Chapter: 7
Black Dog Night
Muffled voices and shouts greeted the Princess of the Night as she awoke from her ‘abrupt’ meeting with the balcony of spectators; mainly the platform they all stood on. Nightmare forced her eyes shut in pain as she let out a hiss; thought clenched teeth and began to run the back of her head with a hoof.
“By the creator what was…”
~Howl~
A chill runs down the alicorn’s spine as she slowly turns towards the source of the noise and attempts to peer through the ‘still’ thick cloud of dust. Nightmare Moon’s eyes shrink to the size of pin dots as a large mass can be seen within the dusty haze.
~RRRAAAAAAWWWWW~
The crowd goes deathly silent as the feral roar echoes throughout the stadium. Couples hold one another while fillies and colts cling to their parents sides. The air drastically cools; evident by the vapor rapidly escaping the still panting alicorn.
“Mommy, why is it so cold?” a young colt asks, but his question goes unanswered as the ground shakes as if something large has fallen nearby. A few ponies in the lower decks let out a various shrieks and yells as there jostled from their seats. Several of them colliding with one another and falling into a heap of quivering flesh.
Compatriots in the upper decks look over their seats as the still fallen princess and a now dispelling cloud.
“My word, what in the name of Celestia was that?” A snooty mustached unicorn noble inquires as he glances towards the arena below. “It’s as if…” The stallion is cut off as the ground is shaken once more; knocking his comically oversized monocle into his crystal gantlet.
“That’s the third monocle his week. I must stop being so bloody terrified.” The noble laments as he uses his magic to fish out the now ruined eyewear from his glass.
~***~
The ground shakes once more; much sooner than the last. Several crowd members begin shifting in their seats as their fears begin to rise. One patron goes to take a swing from his gold gauntlet, but stops as he notices the liquid inside ripple.
“WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT!” A mare shouts as a figure bursts from the cloud and starts charging toward the princess.
~HRRRG-RRRRRGH!~[/1]
~***~
The very creature that sent the great alicorn flying, is in her sights and barreling towards her at speed a being of that mass shouldn’t possess. Normally, even something of this size won’t be a match for the night princess. She’d vanquish it or at the very least subdue it, without much effort. That is, if the alicorn wasn’t ready to ruin her armor in fright while a cold sliver of fear rolls down her back.
Nightmare Moon, Tyrant of the Night was scared. More scared that she has ever been in her long life. (Yes, it was she that occupied the moon during the banishment, not Luna.) While her time on the dissolvent rock gave her centuries to brood as her anger festered into something that would make the late king of the crystal realm envious.
None of that seem to matter as the source of the princess’s fears was closing the distance between her and ‘it’ was going at a pace that by all rights; shouldn’t be possible. The alicorn’s body shook as her legs refused to obey and lift her from the sandy ground.
So absorbed in her fear, the princess of the night didn’t even notice the massive claw raising above the creature’s head till it caught a ray of the moon light, as the beast let out another feral roar.
Snapping from her stupor, the princess managed to coax her treacherous legs to cooperate long enough to move out the way of the oncoming attack.
~Boom~
The arena’s outer wall took the hit meant for the alicorn. A cloud of white marble and rock almost rolled from the area as the creature removed its clawed paw from the area it made contact with.
Seeing the destruction of the retaining wall, Nightmare Moon desperately scrambled to her hooves and began to power up her horn; in fear of the creature’s next strike.
“W-who are?...W-what are you? What have you done with the hedgehog?” The alicorn demands as she continued to channel magic into her horn.
Letting out a deep chuckle the creature turned to the princess and give her a toothy grin; insisting another shiver of fear from the princess; as well as a few ponies and even a griffin shuttered in his seat, as he watched from the front row. Not getting an answer, the alicorn lowered her head and began to pour more magic into her already severely charged horn. “I asked you a question! What beast are you and what have you done with Sonic!”
Dropping the smirk, the creature lets out a low growl and begins approaching the princess.
“S-stay back!” Nightmare orders with a shaky voice. “W-we won’t hesitate to bring ye down!”
The princess’s words seem to not matter to the beast, as it continues to approach the ebony alicorn; though now at a much greater speed.
“I SAID STAY BACK!” Nightmare Moon roars in her royal Canterlot voice. “WE’LL STRIKE YOU DOWN WHERE YE STAND!”
Again, promises from the princess don’t seem to phase the approaching threat as it continues to close the gap between itself and Nightmare Moon; now only a few steps away from the alicorn.
Looming over the alicorn, the mysterious creatures stands several heads taller than princess. Its long dark fur sways in the gentle breeze, piercing green eyes stare back at her as it mouth opens and reveals a full set of pointed teeth. What little resolve the princess may have possessed it lost at that moment.
What replaces it is only one thought; ‘fear’. Fear of what this monster will do to her if it gets its large ‘clawed’ hands on her. If it will simply tear her in half or smack her around a bit before finally finishing her off?
“YOU HAVE CHOSEN YOUR FATE!” The alicorn shouts as she unleashes the mass of power that had charging in her horn, at the creature; striking it square in its chest. Said creature lets out a low grunt as its hit with the blast, but remains unharmed.
Nightmares Moon’s widen as the monster before her is unfazed by the odiously powerful blast. “GET…GET AWAY FROM ME!” The princess shouts as she unleashes another blast of magic from her horn. This one seems more powerful then the last, since it sends the creature back a few feet, but still unharmed.
“What are you?”
~GRRRAAAAAAAHH!~
“Oh shit!”
Taking not one, but two direct magic blasts from the night princess; the creature lets out deep roar and begins charging at the alicorn. Said alicorn turns tail and starts to flee; forcing the monster to give chase.
