~1013 years ago~

It was a still day beneath the sun as school let out in Canterlot. Many foals rushed about playing and deciding what do with the rest of their day. They had that luxury. The small unicorn that shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight did not. Why in equestria does that thing have to be so bright? He needed to return to the orphanage as quick as possible to finish the chores caretaker Crabapple had assigned him. Ever since he developed his skill at levitation at such an early age and was foolish enough to not keep it to himself, that hag Crabapple forced him to do all the chores at the entire orphanage.

 It had been that way for the past 2 years, and it would likely remain that way for the foreseeable future. Not taking any chances of losing her servant, she made him sleep in the attic away from all the other children thus ensuring no ponies saw him when they came looking to adopt.

All this was very depressing, but it was not all bad. While cleaning the attic for the first time to make room for place to sleep, he found something so marvelous it may as well have been buried treasure. Amidst a pile of boxes and inside an old cabinet, were books and scrolls. The books were mainly on history but there were a few that explained stellar phenomena and the night sky. These books and some of the scrolls chronicled the history of the constellations and several stars, and the best part? Deep inside one of the boxes stood an old telescope. It was dusty but in decent condition; this combined with the books provided an interesting hobby for the young unicorn colt.

He had already gone stargazing many nights learning about the night sky, but recently he learned that the public library near the orphanage had more books on constellations and even some about the moon. Just thinking about those books made him excited as he broke into a run nearing the orphanage. If the chores were to be completed quickly then it might be possible to make it to the library tonight to get those books before it closes.

The thought brought a bright smile to the unicorn’s face as he entered the front yard of the orphanage, but it didn’t last long.

“And just what are you smiling about, Aldus?” came a raspy voice from the porch.

“Nothing Ms. Crabapple, just glad I got back early to get started working.”

“Just make sure everything gets done before dinner, we have some people coming by after which means...”

“I’ll stay up in the attic while being quiet as a mouse,” Aldus mumbled as he trotted into the house and started the ridiculous amount of tasks. After hours of dusting, mopping, washing, and sweeping all the work was finished. Aldus pressed his head to the attic door and heard muffled voices of a few older ponies and Ms. Crabapple.

Ahh still busy, nows my chance. 

Aldus gingerly walked across the floor to the window while levitating his saddlebag with the telescope and star maps over to him and climbed out onto the roof. As he moved along the roof to edge where a thick pile of bushes were planted at the bottom, he looked toward the horizon and saw the sun had almost set.

Mustering his courage he leapt from the roof to land in the bushes below. With a grunt, Aldus climbed out and broke into a run heading toward the library.

Please let it be open. Please let it be open.

As he neared the front door of the library, Aldus noticed a mare approaching it. She wore thick black glasses and sported a pile of books as a cutie mark.

“Ms. Featherquill wait! Please don’t close yet!” Aldus wailed as he advanced on the door, not slowing down at all.

The mare looked up startled. She gave a yelp as she quickly opened one of the doors as Aldus rocketed through only to trip on a large rug and tumble across the floor. He landed in a heap in front of the return desk.

“Aldy what is the matter with you? You could have hurt yourself,” the librarian said as she rushed over to help the colt up.

“I’m sorry Ms. Featherquill, I just wasn’t certain I’d be able to make it here in time. There are a few books I need and it was important I get them for tonight.”

The mare tilted her head to the side quizzically, “What is tonight?”

Aldus opened his saddlebag showing her his telescope, then looked up at her with a grin. “Tonight is a clear sky with a full moon! With two books I need from here, I’ll be able to make additions to my star map!”

Ms. Featherquill smiled and stood up. “Well that sounds lovely, dear. Go find the books and you can be on your way before the sun goes down completely.”

Aldus beamed and took off down an aisle while shouting over his shoulder, “Oh thank you so much! I’ll be right back!”

No sooner had Ms Featherquill sat down behind the return desk Aldus was there with two books in hoof. She took them and began to stamp them while looking down at Aldus. “All this reading you do Aldy, don’t you ever take a break and play with some friends?”

Aldus looked at her, then drooped his head down. “I don’t have any friends... that... um... like to stay up late and play.”

“Oh, well I’m sorry to hear that.” She said, sliding the books to Aldus.

“Here you go Aldy, have fun and be careful out there at night.”

Aldus levitated the books into his saddlebag and opened the door to leave, “Thank you Ms Featherquill, and don’t worry I’m not afraid of the dark.” He replied with a smirk, and bolted out the door.

