> For Doom of a Nail > by MetalJrock > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Not a Hero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Celestia paced around her throne room in a frantic manner, having just asked her guards to leave her to tend to some thinking before she had to be escorted to Ponyville later on. She knew what was coming. She couldn't believe what has happening. Time just seemed to move so fast for her. The Sun Princess walked and looked out her window, looking at the very sun she raised. "I must do something about this..." A thousand years. The memory never left her mind. Even after such a long time. She remembered every vivid detail. Every little moment that she now long regretted. A thousand years ago... Celestia had to banish her sister, Princess Luna, to the moon. Her sister was overtaken by a dark force, driven by jealousy of Celestia for her day being loved while her night was disliked by their subjects, despite Celestia's pleads of the opposite being the case, Luna did not listen. Right before her eyes, Luna transformed into a demon, Nightmare Moon. As Nightmare Moon, Luna wished to bring eternal night to Equestria with her sister gone. With no other choice, Celestia had to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon. It was the last time she ever had to use the Elements and she was no longer able to use them without her sister and she hid them away. Before her sister was banished, they used the Elements of Harmony to take down any threat that plagued the very nation they ruled. If they could not use their own power. The Elements were powerful magical artifacts that call upon the primary magic of the land. She and Luna were the sole wielders for years, being the sole protectors of Equestria. Celestia remembered stopping Discord from turning Equestria into his chaotic playground, turning him to stone to this very day. She remembered the fall of King Sombra and the vanishing of the Crystal Empire. She remembered Tirek's banishment to Tartarus with the aid of his brother Scorpan. Ever since Luna was banished, she had to think about her choice in an era of peace, in which she ruled all on her own. So, Celestia had to find someponies who were able to use the Elements to bring her sister back. Luckily, she believed to have found new wielders once the time came. Which would be soon. She already knew of her student's paranoia and already written a letter back to her to calm her down. In fact, she knew of her student's isolation. So, while she tended to the issue of Nightmare Moon, she sent Twilight Sparkle to Ponyville in order to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration. But this time, Celestia wondered if she was going to make it there this time. After all, she is sure Nightmare Moon would come after her and return the favor done a thousand years ago. Then again, the Sun Princess knew of the risk she was about to take. She believes that she found the wielders of the Elements and wishes for Twilight to learn the Magic of Friendship, not just to use the Elements' power, but to also get out for once. After all, her student had been too much of a shut-in. Celestia closed her eyes, seeing the time. It was nearly time to lower the sun. She knew that it had to happen. She could not have her subjects worry. Luckily, she had a failsafe plan to aid Twilight. A spell she learned from Starswirl the Bearded. The spell would summon someone. Someone powerful enough to avert Nightmare Moon should the Elements of Harmony not be rediscovered fast enough. Celestia looked to the skies and sighed again. "I must use it now. I cannot have my sister bring about the end of Equestria..." her horn began to glow brightly. For centuries she had this planned, and she hoped that whoever would appear would be the one to save them. A hero that can bring salvation to Equestria. "I pray he is a hero that will watch over us." She could not be any more wrong. Latveria... Doctor Doom raised a hand, shooting lightning out of his metal gloves. He did not want his plan to fail this time. He knew that it had to succeed. After all, Doom could not fail. Doom could never fail. "Doom does not want you to intervene." Doom threatened, "Now leave if you know what is good for you." Iron Man shot a repulsor blast which Doom deflected, "Sorry, Doom. But we're not letting you steal that device!" Reed Richards stretched his torso and spun to avoid the deflected projectile, "It's too unstable, Victor! The particle transporter is too unsafe to even touch!" he warned, not wanting Doom to perish. It was simple for the tyrant. With the particle