. Slowly, he turned his attention to the only pony left in the room to deal with him. “My sweet, long lost Auntie Lu-Lu… whatever shall we do today?” A mischievous grin played across his face.

            “I swear, Blueblood, if you pull one prank, JUST ONE today, I will forcibly eject you from the palace out of the highest window. I have too much going on lately to deal with your foalish, asinine attitude.” Luna turned to trot back up the stairs, the prince quickly trotting up beside her.

            “Oh, is little ‘Auntie Lu-Lu’ working on a special project? Do tell, do tell. I may have to lend a hoof to help you, if the endeavor suits my liking.” he said, bumping her with his rump and almost making her lose her balance. Luna stomped a hoof, causing him to pause on the steps. He only grinned as she shot him an angry look.

            “Look, ‘Prince’ Blueblood, my sister may put up with your disgusting, holier-than-thou attitude, but I won’t! You can roam the grounds, make use of the kitchen, libraries and such, but I am warning you; keep out of the guest wing in the second floor. I am entertaining friends, and WILL NOT be disturbed. Is that understood?” Luna’s stare could break stone at this very moment, if she wished. Blueblood took a step toward her, returning with a stare of his own, but backed away when it was certain that Luna would not back down. He turned with a huff, continuing up the steps alone.

            “Very well, auntie. Have your fun without me. I shall find my own entertainment. But don’t think you’ve dissuaded me at all. I am simply… uninterested at the moment. I bid you farewell for now.” And with that, the large white stallion trotted up the stairs and out of sight. Luna looked around the foyer, noticing as Blueblood’s entourage as they shuffled out the front doors. Cautiously, a white pegasus fluttered down from an upper level as they left, approaching Luna with a bow.

            “Princess Luna, I couldn’t help but overhearing. You’re concerned about master Midnight, correct?”

            “Yes, Shy Shield. Unfortunately, I feel I must keep a closer eye on him than usual, today. I hate to do this, but please go and inform Midnight that he is to remain in his guest room until I come to retrieve him. With that lout, Blueblood roaming about, it is for the best.”

===

            “Rarity, please come out! There’s no saying he’ll come anywhere near our rooms.” Twilight pleaded with her fashionista friend, who had barricaded herself in her room.

            “There’s no saying he WON’T, either. And I absolutely refuse to come out until he has left the palace! I won’t be exposed to his horrid behavior again!” Rarity shouted from beneath her heavy plush quilt on her bed. “I have already slipped into my robe and resigned myself to stay here until he leaves! You can come and get me when you know he is gone.” Twilight turned to her friends behind her, shaking her head.

            “Well, I guess that’s it, girls; she’s in there till Blueblood is gone. Sorry, Midnight, but she had a rather… unique experience with him.” Midnight gave a weak grin, nodding to Twilight.

            “That’s alright. If she wants to wait out his visit, I understand. But hey, how about I go find Princess Luna and find out how long his visit will be? He might just be passing through.” Twilight thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

            “Alright, that’s a good idea.”

            “Besides…” Rainbow whispered into Midnight’s ear. “… Rarity is probably being over dramatic, as usual.”

            “I HEARD THAT, RAINBOW DASH!” Rarity boomed from behind the closed door. All ponies present jumped at the sudden roar, with Midnight choosing to take off down the hallway.

            “I better go find Luna, see you girls!” Dash jumped into the air behind him, floating in place a moment before following.

            “I better go, too. Keep an eye on the guy. Be right back, girls!” Only moments after the two ponies disappeared down the hallway, the remaining mares were startled by an armor-clad pegasus flying at them from the opposite direction. He landed with a ‘clank’ and bowed to the Elements in respect.

            “M’ladies, have any of you seen master Midnight lately? I have an urgent, special request from Princess Luna, and must speak with him immediately.” He felt a slight twinge of worry as the mares looked at each other, then back to him.

            “Sky Shield, sir,” Twilight finally said. “Midnight just left with Rainbow Dash. They went looking for the princess.” Sky groaned as he placed a forehoof to his temple. This pegacorn makes everything so difficult.

            “Great. I was supposed to tell him to stay in his room until Blueblood left, and now, he’s out looking for Princess Luna, who’s supposed to be keeping an eye on Blueblood. I just can’t win.” Twilight gave the upset pegasus a gentle grin and placed a hoof on his shoulder.

            “Don’t worry, Sky. We’ll help you find him before he finds the princess. Right, girls?” Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy all responded with a “Right!,” and a nod, then proceeded to follow Sky as he turned and flew down the hallway.