The park in Canterlot was surprisingly large considering how urban the city actually was. Trees were found in the amount one would expect from a forest, and paths wound their way through rolling hills. The land was dotted with many ponds and streams. Aldus made his way to the top of a hill and set up the telescope. He looked around to see if anypony else remained in the park this late, but all he saw was an empty park bench behind him and a barren field below the hill.

Peace and quiet.

The Moon was out in all its beauty and so were the stars. Aldus opened the book and began identifying the stars. He wondered why some of them were brighter than others and why some seemed closer, almost as though he could reach out and touch them. They were beautiful. The night was beautiful. It was so calm, it was like a companion that was always by your side. Never pressuring you, never judging you, it was simply there. It could be welcoming or coldly indifferent. Not like the obnoxiously bright sunny days where it was as if the light was forcing you to be outside. It was oppressive, demanding.

Aldus shrugged, looking back into the telescope he muttered to himself, “Thats all a matter of perspective I suppose.”

“What is a matter of perspective, lad?”

Aldus jumped and spun around to see an aging unicorn sitting on the park bench behind him. He couldn’t see his face, it was hidden by the brim of a large pointy hat. The elder unicorn sported a long grey beard that stretched almost to the middle of his robes, which were covered with stars.

“May I ask who you are, sir?” Aldus said now standing up and wearily examining the paths off the hill. He had heard of strange ponies lurking about the city at night. He needed to be careful.

“Hmm such manners, and from an orphan? Yes lad you may ask who I am. I am simply an old unicorn who enjoys the Nighttime and stargazing same as you! May I now ask who you are?”

How did he-? Aldus raised an eyebrow.

The elder unicorn climbed off the bench and began slowly walking toward Aldus.

Well he seems harmless enough...

“My name is Aldus, sir. Pleased to meet you.”

“Oh I assure you young Aldus, the pleasure is all mine. May I sit?”

“Umm, sure.”

“Thank you Aldus.” The old one said as he sat down next to Aldus with a grunt.

“It’s beautiful out here isn’t it, lad? The Night can be so welcoming.”

Aldus continued to stand and gave the old unicorn a smile, Yes I agree. I love it out here. Its like the stars and moon are actually watching us as we watch them.”

The elder laughed. “That is actually more true than you know, Aldus.”

Aldus gave the unicorn a perplexed look, “What do you mean?”

The Unicorn sat up and faced Aldus, motioning him to come closer.

“The night sky is so majestic that it almost looks as though the whole thing is a canvas, and the stars and moon have been placed there by something, or somepony...” He said, conspiratorially.

Aldus put a hoof to his head and scratched it, “Placed there by somepony?”

“Thats right Aldus. You said that you felt like the Moon was watching you, technically that is true. However, it is very rare for a pony to realize this, especially one as young yourself.”

This geezer is off his rocker

“Aldus, what if I were to tell you that Moon and the night sky were under the control of our princess.”

“But Princess Celestia is the Sun Princess, she controls the night too?”

“No Aldus, not Princess Celestia. The night is under the dominion of her younger sister, Princess Luna. You said you felt as if the moon itself was watching you, what you felt was the lunar princess watching over her subjects in the night.”

Aldus’ jaw dropped to the ground. “Princess Luna? I’ve never heard of her before. There is another princess in equestria that I had no idea even existed? I- I don’t even know what to say... this is embarrassing.” He said with a frown.

The elder unicorn gave a jolly laugh and came to sit beside Aldus. “Oh don’t be so hard on yourself lad, Celestia is the eldest and most popular one after all, and Luna has become a bit of a recluse lately.” His voice trailed off with that last statement and he seemed sad, but he quickly recovered.

“Aldus, for somepony like you who loves the night so much, and has the rare ability to sense the princess, I think you should meet her.”

“Meet her? Meet a princess? Wh- why?” Aldus asked with a gulp.

“To thank her for raising the moon and creating the beautiful night sky that you adore, of course! Oh, and presenting her a gift as a token of your appreciation might not be a bad idea either.” The old one said, nodding to himself.

“A gift? But I barely have enough bits to buy myself lunch. How will I have enough to purchase a gift suitable for a princess? Also, I have no idea what to buy!”

The old unicorn simply laughed. “Calm down lad, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. First, would you like to meet the princess?”

Aldus thought it over, meeting an actual princess... and even better; the one responsible for the nights he enjoys so much. It seemed only right for him to follow through on what the old unicorn was suggesting.

“Yes, I would love to Mr. um... you never actually told me your name.”

