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The wind softly blew through the stallion's silvery mane as he and his son sat upon a golden chariot bound for Ponyville. "You know dad, we don't have to do this. I mean I could just wait at the castle with mom and Silver." The stallion looked down to his son and smiled.

"Why Midnight if I didn't know any better I would say that you were scared."

"I'm not scared! I just... I'm nervous ok?"

Lunar pulled the little colt closer to him with his wing. "Listen Midnight. Being nervous around somepony else like Sweetie Belle is understandable. Just be yourself alright and you will see that everything will be fine."

"We are within sight of Ponyville your majesty."

"Ah good. Dose Rainbow Dash know of our arrival?"

Haze nodded his head. He along with Sky High had requested to go along with their king should he need any help. It did not take the chariot long before touching down within the square. Many of the ponies around bowed their head respectfully all but one. "Hey big guy, was wondering when you would be coming."

Many ponies gasped at the pegasus attitude towards their king. Lunar just smiled "Forgive me for keeping you waiting Rainbow. My son needed a little coaxing in order for him to accompany me. So how have things been coming along? Last years celebration in Manehatten did not really go as planed. I hope that this year will be different."

"Well as ordered I made sure things were ship shape before you got here. Even Twilight helped out. Once Rarity's sister heard you were coming she freaked out and started running around and tearing through loads of songs she wrote. I don't think she knows Midnight came but it will be a good surprise."

Lunar nodded and stepped from the chariot, Midnight following suit. "Haze, Sky. Head for Twilight's and place the chariot there. Rainbow, Midnight and I will be checking on the preparations taking place. You may do as you wish in the mean time but be back before dusk." The two pegasi nod their heads before taking to the air, the chariot behind them.

"So Rainbow, shall we?" The cyan pegasus landed and trotted before them. Lunar and Midnight following close behind. Lunar scans Rainbow's form as they walk and frowns seeing the scar upon her side. "I see that your wound has not completely healed corporal."

Rainbow lifts her wing and looked upon her scar as she trotted along. She returned facing forward as she walked towards Rarity's. "No sir. But I barely notice it much anymore." The trio stop in front of Carousel Boutique to which Rainbow quickly knocked on the door.

"Just a moment." A soft voice came from inside before the door opened. Out stepped a young unicorn. Her coat was a snowy white, her mane being a shade of purple and pink hung down around her head and hid just one of her eyes. Her tail coloration matched that of her tail. The unicorn gasped and her eyes grew wide. She quickly rushed passed Rainbow and threw her arms around the large stallion. "Mister Lunar. I'm so happy to see you. I didn't properly thank you for getting me in to music school."

Midnight stood a little away from his father as the young mare hugged him. Lunar smiled and patted the mare's head. "T'is alright young Sweetie Belle. T'was the least I could do. Your voice is like that of a siren." He then leaned in close and whispered. "Don't tell my wife I said that." This made her giggle.

Midnight tried to speak but it was as if his voice had left him. "Hmm? Oh hey there Midnight, it's been a while. How have you been."

"Um... good and you?"

"Well with magic and music school it's been pretty busy but since you are here I am sure Scoots and AppleBloom will want to see you again." Midnight looked up to his father to which the stallion nodded.

"Just be back before dark."

Midnight nodded to his father and trotted after Sweetie Belle. He continued to watch him as the two talked as they go. "He's a good kid." Lunar nodded.

"That he is. Anyway, shall we see what Rarity is up to?" Rainbow nodded as the two entered the shop of the unicorn. "Primed and pressed, yard by yard never stressed."

"Dose she always do that?" Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah she tends to do that a lot when she get in the 'zone' as she calls it. Rarity you have a guest" The unicorn stopped her singing and walked in from another room, the moment she saw Lunar her jaw nearly dropped.

"Your majesty it's an honor." Lunar rose a hoof to stop her before she dropped her head.

"Please dear Rarity I am simply here to check on how things are going for this years celebration. I was told you were put in charge of the decoration."

Rarity nodded. "Why yes. Princess Celestia was pleased with my arrangement several years back and ask that I do so this year as well."

Lunar walked around the inside of the unicorn's shop, looking over the many gowns and outfits that she has made. "Well I can see that everything is situated nicely, I shall leave you to your work Rarity. Take care." With that he walked out.

A strange feeling was washing over the Alicorn once he stepped outside, something otherworldly. Rainbow soon joined him and could see upon the stallion's face that something troubled him. "Lunar? What's up?"

"I don't know Rainbow. Something is nagging at the back of my mind. Something that I can't quiet put my hoof on." The two took their time walking through the streets of town, stopping at shops here and there. Soon enough it was lunch time and both Lunar and Rainbow Dash had stopped by the local restaurant to grab a bite to eat.

"I know that you always wanted to join the Wonderbolts Rainbow but at least this way you can still be around your friends."

"Yeah I know. I never really saw myself as the military type. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the pay increase but meh I don't think I would have made the cut anyway and like you said, I would be away from my friends a lot what with training and shows and all."

The waiter comes back, carrying their orders and places them before the two friends. "So how has Twilight been? From what Celestia has told me she had found a filly living in Whitetail Woods."

