The Battle for Equestria

"Well, we could always try being the best Hoof-ball players!” I was sitting down outside with the three small mares Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and last but not least Scootaloo. Now I just noticed that I haven't really said anything about the Cutie Mark Crusaders, reason being all we did, since I was now the newest members of the group; was trying to find our hidden talents, to get our Cutie Mark. Remember how I said, or thought I couldn't get one because I was human? Well after reading a while back that I could indeed get one if I was in complete harmony with the pony race; I know it's weird but hey, a tattoo where you can get it for free and it doesn't hurt; why the hell not right? It was the day after my birthday, I once more woke up smelling Twilight's home cooking, and glad that I was with her. When I saw her, I came up and hugged her tightly, telling her that I was glad to see her face this morning. The cake shop was closed for today, seemed Pinkie Pie made a cake way too big and it kinda...exploded, yeah when I walked in the whole place was pink like her. She was busy licking it up, she is one crazy pony. Anyway, back to where I was. Looking down at the table outside the café, I saw a long list that seemed to go on forever, many were rubbed out, and being a talent they tried and failed at.

"We can't do that!” Scootaloo answered shaking her head. "I mean really, four world best Hoof-ball players?”

"It could happen,” Belle answered with a nod. "Right Brandon?” I only shrugged, truthfully I was only half listening, gazing out past their heads, I thought back to this weird dream I had last night.

It was dark, not like being inside an enclosed location, but dark as in night. Two Alicorn stood in front of each other, one badly beaten to the point where his black coat was even darker with the blood it bled. The long hair flowing on the side like all of the Alicorn I have met so far, that being only the two princesses of course. Deep red cat like eyes glaring at the larger one, his wings flared out as if ready to take off. The tail behind him flowing the same as his hair. He wore armor, lighter then his body, but black all the same, the chest plate having on the front what seemed to be a moon, half light, the other dark, the same as his Cutie Mark on his flank; metal boots going up toward his knees. He looked almost as tall as Luna, maybe a bit bigger.

The other one was much larger, smaller then Celestia by mere inches to my guess, the eyes seemed a little darker then white, cat eye as well in a way, and maybe...I wasn't to sure. It was black as well, the same as the first one. The eyes didn't look evil like the first, but claim in a way, half closed. I knew this one was male too, much too thick to be female, and the jaw line was much tougher looking. The hair was somewhat shorter, only reaching down to the end of the neck, though his hair and tail which touched the ground did not flow. It also wore armor, but his armor was much fiercer, the ones on the legs held spikes on the side, which dripped with blood. The chest black covering half of his body, the top half, metal along the wings for some sort of protection. On the flank of the Alicorn was what seemed to me was half a moon, half a sun, maybe...an eclipse? Going though the so called eclipse seemed to be a sword, the guard looking like the Master Sword guard, you know the one from Twilight Princess, (Good game by the way, didn't like it that much since it was way too easy for me) anyway on ether sides of the eclipse, two black eagle like wings were seen. Looking around, I found Twilight by herself, looking with wide eyes as I tried to call out to her, no words came from my lips. And when I tried to touch her, my hand went right though her.

"Brandon...hello Brandon are you okay?”

I felt the feeling of someone's hoof clunking me in the head as I shook my head slightly and turned to see Scootaloo beside me on the railing behind me.

"Oh...uh, yeah, just thinking,” I told her but I nodded. "Look girls, its been a good day, but some of these things seem a bit crazy...I mean really, skydiving, no way in hell your families would let you even try that!” they all snickered slightly at this as I shook my head. Looking over to see my sword I was given, always keeping it with me just in case as I stood up. "Anyway, let's call it a day right now alright. We will get our Cutie Marks one day!”

"Yeah!” they all cried as we all bro-fisted. After saying our good-byes I left some bits on the table from the food we ate and then left, clipping my sword on my back and making my way down the streets of my new home of Ponyville. I still couldn't believe it's been almost a month since I came here thanks to the princesses, though no one else really knew that, just them and I. Waving to a few earth ponies who walked by I made my way back to Twilight's and my home. Entering the library slash home, I found that Who, since I don't feel like writing his whole name, was sleeping. Hell even Spike was sleeping on the sofa. Looking around, I couldn't find Twilight, so I made myself up the stairs, to find her brushing her hair with her magic.

