//------------------------------// // Big and small Fights // Story: Fangs and Blood and other Things // by Kinetic Heat //------------------------------// What is it with these six fillies? Do they not understand it is far too dangerous to encounter Nightmare Moon in combat? First, falling off a cliff, then attacked by a manticore, endangered to lose their sanity by Nightmare Moon's illusion techniques, almost talked to death by a sea serpent and to round it up torn apart and hunted down one by one of Nightmare Moon herself!! I must do something against her, otherwise they will not be able to see the sun rise again by the end of tonight. But I got to admit, that rainbow one has some good taste in humor. Twilight and the others were about to walk up the path that would bring the to the chamber that bore the elements of harmony. Hazel moved as a shadow, impossible to be seen by any of them and flew into the once so beautiful throne room. ''Luna, I know you are there, I can feel your presence. Save us the time and do not make me search for you!'' he shouted into the seemingly empty hall. ''So, the mighty and oh so charming Hazel Eyes decided that I was worth being talked to...'' A small cloud of purple and blue smoke floated from the half way fallen apart ceiling and began whirling and growing until Nightmare Moon in her full terrible glory stood before the white pegasus. ''I suppose talking will not bring you back to consciousness, so let us skip this troublesome part and move right into close combat,'' Hazel mocked with a wry smile. ''But why fight? Aren't you glad to see me after such a long time? It's been a while since we last came together,'' she snickered about the reference she just made. Great mistake... The moment her snicker began, Hazel steadied himself and took a step towards the night's ruler, appearing just a pony's length besides her. He slammed hard into her right wing, throwing her off her hooves and sending her tumbling over the floor. But the attack wasn't over yet; reappearing on her other side, he sent her flying with a powerful kick into her ribs. As soon as she was airborne he flapped his wings and flew above her, knocking her down with a punch with one of his front hooves. He repeated this strategy several times until he snatched all his legs around her and heaved her high into the air. Nightmare Moon was in a shock of pain and therefore the mere thought of resistance was out of question. Holding her tight in his grip, he spun around, heading towards the floor. With every foot they lost in height, they spun faster. Not even a pony's length away from the ground, Hazel let go of the badly beaten tyrant, smashing her into the ground and taking a sharp edge to prevent him from doing so as well. He landed several feet away from the crater,that had formed from the impact. ''Last time we met, you were much more of an opponent. I guess the long time on the moon has made you as tame as a kitten.'' Hazel shook his head. ''I … am … not done … yet.'' her voice was suppressed by her clenched teeth, but she arose rather quickly from her injuries. The confident smile on Hazel's face vanished and he took on a hardened expression again. ''Now it's my turn.'' The small scratches and streams of blood on her nostrils disappeared and she fell into a battle stance. The black mare dashed forward, horn aglow to run Hazel over. What is she intending to do? I am way taller and heavier than her, so what sense is there in meeting me in direct combat? Hazel waited for the dark alicorn to come close and in the blink of an eye, he took a small jump into the air, whirling around to her left side and clutched his front hooves around her neck. Positioning his hind legs next to her's, he rammed her horn into the ground with a fierce strike. The only thing that touched the ground was Nightmare Moon's forehead as she waved her hooves furiously. It was such a ridiculous sight, seeing the once so terrifying bringer of eternal night horn stuck in the ground. ''You dare to humiliate me? Get me down or I swear I'm gonna rip out your kidney and give it to the timberwolves!!'' she demanded, flailing wildly. A stream of insults was released, every new one more cruel and bloodthirsty than the last. ''As you wish, your highness.'' Hazel leaped forward, ready to kick her off her horn and breaking her ribs. But just before he could have landed the killing strike, Nightmare Moon dispensed into the characteristic smoke she used to travel around. Taken out of balance, he stumbled from his own force. The smoke that was Nightmare Moon began swirling around him, completely shutting off his surroundings. ''Welcome to my world of darkness, Hazel Eyes. I've been waiting for this moment a long, long time. You are in my kingdom now and you have no power here. Beware encountering your worst nightmares!!'' Nightmare Moon laughed manically. Something was pocking on the surface of Hazels consciousness, pushing against his mental barrier, striking forcefully against it. Attacking my mind, huh? Well, two can play that game... Hazel pushed back her presence with all his might, concentrating on nothing but the feeling of the dull pressure laying on his thoughts. He suppressed every possible distraction, not allowing himself to quiver so she could undercut his block and take control over his body. Nightmare Moon was an expert in illusions and mental combat, but so was he. They held a battle of minds for several seconds in which each one leaped forth and back, partly attacking their opponent with strikes of pure mental force and then withdrawing and strengthening their mental blockade. Damn, if this goes on any longer, I might end up being distracted by one of her illusions. I have to end it right now! Slightly lowering his stance, he allowed Nightmare Moon to draw in