chapter 7 opponent nightmare moon part 2
It had been a few days since I started living in Ponyville, it was a great time for relaxation. Though not in the way that was currently happening to me right now. I was being dragged by my wrist through ponyville by none other than Rarity. Oh let me explain real quick the second day of my vacation Rarity approached me about fashion advice even though that isn’t really my thing. She then commented on how I looked tense and asked when I was last at the spa I told her I had never been to the spa which caused her to faint dramatically on a fancy couch that came out of nowhere. To which I felt my Pinkamena senses go haywire in which I felt my reputation as a tough mare go down the drain. So while she was incapacitated I slowly walked out the door and went on my way. I thought nothing of it but unbeknownst to me Rarity was a determined mare which had led to the day after which was today. Rarity had interrupted my sleep by tieing my left wrist with a rope and proceeded to drag me through the streets towards the local ponyville spa. Despite looking weak she was incredibly strong.
“Can’t we talk about this Rarity I am pretty sure that I am fine I don’t need to go to a fru fru spa.” I said while tugging the rope.
“Nonsense darling everypony needs to unwind every once in awhile. No ifs ands or buts you are getting a spa treatment.” said Rarity I started struggling harder trying to get out.
“But I don’t need one. The way I unwind is training and fighting my next opponent.” I said unconvincingly Rarity laughed at me haughtily.
“Da-har-ling you can’t be serious that is not a way for a lady to unwind if anything that adds stress.” said Rarity
“This su-hu-hucks my life is over.” I cried as mock tears streamed down my face
“Ok now you are being overly dramatic I should know I do it all the time. At least as I read in a few self help books.” said Rarity as she dragged me through the marketplace, several ponies staring at the spectacle
“You are not being helpful what the heck. Self help books don’t help as much as you think. AUUUGH I spent years perfecting my image.” I whined
“Darling the tough mare image is not all it’s cracked up to be now suck it up and accept the spa treatment.” said rarity. I went limp accepting my fate my reputation would be tarnished I could see the papers now PONYVILLE SCANDAL: MARE JUGGERNAUT GONE SOFT? It would probably have a picture of me with a shocked look on my face that was covered with a mud mask and one cucumber over one eye. I know I’m taking it out of context but seriously I am a mare of action not a mare who expects to be lavished and waited on hand and hoof. It just is not me. So resigned to my fate I didn’t notice that the rope was cut till my head hit the ground. I looked up and noticed that Singularity was holding a knife in her hand and was gesturing me to be quiet. I nodded and slowly stood up tiptoeing away
“Where do you think you are going?” asked Rarity behind me both me and Singularity slowly turned around shaking/ Rarity loomed over us in an intimidating way her eyes were glowing dangerously she was cracking her knuckles and a tick mark was on her temple.
“So my sister is once again trying to prevent me from making a mare fabulous.” said Rarity a growl in her voice “P-please sis its obvious that she doesn’t want a spa visit. H-have a little mercy on her.” said Singularity “ha ha oh no dear sister I have a perfect punishment in mind for you.” said Rarity menacingly
“When I get out of this I am going to hit you with my stun batton.” said Singularity glaring at Rarity
“Oh please be quiet and enjoy your seaweed wrap.” said Rarity meanwhile I was enjoying a massage on all of my joints. Turns out Rarity can be reasoned with I would be having a massage go into the sauna and go through some calming aromatherapy. In turn I got to avoid the mud bath seaweed wrap and mud mask facial. But poor Singularity as a sisterly punishment in trying to help me avoid the horror that is the spa was going to have to go through the entire treatment. She was wrapped in seaweed as well her mane done up in a towel.
“So darling what have you come to ponyville for?” asked Rarity I fidgeted a bit on my massage table
“Well it had been a while since I saw pinkie I just thought it was time to visit her.” I said
“is it because of your career as a boxing mare?” asked Rarity as she got unwrapped from the seaweed
“Miss rarity vat about your sister” asked a pink mare with an azure mane and tail.
Rarity looked at her sister with narrow eyes and then said “not quite yet aloe I’d say a few more minutes to...let the feeling soak in.” said Rarity
“I WILL GET YOU BACK FOR THIS RARITY I SWEAR I WILL!” said Singularity
Rarity waved her hand dismissively as she got into the hot tub with me “yes yes sure you will dear. Now you were saying pinkamena.” said rarity
“Mostly the other reason is because I tend to have a bit of a scatterbrain. Instead of organizing things in my mind I kinda have the tendency to let things just go their own way so to speak and it makes me forget things.” I said with a little shame
“Darling how will you ever be able to juggle both your career and family life if you don’t keep things organized. I may have an ambition to become the greatest fashionista in all of Equestria but I also still want to have those family ties. If you don’t find time for family you will wind up alone and without anypony to count on. Hmm maybe it’s not intentional.” said rarity her hand on her chin in a thinking manor
“What do you mean?” I asked
“Tell me do you have trouble focusing on just that or are there other things you lose focus on?” asked rarity
“Well I tend to forget to pay some bills. I sometimes forget to go to some guest appearances to some charities I donate to. It’s really frustrating” I said
“I think maybe you need a planner something to write things down in so you don’t forget. I find with my kind of workload designing and getting orders to my customers. I tend to forget important things like spending time with Singularity and Sweetie Belle. I make sure to write down events so that I can remember.” said Rarity
“I might give that a try.” I said smiling
“So what made you pursue your...extravagant career?” asked Rarity
“Well my cutie mark is not exactly normal for most ponies I got it when I defended my sister Pinkie from bandits.” I said
Rarity’s hands went up to her mouth while gasping “NO truly you were plagued by bandits?”