"Brushing your hair again love?” I asked kneeling behind her so I could see her and myself in the mirror she was using as she smiled and looked back at me.

"Yes, I like to keep myself tidy you know, and beside, you could use a comb, or even a hair cut!”

"Tsk, like I'll let anyone mess with my hair!” I told her with the roll of my eye. "Anyway, it suits me!”

"Yes, I guess so, anyway, are you okay? I saw you twitching in your sleep last night, bad dream?” I only hummed while nodding my head.

"I'm not even sure if it was a dream,” I told her truthfully. "More like...a vision.”

"A vision?” she repeated as I nodded slightly.

"Forget it, might just be all the cider I drank last night...I'm still a little hung over you know,” it was true; my head was pounding, but not enough for me to stay in bed.

"Whatever you say,” she answered me as she went back to brushing as I unstrapped the sword and placed it on the wall hanger. "So what do you want to do today?” she asked as I smiled a very coy and sly smile.

"How about, you and me in bed, loud screams, gods name being used a lot?”

"Oh stop it!” she laughed slapping me playfully as I smiled and laughed as well.

"Who said I was kidding,” I then pulled her to my chest and started to rub her chest and belly as she wiggled in my grip until we both stop from hearing the sound of a shrill scream outside.

Stopping what I was doing at once, I looked down to Twilight for a moment before placing her on the floor as we both ran outside on her balcony to see what the scream was for. Looking outside, I was shocked to see that it was dark outside, it was just sunny a moment ago, so what could cause it to be black as night. Hearing the same scream again, I looked down to see that it was Pinkie Pie, running due east of the house, looking at what she was running from, I was shocked to see. It reminded me of a large dog in a way, I mean, I could see the muzzle and the long tail, but...its body was as black as shadows. The body seemed to lick around itself as if it was made of shadows itself!

"Pinkie Pie!” I heard Twilight scream as I turned to her.

"Twilight, stay inside, I'll get Pinkie!” I ran inside and then took the blade as I ran down the stairs and clipped it to my back, I heard Twilight call back to me, but I didn't stop.

Running as fast as I could toward the monster, I unsheathed my blade as I saw her fall, she looked back, tears streaming down her face as the beast of shadow raised it paw and stuck forward, sliding under the legs of the beast, I landed on my back in front of Pinkie Pie, with the blade up. The sound of clinging was heard as the paw of the beast hit my blade. I grunted as my arms struggled to hold it back.

"Pinkie...run!” I ordered her as she got up and ran. The beast jumped back as I rolled onto my feet, holding the sword in both hands on the side of me, the blades' tip nearly touching the ground. I watched as the shadow dog flexed it claw, it seemed this beast was made of magic, so my blade could not be affected by it, but it seemed I could at least harm it. Where the eyes would be, was all red, so I could only tell it was looking at me when the muzzle turned back toward me. I watched as it crouched low to the ground, it stood on two legs like a human, or a werewolf, slowly prowling in a circle toward my side, as I did the same thing, but going the other way. Sweat dripped down my face as I tried not to flinch at every move it made, but it was hard. Sure I had some training in some sword play, but this would be my first real fight, a fight that could cost me another scar...or my very life.

Howling it lunged toward me, jumping in the air with claws out. I sidestepped out of the way and slashed my blade aiming for the head; I missed by mere inches as the tip glazed over the head. Crouching low on all four, I saw it jump toward me as I yelped and fell backwards, landing on my back as the werewolf shadow darted past me, looking back as I got on my feet it charged again as I brought my blade up and behind me ready to struck, as I stabbed it though the chest. I grinned as the blade went though, I got him, I had won...or so I thought. I felt the paws of the beast grip my wrist and my forearm, looking at it now, I could see it was double my size, maybe three times as thick, his hand alone covered my whole arm! I felt a small sting as I cried out and brought the blade out and slashed across the chest as it growled and release me. Looking at my arm, a saw a small black smear that soon went away on its own. Looking back up I watched as the shadow beast looked at its chest, I could now see right though it; which weirder me out.

"The fuck are you?” I demanded as the werewolf looked back at me ready for round two.

