Crumbling, magic blasts, laughs of mania, and pleads that led to nowhere. They all rung in the air and painted the unnatural sky marred by a moon that should have been gone. Chaos revelled in this state. The Draconeques statue held in the gardens felt his deepest essence be stirred by the fight that took place near him. A finger, followed by a toe began to move. Soon, he might be freed and considering the current state of things? The world would have no power to stop him this time.
Then, he felt the essence of his counterpart stirred. Harmony. Ugh, how bothersome that thing is, it has to ruin things just when it gets good.
It didn't take long before a rainbow blast erupted from the castle. So that's what that looks like. thought the not-so-statue idly as he was able to not only open his eyes but also lift them to look at the image now painted on the moon. A cry was soon heard, no doubt that of sunbutt. No matter, he will rise soon and give her even more to cry about.
Or at least, he would have if his body hadn't begun to revert to its stoney state. He had just enough magic for one spell, either to transport himself into his realm where he would be freed…or to get his revenge on not only one but the full set of those who defeated him. Was it petty? It was. Was it too much and normally something he would abhor? Well, being trapped in stone and then placed in a garden to be shat on by birds does change a thing, even a thing such as he. Plus, he wouldn't actually do any harm. Plus, he had pride. He had two options: He could free himself and do it afterwards…or he could listen to cries of agony that would fill his oh-so-wounded pride from now to the day of his release.
He could afford the wait, and it would make his return and subsequent reveal of what he has done that much better.
So, he reached with all of the magic that he had within him and teleported the magical seal and the one contained within it to another moon. Which one? Where? When? He didn't care enough to know. It was somewhere, and somewhen. That is enough for chaos. Knowing and intentionally choosing where would not cause that much chaos, wouldn't it?
The screams of utter horror and agony that followed proved to the now back to being a statue Draconeques that what he did was oh so absolutely worth it. Cosmos would be proud…it was only after this thought that the being known as Discord realized that he might have gone too far. Well, he'll fix it when he's free again.
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In the land between lands, the middle of all, where all that within longed to be out, and those who were out longed to be in, in a time before the golden leech implanted itself into the centre of the world before conflict tore the land, and in a time where the stars roamed freely, a prophecy was spoken. Spurned out of thin air by all prophets and stargazers at once, some said it in fear, some in excitement.
"Upon the first star of a thousandth year, when the heavens align in eldritch design, the stars shall lend their might to Caria's symbol. One bound by ancient chains shall be freed, a soul of midnight born anew from her prison of shadow. The moon, in solemn grace, shall rise in majesty above realms both fair and foul, stirring powers long dormant and secrets left to slumber.
Yet beware—for with her return, the eternal night doth loom, a shroud that threateneth all with unending dusk. Verily, only by the sides of dark and light entwined, by the vision of the seen and unseen in accord, may the doom of everlasting eve be forestall'd. For if reason faileth, and light faltereth, all realms shall descend into shadow, and the golden visage be hid for evermore."
That was the prophecy spoken, a prophecy so old than none thought it true that its only recorded presence was in the journals of those who lived so far ago or even itched in stone of the oldest rises. It was only when her brother's teachers, the accursed Alabastors, warned of the danger that lays in the stars that any came to behold this old legend with a flicker of doubt and a fear of its truth. So, to show his loyalty and ‘protect’ the order, her dear brother waged a war against the stars and brought them to their knees, having them locked in position, even in his current state.
Princess Ranni, Heir of Caria, did not share the fears that so often accompanied those ancient words, for they were what drove her to reach further into the moon and feel the presence of the dark moon. Her dark moon. Now, their symbol will descend with a promise to bring darkness and hide the Erdtree, and its order evermore. This prophecy aligned with her goals perfectly.
So, the Carian Princess, who was out of her Rise for the first time in a couple of hundred years, sat in the moon-gazing grounds that were left unused for years. She sat alone, unaccompanied by her loyal servants. For this place, and this prophecy was rather important and personal to Ranni. Ijji and Selevus knew that and did not need to be ordered.