“Yeah they were the Raging Manticore bandits they were quite a pain to deal with. The only places they raided were farms. My family's rock farm was quite popular. More often than not they beat my father as a warning not to try anything.” I said shivering from the memories.
“My word those brutes.” said rarity
“Yeah one day they took it to the next level they demanded every bit we had and to make sure we would they kidnapped Pinkie. I volunteered to go after her I traveled for quite a while. Before I found their camp I had fallen from exhaustion twice. When I had found her she was beaten and she was shivering in her cage. Her clothing was torn from abuse and she had dried tear streaks on her face. Next thing I knew I was in front of this large man. He was the leader of these bandits I had knocked out all of his men. I tried fighting him but I had no chance I was just a filly I had no chance against someone like that. I would have died that day along with my sister if it wasn’t for Celestia’s captain of the bruisers Steadfast Sword he beat Bone Breaker and ended the Raging Manticores forever.” I explained
“Oh darling that must of been rough. Regardless that was absolutely selfless willing to risk your life for your sisters is most valiant” said rarity
“Yeah I suppose you can say that. Anyway after I got home my cutie mark appeared. I figured since there wasn’t anything to defend my family against I could explore Equestria see the sights. So at about seventeen years old I set out on my journey. Unfortunately due to my poor skill of planning I ran out of bits at manehattan and that was the first stop. I was at a crossroads in my life either I go home or get a job and earn enough bits to be able to continue on my journey. Eventually I found myself in a manehattan cafe. After I saved the waitress from a couple of thugs a boxing manager approached me and I accepted his offer I became champion on my second season.” I said
“So after your constant wins you decided to visit your sister?” asked Rarity
“Not only visit but I am on a vacation of a sorts I won’t be going back for a while.” I said
“Ah to spend time with your dear sister I presume?” asked Rarity
“Yeah I have some time to make up for and I also felt it was time to give my body and mind a break from the constant melee.” I said
Eventually it was time to get out and on our way Rarity had to go and decorate town hall. Singularity had to go and install new lighting. Oh I forgot it was thanks to Singularity that Equestria had electricity she invented the first magic electric generators she tried to explain to me how it worked but I am the furthest from a tech genius. I think it worked by converting ambient magic into electricity or something like that. Sure ponies still used candles but more for ambiance than anything practical because of electric lights.
Meanwhile I was walking towards the library to return the novel I finished reading. It was The Pirate Ponies Of The Brailed Sea quite an interesting tale. Course I still had a little doubt about having a library with no Librarian to watch over it. When I went into the library for the first time it was super dusty showing that it had been uninhabited for years. I took the time to dust the entire thing. Instead of a Librarian they had a single piece of paper filled with names. With a twitch of my eyebrows I signed out the book in question and enjoyed a good read.
“HI SIS I NEED YOUR HELP”
I jumped out of my fur my mane splayed in all different directions when I heard Pinkie. I gave Pinkie a dark look making her sweat nervously. “Uh… sorry sis I need your help to put together a welcome to ponyville party it’s for this new unicor can you help me please?” said pinkie getting big cute begging eyes.
I sighed in annoyance when ever other ponies tried that on me I could resist no problem but there was something about when Pinkie did it that made me break every...single...time.
I suddenly found myself within the library which is where I was going in the first place. I put the book back on the shelf I got it from, and began helping Pinkie decorate the library for the party. Course I had to duck as she used a cannon she pulled out of nowhere and fired a tablecloth from it. Soon enough ponies began to appear. The library was completely filled within ten minutes. I heard a quiet voice approaching the library. What was fluttershy coming this way for she usually didn’t attend these kind of things poor thing was really shy.
I remember the first time I met her I was on my morning run keeping in shape. I decided on a route after the day before. Pinkie surprised me with my own welcome to Ponyville party and faust dang it that temptress and her irresistible cupcakes. I had eaten about five after I realized that I took a map of ponyville and decided my route through the outskirts of Ponyville. I had made it across the bridge separating the town from the outskirts of The Everfree Forest. A cute little Cabin built in the roots of a tree was here. Several animals scampered, flew, swam, and thundered around the yard. Though I do admit I was a little hesitant to pass by here seeing as there was a bear right by the house. I heard some humming and when I looked there she was. She was clad in a green sweater and blue jeans she had cream yellow fur with a light pink mane and tail. She was smiling while feeding her animals I tried saying hi but she had hid behind the bear.
The next day it was the same I just think that she isn’t really prepared for this kind of thing
“Ok everypony I’m shutting off the lights get ready.” said Pinkie shutting off the lights soon movement was seen as the door opened and closed.
“Huh rude much” said a male voice in the room.
“I’m sorry spike but I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where’s the light?” asked a female voice I saw Pinkie at that moment motion to Bon Bon and she flipped on the light
“SURPRISE!” everypony yelled
A lavender mare with a dark purple mane and tail, with a pink and plum stripe through the middle, stood looking confused before groaning with agitation. She was also wearing a wool vest over a white dress shirt, with a blue skirt and black dress shoes. Pinkie bounced over to twilight
“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you were you surprised? Were ya were ya huh huh huh?” asked Pinkie
“Very surprised” said the mare rolling her eyes “libraries are supposed to be quiet.”
Oh boy my sis was about to go on one of her tangents and those were quite long winded.
“That’s silly what kind of welcome party would it be if it were quiet? I mean duh bo-ring you see I saw you when you first got here remember. You were all hello and I was all *gasp* remember? You see I never saw you before and if I never saw you before that means you must be new. cause I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville. And if you're new that means you haven’t met anypony yet.” Pinkie continued as the lavender pony picked up hot sauce and proceeded to pour it into a goblet. I facepalmed ‘Pinkie I specifically told you if you are going to bring hot sauce for your cupcakes put it somewhere other than the refreshment table.’ I thought with a grimace I saw the lavender pony suck some of the spicy sauce through a straw before she began to turn red.