closer. Suddenly he gripped on her mind with ever new force, pinning her down and robbing her of any possibility of attacking again. Hazel opened his wings with a sudden strike, sending the smoke around him to disperse. Slowly heaving his eyelids, he revealed his now full aglow pupils, effusing a blood red light. ''Another mistake you made: Darkness is my favorite element. Attacking me with it is similar to pouring oil on a fire. You should have thought of that when attacking a vampire. But do not worry, it is the last mistake you will have ever made.'' Just as the smoke formed the body of the black alicorn, Hazel dashed forward, fangs fully extended and bit down on her neck. This is the end, Nightmare Moon. I am truly sorry, Luna, I just was not strong enough to return you to your old self. Please forgive me, my dear... When he began to suck out the essence of her life, he noticed something strange: there was no blood pouring out. In fact, her whole body seemed way too light to be actually there. He withdrew his muzzle in confusion and stared at the fallen mare. There she lay obviously on the border to death, but no blood seeped out from the two holes on her neck. ''Ha hah ha, you really fell for it!!'' Appearing several feet in the air before him hovered Nightmare Moon, an evil grin on her face. A quick glow of her horn sent a blinding flash at Hazel. When he opened his eyes again, he was imprisoned by a cage of pure light. ''How did you- what is this thing? How could you escape from my attacks?'' he yelled at her in rage. ''Oh it was so easy, really. I haven't forgotten how fast and strong you are, so I just sent out a doppelganger. The only time when you were under my attack was when we had our little mental wrestling.'' ''Impossible, I was beating you to a pulp. Double magic can not create mass, that can stand my attacks!'' ''I had much time during my stay at the moon, so I took it and used it for training. You can see the results yourself. By the way the cage that is holding you is made of pure sunlight. If I were you, I wouldn't touch it. As far as I know, vampire skin doesn't react good to light.'' ''Sunlight? But that is Celestia's realm, you have no power over the sun!'' ''Yet another benefit of my imprisonment. Small fact: moonlight is nothing but sun rays, reflected by the moon's surface. It's like the moon is a giant mirror.'' ''You will pay for this, Nightmare Moon!'' ''Do you have any idea how pathetic you sound right now? Last time when we met, you were much more of an opponent. I guess the long time in Canterlot has made you as tame as a kitty.'' She chuckled again and flew off. Oh horseapples, I have got to get out of here. But Nightmare Moon did not seem like she was making jokes. Dammit, the only thing that can save me now are the elements of harmony... Please let those six be worth bearing them. On the edge of giving up, just as he was about to admit his defeat an idea came to his mind. ''Today is not my brightest day,'' he sighed and began to dig. Moving more and more of the stony ground, he shoved away small rocks and dirt. When he had reached around ten inches of depth, a searing pain struck his hoof. Drawing back the hurting limb, he found the cage going through the ground, locking him in completely. Frustrated, he gave up; there was no escape from his luminous prison. Hazel bumped his flank on the ground with a thud- and suddenly, the cage was gone. ''What in-'' His eyes widened as a rainbow soared through the sky and a multicolored light came from afar. They really did it. They really do have the right to be called Elements of Harmony. Now I should get moving, before somepony sees me like that. Hazel beat his wings and flew over to the chamber of the, once, Elements of Harmony. He clothed himself in the shadows once more and became a witness of the return of princess Luna. After a tear jerking reunion and after the elements had left the scene, he revealed himself before the now two rulers of Equestria. ''Your Highness, I am reliefed you are back,'' Hazel took a deep bow and knelt before the younger of the sisters. ''Why so formal, Hazel? Get up, you are embarrassing yourself.'' Luna gave a soothing smile. ''After what I threatened to do a thousand years ago I feel ashamed. Please take my most sincere apologies. I deserve every punishment you imply to hand out to me.'' ''Hazel, I think my sister doesn't hold a grudge against you. Now would you please get up and welcome her back as it is fitting for a personal guard like yourself?'' Celestia admonished him. Hazel got on his hooves, looked Luna in the eye and embraced her in a tight hug. ''I am so sorry I wanted to kill you, Luna! I should have never even thought about it! It was the monster inside that spoke, but I swear it will never happen again!'' A single blood tear ran down Hazel's cheek, dropping to floor. Luna backed away and took a hoof to his face, wiping away the trace of blood. ''Now, now, I'm not angry. In fact I hereby vow that I shall never let my jealousy get the better of me.'' They dove into another hug and remained there a few more moments. Then Celestia came to speak. ''Now, Luna, I think it is time we get home. You are tired and so am I.'' They took off, but when Luna noticed that Hazel stood back, she turned around. ''What are you waiting for?'' ''I cannot join you, your Highness.'' With a calm voice and a warm smile he looked up to her. ''I have a mission to fulfill. I must stay here in Ponyville. It is my duty.'' A sad looked crept on Luna's face, but she didn't falter. Turning to follow her sister, she continued to flap her wings and veered away from their former residence. ''Spike, take a letter, please. I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue her study in the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.'' Wow, she