An Equestrian Nightmare

"Um... are you sure, boss?" asked Astaroth quizzically.

"Yes, I'm quite confident that you can defeat them without my help." answered Abyss.

"And what do I do after I defeat them?"

"Bring Nightmare to me, for I have use of him."

"Why?"

"Because he holds Soul Edge, the component necessary for my plan."

"And if I don't?" asked Astaroth defiantly.

"You'll more than likely die." Abyss then snapped his fingers, sending the ax wielding giant to Ponyville. He then breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finally, rid of that idiot. If only his skills with a weapon out-weighed his stupidity."

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The group of ponies entered Ponyville around 8:00AM, catching the attention of Luna, who was busy talking with the Mayor.

"Ah, good to see you made it here without harm." said Luna.

The eight ponies nodded in confirmation, save Rarity. Luna noticed the white unicorn passed out on Siegfried's back.

"Is she...?" asked Luna.

"Sleeping." answered Siegfried. Luna's answer was confirmed when Rarity snored, loudly.

"You should probably wake her."

"OH! OH! LET ME!" exclaimed Pinkie.

"Go for it." said Siegfried.

Pinkie quietly strolled up to Rarity's ear "Your store is destroyed." Rarity's eyes shot open as she gracefully back-flipped of Siegfried and prepared for action. She then materialized her sword.

"Who did it?" venomously asked Rarity.

"Settle yourself, it was joke." said Applejack.

"Oh...I see." said Rarity as she recomposed herself.

"Come on! I'll show you!" said Pinkie as she lead her friend to the store. A couple of minutes later, Pinke and rarity were standing in front of The Carousel Boutique.

"See? I told you." said Pinkie

"When did I ever say I didn't believe you?" asked Rarity.

"Well, there was that time when---"

CRASH

A large crash was heard from inside the store.

"MY CLOTHES!" screamed Rarity as she burst through the door.

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Astaroth's vision was blocked by some sort of sparkly fabric. He ripped through and was able to see again, finding himself in some sort of dress shop.

They...wear clothes??? thought Astaroth. He examined the dress he ripped through. It was pure white and studded with an assortment of priceless gems in the shape of heart on the left. Astaroth lost interest and looked for his ax, which was embedded in a pony shaped mannequin. Astaroth retrieved his ax and heard a loud slam to his right. A white unicorn burst through a door and stared face to face with him. A wicked thought shot through his mind.

"Prepare to die!" yelled Astaroth as he charged the white unicorn.

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Siegfried wandered about Ponyville to get a better understanding of his surroundings. It also gave the warrior some time to think of the events that transpired over the past few days.

It's not possible. There is no way that Nightmare has changed. thought Siegfried. This must be some sort of ploy. He's probably using Twilight like he used Tira, as a means to an end.

Siegfried's mind kept replaying the events. The fight in Ponyville, the teamwork, Nightmare accepting his help.

Why doesn't it add up?! thought Siegfried.

"I could tell you." said Celestia.

The princess took Siegfried by surprise "How did you get here? And how did you know what I was thinking?"

"Oh yeah, being an alicorn has it's perks. One of which is mind reading."

"And that's helpful how?"

"Helps when a homicidal black pony with a demon arm and sword tries to kill you."

"You mean to say that Nightmare was here WAY before me?"

"Come with me, I'll explain everything." Celestia then teleported herself and Siegfried to an open field.

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Celestia moved away from Siegfried and sat on the grass.

"You're going to tell me everything?"

"Yes, so I advise you sit, wouldn't want weak legs when you fight right?" Siegfried took Celestia's advice and sat in front of the princess.

"You know my dear sister Luna right?"

"Yes."

"She wasn't always like that."

"You don't say?"

"I do. Before, she was corrupted with evil and fueled by vengeance."

"Vengeance needs means. What was your sister mad about?"

"Her night. For you see, she control's the moon, while I control the sun."

"And she got mad because your people slept through her night."

"You're very perceptive for someone who isn't from here."

"Thanks, now continue."

"After she became consumed with hate, she transformed into Nightmare Moon, a being almost as powerful as myself. With no other option and the fate of Equestria in my hooves, I banished her to the moon for a thousand years." A small tear formed at the corner of Celestia's eye. Siegfried noticed this.