As she sat there in the familiar grounds surrounded by empty seats she had a fleeting thought, the fleeting wish for her mother to have been there, yet she crushed that thought before it could grow. For her mother was forever changed thanks to her father and the accursed order he was faithful to.
She waited with a bated breath that she didn't have as she felt her brother's hold of the stars, and thus the primaeval current restriction weakened as the festival continued. Today was the thousandth anniversary of her brother's successful conquest and what is intended to be his final day. Today, her fate will take hold again.
She did not have to wait for long, for on this equinox night, as the moon reached its zenith, the final strike connected, and a roar that reached the very heavens was heard across the lands between; Princess Ranni felt her brother succumb to his fate, and the sky shifted. A thousand stars danced and raced across the sky followed by the first star, a meteor as shiny as the sun itself raced and with an impact that shook the waters that rested in front of her. She knew that the hidden city was now open to her.
She, however, did not move. She remained seated and awaited the one the prophecy spoke of. She did not know what to expect, but in her quest, she needed all the aid that she could find for her conquest, and for her new age to take hold.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the moon itself glowed. Its reflection on the water spread its unnatural light across the grounds that her family inhabited for nearly countless years.
As twilight deepened, it felt as though the very essence of the night had come forth to aid her, manifesting into a majestic tapestry of shimmering stars that twinkled vividly against the velvety darkness.
From this celestial spectacle, a wondrous sphere began to form at the heart of the glistening water. As it grew, the sphere slowly morphed, shaping itself into a being that could only be described as equine, yet adorned with features that defied the mere essence of a horse. This extraordinary creature had sprawling wings, both powerful and delicate, blending the feathered grace of a bird with the leathery texture characteristic of a giant bat—or perhaps even the formidable wings of a dragon. Each wing was adorned with sharp, radiant spikes that jutted out at the tips, resembling finely honed weapons poised for action. They were impressively large, far exceeding the stature of the princess herself, making them a breathtakingly intimidating sight. The creature's colouration was a stunning mix of deep indigo and rich black that seemed to drink in the light around it.
The singular horn that spiralled majestically from the creature's forehead was a sight to behold; it was long, glossy black, and curved slightly upward in an elegant arc. If she were to estimate its length, it would surely surpass that of her own arm. Despite its bewitching beauty, it bore an intimidating sharpness, as though it could easily pierce through the very fabric of reality like a spear through the air. The head of this magnificent being was shrouded in fur as dark as the starless void of the night sky, crowned with a dark blue helmet that shimmered subtly with indigo highlights. Crafted from an otherworldly steel, the helmet had few discernible sharp edges, suggesting it was designed to inspire awe and fear. A small opening at the top allowed the creature's flowing mane to cascade freely, an astonishing sight that resembled the night itself—an ever-shifting constellation dotted with moving stars and swirling ribbons of aurora, enchanting in its fluid grace. It was as if she was gazing into a microcosm that lay within.
The creature's body was powerful and statuesque, supported by long, muscular legs that bore metal boots, each emblazoned with a symbol of a crescent moon. This intricate design was a simplified version of a larger motif that adorned a stunning peytral, crafted from the same mysterious metal. At the centre of this moon symbol lay a smaller crescent, accompanied by a singular star that sparkled like a tiny beacon with spikes radiating outward, complemented by two tiny crescents that flanked it. Its tail echoed the beauty of its mane, majestic and equally adorned with luminescent patterns that hypnotically caught the light. The creature’s sides boasted three striking stripes of deep blue, a visual harmony against the backdrop of its dark coat. On its flank bloomed a vivid splotch, bright against the rest of its body, displaying another silver crescent moon that seemed to glow with inherent natural magic. It stood tall, as tall as her faithful Shadow and brother, Blaidd. Oddly enough, other than the peytral, the body lacked any real armour.
