The following day was hard for many of the ponies in Canterlot castle. Constructions crews had been called out to fix the damage that had been dealt during the prior days fight. Midnight was getting the once over by a medical team while Twilight had been placed in intensive care, her horn had taken serious damage and it was thought that her overall magical power would be severely stunted due to her act of valor in saving Midnight. Princess Celestia was resting in the medical ward alongside Twilight and Midnight, her foal in her arms resting quietly.

Earlier that day the foal had been examined by the medical staff due to his unusual coat and mane. The foal had a beautiful black coat matching Midnight's perfectly, while on his back rested a set of ivory white wings. His mane was what really concerned everypony who looked at him. While the foal was awake his mane and tail would gradually shift from a magical transparent orange and red color that flowed just like Celestia's to a solid orange and red mane. While he was asleep his mane would shift back to an opaque and remained still until he awoke. Both the princess and Midnight couldn't have been more proud of their new foal. Celestia, after many eons alive had finally bared a foal. There was one slight problem with this however.

"But princess, we need to take him so we can check his health and magic level. He will only be gone for a short time." The doctor spoke rubbing the bridge between his eyes while giving an annoyed sigh.

"But I......... I..........." She stammered while looking from the foal to the doctor then back to the foal.

"Tia, let the doctor do his job, Star will be safe." Midnight reassured her as the doctor slowly took the foal from the princess, she watching every move he made as the foal was taken from the room causing Celestia to tear up.

"Don't cry, Our young one will be alright." Midnight smiled to her only to get a glare in return causing him to recoil.

"This is my first foal and I have NO CLUE why I am acting this way. This is so unbecoming of me that it actually frightens me." Celestia growled to herself while looking at Midnight.

"Don't worry yourself. He is in good hooves right now. I take it you have never had these feelings before." He chuckled slightly.

"Feelings?" She looked at him questionably.

"Yea, the overwhelming feeling to protect your only child from harm. It's a motherly instinct toward their children. The only thing is that if you have waited this long to have a child, then the feelings are going to be much stronger than it would have been when you were younger." Midnight smiled nervously at her as she glared back.

"Then how can I stop these feelings? I am in constant worry. It is as if I am thinking of all of my subjects at once and know they are on the verge of getting hurt or killed. Multiply that feeling times a hundred and that is what I am currently feeling. This is almost unbearable." Celestia sighed flopping back onto her bed.

"This is my first child as well and I feel the same way." He chuckled.

"Your really don't look as if you are having as hard of a time as I." She rolled her eyes sighing.

"It is much different for a male than a female I'm sure, but at times it can get just as bad for either parent for any given reason. Right now I'm guessing you feel as if you could destroy the entire planet without thinking twice just to save Star from getting hurt." He chuckled.

"YES! B-but, how did you know that?" She spoke rather surprised.

"I feel the same way, I just don't let it show." He smirked.

"Even though you are countless years younger than I you still surprise me by doing things that will sometimes take a great deal of effort to do on my part. It is rather remarkable." She smiled as she began to relax.

"I try, but it is harder than you think at times. In my world a male has to be strong for his loved ones, at times very cold and callus just so he can be the support to hold the family together during tough times. There have been many times when I just wanted to break down and cry to my hearts content but couldn't so that I could help support my family in tough times. I may not look it, but I can also be very emotional at times as well."

"That sounds terrible, why would you put yourself through that?" Celestia asked in shock.

"Alright, let me put it this way. Your guards are mostly male correct?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with this?" She asked cocking a brow.

"A male is genetically programed to protect any and all of those weaker than he, in the face of danger they have an instinct that is called the fight or flight phase. They will either stand and fight to protect those that are in danger, or flee to save his own hide. They can also fight by fleeing and garnering the attention of the danger should it be a creature hell bent on their destruction. Why do you think I always do stupid things when everyone is in danger. I have willingly said I would trade my life a thousand times over to protect those I love. Even those that I know little to nothing about as well."

Celestia sat there for a moment before speaking up once again. "But if you gave your life to protect somepony then, what would save them later if something else could happen to possibly cause their death?"

Midnight sat there in shock for a moment. He suddenly realized that all of his previous endeavors in saving ponies and loved ones could have gone terribly wrong had he actually died, and now Twilight risked her life, and possibly ruined her chances at magic permanently by saving him. He gave a heavy sigh as he looked up to Tia again speaking.

"I realize now that my previous decisions were rather stupid. I could have made tactical retreats without endangering anyone further but failed by going headlong into the battle. Although the battles came out in my favor I still should have thought things through better to prevent other bad things from happening. I am going to have a time attempting to help Twilight heal her horn." He sighed as he finally realized what he had done.

"You know you don't have to do that right?" Twilight spoke up looking over to Midnight.

"Twi? How long have you been awake?" Midnight stuttered.

"Long enough, and don't worry about me. It was my choice and I can live with that decision." She smiled softly looking at Midnight. "How is the foal? I didn't get the chance to see him yet."