The elder pony stood up and smiled at Aldus. “Good answer lad, you might not realize it yet but you may have just started down a path that will change your life forever. As for the name, you can call me Starswirl.”

“Princess Luna holds court tomorrow night, you could visit her then. Now, regarding the gift. I have a few tasks to complete at the market tomorrow afternoon. How about you meet me there by the fountain after school and lend me a hoof, and in return I’ll give you enough bits to buy the princess something really nice. How does that sound?”

Aldus practically jumped into the air with joy. “That sounds great!”

“Its settled then. You will have a busy day tomorrow Aldus, its probably for the best that I return you to the orphanage to get some sleep.”

“You are probably right,” Aldus said with a yawn. I’ll pack up my things.

“No need, lad.”

Aldus watched as his things were levitated into the saddlebags and his telescope was packed away.

Starswirl smirked at Aldus, his horn emanating a faint glow.“Fasten your safety belt!”

Before Aldus could say anything both he and Starswirl vanished from the park.

The next day went by quickly with Aldus meeting Starswirl in the market as planned. The elder unicorn mainly visited shops to obtain strange reagents he claimed to need for special cooking, but Aldus doubted that cooking was only thing he’d use them for. He also visited a tailor to pick up some new robes. Aldus spent time in the shop admiring some of the robes and cloaks, they all seemed very comfortable and some of the colors were magnificent. After that they departed and Starswirl bought dinner for the two of them.

While eating Starswirl produced a large bag of bits from his robes and slid it across the table to Aldus.

“Have you thought of what you want to give to the princess yet?”

“Well yes I did give it some thought,” Aldus replied, taking the bag of bits and depositing it in his saddlebag. “Do princesses like gems and jewelry?”

Starswirl laughed and leaned over the table, “That is a great idea, lad! A princess can never have enough jewels and treasure, and Princess Luna does love sparkly gems. The jewelry store is right over there.”

“Thank you Starswirl, I think I’d better go pick it out so I can make it to Canterlot Castle by nightfall,” Aldus said as he jumped down from his chair.

“Of course lad but before you go take this, it will allow you to enter the castle.” Starswirl produced a piece of paper with a picture of sun on it and a few symbols Aldus could not decipher.

“Just show that to any guards who stop you and you should be fine. I’ll see you later Aldus, sooner than you think.” Starswirl tipped the brim of his hat then disappeared in a flash of light.

Aldus wondered what he meant by that but didn’t give it too much thought, right now he needed to pick out a gem worthy of a princess. He entered the store and browsed through the cases and found a beautiful emerald the size of a tangerine. It took almost all the bits to buy it, but it was worth it. I really hope she likes this!

Aldus exited the store and began down the street to the castle. It was a largely uneventful and was now night time, but then he heard snickering and turned around. What he saw made his stomach turn. Two earth ponies and  a pegasus were following him, all three enjoyed bullying him whenever they got the chance at school. If they were to catch him now they would certainly take the emerald. Aldus broke into a run and the three behind him gave chase.

The earth ponies were much larger than Aldus and thus much slower, however the pegasus was a problem. He was roughly the same size as Aldus and would catch him eventually if allowed to fly straight and gain speed. They were close to the castle entrance, Aldus quickly turned to the left and sped down an alley. He heard the pegasus curse as he flew past the alley entrance and had to turn around. Aldus kept using the alleys to his advantage, tipping over garbage and boxes wherever he could until he finally emerged on the street leading into the castle. He quickly sprinted toward the guards, seeing this the three pursuers halted their chase and faded away into one of the alleys.

Aldus approached the guards and quickly presented his pass. The two guards nodded having examined the pass and lifted their spears while the gate opened. The grounds were quiet, the only things registering noise were crickets and the sounds of ponies patrolling around the castle. The main hallway leading into the throne room was also quiet. Didn’t Starswirl say there was supposed to be a court in session now?

As he approached the large double doors leading into the throne room he noticed a shadow on the ground in front of him growing larger and larger. Looking up, he saw a pegasus mare clad in night guard armor descending upon him. Aldus yelped and fell backward as the guard landed.

“Aw sweetie I didn’t mean to frighten you. You don’t need to be afraid of me,” she said as she trotted over to him and offered a hoof to get up.

Aldus accepted the offer and was pulled onto his hooves. The mare was beautiful; her coat was dark violet with a blue mane and tail. Her eyes were blue as well, but not menacing or intimidating. She looked young, Aldus guessed she was nearing the end of her teen years.

“What’s a little cutie like you doing here this late at night?”

