The Battle for Equestria

Twilight POV:

The soft bed I laid on, the designed of the wall painted with different pictures I have never seen before, these things couldn't help me to see past knowing that I was chained to the very bed I was laying on. Lifting up my right arm, I saw that my hoof was wrapped in a cuff that made it impossible to leave the bed, unless I some how cut my arm off, now I wouldn't do that until it was much needed. Thinking hard, I tried to call forth the magic I held once more to try and cut my bounds, but once more; failure was all that I was given. I let the arm fall back to the bed as I curled up, trying to stop the sobs from leaving me as I knew that I was trapped, trapped in a castle that Darkness, this Alicorn that came to take over my home, would also try to make me his wife. I closed my eyes as I thought of all my friends back home, what were they doing, trying to find a way to rescue me, I hoped not...I couldn't stand to see them get hurt for my safety. But I knew...I knew they would try anyway, and none more then Brandon.

Brandon...I wonder how he's taking it. When I saw him fight Darkness, it was like he was different, I never seen him so mad before, and seeing him bleed...bleed to keep me safe...oh Brandon please be safe. The door of my room opened as I winced and looked, seeing one of those Dark Beast walk in with a tray of food. Placing it on the bed, it gave me a small growl, ordering me in a way to eat. Last time I refused, they forced me to eat it, so not wanting to chock this time, I nodded and slowly ate the food I was given. It was not poison or had any magic in it, this I could tell, but still; if this Alicorn thinks that he can butter me up to make me fall for him...he was sorely mistaken.

"You may leave now,” I looked up from my food to see him walk in, I looked away, I didn't want to see that smug look he gave every time he saw me. The beast grunting and then leaving, closing the door as the sound of the male's hoof-steps easily heard. "And how is our dinner my love?”

"I'm not your love,” I answered with harshness in my tone. "And I never will be!”

"That human will never make it here in time you know,” he answered tilting his head to the other side. "And even if he did, I have an army of Dark Beasts, if he could barely hold back one...how will he do with hundreds of them?”

"He will find a way,” I whispered softly. "He and my friends will find a way!” he sighed slightly as he moved on the bed I was using, his hoof under my chin as I jerked away.

"My dear Twilight,” he spoke softly. "Don't you wish to be a queen though?”

"Not to you,” I answered with venom in my voice.

"Oh but you have no choice of the matter,”

"And why not?” I demanded as he smiled.

"As we speak, five of my Beasts are off to gather your friends, what is a wedding...without witnesses.” I jerked to look at him as he smiled. "And if you do not wed with me of your own free will...well...I guess every time you say 'no' one will fall.”

"N...no!” I cried as he chuckled softly, moving closer to kiss my cheek as I was about to move away but he held my muzzle in a good grip with his magic.

"Remember...” he told me in a whisper in my ear. "Every time you say no...” I closed my eyes as more tears leaked out as he kissed along my cheek, his vile tongue licking my chin and then capturing my lips in his.

The tears came out faster as I was forced to kiss him back, in fear for my friend's safety.

"My Lord Darkness,” he pulled away as I looked away for a moment, wiping the tears away, looking back to see a Dark Beast wearing black armor, his best warrior to my guess.

"What is it commander?” Darkness asked moving off the bed.

"We have gathered the other ponies of wished you asked for, all unharmed, well for one. The rainbow color one put up much of a fight then we though...we had to knock her out.”

"Understandable,” Darkness answered. "You did not kill her or wound her badly?”

"She shall live, she is awake and all of them, even the small dragon are tied up in the grand hall.”

"Good,” I heard him answer. "Get the wedding starting then.” He turned my face to him again and kissed me softly on the lips. "Do not take too long getting yourself ready my dear, soon you shall be Queen of Equestria, and the era of forever nights will start!” he chuckled darkly at this. "My sister's dream of nights forever coming true at last, and if you do well in the wedding, your friends shall be spared to be your slaves. Even that human, unless he ran hiding!” again he laughed as he left the room, the Beast also leaving as the door closed loudly behind them as I buried my face in the pillow and cried loudly, of course it was muffle, but I'm sure someone was listening.Brandon...please hurry...

