Before any of the fun could really begin between Night Fury and Celestia, Tia got a letter and cleared her throat. "I have some matters to attend too." With that said she took off and went back to her palace.
"Bye bye, really hope we can continue this again soon." Night muttered to himself. With that him and the six head back to town. The dragon takes off and in a hurry. Wanting nothing to do with the ponies again. Not if they have a weapon like Night in their arsenal that they can unleash in a moments notice.
They get back to town and Spike has a letter for Twilight. Apparently her brother was going to be in the capital. Getting married to Princess Cadence. Though also spoke of dangers of a possible changeling invasion. As scouts reported movement of the changeling hive to the northwest. So partly he was coming to reinforce the first vulnerable city, along with doing a royal wedding. Needless to say, Twilight was all giddy about the wedding. Meanwhile Night was more concerned about the possibility of a changeling invasion.
Twilight and the rest went to prep for the wedding. Since it was scheduled in two weeks. Night however, was in his room. With what books there were on changelings and the map of the city of Canterlot. Shining mentioned that there was going to be a shield active right about when the supposed invasion would reach the border. According to the texts, changelings were cunning creatures. Very smart about their attacks. They have been able to take over countries overnight in a quick and successful move. Though they would likely take a few hostages prior to the invasion. Replace them with drones to scout and to weaken the defenses. A wedding would be perfect. Though the key would be getting close to Shining. If he was in control of the shield, he would be the target for the scouts. Weaken him, then the invasion force can break through and sweep through. Twilight was his sister, but that would be way too risky. She lives in another town. Any infiltrators will get spotted before they made it. So it would be someone in Canterlot that would have the power to get close to Shining. Which could be anyone. Royal Guard, noble, maybe a friend of the family in the city? Night could only speculate the possible target for the infiltrator. He just knew, they would do it at the wedding. When everyone was in one place. Make the move fast and quick, before anyone could react, the shield down and a bunch of food was in one room in disarray. He couldn't plan better himself.
However, it bothered him. The zebra tribes back in his world were prime targets. Though the zebras were not to be underestimated. They usually defended their homelands very well against changelings. Though two tribes did fall completely overnight and vanished. The changelings knew it was too risky to stay so they captured and left. They were never heard from again. Though attacks ended up being more frequent. Forced breeding was assumed by the captured zebras. Or their love was able to expedite the process. Not much is known about how changelings use love. No one has managed to break in and walk away to tell the tale.
Regardless, he knew when they would strike and where, that would have to be enough. He was however was going to be prepared for a fight. The changelings would plan for the shield. So they would have at least two inside the city at a minimum a week before the wedding. He had Rarity make him numerous suits to have. Since he took none with him. Since he was stupid rich, she was quite eager to make him look it too, using expensive and durable materials for the suits. As requested he wanted durable in case he had to get into a fight. The one thing he did have was his war suit. A full suit of durable and flexible armor, and gave his wings a sharp razor edge. It was scary to look at, and he was scary without it. Just imagine him in it. He packed this just in case. Because if, no, when the changelings attack, it's the whole hive. Thousands of them will pour in within the first minute. He was going to need something to help him even the playing field a bit more. He was certain of the attack and knew the shield was temporary. If he was preparing to fight his own plans of infiltration of the city. Because if they were as smart as the texts said, they would do it similar to his way. It made the most sense and would yield highest chance of victory.
Twilight and friends never noticed the chance of changeling invasion. Instead they were talking about Shining and Cadence and the wedding. What they planned on doing during the wedding and stuff. So the week to follow was all about the wedding, for both them and Night. Though Night was also trying to figure out escape routes, choke points, and the like for when the shield fell. How to reduce the number of ponies that could be captured or hurt and force the changelings into a fight. Which was also part of his plans. Where are the best points to engage the groups, lead the groups on wild chases and where he can go all out with little fear of major destruction. Tia hated him enough, least he could do was not level the city with the warfare. Well, most of it. He obviously can't stop all damage.