Aldus blushed. She thinks I’m cute!

“I- I’m here to see P-Princess Luna, ma’am. I have this,” he reached into his saddlebag and produced the entrance pass.

The mare examined it and smiled, “What is your name sweetie? Where did you get this?”

“My name is Aldus. I obtained that pass by helping an old unicorn at the market earlier today.”

The mare nodded and motioned for him to follow, “I see, well your pass is authentic, the princess is in the throne room.” She leaned over to Aldus as he approached, “Don’t be intimidated. She may seem imposing, but she is a sweetheart.”

Aldus gulped as the mare opened the double doors and escorted him to the throne. Princess Luna was seated on the throne levitating a scroll in front of her, she then placed it atop a pile and picked up another one. She almost looks... bored. Aldus tried his best of observe his surroundings as he approached the princess. The room  was virtually empty except for the lunar guards. This was a court meeting? There is nopony here.

“Princess Luna,” the mare spoke with a bow, “A subject is here to see you.”

The princess looked up, clearly surprised.

“A most rare occassion as of late, would you not agree Lilith?” she said to the guard who simply giggled then stood to the side, leaving Aldus in view of the princess.

Lilith? That’s a pretty name.

“A little colt? What is your name young one, and what can I do for you?”

Aldus began to speak but stopped abruptly almost forgetting to bow. He quickly removed his saddlebag and knelt down quickly almost slamming his head into the marble floor. The Princess and Lilith both giggled at his nervousness.

Great, this is off to a wonderful start...

“My name is Aldus, your majesty. It is an honor to meet you. I came here tonight to offer you thanks for the beautiful night sky and for watching over us through the night.”

Princess Luna just stood there for a moment and observed Aldus, then she rose into the air and glided down the steps from the throne to stand before him. “You may rise, young Aldus. So, you enjoy my night sky? What about the moon?” she asked expectantly, looking down grinning at Aldus.

He stood up and backed away slightly, “The moon- err, uhh yes the moon! I love the moon! The moon and the stars are beautiful. Its usually nighttime when I am able to get away and have some free time. I like to go to the park and look at the stars and moon. Just recently I found a telescope in the orphanage when I was cleaning, so I use that. Its really fun and peaceful out there, the moon makes it so its not completely dark either, which allows me to read as well.”

Princess Luna’s smile faded for a moment, “Orphanage? You work in an orphanage? Aren’t you a little young to have a job?”

“No princess, not exactly. I work there, cleaning and doing chores and I live there as well. The work sometimes takes most of the day after school, so when I’m done I just usually go to the park to relax.”

“I see,” she bent down to look Aldus in the eye. “Do your friends love the night as much as you? Or are they not as brave as you to come here and thank me?”

Aldus looked down for a moment before replying. “I don’t really have too many friends princess. There aren’t many other foals at school who want to play with me, and the ones at the orphanage play while I work. But thats okay, I like to think think the stars and moon keep me company when I’m outside at night. Sometimes I feel like the moon is lonely up there, the only bright thing amongst all the darkness. I figure if I’m out there along with anypony else, we can keep the moon company, that way nopony has to be alone.”

Princess Luna looked down at the unicorn colt and smiled with a slight mist forming in her eyes. Yes, the moon is lonely... but perhaps not as lonely as it thought.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” Adlus exclaimed, producing the emerald from his saddlebag. “This is for you princess, to show my appreciation for all that you do. I chose an emerald because sometimes the moon gives off a faint green glow at certain points during the year, its really beautiful! It also seems to match the color of your eyes.”

“Aww, how adorable!” Lilith was observing the conversation from a few paces away. “What a sweetheart!”

Princess Luna was taken aback by the generosity of the young unicorn. This is lovely, thank you Aldus! She knelt down and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Aldus didn’t know what to say. A princess just kissed me!

“Y-Your welcome princess, I’m glad you liked it.”

Princess Luna motioned for Lilith to stand beside her, “Lilith we rarely ever have visitors this time of night, but tonight not only do we have one... it happens to be a foal. A foal that presents me with a beautiful emerald.”

Lilith nodded and looked down at Aldus, “He is quite the gentlecolt, princess.”

“Indeed,” Princess Luna rose into the air and flew backward to land on the throne. “You have made a dull night quite eventful young one, I thank you. But unfortunately there are now matters that require my full attention. Lilith will escort you out. Goodbye Aldus.”