I was glad that he did not make me wear any sort of dress for this, it was bad enough that I had no choice but to marry him in order to keep my friends safe, but I did not want to look the part in the slightest bit! I was unchained, but one Beast, one on each side of me, and one in front and back of me made it clear I would not be able to run. My horn covered with something that made magic impossible. The grand hall was a plain grey color, maybe a little more dark blue, but overall grey. A long red carpet leading from the door, to the Alicorn I was about to be wedded to stood out the most from the room...save for my chained friends. looking to the left, I saw them each lined up, a guard on each side of them as Rainbow Dash tried her best to bite the chain off. When she turned to look at me, she stopped. Her mouth wording out 'no', the others the same as well.

"Twilight whatever he said he would do to us, don't worry about it, just don't do this!” I saw Spike, tugging at his single chain around his neck as I shook my head.

"Spike...please don't...”

"Twilight, don't you dare do this to ya'll stuff!” Apple Jack cried out stomping her hoof. "You know you don't want this!”

"Darling, this is not to be!” Rarity called out. "This doesn't have to be your fate!”

"Twilight...” Fluttershy whispered, Pinkie Pie holding back her tears before they started to flow as she cried out loudly. Knowing that there was nothing they or I could do to stop this. Now standing beside the male who were to be my husband, I couldn't look at him as I just looked down. Somepony was reciting the marring vows, I heard him say his parts as I said mine, and when it came to the part I feared most, I swear I could HEAR him smile.

"I do,” he sated with pride as the question came to me, if I wished to be his wife. Time coming even slower, I closed my eyes tightly, hearing my friends trying to get me not to say it, my mouth opening slowly to form the words. But before I could even start, the howling of pain and a small explosion rocked the room. "What is the meaning of this?!” Darkness demanded as the guards beside my friends ran toward the door, my friends and myself looked to each other for a moment and then toward the door. More howls were heard, but soon, all was silence. Did they kill whoever caused the interruption? "You, open that door and see what's going on!” the Beast nodded his head and went toward the door, but before his shadow paw even touched the door, it exploded causing it and the others around to be blown back, becoming nothing but shadows, showing that they were also gone. The dust slowly cleared as I saw what 'killed' the Dark Beasts, walking out of the dust was another Alicorn, this one almost as big as Princess Celestia herself! Though this one was male as well, the coat was as black as Darkness, but it also held the feeling of Nightmare Moon as well, he wore no helm, allowing the black mane that was flat that grew until it hit the end of his neck. His tail also dragging along the ground as well a bit; walking forward, the black chest plate was seen on his chest, bore a symbol of what seemed to be a half moon, half sun. Going though the moon/sun was what seemed to be a sword, black eagle wings spread out on ether side of the moon/sun. On his legs, as high as his knees, spikes were seen along the side, giving them a more sinister look. The eyes just like Nightmare Moon even, cat like with the strange blue hue where it would be white. Eyes half closed as if bored, he slowly made his way up the walkway, before stopping halfway there. I saw Darkness slightly smile as he left me to walk up.

"My dear sister!” he cried. "Or should I call you brother now that you have gained a new body?”

Was this truly Nightmare Moon, had she somehow came back and stole another's body!?

"You are just in time, I know I am about to marry one of the ones that destroyed you in the first place...but she is something else though!” the larger male didn't say anything, was she...he going to keep his or her old name?

"You will stop this madness now Darkness,” the voice was male, very deep, but it held something I knew I heard before. "Before I make you.”

"Stop?” Darkness asked in confusion. "Why should I stop?”

"I am giving you a choice,” he spoke again. "Release Twilight Sparkle and her friends before I make you...” Darkness snorted slightly.

"Then you are not my sister are you?”

"Oh but I am,” this voice did come from the larger of the two, but this one was one I knew all too well. The Alicorn closed his eyes as his shadow grew upward, before floating above him...was Nightmare Moon!

She looked just as I remembered her, looking to my friends I saw their equally shocked looks as Darkness seemed to take a step back.

"I understand now,” Nightmare Moon spoke. "That this is not the way for the night to be loved; forcing them will only add fear.”

"Ha!” Darkness shouted back. "You think I want these fools to love the night? I've love the darkness, and shall rule with the darkness and make sure all fear it so none may try and take my throne!”

"So this was your plan the whole time then brother?” she asked as Darkness only smiled. "It pains me that I will have to fight you, so I won't; this pony who had willing gave his body, so that my power runs though him. He will fight you, and stop you!”

"This pony, ha! I've had hundred of years to train in my magic, though your knowledge may help him, I have experience!”

