An Equestrian Nightmare

Legend tells of a sword. A sword known as Soul Edge, which was originally like any other blade. However, after being bathed in blood and hatred endless upon endless times, the sword turned into a demonic weapon and gained a wicked soul. Those who grasp it's hilt cannot escape it's grasp, for the soul dwelling in the sword, known as Inferno, corrupts the host's mind and makes him or her venture forth and collect more souls to empower it further. Many years and countless deaths later, the sword fell into the hands of Algol, who was known as "The Hero King". Possessing an indomitable will, Algol became the first person to use Soul Edge without succumbing to Inferno. With this blade, Algol used Soul Edge for a completely different purpose. Instead of acquiring souls for power, Algol used the sword to spread peace throughout the lands. While he was hailed a hero and praised for being an excellent ruler, his son, Arcturus, became filled with envy and resentment. Wanting to achieve the same power as his father, Arcturus took Soul Edge for his own, which was a costly mistake. Unaware of the sword's malevolent properties, Arcturus became corrupted and began to murder the maids and servants in his father's castle. Sensing a great disturbance, Algol confronted his son. Having seen what Soul Edge did to his son, Algol was left no choice. Delivering one swift strike with his spare sword, Arcturus collapsed from his wound and died. Remorseful after the death of his only son, Algol desired to create a sword that could rival the evil within Soul Edge. After collecting purified shards from Soul Edge after his battle with Arcturus, Algol sought out countless sages to assist him. After many failed attempts, the Spirit Sword, also known as Soul Calibur, was born. At the cost of his life, Algol created a beacon for humanity. Before passing, Algol tasked the sages who helped him to keep the blade protected and to purify it so that it doesn't become corrupt with power. The sages kept their word and slowly purified the blade, keeping Algol's soul within to keep his thirst for power at bay. The sword remained in seclusion with the sages who now referred to themselves as "The Guardians" until a time was needed where Soul Edge had to be destroyed. Now, that time has come.

Lost Cathedral

Standing in the middle of the cathedral was a white man in shining silver armor with flowing blonde hair. Siegfried Schtauffen, wielder of Soul Calibur, patiently waited for his destined opponent. He stood there, contemplating on his plan of action and what to do if he won. His thoughts were cut short when the sound of distant footsteps echoed through the hall before him. Siegfried readied Soul Calibur for it's final confrontation.

"Took you long enough." said the swordsman.

A pair of glowing red eyes accompanied the footsteps as they grew closer and closer. Nearing the entrance, a figure as tall as Siegfried himself stepped forward clothed in dark blue armor. The wielder of Soul Edge, known as Nightmare, was now standing before Siegfried.

"The time is ripe. You shall become part of me." growled the Azure Knight. Nightmare drew forth Soul Edge and pointed it at Siegfried. "You shall be the first sacrifice."

"I extremely doubt that." retorted Siegfried. Not wanting to mince words any longer, Nightmare made the first move and rushed Siegfried with blinding speed. Raising Soul Edge high, Nightmare brought the sword down with tremendous force, enough to cleave a man in two. The strike was blocked by Soul Calibur, who repelled the Evil Sword away. Seizing the opportunity, Siegfried followed with a quick horizontal slash of his blade. The attack was stopped by Nightmare, who grabbed the blade with his horrible claw. Nightmare threw Siegfried and Soul Calibur back and followed up with a swift kick. The attack floored the blonde knight.

"Is that the best you can do? How weak." taunted the Azure Knight. Not wanting to be defeated Siegfried quickly rose and hacked away at Nightmare. Every attack was repelled by Nightmare's superior skill and demonic strength. Nightmare parried the last hit and attacked Siegfried with the same strategy. Both swordsmen then locked blades and glared hatingly at each other before breaking off. Wanting to end the battle both warriors charged at each other. Raising their respective swords, the two sliced at each other at the same time. After a moment of tense silence, Siegfried fell to the ground with a large gash across his chest. Nightmare began to cackle evilly as he watched Siegfried reach for Soul Calibur.

