Chapters It was any other day for Night Fury. Getting out of bed at whatever time he pleased. To do whatever he very well pleased. What respect he didn't have from being part of the richest family in Equestria he earned in fighting the biggest dogs the back streets had to throw. Yes, Night Fury was a fighter, and a good one at that. No one bothered him with the intention of getting on his bad side. That was a poor mistake.
Night Fury was a normal bat pony except he was an alicorn. Making him one of the rarest ponies in existence. History only showed one other alicorn that would be considered a bat pony, though speculations made it hard to tell, and that was Nightmare Moon. Only she was killed a thousand years ago, along with her sister. Both of them dealing the final blow at the same time. Since then, the country has been on the edge of civil war. But at this point the tension that was once felt ran stale and now only keeps the world from showing it's true beauty. But his appearance was pretty normal in height, color was right. Being a super dark blue, looking black in certain lights. Mane and tail of similar color. Cutie mark was black moon with a blue scythe on it. His eyes were a bright red.
Though Night had a tingle in his gut. One he usually got on days he would end up doing something extremely productive. Today was going to be a great day if that was the case. That was when he noticed his mirror was the source of this. It glowed white. Some kind of magic was cast on it, and powerful too. As it radiated through the room. He could feel it. This was the source of a new adventure. Without much hesitation he entered it. Though quickly regretted it, "I forgot to eat first! Buck!" He said, in a tone of minor annoyance. Though he knew where he was, he knew that this was at least another version of it. Except, the air is clean, the view is beautiful actually and it is practically midnight except the way the air felt, it felt more like afternoon. He also was in the Everfree Forest.
Without much more waiting around he took flight. Using his eyes to his advantage as he was gifted with the ability to see better in the night than the common pony. Though the sound of something caught his ears. A shriek of panic coming down below.
He quickly went to the sound and saw a manticore about to attack six ponies. Not about to let that beast make a meal of them he charged his magic and fired a solid black beam of energy to cause the beast to stumble. Before gaining some altitude and diving toward the beast. The speed of him caused this unearthly whistle that got higher pitched and louder as his speed increased and he got closer.
A loud thud was heard as the beast suddenly was pushed into the ground with sudden force and dirt was thrown into the air. Once the dust settled the six would come to find that the manticore and now this new pony were staring each other down. This is the part that the six found out that this new pony was a bat pony alicorn. His wings were out, his fangs bared, his eyes death staring the beast as this bat pony unleashed a growl that sounded unnatural for a pony to make. This pony's hair was on edge. His back standing straight up as a dog ready to fight with all it's got. His fangs looked sharp as daggers and eager to sink the flesh of any that dared challenge the bearer of them. The manticore looking at this challenger begin to cower away. This new opponent was not one that he wanted to face. Following simple animal rules, this foe was an alpha male who is making it known that he is claiming his territory against the animal. The manticore wanted no part in a territorial battle against a foe like this.
That was till it flopped over and writhed. Making the bat pony just stare in confusion at what in the world was going on. He didn't strike the beast hard enough to cause any internal damage. Just enough to hurt and daze it. But a chill could be felt as it's eyes suddenly glowed solid blue and it stood again, staring at the bat pony with hate and rage. Now it wants to fight.
Night knew what was up, a possession spell had taken over the beast, forcing it to fight. Once again the two stared at each other. Night doing his stance and growl, bearing his fangs and snapping them against his lower jaw, sending an audible noise of teeth clashing with the intent of ripping at flesh if the threat didn't back down. The manticore only attempted to rival his pose, though the six would come to agree this alicorn was a more superior force. Both of them started to circle, Night's wings were at full span, his front was lowered. He was ready to strike or avoid depending on who made the first move. This kept up for several minutes, several tense minutes.
Finally the manticore attacked first, and in a split moment Night was airborne and above the trees. Then the sound of a powerful magical blast came raining down and struck the beast's back. First time was stumble beast, this was a true attack and a strong one at that. Then that unholy whistle came again as the bat pony slammed himself into the spine of the manticore with intense speed. The beast fell again, this time suffering a broken hip. It only roared in anger as it took the injury. Only making it clearer that someone wants this animal to fight against a force it knows it can't beat.
Wanting to end this fast and quick Night got inches from it's ear and fired a black beam of magic straight into it. The head of the beast glowing black till suddenly it fell over and it's skull popped open. The magic building up till crushed it's brain and ripped the skull in two. Doing so in only a few seconds. Night only grunted as he landed at the now dead animal. This fight was not enjoyable or was it even worth having. Unfortunately the beast was forced into something it didn't want to do.
All the others stared in awe at this pony. He took on the manticore and won without it being able to land a blow on him. Now that he was closer they could now see his muscles popped with strength. One of the strongest ponies they have ever seen if he wasn't the strongest. Even Big Mac would have a challenge if it came to brute strength. Though something became immediately clear based on how he walked away from the animal. He was a fighter. He trained his whole body to be a weapon. That sent shivers down all their spines. They began to group up and shake a little unconsciously. One thing too, he walked toward them with his eyes closed at first and opened them after a moment. Those red eyes finished the job of sending fear into any that would stare too much at them. His eyes glowed a red that looked as if the blood of his enemies were what made up the red eyes he wore.
"You guys hurt at all?" The pony spoke. His voice had a tone that demanded respect in it. It had a sound of authority and power in it. Though it was also reassuring to hear it speak softly.
The purple one had enough courage to answer first, "No, we are fine. Though who are you?"
"Name is Night Fury, and I'm here to help." He responded, shooting a soft smile.
Now the cyan and rainbow colored one spoke, "Where did you learn to fight like that? Also how did you manage to fly like that too?"
"I started to teach myself how to fight at a young age. Though this was not a fight. This is a disgrace. For flying, just kept practicing and exercising." The first bit they could tell he was not happy at all, though he calmed down to answer the last bit. His answer to the fight reassured the yellow one. Apparently she had taken a kindness to animals or something.
Soon after that they quickly caught Night up on what was going on and what they were doing. Making there way deeper into the forest. "So, Nightmare Night is hiding out here somewhere, you six are to find these magical shards and use them to stop her and save the world?" Night asked, making sure the recap he heard was correct. He got a nod in response.
"Then your brave leader is a fool. Finding a new set of bearers for these magical elements should be done, yes, on top of getting the elements. But, without any training, any maps or resources? To top it all off, she decided to just go into hiding, tell no one that she is doing so, left no plans of action nor had a secondary to take over in her absence? Who plans like that?"
That shook the six to the core, this pony rattled the cage that they thought wouldn't ever be rattled. Worse part of it was, everything he said made absolute sense. No real plans were made outside of just tossing the one known as Twilight into the town of Ponyville, meet the bearers, that may not even reside in that town, and then set off to get the elements with zero training. Also, no plans have been made for this night outside of what is currently happening.
After a bit more they finally reach the bridge of the castle. Which has fallen to one side over years of neglect. So Rainbow eagerly steps up to take care of the bridge. Though in the process she meets the Shadow Bolts, who tried to tempt her before one of them turned into a ghostly form of Nightmare herself and she then made a direct offer to Rainbow, "Join me, and I'll give you everything and anything you could ever want. All you have to do stop this quest and leave them behind." She said, gesturing to the opposite side of the bridge.
"Sorry, but that would go against my bond that I have made with them." She retorted, which angered the moon alicorn, though Rainbow wasn't done and smiled when she resumed talking, "Besides, I would hate to be on his bad side." She replied gesturing toward a rock wall. Though the curious alicorn looked that way as having no idea what in the world the pegasus was even talking about. Till she suddenly saw bright glow of red snake eyes stare at her and the silhouette of a winged equine pop into view. The eyes were full of anger and rage, the red almost being demonic to the alicorn of the moon. Then it emitted a loud growl that was fierce and full of just as much anger and rage as the way the eyes were looking.
Then it spoke in a roaring voice, "You forced me to waste my magic on a creature that did not want to fight! Once I find you, I won't hold back!" With that last word he clamped his jaw which echoed into the canyon. Not only was his voice sending a clear point, but that extra bit was capable of sending the wave of fear to those that heard it. Which made Rainbow shiver a bit, feeling a tad sorry for the alicorn they were about to attack. Which seemed to have disappeared when she turned around.
Shortly after that the bridge was put back up and they went into the castle. Night had already told them that he was going to deal with Nightmare till they could get the elements and use it on her. Until then, she was his.
That moment came shortly after the elements were found. They were all teleported to the throne room where the alicorn stood, smiling. Thinking she had the upper hand over the ones that were sent after her. Though she smirked a bit more when she found who the bearer of those red eyes were from earlier. "Ah, and here I thought you happened to be at least a half drake based on what I observed earlier. But no, you happen to be one of my most loyal of sub..." She was cut off then by Night, who was not at all excited to see her.
"Witch!" He snapped, loudly, shaking the dust off the walls, "Don't you dare finish that statement." He released a growl at the end of the last statement. He was still just as intimidating as before, despite finding out he had no dragon in him. Which actually broke the hardened barrier of Nightmare Moon and she felt a bit of fear in her heart. He WASN'T part dragon, yet could probably demand the attention of one. Though that fear quickly was replaced by anger and hate. Night continued on, "My kind has been subject to all kinds of discrimination and at points had to fight against the other clans of ponies because of you. Nearly brought to the point of extinction three times. So no, I am not a faithful follower that you or any other would DARE classify me or my kind as being. You are nothing but a blight upon this world and should be destroyed. And I'm going to enjoy EVERY second of it." His ability to maintain a powerful and commanding voice that could rival the royal voice if not surpass it was astounding to both Nightmare and the six. His low and angry growl crackling as he spoke. His fangs bearing as his anger seethed toward the one that caused his kind a large amount of suffering. Maybe not in this world to the extent that he knows but no doubt that at least some of it happened to this world too and thus defeating her was the only objective he had.
Being called a witch? How dare this young stallion even use such slander against his true ruler. Does he even know who he is talking too? With that tone? "If it wasn't for me, your kind wouldn't even exist! So show some respect to your true ruler!" Nightmare retaliated. This cursed bat pony was going to learn his place. He insulted his very birthright, being gifted with abilities from her, and this is the thanks she got from him?
At this point he gestured for Twilight and the others to take the elements and leave and then turned back to Nightmare, "You aren't the true ruler, Luna is. She was the one that granted the gift to us. She is my ruler, NOT YOU. You are the curse upon my kind and I plan on removing it from existence." He growled back. At this point his body was boiling with anger, rage and hate. Though while he released it partially through his voice, he was storing that energy for the fight that was about to start any moment now.
Nightmare had no words, she only growled back. Which turned into a stare down between the two. Two alpha's staring each other down, circling each other, trying to scare the other, but neither would back down. Twilight hesitated leaving a moment as she got caught up watching Night Fury directly challenge Nightmare to her face. Seeing the two now doing the little dance before starting a battle was hair raising. Seeing Night Fury a bit closer growling something out of a nightmare, hair on end, body ready to fight, wings spread out. Just like that manticore from before. Though now against Nightmare Moon, who was doing the same thing, but it may have been biased, but Twilight would have said at this point, Night Fury had it in the bag. He was far more intimidating, when squaring up against Nightmare Moon. Both baring fangs at each other, both looking at each other with the intent to kill. It was at this moment that Twilight left to meet with the others.
Shortly after Twilight left was when Nightmare called in several swords with her magic and launched them at her rival. Night hopped up and with several powerful flaps of his wings blew the swords the opposite direction then with a slight smirk on his face launched himself at the mare at insane speeds she had never seen before. Unable to counter in time he ran his horn right through her chest and plowed her through the wall, he hovered in place, now outside the castle, overlooking a court yard or garden.