===

            “Where in Equestria did that idiot go to, now?” Luna grumbled as she slowly navigated the hallway leading to her bedroom. Just a few minutes ago, she was watching the royal pain make his way to the kitchen for lunch. The next thing she knew, he was gone. Luna groaned as she now carefully slinked from room to room, floor by floor, cautious not to set off any little surprises the prince may have left for her. She had been caught by his traps before, and if he HAD laid any through the palace, she actually hoped she would be the pony to set them off, rather than have some innocent bystander be the victim of the vicious pranks he came up with. So far, she had been on the receiving end of some very cruel jokes; piano wire strung across the across the hall at hoof level, salt in the sugar bowl, vinegar in the mouthwash bottle, even a wasp nest in her jewelry box. THAT one, she thought, is one she wouldn’t mind pulling on HIM one time.

            “Princess Luna! Excuse me, Princess.” Luna was startled by Dusty, quickly trotting up to her from down the hallway. She very quickly shook the suspicious manner about her and greeted her housekeeper with a bow.

            “Yes, Dusty? What is it?”

            “Have you seen a bucket of water somewhere on this floor? I know I brought one up with me and filled it, but I can’t find it now. It seems I misplaced it.” she said, almost sounding embarrassed. Luna breathed a sigh of relief. At least Dusty didn’t have any ‘royal’ sized problems like she did right now.

            “No, Dusty, I’m afraid not. I’ll keep an eye out, though. By the way, have you seen Prince Blueblood anywhere lately? I seem to have… misplaced him, as well.” Dusty giggled at Luna’s choice of words before turning back down the hall.

            “No, Princess, I didn’t. But, I’ll let you know if I find him. Good afternoon, Princess.” Dusty bowed and went to continue her chores as Luna went the opposite way towards her bedroom. Blueblood was starting to make her nervous. Where could he have gone!!! ‘Thankfully, Midnight is probably in his room right now, still enjoying Pinkie’s party for him. At least HE won’t have to deal with that sod.’ she thought. Luna approached her bedroom door and found it slightly open, perhaps by Dusty or another maid. She gave it a gentle push with her nose to enter. As she entered her room, a loud scream echoed down the hall throughout the entire palace.

===

            Pinkie Pie had just finished munching on snacks and turning off the music from the phonograph as Fluttershy, Applejack and Twilight tried to convince Rarity, still sequestered in her guestroom, to help with Sky Shield’s search. They had a very good chance of finding him if they hurried, considering Midnight and Dash had only gone looking for Luna a few minutes ago. Twilight suddenly caught a disturbing sight out of the corner of her eye. Through the open door, she noticed Pinkie had stopped her usual bouncing and now stood, stark still, a blank expression on her face.

            “Pinkie,” she asked, looking around the door. “what’s up? Are you OK?” Pinkie didn’t answer, but instead responded with a series of twitches and convulsions that all of her friends have come to notice all too well. “Girls! I think Pinkie’s ‘Pinkie Sense’ is acting up!” The mares all stopped and turned to their pink friend, quietly anticipating whatever prediction she might have in store for them. Even Rarity, still in her robe, opened the door to her room and watched with bated breath.

            “Ear flop… eye flutter… knee twitch…. twitchy tail?!” Pinkie shimmied and vibrated in place until the motions were done, then turned to her friends with a worried look.

            “Pinkie Pie? Sugarcube? What in tarnation was that all about?” AJ asked, slowly creeping closer to her pink friend.

            “I don’t know… it was a combo, but… something about ‘watch out for opening doors’ and ‘beware of falling objects.’ Also…” she paused, thinking for a moment. Rarity cautiously opened her door, wondering why her friends were no longer paying attention to her dramatic plea for attention.

            “Girls, I think my ‘Pinkie Sense’ is telling me we need to find Midnight, and fast!”

===

            “Oh, my gosh! Midnight, did you hear that?!”

            “Yeah, Dash. That sounded like… LUNA!”

            The two pones raced down the hall towards the sound of the scream. Rounding the corner, they all but ran into a shivering, soaking wet Princess Luna. Slowly, almost on the tips of her hooves, she turned to them and faced them. Her mane and tail were drenched and hanging down limply. Water was still dripping off of her coat as she attempted to shake the excess off of her wings. She was panting, and obviously still in shock, the look on her face matching the disbelieving look on Midnight’s. A moment later, Sky Shield had flown around the corner, gasping in shock himself at the sight.

            “Pr-pr-princess Luna! What… what has happened?!” he managed to force out.

            “I-I-I don’t know… I-I opened my door and this… bucket of water...” She didn’t even finish before a raucous laugh erupted from the empty room across the hall. The door swung open and out walked Prince Blueblood, absolutely beside himself with laughter.