“S-stay away from me!” Nightmare demands as she to mauve around the pillars that were raised earlier in the battle. “I will not be…”
The rest of the princess’s sentence is drowned out by the sound of stone being crushed by tremendous force. Nightmare Moon glances backwards, only to narrowly avoid being struck by a massive clawed hand. Distancing herself from the beast, the alicorn takes flight and stops atop one of the taller towers of stone that still stands and looks down as another cloud of smoke rolls over the arena.
“I see now, that you are nothing, but I mindless breast!” Nightmare begins as she stares down at a now stationary creature. “Whatever you ‘were’ is not lost and all that remains is…”
“Oh, for the love of the creator, WILL YOU SHUT THE HELL UP?” A deep voice shouts from the arena below. The alicorns mouth snaps shut as the voice continues. “Do you love the sound of your voice that much? Because that’s all I’ve been hearing since this started. Blah, Blah, blah, you just don’t quit do you?”
Nightmare Moons moves as if trying to form a response, but no words come out.
“And another thing…”
“How long,” The alicorn says, finally finding her voice. “How long have you been in control of that form?”
The transformed hedgehog lets out a deep laugh. “Oh, I’ve been here the whole time. I was just waiting to see how long to took you to figure out.” He says mater of factly before continuing. “Would have carried it out longer, but your voice is like nails on a damn chalkboard.”
A few nearby spectators attempt to stiffen a chuckle (failing poorly), while others burst out laughing at the alicorn’s expense. This in turn, insights a scowl from the princess as she charges up her horn.
“So, this is all a game to you?” Nightmare Moon’s voice echoes as the wind picks up and storm clouds start to build overhead. “That I’m some fool that you get to toy with for your own amusement?” The wind picks up as lightning start crack within the building dark clouds. “Think again, for you have now made the worst mistake. Evoking the wrath of a…”
Something strikes the alicorn hard, knocking her from her ‘perch’ and onto the ground below. The thick veil of storm clouds starts to dissipate as its summoner lies motionless on the ground.
“WHAT DID I JUST SAY?” Sonic shouts as his right arm returns this is side. “Chalkboard, nails, your voice. How hard it that to get through your thick skull?”
Nightmare Moon’s eyes snap open as a snarl appears on her face. The alicorn rises to her hooves and lets out an angry snort.
“So you ready to get this show on the road?” The former hedgehog jests. “Or are you gonna give another one of your ‘rousing’ speeches?”
~RRRRAAAAWWWW!~
The mare lets out feral roar of utter rage and takes off in a full gallop. Seeing the night princes finally taking action and not shooting off her mouth; the former hedgehog smiles in response.
“About time you kicked things in gear I was..” Sonic trails off. “Uh oh.”
Black mist coils from the alicorn’s horn and begins to cover her body like a raging flame, till nothing aside from her enchanted mane remains in normal color; even her once shimmering battle armor is consumed by the mysterious substance. The princess lowers herself downwards as her speed increases ten-fold as and kicks up a cloud of dust in her wake.
The smirk vanishes from Sonic’s face as he begins searching for a way to counter the charging alicorn.
“Now wait a minute now-OMPH!” Nightmare collides into the former hedgehog with tremendous force and is able to knock him back; only narrowly avoiding impalement from her horn by a few centimeters.
Sonic attempted to find a footing as he drives his spiked shoes into to dirt, but all that accomplishes is two deep trenches being dug in the ground as the alicorn continues to push him back. Nightmare Moon lets out a pained grunt as she raises her head; effetely lifting the former hedgehog off the ground and unfolds her wing wings.
“This is only the beginning!” The ebony alicorn shouts as she starts flapping her wings. “We’ll finally be done with you after this!”
“Done, what are you…” Sonic begins, but trails off as he begins to lift off the ground. “What the hell?”
The same blast mist that seemed to consume the alicorn, starts to travel up the former hedgehog’s left forearm; ambit at a slower pace. Sonic attempts to push himself away from the crazed mare, but the combined force from the speed and the angle he’s currently at; provides futile in his effort to do so.
“Uh were running out of road, Moon Butt.” Sonic states as he glances backwards. “If all this was just so you can throw me into a wall. I’m going to be pretty disappointed.” Nightmare says nothing as she continues to flap her massive wings and lift further off the ground. Higher and high they score, till they reach the upper decks.
“Alright, that’s it!” the former hedgehog shouts as he cups his hands together and brings them down in a double ax handle. That is he could, if both forearms weren’t covering in strange black mist; rendering both appendenges useless. “You gotta be kidding-LOOK OUT!”
The barrier around the arena shattered like glass as the two crash trough the top of it. Most on lookers shield their eyes as a bright light consumes the sky for a moment; as the collective power of several dozen unicorns is discharged above them.
Celesta watches the display with a slacked expression; only breaking her gaze as two disappears in the distance.
“Lieutenant,” A pegasus in the lower desk snaps his head towards the sun monarch. “After them!”
The stallion nods, unfolded his wings, and take flight.
~***~
Sounds of strong wings cuts through the otherwise silent accent from the arena’s platform. As Sonic watches silently as the ground below them begins meshing together in the distance, before interjecting.
“Not one of your brightest idea’s, Moon Butt.” The former hedgehog states as he tries to free his arms from the black mist.
“Shut up!” The alicorn demands as she lets out a grown and arches further upwards. “It will be all over soon.”