I heard applejack say “are you alright sugarcube?”
Suddenly her mane and tail comically caught on fire before she ran to the punch bowl and dunked her head in. soaking her mane and putting out the fire in her mouth. I looked to the left and saw a purple…. Dragon or so I thought. He had some green spines on his back green eyes a green shirt and black pants. He turned my way and froze. A big grin came on his face and he quickly ran over to the lavender mare
“Twilight Twilight you won’t believe who's here.” said the little dragon
Twilight got her head out of the punch bowl her eyes a little bloodshot “who is it Spike? She rasped. Spike pointed at me she looked and also froze. I groaned with exasperation more fans...great
Twilight suddenly squealed she straightened up, her horn shimmered with a lavender aura instantly drying her hair and putting it in her preferred style which was a straight cut. She then ran really fast towards my position and had an excited smile on her face
“Oh my gosh The Mare Juggernaut I am such a fan.” said twilight
“Yeah it’s always nice to meet a fan.” I said with an awkward smile
I may not have watched any of your matches but it's because of your determination and steadfastness against a superior opponent that inspired mares everywhere that they can do anything. Your an inspiration to mares everywhere.” said Twilight
Meanwhile in canterlot
Celestia landed on her throne with a plop. This day had always been a stress for her. Every single summer sun celebration always filled her with sorrow. Without her sister it wasn’t worth celebrating. Every year she would sit in that same throne looking forlornly at the moon with her sisters shape on its face. She only performed the display of the sunrise she never celebrated with her subjects for what was the point of celebrating the day you had no choice of banishing one's own sister. Celestia smiled now though for soon she would have her sister back and she would be able to celebrate this momentous occasion.
She looked in the corner at her celebratory cake it was red velvet with raspberry filling.
She told herself she wouldn’t have that first slice until later when she was with her sister. But of course knowing Celestia with her cake cravings. She couldn’t resist she took the cake knife sliced a piece and went to her throne. She cut off a corner of the cake slice with her fork and put it in her mouth. Now she expected the sweet taste of red velvet and raspberry but instead an intense heat filled her mouth. Now most would expect celestia to not be so fazed with anything heat seeing as she is goddess of the sun. now most would be right… if she was in outside contact with anything hot. For example she could walk on her own sun without any effect. But eating spicy things was not amongst her likes. Which is why most of the solar guard saw a white blur pass them as celestia ran to the kitchen and began guzzling water. Confused celestia returned to the throne room and took a second look at the cake which gave her her spicy experience. She noticed that instead of the raspberry filling that she wanted to have it was replaced with hot sauce.
‘What who did this to my cake?’ thought Celestia
Celestia thought back to try and find out who would do this to her precious cake any guards who looked into the throne room at that moment would see something that would give them nightmares for months to come. Celestia’s mane became disheveled, her pupils dilated to really small sizes and she got a creepy grin on her face.
“So Pinkamena that’s how you want to play be thankful you are helping me get my sister back right now. Your reckoning is coming and it will be grand.” said Celestia with a crazed voice
And it would be said for centuries to come never mess with celestia’s cake
Ponyville 5:00 AM
I woke up sweating I had a bad feeling that I was going to pay for something but I couldn’t remember what. It was time to go to town hall for the raising of the sun. unlike my sister and the other ponies, I decided to get some decent sleep so I could actually be awake for the event. I also needed as much energy as I could get for the fight against nightmare. It was pretty cool this morning hardly any sounds around except the many hooves hitting the cobblestone paths towards town hall. Where as I was plentiful full of energy a lot of other ponies were dragging their hooves. Their sleep-deprived eyes struggling to keep open. Soon we all entered town hall and stood in rows before the balcony. Suddenly a chorus of birds chirped out an announcement melody, and a spotlight zoomed in on the stage beneath the balcony. A mare stepped out she was tan with a grey and white mane and tail. She wore a red pantsuit and glasses were upon her nose.
“Fillies and gentlecolts as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the summer sun celebration.” said the mayor
Cheers erupted around the room while I just clapped.
“In just a few moments our town will witness the magic of the sun rise and celebrate this the longest day of the year.” said the mayor
I happened to look up and saw some stars go behind the moon the picture of the mare in the moon disappearing. But instead of looking at it in fear I felt my blood boil in excitement. A crazed grin came on my face.
Soon my challenge would be here and I would be able to fight no holding back. Not that I did against celestia I did try and beat her… about a few hours into the match but I feel that she was holding back as well.
“And now it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and moon each and every day. The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia.” the mayor exclaimed while Rarity pulled on the rope to pull the curtains back. The spotlight shined on the empty stage
“huh” said Rarity in confusion.
“This can’t be good.” said Twilight nervously
“remain calm everypony there must be a reasonable explanation.” said the mayor Pinkie began to bounce again
“ooh I love guessing games is she hiding?” asked Pinkie looking around
“she’s gone.” said Rarity coming from the room beyond the balcony everypony gasped while I felt my veins pumping in anticipation my fur turning red subtly.
“Ooh she’s good.” said Pinkie she saw me from the corner of her eyes and gasped before running over confusing Twilight.