            “Oh, my dear Auntie Lu-Lu! You should see yourself! Oh, This is absolutely PRICELESS!” He stumbled back and sat down on his haunches, standing an impossible option for him now from the loss of breath and tears in his eyes. Luna could only stand there, the look on Midnight’s face now cutting her to the core. The humiliation at being insulted like this in front of a pony she considered a dear friend being too much to bear, she started to cry. Blueblood caught his breath enough to notice, seeming getting annoyed at the reaction of his victim. He straightened himself and stood up, shaking his mane as he looked down on the princess.

            “Oh, for the love of Celestia! It was a joke! Stop acting like such a little baby!” His demeanor changed from light-hearted to annoyance at Luna’s tears. He slowly started walking towards her, still snickering somewhat as he approached. “Come on now, Auntie Lu-Lu! You should be thanking me; the wet mane style looks wonderful on yo-” !CRACK!

            Luna covered her mouth with their hooves as Sky Shield’s jaw fell open, slack. The last thing Blueblood knew, he was walking up to his Auntie Lu-Lu. Now, he found himself watching the world turn around him, flying through mid-air. Dash blinked in disbelief as she looked down from her position, hovering above the scene in the hall. The last thing she remembered was Midnight moving quick and fluidly from his place on the floor below her. The next thing she saw was the prince’s head shoot sharply to the side as all four of his hooves left the ground. Reality caught up with all ponies in the hallway at once as Blueblood hit the floor and rolled, coming to a stop as he collided with wall a good fifteen feet away.

            “HOW DARE YOU!!! HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO YOUR PRINCESS!!! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!” Midnight was snorting and panting like a mad. He had run up on his hind legs and sent Blueblood flying with a powerful right cross to the cheek. He just stood there for a moment, detached from reality. The Prince’s stature, the audience in the hall; all were blotted out for that one moment of anger.

            “How dare I? How dare YOU! Do you KNOW who I am?!” The prince stood up, shaking off the blow. He straightened his mane and stomped up to Midnight, pushing against his chest with his own. The two met eye to eye, ready for anything the other might try.

            “I don’t CARE who the hell you are! You don’t treat Princess Luna that way! Any stallion that treats a mare like that doesn’t deserve to call himself a stallion!” Midnight’s words struck deep. Blueblood backed away and turned, facing away from his opponent. He reared up his hind legs, pulling back and bucked hard, hitting nothing but air. He looked over his shoulder, finding the rainbow maned pegasus had quickly scooped him up before his attack could connect. He turned back around, finding himself suddenly held back by the white pegasus guard. Luna stood in silence, too shocked by the scene unfolding before her to attempt to act. As the two stallions struggled and hollered in the grasp of their holders, the rest of the Elements of Harmony ran to join them from down the hall.

            “Oh my gosh, Princess! Midnight, Rainbow Dash! What happened?!” Twilight gasped as she surveyed the scene. Blueblood answered though gritted teeth.

            “What happened? I was just viciously attacked! Quickly, guard; fetch my Auntie Celly! Get the closest shackles you can find! I want this ruffian subdued!”

            “I’M THE RUFFIAN?!” Midnight shouted down from Dash’s position above them. He shook himself free and landed with Twilight between himself and Blueblood. He turned to Luna, his mood and tone becoming softer as he addressed her. “Princess, are you alright? Who is this jerk, anyways?!” he asked, motioning to the prince.

            “This is my… my nephew, Prince Blueblood. Midnight, I’m… just fine. It was only a prank, after all.” Her expression betrayed her, still showing she was more hurt than her words let on. “And dear Blueblood, Midnight is an honored guest at the palace, as of late, and a dear friend of mine. He did not know of your stature or relation to me. He only was trying to defend me when he believed I was being attacked. There’s no need to carry this any further.” The prince snorted and stamped a hoof, glaring at Midnight.

            “Indeed there is, Auntie. I was assaulted, and demand satisfaction!”

            “Well, there is one way, perhaps…” Sky Shield interrupted, drawing the attention of the group. “If Midnight and Prince Blueblood both agree, they could have a Gentlestallion’s Duel. They could meet as equals on the field of honor and under a fixed set of rules to settle this dispute.” As Sky finished his explanation, a clamoring of disapproval came up from the group of mares present. An organized fight? A throwback to harsher times long past? This was clearly a ludicrous idea. As the girls dismissed the very thought of it, Midnight and Blueblood made up their minds.

            “I’m in, Sky! Let’s set this thing up!” Midnight growled.

            “And I, as well! You will learn, young ‘Midnight,’ that Prince Blueblood is not one to be trifled with.”

            “Just name the time and place, stuffed shirt! I can’t wait to make you taste the pavement.”

            “One hour, inside the arena in the Guard’s training barracks near the far end of the palace grounds! Come face me, if you dare!”

            “You got it, Royal Pain! You’re going down!” And with that, the two angry stallions stormed off in opposite directions down the hall, leaving the group behind in stunned silence.