"The torture I have planned for you will MAKE you beg for death's sweet embrace." said Nightmare. Once Siegfried grasped Soul Calibur's hilt, the warrior was filled with renewed energy. Against all odds, the swordsman defiantly rose to his feet, which caused Nightmare's hatred for Siegfried to burn even stronger.

Siegfried wiped a trail of blood from his lips as blue energy began to surround him. His wound from Nightmare began to heal and close. "I'm not done yet." Rushing forth with blinding speed, Siegfried hacked away at Nightmare and the Cursed Blade. While Nightmare was able to block some of the attacks, a majority of them hit their mark and began to drain Nightmare of his strength. Siegfried mercilessly continued his assault on the Azure Knight, forcing his hand.

"ENOUGH!!" yelled Nightmare as a wave of red energy spewed from him. The force of the energy forced Siegfried to the ground, knocking Soul Calibur away.

"Impetulant child. Did you you really think you had a chance against me?" Nightmare approached Siegfried and hovered the sword above the blonde's chest.

"Any last words?"

Siegfried defiantly spat at the Azure Knight.

"Audacious till the end." Nightmare drove Soul Edge down but was stopped by a blinding white light. Nightmare shielded his eyes from the light while Siegfried rolled away from Nightmare. Unbeknownst to Nightmare, a portal began to open in front of him. Taking this as a gift from Soul Calibur, using his remaining strength, Siegfried forced Nightmare and Soul Edge into the portal.

"PATHETIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!!!!!!!!!" yelled Nightmare as he entered the portal. The portal then closed, leaving Siegfried alone in the sanctuary with Soul Calibur.

"I've won." breathed Siegfried. "It's finally over."

Nightmare awoke to find himself smack dead in the middle of a forest. He slowly got his footing before cursing the sky.

"CURSE YOU, SIEGFRIED!!!" bellowed the Azure Knight. The sound of wildlife immediately died down from Nightmare's anger. The demon was seething with anger. How could he have been defeated? And worse, he was now stuck in a place he's never seen before! Nightmare's anger died down a little when he sensed that Soul Edge was nearby. Following the energy signature, he found his prize sitting by a small pond in a clearing. Before picking up the sword, Nightmare caught a glimpse of his reflection in the pond's water, and it wasn't good. Nightmare's armor was cracking in multiple places, with some parts even broken off.

Looks like I could use a wardrobe change. thought Nightmare. Soul Edge began to pulsate red, beckoning Nightmare to use it. Once Nightmare grabbed the sword's hilt, red energy began to swarm him and the Cursed Blade. After few minutes, the energy expended itself and shot through the forest, leveling the area surrounding the clearing. Wanting to see what the energy exactly did, Nightmare took a quick look at his armor. Everything was repaired, and he looked more lethal than ever. Even Soul Edge took on a more evil form.

"Excellent." said Nightmare. The demon slightly recoiled at the sound of his new voice. While he did miss his old demonic one, this new one would have to do. The Azure Knight took note of the lack of sound around him. It felt off putting when he was used to the anguished screams and cries of dying people as opposed to the quiet surrounding him. Nightmare also felt something different inside him. He felt...calm, an emotion completely alien to the war baring swordsman. While he did feel Soul Edge's influence and his deep seated hatred for all things living, the feeling of calm concerned the demon greatly. Could Soul Calibur have perhaps done the impossible, could it have....corrupted HIM?

Impossible. thought Nightmare.

Before continuing on into the forest, an echoing explosion drew the attention of the demonic swordsman. Behind Nightmare's helmet was a wicked smile, for now he had a way to test out his now body.

"This shall be fun." said Nightmare before he sprinted in the direction of the explosion.