“Sis oh no sis please don’t tell me you going berserk now. That means something scary is coming.” said Pinkie
“I’m sorry but what are you talking about?” asked Twilight
“My sis has this mode called berserker mode it heightens every bit of Pinkamena's reflexes as well as a significant boost in strength. That’s good and all but she loses control and is just a mass of rage and anger. But in this case she is seeing a fight I can’t see that she considers a challenge and her berserker mode is more sadistic than anything else.” said Pinkie worried she then shrieked when she saw a starry mist begin to appear on the balcony. It soon parted and shown a midnight black mare with a transparent blue star filled mane and tail that flowed as if in a wind. Her eyes were aqua blue and slit her wings were bat wings. She wore armor her helmet had a hole in the top for her horn and had runic symbols. Her gauntlets had a cloudlike design that flowed over her arms and hands. Her pauldrons had a sharp demonic appearance. spikes coming out of the shoulders. Her chest piece had a big carving of a crescent moon on the front. Her Cuisses (that is thigh armor) Poleyns (knee cap guards) and hard metal greaves protected her legs quite well. My fur turned completely red at this point my pupils gone. Pinkie looked at me in fear.
“Oh my beloved subjects it’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious, little, sun-loving faces.” said Nightmare moon in a sultry voice.
“What did you do with our princess!” yelled Rainbow dash trying to charge forward while Applejack held her tail.
Nightmare moon laughed “why am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” asked Nightmare Moon
Pinkie temporarily forgot her worries “ooh more guessing games um hokey smokes how about queen meanie no black snooty black snooty.” said Pinkie before remembering my condition and turned back to watching me.
“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend did you not see the signs?” asked Nightmare moon
“I did and I know who you are you're the mare in the moon Nightmare Moon.” said Twilight spike passed out on the floor.
Nightmare moon looked pleased “well well well somepony who remembers me then you also know why I’m here.” said Nightmare moon
“You're here to-to.” stammered twilight
Nightmare moon cackled “remember this day little ponies for it was your last. From this moment forth the night will last FOREVER.” declared Nightmare moon
She began to laugh but it was overtaken by a more disturbed laugh that gave Nightmare some pause. She looked over at me for the laugh came from me.
“Is there something you find funny foal?” asked Nightmare I looked up and Nightmare paused again
“I can feel the power being from your very being it gets my blood pumping. You go ahead do your thing but know that I will hunt you down for the ultimate fight. You probably don’t know due to your incarceration but..” my smile got more creepy as I looked her in the eye “I...love...a...challenge.” I said 
Nightmare moon stared at me for a moment “have you lost your mind child?” asked Nightmare
“Seize her only she knows where the princess is.” said the mayor three royal guards charging for Nightmare.
“Stand back you foals.” said Nightmare slamming her hooves on the stage and shooting lightning from her fingertips. She then turned into starry mist and flowed out the door into the Everfree.
I fell to my knees holding a hand to my head as my fur and eyes turned back to normal. Pinkie came and supported me.
“I lost control again didn’t I sis?” I asked
“Yeah you did sis are you ok? Asked Pinkie
“Yeah I am this just means I need to meditate some more.” I said
Twilight ran out the door the other four following her. I gestured out the door “go after them Pinkie you shouldn’t let them go alone I’ll be fine.” I said encouraging Pinkie
“Ok see you sis” said Pinkie running after her friends.
I got home soon after I saw Pinkie go after Twilight I had to get ready for my fight I had to stall Nightmare while my sister and her friends found the Elements boxing would not help here I had to use martial arts. Luckily martial arts was fairly new so I had the advantage there the problem is Nightmare Moon would fight with no restrictions she would go in for the kill. I wrapped up my hands in athletes tape. I wore a black and pink combat gi. I wrapped my black belt around my waist. I was ready for my fight.
I walked out the door and headed towards the Everfree. I soon passed the entrance into the Everfree and headed towards where I thought the castle of the two sisters lay. I read the legends and knew the stories so finding the castle shouldn’t be a problem…. Or so I hoped.
My eye twitched slightly two hours… two hours since I entered this Celestia forsaken forest and so far I had not seen any sign of the Castle Of The Two Sisters. So far I had left a string of knocked out creatures in my wake I counted at least two Manticores amongst them. I came upon a river that was quite wide. It would be unwise for me to cross without knowing how deep it was. The sounds of the forest were getting worse with each passing hour. The sound of wood creaking leaves rustling and I could've sworn I heard I heard some growling somewhere to the right of me. Instantly a tick mark appeared on my forehead
“Alright that’s it looks like I’m gonna have to bring out the big guns.” I said reaching for my secret weapon. But just before I grabbed my weapon. I saw a shadow cover me. I looked behind me and saw a giant purple serpent rise out of the water. He had a windswept mane and an orange and curly purple mustache. Looking at the left side of his mustache I groaned in annoyance. ‘They are ahead of me I need to pick up the pace I’m supposed to distract nightmare.’ I thought
“uh hello are you alright you're just standing there” said the serpent
I looked up smiled and said
“oh no no need to worry about me I’m just trying to find a way across the river.” I said
The serpent looked over the river
“well I can get you across but are you sure you want to. Things up at that castle are pure chaos right now. I’m pretty sure that’s where that tacky cloud went that butchered my beautiful mustache.” said the serpent
I know it’s dangerous but I have no choice I have to protect my sister and her friends.” I said
“Oh ho ho a noble soul stands before me oh how wonderful I love noble beings very well I Steven Magnet will help you cross.” said the serpent named Steve.
Steve then dunked his head in the water and several sections of his body rose out of the water forming stepping stones across the river.
It had been about two hours since I left the river I was coiled like a spring the forest was finally getting to me. Reason being that the forest began feeling like the dark forest from Harry Potter (yes I still remember that movie series it was great back home.) it was the same darkness, eerie fog was all along the ground, strange sounds everywhere. I also think I was being watched it put me on edge because I had no idea where I was being watched from I couldn’t pinpoint where said being was. Suddenly a face lunged out of the darkness and in my panic I punched as hard as I could shattering the….bark of a tree oops.
