An Equestrian Nightmare

No, it can't be. thought Twilight. The purple unicorn had just witnessed her love interest transform into an evil hooded figure. To make it worse, he allowed the demon spawn to do it.

It's just a dream, Twilight. JUST. A. DREAM.

"Twilight!" yelled Siegfried as he pushed Twilight. A flaming wood plank then landed where Twilight was a second ago.

"What are you doing?!"

Twilight was to dazed to respond, the thought of what Nightmare and Abyss did kept playing over and over again in her mind. Siegfried placed the unicorn on his back and trotted up to Celestia, who was desperately trying to extinguish the inferno before her.

"Why isn't the fire dying?!" asked Celestia.

"It's hellfire, there is now way to extinguish it." answered Siegfried.

"Are you serious?!" exclaimed Whirly.

"Sadly, yes, I'm serious."

"Siegfried, there is only one option left." said Celestia.

"And what exactly would that be?" asked Siegfried.

"Forgive me." Celestia moved Twilight off Siegfried's back and engulfed him in an orb of pure magic. Siegfried felt as if he was changing into something else.

What's happening? thought Siegfried. The warrior shut his eyes and let the magic envelop him. The magic died down, revealing a tall blonde man in silver armor and a faded cut on his face.

"Siegfried?" asked Whirly. Siegfried opened his eyes and noticed he was back in his human body.

"What did you do?" asked Siegfried.

"I'll answer later, but right now...HELP!" said Celestia. Soul Calibur once again glowed bright blue.

Wait Siegfried remembered that the last time his sword glowed, it produced ice. ICE.

"Get down!" yelled Siegfried. Everypony in earshot dropped to the ground. Siegfried penetrated the ground with Soul Calibur. Almost immediately, large walls of ice began surrounding the town. The ice then created a protective dome, sealing off any oxygen and stopping the blazing inferno.

Siegfried removed Soul Calibur from the ground, causing the ice dome to retract and return back into the ground. Everypony was amazed at what had just transpired.

"How did you do that?" asked an amazed Celestia.

"Being the owner of Soul Calibur empowers me with the element of ice." answered Siegfried.

"Wait..." said Rainbow Dash "that means..."

"Nightmare is empowered with the element of fire." finished Celestia.

"Unfortunately." said Siegfried.

"Now, care to answer my question?"

Celestia sighed "I returned you to your human state so you can, hopefully, defeat Nightmare and Abyss."

"But where do I start? I don't know where they are." said Siegfried.

"I can help with that." said Celestia.

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Back on earth...

A young swordsman was practicing a new fighting technique, one that involved the use of his sword with a holy cross handle. Whilst he did that, a woman with a floating magic orb was trying out her new Destruction spell, which produced a large explosion, and caught the swordsman off guard.

"Sorry." apologized Viola. The young woman was dressed in a maid's outfit, giving her an innocent appearance. But to counteract that, she had a metal arm extension with claws on the end as a means of offense.

"Don't sweat it." said Zwei. The swordsman was a handsome young man. His spiked hair gave him a tough appearance, while his piercing blue eyes showed he was a man of loyalty. Zwei was decked out in a dark purple, sleeveless jacket. He also wore leather pants and a belt, the latter being adorned with the symbol of a werewolf.

Viola's magic orb began to glow white. "Our presence is required."

Zwei gave a confused look at Viola, but let it go, for he knew how powerful she was.

"Where exactly?"

"To a place beyond this dimension. We must hurry."

Zwei was skeptical, but decided it wouldn't hurt, for it will provide Zwei with some more target practice.

"Okay." Viola held his hand.

"Hold on tight." The two were then warped out of existence.

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An orb of magic appeared in front of Siegfried. The magic then died down, revealing a young man and woman.

"Zwei." said Siegfried.

"Nice to see you, Siegfried. But what the hell are you doing here?"

"He's here to help the princess." answered Viola. Zwei looked to his left and saw Princess Celestia look at him with a smile.

"Her?" asked Zwei.

"What? Not what you expected?" asked Celestia. Zwei jumped back and readied his sword.

"Ease up, she's an ally." said Siegfried.

"You sure?"

"She's told me her life story, believe me, she means no harm."

Zwei lowered his sword "Alright."

"Hmm. You can speak. How interesting." mused Viola. She then noticed a yellow pony hiding behind the princess.

"May you please move?" Celestia moved, revealing a shaking Fluttershy.

"Please don't hurt me." said the timid pegasus. Viola slowly walked up to Fluttershy.

What's she gonna do? thought Fluttershy. She then eyed Viola's orb.

She's gonna take my soul!! Fluttershy began to cry. Viola knelt down and wiped away the pegasus's tears.

"Shh, there is no need to cry. We're friendly."

Fluttershy looked Viola in the eye "Really?"

"Why would I hurt something so adorable?" Fluttershy hugged Viola, dispersing all fear of the two creatures. Viola broke off the hug and looked at Celestia.

"You summoned us, why?"

"I need your help." answered Celestia.

"With what exactly?" asked Zwei.

Celestia looked at Zwei "I need you three to defeat the evil which has manifested here."