"Hard decision?"

"Very. Every fiber of my being hated myself for doing it, but I had to do what was best for Equestria. I couldn't risk putting innocent pony lives on the line."

"I know that feeling, hating yourself every day, facing the consequences of your decision day after day."

"Have you sent your sister YOUR sister to the moon, alone for a thousand years."

"No."

"Then how could YOU possibly know how I feel?!"

"I murdered my father in cold blood. I beheaded him and held his head up to the sky in victory."

Celestia gasped, Siegfried immediately recalled the event.

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Years ago...

"Hey, Siegfried!" whispered Anna.

"Huh?" said Siegfried.

"Pay attention, we have a prime lot of suckers to rob."

"Oh, right."

Siegfried observed the small camp of soldiers before him, battle-weary and sleepy. He then looked back to Anna, who ws busy studying the encampment with her telescope.

I was young, I had gotten myself mixed up into a bad group of kids. It took awhile, but I gained their friendship. These people formed a guild of thieves, known as "Schwarzwind". From where I come from, that means "Black Wind".

Siegfried looked to his left and saw his friend, James, sitting up in a tree with a bow and arrow.

"You set?" asked Siegfried.

"You know it." answered James.

"Commence attack...NOW!" commanded Siegfried.

Siegfried and Anna rushed up to the group of soldiers. In their weakened state, they stood no chance. One by one, each soldier fell to the ground, dead. The commander of the group came out of his tent, armed with a Claymore sword.

"You rapscallions will pay!" yelled the commander. Two of his best sword fighters followed the commander. They were both taken out by James, whose accuracy was unshakable. The arrows penetrated their necks, causing massive bleeding and shock. Siegfried eyed the commander and readied his sword. The commander ran at him, sword prepared to strike.

SLICE

In one quick motion, Siegfried sliced off the commander's head.

My father taught me the ways of the sword. I figured all that hard training finally paid off.

Siegfried walked up to the commander's dead body and hoisted his disembodied head in the air.

"VICTORY!" exclaimed Siegfried. Right as he said that, the moon broke through a patch of clouds and illuminated the head. Siegfried examined it and realized who he just killed. He killed his father. Siegfried then dropped the head and ran directly into the nearby forest.

"Siegfried! Where are you going? Come back!" exclaimed Anna. Siegfried just continued his sprint through the forest.

My mind was broken. I had murdered my father, who I hadn't seen in years. So I ran, escaping the presence of my "friends". As I ruminated over what happened, I went insane, believing my father was killed by someone else, so I sought out "help".

Ostrheinsburg Castle

After hearing rumors of the sword known as "Soul Edge", I went to the Ostrheinsburg Castle, for there, the alleged wielder of the sword resided there. Sir Stefan, the owner of the castle, had the sword in his possession. So I joined his army and quickly rose through the ranks, gaining his undying trust.

"Ah, Siegfried! Come join me!" hailed Sir Stefan.

Siegfried turned to Stefan "Sure thing." He then grabbed a seat. Stefan then poured a drink for himself and Siegfried. He then proposed a toast.

"To future victories!" said Stefan

"To future victories." said Siegfried, eyeing Stefan's sword.

I saw my opportunity to take his sword. He was drunk and I capitalized on that.

Siegfried drew his sword and thrusted it through Sir Stefan's chest. Stefan looked down in horror as his best soldier had betrayed him.

"Why?" whispered Stefan.

"You were just a means to an end." coldly said Siegfried. Siegfried then took Stefan's sword, Grimblade, and escaped the castle.

It turns out that Stefan's sword was a fake. So I vigilantly searched for it for weeks, growing more frustrated and insane with each passing day. As luck would have it, I found it.

Siegfried looked at the clearing and saw Soul Edge, the means by which to "avenge" his father. He took note of the body of a dead pirate by the sword. As Siegfried approached the sword, it caught fire and transformed into the flaming beast known as Inferno. Siegfried readied Grimblade, hoping it will aid him in battle.

After what seemed like an eternity, I defeated the manifestation of the sword. It broke into many pieces, which signified that I now had the right to wield it.

