Alright, everypony,the new chapter is here! I'm sorry about the long wait. believe me, I feel horrible about it, but I got a good reason for it. See, I was kinda, sorta, maybe in a little bit of a... head on collision while driving the work truck last week. I'M FINE, before anypony freaks out! Was sitting at a light, and some jackass jock teenager blew through the light while texting and smashed into my truck while I was sitting still. his car's totaled, my work truck is down, and my right hand that was on the wheel had to have an air cast for a week. but it came off the other day, and I immediately got to work and finished this up! sorry for the length, but like i said before; every chapter will run just as long as it needs to to help progress the story. actually, I'm pretty happy with this one, so I'll shut up now and let you have at it. Enjoy!

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Chapter 16

A Great and Powerful Noise

“WAKEY, WAKEY, EGGS AND BAKEY!!! Today’s the day, my little minions!!!” The five members of the Killjoys jumped awake, hopping up from a dead sleep and stumbling over their paws and hooves as their master, Bedlam, shouted. The draconequus marched around their encampment in a circle, wearing the entire set-up of a one-pony band and playing each instrument... badly. He wore a large bass drum on his back, pounding on the two sides with his wings. A single cymbal sat atop of a pole jutting from the top of the drum, the beast’s horns hitting it every time his head reared backward. On his hind legs, he wore strips of bells, with two cymbals between the knees of his forelegs. He held a harmonica in his mouth, the instrument moving back and forth rapidly by magic. But perhaps the worst of all, in his mis-matched arms he held a large accordion, squeezing out ear-splitting chords that sounded like some poor soul caught in the rainbow maker of the Cloudsdale weather factory.

“M-master! Sorry we were asleep! We weren’t...” Klokwerk looked around to gather his team, finding the area still dark. Bedlam still paraded around the clearing, banging away at instruments. He shimmied over to a still groggy Tumbler and shook off the instruments, each one floating in the air behind him, each one now seeming to play better without his control. Bedlam scooped up the jester mare, dancing around the clearing with her in time with the music. The disoriented servant hung limp as a rag doll as she tried to make sense of the situation she woke up into. The draconequus tossed her in the air, her four legs flailing as she just barely managed to catch herself with a levitation spell before flying into Grimdark’s open mouth, mid-yawn.

“Today is going to be a GLORIOUS DAY, my little underlings! Equestria is primed and ready to blow, we’re the one’s with the match and Canterlot is the fuse!” Bedlam said, snapping his fingers and dropping the instruments, each one splattering into multi-colored liquid as they hit the ground. He straightened himself out as the five followers formed a row before him, standing ready to receive their orders. Suddenly, Bedlam’s demeanor grew serious and stern, a look of determination in his eyes as he smiled a wicked, fang-filled grin. “Alright, my good creatures, listen up. Today at noon the attack begins. I want you all in position to act when the time is right. If all goes according to plan, we should be able to acquire our target during the attack. Then, we’ll have the final key piece we need to achieve our ultimate goals. It’s just a matter of creating a big enough distraction to swoop in and grab it...”

“What kind of distraction would you like, Master?” Crash and Burn asked in unison. The draconequus chuckled, wrapping his fingers together as ne leaned down to eye level with his subordinates. A chalk board appeared behind him, floating in mid air. A single piece of chalk quickly drew an over head view of Canterlot, a long pointer appearing in Bedlam’s hand.

“Nothing special, really. I’m thinking along the lines of... the total destruction of Canterlot.”

===

“Let her go, NOW!” The voice rung loud through the alley, drawing the attention of the two attackers, echoing louder than the cries of the woman held tightly by their heavy arms. The victim took this moment of surprise to her advantage, stomping on her attacker’s foot with her high heel hard enough to make him let her go. The rough looking man stumbled backwards a moment, allowing her the moment she needed to make a break for it, taking off down the alley into the darkness and leaving her purse behind. Now, with the crying woman gone, the young man was left alone in the alley, facing the two attackers.

“Who the hell are you?! Do we go to YOUR place of business and bother you while YOU’RE workin’?!” the one thug said as he shoved some items from the purse into his coat pocket, tossing the purse in the nearby open dumpster. The second thug was done rubbing away the pain in his foot, joining his companion as they approached the young man.

With the woman long gone, the young man had no reason left to stay anymore. Turning quickly, he started running back down the alley away from the thugs. He could hear shouts from the two as he rounded the corner, their own running footsteps starting to echo down the stone walls. His heart pounded in his chest, beating faster each time his foot hit the ground. Blindly, he maneuvered through the dark back streets, always seeing out of the corner of his eye the exit to the main drag, never being able to turn around for danger of being caught.

The young man turned once again down another blind alley. This time, running face first into a chain link fence. He rebounded back, landing on his back, looking in the direction he just came. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope: another entrance to the alley, with the sounds of traffic. IF he could just make it to the street, he’d be safe. Quickly getting back to his feet, he stumbled towards his path to freedom, only to be cut off by the attacking thugs.

“Whoo! We got a runner here, man!” the first thug said.

“I can see that. He doesn’t look too happy to see us, now does he?” the second answered. The first reached into his jacket pocket, pulling a small piece of metal. With a click and a flash, a straight, sharp blade sprang out from the handle.

“Then let’s put a smile on his face.” Th two approached the young man, flanking him on both sides with the fence against his back. The armed thug approached, pulling back his arm to swing the knife at his victim. At the last moment, the young man lunged forward, stepping inside his attack, the knife missing him as he landed a heavy punch to the attacker’s chest. Balling up his fist, he spun around, another heavy punch connecting with the second thug’s face, causing him to stumble backwards. As the armed attacker gasped in a pile of trash bags, the young man continued to spar with his companion. Landing blows and dodging, the man slowly pushed his attacker back, hoping to be able to make a break for the open alley entrance and freedom, growing ever closer by the second.

A loud !CRASH! knocked the young man to the ground, stinking water and garbage falling all over him. The trash can that hit him rolled across the ground, coming to a stop against the walls of the alley. The young man looked up just in time to see a large, black coot flying towards his face, connecting with enough force to send him flying backwards, landing hard as he looked up to the dark sky. The rest was a blur. Amidst a flurry of heavy fists and hard boots, he was thrown about the alley, virtually unable to attack or defend. A slash against his cheek sent a new pain through his body. Then another against his arm, his back, his chest. The abrasive words of the two thugs became muffled speech, deep and unintelligible, with a random laugh coming through at times. Laying on his belly again, he felt like he was choking, coughing and sputtering out a thick splatter of blood and a single tooth against the ground.

The attack stopped, the young man believing it finally at an end. Suddenly, he could feel his legs and arms rising up. Then, his body followed, being lifted up off the ground. They were carrying him, running down the alley, laughing as they went. A bright light filled his swollen eyes as the street light shined down on him, the thugs coming to a stop. Then, he began to swing. Held by the hands and feet, he swung back and forth, the laughter of the two attackers ringing in his ear’s. Then, they released, and he felt free. Suspended in the air for that moment, all seemed at peace. He blinked the blood and tears from his eyes, looking up towards a new bright light, words shining above them and approaching fast. The last thing he remembered were the laughs of the two attackers he had stopped from hurting the woman. That, and the blaring of a horn as he looked up to read the words, “BUS OUT OF SERVICE.”

===

Midnight awoke with a start, reaching blindly for anything he could get a grip on. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he looked around the room. His bed room, safe and sound within the huge royal palace in the pony city of Canterlot. He looked towards the windows. Still dark, but the moon was very close to the horizon. He looked down at the bed beside him. Still sleeping soundly was Luna, nuzzled against the pillow in a way that somewhat reminded him of a kitten. The vision made him chuckle a bit, a yawn sneaking it’s way out of his muzzle. Taking solace in the peace and quiet of the moment, Midnight curled back under the covers. Luna murmured something in her sleep, then extended her forelegs, wrapping them around him once more, smiling as he moved closer into her unconscious embrace. The pegacorn drifted back off the sleep, the memory of the strange nightmare fading as soon as he closed his eyes.