Zwei smirked "Sounds good."

"You know of the Azure Knight?" asked Celestia.

Zwei began to sweat a little "Yes, Siegfried told me about him, why?"

"He's here, and he has made an alliance with the demon spawn known as Abyss."

Zwei began to sweat more "Who is this "Abyss"?"

"Abyss is a demon with a scythe who's intent is on destroying the land of Equestria." answered Siegfried.

"Oh my." said Viola. She had noticed the body of blue pony who was being treated by what appeared to be a nurse. Viola walked up to the pony, orb in hand. The orb turned green and green energy began to flow into the blue pony. After a few minutes, the pony's eyes shot open.

"Luna!" exclaimed Celestia as she embraced her sister.

"What happened?"

"You were saved by this kind woman." Luna and Viola looked at each other.

"Your mane looks nice." said Viola.

"Thank you, and you look pretty for a human girl." Luna than saw Zwei "Who's that cute thing?"

"My name is Zwei." introduced the young warrior.

Luna got on her hooves and stretched her wings "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"A touching reunion, but what is she doing here?" Siegfried pointed to Viola.

"I can track down Nightmare, which in turn will lead us to Abyss." answered Viola.

"How?"

"With this." Viola levitated her orb in front of Siegfried.

"This?"

"Don't judge Viola yet, you should see her in battle." said Zwei.

"Hmm, fine." said Siegfried.

"Now, you three be one your way, we have some rebuilding to do...again" said Celestia.

"Alright then, lets---"

AWOOO!!

Not again. thought Siegfried. The blonde warrior turned and saw a group of diamond dogs heading towards him.

"There! Kill him!" shouted one of the dogs. The entire group then ran at Siegfried. He readied Soul Calibur, but was stopped by Zwei.

"Allow me." said Zwei. Zwei then readied his sword and waited. The lead dog had his ax raised high.

"For Abyss!" the dog brought the ax down and hit nothing. Zwei then sliced the dog's throat and slammed him into the ground. The other dog's stopped in their tracks. Zwei twirled his sword in his hand.

"Who's next?"

The dogs then resumed their charge, weapons held high.

"E.I.N... assist me!" A large dark blue claw then appeared behind Zwei. The claw grabbed the group of dogs and threw them up in to the air. Zwei then waited for gravity to do it's job. As the dogs fell, Zwei sliced and slashed each one, killing them all before they hit the ground. He then sheathed his sword.

"Impressive." complemented Siegfried.

"Thank you, master." responded Zwei.

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Abyss was watching Ponyville high in the sky. "So, he figured it out. I underestimated him." He then teleported away to his lair, which happened to be a secluded cave deep within the Everfree Forest. Once he arrived, he saw Nightmare chopping down a few trees.

"Something against nature?" asked Abyss.

Nightmare turned to Abyss "Just trying out the new body. It's excellent."

Abyss smiled "Glad you like it."

Nightmare resumed his murder of nature, but was stopped by Abyss.

"What?"

"Want some REAL things to kill?"

Nightmare grinned behind his mask "Absolutely."

"Enjoy." Abyss then teleported Nightmare away.

In order to weaken the Elements, I have to strike each at a personal level. Only then will my plan come full circle. thought Abyss

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"We should get moving." said Viola.

"You sense him?" asked Siegfried.

Viola looked at her orb and saw a town entirely made of wood, with blooming apple trees to it's east. She then saw a sign that said Welcome to Appleloosa.

"He appears to be in a place called "Appleloosa"."

"APPLELOOSA?!" exclaimed Applejack.

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Chief Thunderhooves and Sheriff Silver Star were busy celebrating the alliance they made a year ago. The ponies of Appleloosa set up tables in the middle of their town and baked apple pies for the buffaloes, which they ate as quickly as they came.

"I'm glad we came to a compromise." said Silver Star

"Amen to that." agreed Thunderhooves. Silver then tapped his glass of cider, causing all the ponies and buffaloes to look at him.

"A toast, to an alliance that shall last a life time." The ponies and buffaloes cheered and resumed eating.

"Strongheart." said Braeburn.

Strongheart turned to see the caramel colored pony behind her. "Hey, Braeburn."

"Come with me." He then lead her behind the Sheriff's office. The two then shared a passionate embrace.

"We no longer have to hide it."

"Don't know what my father will say."

"Let me worry about him." Braeburn then kissed Strongheart and returned to the party with her in tow.

Braeburn then lead Strongheart back to her seat. He then procured his grandmother's wedding bracelet from his coat, which took Strongheart by surprise. The surrounding ponies and buffaloes took notice and watched.

"Little Strongheart, will you marry me?"

"I...I..." stammered Strongheart.

"Say yes!" yelled a pony.

"Shush!" said a mare.

"Yes!" Strongheart embraced Braeburn, causing the buffaloes and ponies to cheer wildly.

Thunderhooves walked up to Braeburn "You best take care of her."

"I will." said Braeburn.