NIGHTMARE MOON P.O.V
Nightmare moon was torn tonight was supposed to be the night of her revenge. She prepared for every eventuality. She knew that Celestia no longer had control of the elements. She knew eventually Celestia would have found some new bearers or a bearer. As soon as she saw that purple and white unicorns yellow and cyan pegasi and orange and pink earth ponies she knew that the new bearers were before her. She figured that their battle would be just that their battle. They would struggle for control of the elements. If she won eternal night would reign supreme if they won precious luna would be free. It was so simple….until she saw that other pink filly. That filly gave her a slight pause. The filly didn’t fear her. If anything it looked like she wanted to make a feeble attempt to pound her into the dirt. The insane smile on the filly's face said that she didn’t care about the legend. If anything that spurred her on further she watched as the filly was about to pull something out in frustration before she was covered by the shadow of the serpent that nightmare had upset earlier. In her further frustration, the serpent seemed happy with his new temporary mustache and no longer caused the river to roll and froth in his distress. So the filly had an easy way across. Soon enough they entered the more sinister parts of the forest Nightmare was slightly amused as the pink filly she was following was coiled like a spring jumping at the slightest noise. But then she ran into nightmares face trees the filly squealed and punched the tree. Now what nightmare expected is that her fist would hit the tree and the fillies hand would hurt because the wood was stronger than flesh. What she did not expect was a shockwave coming from the fillies fist utterly shattering the tree. ….well this would complicate things further but she had no time to continue watching her, for now, any minute the other six were nearing the entrance of the forest she had to make sure they were spooked enough to turn back.
P.O.V NORMAL
Finally, I got out of the creepy part of the forest now I found myself in a clearing of sorts the full moon shining its eerie glow all across the landscape blue butterflies fluttered all around all kinds of different flowers grew showing their beautiful colors. The grass was long and swayed in the breeze. I supposed I could see why Luna would give in to her darker side. She wanted ponies to see the wonder and mystery the night brought. Instead, her night was ignored and ponies never really appreciated what she did each and every night. I for one loved to see what the night had I was a bit of a night owl both back on earth and here. Eventually, I ended up at some sort of rope bridge I groaned in agitation in any movies that I have seen rope bridges were the worst rickety unstable and always prone to collapsing. If I were an engineer I would never go for rope bridges. Well, I’m almost there I am not going to be stopped by a rope bridge. I was about to step on the first plank when I heard
“Hold it right there not another step.”
I looked and saw three ponies in front of me one was a mare and the other two were stallions. The mare was white with a light blue mane and tail. While the stallions were grey with dark blue manes and tails and they all wore a purple and black flight suit. Finally they were wearing flight goggles over their eyes.
“And who are you to bar my way?” I asked
The mare glared at me “we are the Shadowbolts personal guard to Nightmare Moon. you aren’t getting to her without a fight.” she said raising her fists with a smirk on her face.
I sweat dropped ‘seriously fisticuffs that’s not even a good boxing stance’ I thought
“Well alright if you want a fight-”
I said getting into my own personalized martial arts stance it was a mix between tiger and turtle stance which maximized my offense and defense. My hoof slammed into the ground leaving a small crater.
“Then it’s a fight you’ll get” the stallion to my left lunged forwards attempting to punch me. I blocked his punch and thrust forwards hitting his stomach putting him on the ground. I sweat dropped I didn’t even use a fraction of my strength and already the first one was down. The second stallion attempted to uppercut me I leaned back making him angry he increased his speed trying to land a hit and I kept leaning my head dodging his strikes. He ran out of energy panting and failing to hold his arms up my roundhouse kick to the head put him out. Now it was just me and the mare. Her smirk from earlier was gone in its place was a fierce scowl
“You will pay for doing that to my comrades” said the mare
I scratched my nose in disinterest “well maybe if you guys had actual combat skills this would have been different.” I said the mare yelled in anger and charged forward winding her fist back to hit my jaw. I dodged to the left and with a resounding crack I hit the mare with an uppercut knocking the mare high in the air. As soon as she hit the ground she dissipated into starry mist as well as her companions
‘Oh, so that’s how it is getting nervous nightmare? Good, you should be.’ I thought
Soon I came up to the front entrance of the castle and I must say wow this place was really let go. The walls were covered in vines and moss pieces of the roof were missing. Multiple holes were in crucial parts of the wall. I hope this place is sturdier than it looks cause I don’t want a piece of ceiling braining me during the fight against nightmare. I carefully open the door the hinges squealing in protest from the rust that had accumulated from a thousand years of neglect. I now found myself in a courtyard of sorts more rubble was all over. Torn white and blue tapestries hung from the pillars and walls stairs leading to the second floor were broken there was a door to the left and right one leading to the throne room one leading to royal bedrooms. The throne room was filled with dust. The rugs leading up to the two broken thrones were filled with holes. A giant hole was in the roof of the throne room. This must have been where Celestia and Nightmare Moon’s battle was focused the air buzzed with old magic it made my hooves tingle. But the thing that grabbed my attention the most was the pedestal in the middle of the room. It had metal arms stretching out from the center each holding a moss-covered round stone about the size of a beach ball. I guessed that these stones held a sealed element of harmony. So those were tracked down now all I had to do was track down Nightmare and hold her off until Pinkie and her friends got a hold of the elements. Suddenly that same starry mist flew into the room soon forming into Nightmare Moon herself.