"Little Star is fine my dear. The doctor will bring him back shortly." Celestia smiled.

After a day of rest the trio had been released from the medical ward of the castle to return to what they wanted to do. Celestia would be taking time off from her royal duties to tend to her new foal. Midnight would be back and forth from Ponyville to the castle taking care of Twilight and seeing his foal along with Celestia, and Twilight was taking a well deserved vacation in the library she called home. She was order by the doctors and the princess herself to avoid using magic for the next month while her horn began to heal itself. Any magic use could end up hurting her further to the point where she could possibly never use magic again, and for a unicorn who specializes in magic, this next month was going to be utter hell, for Spike anyway.

"Spike, I need you to get me a couple books before you head out on those errands." Twilight piped up as Spike was getting his backpack on to head into town to get a few items requested by Twilight. After Spike had retrieved the books that had been asked he took his leave heading into town, leaving the purple unicorn to fend for herself.

As Twilight began to read through the books she began to worry more and more about her horn and magic, the books she was reading were by no means very old, but were the best in the medical field in regards to Unicorns. She had come across the repercussions of what she may endure since damaging her horn, and did not like them at all.

"Magic sickness, less resistance to spells, severely weakened magic and usage depending on damage to the horn, the list keeps going. UGH! I can't believe there are so many drawbacks to damaging my horn......" She trailed off thinking of Midnight, a small smile spread across her face. "At least it was worth it." She chuckled before closing the book and trotting toward the door to the library. As soon as she reached the door however she stopped to look at the door knob. She had always used her magic to open the door and never really tried other methods like earth ponies or pegasi. She continued looking at the handle until a knock came at the door startling her back to reality. She stepped back from the door while speaking.

"Come in."

The door swung open slowly as Midnight poked his head inside seeing her standing there oddly.

"Twi? Something wrong?" He asked pushing the door the rest of the way open.

Twilight gave a disheartened sigh as she came up to Midnight giving him a nuzzle. "Sorry, it's just being a unicorn without magic is pretty hard. I only had to deal with this for about a week in the past when I caught that magic cold. Having the thought of possibly having stunted magic among other problems dealing with my horn has really put a damper on my mood. I'm sorry, I don't want to be a boMMMPH!" She stopped suddenly as Midnight pressed his lips to hers then pulled away with a smile seeing her shocked expression.

"You are not a bother Twi. I understand your thoughts on your horn and I will do everything within my power and more to help return your horn back to its original glory." He smiled as he used his magic to lift the unicorn onto his back and trot outside.

"Now then, I'm assuming you were about to head out and into town before I knocked." He said as he looked back seeing her sheepish grin.

"What makes you say that?"

"Because I was standing at your door for a good five minutes before I heard you walk up to it then stop. After a couple minutes I thought I should interrupt your train of thought." He chuckled.

"Why were you standing outside the library for five minutes?" She asked giving a smirk causing him to squeak.

"I.....um...........well I was.............. sorta..........." He trailed of, his mane and tail turning slightly pink.

"Uh huh, From the looks of your mane and tail I think it was something embarrassing." She giggled causing him to sigh in annoyance.

"Let's wait until later to discuss that. In the meantime though why don't you tell me why you were heading into town." He chuckled.

"Well, to be honest, I was going to head to Zecora's to see if she has any type of potion to help my horn heal properly."

"Really? What a coincidence, I was heading there myself." He smiled as they began to trot out of town toward the Everfree forest.

"That is rather strange of you to head into the forest just to see Zecora. All of those spiders and monsters lurking about doesn't upset you?" She smirked only to cause Midnight to roll his eyes and give another annoyed sigh.

"I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I made a new spell that bounces off everything that hits it except of course air since I still need to breathe. Now I don't have to worry about those little monsters getting anywhere near me. They still creep me out but now I wont have to worry about them touching me." He laughed out in defiance.

"Sounds like an interesting spell. You'll have to teach me it sometime." Twilight giggled but stopped as she noticed Midnight's questionable look.

"I'm afraid of snakes......" She spoke softly looking away rather embarrassed.

"Seriously?" I think snakes are freaking awesome. Why are you afraid of them?" He began to laugh but stopped noticing her discomfort.

"It's like you with spiders. I don't know exactly why but they scare me."

"It's alright." He smiled.

"Anyway, why did you need to go to Zecora's?"

"Well, remember when she gave me that potion a long time ago in exchange for some of my mane when I had been reverted to a colt?"

"Yea, what about it?"

"Well, I told her that should I ever bleed or loose something that pertains to my body that I would bring it to her."

"What? What in Equestria are you taking her?" Twilight asked in slight shock.

"If you promise you won't freak out or get sick I'll show you." He sighed shaking his head.

"Fine I promise." She sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Midnight sighed once again as his horn lit up, a small portal popping open next to Twilight. "Look inside."

Twilight cocked a brow as she pushed her head into the portal then pulled it out quickly looking at his wings then back into the portal once again before pulling her head out with a shocked expression.

