//------------------------------// // 1 - Eternal Night // Story: Reborn, Death, Again // by Hidden_Night //------------------------------// Anonymous stood proud next to a fallen bridge. His mission is simple, guard the bridge! Nightmare Moon was originally going to set up three illusory pegasi to prevent anyone from crossing. So she sent Anonymous to stand there, menacingly. Anonymous has been decked out in some snazzy new armor. Purple in color while holding the branding of the moon. He wasn’t given any weaponry, due to budget concerns. Also that budget doesn’t exist so who’s at fault here? Thats right, capitalism. He couldn’t see past the mist the ravine was making, so he decided to try some magic whilst waiting. Nothing too spectacular, just juggling magic bolts in his hooves. It was a neat pastime to do. Just bounce the funky blue energy up, down, all around. “Wait, why is it blue?” He stopped to inspect his magic bolts, it wasn’t just any blue it was the color of the night sky above. This was interesting to Anonymous, he’s absorbing someone’s magic. It definitely wasn’t Nightmare Moon’s. Her magic is more of a deeper blue. “Suspicious.” With trepidation he took a lick from the ball of energy and slightly seared his tongue. “Yeowch, it taste like…” He smacks his lips. “Stardust.” He rubs his poor tongue and looks at the magic some more. “Hmmm…from what I can tell. Nightmare Moon’s magic is from anger, this doesn’t feel like angry magic.” He pressed the magic together in his hooves and pushed it back into his body. “I’ve seen that before, I don’t know a guy who can perform an exorcism yet. Holy magic is annoying to use when you have to swap what Deity you worship is too much.” He goes on talking to himself. His growing doubts about following not an evil pony, but a possessed pony was not looking too good, is festering his mind. Any normal sap with holy magic can put down his newfound ruler. At best it’ll remove the cursed spirit, at worst it could sever a chunk of her soul when trying to remove the spirit, leaving the remains weak and sick. It’s all the more reason to try to protect her. Besides, if he gets bored he could remove the cursed spirit himself! “You know, I’m starting to understand why some rulers poison their advisors. It’s only been about a few minutes and I already have a plan to defy her.” He chuckles to himself. “I’m a terrible evil minion.” His train of thought was stopped when he heard faint noises in the distance. A quick stumble to readiness, head high, horn at the ready, and standing tall. The armor did slightly weigh on him, but he tried to ignore the cool metal pressing against him to keep an intimidating look. Six shadowy figures from across the mist, two of each kind of pony. Two normal looking ones, two unicorns, and two pegasi. After some regular chatting one of the pegasus dove downwards into the ravine. “Right, the bridge. Just have to prevent them from fixing it. No big deal, shoot first ask questions later.” He decided to charge magic through his horn for intimidation. His stance only turned ready once he saw a blue blur fly to the edge and land, producing a cloud of dust which masked the figure. “Alright. Just gotta find a rock to attach this and — woah!” Anonymous could only assume it was a she from their voice, and odd horse instincts. No more face blindness with horses as a horse, neat! A cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail landed before him. Holding one end of the rope in her mouth. This was it! Anonymous had a moment to ensure that he could play a role as the dependable henchman. “Halt! I represent uhhh…” Anonymous blanked on the name of his new ruler, probably should go without this during the report back to the ruins, “her grace in the name of the…uh. Stop!” The pegasus rolled her eyes. “Wow, really convincing. Where did you get the armor anyway? It looks cool.” She didn’t seem too intimidated by Anonymous, more of an oddly intrigued. “Oh, thanks. I got it from this weird horse in the ruins back there.” He has no idea what to do now, his first social interaction with her. It wasn’t a strong magical horse being like his new ruler, it just seemed like a normal tomboy, with wings. She didn’t seem to like his phrasing as she seemed slightly disgusted and began to step away from Anonymous. “Oh…not so cool you got it from a whorse…” Anonymous wasn’t sure he heard that right, the