As Siegfried grabbed the sword and hoisted it into the morning sky, he felt a wave of pain shoot through him. It felt as if his soul was being ripped from his body. Siegfried screamed in pain as a the sword fed it's energy into Siegfried. Siegfried was on the verge of blacking out, until he heard a voice.

"Hello, Siegfried." said a demonic voice.

"I propose a deal, you restore me to my full power, and I resurrect your father. Agreed?"

The pain in Siegfried ceased as the drive to restore Soul Edge took over his mind.

And so, I carried out the demon's will. I slaughtered many people, acquiring their souls in the process. I still remember their faces, afraid and shocked. The screams also still echo throughout my mind, never letting me have a peaceful night of sleep. Then one day, something terrible happened.

Siegfried walked hastily through the small town, looking for his next victim. A wave of intense pain suddenly rocketed through Siegfried, sending the young warrior to the ground.

"About that deal I made. I lied" said the demon.

The towns people gathered around Siegfried and watched as he transformed. Siegfried's right arm morphed into a claw, causing him to scream and making the townspeople back away. Siegfried's suit of armor changed color, to that of a deathly black. The pain in Siegfried ceased as he reached for Soul Edge. He stared at the group of people surrounding him. A young woman than approached him, it was Anna.

"Siegfried?" asked the shocked Anna.

"Siegfried is gone." answered Siegfried, his voice was demonically warped, frightening the surrounding people even more.

"There is only...Nightmare!" Siegfried then ran up to Anna and sliced off her head, causing the people around him to scatter.

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Siegfried sighed and got up onto his hooves. Celestia was stunned by the story Siegfried told. How could one live with oneself after that? Siegfried turned around and began to head back to Ponyville, but was stopped by Celestia.

"Wait." said Celestia. "How did you find out you murdered your father?"

Siegfried turned back to her "I was battling a determined foe, the wielder of Soul Calibur. We were surrounded by hellfire when Soul Edge shattered, sending me and the sword into a collapsing void of darkness. I was severely weakened, but I gained back some of my humanity. I then realized that I murdered dozens of people. I felt their fear and anger burn deep within me."

"That still doesn't answer my question."

"With the new found lucidity, I discovered that I murdered my father, not another person. I was then expelled from the void to an unknown place. In my dazed state, I decided to return home. Before I entered my house, I heard my mother. She was praying for my safety and to find peace with myself. So I vowed to atone fore my sins. I decided to distance myself from society, in order to prevent more death."

"I see, I apologize for--" Celestia was cut off by Siegfried.

"You didn't know, it's fine." assured Siegfried.

"But how did you escape Soul Edge's grasp?"

"That's a story for another time."

"I understand, now let me explain about Night--" Celestia was cut off again, but this time by an ear piercing scream.

"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"We best return to Ponyville." said Siegfried.

"Agreed." said Celestia as she and Siegfried teleported back to Ponyville.

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Nightmare was busy observing Ponyville. The small town had rebuilt itself rather quickly. He meandered around the town to get better bearings. While he looked fine on the outside, Nightmare had a major internal conflict within him. The evil will of Soul Edge was trying to revert Nightmare back to his murderous self, while his good half was keeping Soul Edge from doing that. He just ignored Soul Edge's influence and kept his composure.

"There he is!" exclaimed Lily.

"That fiend destroyed our shop!" yelled Roseluck.

"We'll make you pay!" said Daisy. The three mares readied for a fight. Nightmare drew Soul Edge and pointed it at the mares, making them freeze.

"Try it, see what happens." goaded Nightmare. Roseluck, the bravest of the three, accepted Nightmare's challenge. She ran at him full speed. Nightmare smacked Roseluck with his claw, sending her flying back into Lily.

"Pathetic." said Nightmare as he left the scene.

"Stop!" yelled Daisy.

Nightmare turned and glared at Daisy, causing the pony to faint. Nightmare was about to go Ponyville's library when a loud scream echoed through the town.

"AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" screamed Rarity as she sprinted through town.

Nightmare turned and saw a red giant with an ax lumber through the center of town.

"Nightmare!" yelled Astaroth.