"Then you have nothing to worry about...Do you prick?” the unnamed Alicorn smiled as Darkness glared at him.

"Why you! How dare you disrespect the soon to be king of Equestria?!” The Alicorn only softly chuckled as Nightmare Moon returned to his body once more as he raised his head as if smelling the air. "Tell me your name, so that it may go down in history as the first to fall under my power!”

"You wish for a name?” he asked looking toward him with a small smile. "Fine...you may call me...Eclipse.”

Why was this pony allowing Nightmare Moon to use his body, could he really stop Darkness, could he truly be here to help us...or to rule?

"Well then Eclipse!” Darkness horn glowed a deep black. "Prepare to die!” He shot the magic toward Eclipse who simple brought a large wing out and waved though it as if it was nothing but air. I saw Darkness eyes widened as the larger Alicorn still held his bored like eyes. Roaring Darkness ran toward him, horn out ready to stab him as he just waited, standing still. He looked to me for a moment as I flinched back, a smile forming on his lips as he winked at me before jumping up, and slamming himself down on Darkness's back. The scream he made, it made my bone melt a bit as Eclipse got off him and kicked him toward the wall. Looking at my friends he walked over and stood before them all, they all shook in fear of what he might do as he brought a wing up, and slashed at their chains.

"Go to Twilight, quickly!” he ordered as they all ran toward me.

"Twilight are you okay!” Pinkie Pie asked me as I could only nod slightly.

"Whoa who is this guy?” Rainbow asked as I shook my head.

"I...I don't know.” We all watched as he came up to us, looking down at all of us.

"I killed many of those Beasts,” he told us looking at us. "Make a run for it, no doubt Celestia and Luna will be here soon.”

"A...alright,” I answered to him. "Thanks...for saving us...but who are you?” he gave a small smile and winked at me again, for some reason it caused me to blush.

"Forget about that!” Rainbow cried. "Let's just get the hay outta here!”

"I must agree with her!” Rarity spoke as I turned to them. "We must go darling;Brandon must be coming to help out as well!”

"R...right,” I nodded to them as they all started to leave, Eclipse standing before me still as I walked up toward him. "Who are you...?” I asked as he leaned down, bringing a hoof to his chest plate as it slowly disappeared, and I gasped what was behind it.

Brandon's necklace! The sliver chain hung loosely over his chest, the design of myself, the purple gems, there was no doubt that it belonged to Brandon...but if that was the case...? I slowly looked up as the one before me smiled lightly.

"I will always keep you safe Twi...” he whispered to me as my voice broke slightly as I touched his new face with my hoof.

"B...Brandon...?” I whispered.

"Twilight! Let's go hurry!” we both looked to see Spike waiting at the door, waving me over as the male before me looked down to me.

"Go Twilight,” he whispered. "I'll deal with Darkness.”

"But...how did you...?”

"I'll explain later, now go; hurry!” I nodded quickly, running around his body, looking back at times watching him watch me, as the chest plate went back on he turned to where he had thrown Darkness, hearing a gargle groan as the true brother of Nightmare Moon slowly stood. I gave one last look to Brandon, before running to catch up with my friends.

We made it outside, I knew at once we were in Everfree Forest, at point truthfully, I didn't know.Brandon was right though, soon the Princesses landed before us, each garbed in armor of gold or black, with many guards following behind as they too landed.

"Twilight!” my teacher cried as she ran up to me. "Are you alright, is everyone alright?”

"Yes Celestia,” I nodded my head. "We are all fine.”

"And what of Brandon?” Luna asked as she walked up. "He ran off early yesterday, no doubt to try and save you!”

"We didn't see him,” Spike answered next.

"Do...ya'll think Darkness got him first?” Apple Jack asked as no one dared answered. Should I tell them? Tell them that Nightmare Moon fused with Brandon's body just as she did with Luna? When I was about to tell them, the sound of brick breaking was easily heard as we all looked toward the castle, seeing Darkness fall from the large hole as he stumbled and crashed hard on the ground. Something large and black flew out and landed just a few feet away from Darkness, it was Brandon!

The Princesses were no doubt ready to attack when I stopped them.

"W...wait!” I cried as they looked to me. "He is a friend! He was the one who helped us!”

"What...truly?” my teacher asked me as I nodded, looking over at Luna, I could see her face, worried spelled all over it. "Sister, what is it?”

