Disclaimer: I do not own MLP:FiM as they are under Hasbro, the story is fanmade and posted for entertainment purposes.

Title changed from Nightmare in the Night to
Chapter -4- Other Worldly

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I snapped out of my stupor, my thoughts racing as the fear and the negative energies fading away as my 'brother' called out to me. "What?" I spoke out as I look around the paused world only for me to flinch, jump and dodge, rolling away from the darkness that was surrounding me. I look back seeing a smog, a puff of smoke, one that can rival the size of a manticore when I glanced at it... my fear was inching closer to me I shook my head to wipe the fear away, but the odd thing that is happening was that the black smoke, smog, whatever it was, is moving.

A familiar rage was edging towards me, as I looked at the black that soon formed into a large clawed hand. The movement of its smoke evident it is active yet I kept my stance steady as the world around us was oblivious, paused and stuck. Then, as if a crashing wave of wind came down, I look up to see a set of armor very similar to mine, descend down from the sky.

"INCOMING!!!" He shouted as he soon as it produce a large blade, one that reaches his complete width and the length matching nearly his own height as he slashes down. The isosceles looking blade crash down on the ground making the black smoke retreat some as I look at the look-a-like me. He stood at a stance, ready for battle and his own body whirling with his moment, just like mine.

He looks back, holding the triangular large blade, one that had the same sheen of gold, he looks at me and I can sense my body to relax in relief and with an increased vigor. Then, he spoke to me, "Well, best to repel this annoying claw before we have a brother to brother talk." He chuckled at me, his voice similar to mine but with a hint of youth in it as he holds his large blade, one as thing but the blade as large as he as he held the hilt with both hands.

"FIGHT ON!!!" He shouted with all his might, a battle cry of sorts as He raised his blade and charge at the Smoke without worry or even a hint of fear as he swung his sword with such force and precision. The smoke claw, acting alive, evaded and swiped horizontally as it tries to harm my ‘brother’, jumps up, a good five feet off the air. But I gasped as the claw was about to slice on a mare, but… for some odd reason it just phases through, as if the smoke was not harming the pony with ill intention yet it growled, a mix of a wild breeze and a beastie growl.

I stayed put as I continue to watch the scene before me. I saw as my brother spins his body in midair, blade held high as he slashes about at the smoke creature, landing slicing hits onto the smoke creature. With a mighty roar, it was split where my brother has dealt damage, landing behind the creature and looking back, holding his blade high, using the massive blade to defend as the smoke recovers, forming itself once more, but this time, it solidified into a solid opaque black, one that demands erasure, complete destruction of anything that gets in its way.

“Wow, tough thing, I was sure that could have sent you packing damn Remnant…” My brother cursed at it as he swung his sword, swinging it behind him overhead, and with the momentum, land his blade, a large clang ringing out as it hit dead on into the black form, trying to grasp the blade even with it sliced where the blade has cut through. “Oh, no you don’t!” My brother continues to shout as the black mass growls in anger but with a hint of worry as my brother, with just one hand spun his sword with such speed, it was… impossible. With just a flick of his wrist and his hand a blur, his blade started spin, a drilling sound can be heard as the black mass screamed into an ethereal screech of pain and anguish, demanding and pleading stop.

“Just go back to where you came from!!!” My brother shouted out as he lifted his still spinning blade, this time, the black form following the black mass. It was… a sight to see, the black completely sucked into the spinning blade as the still air move to join in with the nearly transparent black as it was caught into the blade’s eye. Then, with a mighty swing, my brother landed his sword, sinking it to the paused ground, digging a hole in it, the blade stops from spinning but sends the black mass flying, with a wail of pain and defeat, it kept flying. I watch with awe, wonder and amazement as I have no words to explain what that quick battle was… It was something, that’s for sure.

Then as if the black mass was still flying, it was turning distant, quickly fading away, retreating from what I can describe as the screams and the shout soon disappear. My brother dislodges his blade from the ground, looking around seeing that nopony was harmed. At first I just was scared, he had this much abilities and NOW, I’m just scared what I REALLY am capable of.

My brother gave a loud sigh of relief as he splits his triangular blades into two equal right triangles, which was very odd but what was odd more was the hilts of his blade, also were split in half and with it, moved somewhere in the middle section of his blade. “Well, that was one persistent Remnant…” My brother spoke as he lodges the misplaced hilts onto his forearms… which… his blades stood, okay whether I’m losing my mind or not, I’m between being a fan of the badass look of the large blades or a cowering pony.

The blades on his forearms were odd, since turning into two separate but identical blades the sharpest point was by his shoulders while the large base was by his hips and along his legs. This made him seem like a rocket if he can really fly himself out. He sighs, as he walks towards me. “Hey Daybreak, how are you? Sorry took me long to get to you, Creator was very picky on the moment I needed to show up.” He spoke, very friendly at me, which I raise a brow at him for. Even if we had similar armors, even if we had the same stature, I can tell, creepy as it is, that he was younger than, me, and a pony? Really one pony? Him, standing on two legs, face plate with no indication of a snout.