“If you’re planning on just dropping me from this height, you’re wasting your time.” Sonic begins as he starts to gain feeling back in his right arm. “I’ve fallen from greater feats then this and walk away unharmed so…”
Nightmare lets out an amused laugh as she tilts her head to look at the beat in her magic grasp. “I’m not going to drop you.” She purrs with an almost seductive tone. “I’m going to slam you!”
“Kinky…Wait how are you gonna...” Sonic trails off and glances as a male pegasus flying towards them. With a boom-mic rigged to his back. “Are you recording us?” The stallion shyly nods. “Well that’s not creepy at all.”
“Ignore him!” The princess commands. “You shall be nothing, but a memory when we are through with you.”
Sonic turns back to the ebony alicorn and smirks. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
The alicorns wings suddenly snap to her sides; sending the duo into an abrupt free fall. Then, using the new source of momentum, Nightmare wraps her forelegs around former hedgehog’s neck, while her rear ones interlock around his waist. Making her intent of introducing Sonic face first into the ground very clear.
“I don’t think so.” Sonic states flatly as he fights for control of his arm.
Either through a gross oversight or cocky-ness, upon placing the former hedgehog in the suplex maneuver. The magic binds that were keeping his hands firmly ‘glued’ to the princess’s side begin to weaken and prove unable to hold for what comes next.
Letting out a feral roar, Sonic frees his right arms from the Nightmare’s magic grasp and smashes a closed fist into her face. Despite the ornate helmet protecting the alicorn’s head from the brunt of the attack, the strike still manages to rattle her teeth within her skull. Another one slams into the side of her head again; this one stronger than the last; knocking the princess out of it for a few moments. And most likely leaving a fist sized dent from impact.
Nightmare Moon turns her head her head slightly while in a daze and is struck again. This time with enough force to knock her helmet clean off and send crashing the ground below. The mare lets out a pained grunt as her head is forcibly snapped back and spits up a small bit of blood; most of which lands onto the former hedgehog’s coat.
With the crazed alicorn temporary disoriented, Sonic is able to free his left arm from the princess’s magic hold and grasps Nightmare’s head in his massive hands. Followed with an abrupt and powerful head butt, striking the crown of the mare’s skull; Inciting a surprised yelp and an instant release from the alcorn’s hold.
Using his new found maneuverability, Sonic kicks way from the still dazed princess and glances towards the fast approaching ground below.
“I don’t suppose you’d be able to give me a lift?” Sonic inquires as he glances towards the stallion flying alongside them. The pegasus shakes his head and the former hedgehog lets out a heavy sigh. “Yeah, didn’t think so. I figured it was worth a shot.”
Snapping out her daze, the night princess gazes towards the fast approaching earth and lets out a wicked laugh as she unfurls her wings. “Ye have doomed yourself, for you have chosen to-*gasp*”
A clawed hand latches onto to one of the alicorns rear legs and flings her downwards.
“Have a nice trip; I’ll see you next fall!” Sonic shouts as the alicorn disappears from sight. The pegasus stares blankly in the direction the princess just flew and then shakes his head in annoyance. “What?”
~***~
Sitting before a now empty arena, the crowd begins to stir as they start milling about their seats. While other remain seated and comment on the last message they heard from the loud speaker a moment ago.
“I wonder what that was all about.” A mare comments as she glances at the sky.
“It’s hard to say.” A male unicorn comment as he adjusts an obvious fake mustache. “The transmission was abruptly cut and…” A loud shriek cuts the elder stallion off, as princess of the night crashes through the arena’s open roof and slams into the ground below.
Several on lookers shield their eyes as a huge dust cloud is kicked up from the impact and rolls across the lower decks. A few audience members begin coughing while attempting to wave the nuance away from their faces. Nightmare Moon, lies on her back; stunned from her abrupt landing onto the arenas’ hard ground. The princess blinks several times and gives her head a few good shake as she attempts to shake out the metaphorical cobwebs that have formed.
Letting out a sigh, the alicorn tilts he head to the side and takes a few deep breaths.
“BANZAI,” A voice shouts from above, shaking the princess out of her stupor. Scrambling to her stomach, Nightmare barely manages to crawl away just before being turned into a royal pancake.
~KA-BLAM!~
Another cloud of dust rolls across the arena grounds, covering everyone in the lower decks with even more dried dirt and sand. However unlike before, no one reacts to the sudden arrival of the former hedgehog. Instead, they stare blankly at the beaten and battered form of the Princess of Nightmares; as she struggles to rise to her hooves.
The tension and silence being so thick, one could metaphorically cut it with a knife, till a low growl is heard through the still think dust cloud; prompting everyone to turn towards the source. Including Nightmare Moon; who seem visibly shake as her pupils shrink to the side of pin dots.
“SON OF A BITCH!” A loud voice exclaims from within the veil of dust; inciting everyone to flinch within shouting distance. “THAT FUCKING HURT!”
As the dust begins to clear, the form of a very enraged Sonic can be seen clenching his left shoulder with a pained expression on his face. A few members of the crowd comment on this former hedgehog’s profanity. While others, inquire amongst themselves regarding why he’s holding his arm. The night princess lets out a breath she wasn’t aware she was holding and smiles. As she sees the once formidable threat brought down a notch.
Sonic turns to the now relieved princess gives her a sour look as he holds the now slacked in his other hand. “What are you grinning at? Up until a few moments ago, you were ready to wet yourself.”
“Say what you will, but this battle is already one.” The princess says proudly. “What possible threat could you possibly possess with your arm now like that?”
The former hedgehog lets out a deep laugh, causing the night princess and a few nearby to cringe. “You honestly think this is going to stop me?” Sonic inquires as he motions to his dangling left arm. “Ha, this won’t even slow me down.”