===

            “This is CRAZY, Midnight! That’s it; I’m calling this whole thing off!” Twilight said, pacing back and forth behind the charcoal-gray stallion. Sky Shield and a few of his friends worked on him, fitting him with armor and adjusting it for maximum mobility. The rest of the Elements of Harmony, along with Princess Luna stood and sat around the room, occupying their time as they waited for duel. Midnight quickly turned his head, eyes wide, almost shaking off his loose-fitting helmet.

            “Twilight, no! You can’t do that, now! I agreed to this challenge, and I’m gonna go through with it. I can’t back out, now. Not after what Blueblood did, I can’t.”

            “Hold still, please. It was hard enough finding armor that was small enough to fit you in the first place, let alone getting it to fit if you don’t sit still.” Sky shot him an annoyed look before getting a quick hoof to the back of the head from Applejack. “Ow! What was that for?!”

            “That’s for suggestin’ the dang duel in the first place! What in the hay were you thinking, putting Midnight in that kinda position?”

            “I’m sorry, Miss Applejack.” Sky said sheepishly. “I-I panicked, alright? I was only trying to keep this incident quiet and keep Midnight out of the dungeon.”

            “I would not have allowed him to be sent to the dungeon, Sky. I’m sure Celestia would have seen things your way and let it slide. Besides, he never stays long when he comes to visit, just enough to annoy everypony and leave.” Luna mused as she sat amongst the other mares.

            “Thank, Princess. And I appreciate your consideration, Sky.” Midnight added. “And besides, how tough can that prissy poodle of a pony really be?” He looked himself over as Sky tightened the last strap with his teeth and took a step back. The helmet, he saw, was a very no-frills version of the standard issue the rest of the guards wore, only silver and missing the crest. He had brass colored, leather-like saddle that almost wrapped around his barrel, with several small plates adorning it as a type of cover. He grinned as he shook himself a little, feeling the armor play on his body just enough that he knew it wouldn’t hinder his movements. Rarity trotted in front of Midnight, looking over his silver and brass colored armor, fluttering her eyes.

            “Well, I commend your sense of honor and chivalry, Midnight. I, for one, wish there was some handsome, young gentlestallion to defend MY honor when that lout offended me at the Gala the other night.” Midnight was about to question the ‘handsome stallion’ remark when a soft ringing filled the air from outside. A large bell in one of the towers outside rang the arrival of the hour. It was time.

            Midnight, Luna, the Elements, and Sky marched out of the armory, followed by the few other guards that were assisting with Midnight’s gear. Sky led them through the musty hallways of the barracks to the one old training arena that was barely used anymore. As they passed the open doors and various rooms, more and more of the off duty guards ran out to join them on their way. Midnight looked back every now and then to see the growing crowd behind them. “In case you don’t know, Blueblood is not very much liked around here.” Sky leaned in and quietly answered the question Midnight was preparing to ask. The now large group of ponies following him stretched farther back than he could see around the dark halls. Soon, they arrived at the double doors that lead to the main training arena. There was a large open area in the center with a dirt track leading all around the outer ring of the floor. In the center were all kinds of lines, squares and circles for the various games and events that the guards have done over the years. Against the four walls, elevated a few feet higher than the floor were several rows of bleachers, most likely for shows or perhaps performances that were held before the building was converted for the Guard’s use. All together, it reminded Midnight of a small scale arena for a bull fight, or a rodeo back on Earth.

            “I’m surprised that you showed up, peasant!” The group turned to the far end of the arena as Prince Blueblood strolled in, followed by two of his entourage. He was dressed from head to hoof in a modified, golden Guard outfit, complete with a blond crest on his helmet, running from the hole where his horn jutted through to the back of his head. A heavy metal body plate ran in several sections from his front shoulders to his flank, the final section even having a little hole where his tail stuck through. The armor shone with polished brilliance, and appeared to Midnight to never have been used before. He trotted away from his servants and stood outside a large circle in the center of the arena. Midnight quickly joined him, with Rainbow Dash close behind.

            “I wouldn’t miss this for all the bits in Equestria, Blueblood. I hope you’re ready to make a formal apology to Princess Luna when I wreck you, royal brat.” Through he didn’t show it outwardly, Midnight, for the first time questioned if doing this was a good idea. The prince may have been obnoxious, but he still not only had a height advantage over him by about a foot, but he looked to weigh almost twice as much as him. Plus, the advantages of being able to use magic AND being a pony all his life, as opposed to Midnight’s only three days.

            “I hope YOU’RE ready to leave the palace and never come back. Good luck getting back to your own world without the princesses’ help.” Midnight’s eyes went wide at Blueblood’s comment. “Struck a chord, I see? Seems you are quite the talk of the palace as of late, blank flank. But we’ll see what you are really made of soon enough.” He stuck his nose up in the air, a sense of superiority on his face as he walked away back to his assistants.