“Alright foal you have caught my interest fight me at your own risk and please try to make it fun.” said Nightmare
A look of determination was on my face I punched my fists together forming a shock wave slightly surprising Nightmare.
“Right time for our fight you’ll find that I won’t be going down easily I will fight with all I have.” I said
Nightmare focused her magic making a midnight black spear appear in her right hand with a tower shield on her left arm. I took my martial arts stance ready to fight…..and immediately got put through one of the walls due to a shield bash. Ouch, I stood up and jumped back through the wall and dodged her spear I threw a right haymaker and was blocked by the shield another shockwave emanated from the collision of my fist with her shield. She pushed me off and thrust with her spear again she barely nicked me.
“Ha ha ha ha yes yes this is exactly the kind of combat challenge I need before I get rid of my sister for good!” yelled Nightmare moon in glee
She thrust at me for a third time and I caught the spear I chopped the spear with my hand severing the spear.tip from the wood. Nightmare threw it away before summoning a short sword. She swung her blade to my left I jumped over the blade before trying a roundhouse kick Nightmare once again blocked with her shield. Though there was a noticeable dent in the shield this time. Nightmare went for an overhead swing I took another gash in my right arm as the blade nearly chopped deep into the skin. My kick collided with her unarmored chin making Nightmare skid back a few feet. She recovered before smacking me in the face with the hilt of her sword she then proceeded to kick me full force in the chest with a resounding *CRACK*. I flew through the wall of the throne room and into the room of the north castle tower. I was going to feel that for a while. I think she broke a few ribs. Nightmare flew in seeing me stand up
“I must admit filly I am impressed no normal pony has ever lasted this long against me.” said Nightmare
“what...can...I say I am determined to beat you” I said panting
Nightmare laughed “if you think you can beat me like this you are more of a foal then I thought I’m not even using a fraction of my strength.” said Nightmare
“Yeah I figured now it’s time to take these off” I said reaching for my gi pant legs I lifted them revealing magic weights. Currently it weighed fifteen tons taking them off I dropped them. A building shaking boom sounded as the weights crashed through the upper floor and cratered on the ground below sending up a dust cloud from the floor below.
“Ah that’s better now I can move easier.” I said rolling my ankle in relief I charged forwards as she was staring down the hole in astonishment.
Nightmare Moon P.O.V
Nightmare moon just didn’t understand how was this filly so strong it didn’t make sense. No normal earth pony could shatter any of her weapons. Let alone put a dent in them all of Nightmare’s weapons and her tower shield were made out of a special ore she found on the moon it took ages and many tested temperatures just to melt the ore to make into ingots. Then she had to melt them down again to form her spear, one-handed sword, and tower shield. She did have one more weapon but she wanted to save that for the final fight against Celestia. She started with her spear the filly was faster than she expected and her shield took a few hits. But instead of feeling little bumps like she expected from a normal earth pony instead she felt bone-jarring hits. This filly was stronger than she appeared! One miss from one of her spear thrusts and the filly had broken her spear in two! That shouldn’t have been possible but somehow this filly pulled it off. She was absolutely shocked the filly was somehow strong enough to break one of her creations. It couldn’t have been poor workmanship because Nightmare and Luna were masters at the forge. In the war against the griffins one thousand five hundred years ago luna provided weapons and armor for the soldiers. Only one pony for every ten griffins died in battle thanks to her work and it was mostly due to archers finding exploits in the armor not because of melee combat. She would have perfected the armor had the war not been won by then she was still experimenting. But somehow this filly had broken one of her weapons by melee combat.
Nightmare had quickly switched to her sword and began using her superior swordsmanship and got some slashes in on the filly. Nightmare grinned as she saw she finally made headway to killing this foal. But then she saw the pony charge at her with her fist held back to strike Nightmare rolled her eyes as she held her shield up just as the punches and kicks came down. To her shock her shield was now dented the filly damaged her shield. After which the filly took some sort of band off of her arms and legs. The filly then proceeded to drop them on the floor. Nightmare scoffed what difference would that ma- the bands then smashed through the floor and a gigantic boom came from the floor below. Sending up a massive plume of dust from the floor below.
“Ah that’s better now I can move easier.” said the filly Nightmare Moon paused if this filly was wearing those the whole time and broke her spear and dented her shield how much stronger was this filly?
P.O.V normal
My speed had increased I was running circles around Nightmare my next hit had knocked her shield away. Nightmare then got into a fencing stance to try and fend me off. I got under her defenses and finally punched her jaw a small crater formed beneath us and Nightmare took a step or two back and forced her head back forwards. I then hit her stomach which only slightly winded her. I was growing concerned I could have sworn I was stronger than this I then tried a roundhouse to her hip which made her skid sideways a few feet. It was this way for the next several minute's hips, legs, shoulders, head it made no difference I just wasn’t strong enough I had to stop I was getting nowhere. No matter how hard I hit her it didn’t affect her as much as it should have. Nightmare moon chuckled
“I must admit filly you certainly have surprised me those hits you put in will probably bruise a little. I haven’t felt hits like that since Celestia and I fought the dragons for the rights to freedom. But unfortunately for you foal I have gotten much stronger since then. What on earth do you think I was doing those thousand years? Stewing in frustration and angst as I kept brooding how I would get my revenge? Please I had been training my body as well as my mind in preparation for this day.” she said as she punched me through the floor. My body hit the ground hard shattering my left arm. I yelled in pain as Nightmare landed on the ground she began slowly making her way towards me
“you have no Idea of the pain and anguish I have had to endure as those foalish peasants worshiped my sisters day and shunned my glorious night.” Nightmare said as she kicked me through the next wall breaking several more ribs. She was already waiting in the next room catching me by the back of my head.