“Goodbye Prin--” He did not have time to finish before being scooped up by Lilith and flown out of the throne room. She giggled as she held him close and performed several barrel rolls as they exited the main hallway and flew out into the courtyard near the castle entrance. Lilith flew up and performed a loop before setting Aldus down, who was a bit dizzy after all the aerial acrobatics.

“You are such a cutie, Aldus. I’ve been trying to lift Princess Luna’s spirits for days now and tonight is the happiest I’ve seen her in weeks!” She bent down and ruffled his grey mohawk with her hoof. “Promise you’ll come back one of the nights you are out stargazing, ok?”

Aldus gazed up at Lilith and nodded. “I didn’t anticipate my coming here would have such a positive effect on the princess, but I’m certainly glad I was able to make her happy. I would love to come back and visit. Will I see you again as well, Miss Lilith?”

“Aww of course you will, sweetie!” You can count on it. But I need to return to my post, have a safe trip home Aldus.” Lilith flapped her wings happily, then rose into the air and flew back into the castle.

Aldus turned around and trotted out of the castle. This had been the best night he’d had in a long time, and the night was still young. He decided to take a route back to the orphanage that led him through the park. While he was passing through an area thick with trees he did not notice the three figures stalking behind him until it was too late. From seemingly out of nowhere, a pegasus flew down and with front hooves slammed his head into the dirt path. Aldus screamed out a muffled cry and whirled around to identify his attackers only to be hit again and have his saddlebags ripped off.

“What the- oh, its you three... can’t you just once leave me alone?” Aldus asked as he backed up spitting dirt from his mouth.

“Not a chance small fry, you got lucky losing us earlier tonight but it looks like your luck has run out this time,” the pegasus said with a sneer.

“Sunlance, shouldn’t you be off practicing how to fly straight, or showing your idiot friends how to move rocks with their heads?”

“Oh real funny Aldus, real funny. Actually what we want to know is why you went into the castle earlier. Are you some kind of very important pony now?”

Aldus smirked, “V.I.P. eh? I like the sound of that, I’ve always been a big deal... but I guess it takes some ponies longer to realize it than others,” he said regarding the earth ponies.

“Thats it! I’ve had enough!” one of the earth ponies bellowed as he stalked toward Aldus.

Aldus turned toward Sunlance and lowered his head, he focused on a lesson he had read in spell book and had been practicing. A bright white glow emanated from the tip of his horn. Once it was stabilized he charged toward Sunlance and teleported... only to reappear with his fur singed five paces in front of the pegasus.

Oh shoot...

“Big deal huh?” Sunlance laughed and reared back, drilling both back hooves into Aldus’ face.

Aldus only saw blackness after that, and could only lay on the ground as he received the worst beating of his life. Finally, his assailants relented and emptied the saddlebag over his crumpled form. They yelled some threats, then left the park. Aldus slowly got up and tried to assess his condition. He was certain he had drifted in and out of consciousness during the ordeal and his whole body ached. One eye was swollen shut and his rear left leg didn’t seem to want to work properly. Despite all that just happened Aldus laughed to himself, at least I actually teleported this time, even if it was just a few paces!

Slowly Aldus limped through the park trying to focus his mind on anything other than his sorry state, but he could not. He slowly acknowledged the pain. The pain of loneliness and the physical pain of his beating, and the bleak outlook of his future. Letting all of these things swirl around in his head, Aldus broke down and cried.

He looked up at the moon, the object that had observed everything that just transpired, and silently asked, “Why does this happen to me? What did I do?” To Aldus’ shock, the moon answered.

“You have done nothing but be yourself, and to some insecure ponies that is a crime.”

A mare’s face appeared in the moon briefly before disappearing in a flash of brilliant light. As the light faded Princess Luna materialized and floated down to stand before Aldus.

“Princess Luna! What are you doing here? You shouldn’t see me in such a state,” he said, lowering his head in shame.

The princess gave a warm smile and levitated Aldus with her magic, raising him to eye level. He did not struggle, he simply hung suspended in the field and stared at the ground.  

“I’m the princess here, I think I’ll decide when I should or shouldn’t see my subjects.” she said softly before nuzzling him.

Aldus slowly looked up and met her gaze. Suddenly all the fear and pain started to fade away being replaced by a sense of serenity and warmth. She touched her horn to his for a brief moment then set him back down.

Upon touching the ground he got up and paced a circle realizing he had been fully healed. He grinned and looked up at the princess who was studying him closely.

“I have learned much about you this night, Aldus. I know your life has been difficult thus far and you fear the future. Tonight I am here to erase that fear.”

Aldus did not understand, but he remained silent and continued to listen.