            Midnight returned to the far side of the arena with Sky and the rest of the guards to prepare, a sense of dread growing in his chest. Luna walked over to him as two large unicorn guards attached a strange mechanism to his left side.

            “Please, don’t do this, Midnight. I don’t want to see you get hurt over me. We can still call the whole thing off, it’ll be alright, I promise.” She tried one last plea, struggling to keep her voice steady. The young stallion just shook his head and looked at the tears held back in her deep, teal eyes.

            “I’m sorry, but I can’t princess. After all you’ve done for me, this is the least I can do for you.”

            “But it’s not worth getting hurt for, Midnight! I’m… I’m not worth it…” She turned away, feeling ashamed at the thought that he might wind up getting hurt in the defense of her. As a single tear worked its way down her face, she felt a hoof on her chin, slowly turning her gaze back up to meet her champion.

            “Luna… yes, you are.” He felt a hard pat on his back, signaling his weapon was ready. Proudly, he marched with Sky and his assistant to the center of the large arena to meet his opponent.

            “Filliiiiiiiiies and Gentlecooooooolts!” Everypony in the arena turned to the back of the bleachers where Pinkie Pie had apparently found a large, old megaphone. She strolled on her hind legs down the center stairs and hopped the barrier into the game floor, proceeding to the center where Blueblood and Midnight now stood. “We’re here today to settle an hour-long grudge match between two mighty fighters who I’m sure we all know and love!!! Am I right, ponies?!”

            “Psssst! Pinkie, what are you doing?” Midnight hissed through his teeth.

            “I’m the fight announcer, Nighty! Isn’t that totally awesome?!?!” Pinkie gave him a wink and addressed the crowd again. “Our first warrior, I’m sure needs no introduction! Stands at slightly bigger than a breadbox and weighing in on a scale of one to ten somewhere in the negative teens, is the one, the only, Prince Blueblood!!!” Pinkie finished with a grand flourish, dropping the megaphone and clapping her hooves wildly. The rest of the arena remained silent except for the two assistants Blueblood had brought with him, and they both slowed to a quick stop when they noticed the acidic looks they were getting from the rest of the crowd of guards. “And our challenger; currently residing in the guest wing of the Royal Palace, he is made of AND is hailing from parts unknown! Ya know him, ya love him! He is the one, the only, MIDNIGHT BLAZE, THE BLANK KNIGHT!” The entirety of the arena’s audience erupted in a loud roar of cheers, punctuated by the thundering of a hundred hooves stomping at once. Midnight and Blueblood met in the center of the arena, Sky Shield standing between them as they went over the final rules. Midnight shot her a angry look.

            “The ‘Blank Knight?’ Really, Pinkie? Really?” He groaned. She smiled and giggled back to her friend.

            “Sorry, Nighty! I just wanted you to have a cool title, too!” She bounced out of the game floor as Sky trotted up into place.

            “Alright, you two. I’ll be watching you both this the whole time, so we agree on the rules, right now. Understand?” The two fighters nodded in agreement as Sky continued. “You will use the training lances currently attached to both your sides. If they fail, then you can fight with any other means you see fit. You both fight until one either knocks the other out or one of you is unable to fight anymore, got it?”

            “What about magic? Am I to refrain from using my power during this fight?” Blueblood said, speaking to Midnight more than to Sky Shield.

            “No. Go right ahead and use your magic. I don’t want any excesses as to why I kicked your flank today.” Midnight said as he adjusted his helmet once more.

            “Hmph. Fine then. Let us begin.” Sky totted back out of the way as the prince and the pegacorn trotted back to the opposite ends of the arena. They took their places as Sky raised his wings, looking back and forth at the two combatants.

            “Ready? Now…” Blueblood stomped a hoof, quickly extending the magically enchanted lance attached to his left side. Sky quickly lowered his wings and shouted to the crowd. “… GO!”

            Blueblood began to charge from across the arena, lance ready and pointed for Midnight. The young stallion stomped his hoof to activate his spring-loaded lance as well, but to his shock and great dismay, nothing happened. Panicked, he stomped several more times with the same results. He looked up, seeing Blueblood quickly approaching the center of the arena, his lance pointed straight at him. He stomped once more, with the same results. As Blueblood reached only a few feet away, he turned to run, the first heavy hoofstep hitting the ground and finally extending his own lance. The tip fired forward towards the prince, forcing him to quickly lean his head to the left. The sudden weight of the lance extended at his side caused Midnight to stumble a bit as he dodged, distracting Blueblood just enough to stop too late to avoid the tip of his lance striking the wall behind where Midnight was just standing. The lance pierced the wall, making him rebound backwards in a hard jolt. Midnight, in the meantime, regained his footing, quickly getting used to the weight of his weapon as a sudden idea sprang into his mind.

