//------------------------------// // So It Begins // Story: Batman Vs Nightmare Moon // by ZombieBrony22 //------------------------------// The sun in Gotham has set and the criminals took the setting sun as a sign of freedom. Two of them stood outside a bank, awaiting the explosion from their mines. BOOM! The two grabbed their bags of money and bolted. Elsewhere, he watched. Waiting for the moment to strike, as he suited up and started his car. He spotted a police car through his camera system across the city and saw the two criminals on the run. He hopped in his car and drove off into the night. The police lost the criminals who reached a rooftop... but not before meeting him-- the Batman, the Dark Knight. Batman focused his view on the two criminals who drew 2 handguns. Batman threw a batarang which disarmed the two. They decided to charge Batman, which failed miserably as Batman tackled one of them, causing the criminal to hit his head against the roof. The other throws a punch, which Batman dodges. The two entered a fistfight, with Batman mostly dodging the punches, until Batman lands one punch, knocking both of them out. By the time police came up, the two criminals were tied up and Batman was gone. Sure enough, he made it to another roof above the crime scene, standing in the night as a flash of lightning made him visible for a few seconds. The sunset over Gotham City, signaling the criminals and scum of the city to reign chaos upon the innocent. Bruce Wayne looked upon the city from the view of his mansion. He just sighed and took a seat one of the many couches in one of the many living rooms. Alfred Pennyworth entered the room, holding a tray of tea. "Master Bruce? How long has it been since you were out there last?" He asked, setting his tray down. "5 years, Alfred." Bruce answered as he took a sip. "The city needs you again, you know that." Alfred said. "The Justice League can protect the city, Clark's been coming by time to time." Bruce said. "But the city needs you, not Superman.” Alfred told Bruce, trying to sway him. Bruce took another sip of Alfred’s signature tea, getting up from the couch. “When’s the gala tonight?” Bruce asked. “10:30, sir. Might I suggest you wear your best suit?” Alfred asked. “Indeed, Alfred. Indeed…” Bruce sat in the back of a limo, being driven by a close employee of his. “So what’s the gala about?” He asked. “A fundraiser for the return of the Batman.” Bruce responded. “Well, you think he’s coming back?” Bruce took a moment to come up with an answer. “Batman isn’t needed anymore. Gordon’s cleaned up Gotham without him.” Bruce said. “I mean, yeah, the crime rate’s down, but after what happened with Joker--” “Joker’s gone, let’s just forget about him.” Bruce responded quickly. “...Yes, sir.” The two arrived at the gala in Wayne Enterprises. Paparazzi herded near the entrance, praying to get a look at the rich billionaire. Their questions all began overlapping as Bruce ignored all of them until one stepped forward. “Mister Wayne, how about the rumors that you are the Batman? Can you confirm or deny them?” The reporter asked. “I am not the Batman and never cooperated with him. I have too much to live for and too much to do with my time. But let’s not worry about the ‘who’-- let’s worry about getting him back out there, whoever he is.” Bruce acted with a convincing, fake smile. The paparazzi were not entertained, but Bruce ignored them again as he entered the gala. Several members of Gotham’s elite were already in the gala-- dancing, drinking, and starting conversations. All activity ceased when they noticed Bruce. “Thank you all for coming. I appreciate your sincerity to the mayor’s wishes. That or I admire your partying preferences.” Some laughs formed in the crowd. “Now, I believe it’s time for the mayor to share a few words.” Bruce stepped aside, expecting the mayor. But he never showed. Moments passed before some people started murmuring among themselves. “Where’s the mayor?!” One guest asked. The murmurs got louder until… “Your mayor isn’t returning.” A voice said from the walls. People showed signs of panic and confusion. “Confused? Good. I like confused subjects.” The voice boomed as a starry substance flew through the windows, shattering everything in its wake. Bruce felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Once he unlocked his phone, the words ‘Get out’ were displayed, sent by Alfred. The substance before the crowd formed into an outline, then