Nightmare caught that smirk and since that, everything happened in slow motion, she watched him lunge himself at her with his full force and felt the impale in her chest. Taking out a lung and forcing the air out of the other. She crashed through the wall and fell into the courtyard, sliding several feet against the hard ground. That wretch didn't even bother using any magic on her and instead used his brute speed and strength to harm her, with his horn no less! She happened to notice him hovering before taking high into the sky, vanishing into the clouds. Coughing blood and gasping for breath she started to cast a healing spell before she heard a whistling of what could be described as something of a demon coming toward her. She looked up just to see a spec of black fall at intense speed out of the sky slam into her again, throwing her several hundred feet from the courtyard. Cracking most her bones and crushing her organs. On top of her punctured lung.
The nightmare was flung into the woods, crashing through trees and whatever else happened to be in the path. She barely was able to look up to catch the glimpse of the underestimated opponent leap out of a tree toward her. Eyes glowing bright against the darkness around him, white teeth reflecting all light. He landed on top of her with a growl and went in to take a large bite out of her neck, as a predator would prey it has caught to end it's life. Nightmare barely enough strength to keep herself conscious, led alone fight. He was fast and was using that against her. Inflicting as much pain and damage as possible in the shortest amount of time. She now knew his plan. It was working. Keeping the pressure on so she couldn't cast any healing spells or only be able to cast small ones between her defensive or offense casts. Which now also would be weaker due to her lack of ability to concentrate fully on the spell with the massive pain rocketing through her body.
Night went in for neck, he was going to rip that throat open and watch her struggle. She earned that much in his eyes. Though she mustered enough strength to put a hoof up that could keep him at bay, though barely. He could break through and was working on do just that. Night was a bit disappointed that this alicorn wasn't much of a fight. All his training and preparations for a true and long fight. He thought Nightmare would give him that fight, but alas here he was, still strong as ever with her struggling just to breath, let alone keep him from ripping the flesh of her neck off of her. That was till her horn glowed and and a beam of energy hit him in the face. Throwing him off of her.
Night was thrown back about a dozen feet. Dazed slightly as he took the blunt of that attack. His head and upper neck burned of heat and he could smell his own cooked skin. From the pain, she managed to only take his fur and give him a good burn, probably second degree at most. Though this granted Nightmare enough time to start to cast her healing spells which he knew she was casting as she was growling and screaming in pain as she healed bones and organs at an unholy speed. With a snort he shook off his daze and fired a powerful blast of hot energy at the mare. Countering her healing spells. She casted a shield spell but it was weak and only bought her temporary time. She had to get away from this alicorn for a few minutes if she was to survive to fight. So she teleported back inside the castle. Though the remains of the castle walls could not protect her from his cry of rage from piercing her ears.
Those two minutes Nightmare had only felt like six seconds to get herself ready to fight again, as it took Night little time to crash through the wall and once again be staring her down again. Though now Nightmare was healthier, somewhat. She was able to fix her bones and most of her organs. Though she still was going through a good amount of pain as the cuts and scrapes were still present. She only dealt with the most critical of injuries to keep her fighting. Perhaps now she is able to grant him that fight he so wanted to have.
Once again they stared each other down. Growling at each other and staring daggers and hate at each other through their eyes. Though as much as she tried to hide it, Night could see fear was lingering in her eyes. She feared him, though knew she was in a fight of survival and surrender was not an option for her. So she had to fight to the death with this pony. Though Night spoke for the first time since the fight started, "I can see it in your eyes. The fear you have of me. A pony you consider to be beneath you. You claim to be a god, but you are losing to me. Even if you were considered a demi-god this fight should have been very one-sided in your favor. Unless you have been holding back this whole time. So, let's see what you have. Unleash your demons! Fight me! Give me a hug." The last he said in a tone of happiness twisted and corrupted with evil and hate. The rest was said as if he was a higher being than Nightmare. One that emphasized power and authority. His toothy grin popping out and bearing the fangs that yearned for her flesh.
Night didn't even bother casting a healing spell on himself. Letting his burned flesh stay as is. Like it was a fuel for him or something. Though despite the fact he was bleeding from his head and neck, the fact that his body had to feel every millimeter of that damage, he was stronger than that pain. It was like a small cut based on the way that he gave zero care or even showed any sign that it was a problem. He was even more menacing to look at now, even now hints of orange lingered on him as his flesh was still that hot from her attack. Yet he was able to taunt her, toy with her, and now using her own attack against her. Using the damage she did to make him look scarier. This colt, despite being centuries younger than her, was way more skilled than she would have given him credit for. Though, him calling her weak was driving up her hate and anger levels more. She had enough of his games, if he really wanted everything, he was getting it. She wanted to give it to him.
The alicorn cried in hate and rage as she began to lose her form and became a mass of black, increasing in size, as the true form began to show. A large single horse like skull screaming at him with the large blue slits that once belonged to the alicorn. "You wanted me to unleash myself!? Here I am! Now die!" It screamed. This mass of dark energy reach out a good twenty to thirty feet, being almost as tall as the ceiling. Though by morphing into this form it exposed it's host in the process, the real Luna. Bound by the demon as strands of itself seemed to have sank into her own flesh to harness her power for itself. Though after all this time, it seems to have had enough of it's host as has tried to rid itself of her. She was beaten thoroughly and tortured mercilessly. Dried streaks of tears on her face. Cuts, gashes, scars, just about every injury has happened to her by this beast. Though despite being way larger now and way more menacing. Night was unphased by it. He only gave a slight smirk.
"And thus the demon reveals itself. I knew there was no way Princess Luna would have become Nightmare Moon almost overnight without something eating away at her conscious. She only wanted to be adorned and loved, you wanted more than just that. When she denied you, you began to assault her trying to rid yourself of her, but she has refused to die to you. Despite all that you claim to be, Luna is three times stronger and ten times more deserving of any title you dare claim to have or be. Once this night is over, SHE will be rid of you, forever." The creature was trying to intimate the young alicorn with horrible shrieks and other unholy noises. That was till Night spoke, with a boom that shook the castle to the foundation, overpowering the noise that the creature could make. His voice boomed with power, anger and will. Once he got to the last sentence he released roar of determination against the beast that was his enemy. It wasn't a scream or a growl, but a roar. A true roar. Similar to that of a dragon. This was the result of the royal voice being used in methods many would have deemed dangerous and would advise not to do.
This didn't matter, he wanted to make a point. He was not going to be intimidated, he was not afraid, in fact he was never more ready to fight than he was now. For the first time, Luna was able to see what was going on around her. She could barely stand, her body was in high amounts of pain. The bonds that held her and the creature to her were excruciatingly painful. It buried itself deep into her skin, and even penetrated and latched to organs and other body parts in other places. She barely had enough energy to keep herself alive. The creature kept leeching from her, using her body, her magic, even her mind to fulfill it's own desires and wishes. Though she turned to face this being that roared with power when he spoke. She emitted a soft smile, hearing his final words. The way he said it, the words he said. It wasn't a promise, it wasn't a statement. It was a fact, a truth. One that brought a hope to her that thought she'd never feel again. Then something happened. She and him looked each other in the eyes. She finally got to see those eyes that she knew scared the demon that was abusing her. She knew those eyes had it in them that they could tear the beast into pieces. Though the eyes didn't have anything scary in them, they spoke to her directly. Something that said that they were torn to pieces with sadness for her. Then replaced with another look that said that she going to be saved. She teared up again, this time tears of joy. Once again, facts being stated. She wanted to speak, but lacked the ability to do so. Too weak and the beast realizing where it's rival was staring started to use it's mass to build a wall between them.
The beast spoke, "You are far wiser than you appeared to be. Though it will be in vain. For you shall become ours too. With your power and that of Luna, nothing will be able to stop me." It was determined to beat down Night and force it's bond onto him. Sucking the magic and life out of him and Luna to conquer the world. It was already excited to have that power for itself. But first, to defeat the alicorn standing in front of it.
"You think you have the power to defeat me? You are even more delusional that you led yourself on to be. Though, you have yet to hear my name. See, I am the fury of the night itself. All it's hate, anger, rage dumped into one worthy of having such power. One who would not abuse it for personal gain. To use it for the betterment of the world. My name is Night Fury. Avenger of the night." Night growled with a new anger and rage. One more fierce than ever before. The castle wall that he ran through collapsing. His eyes burning red. Not glowing, burning. His body seethed with an intense heat. Intense enough to reignite the embers from his burn. Though instead of a normal yellow flame, the flame was black and blue and it soon encompassed his entire body. Though it failed to do any damage to him. Though the fact he no longer had a burn in the first place showed that he fired a healing spell either repeatedly or did one enough till he could cast a spell that made him fire resistant. He began to hover. His eyes staring directly at the demon. With only one thing coming from those burning eyes. Death was coming.
The creature never knew such a level of crazy existed. This was the act that broke the last the straw. The demon now feared the alicorn and could not hide it. Though if it wanted to survive, it had to fight. For all it knew, this could be a trick to make himself look tougher than he was. It cast an intense blast of magic from it's mouth, pulling magic from the alicorn of the night as a blue glow could be seen coming from where she was and traveling up to the mouth. This only enraged Night even more. Fueling his body and his own magical abilities even more. His flame growing larger.
The demon found that the spell seemed to separate when it encountered it's enemy. Finding that Night had blocked the blast with a shield spell. In a rage it fired again, only this time, Night didn't shield himself, he fired his own beam of energy back. Black and blue pushing against each other. Though Night was barely even trying. With a bit more concentration he increased the power to his spell and it quickly overpowered the the magic of the demon and the demon went wide eyed before it's head took the full blunt of Night's attack. Intense energy and heat hitting it directly, and it was getting worse! Night was still adding fuel to it. The demon cried in pain and fear as it was being attacked and hurt by this force.
Night was unleashing all his anger and rage into this spell. Killing as much of this demon as he could. Though with this much additional power being thrown in without Night really dipping into his own magical supply or reserve. He was barely even getting started. Though unfortunately, after killing about half of the demon, he ran out of intensity. Despite having way more energy and enough to keep up the attack, the spell itself peaked and could not do any more. Though Night kept the spell going, preventing the demon from being able to grow or be able to heal itself.
This wasn't enough for the alicorn though. He took off in blazing speed and sent himself right into the demon, using his fire to deal extra damage as well as own physical body. Ripping through masses of the demon with his wings and hooves, as well as teeth. Just as Night pulled away, the six came in, having figured out how the elements worked. Night spoke quickly, knowing that the end of the fight was here. "You might have thought that you would be able to maybe squeak away after I ran my spell to it's limit. You were wrong. As you have yet to see what power is awaiting to unleash itself against you!" His voice despite not yelling, still came out like thunder and lightning. Catching the six off guard a moment before they fired their new found magical energy into Night. His body suddenly glowed brightly as the magic poured into him, using him as a vessel. Mixing in his own magic he fired one last time as the rainbow and black twirling energy beam hit the black mass and dealt it that final blow. Tearing it to pieces and completely killing it. Though thanks to Night's magic mixing in, Luna felt nothing of the blast. As his magic contained the blast to only that demon. Anything that would have hit Luna would simply get nulled out.
Once the spell was finished the six were in a little bit of a daze as they had yet to get used to that kind of energy release. Though since Night was only the vessel, he wasn't affected the same. It overcharged all his magical reserves and capabilities. Which he threw into his own magic when it did that, to keep himself from being overwhelmed. He looked at where the demon used to be and only saw a barely standing Luna. Though that statement would only last a moment as she was too weak to stay standing. Night quickly went over and caught her and pulled her tight into his hooves. Sitting on the floor with her in his protective grip.