Nightmare Moon opens her mouth to refute that claim, but is cut off by a loud furious roar and loud popping sound echoing across the silent arena. The Princess swallows a lump her throat as the former hedgehog starts moving his left arm.
“Ah, that’s much better.” Sonic claims as he hisses through clenched teeth as he glances at his left arm while opening and closeing his hand. He then looks up at a rather shocked alicorn. “Now, you were saying?”
The princess of the night stares slacked jawed at what just occurred before her. A creature that less than a few moments ago, had a desolated shoulder. Relocated said shoulder in less than a minute and is now barreling towards her.
“Wait what?” Nightmare Moon is shaken from her stupor as the ground beneath her hooves starts to quake. Barely avoiding another swipe of the beast claws, the princess fires a bolt of magic in the direction of the threat. Sonic side steps the blast and goes into for another strike.
“BEGONE, DEMON!” The ebony alicorn shouts as she fires a folly of magic blasts in the former hedgehog’s direction. All of them miss as the unnaturally large Sonic manages to avoid them. However, one does strike home and hits him in injured shoulder. Nightmare smirks at a possibly critical hit; only to stare in shock as the blast fizzles out like a weak fire cracker.
“Keep trying, I almost felt that one.” Sonic jests as he makes his way towards the still flabbergasted alicorn.
Nightmare lets out a frustrated growl in response, lightimg her horn in magic, she stomps her right hoof onto the ground; creating several dozen ruin symbols between her and the approaching Sonic.
“We’d like to see you try and get past ‘that!’” The princess boasts as a wall of flames burst from the ground. “None have, been able to…uh oh.” The princess is cut off mid monologue at the very enraged Sonic bursts through the flames and looms over her as he’s about to strike her down with a closed fist.
Any other time, something like this would greatly impress the ebony alicorn. Since, despite the potential threat the enchanted flames possess, this creature…this beast leapt through them with little to no regard to himself. Plus, it’s obvious that he’s not immured to them, evident by the small embers and singeing fur from his coat.
However, this wasn’t a time to be impressed by her enemy’s pain threshold. It was a time to be scared, or more precise…terrified. So the night princess did the first thing anyone in her possession would do. She screamed, screamed and let out a magic blast, so powerful that it hit the former hedgehog in the chest and launched him backwards.
~***~
Along the upper deck, several spectators watch in ‘ah’ as a being of many sleepless nights and terror is match blow for blow by a creature not see in even the farthest of lands. Others shift uncomfortably in their seats as they watch the battle unfold. While many just watch with an expression that only be described as ‘pure glee,’ as they watch two legends duke it out for there amusement.
The sun monarch possessed none of these traits. Instead she stares down at the battle before her with scowl as she chews on the inside of her cheek. Twilight turn toward the princess for context, but the words die in her throat as she notices her expression and gives Celestia a worried look.
“What’s the matter, Princess?”
“That was a ten circle spell my sister just cast. Only one other pony can break something like that and Sonic isn’t one of them.” The princess states as her scowl deepens. “Something is not right.”
“What are you getting at?” Twilight inquires as she tilts her head.
“She’s holding back.” Blaze interrupts, while still watching the match below. “They both are.”
“But why,” A certain apple bucking mare asks. “Ah may not know a lot about magic and what not, but why would some pony pull their punches if they didn’t have ta?”
“I don’t think it’s by choice, at least not entirely.” Blaze begins as she motions towards the battle before them. “Have anyone else noticed that Luna’s….Nightmare Moon’s magic has been getting progressively weaker throughout the match?”
Twilight lets out a grown and face hooves. “I thought it was just my imagination, but yeah I noticed it too. Nightmare’s magic has had a lot less ‘punch’ since Sonic took on that form.” The mare frowns as if the statement leaves a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Be it as it may,” Celestia begins with a stern tone. “It still doesn’t explain how Sonic was able to break an unbreakable spell. Furthermore, why is that ‘monster’ that is controlling my sister only using four and five circle spells. When she’s capable of using nine and ten without much trouble?”
“Ya, think maybe sugar hog is somehow absorbing yer sister’s magic?” Applejack inquires in a flat tone.
Everyone turns to the farm pony in shock; prompting the mare to glance at all the onlookers in response. “What?”
“Applejack dear,” Rarity begins with her usual tone. “A pony can’t just take another’s magic.” The mare turns towards the sun monarch and lavender unicorn.”...can they?”
“Not usually,” Twilight states as she taps her chin. “With the exception of a few rare occasions, No pony has been able take another’s magic. Less it was given to them.”
“Unless the pony is some big meanie that only thinks of themselves.” Pinkie Pie states in a very unusual sober tone. “They’d have to be some sort of magic absorbing monster or something.” The party pony suddenly grins brightly. “But we won’t see something like that for a while.”
Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow at the pink pony’s statement and then shakes her head. “Pinkie Pie, you are so random.”
“Yep-er-oony.”
“That aside, many things still remain unanswered. Like how my dear sister had been corrupt by the darkness once more or how Sonic has taken on that form.” Celestia turns towards her faithful student and lilac feline. “You two seem to be the closest to Sonic. Would any of you happen to know?”
“Hey, what about me?” Rainbow Dash shouted in protests.
“What about ya?” Applejack inquires with a smirk. “Yer jealous or something, Dash?”
“No,” The cyan mare states firmly as she turns away. “Why would I be jealous? Sonic can like whoever he wants.” She turns back to the apple bucking mare and smirks. “Besides, I’m awesome. So I have nothing to worry about.”
“Then why are you blushing?” Fluttershy speak up. Breaking her long silence and drawing everyone’s attention towards her; which causes the mare to hide behind her mane. “I mean, we all know that you like him.” The pegasus says quietly. “We all do. Why is everypony getting all work up about it?”