There was a pause, as oppose to the worldly pause. This brother of mine looks around and finally snaps his fingers as if he was forgetting something. “Oh Right! I forgot your memories are still locked. Here, let me just…” He started as he moves closer to me. I inch back trying to think that he was here to harm me, as I try but in such sudden movements, his hands grasp my temples and something happened… something grand, something like a switch being turned inside my head… and then… I knew all that I am. Who, What and Why I am me.

_*_*_*_*_

My name is Daybreak, I am a being who was denied of having a life, along with my brother and countless others. He and I were similar but different. We have… continued in our non-existence with utmost care, but it was futile. In where we belonged, there was a large ‘window’ we would call it that shows the lives of many different beings, from those unfamiliar to our own kind. My brother Nightfall… was younger than I yet we both share a bond, one thing we treasure greatly as we have seen this world, Equestria, being one of the prominent worlds we have come from, if ever we were allowed.

But everything changes in time, and with our envy and rage, we started to kill each other… to the point that we have done genocide on a daily basis, each and every time. None of us tire, fatigue or even care to lose interest in killing others. I and my brother were doing our best until HE came by. The golden soldier, the armor of golden, The Creator, he arrived by door, one he created that materialized in our realm. At first we know nothing about him, until he participated in killing us all.

Dying was never a bad concept in us we were used to it, though there is no REAL death for us. But what surprised us all was the sheer power, the magnitude of damage and the strength this one single prominent being possessed. He took us all down, not once, twice or even thrice, but a total of 23 times, without even breaking a sweat. We were humiliated, beaten indefinitely. We were at a loss he was a being that came from the same wall of where the window of the world shown to us, but… he never came from there as his arsenal and even strengths were everything, unimaginable. It was refreshing I had to admit, which my brother even agreed to lose to something.

As time went on, he saw us, losing hope for once that he stopped his massacre of us. We were stunned further when he offered us something that we all yearn and desired. “I’m in need of an army. I’m sure many of you have seen all the beings of the world you could all have been in. So I offer this, join me, become my army, follow my command to the letter and maybe, just maybe, I might allow a number of you to taste the freedom to live.”

He spoke to us all, not caring if we did or did not listen, but he has caught our attention at freedom to live. He soon retreats back to his door, one locked ever since he has entered. It opened for him… and it never closed as it waited for any of us to enter. Many were still stunned but two forms were willing to enter. One was a fox, a kitsune, who stood on two legs, with three fingers for his hands, his fur a monochromatic grey, depressing as it is yet his blindfold of a sash demanded respect from him as he walk towards the door with his companion. This one was golden, a sheen most peculiar yet yellow still in the eyes, he was of an avian origin, bipedal like the kitsune, feathers cover his form.

The two enter, only to hear nothing… nothing was very common, but this nothing demanded that they were gone, not here with us, but somewhere else. At that moment, my brother and I charged on through the door, and for some odd reason, a bright light started and that is when… our lives change, for the betterment for us all…

_*_*_*_*_

“No, before you start, I need to know if you really are who you are. Who am I? Though note brother is not a good answer right now.” My brother, Nightfall, who I was sure was looking after me chuckles under his armor. I cracked a smile, my identity no longer a crisis within me, my origin no longer a problem for me and with it I smile wide, knowing who I am both as the race I am now, and the race within this armor, though disproportionate in size.

“Alright Nightfall, you win, I admit, having forgotten everything was… a very crazy ride.” I spoke to him with joy as I was now speaking with my brother, with my body relaxing and my mind at ease, the previous doubt, though still there was now given reason and rational thought. I never really existed, but right now, I bask in the knowledge that I have succeeded in being here.

“Aren’t you happy to have me? Still Creator saw how very whacked out you were. Man, to see you pummel that Manticore, awesome as it was, it was still uncalled for Daybreak.” He spoke to me chuckling about it as I sigh, remembering our army kept tabs of all their soldiers, both in and out of armor when not within our own dimension and military base.

“Yeah, well can you blame me? I was different then and I was without memory. Still, good enough that you chase away that Remnant.” I spoke happily as I look him over to him smiling under my plate, which he followed too. “Still, I have a duty to do and my own plan set in motion… I just hope I can have a happy ending with her…” I spoke solemnly as I look at the ponies around me, their world still paused.

“About that, well, Creator finally signed the forms and has allowed you to chase that mare without worry. He sends his wishes and asked to an invitation to the wedding if it happens. Also, for me, I requested a similar agreement…“ Nightfall started as he scratched the back of his head, chuckling lightly though failing to hide her unease.

“Let me guess… you asked for the sister of the female I have my sights for?” I spoke, unimpressed by my brother’s unoriginal plan, typical even. He chuckles on as he was found out his plans weren’t really that hard to read when you know him. “Yeah, but come on, great minds think alike.” He tries to recover but the damage was done. “Right…” I sigh unimpressed but I could not stay mad at him. “Well, Best that you stay like I was but it will be hard to hide how… knowledgeable I am now of myself.” I spoke out as I look around me.

“You were in a bind but Creator has just agreed to allow some of your memories to return.” Nightfall added while he scratches the back of his head, again, embarrassed and the foreboding was not that hard to see. I sigh out annoyed at how insane Creator is at some points but if he allowed us both a chance, that’s good enough for me. “What memories did he suppress from our minds?” I asked Nightfall. “Oh, nothing too important, but he has cancelled our prior knowledge of this world… Even I find myself unsure what this event is…” My brother continues and sure enough I was in a bind like him all those years ago.