Luna felt free, the pain gradually going away till the demon that bound itself to her was killed entirely, the blast that killed it taking any that remained out of her body when it hit her. Only thing that remained was the open wounds on her body from where it used to be. Though she couldn't stand on her own and instead of hitting the ground she felt something warm catch her and hold her. It felt so good to feel warmth again. She truly knew she was freed when she felt the alicorn that risked his all to save her catch her and hold her. She wanted to open her eyes and look at him, up close. But she was too weak to do anything. She could barely stay conscious. Then she felt something, a small pain before sudden relief swept over her body. She knew this, it was one of the most powerful healing spells that are known. Very few could master this type. As it also had a pain killing spell mixed with it. To keep the fast paced healing from being hurtful. Nothing was more perfect right now. Except not being able to see the one that saved her.
After a moment, Night cast the best healing spells he knew on the now freed princess. She was going to have scars, yes. But he was not going to let her feel those wounds any longer than she already has. The princess was surrounded in a faintly glowing black aurora as his magic encompassed her. Fixing every injury that could be fixed. Night could feel Luna's body relax as it no longer felt pain. Going just about fully limp on him.
After healing her wounds, Night put his horn against Luna's. She barely had any magic at all, completely drained of everything and even her reserves were deadly low. Since their horns were touching, Night was able to channel his own magic into her, which he did. Dumping most of his magic into the princess, till he was down to his own reserves and ran them low. Nothing a good night's sleep wouldn't rebuild, but Luna was beyond that. It would have taken weeks just for her get her reserves high enough to be healthy. Luckily for both of them that Night saved his best for last. Allowing him to keep plenty of magic to release.
Luna quickly found herself regaining energy, at an alarming rate. There was no way her body could generate this much so fast. Then she realized the source was coming from her horn. That's when it clicked, she was receiving magic from another. Based on what she felt, it was definitely that alicorn. Feeling his actual pure magical essence entering her to recharge her told her just how powerful he was. She was nowhere as powerful herself, though now that she was free, she could practice and build up her abilities instead of having it robbed from her without her being able to do anything about it. It took no time at all for him to bring her magic levels up to normal and then some, all the while keeping enough in himself to not put himself in physical danger. Though now that she was no longer feeling pain or suffering from magical deprivation, she still was physically and mentally drained. Which was putting it lightly. She was on the verge of being defeated by that thing when the return happened. Though with the small hope of being free kept her from giving up till she saw the alicorn. That was when she mustered all the strength she could till now. Now she could finally breath. Before she knew it though, she fell asleep.
Night held Luna for a few moments after recharging her magic. The poor alicorn never looked more peaceful. Seeing her face brought a level of happiness to him. She no longer looked pained, sad or any of the things he saw when she was visible in the demon. Now, it was the opposite. Though the sun returning to it's correct position in the sky showed that Luna was asleep and Celestia was able to move the moon and raise the sun. Speaking of which, she showed up, only to see a disgruntled bat pony alicorn staring at her while her pupils seemed to have fallen asleep along with her sister.
Author's Note
Why do I do this? This is like the fourth night in a row that I started work at like 9 PM. It's actually almost 1 AM right now and I have work in the morning. But I couldn't stop writing this chapter so all well.
If you are thinking that this chapter lacked a lot of content for the main six, you would be correct, but this chapter was to show off this OC. The next chapter will be the account from the main six then probably pick up from where this one left off.
Also, point out any errors you find that I may have missed. As some do end up slipping past my own proof reading.
The six could barely believe it. An alicorn bat pony that was specialized in fighting standing before them after demonstrating that he was a fighter against a manticore. Fear and respect were the only two words they could use to describe how they felt seeing him. The respect would go up as he talked to them.
His comment about Celestia shook them. Twilight was shook the most. The fact he called her a fool. There was no way she could be one. But the comment about not having a backup plan, not training them for this. It made way too much sense to be avoided. It was hard faced truth. Which unfortunately cared not about feelings. Truth was truth. So why did Celestia wait last minute to prepare for her sister's return? This was not acceptable.
The rest of the journey was rather dull till they got to the old castle. One that was once known as the Castle of Two Sisters. But has been abandoned since that fight a thousand years ago. It was still mostly standing. Needed a good amount of work to be fully functional again. Some of the roof caved in, walls falling in and overgrown with vines and some of the smaller plants. The other plants were unable to conquer the stone building. Rainbow Dash took off to take care of the bridge, though Night could tell something was off and before any of the others could ask him anything he had taken flight to a stone wall that was barely visible from where the five were standing. Then that voice of Night Fury was heard. Apparently Nightmare Moon made herself known and Night found her. All six shivered at his voice. Shiver of fear hit their spines. Nightmare was in for it.
Before they knew it, they were facing down the alicorn herself. Though Twilight and the others had the task of figuring out the elements while Night held off the corrupted princess. Twilight and the six were at it for a good bit before they heard a crash in the wall. The could see out a window as Nightmare landed against the stone covered ground. Twilight began to panic a bit. This wasn't a fight she expected or could have been prepared for. No way. No training or testing could prepare for this. How could Night handle himself so well then? She pondered a second. Then she saw an explosion happen. Night attacked at intense speed, the one that flung Nightmare off into the woods. Rainbow and Applejack had to drag Twilight away from the window. Though after that they all froze. A cry of rage pierced the walls and their ears. Night's cry was unholy. How could the princess keep herself composed and keep the will to fight with her opponent being that menacing?
It took forever to figure out how the elements worked. Not because Twilight took that long to figure out the Tomb Raider style of wording. It was the battle happening around them that kept driving their attention away from the elements.
Once they figured it out they went in search of Night. They found him and the most unsettling thing ever. The mass of black that Night was attacking. The fact THAT was what made up Nightmare Moon shook the six to the core. More than the newly met alicorn that is giving his all to defeat that mass. After that speech their wills were driven to fire their newly found magic which gravitated toward the bat alicorn despite them not aiming at him. To their relief, he was able to channel it and use it to defeat the mass truly and permanently. Saving Princess Luna. That was when they were dazed before eventually passing out.
Night was holding Luna still, who was sleeping, staring at her sister with disgust. Celestia had a similar expression. This was not to her plan. Her plan was that the six would free her sister, not be a secondary help, especially not to a bat pony. They always creeped her out. And such, most of the tribes were forced to leave the country. Though trying to be as nice about as possible, she did give them governmental aid, though not much. The zebra's got more. Which may explain a few of the feuds that would have been recorded over the centuries. Celestia spoke first, "I see my sister is back to normal." Avoiding the fact that Night saved her. Or trying too anyway.
"I hope that is your way of saying 'thank you.' If so, you suck at it and how you managed to keep peace is beyond me." Night spoke back, lowly. He was unamused by her tone of disgust and avoiding him as much as possible. Even in eye contact.
"Thank you." She replied, in a formal tone and was not sincere. A true politician, and Night was not a fan of those. They always had a way to lie and plan. Lies that could fool masses of others into blind obedience. Planning on how to keep their power and their little empire in their possession. Night wanted nothing to do with her. Though now, didn't seem like he had much choice. Nor did she. Though Celestia continued to speak, "I should take her to get real medical attention."
"Real?" Night almost snapped at that. He wasn't one to be taken for a fool, though this was insulting in some of the highest levels to him. "Don't think you talk your little game to me. I'm not as naive as your star pupil. Nor am I blind as the masses are. Nor am I impressed. I'm not like the royal elites. I may be rich, but I'm not stupid. Not that is of any of your concern. Though good luck trying to paint me as the bad guy in your perfect little world. Because as of this day, history will know ME as the savior of Princess Luna with the help of the Elements of Harmony. Your perfect little world now has a crack in it. And I do plan to watch and see how you plan to fix something that now is completely out of your control." Night continued. He lost his anger by the time he got to the part of him not being stupid. After that he started to sound like some kind of cruel school teacher that took pleasure in watching students fail or suffer on tests and quizzes.
Celestia couldn't believe it. This mystery alicorn for one, saw through her wording. Secondly detested her, thirdly couldn't be converted through ordinary means to follow her. Fourth, that fact he spoke and the way he said it. He was the hero in this story, despite her planning and preparing Twilight to be that. That idea is now shattered. She wanted to do something about him right her and right now. But she couldn't. For his truth prevented it. He wasn't the villain, thus doing something to him here and now would make her one. "There is a reason most of your kind is banished from Equestria." She muttered under her breath, though just loud enough for him catch some of it.
"I thought I saw a black spot on the sun. Now I know that it wasn't my eyes playing tricks on me." Night replied, cocking a slight grin as he stood and turned to leave, Luna on his back. "Though try not to black out the sun before your sister wakes up from her much needed sleep. Also, when you are ready to see her, just go to her room." After that Night took off in flight, heading towards Canterlot.
Celestia was as hot as the sun itself with anger. He was toying with her and it was working. Though sighed and looked down in defeat for a moment. That was when she looked up to a shell shocked Twilight standing in front of her. Apparently she saw or overheard Night and couldn't believe it. "Oh, Twilight! I'm so glad to see you are awake." She said, faking her happiness at the moment.
Twilight overheard the comment of Night watching Celestia's world crack, or something like that. She was groggy when she heard that, though she quickly woke up thinking she was just hearing things. Nope. Night was speaking to Celestia and not kindly. She dropped her jaw when Night made the comment about her sun having a black spot in it. He really did that. He really went there. Only to see him take Luna away to Canterlot. She could tell Celestia was forcing the happiness out. Sounded sarcastic even though she wasn't trying to be. "Yeah, that blast was a bit much. What were you and Night talking about?" Twilight replied, rubbing her head after Celestia snapped her back from her thoughts.
"Oh we were talking about the castle." Celestia gestured to what remained of the castle. Trying to keep Twilight from asking questions about Night calling her out. Twilight didn't believe her completely, but since she wasn't awake for the whole conversation, decided to just believe her and drop it for now. After that she got the others and they went back to Ponyville. Though not before Celestia said something to Twilight, "Night is staying in Ponyville, you are to care for him."
Pinkie was elastic (literally stretched beyond physical capabilities) about him coming back to town. She had a party to throw then. Which after that she rocketed off in a rocket of dust and pink. The others just groggily headed back to town. Still feeling the after effect of the massive spell. Like a bad hangover, it lingered and not pleasantly.
Night arrived back at the castle gate with Luna who was still sleeping and gave her to the guard who was standing at the gate, "Take her to her chambers. She needs to get some much needed and quiet rest." He said to the guard. Whom nodded and called over another and they took her back to the castle. After that Night went to Ponyville, seeing as that was the town the six were from. He got there and already he could tell Pinkie had set up a party for him. He overheard she was the party planner and the town was themed towards that of a typical bat pony town. Gothic. Very Gothic and quite accurate too. That was when Pinkie showed up and spoke too fast for Night to even begin to try to decipher. Though some large table with a super large dish on it arrived after that. Night simply cocked his head curiously.
Apparently Pinkie went on about traditions of bat ponies and had a gift for him. This was going to be interesting. Night hopped up onto the table as her instructions of Pinkie, now who had slowed her speech down to a more understandable point. The five were watching too. They were clueless. Pinkie removed the lid to reveal Lyra tied down to the table with an apple in her mouth. Night just stared in massive confusion and blinked to seeing a mare tied down on her side. Head, hooves and barrel. Lyra just stared back scared to death at what was about to happen. Then Pinkie yelled out, "Night will now drink the blood of a virgin mare!" The whole town was prettified at this. The five screaming at Pinkie, the mint mare looking in true fear at the bat alicorn looking at her.
Pinkie wasn't apparently able to hearing anything in her rant till Night stepped in with his demanding voice. "Pinkie!" That got the entire town to quiet down and look at him. "As much as I truly appreciate the gesture of appealing to my heritage." He looked at the mint mare again before looking toward the crowd, "This particular practice has been abandoned for about three centuries in most tribes. So, as much as I'm sure you would like to see me dine on the blood of this mare. Luckily for her and the rest of the town, it's not going to happen." With that he used his magic to undo the rope that bound the mare down and then took the apple from her mouth.