===

The gentle light of the sun shone through his eyelids, coaxing the pegacorn awake. With eyes still closed, he reached beside him, finding the bed empty, Luna nowhere to be found. “Good morning, champion.” a sweet voice behind him chimed. Midnight turned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, his princess coming into view. However, she was changed. Different somehow, still her but physically changed. She was smaller now, perhaps no bigger than one of the Elements. Her coat was still dark blue like the night sky. However, her mane was similar to what it was before her transformation, but shorter and a soft aquamarine color, with tail shorter and frayed at the end like Rainbow Dash’s. Her eyes were different as well, changed to a shining bright green. Even her cutie mark was gone, replaced by a grey cloud with three drops of rain falling from it. However the most striking change was that her beautiful swan-like wings were now completely gone. The changed princess looked at him and blushed, giggling as she raised a hoof, timidly. “Well... how do I look?”

“You... I... Lu... “ the stallion stuttered out as he slowly sat up, hind legs hanging off the bed. His beautiful princess had changed again, this time looking more like the average mare he had seen in the street as he flew of Canterlot yesterday. “When did you... I mean... why?” was all he could think to say.

“It’s my disguise, silly. We’re going out to see the city today, remember. That is... if you still want to.” A disguise? This was one amazing disguise! Midnight stood up and stretched, waking up the rest of the way. He walked around Luna, examining the ‘alicorn’ as she stood proudly before him. “It’s really good, right? I thought of it myself right after I lowered the moon. And guess what? You have one, too!” Midnight looked at the clock, noticing it was still only a little after seven. The sun had only been up for maybe an hour at the most, and Luna had done all this.

“Wait, what? I have a disguise? How did you make one for yourself AND me in the short time since you’ve been up?”Luna trotted to the bedroom door, opening it and levitating in a small box, wrapped up in a red bow. She levitated it in front of Midnight, gently putting it down on the floor in front of him. “This isn’t from Pinkie Pie, is it? She’s not gonna jump out of this and surprise me, is she?” he said, poking it with a hoof. Find it a little hard to summon the concentration necessary to use magic, the stallion chose to use his mouth for a change to open the box. Lifting the lid with his hooves, he placed it aside and reached in, taking out what appeared to be a long cape.

“Surprise! Rarity made it for you, to make you feel a little better after, well... your unpleasant memory last night. It’s a cape that doubles as a hood that Twilight enchanted. It’ll make your horn invisible to everypony around you. Plus, it’ll turn your coat red and your mane orange. I designed the cutie mark it’ll give you. Go on, try it!” Luna giggled as he examined it from front to back. It seemed like a regular hoodie any human would wear, save for the two holes in the back meant for his wings to slip through. The chest was also out more for a pony’s rounded barrel, but otherwise, it was a normal grey hoodie with drawstrings. Turning it over, he stuck his head in through the waist of the garment, making sure to mind the tip of his horn. With some work, he managed to get it over his head and work his forelegs through the ‘arms’ of the item. And with some VERY careful work, he slipped his wings through both holes in the back. As he straightened it around his trunk, he could feel a light tingle of magic working through him. Suddenly, starting from the tip of his horn, the changes took place. First, his horn vanished, fizzling out like a fuze on a firework. Then, his coat changed color from the tip of his nose on back to his tail. Then, much to his surprise, a cutie mark appeared. With a sparkle of magic, a crescent moon appeared, partially covered by a silver shield.

“Hey! I got a cutie mark! Oh... but it’s temporary, right? I lose it when I lose the hoodie?” he said dejected. Luna nodded, pointing to the new marking on his flank.

“I’m afraid so, dearie. Eventually, you’ll have to discover your talent and earn it like everypony else. By the way...” Luna said, giving him a shy look. She slowly approached him, her head low, ears folded back. “... do you still want to... discuss staying in Equestria with Celestia later? I mean if you were just saying that because you were upset last night... I understand.” Midnight looked himself over, amazed at the care they had put into this one day’s worth of activity for him. Once again, he was truly touched by the affections of these ponies who he had come to call his friends. He trotted over and wrapped a foreleg around Luna in a gentle embrace.

“No, I wasn’t just venting... I think I really wanna stay. I mean... my friends back home will miss me, but humans are pretty resilient. They’ll find another singer and move on without me. But really? I have about as much waiting for me back in my world as I have here now.” He released his grip, taking the box from the floor and placing it on the night stand beside the bed. “Besides... the human world might be nice, but Equestria has something it’ll NEVER have.”

“What’s that, Midnight?” Luna asked as she trotted over to the door. Midnight quickly trotted over to her, a goofy grin on his face.

“You.” he said, nuzzling her neck. The night princess giggled, giving him a nuzzle back.

“That was probably the corniest thing I’ve ever heard!” Luna said with a laugh. “Come on, lover-colt; we have a city to see.”

===

“So... copper coins are worth one, silver ones are worth ten and gold ones are worth a hundred? Reminds me of an MMO I played...” Midnight went over the pony monetary system one more time, hoping he didn’t accidently give too much change and have himself get ripped off. It was already too much in his mind that Princess Celestia had allotted him and Luna five hundred bits apiece from the royal treasury for their outing. All he needed was to lose one or two precious gold coins and be out of a big chunk his spending cash all at once.

Their little adventure started out in a less than usual manner, being escorted through an elaborate system of tunnels and passageways under the palace, then, under the streets to a secluded mansion in the middle of an upper class neighborhood. Walking up a narrow set of stairs, the two entered an old, but seeming well taken are large garden shed that opened into a large court yard. This had been a long forgotten emergency escape route to be used by the princesses or other members of the palace staff in case of an invasion. However, it served Luna’s purpose just fine, being a way to leave the palace discreetly and out of the eyes of the small clique of reporters that would often hand about the palace gates, hoping to overhear some gossip. With some reluctance from the guards, Luna convinced them to allow the two intrepid explorers the freedom to explore the city at their leisure.

“Just relax, Midnight. This is only a casual day on the town, not a huge diplomatic mission.” Luna said as they exited the courtyard and into the street. There wasn’t much foot, or rather, HOOF traffic at the moment, but the street could hardly be called deserted with the numbers of ponies going about their usual routines. “We’ll go to a café, do some shopping... maybe even catch a show at a playhouse, later. Unless there’s something specific that you want to do today.”

“Really, I’m just glad to be out, personally. I’ve wanted to see what regular pony life was for a few days now. But what really makes me happy is seeing you so happy.” he said with a grin. It was true; Luna seemed genuinely excited to be out amongst her subjects again. Even though she now looked like any other unicorn mare, Midnight thought that might be for the best. Like she said, keeping this a casual outing would probably be the best first experience for her after a thousand years secluded away from society. “Could you stay here a moment? I just wanna fly up and get an idea of where we are.” Luna nodded, and Midnight took a few steps in a quick canter, spreading his wings and taking off into the sky. He circled as he rose, getting high enough to get a good view of their surroundings. It really was a nice neighborhood, being only a block or so from the market areas he had seen in his scouting trip the other day. With this new bearing, he descended back to the street where Luna had waited for him.

“Well, are we ready to go, my champion?” the princess said with a smile.

“Course plotted, and ready to deploy, ma’am.” he answered, standing straight and giving a salute. Luna took her place beside him, playfully bumping her rump against his before the two set out into the city.

===

All in all, Midnight found the similarities between Canterlot and New York incredible. They had taxies, street performers, food stands, crazy traffic, countless shops and restaurants and endless crowds of ponies in every direction. The one park they had found was so much more than he guessed from the air, being a large kind of cageless zoo where all kinds of ‘wild’ animals would roam about to be enjoyed by the populous in peace. Another sight was the Grand Garden, a large round area in a center holding a huge fountain wit three pony statues at the top squirting water from their mouths, representing the three tribes of ponies. With the number of food and drink stands about the clearing, Luna and Midnight decided this would be a perfect spot to rest and have brunch. Midnight couldn’t for the life of him remember the last time ha had EVER had brunch, but the number of items he was carrying in his saddlebags that Luna had decided to purchase helped in his agreement to stop and rest a while.