“Well, I’m sure you can sneak inside the library if you want. You can read all the materials there and we’ll both have knowledge good enough to fit everything in place.” I spoke out confident my brother won’t screw up, hopefully. “Yeah, but it’s very strange, not knowing what will happen. I mean, we always have intel of about a week in the future, it was awesome, but now… I feel so vulnerable to anything.” He continues, shaking and shivering under his armor.

“Well, it’s called living, so please, can you get back to your hiding spot so I can finish this part, I’m sure to slowly but surely have my memories and mention my brother.” I spoke as I slowly return to the spot when the time around me stopped. Nightfall smiles, I know he is, as he quickly opens a swirling purple black portal by his side. “Have fun, I’ll be busy getting myself in a whole lot of books. See you in a week.” He said with a wave of his hand as he enters the portal, quickly there was a swirling suction sound and with it he vanished behind a round but flat portal. It quickly shrunk to nothingness.

I chuckle to myself thinking it was nice to know who I am… who I really am now. Though I admit, it has been 110 years, it was fun and it was a great way for me to getting to know the royal princesses and even Twilight Sparkle, including her brother, which I am unsure if she knew, in his slow but patient climbing through the ranks, I remember him taking the captain training. I smile as the world around started to change, this time, the color returning, sound slowly but surely returning like the volume was slowly turned up and the ponies, from my point of view were crawling through time and gaining speed as the time returns, and me, not wanting to prove anything, jogged behind the herd, enjoying my time here, enjoying what I have and promising to myself, I shall do my best to serve, protect and help these ponies.

_______

My name is Daybreak, both when I have lost and when I now have my memories. True it was odd hearing it before when I have no idea about myself, but it is enlightening know of myself. I am a Mechanawar, the race which our Creator established as an inter-dimensional army, prepared to defend all the beings from threats other worldly and even unknown. I used to be a being, like any of these ponies or many others that I have observed through the time that I have served.

I cannot die, or more likely, I really just can’t die. My kind, along with all of us, from the realm we came from was denied of living but with Creator we made ourselves a new life, away from life, away from our prison and it is good to know. I am a Legend Soldier, a rank of Mechanawar soldiers that are given the highest regards and the worldly missions, like now. We are in-charge of keeping the peace incognito from all others as we protect them. Only when a battle occurs between our enemies shall we start to act with the best of our abilities.

I am a Skydiver unit that specializes in free fall immediate action who brings down the pain from above and with it, our blades with speed and skill. My brother and I are a pair, a duo and partners in our skills. We have done our best to be the best of the unit types, even when there are many, like our Origon units, the grunt of the army, Golems, the hard hitters, Chimeras, the bulk of our beastly forces, Giants, one that can be large enough to kill any planet, even this one, and all the classes in between.

I am male; I play the violin and the piano, a swordsman, a being within a being, a mechanical being and also a living breathing being inside this armor. I know it is confusing yet that is the truth, we are an anomaly, a phenomenon and unknown all the same. But that’s what makes me who I am and I am proud to say, I am enjoying my time here, even if just for a moment… I’d treasure it, to finally live.

_____

I return to Princess Celestia’s side, being her guard once more, after the Running of the Leaves. I placed nearly last since I was enjoying my more enlightening of time. I enjoyed every moment of it but it would seem two ponies were too competitive. I was beside Celestia when it happened, it would seem that Applejack and Rainbow Dash, the orange earth pony and cyan Pegasus pony respectively, were in a heated competition amongst themselves which proved to be very unproductive to the event. They were told to gallop once more to get the loose leaves that were left over, which I smile and watch as they continue to finally enjoy the event.

I glance down at Twilight with a smile as she looks down at her medal. “Nice work Twilight, getting 5th place is better than getting nothing.” I spoke to her as I look down at her. Princess Celestia was with us, smiling proudly at her student. “Well, it was my first try and I know the fundaments of a good marathon.” She spoke with a smile, looking up at her mentor. “It is still a feat my faithful student.” Celestia spoke warmly as I can’t help but enjoy my time here.

“Shall we be leaving Princess? It is getting late.” I started to her as her horn was surrounded with a golden glow, faint but still present as the sun was moving slowly down to the west. She smiles warmly back at me but her tone had a tinge of worry still. “We shall, but tell me, how was your vacation, Knight Daybreak?” She spoke out as we start to return to her chariot, two pegasus Royal Guards, white coats and blue tails, in golden armor were ready to carry the chariot.

“It was enlightening, one that I hope not to repeat though…” I answered to her as I try to mask the slight disgust I had but she was knowledgeable about my emotional signals, as was I to her. “Oh, do tell, where did you go?” She asked as she rode on to her chariot, I followed quickly as she nods towards the guards who snorted and proceeded to take flight, carrying the chariot with them.

Back in the air I find the bit of privacy to be worth it. “Well, Everfree Forest was an interesting place…” I told her, trying to sound neutral but her gasp had me thinking how bad of a moment it was to speak that out now. “You went inside Everfree forest?” She spoke in disbelief but I kept a neutral stare for her to see how uneventful it was.