After the battle was won, and I will not go into the details because of how long it was, I was tried and aching, who knew that one lone shadow...thing would be so easy to kill, but at the same time hard. I watched as the headless shadow beast, slowly disappeared into thin air. I found out that cutting the heads off of them killed them, like a zombie with a bullet to the brain. Falling on one knee with my blade keeping me up, I panted hard as sweat poured down my face and arms.

"Brandon!” that was Twilight! Looking back, I saw her running with the rest of the group, also Princess Celestia and Princess Luna was with them as well. Ten guards each surrounded their princesses as Twilight ran up to me.

"I...I told you to stay inside!” I growled at her slightly as I stood up.

"I had to help in anyway I could.” She told me. "Luckily we didn't come across any of those...things.” I nodded, glad for that.

"What are they anyway?” I asked looking to the rulers of Equestria in hopes that they at least knew.

"We have no idea what sort of beasts these things are.” Celestia answered my question as I groaned and shook my head.

"Guys look!” Rainbow Dash cried as we all looked to where she was pointing.

I growled softly as I brought my sword up, the guards came up on each side of me, forming a wall. I looked on each side, no doubt they were going to help a least try to keep their rulers safe. Coming toward us were many of those beasts that I had just fought. If one was bad enough...I counted thirty. They stood still, growling and snarling toward as for a moment as I gripped my blade all the tighter, but then they stopped, looking back and bowed their heads before splitting up, making a sort of path. They all fell to one knee as they looked down, as their leader, their master slowly made his way toward us, my eyes widening as I saw who was their master.

It was the Alicorn from my dream, the smaller one, and the one who was bloody! But now, he seemed calmer, more...sure of himself. With eyes half closed, and head held up high, he slowly made his way in front of his pack as they all then piled behind him.

"Ah...” his voice sounded charming in a way, I guess maybe, a little thick. "The Princesses of Equestria, it honors me to meet you two face to face at long last,” he then did a sort of bow, out of respect? No, I think he was mocking them in a way.

"You must be...Darkness then, I presume?” asked Celestia as the male Alicorn smiled, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

"So you remember my name, indeed, I am even more deeply honored.”

"What sort of madness is this?” Luna demanded. "To attack a village such as this!”

"What else could've I done to get you both here?” Darkness answered with a tilt of his head. "Plus...my Dark Beasts have been hungry for a battle. Who was it that defeated the first one that I sent in here...was it you?” he turned right at me as I flinched back, holding my blade up more tightly. "Yes...I can see it in your eyes, the anger you felt when it attacked your friend hrm... though a mere human, you must be stronger then you look.”

"When it comes to my friends,” I spoke pointing the blade at him. "I will fight to the end of the world!”

"Such passion, such dedication!” he laughed heartily at this. "Maybe when I'm king, I'll allow you to become my Beasts sparring partners?”

"You king?” I answered as I smirked. "Fat chance of that happening!”

"Oh but it will,” he answered looking toward Luna then. "My, it has been a while...hasn't it Luna?”

"What?” she asked as Darkness smiled.

"You do not remember me; I guess not, after my sister fused herself to you, you didn't really remember much of your time on the moon...did you?” Sister...did that mean...? Son of a bitch, this guy was the brother of Nightmare Moon?

"So you've come here to try and rule over the ponies of this land?” Celestia stepped in, in front of her younger sister. "Is that all...or do you wish revenge for your sister's downfall?”

"Oh I will get my revenge for her death, that I promise you; but yes, I have come for your crowns; so please,” he held out a hoof. "Hand them over.” The guards beside me tensed up as they spread their wings ready to attack the black Alicorn before them. I gripped my blade tighter, even though I was tried, I would not back down. I saw him look from the princesses downward, toward me...no...behind me. Looking back slightly it was Twilight that he was looking at, I saw him smile softly as I backed toward Twilight more, glaring at him all the harder.

"And who is that young Unicorn behind the human hrm?” I felt Twilight move closer to my legs as I also brought my body close to her, ready to defend her if the need came. "Now, now, I shall not harm the lady human,” he told me was I watched him though narrowed eyes. "But I say we have a little contest.”

"What?” I questioned as he smiled even wider.

"As the rulers know, back in the old world, males would fight for the right of the female they both wanted. I can see this Unicorn being a perfect queen for myself and the new world I shall bring down to this land. Fight me for her hoof.”