Then, as if awakening from slumber, the creature’s eyes flickered and opened. They were a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, reminiscent of precious gems, and deep within them lay the slitted pupils akin to those of ancient dragons—a hint of primal intelligence and wisdom that resonated with the ages. It transcended the definition of a mere animal; it was a sentient being, brimming with life and possessing an aura of ancient wisdom. Yet, she wasn't entirely taken aback by its presence; after all, the spectral steed, Torrent, shared a slightly similar equine form and intellect. However, what Torrent lacked was the ability to exhibit joy as vivid as the creature before her. This celestial being now radiated a glee that echoed through the air, filled with laughter that seemed to rejoice in its own existence, tinged with a palpable hunger for something unknown
What was this thing? How was it supposed to aid her in her goal? And for as beautiful as it was, it held no saddle and so was most likely not meant to be ridden. It looked capable of fighting, yet the princess was capable herself and had others to fight with or for her should it be necessary. So what was this thing supposed to do?
It seemed that her surprise was not hidden though, as the creature stopped its fit of laughter and gazed at her with interest. She held her gaze and met the creature's eyes. They stayed there for a long moment, merely staring into each other's souls, and while Ranni seemed to find nothing, the creature was apparently satisfied by something as it let out a satisfied snort followed by a smile that revealed its sharp teeth that felt like they didn't belong.
“Well, Well, Well. What do we have here? I expected a warmer welcome upon my return, alas, that does not seem to be. Speak, creature unbeknownst to me, where are we, and where is my sister?” It spoke with an elegant and sophisticated tone as if it were among the many nobles of the realm. It certainly held itself with the poise of one, which was the second most surprising thing after the fact that it spoke in the first place.
The princess stood up from her seat, floating slightly with the aid of her magic, to keep the creature from looking down at her too much, her magical act hidden by the length of her robe.
She regarded the creature for a second longer, contemplating what to say. With her thoughts gathered, she spoke with the magic weaving and vibrating the air to make the sound that her body was incapable of. Her ‘lips’ did move though.
“We are on the grounds of the Carian Manor, my family's estate and domain. It is the main fort of our country besides the Academy of the Crystal Lake. I am Princess Ranni of the Dark Moon, the Current Lord of this Castle. I have no knowledge of who or where your sister is, neither do I know of who or what you are. Just as I introduced myself, I expect the return of common courtesy.” She said with an even tone, more caring to observe the creature than emphasize the words that magic curated for her.
The creature raised an eyebrow, almost as if in alarm, but there was also hesitation, followed by a curiosity that showed a lack of recognition. The order of her emotions was mixed as if they were processed more than once. Interesting.
Regardless, the creature kept its poised stature as it regarded her. It took a step closer, Causing the pristine water to ripple as one by the disturbance. It no longer spread its wings. They covered the fur and flesh underneath and hid them well, giving the appearance of armour with its spikes and colour. It regarded her for a moment longer as if she was playing with the circles of nobles of the capital. Just what was this thing?
”I do wonder now how much time has passed, considering that not only I was forgotten, but my twin was as well. Very well, Princess,” It said as it displayed its fangs with a snarl. “I am Nightmare Moon, formerly known as the princess of the night and the moon before my banishment…but it is rather odd is it not? You know me not, yet you sit here as if you were waiting for me. So,” Nightmare said with a satisfied smile as she took another step, with no fear or hesitance as she closed the distance between them, “What is it that I am missing, Princess of Caria? I am a guest on your grounds am I not? Is it no longer customary to provide for the guest?” She said with what could only be a mock bow, exaggeratingly bending one of her wings as if it were a hand.
It was confident, and considering how its eyes lingered on the ends of her robe, and her pointant stare, she was aware of her use of magic. It was impressive if anything, but not much else. Considering the spectral form that leaked out of the mere doll. To give her credit, she was not phased by it at all.
If she was any less, she would have scoffed at the creature, but she was better than that. “I will admit, Nightmare Moon, I was aware of an existence bound to the moon thanks to an old prophecy. What that existence was, I did not know, yet as it stands in front of me, I am impressed,” She brought herself closer to the creature, keeping her gaze on her, despite the height difference.