“Princess, it was boring…” I spoke, nearly deadpanned at her as I continue my neutral gaze at her. Celestia’s wide eyes still there as she continue to question me. “But it has raw energies, it is uncontrollable at times, there are even beasts that can kill things, as big as you. Why did you go there?” She spoke, the worry now evident in her tone. I quickly faced her and spoke all that has happened, slowly but surely I told her how I ‘repelled’ all the beasts and creatures that prey on me and proven them how wrong they were.

This calmed down the princess to a degree. “Princess, please do note, I am standing here with you right now…” I added as we soon landed at the courtyard. I quickly took the initiative, getting off the chariots, thanking the two stallions and promptly waited on the princess to get down. I escort the princess through the castle, the orange evening light now fading slowly as the sun starts to set. As we were in one corridor, we were alone, not another pony in our vicinity as she stopped abruptly, surprising me as she looks down at me, her eyes examining me well.

“Tell me the truth now Daybreak…” She spoke, her tone cold, nearly devoid of all her kindness, her very serious tone being used at me. I swallowed hard, trying not to flee as I had to choose my words carefully, considering I now know who, what and why I am here, it would be hard to prevent some slip ups and I chose only to speak my experience in the forest.

“Okay… I’ll tell you what happened…” I spoke in defeat, which Celestia’s gaze has kept a very stern and unwavering gaze. I recollected to her the events of me in her employment those many years ago. I woke up in the Everfree forest without a clue as to who, what, why and where I am. From there, I linked to her that I chose to be in Everfree forest to find a means to find the answers for me. I didn’t waste any time and quickly, I told her how I have… killed the creatures she has spoken about that could have killed me.

Her reaction was expected, her body shivers and shook at my mentions, her eyes widening at times as I told her. My own body still as I saw her having a nervous tap of her hooves as I continue. Two weeks of my stay but after that encounter, I finally spoke about Ruby. “Then, I met a filly in the woods.” I told her, which shocked Celestia instantly. “A Filly?!” She nearly shouted some, one that can rival her sister’s own Canterlot Voice if she did continue. As quickly as she has shouted, the few Royal Guards who were still given the night shift and the new Lunar Guards, the bat ponies from those weeks before were surrounding us as they quickly took a defensive stance.

“Princess, is something the matter?” They quickly asked as she and I stood in place. “I am sorry my little ponies, I was just surprised with what my knight told me. That is all go back to your posts. Again, I am sorry my ponies.” She said in quick fashion, her tone soft, gentle and very motherly as the guards look at one another. But with heavy sighs from each and every pony, they disperse returning to their post which they left from hearing the princess of the sun.

As they were gone, Celestia quickly move to her bed chambers but her steps were with a stride as if she was trying to evade attention. I followed her as best as I can, clearly, I would be in questioning. At her bed chamber doors, Celestia look at her two guards. “My guards, you both are relieved for the night. Please enjoy it.” She spoke quickly to the two Royal Guards as they nod, though looking at another skeptically, as they left with a trot. She enters her room while I follow her. I was really worried, genuinely now, I was afraid she might have something on me.

As she close her room, locking the double doors and casting a magic I still do not know, she look at me, her eyes serious this time, not angry at me, but more concerned now as well. The moon was raised slowly into the sky as some candles, or her lantern even, lit up, her horn glowing, indicating she has cast some magic. I stood in the middle as she looks at me, very, very sharply.

“Why have you met a filly in the Everfree forest?” She spoke, this time, trying to hide her worry or her rage, I could not say. “I’m sorry Celestia but that’s only half the truth…” I told her, my own tone worried as she was showing signs of anger, worry and even doubt all at the same time, something I rarely see her do. “Half? What could possibly make it half a truth if you saw a filly?” She spoke, this time, a hint that she knows something, her tone wondering. I quell her thoughts for a moment as I answered to her, “She’s a ghost…” This revalation caused a deafening silence as I finish.

Celestia looked closely at me, her eyes once again large, but her body was tense as if ready to ask another question. I too was well in the same position, I was tense, waiting for what kind of question she would throw at me, or will she glare at me again. “Did she mention anything else?” She asked, this time, softening as if there was nothing wrong now but a doubt still linger. “Nothing, she just seemed sad and I just talked to her, all about me and well… I cheered her up by talking to her.” I lied, half of it anyway, she did speak more, Sunny Town, her friend that she wants to save and… the bad things that occur there. She was happy to finally talk to something else that’s for sure and was curious about me.

With a mighty sigh, Celestia got to her bed, removing all her jewelry and her own slippers as she got to her bed, a sigh of exhaustion from her. “Is something the matter Princess?” I asked her, getting back my composure as she rests her legs and her head. “No, I was worried for a moment.” She spoke, her motherly and kind tone returning. “Is there a reason to be worried? I mean, I have just left for two weeks and you have been… a bit skeptical, like the time I was to look after Twilight that Summer Sun Celebration months ago.” I answered to her as I waited for her to answer me as I knew my post was by Princess Luna’s side but Celestia ordering her guards leave early had me to wait for the night guards to take their post.