Before the mare could really do anything he whispered in her ear, "As an apology, I'll treat you to nice dinner, just name the place and time." The mare couldn't believe it. Just a minute ago she thought she was about to be food for a bat pony only to find out that he is apologizing and taking her out to dinner! She quickly looked at the stallion, he was quite buff and good looking. She started to blush softly before nodding a bit. Once she realized she was blushing she quickly got off the table.
Night continued on to talk to Pinkie and the town, "Though in more accurate truth, only three tribes of bat ponies ever were cannibalistic. Though only in events like this where they would consume the blood of another pony. Even then they were nice about it, giving the pony a numbing agent to prevent them from feeling the bite. Also they never consumed a large amount of blood. This was so the pony wouldn't suffer any medical conditions plus blood wasn't the primary food source nor drink. Usually the pony was a volunteer from a neighboring area of non bat ponies. Due the event, and go home with maybe a small scar."
"Also, I do not belong to those tribes. So consuming blood of another pony would actually make me quite sick. Though the rumors of bat ponies being love biters is true. All bat ponies get a little rough when it comes to romance. Though in those cases, they only draw the blood, they don't drink it. Unless the partner isn't comfortable with it. In fact, consuming any meat outside of eggs would make me sick for days. As my tribe is one of the many who are partially related to the fruit bats. So I prefer a nice salad over anything with blood in it." Many in the town sighed a bit of relief at him saying he wasn't carnivorous. That wasn't something they were really ready for. To have a resident among them that would hunt animals for food. Luckily, as he stated, no blood or he would be in for it.
After that the town went about with it's party as originally planned. Though Pinkie was a bit disappointed that the sacrifice was a waste of time. Though she did a handful of lectures from the fellow townsfolk about it. Though Lyra made sure they didn't get overly worked up as the stallion was making it up to her for the accidental scare.
Speaking of which. She actually managed to sneak off with Night to do that date while the party was in full swing. Apparently she was overly curious of how strong he was and wanted to do a few tests.
Now that it was nightfall, Night was staying in the library till he bought his own place. Unlike his world where he owned a mansion in Ponyville, apparently in this world he nor his family ever owned any land in Equestria. Though he was flipping through some history texts when Twilight came in and cleared her throat to get his attention. He put the book down and stared at her in a tone that said "What is it?"
"So, a few things happen to have been running in my mind that I haven't been able to answer or get out of my head. Firstly, do you really have unnatural power inside you that gives you insane strength? Secondly, what were you and Celestia talking about at the castle?" Twilight asked, taking a seat in a nearby chair.
"To answer the first, no. I made that up. I have no special gift or bonus magic. I came up with that along with the little stunt of super heating my body to the point it would ignite. Then add in some color effect magic to turn the flames the black and blue. Fire off a heat resistance spell then a healing spell. Quite scary isn't it?" He said, quite proud of himself of pulling off a stunt like that. "Second question, you won't like the answer, but I called Celestia out as not being as perfect as she wants, claims or IS claimed to be. I also detected something black lingering around her after she found out I was a bat pony. She didn't like my kind. So I told that she had no choice but to accept me as I was part of the story now. Also told her not to try any tricks on me. Lastly I told her that I knew she had something dark in her and to be careful."
Twilight was super impressed with the answer to the first question. He managed to create this story then sell it with a couple spells fired quickly after each other. The second answer made her heart drop. He really did do what she thought he did. Though to be fair, he did warn her about not giving into the darkness that may be hovering around her heart or head. She was definitely going to have to do some thinking now. Though one last question did come to her after realizing that the book he was reading was an Equestrian history text. From the title, it was about the events a few centuries ago. Roughly within the range of one to three after the banishment of Nightmare Moon. "What are you reading and why?" She asked.
"Oh, yeah. In my world, my parents bought a large property and built me a mansion on it. In this town. But considering Pinkie's stunt told me that no bat ponies have ever been in the town in a long while. Plus, Celestia mentioned that she banished most of the tribes. So I got curious if my family was still in Equestria or was one of the many to be forced out. From what I can gather, the tribe I belong too still exists and still lives in Equestria. Also true among both worlds is that the tribe is well known for producing the best fighters. Both worlds show my tribe as serving in Luna's guard. Though in my world both sides of the Royal Guard disbanded after the defeat of both ruling princesses. In this one, Luna's guard was largely downsized after the banishment. Partially due to several of them committing treason, the rest was simply because Celestia never left the castle at night. Plus she had her own guard. So many were laid off. Though now that Luna is back, I bet she will be hiring again."
Twilight was quite impressed and shocked. He knew a good bit of his ancestory. Enough that he could track his lineage in this world despite historic events being vastly different. At least from the way he worded it. Now she was intrigued and her egghead side took over. "What is your world like? Also, what happened to your parents in this world?"
"Well. The night that Nightmare Moon made her move, was the last night that either princess was alive. That event a thousand years ago was the last time anyone saw those two princesses. The castle we fought Nightmare in, doesn't exist in my world. It was completely destroyed that night. See what ended up happening was that Celestia, instead of using the Elements of Harmony, gave into the darkness of her heart and turned into her into Day Breaker. Basically the same type of demon that took Luna took Celestia. Though those demons intermix their agenda with that of the host. Luna wanted her subjects to always see the night that she created, so the demon wanted that as part of the agenda, though mixed in their own which is why Nightmare Moon wanted more than just long period of night. Celestia's demon, found out that Celestia wanted a brighter world. So naturally, the sun was the brightest object so the demon used that image and that idea when it merged with Celestia. Though since Nightmare Moon was already in existence, the demons then knew that they were in conflict which each other. So they waged all out war on each other. Killing themselves and the hosts in the process. The end result was that the day and night cycle is now naturally occurring. No being makes it happen.
The world also lost a lot of it's life. A lot of the colors stopped occurring and the world is basically in a state of grey. The country has been on the verge of civil war for as long as the princesses have been dead. The threat of foreign attack is also just as high. Though I have managed to stay out of the politics. But fighting still had to occur. In order to gain true respect I had to do literal fights. I went out of my way sometimes to find the biggest thug in town and beat him up to the point that he had to go to the hospital. That was only way for me to ensure survival for myself. Though by now having to fight is only against those that think they can be the biggest punk in town. That's why I was able to take on the manticore as easily as I did, along with Nightmare Moon. The manticore was a creature that actually often tried to attack Ponyville and I would run them off. Nightmare Moon I thought would be a true fight. In my world, no one was at that level. I myself was wondering if I could defeat her truly. But what I found out was that Nightmare was expecting a magic fight. Not a physical one. I am trained and prepared for any kind of fight. Ground, air, water, magic, physical. Yes, I can fight while under water. Also being able to adapt is key in a fight. I adapted as I needed too. Nightmare wasn't afraid of a hero. She was afraid of a monster that was scarier than her. So I had to become just that. I had to become a nightmare to the creator of nightmares.
I have been tracking my family history, though I haven't got to my parents or myself for that matter. I'll have to get back to you on that. Though knowing my parents. They probably moved out of the country around the time the banishment happened. Despite the fact the tribe itself wasn't banished. They were closer to one of the tribes that did end up getting banished. So they are probably on the other side of the Everfree somewhere. The book doesn't mention where they settled. Just that Celestia gave them some grants and donations to compensate them and help them restart their lives. Though from I can gather, it was about the minimal amount needed. Probably a little less." Night spoke. He was good at controlling his emotions, though it was very clear he had it rough. Even Twilight couldn't picture a world like that, but it exists.
"Wow. What about us? Do we exist?" Twilight asked, curiously.
"Yes, though you are an instructor in Canterlot, teaching magic. The other five are living their respective lives here in town. No elements of harmony, no heroes." Night replied.
Teaching magic. That sounded very cool to Twilight. Though it would make sense. That was her gift. Which the way he worded it. They simply followed their respective gifts without ever really getting to know each other. That was quite interesting. But something she doesn't really want to know much more about as she already knows how the story goes. Though something did come to her mind again. "What is the name of your tribe and how many are there?"
"Mine is called boytsy nochi. Which translates to fighters of the night. As that was the specialty of the tribe. For numbers, well, ones that are connected to mine number to about seven. Though there are probably more than that. Just bat ponies are far and scattered. Also native languages vary too. There are tribes that I cannot talk too in native. For they speak something completely different. Though universal languages do exist so that is usually how we usually communicate if need be."
"Alicorns normal in your world?"
"No. Still as rare as this world. Even rarer that a bat pony like me is one. I've also been one since birth which is rare also. So I think the chances of another pony like me existing is like 0.024%. Which as you basically means, once every few thousand years. The worst part is that many bat ponies see it as curse to be birthed with a horn, so either the baby was killed or the horn was cut off. Though that was centuries ago. Much like the practice of drinking the blood of a virgin. Though unlike most, I am not into politics. I am a fighter. Plain and simple. In my blood and it's my special calling too. Though it is getting late. I'll catch you tomorrow. Good night!" Night replied with a yawn, putting the book away where he found it.
Twilight was excited to be experience a being like him. He was so rare. He was the rarest alicorn to be born. They also had for a long life expectancy. They don't die of age like others. Though they are still killable just like anyone else. Just it takes more effort due to their higher magical levels and reserves. Their bodies were also more resilient so they could take higher amounts of damage compared to other types of pony. Though an alicorn like Night Fury was never going to be seen again. He trained his body to fight, to take the pain and keep going. Even to a higher level than the Royal Guards. Though he mentioned that they disbanded in his world. So no one was keeping the peace. Though realizing it was really late, she agreed it was time to go to bed. Both she and Night settled in for the night and went to sleep.
Author's Note
This ended up longer than expected.
Though as stated in last chapter, if you spot errors, let me know in PM where they are so they can be corrected.
Also this is the last chapter to this story till at least one of my other two stories gets a new chapter.
The last few months have been rather peaceful. Night got a house constructed and moved in. Though this house was nothing like the one he had in his dimension. No, this one was decently smaller. Partly since most of his funds were in his home dimension. Though mostly as he didn't need a large house to begin with. So it all worked out.
Most of the townsfolk have come to love him. He was very capable. Doing many favors and small jobs for the town. Despite the fact Celestia still wasn't a fan of him and even tried to warn some of the town about his ancestory. Which most of the town ignored as Night has hid nothing from them when it came to his culture.
On this particular day, Night was simply enjoy a day out in the town, until he noticed a plume of black smoke filling the sky, originating at a top of a mountain. He smelled the air, this wasn't a volcano, it was a dragon. Night grinned, a true fight awaited. More intense than that of Nightmare Moon. Dragons were vastly more powerful and even more stubborn. Fair enough Night also was stubborn to a point. Noted by the town as he basically waited for no one as he quickly took flight toward the mountain.
The main six were several hours behind Night in getting the news and trying to catch up. They found out from some of the townsfolk that Night saw the smoke and went toward the source without much thought.
Night soon landed at the cave entrance. It stunk, bad. It smelled of burning flesh. This dragon most likely set his own lungs on fire. Dragons had their own regenerative abilities and had a natural immunity to fire, on the outside. Though this drake likely needed to find to a place to rest and heal. Unfortunately for him, he had to deal with an upset bat pony alicorn first.
An event like this has happened before for Night. Manehatten was turned into a wasteland within three days. Several hundred dead within the first twelve hours. Ninety percent of the population ended up dying. While most dying after leaving the town, due to the particles in the air tearing their lungs. Taking days to cut their lungs to pieces, but not before suffocating the ponies as the lungs filled with blood first.
That drake didn't last long. Night made sure of that. Though now he has a chance to prevent that from happening here. One way or another, this dragon was done polluting the air. Quite rudely the alicorn tapped on the drake's head. Awakening him. "Big, red and ugly, take a hike." Night said, sternly.
This only made the drake growl lowly, "No."