"AHHHHH!" screamed a mare. Braeburn and Strongheart turned to see a hooded figure walk into Appleloosa. It was wielding a large sword and had a claw on it's right side. The monster's piercing red eyes looked straight at Braeburn. It then stopped. The ponies and buffaloes waited for something to happen. The creature then pointed at Braeburn.

"You." said Nightmare.

"Me?" asked Braeburn.

"Die." Nightmare readied Soul Edge and rushed up to the group of ponies and buffaloes. He then sliced the ponies closest to him in a wide are, sending limbs and bodies flying. Braeburn and Strongheart retreated to the sheriff's office.

"Demon!" yelled Thunderhooves. Nightmare looked at the buffalo chief while removing his sword from a dead buffalo's corpse. Thunderhooves rushed Nightmare with all his speed. Nightmare sidestepped his attack and countered with a diagonal slash, cutting the chief along the length of his ribs.

"Chief!" shouted Strongheart. Braeburn forced her into the sheriff's office and blockaded the door with any nearby furniture.

"What the hell is that thing?!" exclaimed Braeburn.

"I have no idea." said a dazed Silver Star.

"Whatever it is, it's killing everyone without mercy!" said Strongheart. The sounds outside suddenly ceased. A deathly quite fell over Appleloosa.

"What happened?" asked Strongheart.

"Stay quite." said Silver Star. The sheriff then slowly unblocked the door and opened it.

"Dear Celestia." said Braeburn as he held his hat over his chest. Outside, the bodies of both the ponies and buffaloes were strewn all over the town. Strongheart held back her tears, Chief Thunderhooves was decapitated, his head at the center of the table. Silver Star slowly walked out into town. He canvassed it for any sign of the monster.

"All clear!" said Silver Star.

BOOM

Silver Star heard something land behind him, something heavy by the sound of the boom. He turned around and came face to hideous face with Nightmare. Nightmare grabbed Silver Star by the throat with his claw and hoisted him up into the air. The sheriff tried to fight his way out of his predicament, but no option presented itself. Nightmare then slammed Sliver Star into the ground with tremendous force, breaking his back. The Azure Knight then walked up to Silver Star's head, raised up his foot, and brought it down, crushing the sheriff's skull.

"Sheriff!" yelled Braeburn. Nightmare turned his attention back to Braeburn. The yellow earth pony hastily closed and locked the door. Nightmare kicked the door down, knocking Braeburn beside Strongheart. He then drew Soul Edge and waited for Braeburn to get up. Strongheart stood in front of Braeburn, protecting him. Nightmare, unfazed by the display of bravery grabbed Strongheart and tossed her outside and locked the door behind her.

"Now then." said Nightmare.

Braeburn was now had his back against the wall with no option of escape. "Now just what exactly are you?"

"Your death." Nightmare drove Soul Edge through Braeburn's chest and sucked the life out him. Once his soul was added to Soul Edge, Nightmare withdrew the sword and tossed the body through the door, which landed in front of Strongheart. Strongheart began to cry at the display before her. Nightmare then absorbed all of the surrounding souls in Appleloosa, making the Azure Knight even more powerful. Strongheart looked at Nightmare, tear stained eyes and all.

"Why? Why would you do this?" asked Strongheart.

"Because beings like you deserve to die." answered Nightmare. Nightmare walked up to Strongheart and raised Soul Edge above his head. Strongheart closed her eyes, waiting for her inevitable fate.

"NIGHTMARE!!" yelled Applejack. The yell caught Nightmare's attention. He looked up and the orange earth pony, along with her five friends.

"Applejack. Aren't you late for the party." taunted Nightmare.

"There was a party?!" asked Pinkie Pie.

"Why yes there was." said Nightmare, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Good thing I brought my party cannon!" Pinkie then wheeled a teal colored cannon and jumped in it.

"Dashie, aim me at him." Rainbow Dash aimed the cannon at Nightmare and fired the cannon, sending the pink party pony flying at the Azure Knight. Nightmare side stepped the Pinkie missile. The pink earth pony collided with the wall of nearby bar, leaving a good sized hole.

"Is that the best you can do? How weak." said Nightmare. Applejack had enough, the orange pony broke out into a full sprint. Anger running rampant through her mind.

"You will pay!" screamed Applejack. She then lunged at Nightmare, but was met with the flat of Soul Edge, smacking her through the Bank of Appleloosa.

"As much as I would love to stay and chat, I'm afraid I have business to attend to." said Nightmare. The Azure Knight was about to teleport away, but was stopped by a familiar voice.

"Nightmare." said Siegfried. The blonde warrior appeared before Nightmare, back in his human form.

"Isn't this a pleasant surprise." said Nightmare.

"Believe it." said Zwei. Nightmare looked behind Siegfried and saw a young man and woman.

"Zwei, it appears my assassin's failed to kill you."

"YOU sent them?!"

"Oh yes, but I've ran out of time to talk. Until next time." Nightmare then phased out of existence.

"So, that's the Azure Knight." said Viola.

"Yep. One mean bastard." said Siegfried.

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Abyss watched the massacre of Appleloosa through his crystal ball.

"Step one complete. Now..." the view in the orb changed to Cloudsdale "time for step two."