“I’ll go get you and I a snack and a drink if you want to take a break, Midnight.” Luna said, motioning to the benches under the shade of a large tree. The stallion looked over at the small line in front of the pretzel stand Luna had in mind. Almost instinctively, the gentlestallion in him kicked in.

“No, that’s alright, Luna. You can take a break and sit down. I’ll get the snacks.” he said, leaning down and placing the saddlebags in front of the bench. He stretched, his back being free of the weight of the items Luna had purchased, causing several of his vertebrate to audibly and painfully pop. His face contorted as Luna tried to stifle a laugh, Midnight only giving out a nervous chuckle. “Alright... I guess... you could get the snacks, than...”

Luna trotted over to the line as Midnight sat back on the bench, plopping on his rump, hind legs hanging down to the ground. He rubbed his neck, turning his head from side to side before noticing several other ponies on the other benches giving him strange looks. They were all sitting in the standard pony position; hind legs tucked underneath themselves and forelegs out, the benches all obviously large enough to accommodate ponies sitting this way. It was at this time that he became aware of his own posture. To the ponies in the park right now, him sitting this way was... weird, st say the least. Another thought that suddenly occurred to him was that, in this position, the hoodie he was wearing didn’t exactly provide... ‘cover,’ for him. Slowly, Midnight got off the bench and climbed back on like the rest of the ponies in the park, trying not to blush too much.

“First time using a bench, Midnight?” a familiar voice asked from behind him. The stallion froze, some other pony obviously having seen through his magical disguise. Slowly, he turned, noticing an all-too-familiar blond unicorn stallion, grinning right behind him.

“BLUEBLOOD!” Midnight almost fell over, scrambling to his hooves and balancing himself on a single hind leg, forelegs high above his head in an attack stance, ready for anything from the prissy stallion.

“Whoa! What are you DOING? Calm down, Midnight, I come in peace!” the prince said, rearing back in a defensive position. The pegacorn paused, dropping back down to all fours but still keeping well out of reach of the unicorn. “Oh, relax, my good stallion. I’m only stopping by to have a word with you, not to fight. Please, may I sit with you for a while?” he said, gesturing to the bench.

“Yeah... sure.” Midnight said, somewhat reluctantly. He climbed back on the bench, Blueblood went to sit down, but paused to inspect the wooden bench for dirt. Only after brushing some away with his tail did the white stallion sit down.

“So... How did you recognize me through this disguise?” Midnight asked, still giving the prince a guarded stare.

“Oh, come now, my good stallion. Anypony present at our little conflict would recognize that impressive magical aura you have about you.” the prince said, matter-of-factly. Midnight looked himself over, not noticing any signs of magic currently showing on him. “It’s not physical, Midnight. What? Has nopony ever told you about your magical aura?”

“Well, no. But gimme a break. I just learned to use magic yesterday! I’m still fuzzy on some of the finer points, ok?” Blueblood chuckled at him, giving him a grin.

“Your magical aura is the field of magic in your body, completely unique to you in strength, reach and level of skill. It might change over time with practice, but overall remains the same through most of your life. I got a good taste of it when you repelled my force spell in our duel. Seriously, I can’t BELIEVE nopony ever told you about it.” The prince held his hoof up, covering his face as he let out an obnoxious chuckle. Midnight brow furrowed in a angry stare.

“So, instead of swearing revenge on me for beating you, you’d rather just sit there and make snarky comments? Way to come in peace, you snob.” Yes, it was directly insulting, but at the time, Midnight didn’t care. He was looking right at the same pony who had insulted Rarity and her friends. The same pony who had made poor Luna cry, for buck sakes! The prince stopped, his face changing to one of shock, and then, his mood dropping to one of sadness.

“Yes... I know.” was all he managed to say, looking at the ground.

“Yeah, wel- wait... what? You know?”

“I know I... lack... certain skills in dealing with the common pony. Being involved with the upper-crust of society for so long has done that to me.” he said, extending a foreleg to the ground and tracing the dirt with the tip of his hoof. “Oh... who am I trying to kid? I’m horrible with EVERYPONY, not just commoners!” He laid his head down on the bench towards Midnight, covering his face with both forehooves as he continued his muffled wail. “I’m a snob, and now I know it! There’s no doubt in my mind! Not one single pony was rooting for me in our battle, not even my subordinates! I actually think they were cheering the loudest when you defeated me! Everypony hates me for my ways, and I have only myself to blame!” Blueblood began to sod into the bench, still covering his face with his forelegs. Thankfully, he had muffled himself enough that he didn’t attract the attention of any of the other ponies in the park. Not sure of what to do, and certainly not wanting to draw a crowd to the pathetic scene, Midnight cautiously placed a forehoof on the princes shoulder, giving him a firm rub.

“Hey... big guy... come on, now. I’m... I’m sure there’s lost of ponies out there who think the whole world of you. Maybe those two friends you brought to the battle with you just got caught up in the excitement.” he suggested to the sobbing aristocrat, who quickly shook his head in response.

“No, they meant it. In fact, they quit that night. They asked me to call either one of them by their names, and when I couldn’t, they quit on the spot. I never called either one of them anything other than ‘Hey, you’ and ‘Servant!’” he whimpered out, starting another round of sobs. Midnight sighed, wishing to be anywhere else in Equestria than right there at that moment. Slowly, he inched himself closer, placing both forehooves on the prince’s shoulders.

“Alright, alright... well... if it’s any consolation, Blueblood... I don’t have any ill-will towards you. In fact, I think I should thank you. I hear that you helped get me back to my bedroom the night we fought. That sounded pretty decent to me, Princey.” the pegacorn said, actually seeming to get through to the forlorn pony. His sniffles stopped as he peeked up from behind his forelegs.

“Well, (sniff)... it was the honorable thing to do... You defeated me in battle, fair and square. Even with the handicap of not being able to use magic yet, you persisted and were victorious. I had to respect that. Helping you to your bed chambers that night was the least I could do.” Midnight gently shook his shoulders, flashing him his best big, fake smile.

“Well, right there! You got some good in ya, Princey. You just need some work with interacting with other ponies and you’ll be set. C’mon, get up.” he said, helping the somber prince back to an upright position. “There ya go. You’ll save the Blueblood name from yourself with just a little effort.” The prince adjusted his mane and shook himself out of the over emotional state, eyeing up the pegacorn.

“Well, I’d be happy if I could just get myself up the same level that you are at, now. Did you see the newspaper yesterday? You’re becoming quite the local celebrity, my good Midnight.” Midnight gave him a quizzical look, tilting his head.

“Me? A local celebrity? What are you talking about? How does anypony even know I exis-”Midnight’s mind suddenly sprang back to his conversation with Spitfire and Soarin’ the other day, and how they had both heard about his fight with Blueblood in the local paper. “Oh... yeah. Was that one article really THAT popular around here?” Blueblood chuckled again, then turned to a waste basket close to the bench. His horn glowed as a half torn newspaper rose up from the rubbish. Midnight focused on the floating paper, his eyes growing wide at a blurry photograph of a pony in flight, and the front page headline:

*EQUESTRIA DAILY*

“PRINCESS LUNA’S ‘BLANK KNIGHT’ SIGHTED ABOVE CANTERLOT!”