Rainbow had taken her sandwich into her hooves and took a bite out of it, chewing it before she spoke. "Nyx, yeah she started raising her as her own. Honestly I don't know why she did it. Said something about she had to or what not, not sure. Other then that she's been good, always the egghead she always was."

"I see, well I suppose I should have to meet this filly for myself. In any event she was appointed the organizer for this occasion but after we eat first. There are still things I would like to talk to you about."

It was sometime later that the two parted ways and Lunar went off on his own to the town library. He had remembered his stay there and missed Twilight's company. She was a good conversational partner. The large stallion knocked on the door and from within he heard the voice of a filly. "I'll get it."

The door slowly opened to reveal a small black 'unicorn' filly. She wore a light blue headband and a pair of round glasses. A purple vest was wrapped around her body. Her mane and tail were a shade of deep purple and her eyes were teal and cat-like. She had to be Midnight's age from the looks of it. Upon seeing the large stallion the small filly shyed away before running upstairs. Lunar slowly walked in and closed the door behind him. Twilight was just coming down when the filly ran into her. "Oh your highness I didn't know you were coming."

"Twilight, who is that?" Twilight looked to the young filly and smiled.

"That is King Lunar, Nyx. I told you about him remember? I found him in the forest over nine years ago."

"So this is the filly." Lunar slowly appraoched, doing his best to not try and startle poor Nyx.

Twilight had come down the steps with the filly closely behind her. "I will take that to mean Celestia told you about her?"

Lunar nodded. "Indeed she did though I wished to see her with my own eyes."

Twilight smiled and lifts her tail. "It's alright Nyx, he won't hurt you."

"Are your sure?" Twilight nodded. Lunar dropped down and laid where he stood. The young filly, keeping herself low to the ground, very slowly made her way over to the stallion. Lunar for the most part kept still, he watched as she inched forward and with a tentative hoof, reached out and lightly touched him. She then quickly ran back behind Twilight as Lunar smiled.

"Forgive me little one if I frighten you. I do not mean to be so intimidating." Lunar then rose back to his hooves. "I wonder if it is not too much trouble if I could speak to your mother alone little Nyx."

The filly looked up to her surrogate mother, to which Twilight nodded. She walked back upstairs to Twilight's bedroom. He watched as she walked up the stairs, once she disappeared he looked back to Twilight. "How have you been Twilight?"

"Hmm? What do you mean? I have been good."

"Do not lie to me Twilight, it is not one of your strong suits. I know of the nightmares you have been having. There is nothing that Celestia and I do not share."

Twilight sighed deeply. "They have been coming more frequently lately. I don't know what to make of them. Everything is black and all I can see are these glowing red eyes watching me. Then... Then I'm..."

Lunar could see the young unicorn begin to shake as she tried to continue talking. Slowly he approached the unicorn mare and dipped his head down over her back and rubbed himself along her neck to comfort her. "I'm being raped. I can't see who's doing it, all I see are those red eyes. It's like they peer into my very soul and I can't escape."

"Be at peace Twilight Sparkle. As you are Celestia's prized student and my close friend I swore to protect you and the rest of the Elements. I wish I could protect you from your dreams but unfortunately that is Luna's territory not mine."

The little unicorn mare leaned herself against the stallion's strong chest and wiped away the few tears that had started their journey down her face with her hoof. "I did not mean to make you feel bad Twilight. I was just curious about what it was that had you so terrified."

"No that's ok I had to get it off my chest. I just wished that they would stop."

"Well, to change the subject, would you and Nyx care to accompany me. I am heading over to Sweet Apple Acres to check on the food selection and then to Sugarcube Corner to speak with the party planner." Twilight nodded. Spike was out on errands so she made sure to leave him a note should he come back and they were gone. She then called to Nyx and the three of them left the library, walking through the small town.

"Well howdy there Twilight. Howdy Nyx."

"Hey Applejack, is Applebloom around?" The black filly looked about the immediate area after asking.

"Well shoot if'n she were anywhere I would say she was at the clubhouse."

"Thanks." Nyx then raced off into the farm and disappeared between the trees. Both Applejack and Twilight giggled at the filly's gusto.

"So what brings ya round here Twilight?"

"Well since I was appointed the organizer of this year's Summer Sun Celebration I have come by to see how things were going but I have also brought somepony else with me."

Lunar made his approach up the dirt path to the farm. He was stopped by ponies whom wished to voice certain concerns about things like permits and zoning laws. Lunar told them all that he knew and that if they had any further questions to speak with the mayor.

"Your majesty." Applejack quickly dropped before him. Lunar smiled warmly.

"Please Applejack, you need not be so formal around me, we are friends after all. I am simply here to check up on things that's all."

"I should a figured either you or the Queen were here seeing as Midnight came by with Sweetie Belle earlier. But don't you worry none, we got everything covered fer tomorrow."

Lunar nodded. "I have no doubt that it will be quite the feast dear Applejack and I do hope that Midnight is not getting into too much trouble. I remember when his sister joined your sister and her friends club."

"Midnight? Nah as matter uh fact he was just helping Big Mac not too long ago."