does not even know them all for longer than about two days and yet they behave as if they had known each other for eons. Perhaps there is some magic in friendship... Hazel giggled to himself. It was the day after Luna was turned back into her former self and a celebration had been set up to welcome her back on in Equestria. As always, Hazel stood aside, watching everything in his usual glare. After the party was over, he took flight and headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. When he landed on the ground, Hazel saw Big Mac plowing the fields with something that looked like somepony had thrown a chunk of iron ore into a forge, waited two days and stuck two wooden sticks into it. Thus, the rope looked more than worn and several strings were about to get loose. Mac obviously was in great labor and tugged as hard as he could, but the plow only moved slightly. Then, the disaster happened: The rope snapped with a flick and Mac, who had turned sidewards in an attempt to put more strength to the plow, fell to his side. Suddenly, he let out painful gasp. The tip of nail that had been stuck into the ground by Applejack and Applebloom when they had played their game of throwing horseshoes at it, pierced itself deep into Big Mac's flank. Hazel rushed over to him and helped him sit up. The wound was deep. Blood was oozing out of the huge hole and Mac flinched in pain. ''Mac, this is bad, we have to get you to the hospital. Like right now. I need you to get on my back, so I can fly you there.'' ''Nnnnope,'' was the only answer. ''Please, or otherwise there is a high chance that the wound could get infected and that means a secure death.'' Big Macintosh blinked. He lowered his gaze to inspect his flank and quickly withdrew his look. An idea came to Hazels mind. ''Do not tell me you cannot see blood.'' ''Eeeyup.'' ''Oh, dear.'' Faster than he could react, Hazel took two hooves to Mac's chest and heaved him up. He then quickly placed himself under Big Mac, front hooves over his shoulders, hind legs behind his wings. He gave a hard flap and took off. Whoo, this colt is heavier than I thought. I have to get him to a medic pretty soon. They flew plain across Ponyville, the shortest way to the hospital. Big Mac held tight onto Hazel. Too tight, in fact. ''Mac... please... I cannot... breathe...'' ''Ah'm sorry!'' When Hazel looked on his back, Mac's eyes were clenched shut and he quivered. ''Oh please, do not tell me you are afraid of height as well,'' he pleaded. ''Nnnope, Ah'm afraid of FLYING!!'' He clenched around Hazel's neck again, cutting off any air that would have possibly filled his lungs. For Celestia's sake..... Hazel nearly crash landed from the dizziness that came with the lack of air. He entered the building with Mac still laying on his back. ''How may I help you?'' a white earth pony mare with a nurse's cap asked suspiciously. ''Well, you see, my friend here got a pole stuck in his flank and it is of utmost urge that he is treated right away!'' Hazel plagued the nurse and showed her Mac's blood crusted side. She went pale and after she rushed away for a few seconds she came back with a barrow and a caramel unicorn with a white cloak. ''Put him on this and then let's move. Nurse Redheart, bring me some string, a needle and bandages.'' Without further ado they rushed into some far away part of the hospital, leaving Hazel completely on his own. There they go. I hope everything goes well. He sat back into the lounge for visitors and kept waiting for a sign from the nurse, the doctor or anypony else. Wait, did I call Mac 'friend' just back there? Hmmm, this friendship thingy is getting to me... Half an hour passed when the door finally opened and Nurse Redheart stuck her head inside the room to call on Hazel. Mac stood in the atrium, thighs wrapped in white bandages and his usual calm face. ''He is to not work hard for the next four weeks. Keep him calm and don't let him do anything exhausting. The wound could open again and I am not sure if can fix it this time.'' Hazel listened to what the doctor said and memorized everything. ''I will keep an eye on him. Thank you for everything,'' Hazel nodded in gratitude. ''Oh, please, it's my job to do that. Now off you go, I have to see after that ball of pink fur that seems to have found it's new home in here.'' They arrived at home when the sun was about to set. ''Hello, we are home. Where are you?'' Hazel stepped into the kitchen. ''Big Mac!!! What happnd? Why are ya wearin' these bandages?'' Applejack came running into the kitchen and pushed Hazel aside. ''He had a little accident on the field today.'' Hazel told Applejack everything that had happened so far. When he mentioned that Mac had to rest, Appljacks face grew concerned. ''Four weeks?! That's horrible! Apple Bucking Season starts next week!!'' ''Apple Bucking Season?'' Hazel asked incomprehensibly. ''It's the time when we Apples have to harvest all apples before winter comes. Otherwise they'll foul on the trees and we Can't sell 'em. I'll have to do it all by myself this year.'' ''Well, I can help you. Princess Celestia said I should earn my living here, so that is what I am going to do.'' ''That's mighty nice of you, sugarcube, but this is Apple Famly business only. You can help store 'em apples, but leave the bucking to me.'' Mac intervened. ''AJ you can't buck those apples all by yaself. They're too many.'' ''Is that a challenge?'' What? Where did that come up from? I guess Neighton was right when he established his fourth law: For every action of a stallion, there is a mare overreacting. ''Ah'm not challenging you, AJ, Ah'm just afraid you're bitin' off more than you can chew.'' ''We'll see 'bout that. This year, Ah'm gonna buck evry apple all by my own!'' Gosh, this mare is as stubborn as a mule...