Bound by the Night, Part 1

>As the sun fell past the horizon, veiled by the thick forest canopy, you galloped with all your fervor.
>The blue and black wisp ahead darted back and forth between the twisted treetrunks, trying its hardest to lose the six pursuers bearing down on it.
>Every time it seemed like it had succeeded, it was cut off; be it by a streak of every color, a tree kicked over, a glittering veil, an explosion of confetti, or a contingent of animals.
>But even though it did not gain any distance, the longer it ran, the deeper into the untamed wilds you became.
>You spotted a clearing ahead, and decided this chase had gone on long enough.
>A violet bubble enclosed around you, and with a bang, you were elsewhere.
>You skidded to a halt in front of the wisp, now cutting it's path off directly, staring it down by it's nonexistent eyes.
>It tried to flee left, and was cut off by orange.
>To the right, blue.
>White, yellow and pink sealed off any other potential exits.
>Besides up, of course.
>Naturally, it tried that next, only to collide with a large, translucent purple dome.
>This was it. You spoke determinately.
"It's over, Nightmare Moon."
>Angrily, the wisp swirled and boiled, spinning itself into a tornado.
>The cone grew tighter and tighter, before blasting its essence in every direction.
>Standing in its place was a tall, midnight black armored alicorn, a spiteful fury in her eyes.
>"So it would seem, Twilight Sparkle."
>Despite the dire circumstances, the cocky grin did not leave her face.
>It is met by a scowl from your own.
"I thought you were destroyed when we focused the Elements on Princess Luna. Why do you still exist?"
>A chuckle escapes the dark being's throat.
>"Destroyed? Surely not. You forget the element's true nature. They do not destroy."
>Your thoughts turn to the large purple starburst gem set in the tiara atop your head.
>As much as it pained you to admit, she had a point; destruction was probably not a feat the embodiment of harmony was capable of.
>"I was merely... relocated," she continued, "after being torn from my original host body."
>Your rainbow-maned companion enters the dialogue.
>"Well if that's the case, we'll just use them to 'relocate' your sorry evil butt right back there!"
>The nightmare laughed again.
>"Would you? I quite like it there, as it turns out. And when I see fit, I'll just come back, like I have tonight, and terrorize this world all over again!"
>Again, she had a point; this was not an ideal solution.
>But you believe you had another.
"Alright then. What if we just use the elements to imprison you in a statue, like we did with Discord?"
>Her eyes widen in surprise, but only in a mocking, sarcastic manner.
>"Oh, that would work. I can't really terrorize when I'm stiff as stone, can I?"
>Another voice sparks up, this one decidedly southern, and moderately confused.
>"Well then why ain't you even the littlest bit concerned?"
>Another laugh.
>"Because, dearest Apple, I have yet to play my trump card!"
>The cornered mare of malice takes a deep breath.
>You and your array of friends steady yourselves, ready for whatever came next.

>She starts screaming.
>She screams loudly and violently, in what appeared to be terror and pain.
>Each of you covered your ears as best you could, unprepared for... whatever was happening.
>What in the world was she doing?
>"What in the world is she doing?!"
>Thanks Rainbow.
>You look up from your position against the ground with both forehooves crammed in your ears to find the once confident and terrifying villain, crying and wailing like a dying cat while wallowing in the dirt.
>This was an unusual ploy, to say the least.
>You almost had time to wonder what its true purpose was, before lightning struck the ground only a few feet away from the writhing wretch, shattering your forcefield like it wasn't even there.
>And even through your blocked ears, a booming voice makes itself known.
>"WHO DARES BRING HARM TO MY BOND?!"
>Nightmare's horrid yowling finally ceases, and you open your eyes again to see a torrent of blue and purple smoke swirling around the location of the strike.
>Electricity crackles through the cloud, arcing between small, starlike points of light scattered amongst it.
>Your blood runs cold as you see the silhouette of... something very large... stand up behind the veil.
>The smoke clears, and you see... what in all of Equestria is that?
>The creature stood tall, on only two legs; the top of his strangely tapered head nearly six and a half feet off the ground.
>...No, wait, that's just a pointy hat.
>The hat was a deep midnight blue, emblazoned with tiny stars.
>You'd recognize that type of hat anywhere.
>It was the hat of a wizard.
>Did Nightmare Moon just summon a wizard?
>The strange bipedal magician raises both upper appendages to the sky; one clutching a long, gnarled staff with a hefty emerald embedded in it's end.
>"BY THE DEEPEST PITS OF THE BLACKENED PLAINS, I SHALL CAST DOWN ANY CREATURE FOOL ENOUGH TO- guhwhua"
>"Anonymous!"