Figuring to contribute to the wedding, Night decided to bring some desserts. Which shocked the six. They were unaware he was such a good baker and chef. Yet the sample he provided for opinions on the recipe was spot on! A magic bar made with peanut butter, chocolate and some cookies. Along with a three layer trifle with crushed cookies in the middle. He just hoped the invasion wouldn't ruin them.
Finally, it was time to head up to the capital to rehearse the wedding, finalize the last of the details of it then do the thing for real. By this point the shield was up. Of all the ponies on the train, Night was the most on edge, as anyone on that train could be a changeling. Anyone in the city even. Maybe Shining himself was the changeling and the shield was a ruse to keep the defenses lowered? Night was being really paranoid and it bugged him (get it? I swear this wasn't planned). So he referred back to the letters him and Luna had. It was only four so far. Both being busy and all, haven't talked much. They helped keep him distracted and calm his nerves. None of the others knew he was really on edge, partly because he usually is regardless, but he was really good and hiding his emotions. He simply looked normal to the average eye.
They made it to the city, no harm so far. Everything was in place. The possibility of the fake being Shining was very quickly dismissed when he greeted them. Him and Twilight were hitting it off way too well. Changelings were unable to capture memories of their victims. Not in this short of time frame anyway.
Night was only in the audience of the wedding as a friend. So he could be close to the action, but had no physical parts in the wedding. Which was how he wanted it anyway. Observe for the changeling and stop them before they could attack.
The next few days went past and everything was going as normal. Minus Twilight making suggestions that Cadence wasn't really acting right. But it was hard to pinpoint her claim. Though Night was eyeing the princess closely. But nothing overly evident could be made. He didn't know her, Shining said she was being normal, but Twilight knew her as a filly. So it was all loopy. Only theories. Though the possibility of them overpowering and replacing the princess wasn't out of the question.
Finally the big day had arrived. Though Twilight was nowhere to be seen. Which wasn't good. Night was really on edge now. Perhaps they wanted Twilight after all? Or was she on to something? He still couldn't get two and two together enough to find the fake pony before the invasion would be upon them. But the ceremony was starting. So Night took his seat, wearing the war suit underneath his suit. His blades for his wings were in a sleeve on his belly. Luckily no one really noticed the fact his wings were covered in dragon scales. He took the ones from the one he killed back in his timeline. They could be woven and enchanted. Natural strength reinforced with magic made them the ultimate armor.
Things were normal, except Shining was a bit off, he seemed dazed. By the time Night realized he was under a love spell, Cadence revealed herself as the queen of the hive. Twilight was right. And Night should have seen it sooner. He quickly left the room to ditch the suit and put on the blades. He barged back into the room to see Tia get overpowered. "Well, guess you aren't as tough as you make yourself out to be." Night said to himself before taking to the sky, hovering above the crowd. Fully covered in black, only his mouth was exposed from the suit, and the eyes glowed red. The crowd didn't know if the queen or this figure was scarier. Both of them bared fangs at each other. Before the queen spoke, "Too late, the crowned prince is under my spell. His shield will fail any second, and Equestria shall be mine!"
Night didn't bother with banter. He made his strike and slammed into the queen, sending her and him crashing through the glass windows behind the alter. She was a bit dazed by the fast attack. "Whelp! You have will, I'll give you that. But you will make a fine specimen for my drones to play with." She replied as the shield broke. Night only hissed and growled at her. "What species are you?" The queen asked, noticing the fangs and oddly shaped wings.
"I'm a bat pony alicorn. My tribe is a well known line of warriors. Centuries ago we made up the majority of the Lunar Guard and were the best the country had. Even the daytime Royal Guard couldn't match us. Bet you didn't calculate on me being here, did you?" Night was focused and the hive wasn't in full engagement yet, most of them were gathering around the queen. Watching this banter take place. Then Night's voice went to that level it did on the night he faced off against Nightmare Moon. "You really think you best me? Send a hundred drones at me. I dare you! You thought Celestia and maybe Luna were the biggest threats? You thought wrong. I am the wrath of the night! All of the night's fury caged up in one being! And you just released the beast!"
