//------------------------------// // Darkness Rising // Story: My Little Pony: The Black Temple // by ThatOneBrony //------------------------------// Chapter Two: Darkness Rising The party of seven reached the top of the spire. Twilight hushed the group. “Look.” she whispered, pointing to the courtyard. “She is meditating – she doesn't know we're here.” “This is our final chance. If any among you wishes to leave, then go now.” The Great and Powerful Akama stuck her nose up. “I'll go... guard the door, in case we get company.” She gave a fierce glance to the skeptical group, then galloped down the stairs. “Alright, it's now or never. Let's go.” Twilight said. Cautiously they approached the dark figure lying down. The lightning cracked again, and the mare stood up. “Akama... I should have slaughtered you and your malformed brethren long ago-- Wait, where's Akama?” “Cut the theatrics, Nightmare Moon. We're here to end your evil reign!” Rainbow shouted. Nightmare Moon sighed. “Fine, have it your way.” Her grimace darkened as her horn lit up. The group was blown away by a dark magic explosion. Twilight struggled to her feet, then lit her horn up in defensive magic. The dark mare smiled, then hopped up on her hind legs, screeching into the sky. Moments later, a swarm of foul, slimy demons dropped into the courtyard. “Get rid of these monsters!” Twilight yelled, “I can handle Nightmare!” As she said that, her horn's glow doubled in strength, and she strained to channel the energy to fight her foe. Rainbow Dash drew her holy hammer and took flight. She bolted around, splattering the gooey demons with sweep after sweep of her mighty weapon. Nearby, Fluttershy spun around, sending a flurry of knives in a graceful arc. Applejack was backed into a corner. She let out a fierce war cry and went berserk, bucking everything in her way. She cleared a path to Rarity, whose horn lit up, healing the orange mare's bruises and empowering her to battle on. Pinkie Pie pranced around laying traps for the foul demons as Gummy distracted one, gumming it ceaselessly. As their magical duel went on, Twilight seemed to gain the upper hand. However, the slime creatures soon overwhelmed the party, surrounding them. Nightmare's horn emitted a large burst of magic, freezing the party in place. It pulsed again, killing all of her demon followers. “Is this it, mortals? Is this all the fury you can muster?” A grey mare appeared from the shadows. “Their fury pales before mine, Luna. We have some … unsettled business between us.” “Derpy Hooves. How is it even possible?” “Ah, my long hunt is finally over. Today, Justice will be done!” Derpy attacked Nightmare, causing a momentary lapse in the grip of her magical prison. Twilight's horn lit up, breaking everyone free of their bonds. She then went on the offensive. Rarity assisted as best she could, while Pinkie and the others stood on, watching. Rainbow shot upward, clearing the magically dark sky. A beam of light shot through, landing right on Nightmare Moon. She screamed out in agony, collapsing to the ground. Derpy spoke to her fallen foe. “It is over. You are beaten.” “You have won... Derpy.” she struggled to say. “But the huntress... is nothing without the hunt. You... are nothing.. without... me....” her eyes closed and she died. ------------------------------------------------------------------- The eight friends cheered. Luna's voice crackled over the voice chat system. “You guys cheated! No fair!” “All's fair in love and war, Princess.” Rarity said with pride. “But Twilight was using that strategy guide!” Luna whined. “That's just us using the tools we have, sugar cube.” Applejack laughed. “I hate this game, I'm leaving.” Luna ripped off her headset and stormed out of her room in Canterlot. “Oh, no,” Fluttershy said, “I hope we didn't hurt her feelings too bad.” “Not to worry,” Celestia's voice came through. “She just takes her games a little too seriously. And she's probably a little jealous of my Tier 11 set!” Everypony shared a good laugh, and Bon-Bon called down the stairs. “The muffins are done!” “Muffins!” Derpy cried with glee, charging out of Lyra and Bon-Bon's basement. The others soon followed. After they finished their treats, Rainbow Dash piped up, “Alright, everypony, who's ready for Icecrown Citadel?”