Story by By-Line

“The citizens of Canterlot were shocked by the sudden appearance of a dark grey stallion with a large horn and wings flying laps over the city yesterday. Initial reports seem to point to this unknown pony being the “Blank Knight,” the same pony who supposedly challenged the Princesses’s nephew, Prince Blueblood, to a duel in the Royal Guard barracks and won. Witnesses say that the mysterious fully grown blank flank stallion circled the city several times before heading to the mountainous forests to the east, and disappeared. Sources inside the palace have reported that the returned Princess of the Night, Luna, has taken quite a shine to the young ‘pegacorn,’ and that the two have been seen numerous times around the palace. Also, reports from Ponyville have stated that all six bearers of the Elements of Harmony have been called to the palace prior to the Guard barracks battle, and have yet to be seen leaving the palace. No members of the royal palace staff, nor either of the Princesses have been available for comment, due to an overabundance of foreign dignitaries coming to have audience in the royal gallery in the last few days. Whether or these visiting dignitaries, the arrival of the Elements of Harmony and the appearance of this ‘Blank Knight’ are linked in some way or not remains to be seen.”

“All in all, I don’t think it’s such a bad photo. I’ve been photographed worse.” Luna’s voice spoke softly from behind Midnight, prompting him to turn around quickly to meet her. The disguised princess had a sour look on her face, staring daggers at the prince as he seemed to cower a but under her gaze. She placed her and Midnight’s drinks and snacks on the bench, never taking her eyes off of Blueblood. Caring not for her cover, nor for the possibility of being caught unguarded outside the palace, the night princess immediately went on the attack, readying herself for any type of confrontation with the prince. “And what do YOU want, Blueblood? Are you here to start trouble for Midnight and I?” The prince started to speak, but got Midnight spoke up, cutting him off.

“Aunt Luna, I-”

“The prince and I were just talking for a while, that’s all. It seems he’s turned over a new leaf and was simply discussing with me some ways to go about perusing his new, more humble life. We’re friends, now, Luna. No worries.” Midnight gave her a nervous grin, her mood relaxing, though still a bit cautious.

“Midnight, my good stallion... you would... count me as a friend?” Blueblood asked, with a mix of flattery and surprise.

“Sure I would, Princey. Like I said, I don’t hold a grudge. And if you sincerely want to change for the better, I don’t see why not. Truce?” the pegacorn said, extending a hoof. The prince touched his hoof to Midnight’s, almost teary-eyed.

“Truce. Auntie Lul... I mean, Aunt Luna, may ask the same of you? Do you think, perhaps, you could forgive my actions and allow me another chance at proving myself a good stallion?” Luna looked BLueblood over, unsure of what to make of him. His words seemed sincere, but the stunts he had pulled in the past towards her gave reason to be cautious. She glanced at Midnight, catching a look in his eye that seemed to assure her that this defeated noble’s gesture was worth trusting. Daintily, the princess extended a hoof, to which Blueblood leaned down and gave a gentle kiss. “Thank you, Aunt Luna. I promise not to disappoint.”

“Just call me Luna from now on, dearie. But anyway, what brings you out on the town this morning? And why are you not under your usual guard?” Luna asked, sitting beside Midnight on the large bench.

“I... let’s say, ‘lost’ my bodyguards, Luna. That’s part of my reason for coming out today. I wish to learn better ways to interact with normal ponies. However, I must confess, I have no idea where to begin. I seem to be so out of place and out of touch, I find going about my own home town like navigating a foreign land.” he confessed candidly. Instantly, Midnight and Luna gave each other a knowing look, each seeming to have the same thought at the same time. Though this was their first day out together, they came across a wayward soul so much in common with the both of them. And in keeping with his new mind set of loving and tolerating others, and Luna’s desire to grow close to her populace once more, they both knew the right thing to do. Midnight raised a brow to his princess, receiving a gentle nod to go ahead.

“Princey,” Midnight said, he and Luna both giving him a warm smile. “...would you like to join us on our day out? Princess Luna has come out to learn more about her ponies in modern times, and I’ve come to learn more about your world, and we wouldn’t mind some company. That is, if you’re not preoccupied with anything else.” Blueblood’s eyes went wide at the idea, almost tearing up at the kind gesture.

“You... wold really have me travel about the city with you?” The princess and the pegacorn both nodded, eliciting a surprising cheer from the noble. “Huzzah! I can’t believe my luck! Thank you, thank you both! I promise you won’t regret this!” The prince grabbed Midnight’s hoof and shook it vigorously, almost shaking him off the bench. Luna grabbed him before he lost his balance, shushing the prince’s enthusiasm.

“Maybe you should tone down your excitement a little, before we draw a crowd.” Blueblood paused and looked around the area, noticing several other groups of ponies staring at them, causing him to blush slightly.

“Heheh. Perhaps we should... take leave. Midnight, Luna, lead the way, friends.” he said, standing up off the bench. Luna stood up, magically floating her drink and pretzel with her, leaving Midnight’s for him. As the pegacorn once again fit himself with their saddle bags, he turned to take his refreshments, finding them missing. Following behind Luna was Blueblood, a drink and pretzel floating in his magic, the pretzel already half eaten. As he walked past Luna, she noticed this, turning to Midnight as he trotted up beside her.

“Midnight,” she whispered. “That was yours. Didn’t you want that?” she asked. Midnight just sighed, shaking his head.

“Yeah, but... it’s his first day amongst ‘normal’ ponies. I think I’ll let that one slide.”

===

The trio made their way through the park and then, through most of the rest of the diner and café district. The prince received a few looks and bows from the average pony on the street, returning them when he did. More often than not, however, the three could hear snickers and giggles as Blueblood passed. Most likely from his defeat at the hooves of the mysterious ‘Blank Knight’ earlier this week. The group managed to make it to an area that Midnight observed closely the day before, near the main front gates of the city. Exiting a narrow street, the three entered a huge open air market with hundreds of stands, stores and vendors, known as Floodgate Market. The ares was named that due to the way ponies and other cultures seemed to flood into the city mostly through this main gate.

The left and right ends of the area had three large band shells apiece, six in total, and were all filled with different performers. There were mime ponies, trotting against the wind in the first shell on the left. Musicians playing classical music in the center left, the lead grey earth pony cellist  playing with skill Midnight thought would be hard to match, even in his world. However, across the way from her in the far left shell, a white unicorn with an electric blue mane and goggles sat between two huge speakers, playing the same type of dub-trot he had heard from Pinkie Pie’s phonograph. There were acrobats balancing themselves on balls and barrels in the far right shell, rolling across the stage, with a line of dancing ponies doing what seemed to Midnight to be an Equestrian form of Riverdance in the closest right.

All around them were creatures more fantastic than Midnight could have ever imagined. Bipedal canine looking creatures trading gemstones. Regal looking griffons pulling wagons of what looked to be raw ore. Buffalos wearing feathered headdresses. Zebras selling potions and powders. Midnight even found himself grateful that Blueblood took his pretzel and soda earlier, now allowing him to by chocolate milk and cheesy bread... directly from a cow that produced it. Curiously enough, he found himself strangely not bothered by this in the least.

“This place is amazing! I can’t believe I’m actually walking through here. It’s like a living dream...” Midnight said to his companions, Luna echoing his sentiment as Blueblood chuckled.

“I agree completely. This is certainly more than the simple farmer’s market it was a thousand years ago. However...” The disguised princess said, her eyes trailing off as she approached the right-center band shell, curiously empty. “... I wonder why there’s nopony using this stage.” From behind them, the three ponies heard a haughty, arrogant laugh, turning to find it’s owner. Sitting at an umbrella-covered table, sipping a hay smoothie was a light blue unicorn mare, dressed in a purple cape and hat, both adorned with stars. She looked up from under the brim of her pointed wizard’s hat, purple eyes fluttering.

“My dear ponies, the stage is empty only because the Great and Powerful Trixie has not taken it yet. Trust me, darlings, when Trixie takes the stage, you’ll bare witness to magical feats of amazement that you’ll be able to wow your foals and grandfoals with for the rest of your lives.” The mare gingerly magicked her empty drink cup into a nearby waste can.