transporter, Doom could finally do what he has seeked for years. The end of his nemesis: Reed Richards, Mister Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four. He believes Richards to be the cause of all his misfortune, including being the very reason he wore the metal mask. Now, he raided Stark Industries, intending to steal the particle transporter so he could improve its faults. Of course, he had to get interrupted by Iron Man and Mister Fantastic, as well as Human Torch, who threw a fireball. Doom used his jet boots to hover away from an oncoming fireball. Raising a hand again, Doom struck Human Torch with a missle to the chest, stunning him. "You will not stop me. I have been planning this for ages." "Sure. That's why I showed up here. I had a hunch you would use the transporter for your own goals." Stark taunted, flying down to tackle Doom. In response, Doom shot Iron Man with an EMP, specifically built to shut down Stark's suit. The Armored Avenger began to slowly fall. "How did you--" he asked, getting caught by Richards. Once he was placed on his ground, Iron Man began to put in the procedures to reactivate the armor. Doom crossed his arms, "Did you not think I came prepared? I created an EMP designed to shut down your outdated Iron Man armor, Stark. Once again, I am prover your intellectual superior." Richards wrapped Doom around in his arms, trapping him. "This isn't about ego, Doom. You can potentially destroy the world with that kind of power!" "Fool! I know of the risks! But I intend to fix the errors you have foolishly made with the particle transporter." Doom boasted, shocking Reed to letting him go. "I wish to use it for my own goals. Which include your demise." "Wow, Doom. That whole thing is getting really old. Don't you have any better motives?" Human Torch asked, throwing more fireballs while aiming to hit Doom with his fists. The dictator put his hands behind his back, "Do not think I didn't anticipate you, Storm. I am well aware of what you are all capable of. I will gain the ultimate power." "Like you did with Galactus and the Beyonder?" Iron Man asked, his armor back online, "Because those worked out really well last time." he muttered sarcastically, shooting wrist missiles out of his armor. Doom blew up the projectiles with an electric orb, "Minor setbacks for Doom, Stark. I do not need a lecture from any of you. Doom gets what he wants." "We've been over this plenty of times before, Doom. This power is beyond anything you can comprehend." Richards pleaded, striking Doom's chestplate. Doom scoffed, "There is nothing Doom can't comprehend!" "I dunno. A particle transporter... I don't know what that is." Johnny commented. Raising his palm, Doom rollled his eyes, "That is because you are too simple-minded to understand. It can give me the power I have long desired." "Have you forgotten about Molecule Man?" Reed wondered, but Doom pushed him aside with more lightning. "He too is simpleminded. With his power, Doom will use it properly." Doctor Doom boasted, nearing the orb he seeked. "At last, the particle transporter..." pressing a button on his gauntlet, the three heroes suddenly found themselves trapped in strange yellow bubbles of energy. "What did you do?" Iron Man asked. Doom raised a finger, "Power nullifying fields. Designed to dampen your powers and armor for as long as I see fit thanks to an energy source and EMP." he faced the orb, his metal face unmoving. "Ah, I see. You powered the particle transporter with a Warp Crystal. Those artifacts are quite powerful. I may not need the transporter after all." he glanced at the jewel placed next to the technological advancement. "No, Doom. Doctor Strange told me about those. Even he cannot contain its power if unleashed." Reed warned. In silence, Doom struck Mister Fantastic with more lightning through the field, electrocuting him with a powerful shock. "I know, Richards. Doom does not need explaining of such power. It wields powers as strong as Odin and Galactus. It will suffice for what I have planned." he bragged. Doom moved his hands closer to the crystal. In his quest to gain the tech, he found something even better. A mystical artifact of infinite power. He knew that it could be potentially be stronger than when he stole the Odinforce when he formed the Masters of Evil But the strangest thing happened when he finally touched it. He vanished in a white light. A scream was heard as he disappeared. Tony, Reed, and Johnny all fell from the floating nullifier fields and stared wide-eyed. "Is he..." Johnny whispered the question. Reed studdered, at a loss of words, "I-I'm not too