“I was hated and they spoke about how terrifying and evil I must have been. Well who was I to deny them they wanted evil so I showed them evil.” she slammed me face first into the ground.
“My ambition will succeed this night will last forever I will do this by first killing you then I will kill these so called new elements of harmony.” Nightmare thrust her fist towards my spine to finish me off.
THIRD PERSON P.O.V
Pinkamena caught Nightmares fist shocking Nightmare she took a closer look and saw something she haddn’t seen in centuries. The fillies fur was red veins bulged on her arms, legs and the sides of her eyes. Her eyes were pure white no pupils could be seen her face was in a frightening snarl steam poured from her nostrils as she snorted in rage. Nightmare had seen this only once before and it was after the unification of the three pony tribes. When she was Luna she was friends with all of the leaders of the respective tribes. They would play games sing songs and imagine different kinds of adventures that Luna had made into a book series called the ponylance series. One day chancellor puddinghead had approached her wanting to talk in private. Lately, it seemed that puddinghead had been avoiding the more stressful situations that the rest of her friends would help Luna with. Maybe the chancellor would tell her why. It turned out that she had unlocked a gene that had been with her since she was born. It turned her into a brute that only wanted to destroy whatever had made her angry. It was why she avoided ponies she didn’t like. It was why she avoided situations that made her angry like if one of her friends was being picked on. She didn’t want to hurt other ponies. But one day about four years after she told her one of chancellor puddingheads friends was found dead in an alleyway. A griffon spy had killed this friend to keep her silent about the griffons' subterfuge. The Griffins wanted Equestria for themselves. Nightmare still remembered the horrifying transformation that puddinghead had gone through the same change of fur color from pink to red the veins showing the eyes losing their pupils to the scowl and steam it was there it all made sense now. Why the filly was stronger than the average earth pony why she was able to damage or destroy her weapons and shield. Why she was giving her a more difficult time. She was the descendant of puddinghead she had the berserker gene. In a flash the filly was gone before nightmare found a fist buried in her gut. It sent Nightmare flying back into the main room where the elements were held. She was about to hit the ground before she was sent into the air once more. She was then slammed towards the floor again. Over and over the hits came sending Nightmare around the room like a pinball until she finally hit the ground sending a plume of powdered stone into the air and forming yet another crater. Nightmare struggled to stand up she looked up through bleary eyes and saw the filly coming down towards her both fists forward the impact was great upon Nightmares back and it made the already large crater even bigger.
P.O.V normal
I blinked my eyes in confusion where was I what happened. All I remembered was getting my tail handed to me by Nightmare. I remembered that I was sorely unprepared to fight Nightmare Moon. then it was all a blur. I took a look around the room it was a mess the already fragile structure was made even more unstable. More holes were all around the castle making it even more dangerous to try and fight in this environment. I was about to go and try to find my sister to see if she made it yet when a huge pillar of dark energy came out of a crater in the middle of the room. Oh boy I must have done it now cause Nightmare was stomping out of the crater a look of pure rage on her face her mane was storming wildly and lightning bolts were crashing all around her. “THAT’S IT I WILL NOT HOLD BACK ANYMORE! I WAS SAVING THIS FOR MY FIGHT AGAINST CELESTIA BUT YOU WILL DO FOR A TEST RUN!” Nightmare yelled as she snapped her fingers dark energy swirled from all of the shadows in the room forming a circular portal Nightmare reached into the portal and dragged out a giant black scythe “I HOPE YOU ARE PREPARED FOAL THIS SCYTHE IS MY CROWN JEWEL!” she yelled as she charged the first swing hit me like a freight train. It was all over at this point I could not counter I couldn’t get my bearings before being hit by that scythe again. With each and every hit I was broken even more entire sections of the castle began to collapse. Animals scattered in the forest including Manticores and Timberwolves. It seemed the very stars themselves trembled in fear at the punishment I was taking. More and more of the castle got destroyed as I was slashed, slammed and pounded into the ceiling and walls of the castle. Finally after it felt like hours my body finally came to a stop back in the throne room. My vision blurred as a black blob came towards me the last thing I saw before my vision failed were multiple multi-colored blobs bursting into the room.
Annoying beeping was the first thing I heard when I regained consciousness. I was confused how was I still alive I could have sworn Nightmare would finish me off. No more Pinkamena I opened my eyes and groaned in annoyance I was of course in the hospital. I despised hospitals I can’t tell you how many times I had been in one due to rough fights. Every time it was the same thing “what were you thinking.” “no strenuous activity.” “ah here again what have you done this time?” and more I don’t mean to bash on the hospital and its staff but come on I was tired of the same speech over and over again. It was the same bleach white walls and ceilings the same six beds three occupied with patients three empty. The same machines along with that Celestia awful beeping. The same morphine drip the same hospital clothing. Most useless thing in existence why on earth would they leave the back open? I swear they do it to get a peek as the patients walk by. Well if I find any peeking from any of the staff lets just say there are going to be several more occupied hospital beds. Soon the nurse came in she had a livid look on her face.
I was in ponyville general once before I had seriously pulled arm muscles trying three tons once before. The normal weight that an earth pony can lift is about eight hundred pounds. But I had exceeded that by leaps and bounds due to my training. I had gone about two days with this new weight before collapsing on the ground unable to move from the pain of my muscles. Needless to say Pinkie found me did her famous mid air gasp and next I found I was in the hospital. The nurse was nice that first time. Saying to take it easy of course the workout addict I was I lasted about two days before I tried it again and ended right back in the hospital. Where the same nurse was a little annoyed told me the same thing. Course I waited about a week before trying a third time. Needless to say before I could put on the first weight I suddenly found myself out cold. It turned out the nurse Happy Heart one of the Heart sisters. Who was Tender Heart Red Heart and Beating Heart. Had followed me to the edge of the Everfree and got a bit fed up with my recklessness and proceeded to inject me with anesthesia. The next moment I woke up I found myself in my own bed with a note that said if I didn’t take it easy she would tape me down to a gurney till I was fully healed. That had not been my only clash with the nurse oh no it eventually got to the point where she watched me like a mother hen. Always scolding me when I came in with a fresh injury. I braced myself as she stomped over to the bed.