“Oh,” Midnight said, after that little tangent. “ so where is this ‘Great and Powerful’ Trixie? Maybe she got cold hooves, or something?” The blue mare stood up from her table and stomped over to him, snorting as she stared into his eyes.

“Cold hooves?! The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie only required a slight beverage before taking the stage! Is Trixie not allowed that, you simple foal?!” Midnight reared back at her aggression, trying hard not to laugh at the cute mare’s obvious attempt to seem intimidating.

“So, I take it you’re Trixie, right? I’m sorry, miss. I meant no disrespect. I didn’t realize you were using the third-pony when you spoke.” the pegacorn said, giving her a slight bow out of respect. Trixie’s mood calmed a bit, though her haughty attitude remained. Flicking her mane behind her, she returned to her table, taking shade under the large umbrella once more.

“Very well. It’s not the first time that happened, anyway. However, if you are truly sorry...” Trixie looked absentmindedly at the back of her hoof. “... I could use some hay fries. I seem to have misplaced my saddlebag at the moment, and have no bits to get an order myself.”

Midnight, Luna and Blueblood all looked at the magical showmare. Did she really just... ask for lunch? The prince gave Midnight a nudge, waving him to a nearby stand selling the fries. A quick glance to Luna gave him the go-ahead, sending the stallion over to the stand. He trotted over, taking his place at the back of the line as he nosed his way into his saddlebag for the right bits to pay for the greasy snack, when a sudden hoof on his shoulder distracted him from the task.

“Midnight, did yo notice her CUTIE MARK?” Luna quickly whispered into his ear, the urgency obvious in her voice. He turned to her with a confused look, unsure of her meaning. “That moon!” she hissed out. “That is one of the inherited family cutie marks of the Order of the Lunar Knights! Trixie’s ancestors must have been part of my Sacred Guards over a thousand years ago.”

“Wait... ‘inherited’ cutie marks? I thought they were EARNED, not inherited.” the stallion asked, not fully comprehending the gravity or significancy of this revelation. Luna paused, shaking the excitement away as she remembered that Midnight wasn’t from her world and still didn’t know much of the finer details of it.

“Often times, when a family falls into a tradition of belonging to a certain group or profession, their cutie mark reflects that, resembling in some ways the cutie marks of other members of their family. Do you remember Twilight’s cutie mark?” Midnight silently shook his head. “It’s a collection of several stars, surrounding a large star in the center. Well, her brother is a top ranking member of the Royal Guards, and his is a shield with stars above it, and their parents-“

”Alright, I get it. But what’s this Order of the ‘You’ Knights thing?” he asked, moving up another place in line.

“They were my disciples, before my banishment. Scribes and sooth-sayers that predicted the weather before pegasi started controlling it, and foretelling of events that were significant to all of Equestria.” Luna look wistfully back toward Trixie, the fond memories of her friends in her ‘Lunar Knights’ bringing both joy and pain. “They were also faithful warriors, protecting early pony settlements and town from monsters and raiders. I was so proud of them all...” Midnight watched as Luna became lost in her memories, deeply curious as to the fate of her Lunar Knights after her banishment, but decided not asking was probably for the best. He could only imagine the hardships Luna’s chosen ponies must have gone through after her defeat as Nightmare Moon. In no time at all, they were both at the front of the line. After paying the three bits for the hay fries, the princess and pegacorn went back to join Blueblood and Trixie, already in conversation.

“Here’s your hay fries, oh Great and Powerful Trixie. I hope this makes up for my earlier disrespect.” Midnight as Luna magicked the fries over to the table where she sat. The showmare’s eyes widened at the sight, unconsciously licking her lips as they landed.

“Oh, yes, good sir. Thank you for the helping hoof. All is forgiven.” Trixie levitated a few small fries before, witch she greedily devoured.

“My dear Trixie, if I may speak to my bodyguards for a moment?” Blueblood asked, motioning to Midnight and Luna. Trixie waved him away with her hoof, never taking her eyes off her snack. The prince motioned for the two to join him on the side of the band shell, away from Trixie’s earshot, before breaking some startling news.

“Your bodyguards? Very clever, Princey.” Midnight said, barely above a whisper.

“Sorry, but I had to make up an excuse as to why I was with you two. Anyway, I was talking to our little friend there, and discovered something rather disturbing. She didn’t come out and say it, but I believe... this young mare is homeless.” Midnight took this news a somewhat of a surprise. However, Luna seemed to be deeply hurt by this, her mood instantly dropping. A decedent of one of one of her Knights, Homeless?

“What? Prince, how can you be so sure? Look at her! She’s so prim and proper...” she said, prompting the two stallions to gaze over at her again, Trixie only a bite or two away from finishing the large carton of hay fries Midnight had bought for her.

“Yes,” Blueblood said, directing a hoof at her. “just look at how she practically inhaled that entire helping of hay fries. That would have been enough for the three of us to share, easily. Also, look at her side.” The two looked curiously at the blue mare, wondering what they were supposed to be looking at. Suddenly, they noticed; Trixie’s ribs were showing. To anypony else, the unicorn would have been a slender, beautiful young mare. However, when she leaned a certain way, the sure sign of malnutrition was visible. “She told me a few months ago, she visited Ponyville to perform a show. She told made-up stories to wow the crowd, but a few young colts actually believed her. They went into the nearby Everfree Forest and antagonized an Ursa Minor to follow them back to her wagon. Everything she owned was destroyed, and she was humiliated by some pony named... Twilight? I know I recognize that name from somewhere, but I can’t really recall...”

“Twilight?!” Midnight exclaimed. “She was humiliated by Twilight? I find that hard to believe...” His thoughts ran back to the purple Element of Magic, wondering if there was any truth to her tale. It seemed farfetched, but the hungry look of the young mare seemed to lend the story an air of truth.

“It seems she has funneled all her money from her street performances into renting this band shell for the day. Her first show went poorly, not netting many tips. She’s having trouble performing in her condition, but she insists on continuing with her show, despite my offer to leave with me now and showcase her talents at the next social event I throw. I don’t know what else to say. Her hat and cape are even cheap replacements of the items that were given to her by her mother, the originals meaning so much to her lost forever in the wreckage of her wagon. The poor mare...” The prince seemed genuinely distraught, obviously trying his best to complete his first true act of charity and kindness towards his fellow pony successfully. Midnight knew how he felt, imagining the proud blue mare wouldn’t take to shirking her responsibility to ‘her fans’ so easily.

“I have an idea. However, Midnight, it requires you to play quite a big part in it. Can I count on you to help me?” Luna asked him, a look of determination on her face. Midnight bowed before her, spreading his wings as he leaned close to the ground.

“Your champion is ready to do your bidding, my mistress. You need only give the word, and I will obey.” The princess chuckled, knowing that she could always count on her champion.

“Thank you, my Midnight Blaze. I have only one more thing I must know before I proceed with my plan.” The princess walked away from the two stallions, back over to the table with Trixie and took a seat, her plan already forming in her mind.

“Miss Trixie, I wonder if I may ask you a question...” Luna said, giving her a smile.

“Yes, Storm Cloud?” Trixie answered, confusing the princess. It took a moment for her to remember that she was in disguise, appearing to be nothing but a simple unicorn, even her cutie mark changed. Assuming that it was just the name that Blueblood had given her as one of his ‘bodyguards,’ she continued.

“I couldn’t help but admire your cutie mark, my dear. Tell me; that wouldn’t happen to be an inherited mark, would it? I know I’ve seen it somewhere before.” she said with feigned naivete. The showmare looked down at her flank, seemingly surprised that anypony would be interested in it.

“Why, yes, my good mare. Trixie is descended from a long line of prestigious ponies who have a long and proud history in the service of Princess Luna. Well... that was before her banishment, that is. Since then, my family has hoped that she would return to take her rightful place alongside Princess Celestia. Interesting enough, that relates back to my old surname that I barely use anymore. Trixie Lunamoon. It means ‘Trixie, of Luna’s Moon.’” Luna’s mind raced at the premise. Here before her was a direct blood relative of one of her most faithful Knights, poor and homeless, desperately in need of help. Carefully, she searched for words that would correctly convey her intent.