”I have awaited you for a simple fact; what the prophecy forestalled you are doing does align with my goals, so I wish for an allegiance if you will.” She ended with what this body could muster of a defiant glare. She was not kneeling to this thing, potential adversary or not.
Nightmare, if anything looked amused. “And what are your goals hmm? What could it be that you wish for, princess? What is it that you desire to the point that you wish for my aid?” She said with what could only be described as hunger. Good, she is eager then.
”A new age, a thousand-year voyage under the wise guidance of the moon. A time without the interference of those from the beyond, a lonely dark age encompassed by the night and its countless stars that tell a million and one stories. An age that will drive the formation and ambition of life further on after into a grander age once the voyage is done.” Ranni could not help but seep her deep passion into her explanation. Every word she said was what she truly believed in and was ready to swear for if asked.
At first, Nightmare seemed pleased, as if she found the idea appealing, and she was practically preening, but as if a switch was pressed, she went from glad to shocked, insulted, and then disgusted. The creature was almost the definition of the word ‘displeased’ “And why would you believe that I would aid you to achieve a goal such as that? She looked indignant and almost appeared insulted as the words left her mouth.
“Do you not seek night eternal? Do you not seek for the golden visage that marrs the very sky to be gone? Is it not this age of silver and cold that you seek?” Ranni’s spectral part raised a curious eyebrow. Waiting for the confirmation that the prophecy spoke of. But even then, should things go awry, she can afford a single addition to her list of foes.
”NO.” Was the answer she got, naturally imbued with magic to the degree that the voice was carried through the whole grounds; she felt her own body vibrate as the sound passed through her. Curious.
“Why not?” She asked back simply; she needed not a full speech for a question as simple as that, and if she was not going to get help from this creature, then she might as well be more direct.
"The Night is not a mere instrument for thee to achieve thy desires, nor hath it ever been or will it ever be. It is not an age of cold that I seek, nor ever was it so. I seek not a dark age, nor a realm shrouded in loneliness. Nay, the night is a time of calm, when the clamour of day doth subside, when souls find peace in vulnerability and trust, and hearts are laid bare. It is the hour of quiet contemplation, when the known and unknown entwine, stirring within both curiosity and wonder. Such is the nature of night—my night. It is not a vessel for thy dominion nor for thy creed, Princess.
My heart’s desire was an eternal night wherein the creatures of this world might behold its beauty in truth, perceive its essence and come to love it as it is. To cherish it and all within it, unencumbered by the fears that nature oft imposeth. What thou dost propose is but an affront to mine aspiration."
The creature now spoke with a different voice, enraged and insulted still, but it was distinctly different. It had less strength, but tenfold the passion, it was comparable to her own. The voice was not the only thing different though. The eye lost its slitted state and went into a circular state; the way Nightmare held itself was no longer that of preening or boasting but of utter faith. Her mane no longer floated with strength but with the gentle nature of a breeze or a passing creek rather than the overflowing river of before.
“I take it that you will not agree to help me then?”
A snort was all that she received, Nightmare simply glared at her and waited for her to continue. At least, the creature had manners.
“A pity, I have looked forward to this for far longer than you might believe. I thought a creature such as you would have understood the nature of the Moon and the stars above, it is not often that I am wrong.”
Instead of gaining the rouse that she intended for, she got a laugh instead. “Me? Not understanding my very domain? You would have made a better jester than a princess. Pay a closer look child, notice anything odd with the moon? Perhaps you should look at the lake.” It said with a hint of mockery now.
Curious, and confused about what she meant, the princess turned upwards first, seeing the moon in the sky, as it was expected to be. Then, she looked at the lake, and for a single moment she failed to grasp, a single moment that she would curse herself for that failure. The Moon shone exactly as it did when the seal was broken, still perfectly reflected by the body of water, not a single degree of its position changed despite the time that passed.