sure, Johnny..." "He better not be. He has a country to rule and I'm not gonna tie myself in the politics involving that. But knowing Doom, the man who fought demons in Hell, he'll be back." Equestria... A white light appeared in Celestia's room, as well as the sound of a deep scream. Celestia lowered her head and sat down while panting, clearly tired from using the spell. Once she got her bearings from being dizzy, she looked up and saw the person that appeared. He was a bipedal creature wearing a green cloak with metal limbs and a mask to cover his true face. In his armored hands was a crystal she saw before. Once Doom realized he finally reappeared, he looked at his surroundings. "It seems the crystal is more unstable than I anticipated. No matter, I shall return and--" "Excuse me for my intrusion." Doom looked down. Now, the dictator of Latveria had seen many things in his life. Superpowered individuals, villains, time machines, demons from other dimensions... He thought it could be the latter. Doom could not believe himself to be dead until he fulfilled everything he seeked. But for now, he decided to see if this... mare could have a clue as to what happened to him and why he was talking to a tall horse with a flowing rainbow mane. Celestia continued, "But if you are here, then my spell actually worked." she smiled. "Why have you brought Doom here?" asked Victor. Celestia lowered her gaze, "To help us. I am sorry, but I am unsure if my plan would work. So I called upon you. It is a long story, one I hope you will listen to." Those were the last words Doom ever expected to hear in his lifetime. Curious, and wanting to get home, he decided listen to her. After all, he had unfinished business. > Seeking Answers > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Why shall you waste Doom's time?" Doom asked, crossing his arms, clearly unamused over his current situation. "If you wish to speak to me, it better be worth the time." Celestia was taken aback by the man's bluntness, but she chose to ignore it, "My apologies... Doom. But it seems the spell summoned you here for a reason if it brought you here." she explained, putting a hoof to her chest humbly. Doom rolled his eyes, "Why have you brought Doom here in the first place? A spell? Feh, now explain yourself before I decide to return to my world." "R-Right..." Celestia muttered, unsure of how to respond to Doom's attitude. "Anyway, I brought you here for a simple reason. This world needs your help." the princess revealed. Doom put his hands to his sides, "You wish for Doom's help? Why should I aid you when you have brought me from the dimension in which I reside in?" "Yes, I know that... But something is coming. And I fear I may not be able to hold her off." Celestia whispered. "I may require your assistance in what is coming." "...Go on." Doom insisted. 'If it means I go back to Latveria, then I am at her mercy... For now. I shall learn the very spell she used to bring me here in the first place to return to my universe.' the dictator thought, as he looked at the alicorn. Celestia was silent, "It's my sister." Doom narrowed his gaze, "Your sister is the threat you wish for me to face? That would be quite a foolish mistake." The Sun Princess scowled, "What would you mean by that?" "I mean, that I am not one to be easily tempered. Explain to me why I should spare your sister if she is such a big threat that it would require you summoning me." Doom ordered and explained rather bluntly to the princess. Looking out the window, Celestia sighed, "My sister is not in her right mind. She grew jealous of my day being considered beloved by our subjects while she believed her night to be disliked. Her emotions remained hidden... Until they manifested into a dark form that revealed her true feelings: Nightmare Moon." The dictator looked out the balcony, "Where is she now? Is this Nightmare Moon hiding out?" Celestia was silent again, "When she threatened my kingdom with eternal night, I had to do what was necessary. I had to banish her on the moon for a millenia." Placing his hands at his sides, Doom spoke again, "How did you achieve such power?" he wondered. "The Elements of Harmony. Six artifacts representing the ideals of friendship. When I banished my sister, I was no longer fully able to use its power. They're the only way we can save my sister." the Sun Princess revealed. "If they are the only way in saving your sister, then why did you call upon Doom?" Doom asked. Celestia answered, "Because should she arrive sooner than expected, somepony needs to hold her off while my student rediscovers the Elements of Harmony." 