inflection was different but he could almost get the term, “A what now?” He shook his head before continuing, “No, I mean this tall black unicorn pegasus thing out in those ruins there.” He turned to point to the ruins, in which he didn’t notice the pegasus slowly realizing what he meant and had to do something. “SPY!” She immediately sprang into action and tackled Anonymous to the ground. “Ack-“ Anonymous was caught off guard her speed was incredible, his chest felt like he was punched by a car. “Strong form but…” He felt magic from her, fast, strong, and even windy. “I can do it too!” Anonymous reached for her wings with his hooves. “Say wha—“ The cyan wonder couldn’t react to a sudden uncontrollable surge in her wings, forcing her up into the air. “Finally.” He dusts himself finally getting free of that Pegasus. “I’m not even a spy I’m a—“ “HIYA!” An oddly posh voice “Excuse me can you—ACK!” Anonymous felt a hoof kick directly upon his chin, sending him flying back into a tree. “Ow!” His head rattled, and felt his helmet split open and fall off his head. “Wow Rarity. when did you learn how to do that?” A youthful voice spoke up, a little too youthful, almost squeaky. “Well, a lady simply must learn how to defend herself against ruffians.” The fake accent was charming to Anonymous, since he’s being generous with his praise to the heroes. “Okay. Hold up!” Anonymous yelled, standing to face the group. Five mares stood before him, at the front is a white unicorn, next to her is a purple unicorn, two normal horses one orange and one pink, and another way in the back spending way too much time fixing the bridge. “No, you hold up! Why are you helping Nightmare Moon bring eternal night?” The purple one spoke up. Her horn charging with magical energy, she seems uneasy about conflict. Anonymous could only tilt his head. “She’s bringing eternal night?” “You…don’t know?” “…yes.” “You do know?” “Yes!” “Oh Horseapples!” The orange mare called out, a strong southern twang stuck her vocal cords. It reminds Anonymous of home oddly enough. “If ya didn’t know about her plans of eternal night! Then why are you here?” “Dunno, on a whim. Can we go back to where we’re fighting and I capture you and bring you back to the Queen—“ “Princess.” The purple one interrupted. “—no interrupting. I bring you back, you break out of your binds, you bring out the maggufin and rid the cursed spirit binding her soul.” “Pardon, what was that last part?” The white mare seemed slightly intrigued. “Oh, the bondage?” “No!” She blushed at that. “The other part.” “I knew what part you mentioned. Just didn’t feel like adding more since you seemed unaware of that fact.” “Why would you—“ “I’m supposed to be evil if I’m helping bring Eternal Night. So, yeah. Have at thee!” Anonymous charged his horn, four of the mares got into battle ready stances while the one in the back go back from tying a knot. A familiar voice yelled from above as Anonymous was about to charge. “Look out below!” “Nope!” Anonymous yelled, quickly casting a bubble around him which stopped a sudden crash of a rainbow blur near his head. Looking up Anonymous winced at the sight of a very angry horse near him. “Jeez.” His magic bubble formed a windshield wiper and slowly pushed the pegasus off of him. “Rainbow! You okay?” “I’m good!” The Rainbow horse “Glad that’s over. Are you going to join your friends in the epic battle to decide the fate of your lands or…” “You talk funny.” The Pink pony said. “I…” This gave Anonymous some pause, but his ears twitched and quickly rolled dodge a blast from the purple unicorn. His horn quickly shot a quick retaliation blast which was promptly blocked by a balloon. “Wait, a balloon?” Anonymous just processed what blocked his shot. “Yepppers!” The pink mare started sending out more balloons in his direction. Anonymous has to continue to blast the balloons coming from his direction, sure he could pierce the balloons but all the piercing spells he knows would pierce more than just the balloons. “I feel this is not really important…but are you high on sugar?” Anonymous asked, having to duck underneath another blast from the purple unicorn. “Also yep!” “Cool! Where can I get some?” “Well, you’re being a real meanie pants right now so I can’t tell you where I live!” Anonymous paused wondering what the hell she means by that. He won’t press on it. “…fair enough. Anyway can we go back to fighting