Night took in a deep breath before spitting out a breath of fire, though colder than dropping into a frozen lake during a full moon. Nearly freezing the drake's maw shut. He took another look at the small pony who was now hovering. He had a glare of anger radiating off his face, "I wasn't asking." He then fired a powerful beam of energy that struck at the same spot he fired the ice fire. The rapid change in temperature and energy shattered the bone in the drake's mouth. This made the drake release a loud roar of pain and rage. "Inside voice." Night said, toying the drake. "If you want to be loud, take it outside." With that Night flew outside.
The six were within three miles of the base of the mountain when they all paused, the roar of that drake echoed throughout the nearby lands. They all that face of "Oh no." Then they saw a small black spec and a long red dragon chasing him take flight, high into the sky. Into the clouds. At this point, all they could do it watch from where they were. As there was no saving the situation from this point.
Night took the dragon high into the sky, into the plume that the dragon made, having cast a spell that filtered the air he breathed, to allow him to even the playing field.
Night's ears were sensitive and right now, they were listening to the deep flaps of the dragon wings. With the dragon unable to see him anymore he stayed in place. Both fear and anger keeping him in the path of danger. Night quickly went high before diving down, the wind whistling off his wings to create the unholy screech that alerted the drake, but too late. Night fired a powerful blast at the dragon before flying back into the mass of black, disappearing just as fast as he appeared. The dragon fell several feet as he brunted the full force of the magic beam. He flew back into the clouds looking intensely for the alicorn. Though that was too no avail.
The same event took place, over and over, at least a dozen times, Night was able to fire off against the unprepared dragon who stayed in the clouds. In a fit rage the dragon fired a breath of fire in every direction in hopes to hit the bat pony. Though he felt a tap on the shoulder. The dragon spun around to see the alicorn grinning. Before he could anything the alicorn had hit again with a blast of magic. Pushing him out of the clouds. Then when he was out of range of the spell he saw the pony diving toward him with intense speed. Unable to move out of the way in time the pony slammed into the lower back of the dragon, forcing them both to speed toward the mountain.
In a flash, two miles of mountain disappeared into a cloud of brown as the pony pushed the dragon at speed into the mountain top. A roar of pain shortly thereafter followed.
Night stared at the wounded dragon, who was struggling to stand, though he obviously wasn't done fighting. Though by this point, Night was. Night then used the same spell he did originally, taking in a deep breath and spitting out fire to freeze the dragon in place. Though this time the dragon shot back. Both of them testing the might of their fire. Though the dragon was too injured to keep up his fire. He soon saw his fire weaken and the fire of Night get ever closer to his body. Trying his hardest he fought, though he was unable to fight anymore and his fire died out, Night's fire quickly freezing the body of the drake up to the neck.
Night then stood on the mostly frozen dragon. "You thought you could just wander onto my turf without permission and sentence everyone to death? You are mistaken. This is MY land. I gave you a chance to leave and you spat in my face. For that I broke your jaw. You then tried to fight me, and now I have frozen your body, and ran you out of energy, both physically and magically. You spent too much trying to heal wounds till you had nothing left." Night takes a few steps up and down the body of the mostly frozen dragon. "Though to be honest, you have disappointed me. I was hoping you would have put up a larger fight. So far I wouldn't even bother listing you on my top ten opponents. You were way too stubborn and that was what led to you ending up in this state so easily."
As Night finished his speech, the dragon found new fire. Hate and rage reignited the fire that almost dwindled out. Rather quickly the drake heated his body up, the ice beginning to steam and melt. Night looked around a moment, then smiled, "Oh look at you, saving the best for round two." He then took to a hovering position.
"I will rip that muzzle of yours off that face!" The dragon roared back as the ice shattered and he was allowed to stand again.
"Big talk from a worm like you." Night retorted before taking back off into the sky. Being chased by the dragon. This time giving Night a good run for his money. The dragon now firing balls of fire at the small pony. Night was predicting the blasts as best as he could, though him being smaller and much more agile was playing part in how he was evading the blasts of fire.
Night tried most of the tricks he could think of to try and shake the dragon, but it all ended in failure. Night then decided to just wing it. Disregarding the flight manuals and combat techniques used in fights. One thing came to mind, the dragon wasn't good with speed. When Night attacked him earlier, the dragon was slow and lumbering, unable to move as fast. With this in mind Night went into a sudden dive. Gathering as much speed as he could. The dragon following suit. Though he was too focused on the pony to realize he was going faster than his body could effectively maneuver with. Unlike Night who trained himself to have fast reflexes and fly faster than most could. Though in no time the unholy whistle of the wind being channeled around Night's body came and increased in intensity. Screeching louder and louder as Night dove closer and closer to the ground. Then with only a few dozen feet left, Night pulled out of the dive and with a few powerful flaps increased his speed to the point he broke the sound barrier, a boom of air roared in the valley, off in the distance Night regained the altitude lost with speed.
The dragon meanwhile tried to air break by deploying his wings, though all he managed to do was rip the membrane from his wings with the amount of force that was against them. He slammed into the ground. Though with the amount of hate and rage in his system, he was able to heal himself and take off again. Though this time Night was the one on the offensive. Diving back down, breaking the sound barrier again on his way down, as he was flapping his wings. Slamming the drake back into the ground and the sound of bones crunching and breaking could be heard.
Once the dust settled, Night was standing on top of a barely living dragon. The injuries to the dragon being greater than his magic was able to heal at one go. Unable to fight and unable to heal, the dragon whimpered in pain and defeat as the alicorn stood on top of him. "So much for ripping my face apart." Night then glanced down to see exposed rib bone which was broken, "Best be careful I don't trip. Don't want me breaking a leg now do we?" Night then goes and looks the drake in the face. "Now, have I made myself clear that you are to leave my territory or I have to take that rib and ram it up your eye sockets till you have two horns coming out of your head?"
The dragon, picturing that image and wanting no part of that, nodded. Though painfully.
"Good, I will leave you to rest and heal up those wounds you have. Then get lost. If not, well obviously I don't have to have to finish that." Once again the drake nodded and that was when Night was interrupted by the notorious attention grabbing cough. He turned to find the six plus Celestia behind him.
The six were amazed and disgusted, mixed with sadness for the dragon, though obviously it seemed Night gave it a chance to opt out of a fight and it refused. Celestia had a look of anger on her face. "I gave specific instructions that you were not to engage the dragon."
"You waited a little too long to send that message out, as I had left for the mountain with the first hour the dragon started polluting the sky. By the time you composed the letter and sent it out, I was half way to the mountain. Though what you gonna do about it? I freed your sister, killed the monster controlling her, and obviously as you can see I nearly killed a dragon. You know I am stronger than you in both magic and physical strength. Also this just adds another crack to the fragile world you hold. Everyone in Ponyville knows I left first to deal with the dragon, the dragon dealt with only me the whole time. When he runs home to his friends and family he is going to spread the word to never venture into this region ever with ill will. Or they will have to deal with me. So Celestia, what are you going to do about me saving the day?" Night had a growl in his voice. He was obviously angry, and he was challenging Celestia on the spot. His eyes glowing like they did when he and Nightmare faced off.
The six were moving out of the way, slowly. They knew Celestia wouldn't back off easily, Night obviously had zero reason to back down. He was the biggest, baddest pony in the world at this point and there was no disputing it.
Celestia just stared angrily at the alicorn in front of her. He never bothered to address her properly. "It's Princess." She muttered, "You will address me by my title." She was on the verge of striking at this younger alicorn, to teach him a lesson about authority. But that was exactly what he wanted. He wanted her to strike, with witnesses around. The dragon, the six. They were all watching. If she attacked, they would all testify that she struck first and whatever Night did after that would count as self-defense. Only solidifying himself as the hero. He had her beat and he was flaunting it.
"Until you have proven worthy of the title, I will withhold calling you it. But as I knew, you wouldn't do anything about me saving the day again. It's a wonder how Nightmare didn't win a thousand years ago, in both this world and in mine."
That was the last switch that Night needed to flip.
Author's Note
I lied, this is getting updated before anything else apparently.
All inspiration was toward this moment. Literally, I had plans to have a Trixie chapter first, but I wanted to have this chapter more. So no Trixie for you. For now anyway.
I also have a few stories in the works, so you may or may not see them soon. I will tell if you ask nicely.
A Wedding To Remember Pt. 1
Before any of the fun could really begin between Night Fury and Celestia, Tia got a letter and cleared her throat. "I have some matters to attend too." With that said she took off and went back to her palace.
"Bye bye, really hope we can continue this again soon." Night muttered to himself. With that him and the six head back to town. The dragon takes off and in a hurry. Wanting nothing to do with the ponies again. Not if they have a weapon like Night in their arsenal that they can unleash in a moments notice.
They get back to town and Spike has a letter for Twilight. Apparently her brother was going to be in the capital. Getting married to Princess Cadence. Though also spoke of dangers of a possible changeling invasion. As scouts reported movement of the changeling hive to the northwest. So partly he was coming to reinforce the first vulnerable city, along with doing a royal wedding. Needless to say, Twilight was all giddy about the wedding. Meanwhile Night was more concerned about the possibility of a changeling invasion.
Twilight and the rest went to prep for the wedding. Since it was scheduled in two weeks. Night however, was in his room. With what books there were on changelings and the map of the city of Canterlot. Shining mentioned that there was going to be a shield active right about when the supposed invasion would reach the border. According to the texts, changelings were cunning creatures. Very smart about their attacks. They have been able to take over countries overnight in a quick and successful move. Though they would likely take a few hostages prior to the invasion. Replace them with drones to scout and to weaken the defenses. A wedding would be perfect. Though the key would be getting close to Shining. If he was in control of the shield, he would be the target for the scouts. Weaken him, then the invasion force can break through and sweep through. Twilight was his sister, but that would be way too risky. She lives in another town. Any infiltrators will get spotted before they made it. So it would be someone in Canterlot that would have the power to get close to Shining. Which could be anyone. Royal Guard, noble, maybe a friend of the family in the city? Night could only speculate the possible target for the infiltrator. He just knew, they would do it at the wedding. When everyone was in one place. Make the move fast and quick, before anyone could react, the shield down and a bunch of food was in one room in disarray. He couldn't plan better himself.
However, it bothered him. The zebra tribes back in his world were prime targets. Though the zebras were not to be underestimated. They usually defended their homelands very well against changelings. Though two tribes did fall completely overnight and vanished. The changelings knew it was too risky to stay so they captured and left. They were never heard from again. Though attacks ended up being more frequent. Forced breeding was assumed by the captured zebras. Or their love was able to expedite the process. Not much is known about how changelings use love. No one has managed to break in and walk away to tell the tale.
Regardless, he knew when they would strike and where, that would have to be enough. He was however was going to be prepared for a fight. The changelings would plan for the shield. So they would have at least two inside the city at a minimum a week before the wedding. He had Rarity make him numerous suits to have. Since he took none with him. Since he was stupid rich, she was quite eager to make him look it too, using expensive and durable materials for the suits. As requested he wanted durable in case he had to get into a fight. The one thing he did have was his war suit. A full suit of durable and flexible armor, and gave his wings a sharp razor edge. It was scary to look at, and he was scary without it. Just imagine him in it. He packed this just in case. Because if, no, when the changelings attack, it's the whole hive. Thousands of them will pour in within the first minute. He was going to need something to help him even the playing field a bit more. He was certain of the attack and knew the shield was temporary. If he was preparing to fight his own plans of infiltration of the city. Because if they were as smart as the texts said, they would do it similar to his way. It made the most sense and would yield highest chance of victory.
Twilight and friends never noticed the chance of changeling invasion. Instead they were talking about Shining and Cadence and the wedding. What they planned on doing during the wedding and stuff. So the week to follow was all about the wedding, for both them and Night. Though Night was also trying to figure out escape routes, choke points, and the like for when the shield fell. How to reduce the number of ponies that could be captured or hurt and force the changelings into a fight. Which was also part of his plans. Where are the best points to engage the groups, lead the groups on wild chases and where he can go all out with little fear of major destruction. Tia hated him enough, least he could do was not level the city with the warfare. Well, most of it. He obviously can't stop all damage.