“Miss... Trixie. I believe my friends and I can be of some use to you in your act. Is there some place where the four of us can talk... in private? And before you try, no. We won’t take no for an answer. Not before we plead our case.” Trixie raised an eyebrow, the bold demeanor of the supposed bodyguard surprising her.

“Very well, Storm Cloud. We can talk behind the band shell, in the attached room performers use to prepare for their acts.” She stood up from the table and trotted past the three, looking over her shoulder at her strange new ‘partners.’ “This had better be worth all of Trixie’s time.

===

It took more than ten minutes for Trixie to stop genuflecting and bowing and apologizing to Luna after she had removed her disguise and revealed herself, effecting blowing the mare’s mind. The ‘Great and Powerful’ aspect of Trixie flew out the window, leaving behind the ‘Weak and Humble’ Trixie, the one that cowered before her princess in a way that Luna hadn’t seen since the citizens of Ponyville. She remember all too well their fear through the eyes of Nightmare Moon, unable to stop it then but having the power to do so not.

“Rise, Trixie Lunamoon. Your reverence is appreciated, though unneeded. We have a proposition for you.” The unicorn’s eyes glistened as they stared up at her princess. This was the PRINCESS, for buck’s sake, granting her a private audience and offering her help! Oh, by the stars, this might be the break she needed to get back on her hooves.

“O-of course, your majesty! W-w-what did you h-have in mind?” she managed to squeak out. Luna turned to Midnight, ushering him beside her, then turning back to Trixie.

“Trixie, I’d like to introduce you to my champion and dear, dear friend, Midnight Blaze. Or as you might know him... the ‘Blank Knight.’” Trixie’s eyes widened again as Midnight slipped out of his hoodie, the magical disguise lifting to revel his true self. The blue mare was at a loss for words, stuttering as her eyes traced over him.

“I-I can’t believe it... This is unreal! It’s like rounding a tree in the woods and find Bighoof!” she said, trotting around him as she examined his horn, wings and lack of a cutie mark.

“Thank you, Trixie. I’m happy to amaze. Now... Princess Luna? Perhaps we can get down to the task at hoof? I kinda curious to as to how I fit into this plan you have.” the pegacorn said, feeling more nervous by the minute. Luna only gave him a knowing look, a wide smile forming from ear to ear.

===

Under the magically created fanfare of trumpets and snare drums, dozens of ponies turned their attention towards the center-right band shell, smoke and sparks already slowly appearing on the stage. In no time at all, a large crown formed, curious to see the spectacle about to make itself known to them all. With a mighty flash and boom, the silhouette of a young mare came into view, ha and cape billowing in the non-existent breeze.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! Come one, come all! Come, and witness the magic of the Great and Powerful TRrrrrrrrIXIE!” The blue unicorn shouted as she reared up on her hindlegs. Another round of fireworks and colored lights wowed the crowd, drawing more attention still to the showmare, forgetting her hungry stomach and weak frame as she relished being in her element once again. “Watch in ‘Awe’ as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!”

“Feats of magic?! All you did so far was a bunch of cheap fireworks and light illusions! Those are magic kindergarten level spells! Boo!” a certain blond unicorn stallion wearing a borrowed pair of sunglasses and an old hat shouted from the crowd, causing several ponies watching with him to laugh at Trixie’s feigned reaction. Blueblood hated to do this, running the risk of turning some ponies away by degrading Trixie on stage. However, if Luna’s plan was to work, it was a step that needed to be taken. However, like the great actor she was, Trixie reacted with bravado and grace, allowing the hecklers cat-calling her to die down before responding.

“Well, well, well! It seems we have some NEEEEIIIIGH sayers in the audience! Who is so IGNORANT as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do you not know that you are in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?!” Another round of laughter was silenced before it began, Trixie summoning a loud thunder clap from nowhere, giggling at the crowds response. “I don’t blame you, members of the audience! I wouldn’t believe me, either. However, The GREAT and POWERFUL TRIXIE is willing to place her honor and her TITLE of Great and Powerful on the line! I challenge ANY pony to stand before Trixie! For Trixie knows, simple citizens of Canterlot; Anything YOU can do, I can do BETTER!”

As though on cue, countless ponies from the crowd raised their hooves, paws and claws to challenge Trixie. Cantering from one end of the stage to the other, seemingly ‘scanning’ the potential challengers with a simple illusionary light smell, disqualifying them before they ever had a chance to really challenge her and do some damage. “No... no... no... Oh, goodness, no! Amateurs! Rank amateurs, all of you! Not even worth my time! Is there anypony, ANYPONY in all of Canterlot who could offer the Great and Powerful Trixie a proper challenge?!” she said, sending a volley of firework magic skyward, the magic orbs exploding into red and grey smoke. That was it. That was the signal he was waiting for...

A loud screech roared through the sky, quickly recognized by the griffins and pegasi present as the noise coming off something moving at extremely high speed. A jet stream zig-zagged through the sky, stopping above the crowd. The object that created the screech and jet stream began to fall, the crowd entering a bit of panic as it approached. On the stage across from Trixie, a grey pony landed with a heavy thud, the unseen night princess enhancing his landing to shake the ground slightly beneath the hooves of the crowd watching. Midnight flourished his wings, waving back his crimson mane to reveal his horn as he took an intimidating stance.

“I believe I may offer you such a challenge, oh Great and Powerful Trixie!” Midnight said, already hearing gasps and whispers from the crowd. A slight sideways glance at the spectators made them jump, none of them ever seeing a pony with both a unicorn’s horn and pegasi wings before, and especially never seeing a full-grown stallion without a cutie mark. “I am Midnight Blaze, or, as some of you may already know me, the Blank Knight! I have traveled far and wide, searching for an appropriate opponent, and now it seems I have found her! So, what do you say, Little Miss Trixie; do you accept my challenge?” From under her hat, the showmare remained silent, building suspense. The crowd remained silent, leaning forward in anticipation of her answer. This was beautiful. Fully in her element, Trixie reared up, thrusting a hoof to the sky.

“I Accept!” With those words, the surly crowd that hated her a moment ago came to her side, rallying behind her as she faced this unknown pony that all of them had only heard about in the pages of Equestria Daily News. For his part, Midnight was unsure about this entire plan. He still didn’t like that nickname he was given by Pinkie, and certainly didn’t envision his first appearance to the public at large to go like this. However, he trusted Luna, perhaps more than he had trusted anypony, or any human for that matter, before. And if al went according to plan, this would turn out beneficial to all ponies involved.

“Since you were the one making the challenge, little unicorn, I will decide the game. Right now, you and I will meet on the field of combat! The first of us to concede or be made unable to battle loses! Are you ready?” Midnight shouted, drawing ‘oohs’ and ‘awws’ from the audience.

“I accept! You may come at me when ready, stallion!” Trixie said, cape flapping in the magical breeze. As though fired from a cannon, Midnight launched himself at her, horn first. With the grace of a dancer, Trixie slid to the side, the pegacorn having to extend his wings and loop upward back into the sky. He turned, flying at her from the other side, Trixie this time using her cape like one would against a charging bull. The crowd gasped and laughed at this, applauding with hoof-stomps that were cut short by Midnight casting them an angry glance again. This time, he turned upward, high into the sky. Pausing for a moment in his accent, he brought his wing back against his body, turning and dive bombing towards the showmare in the canter of the stage. For her part, Trixie appeared unimpressed. As he approached, she took a few simple steps to the side, Midnight impacting the stage at fantastic speed. Back stage, Luna quickly created a dust cloud, enhancing the moment of impact. As it cleared, the crowd burst into laughter, Midnight laying on his stomach, all four legs spread out and a goofy, dizzy look on his face from the fall.