"I feel Nightmare Moon within him.” She spoke. "I will never forget that feeling...”

"Nightmare Moon?” Celestia gasped slightly as Pinkie Pie walked up to her.

"Yeah!” she cried out. "We all saw her come out of his body; she's helping Eclipse as well to stop Darkness!”

"But why?” asked Rarity as she looked as we all watched Darkness, who's body was bloody slowly stand up. "Why does she want to help us now?”

Brandon's POV:

Looking at his form, the form I caused with the new power flowing within this new body, I knew now...I knew that the dream I had a few nights ago was truly a vision. I was somewhat glad that the princesses weren't going to attack us both, this was a battle I had to do alone, and I didn't want them being caught in the crossfire. Darkness body bleeding, his eyes twitching in pure rage as his breathing was hard and heavy.

"What's the matter?” I asked with my half closed eyes. "Getting tried?”

"Shut up!” I softly chuckled at the rage I knew he was feeling, he use to think that he was all powerful, but now, he was nearly beaten to a bloody mess like he left me in; it was kinda sweet in a weird sort of way. "I swear I will kill you, and Nightmare Moon as well, that traitorous bitch!” I slowly shook my head; I guess I had to end this now. Rearing up on my hind legs, my horn slowly glowed as the magic. I saw Darkness take a step back as he fell backwards, no doubt ready for the last blow, but before I could release the magic that would send him off; pain shot though my body. Crying out I fell back on my legs and clutched with my hoof to my chest as I walked backwards.

"N...no, not now!” I gasped before falling forward, I could see Darkness confusion, but he saw his chance and then, with his horn glowing, disappeared in the night with his magic. "D...damn it!”

Brandon I'm sorry... I heard Nightmare Moon within my mind. I tried to hold out as much as I could, you must stop or else this may kill you!

"Brandon!” I looked over slowly to see Twilight running over to me, a soft smile spreading over my muzzle as I watched as everyone else's eyes grew wide in shock.

I was surprised by how small she was compared to me now, I mean, really I bet she could lay on my back no problem now.

"Twi...are you okay?” I asked her as she stopped a little away from me and nodded her head.

"You...you came just in time.” I smiled and nodded, looking up as I saw how my friends slowly made their way toward me.

"Brandon, is that really you?” I heard Apple Jack ask as I nodded my head slightly.

"Hey AJ,” she flinched when I used the nickname. "It's really me.”

"My stars!” Rarity gasped as she looked at me. "If it wasn't for the armor, you would make a very dashing looking Alicorn!” I softly chuckled at my fashion friend, knowing that she had, and maybe still did have a crush on me.

"I know he's so big now!” Pinkie Pie ran up and bounced on the stop. "And strong too, I mean did you see the way he cut off his chains, like Hiya! And then poof they fell off like butter on toast!” I was glad that my friends weren't scared of me, even if they knew that Nightmare Moon was within me. Though I saw the look Celestia and Luna was giving me. My friends also saw the looks and slowly backed away as I stood up, sighing and puffin my chest out.

"Celestia...Luna, before you say anything, may I please speak on Nightmare Moon's behalf?” they gave each other a quick glance, but nodded all the same. "The reason she was the way she was, was because she felt that no one enjoyed her nights, because of us sleeping and not being out and about. Luna, you know as much as I do now how you felt when you thought nopony truly enjoyed your night's right?”

"Yes I do,” she answered with a soft nod as I went on.

"She wishes to help us,” I told them looking at each of the ponies and Alicorn. "She told me that you two made hold the power to take her spirit out of me, to give her a real body once more.”

"We do,” the white princess answered with a nod. "But...how do we know that Nightmare Moon is not just deceiving us so that she may return to her old ways, or even side with Darkness for all we know?”

"If that is the case,” I answered walking forward abit. "Then I will take the fall for that.”

"Brandon!” I heard Twilight call out as I looked down at her.

"That will cost you your very life,” Luna spoke, not liking the idea of killing her first friend. "Do you truly wish for that to happen if she turns on us the moment we give her what she wants?” I didn't need to think of my answer.

"Yes, I know the risks and I'm willing to take them.”

"Very well,” the older of the two answered with her eyes closed. "Everyone step back.”

They all did as they were told, Twilight not moving at first, but I gave her a warm smile and ushered her off.

