The night was cold as he always remembered it. A winter's day. He remembered the holiday bells ringing, the Hearth Warming cakes bringing a sweet smell to the air, the cool breeze giving a crisp feel to his lungs. Truly, he was a lucky colt.

The young colt was named, Dark Star. His coat was dark and his mane jet black. But he was a happy boy, apart of a happy family. The father, “Red Star”, and the mother, “Warm Sun”, were the best parents a foal could ask for. The 'Star' family was renowned in Canterlot for their services to the city. It had been a couple of years since the death of Celestia, a couple of years into the beginning of what Canterlot was to become. Through charity, working at the hospital, creating jobs with their company, 'Star Enterprises', truly they were the best examples of pony kind besides the Elements of Harmony themselves. This work kept them always busy, but tonight was different, tonight as a family they were going to see a movie.

The movie was, 'The Mark of Zerro', it followed the exploits of a vigil ante. Dark Star wanted to be him, the costume, the sword play, the heroism. It was everything a colt could dream of. After the movie got out, the family of three stepped out to see the falling snow. It was truly a beautiful sight. Dark Star jumped through the snow and mimicked the moves he saw his hero perform.

“Easy there Dark,” Red Star said, “don't want to look like lunatic now.” Warm Sun nuzzled him and said,

“Let him play dear, he'll only be young once.” Dark Star continued to play while they walked down a dark street.

“Hey dad! Do you think you can teach me how to fight like that?” the little colt asked.

Red chuckled and said, “Maybe when you're older son.” The wife glared at him “Waaay older.”

The little foal didn't mind, he continued in his flight of fancy until he saw a figure in front of him, a rather large and dark figure with white eyes that pierced his soul. Dark ran behind his parents. The figure pulled out a gun and pointed it straight at Dark's parents.

“Hand over everythin' you got.” The voice was deep and raspy, and he held the gun steady.

“It's okay,” Red Star said, “just let me get out my wallet.” Warm Star was shivering in fear while Red went to get his wallet from his coat. Dark could only stare at the gun. “Here it is. Take it, and be on your on your way.” The figure took the wallet and said,

“I want the pearls too!” He moved forward and tried to get the pearls, but Red Star tried to step in front of him. Time went slowly from there. The figure, pulling the trigger, the release of the bullet, the flash, the sound, the grunt of Red Star. There was a scream by Warm Star. He grabbed the pearls from her, and fired his gun again. She didn't scream anymore. The figure ran off after that, leaving Dark Star with his parents. He sank to the ground, with his parents lying there- motionless- lifeless under a street light. It was the only light that shinned on him.

After that, he spent many hours at a police station. Hearing the usual, “It's going to be okay son. Are you feeling okay? Can I get you a hot chocolate? Do you need something?” Reassurances, questions, offers, but no peace. He was returned to the “Star Manor”, greeted by the butler of the house, Copper. Instead of saying anything, instead of offering something, Copper kneeled down and hugged Dark Star, who burst into tears.

That night, Dark Star was at his bed ready to go to sleep. But before he did, he clasped his hooves together, and began to pray on his bed with the candle shinning on him, tears rolling down his face.

“I swear on the spirits of my parents, the spirit and body of Celestia, to avenge their deaths, by spending the rest of my life warring on all criminals.” The candle went out, his oath complete, Dark Star went to bed, crying all the way through the night. A Hearth Warming, that he would never forget.