Figuring to contribute to the wedding, Night decided to bring some desserts. Which shocked the six. They were unaware he was such a good baker and chef. Yet the sample he provided for opinions on the recipe was spot on! A magic bar made with peanut butter, chocolate and some cookies. Along with a three layer trifle with crushed cookies in the middle. He just hoped the invasion wouldn't ruin them.
Finally, it was time to head up to the capital to rehearse the wedding, finalize the last of the details of it then do the thing for real. By this point the shield was up. Of all the ponies on the train, Night was the most on edge, as anyone on that train could be a changeling. Anyone in the city even. Maybe Shining himself was the changeling and the shield was a ruse to keep the defenses lowered? Night was being really paranoid and it bugged him (get it? I swear this wasn't planned). So he referred back to the letters him and Luna had. It was only four so far. Both being busy and all, haven't talked much. They helped keep him distracted and calm his nerves. None of the others knew he was really on edge, partly because he usually is regardless, but he was really good and hiding his emotions. He simply looked normal to the average eye.
They made it to the city, no harm so far. Everything was in place. The possibility of the fake being Shining was very quickly dismissed when he greeted them. Him and Twilight were hitting it off way too well. Changelings were unable to capture memories of their victims. Not in this short of time frame anyway.
Night was only in the audience of the wedding as a friend. So he could be close to the action, but had no physical parts in the wedding. Which was how he wanted it anyway. Observe for the changeling and stop them before they could attack.
The next few days went past and everything was going as normal. Minus Twilight making suggestions that Cadence wasn't really acting right. But it was hard to pinpoint her claim. Though Night was eyeing the princess closely. But nothing overly evident could be made. He didn't know her, Shining said she was being normal, but Twilight knew her as a filly. So it was all loopy. Only theories. Though the possibility of them overpowering and replacing the princess wasn't out of the question.
Finally the big day had arrived. Though Twilight was nowhere to be seen. Which wasn't good. Night was really on edge now. Perhaps they wanted Twilight after all? Or was she on to something? He still couldn't get two and two together enough to find the fake pony before the invasion would be upon them. But the ceremony was starting. So Night took his seat, wearing the war suit underneath his suit. His blades for his wings were in a sleeve on his belly. Luckily no one really noticed the fact his wings were covered in dragon scales. He took the ones from the one he killed back in his timeline. They could be woven and enchanted. Natural strength reinforced with magic made them the ultimate armor.
Things were normal, except Shining was a bit off, he seemed dazed. By the time Night realized he was under a love spell, Cadence revealed herself as the queen of the hive. Twilight was right. And Night should have seen it sooner. He quickly left the room to ditch the suit and put on the blades. He barged back into the room to see Tia get overpowered. "Well, guess you aren't as tough as you make yourself out to be." Night said to himself before taking to the sky, hovering above the crowd. Fully covered in black, only his mouth was exposed from the suit, and the eyes glowed red. The crowd didn't know if the queen or this figure was scarier. Both of them bared fangs at each other. Before the queen spoke, "Too late, the crowned prince is under my spell. His shield will fail any second, and Equestria shall be mine!"
Night didn't bother with banter. He made his strike and slammed into the queen, sending her and him crashing through the glass windows behind the alter. She was a bit dazed by the fast attack. "Whelp! You have will, I'll give you that. But you will make a fine specimen for my drones to play with." She replied as the shield broke. Night only hissed and growled at her. "What species are you?" The queen asked, noticing the fangs and oddly shaped wings.
"I'm a bat pony alicorn. My tribe is a well known line of warriors. Centuries ago we made up the majority of the Lunar Guard and were the best the country had. Even the daytime Royal Guard couldn't match us. Bet you didn't calculate on me being here, did you?" Night was focused and the hive wasn't in full engagement yet, most of them were gathering around the queen. Watching this banter take place. Then Night's voice went to that level it did on the night he faced off against Nightmare Moon. "You really think you best me? Send a hundred drones at me. I dare you! You thought Celestia and maybe Luna were the biggest threats? You thought wrong. I am the wrath of the night! All of the night's fury caged up in one being! And you just released the beast!"
Many of the drones began to shake in fear of this being. Not once have they heard a voice so loud, authoritative and angry. They knew of the Canterlot Voice of old. This was a whole new level of such a voice. It wasn't to simply to take authority away, no it was a weapon. A well honed weapon. Night spoke again, "You really think you are as powerful as me? You're nothing but a cockroach that gets stepped on like the insignificant bug you are. And I hope you and your drones watch me carefully once you send them at me, because I look forward to ripping their throats open with my fangs. Listening to their screams of agony and pain as they die slowly and painfully and I take them out like the bugs they are. Now, fear me, if you dare."
By this point, Celestia was back up and the five started to escort everyone away from the fight before they would return. Though since they were still in the room with the busted window they could hear the conversation between Night and Chrysalis. The five weren't as phased, they knew that voice. Celestia was feeling fear herself watching Night use that voice. He was true alicorn warrior. Being able to use such a voice like that took months of training at least. His suit was scary looking to say the least. She felt some relief to see his method was working wit the drones shaking in fear. He was breaking their morale before the fight even began.
A bat pony? How odd, such species were ultra rare in this region. An alicorn version, never heard of such a thing being possible. Being part of a warrior line was a bit concerning, bat pony warriors were more fierce then zebras. Especially the dedicated lines. If his heritage was right, he could have a chance to ruin this invasion or take most of the hive out before dying. No doubt about it. He would fight, they would have to kill him. He would fight till his last dying breath. No chances on him. Shame really, he could be so useful. Such power and will would benefit the hive long term. She was going to have to focus on him mostly. Her drones wouldn't last against him. Not powerful enough to handle a pure blood bat pony warrior. Though she was curious if he was bluffing about his heritage, so she decided to challenge it before engaging, "How dare you! I'm going to rip you open for such comments! But how do I know that you aren't just lying about your heritage? Some bluff to intimate?" She figured that since most bat ponies were living in the wilds beyond the everfree, he would be clueless on the lineage. As most of it was lost after that. Unknown to her is that he came from an alter dimension where the lineage stayed in tact. Making it easy to track in this timeline despite the missing texts.
"I'm from the boytsy nochi tribe. Scared now, missy? Should be, if you know anything of my culture." Night grinned. If she was going to poke his heritage, then she was somewhat knowledgeable of bat ponies. May run her off with that bit of trivia. Depending on how she ruled the odds of facing him and winning.
She knew that tribe. It was the best of the bat ponies thousand years ago. If the tribes got into a war outside of their own conflict, the boytsy nochi were always the front runners for the fight. Usually half their tribe was enough to repel the attacking force. He pronounced it like a fluent speaker of the native tongue, he was no liar. He was the real deal. He was a descendant of the tribe and knew the culture of the tribe too. He was not to be underestimated. Her best bet was wear him out. Only way she had a chance. Though this would be hours and hours of fighting. Being a warrior, he could fight all day against her drones and not tire. She had to keep up the pressure and make him use up his magic. Or overwhelm him with numbers while attacking. The latter was a better shot. Get him pinned or off guard for a few major blows and she could off him quickly and focus on the princesses and Shining while the drones took over the country. With that she ordered the attack.
The changelings that weren't shaking engaged. Along with the queen. Night was fast, moving at incredible speed. Reminding the changeling queen who she was going up against. Night in moments had managed to drop ten drones by slicing them with the wings. Others fell to his throwing knives which were disguised as feathers on his wings. No one would think twice about it since pegasi had feathered wings. Bat ponies however, do not, so armor including them was not necessary. Just one more trick Night carried. Which was able to drop fifteen in seconds. More and more kept rushing in to the fight as their resolve came back. Except Night was faster in his reflexes. Dodging and weaving around like a fly on steroids. Slamming into unsuspecting drones, countering others. Doing unorthodox moves for any flier.
At one point the fight got to the ground. After a few lucky blows from above pushed Night to the ground. Though as soon as he hit the ground and as they landed gathering around him, he flapped his wings and began to slide against the ground backwards into a roundhouse kick to the jaw to the unprepared drone, snapping the lower jaw clean off the skull. Killing the drone from the blow. The ground attack was useless, Night was just as fast as he was in the air, thanks to him still being able to call upon his wings for rapid movement. Then a blast from the queen was fired but Night blocked with his wings, which still had a few knives on them. The enchantment plus the curve of the knives only reflected the blow into a multitude of directions. Taking out twenty drones in a single instant.
Many tried to get close, but that failed too, his strength and speed were unmatched and most attempts were met with skull cracking blows. If they didn't get their throats sliced from the wings or ripped open by his fangs. Night was an animal in a murderous rage at this point. Kill after kill, repeatedly. The queen kept trying to blast him with magic, but those were either matched with his own blast, reflected by the wings, or the scales. Some drones were close enough to go for the bite but the scales were too armored to penetrate with just teeth. However, Night's teeth had no problem ripping past their exoskeleton armor.
The fight was four hours in, by this point dozens of drones have fallen to the bat pony. If not a hundred. The queen was beginning to panic. The city was in full scale war now. The citizens took up fight, after seeing Night go toe to toe with so many with no fear. She couldn't keep up the pressure on him and the citizens at the same time with the drones. So she refocused the drones to deal with the population while she went one on one with Night. She hoped he was weaker, but he didn't look it. That armor was his best defense while against the drones. They lacked the strength to penetrate it, she could. Her magic wasn't strong enough to break past the scales. Her physical strength could. Doesn't matter how good the armor is at preventing the hit from penetrating. It doesn't stop the force from entering the body of the wearer. Her goal was up close physical engagement.
She flew in close and engaged Night, both of them hovering in the air circling while their hooves were moving so fast that most on the ground could barely see their hooves. The most intimating part was Night never averted his glare from the queen's face. His skill was high enough that he didn't need to watch his opponent's moves. He could predict with high accuracy. She tried every move she knew, she couldn't break past his defense. She had to try something really unorthodox. She began morphing into varies creatures, trying to get him off guard. He was prepared enough she couldn't get him to stumble long enough to get a good hit in. Just give him a minor daze. "Nightmare Moon was more of a fight then you." Night said, with a cocky grin on his face. "At least she could land a hit. Are you even trying or you just trying to butter me up?"
The nerve of this pony. He could taunt her while she tried to break him. Though he gave her an idea for one last form. Use the form of the one that did at least land the hit. So she quickly morphed to Nightmare Moon. She then went in again, this time trying to blast him with magic hoping that a really close hit would do something. She did get a few good hits in this time. Along with using spells to make her physical attacks stronger. She finally got her small edge she needed. Night was now taking quite the beating. Before she sent him through a building.
She flew to the other side expecting to see the injured bat pony lying on the ground. Only he was back up and took out two drones that were unlucky enough to be in his way. Then he saw the queen, still in the form of the mare he hated the most. "Vy nosite masku ved'my, kak korona. Vy nadeyalis', chto eto pomozhet vam, eto tol'ko uskorit vashe padeniye. A poka ty menya razozlil. Vot yarost' nochi (You wear a mask of the witch like a crown. You hoped it would assist you, it will only expedite your downfall. For now you have made me angry. Behold the fury of the night.)." He then took flight, flying high into the sky. So fast the queen could barely eye him as he soared above the clouds, out of sight of anyone near the ground. The only thing that followed was a distinct whistle of wind and quickly falling black spec. The sound of a sonic boom was heard a few seconds before the queen fully realized what was going on. Before she could react, Night had slammed into her and sent her through four buildings with a loud boom from his impact.