            “We’re off to a GREAT START, everypony! The prideful Prince takes a chance and misses as the challenger’s weapon malfunction almost ends this fight before it begins! It looks like this young upstart has a chance to take an early advantage in this engagement! Let’s see if he can manage!” Pinkie began her commentary, swinging from a loose support rope from a long disabled aerial target support overhead, the crowd of guards below already roaring at the prince’s early folly. The Princess and the Elements shouted words of encouragement and caution to their young friend.

            “Midnight, do be careful! Don’t get yourself hurt by that cad, darling!” Rarity yelled as loud as she could while still holding an air of refinement. From the arena floor, Blueblood shook off his teeth-rattling impact and turned to the familiar voice from the crowd.

            “You! YOU are friends with this cretin?! It only figures that a cheap floozy you would be friends with this common peasant of a pegacorn!” the prince fumed. Rarity immediately saw red, gritting her teeth as she leaned over the railing of the bleachers, hollering at Midnight.

            “TAKE NO PRISIONERS, MIDNIGHT! KNOCK HIS BLOCK OFF!!!” Midnight, however, saw this exchange as an opportunity to strike. Trotting slightly to the side towards Blueblood, he swung his body around, attempting to strike the prince with the lance. His inexperience with the weapon cost him an easy hit, however, as the lance quickly buzzed harmlessly over his head. Blueblood responded with a swing of his own, lower to the ground. Midnight jumped over the lance, feeling the metal weapon barely graze his hoof as it passed underneath him. Using the momentum of the swing to his advantage, the prince rotated his shoulders, causing the lance to turn up, and then come crashing down towards Midnight. The attack was too quick for the untrained pony to dodge, resulting in a hard blow, downward across his side. The impact sent Midnight to his knees, breaking the mechanize holding the lance to his body, leaving him defenseless and without means to attack. The crowd gasped as their favorite reeled from the blow.

“HA! This match is going to be over much quicker than I thought! Don’t worry, mutt; I won’t leave you too badly broken!” Blueblood gloated as he trotted in a circle around his foe, struggling to stand up. Suddenly, Midnight’s eyes shot open, his expression changing from pained to pure anger.

            “Mutt… did you call me a… mutt?!” he growled through gritted teeth. The prince stopped in his tracks, staring at the young pony as he quickly shot him a look of rage. In one fluid motion, Midnight turned and gripped the broken tip of his lance in his teeth. Carrying with ease the weapon he had struggled with a few moments ago, he galloped at the prince. Blueblood could only block as he swung the disabled lance again and again, whipping it at his opponent. Each blocked attack sent the prince back farther to the wall as the crowd now stood on its hooves.

            “An amazing turn of events, folks! A potential devastating blow becomes what might be the prince’s SECOND blunder in this match-up! Midnight comes at him with a right swing! And a left! And another right! I just can’t stand the suspense!!!” Pinkie swung back and forth over the arena on a loose rope, sometimes dodging a rogue swing of a lance herself as she yelled into the megaphone. The prince now was in real danger of losing any advantage in the fight. Midnight had him backed into a corner in front of the bleachers. As he blocked another heavy hit from Midnight, he attempted to escape out towards the left of his attacker. The ploy worked, but the return swing of Midnight’s lance hit Blueblood’s side, now breaking off his own lance harness. The prince was sent to the floor, sliding almost to the center of the arena from the strike. He came to a stop on his belly, rolling over as Midnight galloped up, ready to end the fight with one strike. He raised the lance high, readying to bring it down, when the prince’s horn began to glow white. Midnight swung his lance downward, but met resistance, his weapon being held back high above his head. He looked up to find the prince’s lance, surrounded by a white aura, floating above him, holding back his attack.

            “You thought you had me, knave?! I think you’ll find that allowing magic will be your downfall!” A quick downward motion by the magically controlled lance caused Midnight’s head to jerk back, stunning him enough for the prince to stand and distance himself from his attacker. It now suddenly became a match between Midnight and the prince’s lance, as he controlled it from a distance across the arena. Now with every blow, the lance simply rebounded, coming back as strong as ever, never faltering against the vicious strikes the young pegacorn sent its way. The crowd now booed as Blueblood faked a yawn.