Lunar nodded. "Well I do hope he remains so. I know Tia will just love your food AppleJack. But I am afraid there is more for me to oversee so I shall be back later for Midnight."

The orange earth pony smiled. "Well I'll be sure to keep an eye on him for ya."

Lunar dipped his head slightly, an old custom of respect. He then turned and started down the path back to town. Twilight spoke for a few moments with the earth pony before galloping to catch up to the dark blue stallion.

The two friends walked back through town conversing before they came across a familiar pink mare. "Oh my gosh. I heard from Rainbow Dash that you were here and might come looking for me. But I found you first. This is so super duper sweet." She said as she bounced around the two of them. Lunar smiled softly.

"Yes, Celestia is busy in Canterlot so I figured I would come and see how things were going. I will take it that you have taken care of the celebration set up?"

The pink pony stopped in front of them and smiled. "I sure did. I wouldn't be Pinkie Pie if I didn't. Honestly I don't know who I would be if I wasn't. I mean I couldn't be Twilight, I don't have a horn and I couldn't be a pegasus cause I don't have wings. I could probably be AppleJack but then who would AppleJack be?"

Lunar chuckled and shook his head, Twilight just rolled her eyes. "Pinkie Pie please, calm thyself. I am simply here to make sure things are on course. Though with Twilight in charge I am not sure of the reason to do so." This makes the lavender unicorn blush. "So I had also planed a day of it and visit those close to me."

"Aww that's so sweet. So who haven't you seen yet?"

"Well, I was planning on seeing a particular earth pony. I promised that I would visit should I be in the area." Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before a thought popped in his head.

"Oh oh you mean Starlight. I think I remember seeing her somewhere around here." Lunar thought about it and smiled softly.

"Twilight you go on ahead. I believe I know where to find her." The unicorn looked up to the stallion.

"Are you sure?" Lunar nodded. "Well alright, I'll see you in a bit then."

Lunar turned and walked in a different direction from the others. He made his way swiftly through town before coming to a large gate. Beyond it were rows and rows of headstones. Lunar looked up and upon the gate read Ponyville Cemetery. The dark blue stallion walked inside and looked about as he made his way past grave after grave. It did not take him long before he saw three ponies sitting before one headstone.

Slowly he made his way over to them before being spotted by a young pegasus. Her eyes went wide at the sight of him and she nudged the earth pony mare beside her. Upon looking up and seeing whom it was, she looked back to the headstone. "Hello Lunar."

"I thought I might find you here." He smiled and walked over before sitting behind the earth pony and slowly draping her within his wings. The pegasus and young earth pony looked to their mother as she just sat there in a sea of dark blue feathers. "Thunder Clap would be very proud of you Starlight, you know that."

The mare nodded. "I know. He was a great stallion and loyal husband."

"Um, uncle Lunar?"

"Hmm? What is it Serenity?" Lunar looked to the pegasus.

"Are you and mom really related? If so wouldn't that make her royalty too?" Lunar and Starlight looked to each other before looking to her daughter only to chuckle and giggle softly. Lunar shook his head.

The stallion still remembers the day their mother introduced him as their "uncle". Lunar didn't mind it in the least, in fact he had insisted that they call him as such.

"No little Serenity, your mother and I are not related by blood. Though she is the closest thing I have to a sister here." The earth pony leaned gently against Lunar's chest and sighed.

"I am sorry I did not join your guard like I should have." Lunar shook his head.

"Starlight you have nothing to be sorry for. I know your reason. Were anything to happen to you, there would be no pony to take care of Serenity and Long Shot. Well no, let me rephrase that. I would take care of them but it would not be the same as if you were there."

The four of them sat there for a time before rising to their hooves. "Well the three of us should be heading home. Will you be at the Summer Sun Celebration?"

"Of course I will. It is after all Celestia's big day."

The earth pony mare then reached up and kissed the stallion on the cheek. "Then we shall see you there." The three of them walk off before Lunar opens his wings and takes to the sky. He made his way over the roof tops back to Ponyville Library. Once he had arrived he was greeted by Twilight whom was just about to leave.

"Oh hello you majesty, I take it you were able to find the pony your were looking for?"

"Indeed I had and she was right where I thought she would be."

"Well Midnight should be coming back anytime now. Are Haze and Sky High back?" The lavender unicorn nodded her head.

"They arrived before you did."

Lunar looked about before feeling Midnight's magic behind him. When he turned he could see both he and Sweetie Belle walking up the street. "I had a nice time Midnight thanks. So I guess you'll be coming back tomorrow?"

"Of course. Mom and Dad wouldn't want me to miss it. Silver will be coming too."

"Oh cool I was hoping she would show up. So till tomorrow then." Lunar watched and the unicorn mare placed a kiss upon Midnight's cheek and then trotted off.

"So I take it you made your move eh?" Midnight nodded. "Just like your old man. Anyway we should be getting back, again thank you Twilight for taking care of things for me and... if ever you need anyone to talk to you know how to reach me."

Twilight nodded before the two pegasi trotted up and both Lunar and Midnight climbed into the chariot. Both waved to Twilight before the chariot took to the air.