Many of the drones began to shake in fear of this being. Not once have they heard a voice so loud, authoritative and angry. They knew of the Canterlot Voice of old. This was a whole new level of such a voice. It wasn't to simply to take authority away, no it was a weapon. A well honed weapon. Night spoke again, "You really think you are as powerful as me? You're nothing but a cockroach that gets stepped on like the insignificant bug you are. And I hope you and your drones watch me carefully once you send them at me, because I look forward to ripping their throats open with my fangs. Listening to their screams of agony and pain as they die slowly and painfully and I take them out like the bugs they are. Now, fear me, if you dare."
By this point, Celestia was back up and the five started to escort everyone away from the fight before they would return. Though since they were still in the room with the busted window they could hear the conversation between Night and Chrysalis. The five weren't as phased, they knew that voice. Celestia was feeling fear herself watching Night use that voice. He was true alicorn warrior. Being able to use such a voice like that took months of training at least. His suit was scary looking to say the least. She felt some relief to see his method was working wit the drones shaking in fear. He was breaking their morale before the fight even began.
A bat pony? How odd, such species were ultra rare in this region. An alicorn version, never heard of such a thing being possible. Being part of a warrior line was a bit concerning, bat pony warriors were more fierce then zebras. Especially the dedicated lines. If his heritage was right, he could have a chance to ruin this invasion or take most of the hive out before dying. No doubt about it. He would fight, they would have to kill him. He would fight till his last dying breath. No chances on him. Shame really, he could be so useful. Such power and will would benefit the hive long term. She was going to have to focus on him mostly. Her drones wouldn't last against him. Not powerful enough to handle a pure blood bat pony warrior. Though she was curious if he was bluffing about his heritage, so she decided to challenge it before engaging, "How dare you! I'm going to rip you open for such comments! But how do I know that you aren't just lying about your heritage? Some bluff to intimate?" She figured that since most bat ponies were living in the wilds beyond the everfree, he would be clueless on the lineage. As most of it was lost after that. Unknown to her is that he came from an alter dimension where the lineage stayed in tact. Making it easy to track in this timeline despite the missing texts.
"I'm from the boytsy nochi tribe. Scared now, missy? Should be, if you know anything of my culture." Night grinned. If she was going to poke his heritage, then she was somewhat knowledgeable of bat ponies. May run her off with that bit of trivia. Depending on how she ruled the odds of facing him and winning.
She knew that tribe. It was the best of the bat ponies thousand years ago. If the tribes got into a war outside of their own conflict, the boytsy nochi were always the front runners for the fight. Usually half their tribe was enough to repel the attacking force. He pronounced it like a fluent speaker of the native tongue, he was no liar. He was the real deal. He was a descendant of the tribe and knew the culture of the tribe too. He was not to be underestimated. Her best bet was wear him out. Only way she had a chance. Though this would be hours and hours of fighting. Being a warrior, he could fight all day against her drones and not tire. She had to keep up the pressure and make him use up his magic. Or overwhelm him with numbers while attacking. The latter was a better shot. Get him pinned or off guard for a few major blows and she could off him quickly and focus on the princesses and Shining while the drones took over the country. With that she ordered the attack.
The changelings that weren't shaking engaged. Along with the queen. Night was fast, moving at incredible speed. Reminding the changeling queen who she was going up against. Night in moments had managed to drop ten drones by slicing them with the wings. Others fell to his throwing knives which were disguised as feathers on his wings. No one would think twice about it since pegasi had feathered wings. Bat ponies however, do not, so armor including them was not necessary. Just one more trick Night carried. Which was able to drop fifteen in seconds. More and more kept rushing in to the fight as their resolve came back. Except Night was faster in his reflexes. Dodging and weaving around like a fly on steroids. Slamming into unsuspecting drones, countering others. Doing unorthodox moves for any flier.