            “Fillies and colts, it seems now the prince is taking advantage of his magic to turn the tide in this battle of wits and wills! Can Midnight counter this new strategy before he’s sent packing?” Pinkie hung upside down from a rafter over the arena, looking down with a bird’s eye view on the action. Luna covered her eyes as Midnight staggered under the relentless blows from the enchanted weapon. However, one particularly hard strike sent the floating lance high into the air. As Blueblood willed it to return, the tip caught on a low rafter, holding it back just long enough for Midnight to make his move. With a quick lunge, Midnight shot straight at the prince, flicking his head and releasing the lance towards him. The move was wild, and he hardly expected it to hurt his foe, but the result justified the action. The distraction of dodging the flung weapon broke the concentration needed to maintain the magical grip on his lance, causing it to fall harmlessly to the floor. Midnight had his shot. He ran straight at the prince, helpless to react properly to the rushing young stallion. He reared up on his hind legs in a defensive move, but only served to open himself up further to attack. Midnight’s reared up himself, driving his front hooves into Blueblood’s chest and neck, pushing him backwards across the arena. He leaned his head into the prince’s neck, adding further leverage, until the two collided with the wall behind him. Midnight jumped back, preparing himself as his foe groaned and fell to the ground.

            “I… can counter… anything you can throw at me… Blueblood…” Midnight gasped out between breaths. He snorted and shook his mane from his eyes.  Shakily, the prince got back on his hooves, a cocky smile playing across his face.

            “I’m not out yet, you upstart! This is… the moment this battle ends!” His horn began to glow as he stood, focusing his magic. Midnight decided not to let him get the chance to use it and charged, head long at the prince. As he came within a few feet of Blueblood, Midnight froze in place, surrounded by a white aura, his hooves held to the floor. He struggled against the force of the prince’s will, feeling himself being lifted off the ground. “Yes, my dear Midnight, this fight ends now!” Without warning, Midnight flew backwards across the arena, crashing into a pile of crates in the far corner, becoming buried under a pile of broken boards and boxes. The crowd gave one collective gasp before going silent.

            “Oh, no! It looks like Midnight might be down for the count! Is this really it?! Has Prince Blueblood truly won?!” Pinkie shouted into the megaphone from the front row of the bleachers, unheard by her friends or the Princess as they craned their necks to see their hero almost completely hidden by the debris.

            “YES!!! I DID IT!!! HA! Take THAT, you scoundrel! To think that YOU, of all ponies, would think yourself MY equal in battle?! Ridiculous!” He started a weak trot around the center of the arena. “So much for your champion, LADY Rarity and Auntie LU-LU!” Blueblood broke into a loud, raucous laugh, the only sound echoing though the otherwise silent arena.

            The sound of a single crate falling over made the prince pause for only a moment, and then resume his laughter. The crowd watching began to rise from their seats and slowly drudge out of the arena. Another crate moved, this time being slowly pushed out from under the mess covering Midnight. The cocky attitude of Blueblood came to a screeching halt, however, along with the movements of every unicorn present. Together, they paused and turned their attention to where the challenger lay, causing all the pegasi and earth ponies to stop as well. Slowly, a hum of magical energy began to build, sending waves of power though the room, emanating from the fallen fighter. The energy spike suddenly pulled back, resulting in an electric surge that blew the fallen crates to pieces. The dust and debris from the magical explosion littered the arena floor, leaving Midnight standing amidst the wreckage.

            “Blueblood…” Midnight spoke, barely audible to the crowd. “… NOW we finish this!” Shaking his disheveled armor off to the floor, he immediately went into a quick gallop, heading straight for the prince. Panicked, Blueblood charged his horn, pressing down a magical field upon Midnight as he charged, causing him to slow, but not stop. Another surge ceased the gallop, making the pegacorn pause once again, before beginning a slow march towards his foe.

            “This… this is impossible! You shouldn’t… be able to move… at all! How are… doing this?!” The prince began to sweat as his magic strained, unable to stop the young stallion’s progress with his wave after wave of magic. The audience in the bleachers stood silent as Midnight came to a stop directly in front of Blueblood, trembling as he struggled under the force trying to stop him. In a move almost too quick for those watching to follow, Midnight stood on his hind legs, bringing his hoof up and under the prince’s chin, sending up on his own hind legs as his helmet flew off from the blow. He staggered on two legs, granting Midnight time to land another strike. He dropped to the floor, spinning on his hind legs as his wings shot out to his sides, swiping Blueblood’s hind legs and knocking him into the air. As he fell, Midnight laid on his back, quickly jutting all four legs up directly into Blueblood’s chest. The white stallion flew through the air, turning as he fell to the ground in the center of the arena. He gasped and panted as he lay on his back, sprawled out and dazed. Wearily, he opened his eyes, meeting Midnight’s gaze, face to face as he looked down upon the prince.

            “Surrender… now. I’m not stopping… till I win, so… what’s it gonna be, Blueblood; we can end this… or, I can keep tossing you around. Your choice.” Blueblood noticed the young stallion was sweating and panting as much as he was, yet the look in his eye was unmistakable. It was an iron-clad look of determination, a strength the pegacorn possessed that told the prince exactly what to do next.