The queen flew up, injured and enraged. She went to engage him again. Only to see he was now the center of a large black pony. Easily the size an Ursa Major. She had the face of fear when the large hoof made impact with her and sent her flying again through several blocks worth of buildings. The queen by now was seriously injured, she couldn't afford to continue the fight. One more like that would end her, it would take all her remaining magic just heal these wounds. Which she did use then ordered the retreat. She didn't win this time, but next time she would. She would make sure of it.
Author's Note
Yeah, wanted to have a really cool chapter between Night and Tia but yesterday afternoon while bored at the doctors (I have bronchitis, so yay) I came up with the idea of just jumping into the changeling invasion during the wedding. So guess the banter between Tia and Night will just have to wait till later.
Also I tend to blogs on a more regular basis to let you guys know things during the time between chapters of the stories I'm doing. Feel free to check those out!
A Wedding To Remember Pt. 2
Several hours have passed since Night ran off the queen of the changelings. Most of the time was spent cleaning and organizing the mess. Making sure everyone was good. Shortly after everyone was accounted for that was when Twilight showed up with the real Cadence. Which brought a sigh of relief to Night. Both of them were fine and accounted for now.
Once they fixed the stage for the wedding, it was back on. Though Night was staring at the dessert table a bit, his food didn't make it. "I was really looking forward to those cookies." He said before taking his seat. Back in the suit that Rarity had made for him. The wedding went off without a hitch as Shining and Cadence said their vows. Then the party was to begin. It wasn't part of the script but Night requested to be the singer since the one hired was suffering minor injuries from the fight and panic. Shining agreed and Night took to the stage. "Well, don't be looking at me with those faces, this is a time of celebration! Let's enjoy this day, not only did we fight off the changelings, but we have a happy marriage to celebrate! Now forgive me as I'm not the best singer in the world, but I think I can manage for this occasion." He said, getting cheers from the crowd. He gave some instructions to the band for how to start off the song, he would lead from there. Once the song started he got his beat and began to sing some songs from his culture, translated of course (and no, you don't get any lyrics or songs, cause I'm too lazy to do that).
Once he got to the chorus of the first song he was really established along with the band and everyone was dancing while he entertained them. The six off and on were noticing just how varied this stallion was. He had a voice powerful enough to frighten dragons, but here he was singing like an angel. He was flowing naturally too. Giving a dance for those watching him sing instead of dancing. Some would argue it would be hard for a winged pony to move so fluidly and lightly without their wings to assist them. But Night was light as a feather and really could dance without having his wings help him out. They were tucked up to his sides while he laid a deep bass vocal range, perfect for upbeat jazz songs.
This lasted several hours, Night being on stage till his singing wasn't needed anymore. He then thanked everyone and hopped off the stage, the band continuing to play instrumental style for those still wanting to dance. Though Night got a nice round of applause and many were eager to meet him in person since not many had got the chance too since the changeling attack. Even Celestia thanked him genuinely. "Hold up, a few weeks ago you wanted nothing more then to strike me down, what changed?"
"Today. When I failed to take out Chrysalis and she knocked me out. I came too to find you staring them down outside, using that voice that everyone told me about. Seeing the drones quiver in fear from it, the queen herself seemed to give you some respect. Seeing you fight them head on and drive them off, in numbers greater then I could on my own made me realize just how imperfect I am. I couldn't even compare to the queen in magic, she bested me, you however held your own and then some. That has allowed me to see my errors and I hope we can move forward from here."
"I am willing to give that a go. Though I do enjoy pushing buttons, so don't it personally if I don't try to rile you up a bit time to time." Night replied with a cocky grin and a wink. Celestia only shook her head at him being a bit childish, but it was a bit charming, maybe it was the suit. Though once the wedding was over, the six and Night headed back to Ponyville.
Author's Note
A really short chapter, what? I know, but most of the event was on the previous chapter. This was mostly to capture the happy wedding side of the events. Though the next chapter will begin new events that will definitely make up for this short chapter.
Past/Present/Future Tense
Two peaceful months passed before the six and Night would be summoned to the castle. Rather short notice and urgent too. Upon getting there Twilight and the Princess left to discuss the matter, something about a message that is hard to understand. The rest were to entertain themselves for the time being. Night went to irritate the bureaucrats as that was always fun to do. They were too uptight too actually fight, and given he is a hero and in good favor with the Princesses they couldn't really do much threatening either. So he was in a win-win regardless.
Rarity and Shy went to get inspiration, well Rarity did while dragging Shy along. AJ and Dash went to a cafe to get some drinks with Pinkie. All was going well for the most part. Except for the rich that was getting picked on by Night. Teasing them and telling them that their outfits were way outdated and couldn't tell if their outfit was more stupid then their policies or not. Them not being able to have comebacks and the crowd watching him just sit there and ruffle their feathers was worth watching. Especially the really entitled ones, they really get the attention that they don't crave. Almost too easy for Night. Till the guards came up and asked him to stop causing such a scene, in a very polite manner. Night went to check on Dash and AJ, figuring they would be the closest ones to be having fun.
He was right as he saw a street brawl taking place outside of the cafe. Dash enjoying every second of the fight while AJ was just a victim drug into the fight. Night went in to dissolve the fight, only for one the stallions to give Night a good left hook, "Shouldn't you be in some cave till waiting for darkness so you can feast on the innocent?" Dash and AJ paused to watch Night, attacked and insulted.
"Where I come from we don't rush into a fight so hastily." Night said, the stallion got more smug till Night got right in his face, "But we aren't where I come from are we?"
"...No..." The stallion said now beginning to regret his life. Then Night dished out a strong right hook which knocked the stallion out on the spot. Now the fight was back on and Night was now involved. Dash was loving it more then she probably should have. For once she really up close and fighting with Night. Seeing him take out these wannabe thugs with ease. May be greater then seeing the Wonderbolts in person. Though Night really wasn't enjoying himself, this wasn't something he wanted to do. Along with AJ. She just wanted to have some coffee. Instead she is fighting pompous jerks.
The fight was very short lived with only AJ, Dash and Night standing. That's when the guards came over and saw the mess. "You three are coming with us." They said.
"For the record, I didn't start this, but I finished it." Night said, shooting a glance to Dash who was all happy till she saw the guards. Then she really lowered her head when she saw the glare coming from Night. He didn't have to say anything to her. That look said it all and it was a look that a father gives a daughter when she has disappointed him. They were brought back to the castle to await for Celestia.
"'The past will rise, devour the present, to give rise to the future.' This can mean a lot. There are so many possibilities. I really think we should include Night with this. He does come from an alternate world. Maybe he can see the meaning of this." Twilight said, studying the letter once more. A riddle typical for someone that is just a clown trying to confuse more then give clues. With that Celestia nodded and they headed back to the castle to find that he was already there along with Dash and AJ. The guard went to speak.
"These three were in a fight on nineth. The bat pony says he tried to break it up but the other party engaged him."
"Leave us, and make sure the others get medical attention if needed." With that the guard nodded and left. Night nodded towards Dash. Celestia only nodded her head in that fashion as she already guessed it would be her. "Rainbow, Applejack, you two can go back and do whatever you want, but stay out of fights. I need to consult Night on this matter." They nodded and headed off in a hurry. Once they were gone Celestia gave Night the letter to look over.
He read it a few times. "Something in your past is coming back, which is big to effect the present which alters the predictions of tomorrow. Not overly clever, but I believe the trick was that the meaning would come off as complex, hiding the simplicity of it." He then noticed the insignia of the letter, "Wait, I know this insignia." He studied it closer, "No way. He exists here too?"
"Who?" Celestia and Twilight both said simultaneously staring at him.
"This insignia belongs to a research group, Project Metal. In my timeline, they conducted unethical experiments, blew up a city, then created hybrid monsters trying to clone their deceased leader." He handed the letter back to Celestia. Hearing this wide eyed Twilight, though Celestia was unphased. She already knew that. She already dealt with some of that before. That's why she got the letter, they made a break through and now are coming for her in revenge.
Celestia had all the others gather up as she was going to tell them what was up. "With the help of Twilight and Night, this letter is nothing more then just a joke that was sent to me as a prank. You all can go home." Twilight and Night were surprised, they both knew something was odd about this. Something wasn't right. But they didn't have the answers and maybe this group wasn't as dark as the version Night dealt with. So maybe it was a prank after all.
After a few weeks passed, Twilight with the help of Night was trying to dig up as much as possible on Project Metal, though no real records exist and not much mentioned. It was all rumored and what was rumored wasn't all bad at all. With that information they parted ways, leaving it was maybe they did a handful of slightly unethical things and Celestia put them back in the right. Though that night Twilight had a vivid nightmare, something was stalking her and telling to her fear the dark. She started to talk to Shy about dealing with the nightmare since Shy has a lot of fears, she may know something about dealing with nightmares. "Well, I'm not sure. But, you can come over tonight and we can try, if you want." Shy said.
Twilight nodded, though requested Night to show up. Something about that dream had her wondering. "He said that no one feared the night anymore and he was the reason. He had razor sharp teeth, a serpent like tongue and snake like eyes. But the only one that came to mind to me was you and Nightmare Moon when it came to fearing the night. So who would this fellow be?"
Night pondered the image, the phrasing, the way the dream took place as Twilight described what happened. "This doesn't sound like some vivid imagination dream. This something or someone using Luna's dream walking ability to create your dream. You said it happens every night? Each time being more vivid then the last?" Twilight nodded. "You are dealing with someone in particular, but no one from my timeline ever had those looks. Nor had anyone invaded dreams or forced their own dreams upon another. This is new for me. But whoever he is, I wouldn't take him lightly. Be cautious." This wasn't good news for Twilight. A new foe, a powerful one at that, even Night is concerned about him.
That night, Twilight left Spike and started to head to Fluttershy's house. Though Spike felt very uneasy and sent a letter to Night, telling him his gut feeling was off and worried about Twilight. Night sent a letter back saying he was going to follow Twilight to ensure he made it to Shy's house safely. As Night had a similar feeling of uneasiness and a gut sense something was going to go down.
Twilight was practically in eyesight of the cottage with no incident, then she felt a cold chill and something staring at her from behind. She turned to see that figure from her nightmares standing there. Wearing a tattered cloak that covered him up. Twilight hit the dirt and stared in fear, her brain rushing, unable to think clearly from the sleep deprivation of the constant nightmares, trying to come up with a plan, and just how ugly this stallion thing looked. "Even in your sleep deprived state, I figured you would have had more fight in you then this. Shame, I was hoping for something exciting to happen." He then noticed the aurora of her horn and just then was when a boulder came and hit him in the side. "You stinker, so we are getting a fight after all." With that the figure used magic and flung Twilight against the cottage twice before impelling her with pebbles. Some going clean through her.
He went to try and finish the job but got hit by a wooden bat, from Shy. "Oh now you have done it." Just then an unearthly whistle was heard. Shy smiled a bit, she knew the sound. It was Night Fury. He just joined the fight. Just as the figure looked up was when Night struck and sent the figure through two trees and nearly took out the third tree. The figure looked up to see Night hovering in place near him.
"You are the reason ponies feared the night!? I am the fury of the night!" His voice cracked with thunder of that greater then a storm. Night then grabbed the figure and threw him back the direction he just came from. Then teleported in front of the figure and kicked him up high into the air, before chasing after the body. Though before he could catch the body it teleported back to the ground. Using magic he tried to riddle the bat pony alicorn with rocks like he just did with Twilight. Only Night being in his armor was able to shield himself against the projectiles. Then flung the razor knifes shaped like feathers toward the figure. Three landed in the figure before he teleported and retreated for good.
Shy once that Night had taken over rushed to Twilight, who was barely alive now. Numerous bones broken, her body also looking like Swiss cheese with the holes from the rocks. She did the best she could till Night got back to the ground. "She needs help now." Shy said, with fear in her voice. Night took a look at her and teleported them to hospital. It would be a solid miracle if she made it, and that was what Night was thinking when he saw the severity of Twilight. He only hoped he got to her in time.