I feel like I should’ve been attacked suddenly.” He looks over at the orange mare who hasn’t really done much. Same with the yellow pony who has been awfully quiet. “Sorry partner. Just ain’t honest to attack somepony without having the fight face to face.” Anonymous smiled, happy to have a one on one. “Well. See this is honor right here!” Anonymous closed his eyes to prepare a spell, which distracted him from her sudden turn to face away from him. “Think fast!” The orange mare bucked him, directly upon his chest plate. The metal shattered at the contact and shoved anonymous back. “Son of a—!” Anonymous flew backwards only to roll up the hill upon touching the dirt. “Why am I being flung around like a ragdoll today?” His body was lying down on the ground stomach up, having to look up at the star studded sky. “Ha. So that’s what I’m fighting for? Not that bad actually.” He smiles, before a yellow pegasus came into view. His instincts kick in to cover his head. “Ummm, excuse me.” Her voice was quiet, anonymous slowly uncovered his head to see her looking down at him with an uneasy look. “Could you stay down. I-If that’s okay with you, of course.” “I….” He wasn’t prepared to handle this level of cuteness, nor was his mind ready. He just nodded, watching the girls walk past him as he stared up at the sky. Not paying him any mind. “Do those girls know how to safely remove a cursed spirit?” He asked himself closing his eyes. He was defeated by the heroes after all. He could’ve fought better, but he didn’t know the level of power they have at the time. Experience builds character after all. Reflecting on his foes, a white dashing rouge, a blue fast, a shy support, a bubbly support, a strong fighter, and a magic caster. Though something feels wrong, they don’t have a priest. If they intend to free Nightmare Moon of her cursed spirit then they must have a way. Right? His eyes shot open. “Shit! They don’t!” He rolls over to his stomach and began to sprint up to the ruins. His hooves stalled on the dirt and saw conflict at the other end of the ruins, they were near the towers! Anonymous was moving quickly, he may have lost, and sure is being mighty mean to the yellow pony, but he had to help even from hiding. His horn casted a thorny vine to climb onto the roof of the tower, a hole was there to allow him to peer into the conflict below. “You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me?! You may have defeated my worthless minion, but now you’ll never see your princess, or your sun, the night shall last forever!” Her cackle echos through the room as her magic swirled above her. He felt he was going through yet another hero and villain speech moment. So his brain tuned the conversation out as he needed to focus. Whatever they’re going to do will be powerful, he could feel it. His horn focused a redirecting spell. If they’re launching a Hail Mary purification spell, he could at least dampen the power to prevent the soul from being damaged. Until he heard it. Their title and who they are. Not a simple hand of heroes. They’re the Elements of Harmony. Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty. All bound together with the spark, in which every friendship has Magic. The power of their magic was overwhelming and rainbow colored, but he had to try to intervene. He couldn’t redirect the spell anymore, if he tried to absorb the magic he could potentially harm his body. So he did what any sane person would do. He jumped right into the breach and fell directly before Nightmare Moon. “No! No! NOOOOOOO!” He could hear the last cries of Nightmare Moon as he stared up, she was indeed being purified. His horn quickly flared up and began to pump his stored up magic, specifically the magic that tastes like stardust into the purification spell. Any remnant of her old body should be done well into the purification spell. The spell only got more intense as the rainbow trail swirled faster, and then condensed around Nightmare Moon “I feel like I should—“ The magic expanded, and for the last time today, Anonymous was flung across the room hitting his body against a pillar. “You know. I should really move instead of talking first…” His eyes slowly closed as he fell to the ground. Finding himself unconscious. Anonymous slowly opened his eyes, to find himself at the legs of some white horse, it wasn’t the previous one he had the pleasure of meeting hoof