“It appears, when it comes to flying, Midnight, even a ground-bound pony such as myself has you beat. You’ll have to better than THAT to defeat the Great and Powerful Trixie!” The roars of the audience sealed away any doubt in Luna, Midnight, Blueblood or Trixie’s mind; she had them. They were her’s now, and she could sway them anyway she wanted. Midnight, shook off his confusion, flapping his wings until he hovered above the first few rows in front of the stage.

“Very well, you little foals! If you want to laugh at Midnight Blaze, let’s see how funny you find THIS!” he said, his horn glowing bright. At once, several trash cans, barrels and benches scattered throughout the crowd began to float, going into rotation around Midnight. Blueblood, still with his horn hidden under the old hat he had found, was truly as gifted as he bragged to be, managing to help levitate several large, mostly full trash cans at once without looking at them. “Hey, Trixie; CATCH!” A large bench floated in place in front of him, Midnight’s magic quickly launching it at Trixie below. From backstage, Luna readied herself to assist with deflection, but hesitated upon sensing something from the blue mare; her magical aura was growing. As the bench approached, Trixie rose on her hind legs, swinging her foreleg in a move to deflect the projectile, a pink wave of energy knocking it from the air and across the stage. Midnight launched a trash can at the showmare, only to have it caught in mid-flight and crushed like a soda can.

“This is... this is incredible...” Luna thought from backstage, peeking through the crack of the stage door to see the little unicorn. Something awoke in her, something that Luna didn’t feel before. She was in her element, now. As at home on the stage as a bird in the sky or a fish in the sea. No longer needed, Luna found a small, secluded place behind the crowd, between two large stands and hidden from the view of the crowd. Removing her disguise, she once again took her true form, closing her eyes and teleporting away from her hiding place.

Trixie continued to deflect, destroy or otherwise dissipate the attacks Midnight launched at her with Blueblood’s help. “Is that the BEST you can do, Midnight Blaze? The Great and Powerful Trixie is NOT impressed! Why don’t you come down here and show Trixie what you REALLY made of?!” Trixie shouted. Midnight shouted and snorted high above the crowd, looping upwards and going into a dive right towards the showmare. For Luna and Blueblood, it was becoming less and less clear that Trixie and Midnight were acting out their parts or truly involved in a life or death struggle. Diving back towards the stage, Midnight’s and Trixie’s magical auras collided in a huge display of light and smoke, the two ponies moving about the stage behind the thick miasma, their silhouettes displaying the heated battle between the two. Jumping and lunging at each other, the two maneuvered and fought, the smoke on stage still hiding them as they appeared to stand face to face, each vying for control as they pressed their horns against the other’s. The smoke cleared, electricity and energy circling and radiating from the opponents. The audience began to stomp their hooves, a low chant starting quietly, then turning into roar from the crowd.

“TRIXIE, TRIXIE, TRIXIE...!”

The unicorn planted her hooves firmly into the stage, her horn glowing brighter, it’s aura engulfing Midnight’s as the stallion’s expression changing from confidence to startled worry. A large bubble of energy grew, until it engulfed the two ponies, bursting in a bright flash. The onlookers were forced to close their eyes or look away, the smoke being blown away under a wave of power and light. When the last of the smoke cleared, and the audience was able to look once more, the sight sending them into an uproarious applause. Trixie stood triumphant, Midnight Blaze laying on his stomach, legs and wings splayed out. He had a disoriented look on his face, Trixie’s right forehoof resting on the back of his neck.

“You are defeated, Midnight Blaze! Concede, and walk away from this battle with your honor intact! Unless... you wish for a Round Two!” Without even looking up, Midnight shook his head, horn waving back and forth like a kind of flag of surrender. Another roar of cheers and thunder of applauding hooves shook the stage, Trixie standing off of Midnight as she offered him a hoof to help him up. The pegacorn reached up, pulling himself to his hooves again as he and the showmare together took a bow to the crowd. “I thank you all, my beloved audience, for all being part of this stage show, put on by the Great and Powerful TRIXIE!!! Let’s all give a huge round of applause to my assistant for this evening, Midnight Blaze!!!” she said, standing on her hind hooves for a moment, forelegs pointed at the stallion. Though taken by surprise, Midnight took a bow, the thundering of hooves resounding through the marketplace louder still.

“Bravo, Trixie! Bravo, Midnight! A wonderful show! Truly inspired, indeed!” A loud voice echoed from behind the crowd. The bystanders looked behind them, one by one their expressions turning from shock and fear to reverence, each dropping to one knee as they realized they were now in the presence of their princess of the night. On the stage, Midnight and Trixie followed suit, both knowing Luna’s plan was nearly at an end.

“Thank you, Princess Luna. I always aim to please my fans. I’m sorry I had to borrow your warrior for a while, but he was a key element in my show. He really came through tonight!” Trixie yelled from the stage. The began to murmur amongst themselves, seemingly confused by her comment. Midnight took to the forefront of the stage to address them.

“It’s true, my friends! I heard that the Great and Powerful Trixie’s normal assistant was called out of town for a while, and knowing how talented she is, I simply HAD to offer my services to her! My apologies, my fare Princess Luna, but I had to help.” Midnight explained. Princess Luna nodded, the crowd parting to allow her to approach the stage. “I came to watch the show Trixie was to put on today, and by chance, ran into her. She explained that today’s show was to be canceled, due to her lack of an assistant, I volunteered my services. I know this isn’t the way in which you would have liked to introduce me to the public, but I felt it was my duty to help one of your subject.”

The fabricated story became clear to everypony present; Midnight was an agent of Luna’s, and this entire battle was staged for the entertainment for the crowd, all orchestrated by Trixie. The blue unicorn moved to the front of the stage, levitating off her hat and holding it upside down before the audience. Luna levitated two gold bits up into Trixie’s hat, dropping them in.

“A performance well deserving of a reward. I can’t wait till your next performance, oh Great and Powerful Trixie.” Luna proclaimed, the rest of the audience following suit. One by one, Trixie moves her hat around the audience, the hat soon becoming heavy with bits donated by the entertained crowd. Before long, Trixie had to bring her wizard’s hat back on stage, emptying it before she hovered it back amongst the remaining spectators for their bits.

===

Eventually, the crowd dispersed, a few ponies remaining to pay before they moved along. Luna, Midnight and Blueblood lingered behind with Trixie. Their planed battle/show had worked, netting Trixie more than enough bits to rent a hotel for a few weeks, plus afford more than enough food to keep herself happy and healthy for a long time. Perhaps, even enough to put aside towards the purchase of a new cart for her traveling show.

“I can’t thank you three enough! All of you, I am forever in your debt! If there is ever anything I can do for ANY of you, anything at all, Trixie will be more than happy to lend a hoof in whatever way she can.” The blue unicorn shook Midnight’s hoof vigorously, almost enough to knock him off his feet. The pegacorn was about to laugh as Trixie’s overjoyed accolade, however stopped as he noticed the tears of joy in her eyes. The showmare was still too proud to cry freely, however Midnight figured it best to just take her gratitude for what it was.

“It was no problem, Trixie. Actually... it was a lot of fun! I’d be glad to do this with you again sometime. That is, if it’s alright with Luna.” Midnight said, turning to the night princess.

“Sure thing, my champion.” Luna said with a smile. “I’m sorry, by the way. I didn’t wish for your first appearance to the Equestrian public to be anything like that. And I didn’t want to draw attention to your...” Luna trailed off, Midnight picking up where she left.

“... my lack of a cutie mark? Don’t worry, princess. I don’t really mind it, anymore.” he said, giving his backside a little wiggle.  “All my blank flank means is I have a whole world to explore before I discover my place in it. And This world of yours is shaping up to be anything but boring.”

“Well, I don’t know about you all, but I’m getting ready to head home for the evening.” Blueblood said, stretching out his neck a bit. Luna knickered, rolling her eyes.