Rarity adjusts her brimmed hat and nods in agreement. “I’d have to agree with Fluttershy on that one. We all see Sonic as a valued friend.” The mare turns to others and smirks. “Some, more than others.”
Twilight fidgets in her seat, and she tried to hide her blush, and clears her throat. “Back to the topic at hoof, I really have no idea why Sonic grew 20 times his original size and is now covered in blue fur.” The mare turns to the Sol guardian. “What about you, Blaze? You have any idea what happened?”
The lilac cat nervously adjusts her collar and lets out a small sigh. “I’m afraid not, Sonic never spoke of anything regarding any sort of wolf transformation.” Blaze states with a sour look. “However, he seems quite accustom to the form. So he must have used it before.”
“I guess we’ll just have to ask him,” Celestia comments as her frown lessees. “Assuming of course, he wins this match. The barrier should hold, but for how long?”
~***~
Bolts of multicolored magic rain down upon the arena, as the princess launches wave after wave of enchantments and spells. Some simply fizzled out when they hit the ground; others hiss and burn as they make contact, while a select few actually explode into balls of fire or poisonous gas.
Making any all attempts to avoid Nightmare Moon’s ‘righteous furry’, Sonic takes cover behind one of the few still standing pillars that dot the arena’s floor; which only inferiorities the ebony mare further and invokes her wrath.
“Have you really lost your nerve to fight?” The princess asks between bringing down another rain of chaotic magic. “Or it that you finally realized that we are the superior one and that you should kneel before us.”
“Not quite,” Sonic states as he emerges from cover. “Just testing out a theory, I had.”
“And what it this ‘theory’ you speak of?” The alicorn says in a mocking tone. “Perhaps it’s to fight against the flees you’ll most likely gain or to suppress the urge to chase the mall mare, or maybe even…”
“Dog jokes, really? That’s the best you can come up with?” Sonic asks in a flat tone. “That’s lame, even by your cruddy standards.”
Nightmare Moon snarls and charges her horn for another blast. “Well then, how about this one. SIT BOY!” The ebony alicorn launches a powerful attack from her horn….or at least would have if a rock hadn’t struck the mare in her unprotected snout. Causing Nightmare to lose concentration and having the spell backfire in her face.
“HA, HA, I can’t believe that actually worked.” Sonic muses as he takes off in a full sprint and attempts to close the gap between himself and the night princess.
~***~
Having all five of your senses disrupted at once isn’t a pleasant experience. A certain ebony alicorn can attest to that. While a seven circle spell going on in one’s face is pretty much a death sentence to even the most gifted unicorn. To those extraordinary few, it’s at most a minor nuisance. When one has lived at long as the princess of the night has. It’s not uncommon to have a few hiccups in ones magic from time to time; especially, when one wishes to be on par with their older sister.
This wasn’t the first time a spell has backfired in the mare’s face, but it was certainly one of the most problematic. Since, it left her open to attack and judging by the fast footsteps; was any minute now; which had the mare at a disadvantage. Since the alicorn couldn’t counter what she couldn’t see, dodge what she couldn’t feel, or prepare for what she could barely hear.
Nightmare Moon could only hope that whatever the creature had in mind wasn’t something truly heinous. That it would spew out another assault of lame jokes or ‘witty banter.’ Which would hopefully give the princess enough time to recover and come up with a counter attack or at least way to keep the beast at bay; for at least a little longer.
The footsteps abruptly stop, breaking the ebony mare from her train of thought. ‘What is he going to do?’ She muttered to herself.
A shuffling of rocks from behind the alicorn kicks her worries into over drive; which leads her instinctively bucking in the direction of the noise. (Which at the time seemed the most logical, since her other senses were at most ‘barley functional.’) However, what seemed like a good idea at the time; can lead to some compromising situation.
Having, kicking her rear legs out in desperation and only striking air in the process. The night princess ponders what action to take next, but it cut off as something grabs onto her outstretched hooves and lifts her several feet into the air.
“What are you…” Nightmare trails off as she’s lifted higher into the air. “Wait stop…No, No, no.”
The mare furiously paws at the ground in desperation as she lifted into the air; only to lose her footing and face plant into the hard earth.
Nightmare Moon is unceremoniously lifted into the air, by her rear legs. Despite her attempts to free herself from the creatures grip. It’s for naught, as any and all attempt only incite an amused chuckle from the beast. However, what comes next, it something the mare would never expect in a million years.
The air rushes past the mare as she’s brutally spun around in place by the former hedgehog. Images begin to blur as the speed increases. While the contents of her stomach begin to stir; which only adds to the alicorn’s already great predicament. Nightmare holds a hoof in front of her face as she attempts hold back the bile that’s slowly raising her throat. Faster and fasters she’s spun, the mare’s head is snapped back by the sheer force of the event. While her forelegs dangle helplessly in desperation.
“R-release me,” The alicorn pleads. “I’m gonna…I’m gonna hurl.”
“Round, and round and round she goes~!” Sonic says in a sing-along fashion; completely oblivious to the princess’s demand. “Where she stops nobody-OOPS.”
A loud pop is heard as the princess is abruptly released and sent flying. Said princess lets out a sheik as she flung towards the higher decks.
“So long Queen Moon Butt.” The former hedgehog adds as he smirks at his handy work.
Nightmare Moon opens her wings at the last second; narrowly avoiding impact and begins hovering above Sonic. “YOU HAVE INVOLKED THE WRATH OF A GODDESS,” The alicorn shouts in her royal canterlot voice. “PREPAIR TO BE ANIOLATED.” She then turns to her now uncovered rear legs. “
ALSO, RETURN MY ROYAL HOOF COVERINGS!”