'These Elements sound intriguing to Doom. Perhaps I shall look into these artifacts soon.' Doom admitted. The dictator remained silent for a second before speaking again. "Should Doom agree to this, will you take me back to my dimension?" "I will do everything in my power to return you back to your own world, Doom." Celestia said. "That's not good enough of an answer." Doom scolded. "..." Celestia paused. Lightning began to form in the dictator's palms, "You better have a spell to send Doom back." "I'm sorry. It was hasty..." admitted the Solar Princess. "Are you saying that you cowarded out to where you summoned an ailen to do your dirty work? Cowardice of a ruler. As a leader of a nation, it is up to you to handle the problems, not anyone else." Doom reprimanded in a harsh tone. Celestia scowled, "She's going to target me first! She said it herself!" she spat, making Doom stop for a moment to listen, "Nightmare Moon is too powerful for me to fight without the Elements of Harmony! I made sure the spell brought somepony with the power to face her! It was a risky move, but I had to!" Annoyed, Doom glared at the Sun Princess, "Then you summoned the right person. This Nightmare Moon will be no challenge for Doom." he boasted, "But I will not be here to clean up all of your mistakes." he scolded, pointing at the alicorn. "I understand, Doom. Nightmare Moon is coming soon, though. But we will not face her here." Celestia revealed. Doctor Doom replied, "And where shall this Nightmare Moon appear?" "Tonight is the Summer Sun Celebration, an annual event where I raise the sun publicly. It is supposed to happen in Ponyville, where my student is at this very moment." 'Ponyville. Doom seems to have found himself in hell with a idiotic name like that for a town.' thought the dictator, withdrawling a comment for the moment. "...If it means a chance back to Latveria, Doom will aid you this once, Celestia." The alicorn smiled, "Thank you, Doom." she whispered, "Nightmare Moon will appear in Ponyville. I shall send a chariot for your arrival by the time it starts. Should you run into my student, Twilight Sparkle, do not reveal any of the information I have given you. It would change her outlook on her being there." "How would me explaining my presence do this? Doom will raise eyebrows at his appearance." Doom reminded her. "She is a loner, always focused on her studies. I sent her there to befriend those aiding in preparing the celebration. I wish for her to learn the magic of friendship." 'Doom will do everything in his power to not gag.' mused Doctor Doom. "Go now. I may see you in Ponyville before the celebration begins." Celestia said, gesturing for Doom to leave. Doom scowled, 'No one tells Doom what to do, mare. But if it means Doom goes home, then an exception has to be made. At least until Doom comes up with a counter spell.' he stormed off, leaving Celestia to ponder her thoughts. The Sun Princess sighed in sadness, looking at the night sky, hoping that Doom was out of earshot. "Hahahaha!" The Sun Princess's eyes widened. "No... She can't be here already." Blue smoke appeared, circuling around the throne as it manifested into a form. It was a dark blue alicorn mare wearing a strange helmet and armor with a moon emblem on her chest. Nightmare Moon cackled as she glared at her sister. "Did thou think she saw the last of me, sister?" "Luna... Please. It doesn't have to be like this. Come back to me." pleaded Celestia. Nightmare Moon smirked, "Weak. Thou thinks she can reacheth out to me. Thy powers outmatch yours!" Lowering her head, Celestia whispered. "I know... I also know that you are my sister... That is why I refuse to fight you." "Ha! Taking the coward's way out, sister? Very well. Thou has punished me for a millenia. Tis fair that you are punished the same." her horn began to glow blue, trapping Celestia in a blue aura. Celestia was deep in thought, 'It is up to you my student. And Doom. Liberate Equestria from the threat of eternal night.' she mused, feeling herself warp away. The aura flew all the way into space, on the moon, where Nightmare Moon once was. "Goodbye sister." Nightmare Moon whispered. "Now Equestria shall have eternal night. But I shall head to the location of this Summer Sun celebration first." she transformed into a blue mist, hiding out. > Ponyville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doom sighed in annoyance, standing on a carriage pulled by three pegasus guards. The dictator looked ahead, able to see a small town in the distance. The man lowered his arms to his sides, choosing to stay silent throughout the ride. The ponies gave him a weird glance when they first encountered him, but an explanation eased their worries, which he thought was not smart. Doctor Doom noticed that they were descending from the sky at last, and he could see the sun getting lower. 