"And if I refuse?” I asked him as he smiled, looking at one of the Dark Beasts as it nodded and barked out slightly. Hearing the sound of struggles, I looked over and gasped as well as everyone else as three Beasts came out, each holding one of the Crusaders. "You bastard!” he smiled even more, my rage building slowly as he moved over to Scootaloo as he held a hoof out, his horn glowing as well as the hoof as I tightened my blade ready to attack when...

"Wait!” we all turned down to Twilight as she looked down for a moment then up to me. "Brandon...you have to do it.”

"Twilight...” I spoke softly as I knelt down as she held me close to her in a hug.

"I'll be fine...in case you can't win...” she told me softly. "But we can't risk those kids being hurt...” I nodded to her, kissing her softly for a moment and then hugging her tightly to my body as I closed my eyes and then slowly stood up. Looking back at Darkness with narrowed eyes, I slowly made my way past the guards as they too backed away. The Beasts backing away, making a large circle, blocking anyone from helping me; as Darkness slowly made his way in the circle as well. He stood taller then me as I said, no doubt was stronger ether, and since I was tried already, I knew...I just knew this was not going to end well. Bringing my blade up, holding it before me, I closed my eyes as I steadied my breathing before slowly opening my eyes; the fight for my love...was about to start.

Charging at me at full speed, I grunted as I stood my ground until the last second, jumping to the side as I slashed my blade along the side of his body, but for some reason, my blade did not cut into his body, but grazed along side it, small sparks were seen as my eyes narrowed in rage. I saw him look toward me with a grin as his front legs hit the ground, his hind legs slamming into my chest causing me to cry out in pain as I was thrown into the air. I think I did a few flips as I landed hard on my back, the sword stuck in the ground beside me. I saw him land on the ground as he stood up tall, his head up as his grin caused my rage to increase more as I stood up at once and took my sword up. But I fell forward on one knee as I gripped my chest. I think he might have broken a few rips, fuck...no I would not lose...I couldn't lose!

"Yes...bow before me like a good follower!” I heard him laugh loudly. "Soon all will bow before me!”

"Not a chance!” I screamed running as I let loose a battle roar with the blade behind me as I jumped in the air, the blade shining even in the dark as I stabbed it forward. But he was not there.

Again I felt his hooves hit my chest as I doubled over in his forearm as blood splattered out onto the ground before me from my mouth. I slowly looked to my side to see him holding me with one arm, the other back as he punched me in the face hard. I saw the ground as I was slammed toward it, my vision become red as I spat out more blood. About to stand once more, I yet out a scream as I felt his hoof slam onto my hand, breaking the bones underneath it, the sword then being thrown away.

"Brandon!” I heard Twilight scream as I was lifted up in the sky. Opening my eyes slowly, I saw that it was his magic, blackness all over my body as he smiled and leaned closer to my ear.

"She is mine now.” And with that he threw me toward my friends as I rolled, the world around me spinning.

I let out a pain groan as I was rolled onto my back by Rarity, trying to say something to me but I couldn't hear her. But I heard the scream of twilight as I looked over to see one of the Beasts holding her, but also holding the other smaller mares. But soon they released them as they came running toward me to see if I was fine.

"L...let her go...” I groaned as I pushed my friends away and got to my feet before falling forward once more on my knee. "I...I'm not done yet!”

"Even though you are beaten to a bloody mess...you still fight?” my eye twitched as I felt the blood flow down the side of my face as I huffed and groan trying to stand up once more but failed horribly as he smiled. "You know...I'll make you a deal human, soon Twilight here will be my queen, but I'll give you as many chances you want to try and win her back.” I glared harder at him, as I stood up, grabbing my blade with my left hand and screamed as I ran toward him, ready to attack when with a burst of black light, he and the Beasts, as well as my lover; was gone.

"No!” I screamed as I fell forward on the ground; my sword leaving my hand as I stared to punch the ground. "No, no, no!” soon the lost of so much blood was too much, and as I tasted blood, I fell forward...and blacked out.