“Knight Daybreak, can you please escort my sister for the next holiday come next week.” Celestia spoke finally returning to her caring, soft and beautiful tone. I smile inwardly as I jump up with glee. “I shall do so with all that I am Princess.” I spoke to her as I try to remember what holiday that was. “Thank you Knight Daybreak. Luna and I have talked about it, but her overuse of the Canterlot voice ever since your departure has escalated too high and I suggested her to enjoy the holiday she had given birth, to let her connect with our subjects more” She spoke caringly while she lies down on her bed, thinking of something more to tell me.

“I shall escort her to the best that I can, I am sure to keep her company.” I reply to the Princess as I waited for her response but what surprised me are the soft sounds of sleeping. I look up, seeing the Princess, rest comfortable on her bed, her white coat as clean as the day I saw her. Her mane and tail continue to wave to an unknown breeze but slower and in smaller intervals. I sigh as I saw that she has rested over her bed bedcovers. I sigh as I quickly tuck her to bed, something that rarely occurs in my century stay and acquaintance with the princess. As I did so, I quickly move out of her bed chambers, moving to speak with Luna on her plans to introduce into Ponyville.

______

Princess Celestia’s description of Princess Luna’s overuse of the Canterlot voice was an understatement about the truth. Princess Luna was excessively using the Canterlot voice, her tone deep and in such a high volume, bellowing even as the air around everypony was forced towards them as the princess spoke. I could not help but sigh about her use of such a thing. As I enter the throne room, thankful that the windows stood strong and tall, else that could have killed any pony by this time.

Luna spoke out, the Canterlot Voice clearly directed at me. “Knight Daybreak, t’is wonderful to see thee thy knight.” I bowed at her for a moment as I took my spot, vacant as it were while the guards were trying their best to keep still as the night was evident, the moon shining in the sky and surrounded by beautiful stars. This will be a long night, one very long night.

_____

Four days till Nightmare Night,

I visit the library many times since my return to read all the new books it has for me. I really need to, two weeks of absence and I’ve missed the new installment to ‘Everfree’ by Word Scribble, ‘Beasts Within’. As I read, a few books were floating by, in an unseen section of bookshelves where I was sure my brother was reading. I can see an apparition of my brother’s body, a very faint form. I knew for a fact that all of us can see our own brethren whether cloaked or in disguise.

“Hey bro, what are you reading?” Nightfall asked me, even in his cloaked form, only our fellow kind can hear each other. I didn’t want to speak, on account that Note Worthy was nearby and speaking to no one would alert her. So I chose to just let the book down, and take the recent three releases of ‘Everfree’ for my brother to read. “Oh! A fantasy novel in a fantasy world!” He exclaimed as he made a point of the irony of it all.

I just sigh at how overused that was right now since he and I know that this world, is not the original but another alternate universe created by the many choices the beings make and with us directly intervening has caused this world to be independent from the time-space continuation, meaning… there will be no branch off from this point in time.

“Bro, can I join you and Princess Luna come Nightmare Night?” Nightfall asked as he took a seat across from me, moving a chair very quietly as he can. I took a glance at him and at Note Worthy who was now busy in fixing the notes and the books in need to being stamped as return. I nodded to my brother as I sigh at how very joyous he cheered. I cringe, fearing as to how excitable he was but I sigh still, having family is better than being alone. I thought to myself at the least.

“Did you know, Twilight made a slight blunder when you were gone, I still remember seeing it. It was entertaining at first, but damn, less insane than yours but insane all the same.” He started to explain as he reviewed the history book that was on his desk, turning the page slowly, when Note Worthy was not look. “Really, what did she do?” I asked Nightfall, a near whisper since talking to myself does have negative results in this world as I recall. “Well, she panicked about failing to send a ‘Friendship Report’ to Princess Celestia. I say, she basically cracked and lost it, not like you, you were basically just annoyed and all that.” Nightfall continued explaining the event nearly two weeks ago from my departure. I could not help but tense about the whole story telling.

“So, Twilight and her friends are to send ‘Friendship Reports ‘when they learn something concerning friendship and to be sent to the Princess? At least, from what I heard from Celestia” I spoke in a hush tone as I wait for my brother to reply, with just a nod. I return that nod with my own as I return to my reading, finding my younger brother silence himself, reading that one slowly turning book.

_____

The day before the night, Nightmare Night,

I was checking over Princess Luna as she fixes her very brilliant mane, it has come to her attention about this new holiday and with it, she was very busy in preparing herself. The first was knowing the holiday, it was to ensure that she knew the history of it but still shown a bit of distaste having to hear mention of Nightmare Night but enjoyed seeing that ponies were celebrating it more kindly than before. The second was how she wanted to present herself. True she has matured, bodily and mentally, but in her mind, she still had an emotional conflict about herself. The final was to prepare herself in her function. True she may be a princess but she wanted to be taking her role as proper as she can be. She soon fitted her sparkling, not a better word for it, necklace that was black yet had a prominent crescent moon design, one that matches her own Cutie mark at her flanks, her own royal slippers, as I like to call them, since they basically cover her whole hoof, a cloudy grey and blue mix if I can describe the color and finally she adorn her tiara, a black one the hid behind her horn and parts of her mane.

She truly looked like a princess now, royalty had more of a means to look their part, but for the longest time, I knew Celestia, she took both her position and her image important, to keep her subjects calm and happy. Princess Luna was also there, learning that her image will be the factor for them to recognize her, I suppose.