to face, this one was different. Longer, and seemingly had the power of the sun behind her. “Rise. My Little Pony.” Her voice was gentle, yet it feels like he’s being scolded. However he should be okay here as he slowly gets up, his eyes finding himself to look up at her. Lavender eyes looking back at him. “So uh…ahem…this is awkward.” He feels like he couldn’t stare at her, but had to force himself to look back at her eye to eye. His horse body automatically bending to the respect she is definitely owed. “Indeed.” Anonymous is feeling a pattern here. “So, are you going to explain uh…” He looks around him, finally breaking eye contact. He’s in a cage, being guarded by gold plated pegasi guards. “Oh I’m in jail. Neat.” “You don’t seem too surprised by this.” She spoke with authority. It slightly scared Anonymous. “Bound to be jailed for being evil.” Anonymous chuckled. “Surprised it happened this fast.” “You speak from experience?” “Kinda.” Anonymous looked around some more, he was in the middle of the grasslands. Sounds in the distant indicate a party was being held. “Though I’m just glad I was able to do what I needed to in time.” “And what would that be?” “If I could see the results of my actions. I would be able to tell you.” He tried to course magic through his horn but felt nothing. A quick look to his horn revealed nothing but a thick ebony band with a crystal binding him. “Oh, hey, anti-magic band.” “What would those results be?” She attempted to put the conversations back into where she needed. He shook his head, taking a deep breath. “Not just yet, I need to know something. So tell me, is Nightmare Moon gone?” “Yes.” Her tone is still authoritative yet glad. Almost as if she wanted his old boss gone. “Then I’ve done what I needed. The Nightmare Moon spirit should be totally eradicated. If anything, her soul should be whole.” Anonymous took a peek at the guards around him, and their armor. They had an illusion spell etched into the gold to create an image. No wonder they looked the same. “Interesting…” She seemed to take a note of this information internally. Anonymous forced his eyes to focus back to the god horse, no matter what he felt an innate need to respect her. No matter what his brain told otherwise. “I assume this isn’t what you’re after.” “Quite. I just need to know why you helped Nightmare Moon.” Her voice turned hopeful. Anonymous thought of this question for half a second, then answered truthfully, “Boredom.” “Excuse me.” That hope was shattered, she didn’t hold contempt, just disappointment. “Boredom! I went into a spooky forest, found some equally spooky ruins and found an extremely spooky mistress, boss, queen, whatever. I just needed something to do.” Anonymous chuckled, “You know, it was fun for a while.” The tall white mare seemed to pause at his information and simply nodded. “Thank you. From what I’ve learned about you is that you don’t have a record here. Anonymous, if that is your name. Please know your trail will be held for treason in months time. Until then you shall be held in the Canterlot Dungeons.” “Man, I didn’t even get to invoke the fifth, also how did you know my name?” This confused him for a moment, then he put the pieces together. Moon horse told this sun horse about him during her transformation. “Excuse me? The fifth right of ponies don’t apply here.” She seemed to take slight offense at this. Anonymous wondered what the rights were here then. She spoke to the guards around her and the cage began to fly, the Pegasi guards carrying Anonymous. “Sorry about that. It’s just fun I suppose. I’ll see you in a month or two while I sit in a dungeon.” He gave her a small wave, smiling as he does so. The cage flew away, he looks off into the distance to try to spot any remnants of Nightmare Moon, and that he did. A dark blue tall mare staring at a wreath of colorful flowers around her neck. Her rear had the same mark as nightmare moon only a pure white instead of the corrupted blue. Sun and Moon. He wonders if her and the white horse are related. He could only smile to see that she’s returned at her full power instead of being a shell of what she once was. His view was cut short as the clouds began to obscure his view. “Dungeons huh? Real smart…” He muttered to himself. “I wonder how fast I can break out…” He looks up at the ring of anti-magic. He can break out, just not yet. Just a little while longer.