Shards of Darkness

by Immortan Joe

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Sad, Tragedy
Length: 5322

Everypony in life has at least one greater fear, have it be spiders, the dark, or even their own shadow. But the biggest and strongest fear of them all, is the fear of the unknown...

On February 14th a thick dark blanket was drawn over the small town of Ponyville, no moon no stars not a single speck of light to be seen. Anypony who goes outside goes missing, without a trace; as if something drew them out there. Ponies who lock themselves away and hide in the light go mad, saying they hear them. Speaking to them, telling them to ascend into the darkness…

The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown-H.P.Lovecraft

((This story takes place two years after Twilight Sparkles coronation. Also I'd like to thank Junbud and Mr.Coxen5 for Proofreading this story.))

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-07-04 02:10:01 UTC

Prologue

February, 13, 4 L.R.

[1]

The sound of somepony rapping at my door caused me to stir in my bed; for a second I decided to ignore it. I laid there vaguely hoping that Spike would wake up to go down and answer it for me. Lying in bed I rolled over trying to get comfortable; which caused a few crumpled up pieces of notes I’ve taken the night before to roll off me and fall onto the floor. Finally closing my eyes, I slowly began to drift off back to sleep, until I was rudely brought back to reality by another wave of knocks coming from my front door.

“Spike...” I mumbled, “Could you please go answer the door?” I asked, I laid there in bed waiting for a response that I did not receive. Confused I shifted my body over so I was looking out over my room. My room was a mess, books and scrolls laid scattered all over the floor due to my last nights research. Glancing over to where Spike usually sleeps I realized he wasn’t there, another set of knocking came from downstairs. Yawning I pushed my blanket off of me, and swung my legs over the side of my bed.

Stumbling over a few books I made my way over to my mirror; my horn flared to life, the purple aura of my magic wrapped around my brush that laid idly on my dresser, after running it through my mane a few times. I placed it back on the dresser, another set of knocking came from my door. Letting out an annoyed sigh I called out, “I’ll be there in just a second.” Turning back towards my pigsty of a room I noticed the three flowers sitting on my windowsill. Taking in a deep breath I made my way over to them, taking the watering canister that sat right below the window I watered them.

While I sat there watering the plants, I remembered a few formulas that I used the night before. As I was watering them, I could feel a small smile beginning to form on the corners of my lips. Setting the canister down I made my way towards my closet; pulling out the small ice cooler that sat in the back. I opened it using my magic I took out a small test tube that was filled with a tiny amount of red liquid. On it was small bit of tape that said, Bramble Fertilizer, making my way towards the the Bramble plant. I took the cork off the test tube and I slowly, just so gently began to tip it. The red liquified fertilizer slowly began to run down it’s path, gradually speeding up as I tipped the tube even higher. Biting my lip I hoped for the best,

Another set of knocking came from down stairs. Which snapped me out of focus, causing me to yelp and fling the test tube into the air. Which caused a large amount of fertilizer to pour over the plant; which then instantly as if I dipped it in acid, shrivel up and die. Letting out an aggravated snort I turned towards the stairwell. With a sigh I began to make my way downstairs.

Opening the door, I was knocked to the side by a pink blur before I could even greet the pony. Rubbing my head I looked over to see my friend Pinkie Pie jumping up and down excitedly. “Hi there, Pinkie Pie, what brings you over here so early?” I grumbled, still slightly annoyed at the fact my plant fertilizer still didn’t work,

“Early? It’s not early you silly filly.” I frowned, glancing up at the clock above my kitchen door I saw that it was one o’clock in the morning, and it finally dawned on me. Frowning I ruffled my wings in frustration, Spike was supposed to wake me up before going over to Rarity’s house.

After few moments I shrugged it off, “So what brings you here, Pinkie.” I asked. Pinkie smiled reaching to the side, she pulled out a card which seemed to have magically come out of nowhere.