“Princess Luna, you plan to visit Ponyville?” I asked the princess with the honorifics very evident. AS she finished her own grooming she looks at me. “Yes Our Faithful Champion!” She bellows out, this time, with a tinge of a high and low tone voice, a dual voice if you will as the air was pushed at me. “Did your sister suggest it? I am sure Canterlot practices it as well, since I have seen it past a hundred times now.” I asked her with all honesty. She just gave a nod or too at me as she checks herself, posture, stance, poise, and her adornments like any other time she has done so before.

She ignored me for a second, checking the mirror of her reflection, her own flowing mane sparkling with small stars, a testament to the beauty of her night and her adorning stars. Her necklace and slippers gave off their own sparkle if you focus on them enough. When she finished she looks back at me and gave off a confused stare. “My sister suggested Ponyville for two reasons, one is for us to be familiar and to mingle with our subjects and that Twilight Sparkle lives there, as we have not yet completely thanked her for freeing us, yet it was still Celestia’s adamant command to send us.” She spoke, softly, though with a bit of shouting at me, thankfully not the wind inducing bellow of her voice.

“I see. Then, let us be off, the sun is setting as we speak…” I answered her as she nods towards me, but glances at me. “We know to not need a costume as our own presence will be the best treat there is for our subjects!” She started, this time using the Canterlot voice. I staggered back a moment as I try to get back, so to speak. “But may haps try to fit a costume onto your form?” She comments… towards me. I smiled some as I nod to her once. “I admit, having not changed from my armor, it shall be dull to be in it when I commonly am. I shall change then.” I answered Princess Luna with utmost respect as I had one idea that I wanted to try for once.

Since my knowledge of my past has returned to me, I had this craving to just change my armor color to black, keep my eyes a faint glowing yellow, with orange accents and the best feature… a gaping mouth, one that splits open my mouth plate into zigzag teeth lips, or at the least a crazy sharp smile and within it was a burning flame, very similar to mine, nearly like my eyes, with an accent of orange and red in color. I move my new mouth, checking it out, you can say I was a Jack-o-lantern smile but that wouldn’t be right, I’m more of a Fright Knight now. With my face on normal though no different from a very disturbingly sinister smile… as shown by the mirror.

“How do I look?” I spoke out as my new mouth move to match how I speak, this time I saw Princess Luna give a new fearful stare at me, almost like she did not want to see me. This caused a bit of distress for me as I may have… made a negative impact on me. “Hey now, don’t be like that on me Princess Luna. You are the one complaining how hard it is to read my expressions with my mouth plate on, so there, I now have a mouth and eyes that can show such emotion.” I try lightening the mood as I made faces, sad, happy, anger, neutral, unimpressed, a smile, even crying which, from my extended use, caused some relaxation to return to the princess.

“I see, most beneficial Knight Daybreak.” She said, with a smile as she returns to her most regal tone and posture, coughing a bit from the uncomfortable sight of fear. “Now come, we are to ask for an escort to this Nightmare Night, the one good thing my other self has influenced.” She spoke out but with a bit of distaste about the mention of her former personality. “As you wish princess…” I answered to her, with the same proper tone and respect, thankfully that did not change I fear I may sound like some… maniacal killer.

_____

With employment of two bat pony guards, the bat ponies as escorts, the newest pony type to enter into pony society. We fly off into the night, the mood full and vibrant, filling the sky with its calm glow of the night but unfortunate for us, Luna controls the domain of night and with it, she chose her entrance to be ‘extravagant’ as she describes it so. I rode on the back portion of the chariot, sitting on it away from where we were going as Princess Luna wanted to keep her presence known, with a very lively show of power and night time beauty…

As expected, at the middle of the night, there were cheers, music playing lively children laughing and smiling about their haul from what I can hear. But with the storm, wind and the clouds that Princess Luna conjured up for her entry, those little sounds of the festivities slowly started to sound like shouts of screams and gasps. Sure it was Nightmare Night but still… there was exaggerating. Luna further wanted to impress her subjects by flying FROM the Everfree forest, to add effect once more and with it we flew by over the unnatural untamed forest land and soon we fly over Ponyville proper until we were by town square, or where the festivities came about.

Now I was still smiling, really, one of my favored holidays and this is going to be fun. When the chariot stopped in midair, as instructed by our night princess and to land somewhere else when she left, I hop off my sitting and landed on the ground with a metal, armor thud, clanking a bit as I stood tall, seeing the ponies around me. I kept that small sinister smile scanning the ponies around me they were shocked and looking at me. I could not help but dart my eyes at any pony, my smile of embers continue to look at them, making sure to get at me.

When Princess Luna landed, did she remove her cloak, and with it, her natural beauty in the open. She kept a warm smile that hinted her pride at her entrance; the weird thing was how her small lightning from earlier made her eyes flash, a bit scary, and how she missed hearing the frightful cheers and Nightmare Moon comments. “It must have been the wind of her ‘extravagant’ display.” I told myself as I stood behind her, letting her take her spotlight as I kept a neutral expression. Her cloak soon disperse into a group of bats… as cool as that was, the theme was too scary even for the festivities.