“You mean these?” The former hedgehog inquires as he tosses one of the objects in question into the air several times and then gives the mare a cheeky smirk. “I don’t know why you these back, but…”
“JUST GIVE THEM TO ME! The alicorn snaps. “ WE DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO UNDERSTAD THE SIGNIFIGANCE OF WHAT YOU CURRENTLY POSSESS.”
Sonic shrugs and looks down at the hoof covering in his hand. “Well, if you insist.” He then flings the object right at the mare; barely missing her head.
“Watch it!” Nightmare shouts as she catches the object with her magic. “These are not to be…” The princess it cut off as something bounces off her muzzled and sends her teetering backwards.
“Ah ha,” The former hedgehog shouts in triumph. “Bulls eye.”
The princess snarls and starts channeling magic into her horn. “THAT IT IS, THIS PLACE WILL BE YOUR GRAVE!”
“Really now,” Sonic jests as she crosses his arms behinds his head and gives the mare a cocky smirk. “And what would that-OH SHIT!”
Piles upon piles rocks rain down from above. Some engulfed in flames, while others seem to be from the destroyed pillars that once filled the arena. The former hedgehog manages to knock a few of them way, but is soon overwhelmed by the sheer number and size of the rocks and is soon buried beneath a large pile of rubble.
The crowed remains silent as the ebony mare mains her altitude and continues to hover above the tower of mortar and rocks she created. Nightmare Moon lets out a relieved sigh and whips a bead of sweat from her brow.
“You certainly were a challenge, Sonic.” The alicorn begins as she lands and examines the pile. “But in the end, you didn’t have what it takes to wield true power.”
The night princess turns towards the crowd and unfurls her wings. “Behold my little ponies. Your true ruler and champion, Nightmare…” A series of falling rocks cuts the alicorn off as she turns to the now shifting pile of stone. “N-no that’s I-Impossible.”
~***~
Twilight’s pupils narrow to the size of pin dots as a cold shiver runs down her spine. “Increaser the barriers strength,” The mare commands as the others raises an eyebrow in response. “Do it, Do it now!”
The sun monarch opens her mouth to protest the order, but trails off as she notices the pile of rocks start to shift. “Do it.”
Celestia, Twilight and Rarity fire rays of magic into the protective barrier that surrounds the arena and protects the spectators. Several of the audience members cock her head in response to the action, while others add their own magic to the barrier.
“BY ORDER OF YOUR PRINCESS,” Celestia shouts as she continues to send her magic to the edge of the last and only line of defense; between and her little ponies from whatever lies beneath that ruble. “REENFORCE THE BARRIER!” The alicorn then frowns and mutters. “Sister, what have you done?”
~***~
Nightmare cautiously backpedals away from the large mound as he continues to shift. Small rocks tumble from the pile, while the larger ones shift and either only move slightly or fall back into place. A cold chill runs down the alicorn’s spine as she grits her teeth and starts to charge her horn.
The heap of stones and mortar sways and shift a few more times and then abruptly stops. Thinking that the beast has finally succumbed to tons of debris that have fallen upon it, the ebony mare lets out a relieved sigh and begins to chuckle.
“Foolish creature, few have been able to withstand the wrath of nightmares. Fewer still, have been able to fight against it…even for a brief amount of time. Your actions should be commended, where you not thy enemy then perhaps…”
A low growl cuts the princess off as the chilling grip of fear returns as the temperature drops several degrees. As clouds of white vapor start to drift from alicorn’s mouth. As the moon shifts from it’s all encompassing cold, but soft glow to that of dread and fear as it shifts to an angry red.
“A b-blood m-moon,” Nightmare Moon mutters under her breath as she starts to visibly shake. “One of those hasn’t been seen since…” The mare sharply inhales through her snout as her pupils shrink. “Oh no.”
The mass of stone and marble masonry starts to shift more violently than before. Large boulders that once made up the retaining ring and of the magic pillars, start to tumble downwards; collecting at the base of the pile. The growling intensifies and a massive hand bursts from the mound and clenches its fits as if summoning great strength through the action.
Nightmare Moon’s gaze remains locked onto the shifting mound as she waits for what’s to emerge from it with baited breath. Several audience members begin shifting around in their seats as many start to grow uneasy of what’s about to come from beneath the pile of stone and sand.
Suddenly, the shifting abruptly stops; prompting everyone to lean forward in anticipation. A few patrons in the lower decks begin to shake, while a few mutter out annoyance at the current state of the battle.
As if on cue, the pile explodes scattering the debris that it consisted of in every direction; much if it ricocheting off the now reinforced barrier. While a bone chilling sound erupts form it.
~ ARH-WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! ~
A bout of fear starts to form in the pit of the alicorn’s stomach. While many fear the unknown and different to them, the princess of the night on the other hand knew exactly what she’s about to face. And it wasn’t something the mare thought she’d ever face again; pure unadulterated rage.
Nightmare Moon holds a hoof to her face, in an attempt to block some of the blast of stone and sand. Gritting her teeth, the alicorn forms a small barrier around herself and divers most of the blast. With her vision now cleared, the alicorn pears into the cloud and notices a massive figure….that’s coming right for her.
“Ah shit!” The princess exclaims as she takes flight to avoid the oncoming attack. Or at least ‘tries’ to as something large and ‘clawed’ slices through her barrier like it was nothing and cuts through her breast plate with ease.