“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING GOING UP AGAINST NIGHTMARE MOON?” said Happy Heart
“Five” I said
“HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST YOUR MIND?” asked Happy Heart
“Seven” I said
“YOU ARE STAYING IN THIS BED TILL YOU ARE COMPLETELY HEALED NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS!” said Happy Heart
I sighed “fifty-eight” Happy heart paused with a confused look on her face
“What are you doing?” she asked
“Keeping count of how many times I’ve heard that before and the count is depressing,” I said I had to duck as a medical needle embedded itself in the wall right where my head used to be.
“That’s not funny I’m serious with how reckless you are I have to be more strict with you.” said Happy Heart
“Anyway you have some visitors shall I let them in?” asked Happy
“Yeah sure” I said
I was just got comfortable when I was suddenly tackled and squeezed quite painfully by a pink blur. Poor pinkie’s mane was as flat as mine her colors darker tears streamed down her face
“Oh Pinkamena I’m so glad you're ok when I saw you on the ground I thought you weren’t going to make it.” said Pinkie
“Pinkie….injured….pains great….please let go” I said grunting in pain
“That stupid Meenie Nightmare beating up my sister.” cried Pinkie
“Pinkie….seriously… can't breathe… lots of pain.” I said
Pinkie dropped me while I groaned at my agitated wounds.
“Sorry sis I was just so worried you were in terrible shape when we found you.” said Pinkie
As her friends came in
“We’re glad you're ok sugar cube those were some nasty wounds you had.” said Applejack
“Well I figure ah could use some gal pals and you protectin your sister like that is jus what ah’m lookin fer.” said Apple Cider sitting next to me on the left side of the bed.
That was so awesome you were able to stall Nightmare the Nightmare with your fists alone. *squeel* you are legendary.” said Rainbow Dash
“I thought it was great how you never gave up. Just kept going that’s what I like in a friend.” said Solar Dash sitting on my right.
“I do hope you feel better darling it looks like we have to do another spa appointment. Your mane is ragged and your coat is so dirty.” said Rarity my face expressing horror
“Oh come now surely the first time wasn’t that bad.” said rarity
Singularity walked over “other than my sister’s obsession of looking fabulous (rarity: “hey!”)
I thought it was amazing how you used your wits to outsmart your opponent even though you kind of lost it at the end.” said singularity standing by my left
“Wait… how did you guys know I went into my berserker mode you guys didn’t make it to the room until I was face down in a crater.” I said narrowing my eyes
Every single pony there was looking away some even whistling in supposed innocence
I shot up from my bed “you mean you guys were there the whole time and could have gotten the elements sooner?!” I yelled
“To be fair things were kinda dangerous any of us could of taking quite a beating if we tried to go in there while you two were letting loose.” said Twilight bashfully
That doesn’t make it better I never had a chance against Nightmare she is an alicorn for ponies sake!” I yelled
“Look sis I’m sure we’re all sorry right?” asked Pinkie narrowing her eyes at every pony
Everypony nodded “we’re just glad you’re alright
“Indeed we are.” said a familiar voice I turned to look and Celestia came in followed by another mare. This mare was dark blue with a light blue mane and tail she wore an old-time dress with a black crown and light blue royal shoes. Celestia, however, was dressed in a yellow tee-shirt with blue jeans with white street shoes.
“I am relieved that you helped my sister return to Equestria its been so long without her I am glad to have her in my life again.” said Celestia
“Sister ist this the one thou hast told me was able to match Nightmare Moon in combat?” asked who I assumed was Luna
“Why yes it is.” said Celestia smiling Luna came close and looked me over
“Yes I can see it clearly sister she resembles quite strongly of dear chancellor Puddinghead. I can see why she wouldst be an even match with the correct training. After all the berserker gene is all too obviously present in this young mare. But I thank thee dear one for helping the elements in freeing me from my plight.” said Luna bowing in thanks
A sweat drop went down my head “um Celestia why is she talking all old-timey no offense it's just a little weird.” I said
“Well she has been on the moon for a thousand years I imagine that you can’t really learn modern social norms while on the moon. Oh by the way.” said Celestia
The room immediately grew darker everypony including luna was shaking for some reason when I looked at Celestia I instantly knew why. Celestia had a murderous gleam in her eye her smile was strained and her right eye was twitching her mane was furiously flowing as if a strong wind were blowing it.
She spoke in a slightly raspy and crazy voice “I found your little gift in my cake all of that perfection ruined by hot sauce.” Celestia said
she appeared in front of me so fast I squeaked in nervousness.
She spoke in an even darker voice “you won’t know when and you won’t know how but I will get you back for this the retribution will be swift and most likely painful.”
I suddenly felt Luna grab me “art thou not of sound mind nopony messes with Celestia’s cake NOPONY! The last that had tried found themselves hanging off of a cliff dangling over a pool of rotten vegetables and tar wearing jesters outfits and wearing a sign that said ‘royal cake fool’ I don’t want to lose mine first friend she ist relentless in her pursuit of cake vengeance!” yelled Luna shaking me while telling me. I could feel that the next little while I was going to have to watch my back.