"Astaroth." growled Nightmare.

"This gonna be easy." Astaroth broke into a sprint and held his ax up high. Nightmare summoned forth all his strength and waited for Astaroth's attack.

"DIE!" The ax came down and contacted Soul Edge. Astaroth's attack was deflected.

"Soul Edge." said Nightmare. Nightmare then bisected Astaroth, cutting the giant into two equal pieces.

"Your soul will be a nice addition to my collection." hissed Nightmare. The giant's body faded into the sword, causing red energy to actively flow through Soul Edge.

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Abyss face palmed "Must I do EVERYTHING by myself?!" Abyss snapped his fingers and teleported to Ponyville.

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Siegfried readied Soul Calibur the minute he entered Ponyville. He surveyed the town and found three passed out mares. He then went to the center of town, where he saw Nightmare standing over a corpse. It was red and bigger than any other opponent Siegfried ever encountered. As he drew closer, he noticed that Soul Edge was flowing with evil energy.

"Nightmare." called Siegfried.

No response.

Siegfried put his hoof on Nightmare's shoulder, causing the Azure Knight to turn and punch him with his claw. Siegfried was blasted back into a stand of flowers. Siegfried got up and looked at Nightmare. The red aura from the battle of Canterlot returned again.

"Siegfried. I do believe we never finished our fight." said Nightmare as he prepared for battle.

Siegfried did the same "And here I thought you changed. I should have known." The two rivals ran at each other. They were about to clash swords when a fire stopped both in their tracks.

"Siegfried!" yelled Celestia. Siegfried teleported to Celestia's side, while Nightmare observed the flames before him. Twilight and her friends heard the commotion and stood by Celestia.

"What's happening?" asked Twilight. The fire died down to reveal a figure wielding a glowing scythe. Siegfried looked at the figure in shock an awe.

"Impossible." said Siegfried.

"Oh believe me, Siegfried. It is very much possible." taunted Abyss. The demon flaunted his new power by spreading his skeletal wings. Celestia's heart stopped.

"You killed Discord?" asked a stunned Celestia.

"Oh yes. It was real simple. Never knew someone so evil actually had a heart. How ironic." said Abyss.

"Who are you?" asked Twilight.

"I am Abyss." Abyss mockingly bowed before Twilight. "And you happen to be?"

"Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's most trusted student."

"And that's supposed to scare me?"

"It scares me." whispered Fluttershy as she hid behind Rainbow Dash. Abyss looked to his left and saw Nightmare staring right at him.

"Ah, Nightmare. I've been searching for you." said Abyss.

"So I've heard." said Nightmare.

"Would you like to be human again?"

An evil grin spread across Nightmare's face "Do it."

Abyss snapped his fingers and engulfed Nightmare in fire.

"Nightmare!" yelled Twilight as she ran toward him. She was stopped by Siegfried.

"He's lost himself in evil. I'm sorry, but the Nightmare you knew was a fake."

"A FAKE?!"

The fire died around Nightmare, drawing many gasps from the surrounding ponies. Nightmare had regained his human form, but looked more akin to the Grim Reaper.

Abyss smiled at his creation.

"At last..." said Nightmare "Out of that wretched body."

"Ni...Nightmare?" asked Twilight.

Nightmare turned and looked at Twilight. Twilight saw that Nightmare had donned a mask, but his piercing red eyes were still visible.

"The Nightmare you knew is gone, abandon hope of seeing him."

"Now then, we have plans to complete. Isn't that right Nightmare?" asked Abyss.

Nightmare looked at Abyss "Yes, master."

Abyss prepared to leave with Nightmare, but stopped.

"Celestia." said Abyss. He snapped his fingers and produced the body of Luna, wounded and bleeding from a wound to her chest.

"Your suffering has only just begun." Abyss then set the whole town ablaze, turning the sky from light blue to fiery orange. Ponies screamed and attempted to fan out the flames. It wasn't working.

"Silly foals, you can't extinguish hellfire." taunted Nightmare.

"Time to leave." Abyss and Nightmare teleported away from Ponyville. Leaving behind a burning town, helpless ponies, and a heart broken purple unicorn.