The alicorn crumbles to the arena floor as what’s left of her royal armor falls haphazardly to the ground. Peering downwards, the princess notices four shallow slash marks on her chest; which are roughly in the same spot her beloved enchanted armor once sat. A cold shiver runs down the mare’s back as the realization dons upon her of what might have happened if her amour wasn’t there to block some of the attack.
Using her magic to close the wound, the alicorn turns her head; just in time for to receive a hard right hook to the face. The strike connects with tremendous force and sends the princess crashing into the upper part of the barrier.
Somehow ‘glued’ to part of barrier she just struck. The alicorn glances downward to what just send her flying into the upper decks; which only increases the already building fear within her.
Towering over the wreckage of the battle arena stands the former hedgehog in all his glory. Except, unlike before a blue aura surrounds Sonic like a raging fire. While the occasional crackle of lightning rolling across his form. Nightmare Moon swallows the lump in her throat as her eyes and the creatures lock; inciting a shiver as it smile back at her.
“Oh no,”
A clawed hand bursts forth and grabs the princess by her now exposed barrel. The mare lets out a sheik as she’s flung to the ground and sent tumbling for several meters. Nightmare Moon scrabbles to her hooves and takes a ready stance as she starts charging her horn.
“So, thou wish to fight without limitations?” Her eyes start to whiten out as the magic in her horn starts arching out. “So be it.”
The princess launches a powerful blast from her horn that literally leaves a wake of dust behind it. As her magic is about to strike, the alicorn grins in triumph; only to stare in utter shock as it the blast hits it mark and fizzles out without leaving a scratch.
“N-no, that’s impossible.” Nightmare exclaims as she power up her horn for another attack. “That should have at least…”
Something large, clamps onto the mare’s face; effetely disrupting the spell and having it backfire in her face. Normally, the princess would react to this something so absurd. However, any motivation to call out such an act is forgotten as the mare notices five long claws start to dig into her neck and the back of her head.
As the pressure of the creatures grip starts to increase onto the alicorn’s skull, a deep laugh can be heard ; which prompts a cold shiver to rattle the mare frame.
“You talk too much.” The voice says as the grip tightens and the princess is flung unceremoniously across the arena; crashing into one of the still standing pillars near the far edge.
Watching the alicorn ragdoll as she hits the last of the stone supports, the former hedgehog lets out a feral growl and takes off in a full sprit towards the fallen mare.
~***~
Slowly rising to her hooves, Nightmare Moon grits he teeth as she notices the fast approaching creature.
“ENOUGH!” The mare shouts, using her royal Canterlot voice and takes flight; which brings Sonic to a standstill. “You are, all of you are beneath me! I am a goddess, you dull creature, and I will not be bullied by...”
Nightmare Moon is cut short as a clawed hand clamps onto one of her rear legs and slams her onto the arena’s ground, and then again, and then once more before the princess is lifting to meet the former hedgehog’s gaze and then slammed two more times for good measure.
“Puny goddess,” Sonic mutters as he turns his back to the alicorn and walks away.
The crowd explodes in an uproar of chants and a cheer as the princess of nightmares is defeated, lying motionless in a small creature. Others sing varied forms of ‘ding don the witch it dead.’ While some watch intently as the mare’s enchanted mane and tail still waves slightly; as if blowing in a nonexistent breeze.
Suddenly, the alicorn’s eyes snap open as she springs to her feet, as bolts of dark magic and black mist rise from her body. The mare lets out an angered roar and takes off in a full gallop; with her sights set on the former hedgehog. The barrier starts to rapidly crack and break apart as the princess’s hooves dig into the sun parched ground as a cloud of dust is left in her wake. Noticing the fast approaching alicorn, Sonic smirks and turns towards Nightmare as he takes a ready stance.
Nightmare Moon constructs a massive charge of magic as she closes the gap, between herself and Sonic.
Time seems to slow down as the princess draws near. Many spectators lean forward in anticipation, while other shield their eyes from what’s about to come. The former hedgehog smirks as he crouches downwards and brings his right arm back. Nightmare takes notices of this and attempts to stop, but it’s too late.
Swinging his right arm in a smooth arching motion, Sonic connects with lower portion of the alicorn’s snout and delivers a devastating uppercut. Which creates a shockwave from the clashing forces so massive, that it shatters that already weakened barrier and kicks up a huge cloud of dust; covering everything and everyone in thin layer of sand and dust.
~***~
An eerie silence hangs in the air as everyone attempts to process what they just saw. Even Princess Celestia, the mane 6, and Blaze seem to have trouble making sense of what just happened before them. Up in the upper decks, several nobles sit/ stand awestruck at aftermath; some even shaking at the thought.
“Damn girl! You just got knocked the buck out!” A certain queen of pop proclaims, as she springs up from her seat and motions towards the fallen princess with a hoof. Several nigh nobles cover there’re mouths in a poor attempt to stiffen there laughter; failing poorly.
~***~
Nightmare Moon lets out a pained grown as she forces her eyes open and looks up at the creature that defeated her.
“It seems you have bested me.” The princess states weakly as struggles to keep her eyes open. “Do me the honor of granting me a warrior’s death.”
“No,” Sonic says firmly as he narrows his eyes at the fallen alicorn.
The ebony mare lets out a pained laugh. “Then you are weak, if you don’t kill me now, you’ll only regret it when I rise once more and…”
“Release Luna now and maybe I’ll let you live.” The former hedgehog commands.
“What’s wrong, afraid of not having your precious princess to rule over you? To tell you what to, how to live…” Nightmare Moon is cut off mid sentence as a massive hand clamps down onto her neck and lifts her several feet into the air.