>Apparently having underwent a miraculous recovery, Nightmare leaps ecstatically onto the strange creature's upper body, much to his surprise.
>His staff clatters to the forest floor, arms now tasked with cradling the terror of the night as she snuggles close to the woolen robe hiding his form from the world.
>"Nightmare? What are you– You're not even hurt, are you?"
>The embodiment of fear looks up into the mystic's eyes, doing her best impression of a sad puppy.
>"Well, not exactly, but–"
>The wizard does not seem amused.
>"Gah, come on, this is like the fifth time. Get off."
>Nightmare Moon is rather unceremoniously dumped to the ground.
>The staff lifts itself off the ground and returns to his hand.
>He looks at one of the greater threats to your world with mild annoyance, free hand planted on his hip.
>"So what is it this time, then?"
>A dark gilded hoof is thrust in your direction, as its owner speaks in a voice halfway between a whine and a plead.
>"They were gonna turn me to stone!"
>For the first time, the unusual interloper becomes aware of you and your friends' presence, looking up and around at the six of you.
>He seems... less than impressed.
>"What, the six little horses? The ones barely half your size? Come on, Night, I know you're outnumbered, but I've seen you take down much bigger beasts in much greater numbers in the Caves of Despair."
>Nightmare Moon pouts, a thing you were not totally prepared to ever actually see.
>"But they've got those stupid Elements of Harmony! They turned my friend Discord to stone once!"
>The being, who you think you heard called Anonymous, strokes his admittedly impressive long, gray beard thoughtfully.
>"Hmm, I thought those necklaces were a bit too gaudy for casual attire. Definitely the kind of thing you'd wear purely for the stats. But ah, the 'Elements of Harmony', was it? Not really a name that strikes fear into the hearts of demons, especially not one such as yourself."
>Nightmare frantically trots in place like an impatient foal.
>"Can't you just beat them up already?"
>Anonymous lets out a long, drawn out sigh.
>"I suppose."
>You were not totally clear on what exactly was happening here, but you were pretty sure that was a threat.
>You dig your hooves into the ground a bit, bracing your stance, as your friends do the same.
>Rainbow takes the role of team smack-talker, as usual.
>"We may be small, but I'll bet we can still kick your weird lanky butt!"
>The indifferent illusionist hardly regards her claim, looking towards the sky and responding in a tired, dismissive tone.
>"I'm sure you can."
>Rainbow rears back in the air, ready to enact her signature plan of 'charge straight at the target without any planning or forethought', but you decide to use that to your own advantage.
>With a quick charge, you fire a spell directly at Anonymous while he's distracted.

>Although clearly not distracted enough, as he casually turns his gaze upon you, and effortlessly bats the purple magic bolt away with his staff.
>The bolt spirals into a nearby tree, turning it into a chicken.
>The chicken, having never had any sort of actual cognitive faculties before this very moment, stands still for a second, before flopping over limply.
>Well, that could have gone better.
>Although, your intended target seems interested in the effects of your spell.
>"Well now! Maybe there |is| more to you than meets the eye. Hmm, I wonder..."
>Reaching into his cloak, the wizard pulls out a glowing red ruby attached to the end of a golden necklace chain.
>He taps at it with his staff, causing it to flicker somewhat brighter with each strike.
>"Why, this world is positively brimming with latent magical energies! Nightmare, why didn't you ever tell me your home realm was so magical?"
>The avatar of atrocity shrugs, idly drawing a circle in the dirt with a hoof.
>"Dunno, never came up. Didn't think it was that important."
>Anonymous tucks his strange bauble back into his robe before going full akimbo, placing his both hands against his hips, staff included.
>"Nightmare, I'm a wizard. Of course something like this is important."
>Nightmare Moon huffs slightly, breaking eye contact.
>"Yeah, whatever."
>The warlock shrugs it off, taking to calmly observing his surroundings.
>You suddenly felt like your entire existence was being ignored again.
>Looking around to see your friends had rallied back at your sides, you confidently address the wizard.
"Hey!"
>The visitor regards you with mild interest.
"I don't know what you're planning, but you'll have to go through us first, evil wizard."
>For whatever reason, he appears to take offense at that comment.
>"'Evil' wizard? I'm not evil, I'm morally ambiguous!" He sighs again. "I swear, you turn the skeletal remains of |one| paladin's beloved family member into an undead servant, and you never hear the end of it."
>That was... not quite the reaction you were expecting, to be honest.
>Maybe some dialogue about you being 'pathetic mortals', or some ranting about crystals.
>You feel the desire to inquire further, but Applejack beats you to the punch.