an explosion of darkness revealed a form of… “Is... that a horse?” A partier asked, snickering. The boogey-horse looked at the rude partier, and blasted a form of energy at him, which caused him to disintegrate. At this point, the entire crowd ran away screaming, nearly trampling over each other in their desperation to get away-- their desperation to live. Bruce ran around back, careful not to run into that creature again. As Bruce made it to the outside, he noticed that the moon was locked in place at the center of the sky. “How’s that possible? It’s only--” As Bruce looked up, the moon shone and formed a form of symbol, similar to the entity Bruce just encountered. He did the only thing that came to mind and took a picture. “...Reports all over the world are stating the same situation-- the moon, apparently, um… ‘stuck’. Now, for more local news-- the ‘Bring Back Batman’ Gala was interrupted by what some are calling the cause of this darkness. As more and more reports of car accidents, disappearances of public officials, and other strange occurrences continue to develop, Gotham all has the same question: Where is the Batman?” Bruce was on his phone back at Wayne Manor, trying to call old friends. “Come on Clark, there has to be something you can do.” Bruce begged over the phone. “I’m sorry, Bruce. Metropolis has the same problem and people are panicking, they need me here.” Bruce hung up and dialed another old ally. “Dick? How are things in Blud--” Dick Grayson, former Robin, and current Nightwing, hung up without saying a word. Bruce sighed and tossed his phone across the room, causing it to smash into pieces. “Well, good thing we have more of those…” Alfred said as he handed Bruce a cup of tea. “Thanks, Alfred.” Bruce took a sip. “Perhaps you should... call Barbara, sir?” Alfred suggested. “She made it clear she never wants to see me again. There’s no point-- Diana’s busy, Hal and Stewart are trying to find out the cause of all this, Clark’s on the front lines in Metropolis… what are my options?” Bruce asked. Bruce took a seat, reluctant to answer his own question. He knew what he had to do, but couldn’t. Not after what happened with… The room exploded in light as Bruce and Alfred were submerged in a warm glow. “I’m aware that we are getting old, but I believe this is too soon!” Alfred called out as Bruce struggled to see an entity approach the two. “Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth. I need your help.” A strong yet distant voice said. Bruce struggled to speak as the force grew closer, forming a similar silhouette of the intruder from the gala. “Who… are you?” Bruce managed to speak. The bright flash ceased, revealing an all-white, 4’3… unicorn in the manor, with hair that literally flowed with a bright rainbow palette. “Who I am is unimportant-- That intruder from the gala tonight, that was a being from another world-- my world. As long as she has control of your moon, she will never stop.” “Who is she?” Bruce asked. “Nightmare Moon- my… sister.” “What does she want?” “A new empire. I believe she plans to consume your world and use what’s left of it as an army against mine.” “How do I stop her?” Bruce asked. “You will need to speak to an old protege of mine, but she will not be so cooperative. She was brash and reckless, and once she saw an opportunity for more power, she abandoned me and her teachings.” “I know how that feels...” Bruce smiled, remembering Jason Todd- the second Robin, who now prefers to be called the ‘Red Hood’. “If my guesses are correct, she is at Canterlot City, in the local high school. Show her this, and she will help you. Hopefully…” Celestia used her horn to levitate a small journal and hand it to Bruce, with a sun symbol on it. “Why should I trust you?” Bruce looked up, but saw that she was gone, all that remained were Bruce, Alfred, and the journal. “Alfred…” Alfred got on his feet following the entrance. “...get the Batcomputer running.” Bruce entered the Bat-Cave which was covered with cobwebs and dust, thanks to years of abandonment. “Hopefully, sir, you like spiders as much as bats.” Alfred remarked. Bruce chuckled as he went over to the Batcomputer and activated it using the handprint scanner. The computer roared to life, with the automated voice stating “Welcome back, sir.” “Computer, access Wayne Enterprises files in Canterlot City.” “Of course, sir.” The computer loaded up files and documents, discussing a deal with Filthy Rich- Canterlot local