"I'll be fine,” I told her softly as she could only nod. I don't truly know what happened next, I felt myself being surrounded by this weird feeling, before something being ripped out of my body, the pain...it was unbelievable! So much in fact...that it cased me to black out.

When I woke up I blinked a few times to see that the sun was hitting my face. Groaning I sat up and rubbed my eyes, when I opened them, I smiled as I saw my hands, my human hands. Clenching and unclenching my hand a few times to make sure everything was working I looked around to see that I was inside my home.

"Ah, I see you are awake now Follower of the Night.” I slowly looked over to see the one pony I thought I wouldn't see when I first woke; Nightmare Moon. This time I could see her fully, not though her, it seemed the spell worked and she was back fully. I smiled slightly, after sharing a body with her for almost two days, I felt a certain bound with her, not the kind me and Twilight had, but a bound all the same. The only thing that changed was her eyes; they seemed to be glowing with a light purple, much better then the cat like eyes from before.

"Nightmare Moon?” I asked as she raised a hoof.

"Please...call me Moon; I am no longer a nightmare.”

"As you wish...so the spell worked I'm guessing as I am here and you are there.”

"Yes,” she answered with a nod. "The spell worked, I am back to my own body once more...because of you.”

"Hey I promised I would try and get your own body back,” I told her remembering the promise back at the castle. "And I never go back on my word.”

"And for that I thank you.”

"And the two princesses, how are they taking it, I mean...you being here and all?” she looked outside for a moment as she thought before answering.

"They told me that for now, I would be watched, just to make sure I am not just lying to gain their thrust. It may take a hundred years or more, but soon, maybe they'll consider me as their sister as well.”

"I'm sure they will,” I answered her as I sat up on the bed, the blanket falling off leaving me shirtless. I was about to grab the blanket to cover my scars, when I noticed something, I had no scars!

Touching where one of my newer scars were, in the middle of my chest, it was smooth, not ragged like it use to be, did that mean my eye...now...I could feel it, oh well; beggars can't be choosers I guess.

"I thought I give you a small gift for helping me,” I heard Moon as I looked toward her. "Though I wish to get rid of the scar on your eye, my magic is somewhat limit because of Luna and Celestia.” I nodded my head.

"What about Twilight and the others?”

"The others are going back to do what they do,” she answered me. "Twilight is out for some food, you have been sleeping for nearly a week.”

"A week!” I cried as I sat right up again.

"Yes, taking me out of your body took a lot more on your body then I thought, for that, I am sorry.”

"At least I'm not back at Earth,” I spoke after a while as I sighed. "And Darkness?”

"Hidding no doubt,” she told me. "The damage you gave him was bad, simple magic will not heal them faster; for now, we may rest peacefully.”

"But he will be back?” I asked as she nodded.

"He will be back,” she agreed. "But next time, I shall fight, even if it means that death shall be his reward for what he has done.” She stood up and then came to me placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "Thank you once more Brandon,” she told me. "You gave me a second chance at life, for that, I am entirely grateful.”

"Hey, think nothing of it,” I told her. "Just do me a favor, and don't go all evil on us kay? I rather keep my life as well.” She softly chuckled but nodded all the same. After she left I thought it was a good time to stand and walk around some. Yawning loudly I went toward the bathroom, but stopped as I saw something. Walking backwards I brought my left arm out and pointed it to the mirror...to see that something new was added there.

The marking of a half moon half sun was colored on my arm, the sword from my vision and from when I was Eclipse easily seen, as the black eagle wings were spread out wide. I traced my other hand over the mark, which I then knew was a Cutie Mark, the words of the book I read coming back. As the human race and pony, Unicorn, and Pegasus race grew closer and closer together, some humans were given Cutie Marks. This was not rare, since many other races that were able to live in peace with the ponies also grew Cutie Marks because how they were almost pony like in a way. I guess becoming a pony was enough for me to get my own Cutie Mark, or was it...did I truly just become more and more like a pony before then, but somehow I just gained it like that? I wasn't really sure how this whole Cutie Mark thing worked...but man would the girls get a kick out of this when they saw it! Giving my Cutie Mark one last look, I looked around and found some clothes to wear, this time finding that Rarity did in fact make clothing out of black for me. Putting them on, I looked around once, finding my necklace that given to me as I slipped it on. Looking outside, the sun was shining, a bright and sunny day I had woken up to. But I knew, that soon true darkness would soon come; but when it did...I would be ready for it.