Author's Note
The beginning of a new arc that I am doing. Inspired from a fan comic series that is ages old by now. It was one of the first fan fictions I first read on the series, before I even watched an episode of the show. Though I do not have the original link to this story, otherwise I would share it publicly.
Several hours past, felt like months for them though. Night and the five waiting in the lobby for some kind of update about their friend. Night was thinking of the figure he ran off. Part dragon, part changeling it seemed. Nothing known of that before from Night's world. Complete mystery. He was magically powerful, whoever he was. To do this much damage against a body in a short amount of time. Luckily Night was experienced in fights and had his suit on, or he would be in the same condition with Twilight.
"How did it happen?" Dash asked, both Night and Shy. Shy was too petrified to answer.
"He tormented her mind for several days when she tried to sleep. Finally attacking last night. I didn't see the confrontation between him and Twilight, but knowing he tried the same trick to me, he impaled her with pebbles at intense speed. I didn't hold back on him when I got to him, but he ran before I could take him out." Night stated. He was scarily still, his voice monotone. He was replaying his fight on repeat, wondering if he could have taken out the figure or not. If he did this instead of what he actually did. There was no point in wasting those thoughts now though. He can't go back in time, but he can improve himself for the next time.
Just then the doctor came out to them, "She has a long road, but she is stable. She is sleeping right now. Her injuries are like nothing I have seen, she has strong will. I will let you know when you can visit her." They all sighed a relief, Twilight was going to make it. Though knowing their friend was going to be out for a while, they left the hospital. They planned to return the following day to meet her. Figuring the doctor would keep her under till then.
Night wanted to return to Twilight's library so he could do research. He wanted to learn more. The others wanting to help their friend anyway they can went to help too. They spent many hours in vain. Nothing about this figure existed in any text. Night finally turned to look through Twilight's notes about the dreams. Wondering if anything about them might help. First dream was her coming home from Canterlot when the note was sent to Tia, to find it abandoned, the town in ruin then suddenly everything was burning. Second dream she was in the library in the dark, this figure whispering to her from behind her. The third was the same but he tried to attack her there. That was it.
Meanwhile in Canterlot, during routine patrols in the castle, guards were being dropped left and right till finally the throne room was exposed. The doors flying open, Tia looking in anger at who was before her. "Don't give me that look. You know you missed me." The intruder spoke. Who happens to be the same that attacked Twilight the night before.
"You attacked Twilight. Though I see you met the other guy. Saddened he didn't finish you off. I was hoping for that. Considering how ugly you are now." Tia noticed a few wounds that Night caused to him. She was definitely glad at this moment he was in this world. This foe was something right up his alley for dealing with. Personally, Tia wants this figure dead and likely knew that Night already plans it. He won't live long.
"Yes, the bat pony alicorn, definitely didn't expect him. Though he will be a very fine specimen to add to my research, dead or alive. Though alive preferred. He definitely got a few surprise hits in." The figure retorted, it's tongue coming out, showing the reptile nature of it. Just then the creature quickly teleported next to Tia and put a magic suppression ring on her. "But I am here for you right now. I have unfinished business and you hid a few things from me." He then teleported her away. What remained of the guards came rushing in but it was too late. She was gone. There was a letter in her throne though. It was to be sent to Night Fury. So the guards sent it to him then gathered up Luna to come up with a new plan of action.
Night suddenly heard a pop above him and a letter fell in front of him. It carried the official seal on it. It was from Tia herself. This was a first and very much unlike her to call to him intentionally like this. The others gathered around as Night opened it and read it a few times to himself. Then shared the details to the others. "I have little time to explain everything, I surely hoped the letter was just a prank. But it seems I am not granted that mercy. A great evil is upon us. This figure is a stallion that was working on some very twisted magical creations. I thought he to be dead, but he has come back to try and complete his work. I, Twilight and you are the only ones he would target fully with everything he has. It seems he already made a move to Twilight, meeting you would have added you to his hit list as well. As for me, he would need me to try and get his artifacts and pieces back to get his work back in motion. Be on your guard."
"Wow, this must be really bad if she is scared like this. What is the next plan?" Dash said, feeling the despair begin to hit the air. Along with the others but they didn't say anything just yet.
"Nothing, we wait. This guy will be back again. Likely for me. Since I am up and kicking. He may not know that Twilight is alive still. One thing is for certain, I look forward to seeing his ugly mug again." Night replied, his eyes glowing, showing how angry he is. Which sent a wave of relief and courage to the others. They all wanted a piece of him, Shy was being her shy self and didn't show signs of that, but she felt it in her heart. Some courage to face this foe again. "But for now, we return to our homes and try to get past this event." With that Night left the library and went to his home. The rest did the same in silence.
Despite the fact that Twilight was fine, the fear was still fresh in all their minds. Night Fury was focused on the next time he faced off that thing again. He can swallow loss, he can face his fears, he can enact revenge. Though it never is easy, especially in a variation of a world that is supposed to lack his world's issues to a much lighter degree. But this one, straight out of his world. It only drove him to want to end this once for all.
Dash went to the town's pub. Along with Pinkie. They both drank cider, though they couldn't get over what happened. They were glad Twilight was fine, but she was so close to the edge it might as well not have existed. Plus their new friend Night now is next on the list. They expected him to win, but what if he can't? Or what if he can't win without giving up his own life in that process? That wasn't something they wanted to think about. AJ was barely able to work correctly. Kicking the tress too hard and sobbing her eyes out between trees. Rarity, had a funeral gown drew up in case the verdict was not what they wanted to hear. She saw it again and that fear hit again. To think she thought that she may have needed to make that. She couldn't bear it. To make a gown like that, never. Not even for a stranger did she want to make such a thing. Not now.
That night, a few went to visit Twilight, Night stayed behind in his own home. He sat in an empty room, it was his mediation and training room. He was fully suited in his combat armor, eyes closed, controlled breathing, his ears listening. He knew this vile creature would come for him. Would attack sooner then later. Couldn't afford to leave Night in the picture any longer then absolutely necessary. That was how Night would do it in his mind. If he had some very delicate plan. Take out anything that would be able to stop that plan. Sure enough, there was a crash in the window of a nearby room. Night's eyes shot open. Then he grinned, it was time to dance with this figure again.
As if on queue, the door swung open to Night's room, "I have been expecting you, do you want a drink?"
"You are a very clever one. Though I do say, I am a bit thirsty, teleporting all day and breaking into houses does leave one a bit parched." The figure said, toying back with the young stallion. Curious how this will go.
"I bet it does. Unfortunately my options for drink are very limited right now. How does your own blood sound?" With this, Night teleports and appears right in front of the figure mid roundhouse, sending him through two rooms and out of the house. Quickly flying through the holes and finds himself to be pelted by thicker rocks then before but at the same intensity. Luckily the armor was able to prevent penetration, however the brute force was still hitting Night's body, sending him towards the ground as he wasn't able to keep his wings flapping. Though he recovered in a teleportation spell giving the figure a solid upper cut. "Going to have to better then rocks if you want to hurt me."
The figure was dazed just for a moment when the uppercut hit, stepping back a moment. "Just warming up, don't want to sprain something important." He then teleported away and landed on Night, trying to do the horn trick like he did to Tia, but Night's reflexes are much sharper then this figure anticipated. Night quickly rolled onto his back and slammed the figure into the ground with his own weight, on top of throwing his head back and head butting the figures head.
"If you wanted to put a ring on it, have to take me to dinner first. But I don't date murderous psychopaths. Too unstable for a healthy relationship." Night then took flight again. Throwing his knives at the figure again. Who used magic to shield himself from Night's knives. But before the figure could process the next move Night was slamming his rear hooves into the shield. Shattering it as it was only strong enough to stop the lightweight knives, not a strong blunt attack of the pony's weight. Then Night landed into the mid stomach of the figure, taking the wind from him. Before Night could get another hit or spell going the figure kicked Night off of him.
"This has been fun, but I have places to be and errands to run. A companion will be with you shortly though. So don't feel left out." With that the figure teleported away. Night unleashed a roar of anger when the figure teleported away. He then went back into his own home.
Since Twilight was in the hospital and Spike didn't want to stay in the library with this threat lurking around, he opted to stay with Night. Spike shortly after Night came back inside gave Night a letter. It had Luna's seal on it. Night read it a few times. "Send a letter to the others. We need to make a plan of action and really soon."
A few hours passed, everyone was gathered at the library as requested by Night. "Earlier today..." Night spoke to them, "Celestia was captured by the creature that attacked Twilight. He tried to make a move on me but bailed out of the fight. I do not know what he is planning, but we have to figure out as much as we can about his research group and any info about this creature that works with them." The others, you could feel their hearts drop. Moral dropped. Their princess was gone. "We have to make sure that he doesn't know that Twilight made it. Because who knows what he will do if he finds out she lived. Also expect anything. He said another was coming to deal with me."
They all nodded, knowing the severity of the situation. They entered the library and began to search around, unable to really find much other than what was known. The only newer information was that they tried a few genetic experiments. But that was before Tia came in. With that they went to leave. They made it just out of the door when they heard something big hitting the ground. They looked to the right and there it was. Some huge mutant pony that was half the size of the library. The five looked in fear at this thing. It screamed right in their faces. Then Night took one step forward and did his growl. Baring his fangs, his hair on edge and wings splaying out. He wasn't in his battle armor. He didn't realize that this fight was happening this soon. This mutant pony leaned in and screamed at Night again, only Night roared his growl in return. He lunged at this pony sinking his fangs into the large neck of the being.
In reaction it took a step, it had a large oversized leg, thick as a tree. It was about to step down on Dash of all ponies. She was unable to move, just staring. Rarity tackled her to get her out of the way. Pinkie came out of nowhere, launching herself from her party cannon head first into the mutant. Knocking it over. Night was unable to really do more than cause minor bleeding. The mutant being so large made it hard to do more than puncture the skin. Unable to really tear and rip at the flesh. He backed off as the mutant was going to grab him with the more normal hoof it had. That's when Rarity came in and gave it a solid kick to the skull. Dash following in with an aerial bomb attack. AJ kicked the skull of the being but it was still up and trying to find a pony to target.
Shy was too scared to attack it directly. Night the others went all out on it. However, it was just too hardy to take down cleanly. All these attacks of various types and they couldn't put this thing down. It went to stomp on Shy but AJ stopped it, barely. Using her above average strength to stop the oversized hoof, but this came at a cost. Her hind legs and one of her front legs ended up shattering. Taking her down for the fight. It got a lucky hit on Dash and sent her into a building, snapping her wing. Pinkie, was suffering head injuries. Night and Rarity were the only ones decently fine. Rarity was unable to do much, she lacked strength and her magic wasn't strong enough to do anything serious. She also was running out of supply on her magic. Night was taking some hits now. He had bruised ribs, black eyes, his left hind leg was broken, or right at the verge. He figured his bone cracked and was barely holding itself together. He had Rarity help with his one last ditch effort.
Night flew towards the beasts skull, Rarity using her magic to guide Night right at the mark. As Night was building up his magic. He landed his mark. His horn entering the skull of the mutant and that was when Night fired off his spell. Firing his most powerful beam of energy with fire mixed in with it. This did the trick. With a cry the mutant fell, along with everyone else. Shy wasn't left without a mark. While the others were busy, that being came back to target Shy. Breaking her nose real good. Spike came and found them, getting them all taken to the hospital to have their injuries assessed.
Author's Note
Well, two years later I am finally able to start catching up with these stories. Holy crap, it is nice to be back. I don't know how frequent the updates will be or how many stories I will work with. Since I have a few that are active, I may be only focusing on one or two for a short while before switching it up. Or I may work on one of my stories that I haven't published yet. We will see.