>"But yer allied with Nightmare Moon! She's one of the most evil creatures in all ah Equestria!"
>Anonymous raises an eyebrow, looking back at the infernal alicorn.
>"Is that so?"
>Pinkie finally breaks her silence, as you wonder how she managed to still her tongue this long.
>"Yeah! She possessed Princess Luna and made her try and make the night last forever, which made her sister Princess Celestia banish her to the moon for a thousand years! Then she came back and tried it again, but we stopped her with these magic necklace thingies! She made us go through all kinds of trials and tribulations to do it too, and now that I think about it I guess it was actually pretty integral to all of us becoming friends like we did, so if anything I guess we should thank her butfmmlrhmmhmm..."
>A zipper appeared across the energetic bundle of pink's lips, though for once not by your horn.
>Anonymous lowers his staff again, and looks back at Nightmare accusingly.
>"Just what have you been up to around here, hm?"
>Nightmare looks away, trying to hide her obvious guilt.
>"I have no idea what they're talking about."
>Anonymous leans over her, his impressive stature greater than even hers.
>"Come on, out with it."
>Silence, besides the tapping of the waiting magician's woolen shoe.
>"Don't make me cast the 'submissive maid' spell again."
>Nightmare's eyes widen as an obvious blush overtakes her cheeks, and she quickly whirls back around to face her inquirer.
>"Okay, fine!" She sighs in defeat. "The pink one is partly correct. I... did cause one of the rulers of this land to turn on her sister, leading to a millennial imprisonment."
>Pinkie shouts and accusing "Ha!" after unzipping her mouth.
>Anonymous crosses his arms.
>"Hm. You know, evi-uh, |morally ambiguous| as I am, that's still kind of a dick move, Nightmare."
>Her tone turns to desperation.
>"But it was not a possession, as I did not exist before doing so! I was born of her malice and contempt that day, through no will of my own. Truthfully I do not know why I was given a separate form when the Elements sheared me away from my other. Without her, I have no purpose."
>She looks solemnly at the ground.
>"Maybe it would have been better if I |had| just been destroyed."
>What was this strange feeling?
>Were you actually... feeling sorry for Nightmare Moon?
>You were almost certain she wasn't being sincere, and just playing the standard fare "tragic villain origin" card to garner empathy, only to betray your eventual trust down the line.
>...Or was she?
>Grah, stupid friendship.
>Before you can come to any conclusion, Anonymous leans over and throws an arm around the sullen scoundrel, pulling her closer.
>"Hey, don't forget that if you hadn't come along into my world when you did, I'd be dead. So I'd say that gave you a new purpose, specifically being helping me kick the living crap out of any impertinent fool that dares stand against us."
>Nightmare looks up into his eyes, hope returning.
>"Really?"
>"You know it, moonbutt." Anonymous stands back up straight. "And speaking of impertinent fools, the heat's been on pretty hard back home, so I think I might lay low here for a while. Probably be able to do some great research with all this latent magic flowing around."
>Okay, touching moments aside, you needed to address something.
"I hate to put a damper on any relocation plans you might have, but if you're not an evil wizard, why would you need to 'lay low' in an entirely different dimension?"
>Anonymous sighs and temples his fingers against his forehead.
>"I told you already, I'm morally ambiguous. But everyone |else| in my home realm has these irritatingly black and white standards of morality. You're either a bastion of light and goodness, or an evil, baby-murdering spawn of hell in their eyes. So even though I'm |not| evil, I still get a bunch of starry-eyed heroes and knights crashing into my tower all the damn time trying to 'rid the world of my sinful presence', mostly so they can then go back to their peasant village and have peasant bitches hanging off their dicks for a while."
>"But then because they're all just inexperienced fools that picked up a woodcutting axe and put a steel cooking pot on their heads, they end up falling into a spike pit, or getting decapitated by a swinging pendulum trap- which I |had| to install if I wanted to keep my own head- and that just ends up making the whole situation worse, because it's really quite difficult to convince people you're not out to destroy them all when there's a pile of bodies three foot deep in the ground floor of your wizard tower."
>...Okay, that was a |lot| more information than you were expecting on that answer.
>And it didn't really make you feel much better about having him live here, either.
>Again, your friends pick up on your concerns and voice them for you.
>"So you expect us to allow you to bring all that here?" Rarity asks.
>"Of course not. That situation was mostly a consequence of the populace. So, let's make a deal. I'll stay out here, away from wherever your town is and mostly keep to myself."
"And in exchange?"
>The mage crosses his arms and casts a thumb towards Nightmare Moon, who suddenly perks back up, evidently having stopped paying attention some time ago.