'Time is running out. That princess surely cannot rely on me to bail her out of this. That's a mistake of a ruler, trusting outsiders to do their job. I will deal woth her on the subject once Doom succeeds.' 'I cannot use my abilities as I am unused to this world. Doom will just have to learn the layout of this land. It will be no challenge.' he reminded himself as to why he was resorting to such transportation. "Time is of the essence, ponies. You must go faster." Doom ordered the pegasi. One of the guards groaned and turned his head, "We're going as fast as we can!" Rolling his eyes under his metal mask, Doom scoffed, "If you wish to live then you will speed up..." he growled, raising a static filled arm. "There is a lot at stake and Doom will be the least of your concerns should you slow yourselves." "Fine! We'll go faster!" one of the pegasi guards said. "...Good." mumbled Victor. Ponyville... The carriage finally landed, allowing Doom to step out of the smaller than expected vehicle. "Perhaps you are all more useful than Doom thought. I will spare you." he said in a casual manner, surprising the escorts, their eyes wide in slight fear before flying back to Canterlot. The dictator stepped forward, making his way into the town of importance for the princess. 'This is the town? It looks... Primitive. There is very little to protect them from this Nightmare Moon the ruler of this land spoke of. This is perhaps the reason she summoned Doom.' The first thing Doom noticed upon arriving was how empty the town was at this time of night. 'No strange equines at this time. Perhaps I am too late. But Doom cannot dwell on that. For Doom must return to his country for good and away from this world.' he walked ahead, seeing the dimmed lights of the small village houses. The scientist even noticed a tree with a door and a window and even a gingerbread house, 'What village is this? Doom feels as though he is in a child's coloring book.'  Doctor Doom saw a building not too far away. There were lights, confetti, balloons and he could heard the muffled sounds of chatter. The dictator folded his arms, "Perhaps Doom shall head there first. If Nightmare Moon were to be a incompetent enemy, she would announce herself directly in front of witnesses." Using his jet thrusters, Doom flew ahead to the supposedly crowded building. After a few moments, he landed on the ground with a thud and the quiet clanging of his metal boots upon the grass. His arms were folded and he had a cold stare as he wondered in, expecting backlash to his sudden appearance. He was right. As he wandered inside, the noise went quiet and all eyes were on Doctor Doom. 'An entrance worthy of one such as Doom. This primitive world is finally starting to understand it appears.' he simply folded his arms, not trying to bring attention to himself at the moment. With a sigh, he spoke out, "Yes, Doom is a creature you have yet to witness. Do go back to your foolish festivities. Doom is simply here on a mission." With that statement muttered out, Doctor Doom looked around, slowly but surely hearing the sounds he heard earlier come back. There was chatter, music and confetti flying all over the place as ponies socialized with one another. 'Perhaps Doom could have done without all the unnecessary noise after all.' he thought. The scientist turned around, suddenly finding a pink face staring directly into his eyes. The dictator grunted, ready to raise his arm and electroute them out of instinct before realizing that it was a pony. A sigh escaped Doom's lips, "Who do you think you are trying to blindside Doom?" he asked with some authority in his tone. The pony tilted her head, "Your name's Doom? That doesn't sound friendly at all. My name is Pinkie Pie. Are you with Twilight over there?" 