“Despite the despair you have felt and the pain you have endured, it has not made you spiteful. You continued to move forward even when things seem impossible and hopeless. The respect you show to your elders and to complete strangers is a sign of maturity, and last but not least, your love of learning and potential for magic is the strongest I have seen in a long time.”

Princess Luna approached Aldus and turned around to sit with him. She extended her hoof and pointed to the night sky. “I believe that you share an affinity to night, just like I do. It is why you feel so calm at night and darkness does not frighten you. My sister and I have a school for talented unicorns such as yourself. I would like to extend you an offer to enroll there.”

Aldus immediately began to review scenarios in his mind, but before he could even ask, Princess Luna answered his question.

“Of course, you would no longer be able to remain in the orphanage far on the other side of Canterlot and attend your classes every day. You would be taken into our care and live in the castle until a suitable guardian can be arranged for you.”

“I accept your offer, Princess,” Aldus said without a moments hesitation. He had no friends or family to hold him back and he would be leaving that dreadful orphanage.

Princess Luna smiled and draped a wing around the small unicorn and looked down at him, “I’m glad, I foresee great things in your future. Some of my guards will be along to retrieve you from the orphanage soon.”

“The orphanage? But I’m here with you... in the park... aren’t I?”

Princess Luna’s eyes widened as she looked at her young charge expectantly.

“I’m not in the park,” Aldus said as he observed the princess, then the sky and the surroundings. The sky, the wind, none of it seemed natural and Princess Luna seemed to exhibit some sort of control over it.

“This is... a dream?”

“Correct, and your time here is almost done.”

Aldus could feel a slight tension in the back of his mind growing stronger and stronger, he turned and watched as objects began to blur and disappear. But before the world completely dissolved, he quickly buried his face into the alicorn’s fur and attempted to embrace her in a hug.

“Thank you Princess Luna! Thank you for everything!”

The Princess chuckled and stroked his mane, “Your welcome, little one. Time to wake up...”

Aldus awoke abruptly in the attic with his mind going in a thousand different directions at once. He was laying on top of the old mattress near the window with a blanket pulled over him. Slowly he removed the blanket and examined his body and turned slowly to get up and grunted in pain. There were still many bruises across his legs and chest and his eye was swollen shut, but he wasn’t in nearly as much pain as before. Did all that really just happen? Did Princess Luna’s healing in the dream actually heal me here? Who brought me back here? Was it her?

All the questions racing through his mind were cut short by the sound of thumping and screaming downstairs. Aldus heard Miss Crabapple yelling at somepony who seemed to be giving out orders. He pressed his head to the floor to try and hear what was transpiring.

“I can’t believe that somepony like you is in charge of looking after these foals! You will answer for this later, take her away!”

Aldus heard the sound of hooves ascending the stairs to the attic and hastily retrieved his blanket and crouched behind a pile of boxes. The door burst open revealing Lilith clad in her night guard armor. She scanned the room and saw Aldus crouching behind the boxes and rushed over to him. Aldus noticed a faint shimmering of tears forming in her eyes.

“Oh no! Sweetie what happened to you?” she asked pulling him off the floor into tight hug. “Who did this to you?”

Aldus accepted the hug and hesitated before giving an answer, Lilith was warm.

“It was just some other foals from school, we had a disagreement thats all. This is not the first time its happened, though I usually do a better job at protecting my face.” He said with a laugh, but Lilith did not seem amused.

“I’m so sorry you’ve been bullied Aldus, its a horrible thing to endure. But it won’t be a problem anymore. I’ve been sent to take you away from this place.”

“I know,” Aldus nodded, “I had a strange dream where Princess Luna told me somepony would come and get me and take me to live in the castle until she found somepony to look after me.”

Lilith set the young colt down on the mattress and observed the attic. She looked at the dresser and pile of dirty blankets then returned her gaze to him.

“Yes, about that. Adlus... would you like to come live with me?” she asked, while nervously rubbing her left leg with her right hoof.

Aldus did not know what to say, but he felt he had already developed a bond with her in the short time knowing her tonight. He speculated it was because nopony was ever really that outwardly compassionate toward him.

“You would let me live with you just like that?” he asked with a wavering voice.

Lilith nodded, “When I was younger living in Manehatten, I had a younger brother. He was very special to me but was born very ill and was bedridden for all his life. I spent as much time with him as I could but eventually the sickness took him. He was about your age when he passed away. I don’t know why, but... I see much of him in you.”

Lilith began to tear up.