>"In exchange, I'll keep this one out of your collective hair. ...Or, manes, I guess. Whatever."
>You scratch your chin with a hoof.
"I'll need a minute to consult with my friends."
>"Fair enough."
>You turn around, and the six of you pull together into a conversation huddle.
>Rainbow is the first to speak.
>"Are we really gonna trust this guy? I mean, he's shacking up with Nightmare Moon, for pony's sake."
>"Ah wouldn't let Applebloom around him, that's fer sure," Applejack interjects, "somethin about him jest don't feel right."
"I don't totally like it either, girls. But doesn't he seem a lot more, you know, |reasonable| than most of Equestria's potentially malicious visitors?"
>"Yeah, I bet he'd be a lot of fun to have around!" Pinkie adds.
>"We'll have to do something about his fashion sense, however," Rarity suggests, "those dark blue robes are too muted for this season."
>"Is fashion all you think about?" Rainbow asks.
>"No, I happen to also think about hygiene, and he seems lacking in that field as well. Just look at that unkempt beard!"
"Hey, beards are a sign of great wisdom. Surely I don't have to remind you of Starswirl the Bearded?"
>Rarity rolls her eyes. "I should certainly hope not."
>You give her a huff, but let it slide.
"Look, as strange as he may seem, I think there's more to this situation than meets the eye. I mean, look how Nightmare acts around him."
>You all look back as the two of them erupt into laughter, perhaps having some kind of conversation about past adventures.
>You turn back to the group.
"She seems... happy. |Without| having conquered Equestria. Maybe this could be a good thing."
>"Yeah!" Pinkie shouts, before reeling back into a half whisper, "After all, everypony deserves a friend, even someone as mean as Nightmare Moon."
>"Ah say we should still be careful." Applejack cautions.
"Right, okay. We'll give them a trial period."
>Everpony nods in affirmation, as you look to the only member of the group that hasn't yet contributed.
"Fluttershy, you have any thoughts on this?"
>The pastel pegasus looks slightly nervous that the spotlight was suddenly on her, and simply shrugs wordlessly after a moment.
"Alright then."

>You turn around to return attention to the duo of questionable intent, to find... hold on, was that you?
>Some kind of shoddy copy of yourself now stood opposite a heartily laughing Nightmare moon, talking in a stupid voice and doing some kind of ridiculous dance.
"A-HEM."
>They both stop cold, your doppleganger staring at you wide-eyed for a moment, before a magical 'piff' eclipses her from view, Anonymous standing in place after the smoke clears.
>"Ah, yes. Have you decided?"
"We have," you spit, making sure as much irritation as possible seeps through to your words. "We've decided that you can stay here freely, for one month. After that time we will reconvene and figure out plans going forward. But if anything goes horribly wrong before that, such as the night lasting forever, or ponies getting impaled on spikes, we're turning you both to stone."
>Nightmare leers angrily at you, while Anonymous simply strokes his beard in thought once more.
>"Alright, I think I can abide by that. Suppose we should shake on it, then?"
"Yes, I suppose."
>You cautiously approach their side of the clearing; Anonymous casually sauntering his way over.
>You converge somewhere north of the center, and he extends a hand.
>You hesitate, but eventually meet it with your hoof.
>"I'm glad we could come to an agreement, miss...?"
>Oh, of course, none of you have been formally introduced.
>Might as well keep things rolling smoothly.
>And, there's no harm in throwing around your political weight, just so he knows exactly who he's dealing with.
"Twilight Sparkle, head magical researcher in Ponyville, and assistant to Princess Celestia."
>He releases your hoof, and you turn to point back at each of your friends.
"And these are my friends; Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Together we make up the Elements of Harmony, Equestria's primary defense against creatures like her."
>You cast a resentful glare towards Nightmare, who mirrors it back at you.
>You return your attention to introductions.
"And you are?"
>He grins maliciously, which puts you somewhat on edge.
>"Who am I? Oh, no one special. I am simply one known as..."
>Suddenly, the ground upheaves itself directly in front of you, sending you tumbling awkwardly backwards.
>You regain your senses to see the wizard standing atop a pillar of earth, a sudden localized storm sending his robe billowing in the wind, lightning striking violently all around.
>"ANONYMOUS ARCANORUM! MASTER WIZARD OF THE QUAGMIRE OF TORMENT, CONQUEROR OF THE SEVEN REALMS, AND WIELDER OF MYSTICAL POWERS YOUR PUNY MIND COULD NEVER EVEN COMPREHEND!"