“I came to give you an invitation for the Hearts and Hooves day party tomorrow at  the Town Hall.” Smiling I took the card,

“Oh yeah that’s right, I have been so caught up in my research I forgot all about it.” Opening the card, it was full of pictures of hearts and two ponies nuzzling each other on the bottom. Above the picture it says, You have been invited! in bold pink words. Pinkie nodded her head,

“So are you coming?” she asked, bouncing up and down once again. I glanced up at Pinkie,

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss any of your parties.”  I giggled, setting the card aside I asked,  “What time is the party going to be?”

“Around nine o’clock in the afternoon.” She said, I nodded,

“So what have you been up to lately, Pinkie?” I asked making my way over to the couch. To the side of my couch laid my saddle bag, taking it in my magic. I sat it on my back turning towards pinkie I listened to her response,

“Oh nothing really, just been baking, and getting ready for the party... Oh yeah, I’ve also been passing these out to everypony!” She said pulling out another seemingly endless stack of invitations out of nowhere.

I laughed, making my way over to my table I grabbed the paper bag that was sitting there,“That’s nice.” reaching into it with my magic I pulled out a jar that was filled with this green liquid.

Pinkie eyed the jar with the look of curiosity, “Oh... What is that thing? Some type of juice?”

I glanced over at Pinkie, “I don’t really know,” I said, “I was working last night mixing a few ingredients together. When all of a sudden it just blew up in my face!” Pinkie giggled, “But,” I continued, “When the smoke cleared I was left with... This, I dunno what it does. But I was gonna go down and speak with Applejack seeing if I can perform an experiment later down at her farm.”

Pinkie nodded her head, “Hey can I have a look?” She asked.

I looked back at the jar then back at Pinkie shrugging I said, “I don’t see why not. Just be careful with it; I don’t know what it does.” I said while levitating it over to her, Pinkie snatched the jar with her hooves. Bringing it closer to her face she examined it, after a few moments passed Pinkie for some reason that I don’t know of. Began shaking the jar violently, “Pinkie!" I shouted, afraid of not knowing what's going to happen, "Be Careful we don’t know what’s going to... What in the name Celestia?” I asked, staring at the green solution that was now glowing inside of the jar. It casted off a faint green light, (Possibly due to the room already being dimly lit.)

“Oh... That’s so cool!” Pinkie said, while eyeing the glowing jar. “How did you make this?”

Again I just shrugged,“Like I said, I was just mixing ingredients and then... This.” I said astonished by the now glowing jar. Shaking myself out of my stupor I looked to Pinkie, “Hey do you by any chance know where, AJ, is?” I asked Pinkie,

Pinkie nodded, “She’s down at the market selling apples like every afternoon.”

I nodded, “Well thanks for the invitation Pinkie.”

“Well speaking of passing out invitations, I need to go finish my runs.” She said with a broad smile while hoofing the potion back over to me,

Returning her smile I said, "You go do that, I have a few errands I need to run too.” I said placing the potion in the paper bag and back into my saddle bag. Following Pinkie out the door I gave her one last wave of goodbye. Pinkie then turned in the opposite direction from where I was heading and began trotting down the road.

[2]

I began making my way towards the market, As I was passing by Quills and Sofas, a black-and- white checkered notebook caught my eye. It was centerpiece of a display in the shop’s front window, and I was suddenly reminded of my love for writing supplies. As well as the fact that the notebook I have now is at the brink of being filled. A happy coincidence indeed! Making my way towards the display, I bent down to get a closer look. It was large notebook, a sticker was placed in the upper right corner of the notebook advertising that it had over three hundred pages. A beautiful brass plate on the cover was engraved with the word Notes and I must confess, it caught my eye entirely. After all, my other notebook was almost completely filled.

“See anything you like Princess?” The deep voice of the shopkeeper, Davenport nearly startled the life out of me (at times I do tend to get a little lost when contemplating the wide open vistas of new supplies that are present) and I spun around, my eyes wide and darting left and right. Davenport’s calm smile and disarming attitude put me immediately at ease though.  “I’m sorry Princess,” he said, clearing his throat he continued. “Do you see anything you like?”

“Eh, yeah.” I said scratching the back of my head, in all honesty I didn’t like it when other ponies addressed me as Princess I don’t know why but it just seemed quite embarrassing.

Davenport’s smile widened. “Well what would you like?” He asked, stepping aside I pointed my hoof at the notebook that was on display.