"We can't just do nothing to help Twilight!” inside the princesses castle, myself with my five other friends, were inside what seemed to be a planning room, a large table with the map of the land laid out. I was lucky that my wounds were all but healed, a few bruises left on my sides, but nothing I couldn't handle. I couldn't see their faces, for my eyes were closed as I leaned on the wall away from them, my arms crossed as my sword in my hand as I tapped the tip of the sheath on the wall behind me. Rainbow Dash went on. "Just who is this Darkness guy anyway Princess Luna?”

"He is as he said he is,” I heard her speak as she let out a sigh. "When Nightmare Moon fused with my body, I was given the memories of her as well as her to mine. It seemed that they lived on the moon their whole lives; they don't even seem to remember how they came to it. Her brother controlled the dark side of the moon, that's why his power was so much stronger in the dark he made.”

"Can't we just use the Element of Harmony on him like we did with Discord and Nightmare Moon?” I heard Pinkie Pie ask as I heard the soft sound of Celestia.

"I do not even think the Elements could even be used on him. He is unlike anything you six have faced before.”

"So we do nothing then?” I spoke up opening my eyes looking at nothing as I saw from the corner of my eye all of the ponies looking at me. "We do nothing and allow him to just do what he pleases?”

"I did not say thatBrandon...but our choices right now are limited to what we know and what we can do.” I scuffed and looked away at them. "Brandon, we all want to bring her back, but we have to think this though!” moving away from the wall I uncrossed my arms and placed the sword on my back, strapping it on as I left out of the castle, using the ring to bring me back to Ponyville. As I made my way though the street, I thought hard onto what I could do to stop Darkness. I being stronger was one option, but how could I gain that much power in so little time... that's when it hit me. That vision I had, the other black Alicorn, maybe...maybe I was looking into the future somehow, and this Alicorn could save Twilight! But...he looked so much like Nightmare Moon...could it just have been her reborn as a male...? Stopping for a moment, I turned toward where I could see the dark forest calledEverfreeForest. Somewhere in there...Nightmare Moon's old castle laid there, waiting for the echoes of footsteps once more. If I was going to save Twilight...I had no choice but to go where the battle took place, and prayed I could find some sort of clue.

The forest was indeed cruel, looking at the weird plants and at times the weird creatures that lurked in the shadows. Using my white blade, I slashed some vines that were in my way, truly, I didn't know how long I was out here...hours maybe...I felt the weakness in my knees as I fell over. I softly brought my fist to the ground, cursing myself for being so weak, if only I could find a place to rest...maybe for a few hours...looking up, I was shocked to find myself in front of a castle, that was not there moments ago...I know that for sure. Although, it was getting pretty dark out, dark clouds loomed over me as spots of rain were seen hitting the ground. Getting my feet, I made my way though the open, partly broken double doors as I made my way inside.

Looking up, I noticed a few holes in the roof, not enough that I would be wet, that I was glad. Finding my way to one of the many fallen pillars, I brought my sword down beside me, and lent my body back on it. Leaning back as I hugged my knees together. I brought my forehead toward my knee and held myself in what to me seemed like a fetal position. When I dare opened my eyes once more, I saw a large picture, in the dark it was slightly hard to see, but remembering the magic of the blade, I pulled it out, and at once it shone brightly. Moving closer to the painting, I was shocked at what it was; Nightmare Moon.

The princess of the night wore what seemed to be a type of armor that matched what I had seen in illustrations of her. Her most wicked looking piece of armor was that of a blue helmet that reached down most of her neck with her long black horn sticking up out of it. Her cutie mark was identical to that of Luna's, only the dark blue night sky part of it was instead a pretty purple. Lastly, her tail and mane were very unlikely long to me, constantly billowing and moving just like that of Celestia and Luna. Each is a deep shade of blue and filled with shining stars like the night sky. In fact, her mane and tail looks more like the night sky than Luna's. I held the sword up over my head as if it was a lantern, looking at the picture for only a moment before turning to go back to my spot I was just at. Keeping the blade out as I slowly closed my eyes.