“I don’t give a damn about that.” Sonic growls as he tightens his grip on the princess’s neck. Gaining a pained gasp in response, from the alicorn. “I want my friend back and if you can do that…” The former hedgehog trails off as he narrows his eyes and brings Nightmare’s face closer to his. “You know what will happen.”
Nightmare lets out an amused chucked. “Pathetic, you honestly think I’ll relinquish my hold on…”
The ebony are is cut short by a massive fist strikes her on the side of her already beaten and battered face. “I’ll snap your scrawny neck, if you don’t do it.”
“Really,”
“It will be easy, like snapping a toothpick.”
The color drains from the mare’s face as those words echo in her head. Given the current mental state of the former hedgehog, he would probably do it. Nightmare cringes as she notices Sonic raise his massive fist again and brings his shoulder back.
“Alright, alright, jeez,” The alicorn shouts just before the fist makes contact with her skull. “I’ll release your precious Luna, but know this,” The alicorn begins as black mist starts to escape her body and starts to take shape. “I will return and takes what’s mine.” Nightmare Moon lets out an evil cackle as the smoke fades.
As the last of Nightmare’s influence leaves the night princess’s form, the small form of Luna can be seen in the place the evil alicorn once stood. Releasing his hold on the princess, Sonic gently lowers the alicorn to the ground and smirks as she returns to her normal self.
“What in the name of Faust, just…” Luna trails off as she notices Sonic’s new towering form. The mare gulps and takes an attentive step back. “S-sonic, it that you?”
“The one and only,” The former hedgehog replies with a cheeky smirk.
The mare narrows her eyes. “What in heaven happened to you?”
Sonic lets out a nervous laugh as she scratches the back of his head. “It’s a long story; I’ll spare you the details, but…”
Loud chants and cheers cut the former hedgehog off as the crowd erupt in frenzy as they chant ‘Sonic’ over and over again; while others hoot and holler various encouraging chants.
Luna smiles as she takes a step towards Sonic. “It seems you have won the crowd’s favor.” The mare politely bows. “You have my thanks for saving….”
”Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss,” the crowd chants in unison before the princess can even finish her bow.
“Well, I’d hate to disappoint my adoring fans.” Sonic jests as he gives the princess an amused smirk.
“Indeed, it would be unwise to turn down such a request.” Luna looks at one of her hooves and begins pawing at the loose earth. “I must warn you it was been quite some time, since we partook in such actions. We hope you don’t mind.”
Sonic grins and places as hand on the alicorns shoulder. “As long as you don’t mind that I’ve never done this while in this form.” The ebony mare silently shakes her head. “Good, then let’s…”
The former hedgehog is cut off as a hoof is brought to the back of his head and forces him into the kiss. Not wanting to be outdone, Sonic wraps his arms around Luna’s back and pulls her into a deeper hold resulting in a low moan as the mare melting into the hedgehog’s embrace.
~***~
Meanwhile at the royal balcony, several spectators aren’t amused with the princess’s forwardness.
“That damn harlot.” Blaze mutters under her breath as she digs her claws plush arm rests of the chair she currently seated at.
“What the hell, Luna?” Twilight asks no one in particular as she shoots the princess a death glare. “When did you start liking him?”
Applejack starts twisting her hat in her hooves. “That’s just low princess.”
“Yay, go Luna.” Pinkie chairs, totally oblivious to the situation. “Wait, why am I cheering?”
“Oh my,” Fluttershy mutters as she shifts awkwardly around in her seat. “That is certainly a big development.”
“That is just so unclothe,” Rarity states as she dramatically holds a hoof to her face. “Doing such things in public no less.”
Rainbow Dash remains silent as she starts breathing heavily through clenched teeth, as a yellow aura stars to rise from her from like fire. Applejack notices this and jabs the mare in the side.
“Ya ok there Dash? Ya look around ready to do something rash.”
The cyan mare snaps out of her frenzied stated and gives her head a few good hard shakes. “Yeah, just….didn’t expect to see something like that.
“None of us did.”
Celestia glances as the varied degrees of rage, resulting in her sister’s actions and then turns back towards the arena and lets out a heavy sigh. “What have you gotten yourself into, Luna?” Her eyes narrow. “You knew you weren’t the only one after his heart.”
~***~
Breaking from the passionate embrace, Luna gives Sonic a warm nuzzled and smile back as she rests her head on his shoulder. “By the stars, that was amazing.”
The former hedgehog chuckles and runs a hand through the mare’s enchanted mane. “I never get tired of hearing that.”
Luna frowns as the comment for a moment, but then shifts to a coy smile. “We shall discuses your lack of subtlety another time, but I must know. What exactly are you now; we simply can’t refer to you as a hedgehog at the moment.”
Sonic blinks at the question and then lets out an amused chuckle. “Oh yeah, that probably would help. I never really gave it much thought myself, but I’ve been called a werehog on more than one occasion while in this form.”
“Then that’s what you shall be,” Luna proclaims as she moves to Sonic’s side and lifts his right arm with one of her massive wings. “BEHOLD, YOU’RE NEW CHAMPION!” The princess announces, using her royal Canterlot voice. “SONIC, THE WEREHOG!”
The crowd explodes in excitement and begin cheering and chanting Sonic’s name. Luna smiles at the responses and gives Sonic a playful jab. “Send us off big guy.” Sonic grins and takes a deep breath and let's loose a ferocious howl; sending the crowd into an excited frenzy.
Next Chapter Preview:
Blaze: "Explain yourself!"
Twilight: "This is going to get a lost worse before it gets better."
Applejack: "Reckon, ah best be getting the buck out of here."
Sonic: "I am princess Woona, fear my adorableness."
Night Light