“How many bits is it, for one of those notebooks?” I asked.

Davenport  nodded his head.“Nice choice, Princess Sparkle. It’s one of our better sellers,” Davenport commented as he checked the price tag, “and yours for the low price of twenty bits!” I levitated my coin purse out of my saddlebag and began counting out bits, only to be interrupted by Davenport, “But you know what, since you’re a special customer, I’ll give it to you for only ten bits! Just let everyone know that Princess Sparkle got from Davenport eh?

“Thank you, Davenport,” I said hoofing my ten bits over to him. Going inside the store only to return with a notebook in his teeth he hoofed it over to me. Taking the notebook with my magic I placed it in my bag.

“You’re welcome, Princess Sparkle, you have a nice day now.” He said, I smiled.

“You too, Davenport.” Turning away from him I began heading up the road.

As I made my way up the road towards the market, I was passing by a nearby alleyway that laid to my left.  Out of the corner of my eye I noticed something shift, turning my full attention towards the alleyway. I could have sworn something was looking at me in the dark shadows. I would have just shrugged it off as a cat, but when I went to turn away. I once again notice something out of the corners of my eyes. “What the heck?” I turned back towards the alleyway only to see nothing, curious I made my way into the alleyway. “Hello?” I called out, once I entered the darkened part of the alleyway, a freezing draft blew by me and I shivered, with a sudden feeling of inexplicable uneasiness. Lighting my horn I felt my body relax once I was able to see, glancing around I notice  that it looked to me like any other alleyway. Around me laid a few garbage cans and a busted gutter that was lying idly on the ground. Whatever was down here must’ve vanished, or the sleepiness from staying up all night was making me see things. “That was strange.” I muttered, turning back I began trotting back towards the road.

The market was as busy as ever, ponies all around where buying flowers to give to their loved ones tomorrow. While others were just going along with their normal business, I maneuvered my way around the ponies. Watching as they looked at me with a smile on their faces; while nodding their heads in my direction. I would just smile and wave to them, or just nod my head and keep on going.

I saw Applejack on the other side of the market place, selling her apples to a few hungry ponies. Not paying attention I almost bumped into the nearby street lamp, taking a few steps back I turned my head so that I was looking forward directly at the pole. I would’ve continued on my path if I haven’t seen the missing poster. The poster held two pictures, one of a young filly and the other was an older stallion.

MISSING!

Charming Pen and Shimmering Pen.

Last seen in the Everfree Hills. Missing since February 12.

100 bit reward.

I sighed, these two aren’t the first ponies to have somehow vanish. Since the starting of February, three ponies have gone missing. Well five now. If I could, I would go out and try and search for them myself, but due to my research and Celestia herself telling me that Princess Luna and the Royal Guard has got it covered. That I must stay here in Ponyville and watch over the town as best I can. Every night we have Luna’s night guards patrolling the streets watching out for the kidnapper. With another disappointed sigh, I looked back over at Applejack and decided to see what she was up to.

“Hey, AJ.” I said with a smile on my face. After AJ finished attending to one of her customers she turned to face me.

Smiling she said,“Hey there, Sugarcube, how are you?”

“I’m doing fine, I just came to see how you were doing.” I said, pulling out my coin purse I pulled out two bits. Levitating them over to Applejack she took the two bits. Reaching into a small basket she produced two apples; which she then gave to me.

“I’ve been doing perfectly fine, Twi, thanks for asking. Say how’s yer research coming along?” AJ asked, I shrugged. Placing one apple in the bag, I took a bite out of the other and said,

“Could be better, just yesterday I accidentally caused a chemical reaction that exploded in my face.” AJ snorted,

“I bet that would’ve been hilarious sight.” I smirked, for the past three weeks I’ve been working on a way to enhance the growth of plants. A way to make them grow even bigger and richer, in a way you can say it’s a type of fertilizer.

“But I did make this.” I said, placing aside my apple I reached into my bag. I pulled out the paper bag from earlier, reaching into it with my magic. I pulled out the jar filled with green liquid, AJ raised a curious eyebrow.