>Before you can even shake the dirt out of your mane, the wind and lightning cease as suddenly as they started; the ground retreating back to it's normal configuration in an instant.
>"Plus, I can make a mean Ruinbeast Souffle."
>Confusingly, he takes a bow, staff held out to one side.
>"It is a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances."
>You try to ignore Nightmare's laughter, as you gather yourself back to your hooves and dust yourself off, before motioning for your friends to back down as they run over, ready to attack.
"I'm sure it is."
>An awkward silence comes over the odd gathering in these darkening woods.
>"So!"
>Anonymous claps his hands together, momentarily leaving his staff standing perfectly upright on its own.
>"Now that introductions are out of the way, I suppose it's time I set us up a modest little hovel."
>He grabs hold of his staff once more, and tosses it skywards.
>After a moment, it lands in the exact center of the clearing, embedding itself like a javelin.
>The mysterious mystic holds both hands out towards it, and speaks in a foreign tongue.
>"Struere Domum!"
>He then plants his fists back at his waist, and waits; a ridiculous grin present on his face.

>...
>Nothing happens.
>Rainbow eventually speaks up.
>"So, uh, is something supposed to happen, or–"
>As if on cue, the emerald set in the staff lights up with a brilliant light, the distinct sound of magic filling the air.
>Again, the ground rumbles, this time emanating from the epicenter of the clearing.
>To your amazement, the clearing gives way to what appears to be an entire wrought stone tower, growing from the earth like a chaotic tree.
>In merely a few seconds, the structure comes to a halt nearly at twice the height of the tallest tree around, piercing the canopy to become the newest highpoint.
>And yet, the process was still not complete; thick, mossy vines grow up all sides of the tower like jade wildfire, occasionally branching off into several elaborate extensions, many playing host to intricately constructed gold and iron lanterns, glass spheres, and all manner of other magically inclined decorations.
>As if to punctuate the display, flowers of every conceivable color sprout from several of the vines, and the tower finally comes to rest.
>Anonymous casually lifts one hand in the air, and you notice the staff spiraling downwards from above.
>It lands perfectly, emerald first on the top of his head with a thunk, before bouncing back into his hand and being planted back on the ground.
>He acts like that was supposed to happen.
>Meanwhile, your friends show no effort to contain their amazement.
>"Magnificent!"
>"Whoooaaa!"
>"Would ya lookit that!"
>"Awesome!"
>"...Wow."
>You look off to the side somewhere.
"It's okay."
>You can't help but notice Anonymous raise an eyebrow at you.
>Again, you feel something you know you probably shouldn't.
>Was this... envy?
>No, this was worse than that.
>This was |wizard| envy.
>Which is a lot like regular envy, but worse, because magic is involved.
>Suddenly, you knew exactly what Trixie felt like.
>And that revelation made you feel even worse.
>You attention promptly snaps back to the present, as you notice Nightmare happily trotting over to stand by Anonymous.
>"Now then, if you'll excuse me, me and my companion have some business to attend to."
>Excitement overtakes the alicorn of darkness once more, and she again jumps into Anonymous' arms, though he was more prepared in this instance.
>"Ooh, I know what you mean by that!"
>"Do you now?"
>"Yes, that 'business' where we..."
>She leans in and whispers something into his ear.
>She pulls back smiling, though he expresses confusion.
>"What? No."
>She gives him those puppy dog eyes again.
>He sighs.
>"Maybe later."
>The being that once threatened your entire way of life squeals like a schoolfilly, clapping her forehooves together.
>And with that, the bizarre pair step through the opening door to their home.
>You and your friends turn to leave, before Anonymous calls to you.
>"Oh, Twilight, one more thing."
>You look back, still moderately confused about the situation at large.
"Yes, Anonymous?"
>"Stultus capillum."
"What does that m–"
>You hear a magical 'fop' somewhere above your head, and look up in a panic, expecting a piano or something to be hovering just overhead.
>Yet, there's nothing there.
>You breathe a sigh of relief, before noticing that your five friends are in various stages of laughter.
"What?"
>"Oh, it's nothing," Rainbow responds through snickers.
"What? What is it?"
>Rarity composes herself well enough to walk over, levitating a small compact mirror to you.
>Her magic trades for yours as you grab hold of it and take a look at yourself.
>Your mane has evidently been turned green, and teased into several tall, long mohawk spikes.
>Come to think of it, you looked a little like Spike, now.
>This did nothing to abate your anger.
"Anonymous!"
>"Our agreement said nothing about me having a little fun every now and again! Hahaha!"
>The door promptly slams, sealing the two cackling lunatics inside.
>You let out another exasperated sigh.

>This was going to be a long month.