“I don’t believe in chance Aldus, and after meeting you tonight at the castle then seeing that you’ve been forced to live in this place... I just... I know you deserve better, and I know I can give it to you. I hold the rank of an officer, and we are granted our own apartments as living quarters. It isn’t much, but there is definitely enough room for two and-”

“I don’t know what to say, miss Lilith. If you really are willing, then who am I to turn down something like this?”

Lilith sat down and wiped the tears from her eyes, “I won’t let you down sweetie, I promise.”

Aldus laughed to himself, “So I guess this makes you like... sort of... my older teenage sister?”

“Yeah, I guess it does!” Lilith replied.

He limped over to her and wrapped his hooves around her neck. “This has been the best night of my life, Lilith.”

She chuckled and gingerly picked him up and placed him on her back. “Just think, tomorrow will be the best morning of your life! But now, I think its time for us to leave. I’ll send some soldiers over to collect your things when we arrive at the castle.”

Aldus leaned forward and noticed her insignia and the name below it. “Razorwind? Lilith Razorwind is your name? That sounds like a fast name... are you a fast flyer Lilith?” He asked playfully.

Lilith opened the window and jumped out onto the roof spreading her wings. “I’ll let you judge that for yourself, sweetie. But just remember, you asked for it!” With a cheer from the little unicorn on her back she jumped from the roof and climbed high into the night sky heading toward Canterlot Castle and a new chapter in their lives.

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~Present time~

The frigid air nipped at Princess Luna’s ears as the chariot cut through the northern sky, she looked around and saw all the guards had been able to keep up with the chariot despite the brutal winds at this altitude. It took a full days journey to make it this far north, but they were almost there.

Princess Luna had told Celestia that she needed to get away, and that perhaps a trip to the resorts up north would help her relax. Celestia knew Luna loved hot springs, and the best ones were found at the resorts. Luna didn’t sense any suspicion from her sister, but she had been wrong before, and Celestia was always difficult to read.

“We’re here Princess!” one of the guards shouted as the chariot banked left and started its descent. The clouds began to clear and it came into view; the temple. It was quite large, however Luna guessed even more of it was burried into the face of the mountain. Three large spires shot upward toward the sky above what Luna guessed was the temple entrance.

Upon landing the guards arrayed themselves in a perimeter around the chariot as Luna stepped down. It was eerily quiet. Suddenly the guards turned and raised their weapons at a shape descending from the sky to the west. As the shape came into view the guards lowered their weapons, recognizing the familiar form of a scout.

The scout landed and trotted up to Luna and gave a quick bow, panting heavily as she did.

“Ahh, Marigold you have perfect timing. What have you learned.”

The pegasus scout turned around and pointed in three different directions to the west and at one to the east. “Princess, there are three villages west of here and one moderate sized town to the east. They are all aware of the temple’s existence.”

Luna nodded, “What else?”

“The citizens of all the villages say that nopony ventures close to the temple, and that it is a desolate place. They say even animals avoid it for miles. But there is one more thing. There is a legend dating back several generations of a... creature... stalking the lands around the temple. They claim it to be a creature of darkness. Those who have seen it describe it as a dark winged pony. According to the legend it killed all the living things around the temple and stalks anypony who dares come near it. I have to admit it is unnerving, I flew the skies between the temple and all four towns today and did not see a single living thing until you came.”

The rest of the ten guards were now gathered around Luna and Marigold listening. One was shaking.

“Do you think its true, that there is monster lurking out there somewhere?”

Luna quickly turned to him with a serious expression on her face, “Do you know who is inside that temple, Shatterstone?”

“N-No Princess Luna, I don’t.”

“What about the rest of you? No? The pony locked inside this temple was one of my closest subordinates and led my royal court. Unlike others who left me when I became Nightmare Moon, he stayed faithfully by my side and protected both me and everypony else who followed me. Back then he learned magic from Starswirl the Bearded, from me, from my sister, and many others. This made him one of the most powerful unicorns to ever walk Equestria. His power and accomplishments in the realms of magic and politics were so impressive that he obtained a title which had not been claimed in thousands of years; the title of Magister. With the amount of knowledge he possessed it is entirely possible that my sister overlooked... something. Perhaps it is a creature he created or summoned should he ever be in danger... or something that awakened thousands of years ago and now protects its master. I do not know, but one thing is certain. With amount of knowledge he possessed, we can’t rule out any possibilities no matter how farfetched.”

Princess Luna flew into the air and hovered for a moment to scan the surroundings. “Make camp near the treeline and post guards around the perimeter of the camp. It will take me the rest of the day and well into the night to prepare the spell needed to unlock the entrance to the temple.”