“What is it?” She asked, my smirk turned into a smile. Placing the jar on Applejack’s apple cart I said,

“In all honesty I don’t know, but I will tell you this: it glows.” Applejack gave me an skeptical look. “I’m being serious, AJ. Whenever you shake it, it glows.” Applejack’s expression didn’t change. Making my way behind AJ’s cart I picked up the jar . “Here, I’ll show you," I said, "Could you please open that bottom compartment?” I asked, AJ nodded,

“Yeah sure, just give me a sec.” AJ bent down. Opening it up we both crouched down to get a better look, I shook the jar three times. Placing it in the dark confinements of AJ’s cart, the bright green glow from the jar illuminated everything around it. AJ smiled, “That’s pretty neat, Twi, how’d you make it?” She asked.

I shrugged again. “All I did is mix a few chemicals together, when trying to make the fertilizer. Then next thing you know this came out of the blue.”

AJ glanced over at me, “So what did you name it?” I frowned, I never really thought of giving it a name. Taking the jar out of the compartment I stood up.

“I haven’t really given it a name yet.” I said, “Do you have any ideas?” I asked. AJ tilted her head while thinking, after a few moments she shrugged.

“I got nothing.” Adjusting the straps on my back I grinned,

“Well I’ll think about it later, I’d like to stick around AJ. But I got a few things I need to pick up and head home.” AJ nodded her head,

“I understand Twi, just let me know when you finish that fertilizer. Cause I’m sure I could probably use some of that on my farm.” I turned and began heading further into the marketplace,

“Sure thing AJ, I’ll drop by when I finish it.”

Before I left though, I remembered the question that I wanted to ask Applejack earlier. Turning around I said, "Hey, Applejack, can I ask you something first before leaving?"

Applejack nodded, "Sure thing, Sugarcube. You can ask me anything."

I smiled, "What it be okay if I could stop by at some point for an experiment?"

AJ frowned, tapping the bottom of her chin with her hoof. She finally said, "I dunno, Twi, lately we've been having some trouble with the local fruit bats. Maybe some time this weekend you could come down."

I smiled, "That would be great." I said, "Well see you later, AJ." I gave her one last goodbye before leaving.

After I finished shopping, I returned home. I hadn't seen Spike all day, which was a little strange, but then it occurred to me that Rarity had been lamenting her lack of good help in sorting gems down at her boutique and that would have been irresistible to the baby dragon. The fashionista probably got struck by another wild idea and held him back even longer.

After taking out the sweet bloom petals out of my water; I added the last of my bitter root into it. Taking my spoon I stirred the tea until it was finished, raising it up to my lips I took a sip only to have myself recoil back from the overly sweet taste.

“Oh Celestia, that’s sweet!” Shaking my head a few times I brought the cup back, this time taking an even smaller sip. I grinned at the taste of the tea, “At least it’s a bit better than yesterdays.” I told myself, outside the kitchen I heard the front door open and close.

“Twilight I’m back,” Shouted Spike, I grinned,

“How was Rarity’s?” I asked, setting the cup back on the counter I dabbed my lips with a napkin, just to get the rest of that sweetness off my lips.

“Very busy I’ll tell you that, every time I would try on a new outfit. A customer would walk in requesting for a suit or dress for tomorrow's party.” He called from the main room, cleaning up my mess. I made my way into the libraries main room,

“I’m not surprised.” I said, Spike huffed,

“Not only that, one of my spikes tore a hole in one of her dresses.” I stopped and glanced down at the baby dragon frowning.

“Well that’s not good at all.” I said,

“I know right, Rarity was furious.” I smiled, as I turned towards the stairs leading up to my room.

“Again, I’m not surprised.” Spike yawned, stretching his arms he said,

“Well I’m beat, I think I’m going to go to bed.” Spike began to follow me up the stairs,

“I’m going to finish up on my experiments first, then I’ll join you.” I said, as I made my way into my room.

“Guess it sounds like a deal, I’ll sleep while you go work.” Spike said, I chuckled,

“I guess it is.”

[3]

February, 14, 4 L.R.