I felt a shiver ran though my body as it woke me up, it was still dark, not a lot of time past no doubt. Looking around I saw the old leaves pick up as the wind grew stronger and stronger, I stood up, blade out and ready as the sound of steps were easily heard behind me; spinning around, standing before the door...was Nightmare Moon herself. Looking at her, she looked just like her picture, the cat like eyes looking down toward me as she inched closer and closer. She seemed ready to strike at me, no doubt being in her castle without her permission, so I did what I had to do. Spinning the blade as she stopped, I brought the tip toward the ground and dug it in, the sound of the metal hitting solid ground easily heard, as I then went down on my right knee, my left arm over my chest and head bowed as I held the sword's hilt with my right hand.

"It is an honor to meet you malady,” I spoke out while still having my head down. I heard the sound of her hooves not moving, but I could see that she was right before me; for her long legs were within my eye sight. But what I couldn't understand was why could I see though them?

"You do not fear me?” her voice, it didn't sound all that anger at all like my friends led me to believe; had she changed?

"Why would I fear,” I answered still with my head down. "The one who brings such wonderful nights for many to enjoy?” she didn't answer me, her hoof, also see though, touched my chin, I thought it would go though, but it was solid enough that she could lift my chin for me to glaze into her eyes.

"You...enjoy my nights?” she asked me as I nodded my head softly at her. When she backed away I stood up, sheathing my sword as I looked up at her. "So many years have past...and you are the first one to ever say that out loud...”

"I am deeply sorry that many do not enjoy your nights as you wish for them to,” I told her as she looked back at me after looking away, was she...crying? "Though many can see the world for what it looks in the day, only a few can gazed out into the perfect world you make with the light of the moon.” her eyes softly closed, I saw a single tear escape her, could ghosts cry, I guess so. "Malady, are you...a ghost?” she reopened her eyes to look at me as she motion for me to follow her as we walked around what was left of her castle.

"No...I am not truly a ghost of the dead. Though my body is gone, my sprit lingers on in this world.”

"But why Princess of the Night?” I asked as she went on.

"It is said, that when the spirit lingers on, it is because they have unfinished work in the land of the living, I do not truly know what my duty is at the moment, but I'm sure I will find it...and may the gods above forgive me for trying to take over this world by force...by my own stupidity.” I turned to look at her and then came to her front as she stopped; I took her hoof in my hand and shook my head.

"Do not say that malady; you felt you were not being giving enough credit for the work you place on this world. Though Celestia is known a bit more because everyone is up in the day and sleep at night, just think; why do ponies sleep at night?” she didn't answer, but I did for her. "It is because your nights are so claim my princess, without those claim nights, we would not sleep.”

She looked down at me, her eyes that seemed evil and vile, were now soft as more tears flowed down.

"Thank you...” she whispered softly. "I...I did not think of it like this before, you have opened my mind to a new sort of life for my nights. May I know your name Follower of the Night?” I nodded while crossing my arm over my chest once more and bowed slightly.

"Brandon Casey your highness,”

"I thank you then Brandon Casey, now; may you tell me why you are out here all alone?”

I started to tell her my story on how I came to Equestria; she listened, and only stopped me when she learned that Twilight was my lover, one of the very ones who caused her to be as she was. I was somewhat surprised when she did not bid any hatred to my girlfriend, or to the rest of my friends. I even told her of her so called brother, hoping that he truly wasn't, but she sighed and nodded her head.

"Darkness is truly my brother,” she told me as I looked away. "We both found ourselves on the moon when very young, we do not know how or why. He made the dark side his home, and me, the lighter side. I am deeply sorry for him and what he had done so far.”

"Is there anyway you can help stop him?” I asked hoping for a bit of hope. But she shook her head slightly.

"Not in this sate or form,” she told me. "My soul is weak right now, with all the time I spent outside of a body. Just talking is taking a toll on me.”

"Then I am deeply sorry for causing you a great deal of trouble.”

"No, don't be,” she smiled softly at me. "It is good...to have a friend to talk to now at least.”

"There just...” I sighed and closed my eyes. "There just has to be a way for me to become stronger to stop Darkness!” I punched at the ground hard as I glared down at it. "I refused to think that this is over like this!”

"There...may be a way.”

"Huh?” I asked looking up at her.

"It is risky, and it may cost you and mine own life, but it might just be enough to send Darkness back to the moon, for at least another thousand years.”

"I'm willing to do just about anything,” I told her. "Please...tell me.” She looked into my eyes, no doubt seeing the truth in my words.

"Very well...now listen carefully...”