"The night shall last FOREVER!!!" yelled Nightmare Moon. The Princess of Darkness extended her hooves outward and released and a wave of dark energy, flooring the six brave fighters before her. One of the fighters, a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle, got to her feet and began lobbing magic bolts at her attacker. Nightmare Moon blocked her attacks with ease before ensnaring the magician's neck.

"You think you're better than me?! HA! I laugh at your pitiful attempt." taunted Moon as she raised up her hoof to strike.

"Oh no you don't!" yelled a voice. Moon then felt a sharp pain in her stomach before being kicked in the face. Twilight gasped for breath.

"You alright there, sugar cube?" asked the pony with the stetson.

"Good. I owe you one, Applejack."

"Hey! What about me?!" yelled the pegasus behind Applejack while threw her arms out in disbelief.

"You to, Rainbow Dash."

The rainbow haired pony smirked "Thought so."

"UGH! You dare strike me down?!" bellowed moon.

"I do!" yelled a high pitched voice. A loud boom was heard, and a wall of pies impacted Moon's figure.

"Nice use of the party cannon, Pinkie!" commented Dash.

"Thanks, Dashie!" replied Pinkie.

"Um, I helped too." weakly said Fluttershy.

"Great. All this fighting has made me all sweaty." carped Rarity. The fashionista began mumble to herself about her hair an complexion, but the other five ignored her. Suddenly, dark energy began surrounding Nightmare Moon's pied form. After a few seconds, the energy dispersed.

"The fact that you six think you can defeat me is laughably sad." said Moon before extending her hoof. Black tendrils began to surround and grab everyone except Twilight.

"Let them go!" demanded Twilight.

"Don't think so." said Moon before wrapping a tendril around Twilight's body.

Moon casually approached Twilight and began examining her. "Hope Celestia doesn't miss her most prized student." Moon then formed a jet black blade and held it before Twilight.

"Any last words?"

Twilight spat at Nightmare Moon.

"Audacious till the end. You would've made a nice ally, but no matter." Before Moon ended Twilight's life, something caught her eye. Near the entrance of the battle zone (I.E The Royal Palace) was a tall figure dressed in dark armor, staring menacingly at her. In it's clutches was a rather evil looking sword that was glowing red with energy. The figure was quite normal, saved for what looked like a claw instead of a right hand.

"You too seek death?!" said Moon.

The figure remained silent. It's only reply came from it's slow advance toward the Dark Princess.

"A fight is what you want? You got it." Moon released her grasp from Twilight and her friends, allowing them to rush to Twilight's aid.

"Twilight, are you okay?" asked Fluttershy.

"I'm fine, but who is Nightmare Moon......talking...." the words died at Twilight's mouth when she saw what caught Moon's attention. The same went for her five friends. Moon rushed the dark figure with inhuman speed and raised her sword to strike. The figure was faster, clenching it's claw around Moon's neck.

"Pitiful." said the figure as it threw Nightmare Moon back. Moon got back to her feet and attacked the figure again, with it connecting this time. However, her sword broke against the dark figure's armor, causing it to chuckle evilly.

"My turn." With one swipe, the figure produced a large gash across Nightmare Moon's chest. The six watched as the pony they were fighting for what seemed like hours, was brought down in minutes by the figure before them. Moon felt the energy drain out of her as she tried in vain to crawl away. The figure then stood on one of Moon's legs, preventing her from moving.

"I don't think so." The figure hovered his sword above Moon's chest. The figure then drove his blade through Moon's chest, killing her. It then raised it's clawed arm to the sky, where a bolt of lightning hit it and flowed into the sword. The figure ripped it's blade from the corpse, which was glowing an even brighter shade of blood red. The figure then set it's eyes on the six girls huddled close together. Rainbow Dash, filled with crazed bravado, broke off from the group and approached the mysterious figure.

"That was amazing, dude! What's your name?" said Dash.

The figure cackled evilly "Who am I? I am the Symbol of Destruction, the wilder of the Cursed Blade, the Azure Knight."

The figure planted his weapon in the ground, releasing a small wave of energy. "I am Nightmare."