"WHAT! THE! HELL!?" She shouted in disbelief.

"Yea, ya see. That fight was pretty bad and I lost a wing in the process, I managed to make it grow back with the influence of magic but I managed to keep the wing that was cut off. I figured Zecora could come up with some serious potions if we ever needed them."

"That is just...... gross, how can you pack that thing around with you like that?" She spoke looking a little green.

"I'm not packing it around, its inside my stash area. plus while anything is in there time doesn't pass by so I could keep it there for years in this time but it would be instant there." He chuckled still seeing her expression of utter horror.

As they had finally arrived at Zecora's Twilight hopped down from Midnight trotting up to the door and giving it a know. After a moment Zecora answered letting the two in.

"What a lovely surprise, Twilight and Midnight have arrived before my eyes." She smiled as she went back to her cauldron to continue stirring it.

"Hey Zecora, been a while." Midnight smiled to the zebra as he spoke.

"It has been a while I must admit. But seeing you here has done the trick. What prey tell brings you here, something good I hope my dear."

"Well, I was wondering if you had a potion that could help fix my horn." Twilight asked as she lowered her horn before Zecora.

"My goodness, your horn looks rather bleak, I would take a guess that it makes your magic weak?" She said as she turned to a table covered in potions. Gently pressing some of them to the side as she looked for one in particular.

"Unfortunately I had no choice but to damage my horn to save a life. I wish that I could have done something else because now I can't use magic for a whole month, and it still doesn't guarantee that I will have the same magical capability as before." Twilight sighed looking up to Midnight.

Zecora turned around with a disheartened smile as she spoke. "I am sorry to say that the potion you seek is not here. I lack the ingredients to make it my dear."

Twilight gave a sigh looking to the floor as she began. "What type of ingredients would you need to make the potion?"

Zecora stopped for a moment as she went to a small cupboard pulling out a book, she came back over to her guests showing them the ingredients needed. Midnight gave a questionable gaze at one of them.

"This one says something from an incredible magic source. So that means anything as long as it comes from something with a lot of magic right?" He asked looking up to her from the book.

"True, but finding the item is the key, for you see, it could be something of a mystery. Something more powerful than a magic well, only time can show and tell."

Midnight looked to Twilight and smirked only to cause her to facehoof before he began.

"Zecora, I actually may have something you could use if you don't think it to be a little gross." Midnight chuckled nervously as his horn lit up.

"Hmmmm? An item you have of magical use? More powerful than a well....... I.........deduce?!" She trailed off as Midnight pulled the wing wrapped by a rope, a thick cloth snugly fit around the stub to keep the blood from dripping from it. He floated it carefully over to Zecora who looked at it in astonishment before zipping over to Midnight to check on his wings. She looked at both sides several times in shock to still see them both attached to him. She opened her mouth to start speaking but Midnight beat her to the punch.

"Before you begin let me tell you that this IS one of my wings. There was a bad fight in the castle the other day which caused me to loose it but with the help of some magic it grew back. That is also why Twi has that crack in her horn. She did that to save my life. So can you use this wing to make a potion to fix her horn or not?" He smirked seeing the zebras mouth agape as she nodded.

"Alright then. We shall take our leave. I'll be back in a few days to check on the potions progress. Thanks Zecora." He smiled as he turned to the door but stopped as Zecora spoke up.

"So you have given this rare item to me? To brew countless rare potions and save many a pony?" She asked almost in tears.

"You betcha. First thing on the agenda though is to fix Twilight's horn. That's all I request, and maybe a few potions for emergencies in the future. Never know when another God awful disaster is going to happen." He chuckled as they recieved a smile and nod fro Zecora. They nodded in return as they took there leave heading back into town.

"Want a lift?" Midnight smiled nodding to his back.

"Sure, but how about we go for a little flying session. I think it would be nice to get some fresh air." Twilight smiled as she hopped up onto his back wrapping her arms around his neck and giving his cheek a kiss.

"Anything for you doll." He chuckled as his horn lit up and teleported the two through the canopy to high in the sky. As the appeared however he began to hover in the spot before seeing exactly where he was. "Where to?"

"Anywhere is fine with me. I haven't been flying with you in a while so I think I'll just sit back and enjoy the view." She chuckled.

"As you wish my dear." He grinned as he took a steep dive making her scream out in terror before he leveled out. She grabbed tightly around his neck gasping and shivering in fear for a moment before popping him upside the head with a hoof.

"DON'T DO THAT! You know I hate it when you pull a stunt like that." She growled while pouting a lip at him.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself." He snickered before banking slowly. How about we head to Canterlot. I'm sure the princess has gotten all of the formalities out of the way so she can spend some time with Star.

"That's fine, I'd like to see him again anyway. I didn't have much of a chance the other day before we all left. Plus I'm sure that she will want you to spend some time with him as well." Twilight smiled as they continued their flight toward Canterlot Castle.

"Yep, I bet everything is going smoothly for Tia and Star." He smiled.