She looked back up again to see if it was a mere illusion on the water, but no. The moon was still in its Zenith, before suddenly moving and accelerating with the stars of the night and settling on where it should have been, 3 degrees shift in less than a second.
"The Night, and all that it doth encompass, is not thine to wield, Princess. Mark my words well, and refrain from casting such affronts upon mine own realm again. Thou shalt be granted but a single chance to relinquish thy ambitions, or to reshape them in accord with the true nature of the Night."
As Nightmare said that, her form shimmered and shifted back into the nebula that it was before, it lingered but for a moment before scattering and fleeting into the night. For that moment too, the princess would curse herself for hesitating and not moving out of shock.
Yet, she is not one to let go of her goals, not now, not because some strange steed with magic told her so. If what she aims to achieve is not the nature of the night, if she has to change the very nature of the night for her age to come forth, then so be it.
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A formless nebula roamed the lands between that night, observing and taking the nature of the creatures around it, it was 4 hours later from its confrontation with the Carian princess did it finally settle.
The nebula swirled, shaping itself into a figure that could only be described as human. This ethereal woman had wings—vast, graceful, both strong and delicate—merging the feathered elegance of a bird with the leathery majesty of a dragon. Each wing was adorned with glimmering, sharp-tipped spikes, like weapons of starlight poised for flight or fury. Their colours blended in a stunning harmony of deep indigo and rich black hues that seemed to drink in every glimmer around them, casting her in a shadowy, celestial glow.
From her forehead spiralled a single, slender horn, black and lustrous, curving upward with an elegant, seamless arc that almost melted into the flowing dark of her hair. It was as long as the longest finger. Her head was framed in hair as deep as the starless void, with strands reflecting subtle highlights of midnight blue and indigo. Her hair cascaded freely, a cascade of darkness woven with the light of unseen stars, flowing and shifting by the wind and as her hair moved, it was as though the night itself was caught within each strand.
Her attire was simple yet captivating, as though woven from dreams and stardust. Draped across her shoulders and falling down her frame was a thick dark blue robe, so deep it almost seemed to absorb light, shimmering with indigo and violet undertones that caught the faintest glimmer of moonlight. Her wings wrapped around it to a point that they looked woven into the fabric and grew indistinguishable from the robe. The fabric looked and was as soft as silk and wool, but shimmered as if it was made of metal. It whispered against her skin and was trimmed with delicate silver threads that mirrored constellations across the night sky. Around her waist was a narrow belt crafted from what looked like silver dust, set with a crescent moon at its centre, flanked by two smaller crescents and a single, delicate star that gleamed like a beacon from within the depths.
Her slender arms were covered by long, dark, fingerless gloves of midnight black, beautifully adorned with matching constellations. Constellations that looked nothing like the ones in the sky above. Her legs, strong yet elegantly shaped, ended in slender, delicate feet clad in dark leather boots embroidered with crescent moons. Draped across her chest was a sash of what looked to be the finest silk that was a set of shades brighter than the robe, adorned with a silver crescent that rested at her heart, its silvery glow casting an otherworldly radiance, the symbol flanked by two tiny stars that pulsed like distant constellations.
As if roused from some ancient slumber, she opened her eyes, casting a tired gaze. Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, glimmering with the richness of precious stones, and deep within them slitted pupils once again, though not to the same degree as before.
The woman stared from within a crumbling church, at a golden tree that was more akin to a golden pillar of light than anything that can be called fauna. She stared until she felt exhaustion of Faust knew how many centuries set in on her. Not caring to find a better spot, she settled in on the ground and cast a simple protection spell on her that would fry the inner workings of any creature that meant her harm. And so, the queen of the night and dreams entered the other side of her domain to rest and to search for her twin. For if she was here, then the other must be here, or so she silently hoped. A part of her did at least.
Author's Note
So, yeah that happened. Idk I had this idea for the longest while and I hope I executed what is essentially the prologue well. Tell me what you think of this work and this unusual crossover!