            “… very well… I surrender.” With those words, the entirety of the crowd burst into applause. Blueblood lay there for a moment, defeated, but too tired and sore to care. Midnight sat down near him, letting out a deep sigh of relief. “It seems, my good stallion, that I underestimated you. For that you have my apologizes. However, I can’t believe you’re this powerf-eeeyyyyoooUUUCCCHHH!!” Those watching, aside from Princess Luna and the Elements, all burst out in laughter at the sight; Prince Blueblood, being drug on his back across the floor by Midnight, the prince’s horn tightly held in his teeth. “Ow ow ow OUCH COULD YOU STOP THAT, NOW?!” Midnight pulled the prince toward the bleachers, dropping him in front of Luna and the other mares.

            “Now, as per our agreement… say you’re sorry to Princess Luna.” Midnight looked down into Blueblood’s face, giving him a stern stare. He grinned nervously, then turned his eyes to the Princess.

            “It… would… seem I was very much out of line with my attempt at a practical joke, Auntie Lu-Lu. I am truly sorry. It shall not happen again.” Luna’s mind had to recover quickly from the amazing turn of events in the last few moments of the fight. She quickly put on an air of nobility and gave the prince a quick bow.

            “Very well, nephew; Apology accepted. And by the way, I HATE being called Lu-Lu. You will address me as Aunt Luna or Aunt from now on. Is that understood?” She spoke to him with sternness in her voice the prince was not used to hearing. Sheepishly, he smiled and nodded in agreement.

            “Oh, and while we’re here,” Midnight added. “how about you apologize to Rarity, as well?” The prince looked at him with surprise, but any words of objection were quickly silenced with a simple sideways glance from the Midnight.

            “Oh, very well.” Blueblood looked toward Rarity in the stand, a few seats down from Luna. “Lady Rarity, I apologize for my comment earlier. It was rude and unbecoming of a prince.”

            “And…?” Rarity now leaned over the front of the bleachers, looking down on the prince. “…what of the horrid way you treated me at the Gala the other night?” He chuckled under his breath, but stopped with a sideways kick to the foreleg by Midnight. “Ow. Very well. I am sorry for ruining your night and behaving so abhorrently. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” Rarity closed her eyes and turned up her nose at the fallen prince.

            “Fine. Apology accepted.” With that, Midnight leaned down over the prince’s face once more, snorting a puff of hot air at him.

            “Our duel is over, Blueblood. I hope you remember this, big guy; nopony likes a bully.” Midnight turned away and started walking back to the barracks locker rooms. Blueblood’s assistants hopped over the front of the bleachers to help their charge back to his hooves, just as Luna and the Elements ran down to meet Midnight amid the Royal Guards already congratulating him.

            “Midnight! That was… well, amazing! How were you able to resist his force field and levitation attacks? You weren’t even taught anything on how to use your powers, yet!” Twilight mused, baffled at the young stallion’s skills.

            “Yeah, and the way you tripped him up with your wings! Didn’t that HURT?! I mean, that hurt ME just watching it!” Rainbow Dash asked, hovering just above the rest of her friends. Luna drew close to him, at a loss for words. He wearily looked up at her with a grin, exhausted from the whole ordeal. Her eyes darted up and down his body as she slowly spoke.

            “Midnight… what happened to your wings?” He looked at her with confusion, then quickly turned his head to inspect his wings. A sudden light-headedness washed over him, blurring his vision and making him weak on his hooves. He tightly closed his eyes and straightened himself, looking forward again to Luna. The feeling of vertigo increased as he opened his eyes, multiple Lunas appearing before him as he tried to take a step, stumbling on his hooves.

            “Princess… girls… help…” Consciousness faded away as the world went black for the young stallion. He hit the floor, out to the world at the hooves of the Princess, his body splayed out before her. He lay there in an exhausted state, unaware of the meaning of Luna’s question. His wings had loosened as he slipped into his deep sleep, unfolding and almost fully extended for all to see. The wings that were charcoal-gray when he entered the arena. The wings that then entire arena watched in awe as he was pelted with waves of magic. The same wings that were now changed from gray, to a bright, crimson red.

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Hope you liked this one, guys. I didn't want to hurt His Royal Smugness too much; he'll be needed in the chapters to come. BTW, all my pre-written chapters are now corrected, polished and caught up with the ones I put on ponyfictionarchive.net, but I'll still try to get the new ones out to you guys ASAP. Be warned, though; this next one coming up might make you shed manly tears. Stay linked for "Princess of Darkness", right here in

STAR CROSSED!

p.s. I'm thinking of doing a Q&A chapter where you guys could ask the cast things you might be curious about. If you have any questions, just PM me and I'll do it when I get enough to make it interesting! see yas! Next Chapter: Princess of Darkness Estimated time remaining: 12 Hours, 48 Minutes