I look around us, seeing the ponies bow to Princess Luna in fear. Their bodies shiver and shake as they try to avoid her glance. Princess Luna was doing the talking and with her own tone, very intimidating towards the ponies which resulted into a mixed response towards Luna. The moment quickly changed as Luna, with a hint of annoyance and regret from her disappointed and pouty tone went off and away from Ponyville. Sure it was a festive and scaring holiday but damn, these ponies are easy to be fearful. I followed Luna as best as I can and we were headed within the Everfree forest.

_____

“The nerve those subjects have.” Princess Luna huffed and pouted as we walked through the pathway in the forest. “We were thou going to enjoy the holiday, even if it was commemorating our… other self…” She spoke out her thoughts but this time, not in the annoyed tone but in a saddened and depressed even. As we walk further, did we enter the clearing where a very old but very daunting statue that seem to demand attention for us both. Once we look closer, with the moonlight, did we see the scary and vicious image of Nightmare Moon, Luna’s other self that has looking down at us with intent to lunge and kill.

But with that image on the statue, it only strengthen Luna’s sadness as she got down, her hooves tucked under her as she rests her legs, looking down on the ground and even up at the statue. And of course, I stood there with her. “It’s not that they have anything against you Princess, but you did start up a storm on your own kind that is… panic prone?” I told her as my mouth move to speak with her. She didn’t look up at me but she continues to mope. “But we are their princess, we shape the night and the entire splendor yet they call us still Nightmare Moon still.” She pouts so, to herself as we stayed by the looming statue. But that was until Twilight enters the clearing…

____

I was on edge the whole time, really, Twilight, in her best knowledge of friendship and the continued devotion of being the kind pony she was, as evident to how well she was raised, and foalsat by a certain alicorn princess of love, whom I have missed attending a birthday… Still, Luna, learned of fun, and joy, while at the same time, her short fuse was once again being emphasized. She went as far as cancelling nightmare Night! Now as her knight, I should not be neutral but I myself enjoy this holiday, not for the history but for the sweets.

But thankfully, it all ended with cheers and with joy as Luna finds herself enjoying the holiday with Twilight, Spike and I, even sending a letter to Princess Celestia and out-prank Rainbow Dash. We stayed by the statue, not as threatening as it used to be as Luna, Twilight and Spike would enjoy the ceremonial offering.

“We must return here once more my knight! Nightmare Night is such a fun holiday!” She said with a newfound smile, one that gives out such peace and genuine happiness. I could not but smile at her warmly at her, as I can hear the giggles and the joy around us, Nightmare Night is once again alive and bustling with life. As I stood with the ponies and Spike, I felt my own self warming up to them. “Living sure is nice…” I thought to myself as I look at them all, and knowing what I am inside, I find peace and ease. But in my long experience as a soldier, the returning memories, I know it was too good to be true.

Multiple worlds, vast possibilities and chances of infinite changes, it was only a matter of time before something bad can happen call it the calm before the storm. How I wish it was not meant to be as my sensors went out of control.

“WARNING!!!”
“Space-Time Abnormality Detected”
“Other World Breach”

All the words typed in bright and very dangerous red within my eye sights. I could not help but express my annoyance and my worry that I frowned but my eyes shown concern. Unfortunately, I forgot that my expressions were well written on my face at the moment and both the Princess and Twilgiht notice me.

“Is something the matter Daybreak?” Twilight said, the first to speak up, as usual, her natural curiosity taking the reins of her mind. I look down at the lavender pony, thinking about my answer carefully but to no avail, I cannot speak with her, without leaving a kind of clue for her to realize something. So, I did the most opposite of what I should be saying. “Nothing Twilight, just another dimension crack…” I said in a joking tone, which for the effect I desired, she gave me a skeptical look and a side smile.

“Really?” She spoke out, which took the attention of Princess Luna as well. “A Dimensional tear? Knight Daybreak, knowing that thou have read through the library of both the castle and the library of Canterlot, we are still surprised that you believe in such other worldly theories.” Luna spoke out as she still sat on the nimbus cloud that she recently used to scare our rainbow maned prankster through the night.

We started to laugh a bit about the small joke I started and of course the ladies hearing about me interested of such mundane things, which I was sure Twilight will read about when she gets back. But our laughter was quickly killed off as a glass shattering noise interrupted us, one that dwell deeper into the Everfree forest. “W-what was t-that?” Spike sputtered out as he quickly move behind Twilight. I look over to the direction, my scanner quickly knowing where is was, meters away from us, but as quickly as I have glanced my warning started once more.

“Warning!!!”
“Heat Sensors Rising”
“Anomaly Detected, Other Worldly Threat Detected.”

I was looking at where the heat sensor went off, and true to what it said there was a growing blob of red from my heat scanner and it was moving… in a similar fashion as a four-legged being. “This is not good…” I spoke under my breath, but with how large my mouth was, they can read me easily. Before another question or an answer can be said there was now booming sound, as if flames exploded in the distance followed by the sounds of trees falling over with each boom.

We stood there, in shock, unsure of what creature would destroy this unstable place without such worry. Then in the distance we started to see a glowing brightness, a fire burning brightly but this felt different, somewhat familiar even. I glance at Princess Luna, who was looking at the distant flicker of flame like she saw it before. We stood there dumbfounded, bodies frozen as we were uncertain, unsure and most of all, worried as to why it seemed familiar to me and to the Princess.