“Really, prince? You did the least out of all of us, magic wise. Don’t tell us you’re tired, already.” Blueblood suddenly looked flustered, not so much angry as he was embarrassed by Luna’s good-natured ribbing.

“Aww... Don’t worry, my dear Prince Blueblood; I appreciate your part in the success of my stage show as much as Princess Luna or Midnights.” Trixie said, sashaying over to the noblestallion, causing him to turn a deep shade of red. Luna and Midnight sniffled a laugh as the prince cleared his throat.

“OH! (cough) I mean... Oh, my dear Miss Lunamoon. It was all I could do but to help a fair maiden but yourself. Just as Midnight had said earlier, you may count on me anytime you are in need of assistance in one of your shows.” The prince puffed up with pride, posing as he flicked his mane back. Midnight and Luna started walking to the exit of the backstage area, the pegacorn taking Blueblood’s tail in his teeth and pulling him along.”

“Come one, lovercolt. We’d best be getting a move on.” The three ponies exited the backstage room, leaving Trixie to count her earnings for the day. She magicked off her hat, just in time for Blueblood to break free and peek his head around the corner once again.

“Do look me up, Miss Trixie! I hope to see you again!” he managed to blurt out, just before Luna and Midnight pulled him back along heir way.

===

“Halt! Who goes ther–huh?!” the gate guard said, looking down on the peculiar sight. A large carriage with several other covered carts behind it, the entire rig being pulled by a large, black wolf. The earth pony driver’s top hat hung down over his eyes, never looking up to answer.

“I come to Canterlot today to display my talent. I bring wonders the likes of which this city has never seen before. Does this simple tinkerer have permission to enter, my good stallion?” he said from below. The guard looked over the pony and his carriage again. Aside from wolf, this pony seemed like every other merchant he had seen earlier today. Somewhat reluctantly, the guard motioned to the gatehouse, giving the signal to allow them entrance.

“Just make sure you keep that wolf of your leashed. We wouldn’t want to cause a panic, now, would we?” the guard said as Klokwerk gave the reigns a whip, Grimdark dragging the line of carts inside.

“Oh, yes, you clueless foal...” Klokwerk said under his breath. “... a panic is JUST what this town needs...”

===

“Lucy, I’m home!!!” Bedlam shouted down the stairs to the dungeon. From her cage below, his dark-coated mare prisoner opened her eye just enough to give him the weakest of acknowledgments. “Aww, c’mon, dearie! Perk yourself up! We’re going to a show!” With a snap of his fingers, he and the mare were transported to Bedlam’s dilapidated throne room, sitting next to each other on a pair of theater seats. Startled by her sudden freedom, the mare had no time to react before a pair of magically electrified shackles clamped around all four hooves and neck, locking her in an uncomfortable sitting position on her rump, facing a large magical projection of the marketplace of Canterlot.

“Bedlam?! What are you doing? What... what’s going on?!” she said, panicked. The draconequus just laughed, his captive fearful of what the beast had in mind. A large tub of popcorn appeared on his lap, and a strange helmet on his head. Two straws ran from two cans on either side of the helmet, the ends entering the sides of his mouth. The monster just laughed, faking a yawn as he stretched his arm around behind the mare.

“Oh, my dear, sweet, naive little pony; don’t feel so frightened! You should be overjoyed, in fact.” he said, placing a red and blue pair of paper glasses on her face. “Now, please turn off your cell phones and refrain from talking during the duration of the apocalypse. You and I have got front-row seating to the beginning of the end of the world!!!”

===

The three ponies made their way back to the center of the huge open-air market, pondering what they should do next. They had each accomplished what they had set out to do today; Blueblood to reconnect with the common ponies, Luna to rediscover her place in the hearts of her ponies and Midnight to see an example of normal pony life during a normal day. The group paused for a moment, taking a seat at an empty table .

“Well, I really AM spent. I’m not used to hiding my aura AND expelling it in such a manner, all at the same time. If it’s all the same to you two... I think I should like to return home for the afternoon. I’d like to kick my hooves up and relax the day away.” Blueblood said. His companions had to admit, he did prove to be quite useful in their endeavor today.

“Alright, Prince. I think you grew enough for today. Midnight and I are probably just going to go back to the palace for now. We’re both quite spent as well.” The night princess stretched her wings, invisible from the magical disguise she had slipped back on. Her champion sensed this, ducking to avoid her wing. Though she and Blueblood were ready to take it easy for the rest of the day, he only felt well warmed up, and was ready for more sight-seeing. However, this just meant that he got to show off for Luna and the Elements when they got back to the palace.

“Yeah, I agree, Luna. We petty much seen everything we could, today. I think it’s time to head on back.” Standing up and stretching, Midnight was very glad Luna chose to teleport all her large, heavy packages back to her bed chambers. Not only did it free up his movements, but it was a great load off his back, as well.

“Well, if you two love-birds wish, we could check out that one more stand before we all part. What do you say, Luna?” the prince said, motioning toward the main gate of the city. Midnight and Luna turned their attention to the gate, both giving the new display a curious look.

Standing on the top of a large carriage was an earth pony, wearing a black top hat with a red band. There were two carts on both sides of the carriage, tall and black, with no visible openings. Reaching down to the seat behind him, the earth pony stallion pulled up a megaphone, taking a deep breath as he began to shout to the crowd.

“Mares and Gentlestallions! Fillies and colts of all ages! Count your lucky stars and consider yourselves blessed! You wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else in the world right now but RIGHT HERE in the beautiful city of CANTERLOT!!!” he proclaimed, a crowd already drawing close. “Please, take a step back, my good ponies. I need my space to pontificate.” The crowd still drew closer, however, the stallion on the cart shaking his head as he turned ans whistled behind his carriage. Instantly, a large, black with shaggy fur lept above the carriage, landing in front of it and roaring at the crowd, sending the ponies back in fear.

“I thought that would get the point across.” the stallion said. “As I was saying, I’m Dr. Klokwerk, leader of the Killjoys, the great liberators that will rescue you from your mundane and droll existence!” Midnight, Luna and Blueblood stepped closer, making their ways through the crowd to get a better view of the spectacle unfolding before the marketplace.

“Mares and Gentlestallions, fear not! For now, you are with me, Dr. Klokwerk! I’ll be your surgeon, your sooth-sayer, your ultimate tie breaker, breaking down the walls you’ve all set up around your world to keep safe your fragile little minds! Prepare yourselves for a system failure of epic proportions! Step ONE of the Master’s Plan! A being louder than a sonic rainboom and twice as shiny as Celestia’s sun! This one’s for all you grounded pegasi, all you lame earth ponies and impotent unicorns; LISTEN UP!” Klokwerk stomped on the platform of the carriage, a straight cane popping up. He caught it in his hooves, flipping open a lid on the top and exposing a red button tot the audience. “We bring all the pain with no wait and no credit required! It’s time to do it now and do it LOUD! Killjoys...?” Three more ponies appeared from nowhere, each landing with a thud behind him on the roof of his carriage, wicked grins on their faces. “... time to MAKE SOME NOISE!!!”

***************************************************************************************************************************

Yes, I'm an MCR fan. ^.^ I couldn't help it! 'Killjoys' just seems to fit these guys SO well! anyway, this is it! Bedlam makes his move on Canterlot and Midnight, Luna and Blueblood have front row seats. I was gonna foreshadow something HUGE at the end of this chapter, but I'll leave that as a surprise for you guys in the next one. (I'm such a troll!) Will these three ponies have what it takes to survive the coming hellstorm? Will Bedlam's mad plans for Equestria succeed? And who will rise up and stand against the chaos that is to come? Find out in "Ground Zero: Canterlot", the next exciting chapter of...

"STAR CROSSED!" Next Chapter: Ground Zero: Canterlot: (Prelude) Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 56 Minutes