I woke to Spike shaking me awake, “Fifteen more minutes?” I mumbled, rolling over in my bed.  I heard Spike chuckle and he shook me again, after one more hard shake I finally opened my eyes. Holding a clock in his claws Spike was pointing at the time, which stated it was  two o’clock in the afternoon. Raising an eyebrow I pushed myself up so that I was resting on my upper arms. “I’ve been asleep for that long?” I yawned, Spike nodded his head,

“What time did you go to bed?” He asked, I began to think back to last night,

“About... Three o’clock I think.” I said, Spike shook his head and began making a tsk, noise. “Hey come on!” I said playfully poking Spike in the belly. “I was coming close to completely finishing my experiment.” Spike smiled,

“Well it’s time to wake up.” He said, “Now come on I made breakfast... Well lunch now. Or would it be and early snack before dinner?” He questioned himself, while I got out of bed.

Taking my brush I ran it through my mane a few times, while he made his way downstairs I said, “Alright Spike, I’ll be down there in just a minute.” I stretched my wings out, causing a few good pops to come out of my joints, rubbing my throat I noticed how dry it was.

I made my way to the kitchen, on my way there I noticed Spike who was now sitting on the couch eating a sandwich while reading the paper. As I made my way past him I stepped into the kitchen, seeing my sandwich that Spike has made for me on the counter. Taking it in my magical hold, I took a bite out of it. While I was opening one of the upper cabinets I took a glass off the shelf and sat it by the sink.

Turning the water on I ran the glass under it filling it about halfway, bringing it up to my lips I took a sip. I let out a sigh of relief while the cool water ran down my dry throat, taking another bite of my sandwich I walked back into the main room. “What does the paper say?” I asked Spike while walking into the room. Making a left I approached one of the book shelves, using my magic I took a book about plants off one of the many shelves.

Spike let out a shaky breath, “Well another pony has gone missing since last night.”

I nearly choked on my sandwich after that statement, swallowing I said, “What!? That can’t be, one of the night guards would’ve noticed something?”

Spike shook his head, “There’s also talk that Mayor Mare might not be holding this year's Hearts and Hooves day party.”

I shook my head in frustration, “Whoever is doing this; I hope they get brought to justice soon!”

Spike turned a page, “You and me both Twilight, you and me both.”

I took another sip of water, “Well I’m going to look over my notes,” I said, “After that I’m going to go down to Town Hall and see what’s going on with the party.” I placed the book back on the shelf, after finishing my sandwich I went up stairs.

[4]

Half of the day went by in a blur, I checked over my notes; again and again, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong! All the equations lead up to the same thing! Now why isn’t it working? The problem I have is whenever I mix the acquired ingredients together, it will either kill the plant or make it explode in my face.

Well subject eighteen seemed to be showing signs of improvement, over the course of three days it was able to grow the minimum of three inches. Also the buds on it seems to be blooming too.

But why doesn’t it seem to be working for the others, the Poison Joke died, the Daisies died, the Bramble exploded in my face. But the Night Bliss seemed to be the only one doing good, I don’t know if it’s because I have to keep it in the dark... Or if the sun has an effect on the Fertilizer?

I sighed in frustration, crumpling the paper I was writing on and tossed it aside. I Glanced up at the clock and saw that it was seven o’clock. Looking back at my notes I took a deep breath, pushing myself away from my desk. I took hold of my saddlebag, placing it on my back and adjusting the straps. I Opened the saddlebag and took out the glowing potion and sat it aside, I don’t want it getting ruined at the party. That’s if we were going to even have one, after grabbing my checklist and other materials, I went back downstairs.

Spike was now passed out on the couch, I grinned at the sight of the sleeping dragon. He always looked adorable when he was sleeping. Seeing the newspaper on the floor, I draped it over him. After I finished writing him a note describing where I was going, I sat off towards the Town Hall.

The Town Hall was packed with ponies, most of them arguing if the party should be postponed or just not be held at all. As I made my way up the crowd, the ponies who took notice of me stepped out of the way allowing me access to the Town Halls entrance. In front of the entrance stood a podium that Mayor Mare was fixed behind.

Raising her forelegs in the air she shouted, “Please, everypony, can we all calm down?” Around me the ponies began to calm down their arguing shouts brought down to low murmurs. “I know we’re all scared. But please everypony we all need to remain calm.”  The Mayor said.