Then, as if to answer our questions a mighty fireball burst through, burning off the last layer of trees from its initial path, the trees creaking and breaking down, falling into the ground with a mighty thud. We stare on as the flames soon stood at the clearing with us, accompanied with the growing pillars of smoke that seem to seep out from flames that were too small to be a forest fire but too bright to be just a match.

As we look at the flaming body, we could not help but just stare, an air of familiarity and worry encompass us as we stare. Then, as if it can sense us, our fear maybe, it darted it’s pony heat towards us and the flames died down to form it’s mane and tail… a continuous burning yellow fire. There stood in the ashes was a pony, tall enough to be like Princess Luna.

She had a white but tinted yellow sheen on her coat, she stood with golden armor that seem to resemble a certain mare’s own ensemble lest Summer Sun Celebration but the biggest difference was, there was a prominent sun with 8 waving points, emphasizing flames. We were stunned from the spot as her red slit eyes stare at all four of us… until it closed into a kind of smirk, her mouth opening to show her sharp teeth and large canines.

“Oh Luna… my sister how delighted I am to see you…” She spoke, in a tone darker, deeper and even deadlier than the familiar tone that suggested greatly who this pony was. “Who are thou to speak to us?” Luna asks as her body still on the black cloud while Twilight and Spike move behind their princess unsure of what to do. I stood firm as I move to be between this pony and my charge.

“I’m hurt” The other pony pouted some as her flames flick and weave through the air for a moment as she raised a hoof to her neck barrel, as if it was her heart shattered. “Don’t you remember me my dear young sister?” She continues, making her tone pouty as if she was hurt further but in an instant her tone changed with such evil, thirst for blood and vengeance, “Or how you BANISHED me to the SUN!!!” Her voice cracked maniacally at the mention of the sun, her mane and tail flame extended as if there was a sun right in front of our eyes.

We shielded our eyes as the brightness she emitted. We were thankful as she let her flames down, when Luna quickly answered. “What?! We have done no such thing!” She protested in defense which somehow, snapped this familiar pony to stop and think deeply. “Hm… it would seem she was right, none of you know me… or do you? NO matter… Even if you are not MY Luna, I’ll gladly enjoy this small window of joy… of killing you.” She said as she started to approach us, her body showing signs of interest and killing lust.

Luna was about ready to act, considering her place here and with Twilight in danger, but I was more quick to act as I gather all my courage, my scanners bleeping harshly at me about the threat being too powerful for my current state, but I dismiss it, the fear that this pony would kill Luna and Twilight was overweighing my thoughts. “I will not let you harm them… Princess Celestia?” I spoke out, moving to try and block the pony but the instant that I called her out she stopped and stared at me, her eyes throwing daggers of hate right at me.

“Celestia? Celestia? Are you joking with me?” The strange pony spoke out as her eye twitch and look at me with rage. Before we can try to take in our information at how confusing it was, she quickly shouted, with might and with a bellow matching Luna’s own Canterlot voice.

“I am Solar Flare, and I shall bring Eternal Day to this Land!!!” She shouted out, her own mane fuming out with rage as we now notice her large white wings and her horn surrounded in a bloody red aura as she fired her magic right at me.

Preview
Chapter -5- Day/Night - Doubtful

Day
I walked along side my brother... well walk seems to be wrong but we needed to do this. We enter the dream realm without a worry as we hope this can help us in finding out the situation last night. Sure it may not be the least of our worries but passing here, our home, the base of Mechanawar operations, we cannot help but sigh in relief in seeing it. The golden pillars, the golden walls, metallic yet at the same time clean and alive as there were glowing lights passing by grooves of lines.

But before we can continue further into these empty pathway, a large siren went off, "ALERT! ALERT Real being detected!!!" Said a feminine but mechanical voice. This caused me and Nightfall to look at one another, or more likely, her looked up at me. The idea we have some being with us was impossible but then we did enter through the dream communication sequence.

Night
We were worried, I can tell from the obvious expression Daybreak has right now. Him being out of his armor was nice and all but it was annoying still. We look behind us and there we stared at a very obvious eyesore of color. A dark blue alicorn stood behind us amidst the gold, was very obvious. "Princess LUNA!!!" Daybreak shouted some his new deeper, non-mechanical but very young and calm voice spoke out as we look at the uneasy glances of the said alicorn.

I just cringed, I know my brother's tempers and I'm just grateful he did not sound angry. "What are you doing here? And following into our dreams?" He started as I kept quiet, I haven't been introduced yet to the princess of the night considering what happened last night, and what daybreak looks like out of his armor. "I was... curious as to why you were both in the same dream..." Luna spoke out but before she can continue our fellow brothers appeared out of thin air and pointed their guns at the princess.

"HALT!!!"

Author's Note

Okay, I'm not sure how well I'm doing with this story of mine but I have got to say, I love the Alternate Universe tag.

Do forgive me but this story is actually rushed, this was 2 weeks in my computer without progress because I only had two weeks left in my College time, and my last week, which was yesterday, are finally done. So I'm now on break and with it time to create and think my stories without a worry.

And I'm now introducing a double chapter sequence where we have Day and Night. For obvious reasons, Daybreak and Nightfall will have their own perspectives for the sake of me having said about the new race mentioned in this and describing their... contradicting ways.