billionaire- for property in the city. Sure enough, Filthy lent a hand and sold one of his buildings. Once Bruce accessed the camera footage, he had a front view of CHS, including the horse statue by the massive door. “What’s so important about that location, sir?” Alfred asked. “Aside from massive energy spikes in the past year alone, that… being told me that the only way I could take down this ‘Nightmare Moon’ was to talk to her old protegee. My guess is that she’s either a staff member or--” Bruce made it to where the spikes first started-- with someone walking out of the statue. She had crimson red and yellow hair, and a patch on the back of her leather jacket-- the symbol matching the one on the journal. “A student.” Bruce rose from his seat and paced over to the dressing room to change into thermals. Once done, he made his way to the Batsuit- something he hasn’t seen, let alone worn in years. He noticed a large collection of dust on the cape and shook it out as he took off the gloves first and put them on. He then made his way to the bodysuit itself- unzipping the back and slipping into it. He then grabbed the cape and cowl headpiece, placing it on him as he remembered the feeling- the rush he had every time he put on this suit. “I suppose I will be returning to comms, sir?” Alfred asked. Bruce activated the remote start to the Batwing, which until now sat in place, collecting dust. “That would be great, Alfred- thanks.” Bruce said as he entered the Batwing, opened the exit of the Batcave, and hovered into the sky. Once in takeoff, Bruce activated the camouflage, blending into the night sky. Bruce had a good look at the moon, now imprinted with this… “Nightmare Moon’s” symbol. He knew he had to stop her, it was only a matter of preparation and training. He’s not as young as he used to be. Bruce flew into the boundaries of Canterlot City, which lights shone brightly in the permanent night. The Batwing parked atop the building of which Bruce bought from Filthy Rich. He ejected from the vehicle and- using his cape glider- flew his way to the school building. He landed atop the statue where he spotted Sunset Shimmer leaving the building after school hours, holding a sum of cash. “Is that… money, sir?” Alfred asked. Bruce activated his voice changer to avoid detection. “I guess she was reckless…” Batman said as he silently landed behind her. Sunset held the money and counted it up, giggling to herself. Batman decided to break his silence. “Sunset Shimmer.” He said, boldly and silently. Sunset jumped and turned around, to see the Dark Knight standing in front of her. She looked nervous for only a millisecond, before setting an evil grin on her face. “I thought you’d be taller. Nice outfit, though.” “I need your help.” Batman said, ignoring her brash comment. “I’m not your girl.” Sunset started walking away, but saw the moon. “Oh, no…” Sunset’s brave act completely faded away and was replaced with utter fear. “Your former mentor sent me, told me I had to find you for answers.” “Celestia? If she’s counting on some creep in a mask… How should I trust you?” Sunset asked, pointing a finger in Batman’s face. “It’s rude to point.” Batman said as he held out the journal. “Where… where did you get this?” Sunset asked as she took the journal. “Who do you think? Tell me, how do I stop Nightmare Moon?” Batman asked again, running out of patience. “You… you’re gonna need the Elements of Harmony, they’re the only things that can stop her.” Sunset said. “And where are they?” Batman asked. Sunset gulped nervously before pointing to the statue. “That’s the gateway to Equestria- the only one. It won’t be open again for… a long time.” Sunset answered. Batman realized that the answer he has isn’t the one he likes. “So what you’re saying is that I can’t stop her, I can only send her back to her homeworld?” Sunset turned away to check her money again, avoiding Batman’s gaze. “Y-yes. Are we done? I have someone in my car, and I really don’t like keeping people wait--” Sunset turned away, but Batman’s gone. She breathed a sigh of relief and returned to her car. “~Carrie!~! Good news: you’re good for tonight, but if you don’t get my rival out of the Spring Flame, you will regret it. Am I clear?” Carrie Kelly nodded viciously before leaving the car. Before Sunset can get back in her car, a batarang hit the road next to her car with a piece of paper on it. Sunset opened the paper which read, in bold writing... I’LL BE WATCHING YOU