The guards saluted and started construction of the tents and moved the chariot into the trees to keep it out of sight. Princess Luna continued to stare at the structure.

The Temple of Aldus the Moondeath, and it is guarded by some sort of shadow monster?

The camp was across a large snow covered field and the temple was a long distance away. Luna was about to turn away until something caught her eye. She squinted toward the entrance and felt a chill run down her spine. Despite being far away, she could make out a dark silhouette standing outside the temple entrance, it was watching them.

“Guards! To me, now!” she shouted before rocketing into the air toward the temple.

Two of the guards nearest her followed her to the door, three more climbed higher into the air to trail them and intercept any danger that came from the air. Princess Luna landed thirty paces away from the temple. There was a bridge that spanned a chasm in front of the entryway. However, it was not possible to see the bottom. Several trees filled the chasm and were tall enough to create a barrier around the bridge.

Luna cautiously advanced on the door while preparing several wards and combat spells. Two of her guards followed behind with shock staves ready.

“Princess, what is going on? I thought you said we couldn’t enter yet,” one of the guards asked.

“I thought I saw somepony, or something. Stay alert and watch the trees, there may be something hiding in them.”

The guards gulped and scanned the trees while Luna approached the door. There was a symbol that she recognized instantly as Aldus’ cutie mark; a crescent moon with two open books in the foreground. There was also an inscription on the door.

“Servant of night brought sky to earth, and in the act to infamy gave birth. Now adrift on cosmic streams, penance for the crime dead but still dreams.”

Luna did not have time to think on what that meant. She noticed out of the corner of her eye one of the shadows on the ground beginning to shift.

It contorted and pulsed as it grew larger, then began to writhe as hooves reached out and grasped at the ground beyond it. Luna gasped and backed away as the guards quickly rushed in front of her assuming a defensive formation. The figure crawled laboriously from the shadow as if it was climbing out of a pit, all while moaning in pain. It shakily stood up revealing what looked like a horrifyingly disfigured unicorn.

It wore what appeared to be torn and burnt robes. What remained of its mane and tail were charred black. Slowly it looked up revealing a hideous face contorted in an expression of pure pain. Its eyes glowed a dim green color and the left side of its face seemed to sag, like somepony had snared it and pulled it down. There was also something strange about its body, it was covered in something that looked like tar. It coalesced and swirled covering areas that had shown horrendous burn marks and cuts when it emerged from the shadow. The substance now began covering its face in a manner much like an insect carapace or a piece of armor. It opened its mouth displaying severed skin around the cheeks, it turned from side to side looking at the guards revealing the inner muscles of its jaw. The tar had almost completely covered its head and face revealing a familiar image that made Luna’s stomach turn.

No, it can’t be. It’s... its impossible!

The unicorn took a step toward them and almost collapsed to the ground.

“Release me.”

Its voice sounded like two ponies speaking at once, and Princess Luna recognized one of them. The unicorn recovered and the green glow in its eyes intensified. It advanced two more steps with several dark sparks coming to life from the tip of its horn.

“Release me, Princess!”

It reached its right hoof toward Luna. In response, one of the guards rushed forward and thrusted a shock staff at the unicorn. But it simply lowered its right hoof and raised its left, slowing the pole to a stop just before the tip impacted it. With surprising speed, some of the tar leapt  from the unicorn and slithered down the staff toward the guard.

A sudden bolt of silver light erupted from Luna’s horn and impacted the disfigured unicorn sending it staggering backwards. It attempted to recover but instead collapsed on its left side. Slowly it reached out toward the princess again but was cut down by another blast of silver light. With an ear splitting scream the unicorn fell limp and dissolved into a black puddle of tar, which then crept back into the various shadows cast by the trees.

“What just happened, Princess Luna?” one of the guards asked, clearly terrified. “What was that thing? Was that the monster?”

Luna stamped her hoof to get their full attention, “Back to the camp, now! This area is no longer safe!”

As they flew back to the camp. Princess Luna gave orders for guards to be stationed in a tight perimeter around the camp and had Marigold place motion and magic detection crystals as well. She recognized that voice, it was his. Now more than ever she resolved to get to the bottom of this. Luna would find answers, starting inside the temple and ending with her sister.

Luna and the guards all set about preparing for their entry into the temple later that night. The sun was setting and shadows began to creep across the snow. In their haste, nopony saw the black pegasus filly observing their activities from a nearby hill.