'Pinkie Pie? And Doom thought Richards' hero name was pathetically simple-minded. Doom may just gag after all.' Doom thought with a shake of his head. "No. Doom is with no one foolish mare. Doom only works on his own, unlike right now." Five more mares appeared behind Pinkie, getting the attention of a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane, "This guys starting trouble with you, Pinkie? I'll take off his mask if he is." Doom growled, "You will dare not mock or threaten Doom if you value your wings, mare." he threatened, clenching his fist, creating a small metal clang once his fingers met his palm in a slow and exaggerated movement. Pinkie shook her head, "Oh no. I was just askin Doom a couple questions!" she assured. The pegasus snickered, "Doom? That name is both lame and awesome." Doom folded his arms at the comment, "Really now? And what your name be, pegasus?" The cyan mare pointed a hoof at herself, "Rainbow Dash. Fastest flyer in all of Equestria!" '...Doom has lost all ability to insult this world. They are doing it to themselves with each passing minute. She is almost as cautiously brass and boastful as Mister Storm.' thought the dictator, now annoyed. "...Doom is at a loss of words of how ridiculous the naming of this population is in this dimension." he muttered to himself. A white unicorn cleared her throat and glared at Rainbow, "Pardon my friend's rather crude behavior. My name is Rarity. Ponyville's up and coming fashion designer. It seems you have made yourself an entrance." 'Doom thinks he's wandered into the beginning of a children's cartoon.' the dictator thought, "Yes, it was quite a worthy entrance of one such as myself." A farmpony looked up at Doom's mask, "Now don't go humorin' him now, Rarity. So, what brings ya to the Summer Sun Celebration?" she asked. With a sigh, Doom said to himself, "Doom is on a mission, involving your so-called ruler of this land." Upon hearing those words, a purple unicorn perked up, a frown on her face, "Do you mean Princess Celestia?" she asked, getting a slow nod from the scientist, "Was I right? If she had to bring you, then that means Nightmare Moon is coming back. We have to hurry up in case something goes wrong!" "Twilight..." said the small dragon riding her back with a grunt. "W-What?" a shy pegasus gulped. Rainbow waved a hoof, "There is no such as thing as Nightmare Moon, Twi. But if she was real, I'd totally kick her flank." the unicorn gave her a blank stare. Doom lowered his arms and dropped them to his sides, "The reason Doom is here is because--" "Attention, everypony!" said a voice as loud as they could, silencing the ponies around and prompting them to listen. "Oops. Gotta go." Rarity said. "Fillies and gentlecolts. As mayor of Ponyville! It is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" the mayor called out. Doom narrowed his eyes, having heard that term before. Cheers were heard and he looked around, awaiting for something to happen. "In just a few moments, our town will witnessthe magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!" the mayor continued. 'Doom knows of this. The princess mentioned this would be the time.' The mayor gestured to some curtains near a balcony, "And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land." Twilight bit her lip nervously, looking at the moon, "The very pony who brings us the Sun and the Moon each day..." "What?!" Doom blurted out in disbelief. "...The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria. Princess Celestia!" Rarity pulled back the curtains and the spotlight turned, but nopony was there. Silence and murmurs were passed among the watchers with Twilight saying, "This can't be good." Doom stood in front of the crowd, "Doom knows of what troubles your ruler." "Is she hiding?" Pinkie asked. Then she gasped. The dictator blinked, "...No." "Aw." A blue mist suddenly appeared where Doom was looking and Twilight whispered, having known about this since before her arrival, "Oh no." It was at that moment, an alicorn with black fur and blue armor appeared. Her horn was sharp and on her chest was a moon insignia, her wings spread out. "Oh my beloved subjects. It has been so long since I have seen your precious, sun-loving faces." she purred in a boastful tone. "What did you do to our princess?" Rainbow asked, ready to fight by flying. Doom held her tail and slammed her back down on the ground rather painfully. "Hey!" Taking a step forward, Doom growled, "Are you the one called Nightmare Moon?" Nightmare Moon cackled, "I feel so honored having a strange creature as of yourself know who I am. May I get your name, outsider of Equestria?" The dictator's hands began to spark yellow electricity with his palms open, using his technology and magic to prepare himself. His eyes narrowed under his mask and his jet thrusters on his boots began to flare, readying flight. "Doom is the one who shall rectify your ruler's mistakes the way intended. Doom will not hold back against you." he assured. Nightmare Moon's eyes widened before smirking, "You have quite the magical arsenal. But I did not hear you correctly, may I get the name of my supposed opponent?" "Doom!" was all Doctor Doom, ready to attack Nightmare Moon.