At one point the fight got to the ground. After a few lucky blows from above pushed Night to the ground. Though as soon as he hit the ground and as they landed gathering around him, he flapped his wings and began to slide against the ground backwards into a roundhouse kick to the jaw to the unprepared drone, snapping the lower jaw clean off the skull. Killing the drone from the blow. The ground attack was useless, Night was just as fast as he was in the air, thanks to him still being able to call upon his wings for rapid movement. Then a blast from the queen was fired but Night blocked with his wings, which still had a few knives on them. The enchantment plus the curve of the knives only reflected the blow into a multitude of directions. Taking out twenty drones in a single instant.
Many tried to get close, but that failed too, his strength and speed were unmatched and most attempts were met with skull cracking blows. If they didn't get their throats sliced from the wings or ripped open by his fangs. Night was an animal in a murderous rage at this point. Kill after kill, repeatedly. The queen kept trying to blast him with magic, but those were either matched with his own blast, reflected by the wings, or the scales. Some drones were close enough to go for the bite but the scales were too armored to penetrate with just teeth. However, Night's teeth had no problem ripping past their exoskeleton armor.
The fight was four hours in, by this point dozens of drones have fallen to the bat pony. If not a hundred. The queen was beginning to panic. The city was in full scale war now. The citizens took up fight, after seeing Night go toe to toe with so many with no fear. She couldn't keep up the pressure on him and the citizens at the same time with the drones. So she refocused the drones to deal with the population while she went one on one with Night. She hoped he was weaker, but he didn't look it. That armor was his best defense while against the drones. They lacked the strength to penetrate it, she could. Her magic wasn't strong enough to break past the scales. Her physical strength could. Doesn't matter how good the armor is at preventing the hit from penetrating. It doesn't stop the force from entering the body of the wearer. Her goal was up close physical engagement.
She flew in close and engaged Night, both of them hovering in the air circling while their hooves were moving so fast that most on the ground could barely see their hooves. The most intimating part was Night never averted his glare from the queen's face. His skill was high enough that he didn't need to watch his opponent's moves. He could predict with high accuracy. She tried every move she knew, she couldn't break past his defense. She had to try something really unorthodox. She began morphing into varies creatures, trying to get him off guard. He was prepared enough she couldn't get him to stumble long enough to get a good hit in. Just give him a minor daze. "Nightmare Moon was more of a fight then you." Night said, with a cocky grin on his face. "At least she could land a hit. Are you even trying or you just trying to butter me up?"
The nerve of this pony. He could taunt her while she tried to break him. Though he gave her an idea for one last form. Use the form of the one that did at least land the hit. So she quickly morphed to Nightmare Moon. She then went in again, this time trying to blast him with magic hoping that a really close hit would do something. She did get a few good hits in this time. Along with using spells to make her physical attacks stronger. She finally got her small edge she needed. Night was now taking quite the beating. Before she sent him through a building.
She flew to the other side expecting to see the injured bat pony lying on the ground. Only he was back up and took out two drones that were unlucky enough to be in his way. Then he saw the queen, still in the form of the mare he hated the most. "Vy nosite masku ved'my, kak korona. Vy nadeyalis', chto eto pomozhet vam, eto tol'ko uskorit vashe padeniye. A poka ty menya razozlil. Vot yarost' nochi (You wear a mask of the witch like a crown. You hoped it would assist you, it will only expedite your downfall. For now you have made me angry. Behold the fury of the night.)." He then took flight, flying high into the sky. So fast the queen could barely eye him as he soared above the clouds, out of sight of anyone near the ground. The only thing that followed was a distinct whistle of wind and quickly falling black spec. The sound of a sonic boom was heard a few seconds before the queen fully realized what was going on. Before she could react, Night had slammed into her and sent her through four buildings with a loud boom from his impact.
The queen flew up, injured and enraged. She went to engage him again. Only to see he was now the center of a large black pony. Easily the size an Ursa Major. She had the face of fear when the large hoof made impact with her and sent her flying again through several blocks worth of buildings. The queen by now was seriously injured, she couldn't afford to continue the fight. One more like that would end her, it would take all her remaining magic just heal these wounds. Which she did use then ordered the retreat. She didn't win this time, but next time she would. She would make sure of it.