“What about the Hearts and Hooves Day party!?” Somepony shouted,

“Yeah!” Somepony else shouted,

The Mayor raised her forelegs to silence the shouting ponies, “We here at Town Hall have finally came to terms with. We will still throw the party,” Ponies that stood around me began to cheer, “But, as long as you ponies stay inside the Town Hall. We cannot risk another kidnapping, during the party Lunar Night Guards will be watching over it. Inside and out, if they see anyone suspicious they do have the right to tell you to go home.” With that the Mayor stepped down from her podium.

Only to be replaced; moments later by a bubble gum pink pony shouting. “Come on everypony let’s party!” With that everypony in the crowd threw the forelegs into the air and cheered, including myself.

I have to admit the Hearts and Hooves Day party was possibly one of the best parties Pinkie has ever thrown. I only wish that Spike wasn’t asleep before I left so I could have brought him along with me. If it wasn’t for the Night Guards I would have gone back to the library to pick him up, but every time I went too close the door the guard would tell me “I’m sorry Princess but it is not time to leave yet.” or something along those lines. I probably could just command them to step out of my way, but I don’t like to abuse my power like that.

About two hours passed by in a blur I was sitting back in a chair with a full belly while drinking punch, I was listening to the new DJ whose name is Vinyl Scratch. It was interesting music I’ll let you know, not something I would listen to on a regular basis. But everypony else seemed to love it! I could see Rainbow Dash over by Pinkie both of them bobbing their heads to music. Dash though seemed to be getting really into it, and I mean really into it. She began bobbing her head so fast and hard that her mane began flailing back and forth with the motion of her head.

I chuckled at the sight of the cyan pegasus. I looked around the room, trying to find the Mayor who had disappeared in the large crowd. Finally, I found her in earnest discussion with a Night Guard in a secluded corner. Their expressions were grim and the Mayor even seemed frightened in fact, the normally stalwart Night Guard even looked a little nervous.

Every now and again one of them would lean into each others ear to say something. Even though I bet if they were to speak normally nopony still wouldn’t even be able to hear them over the loud bass. I sighed, going to take a sip of my punch. I frowned when I realized I was all out, getting up I made my way towards the snack bar which was where the punch bowl was located.

Politely making my way through the crowd of raving ponies, I took a quick glance back over to where the Mayor and guard were just recently chatting. Noticing they were gone I raised an eyebrow, They were just there a few moments ago. Not paying attention to where I was going, I felt my body bump into another pony.

“Hey watch it!” Snarked a stallion.

Looking over I took a few steps back, chuckling nervously I apologized, “Oh sorry I didn’t mean to bump into you.”

As the DJ’s song ended; the stallion turned to face me, he was a large stern pegasus with stone hard look. Upon seeing me his hard look quickly melted, “Oh I’m so sorry, Princess Sparkle, please forgive me for being rude.”

My face flushed with embarrassment raising a hoof I silenced him, “No it should be me who is apologizing. I was the one who wasn’t paying attention and-”

An ear-wrenching scream erupted from outside, my head quickly snapped towards the door followed by everypony else. The scream sounded like an older stallion who was being brutally murdered, it lasted for a few seconds only to be quickly cut off.

Me being the first to act, I shook myself out of my shocked state. Quickly pushing past everypony I made my way towards the door, the Night Guards faced the doorway spears and swords drawn ready to face whatever was behind that door.

“Step aside please!” I commanded the Guards, who turned to face me frowning the one on the right said, “I’m sorry, Princess, but I cannot let you through.”

Flaring my wings I took on a more demanding voice, “I said step aside!”

“Just do what she says!” Shouted a familiar voice, glancing over my shoulder I saw Rainbow Dash and the rest of my friends behind me. Looking back at the guards I saw them share an uneasy glance, but with a sigh they said,

“As you-”

Loud banging came from the door followed by a mare yelling, “Open the door! Open the door!” The door shook violently as the mare wailed on it, the guards acting as quickly as possible undid the locks. Opening it the Mayor stumbled into the room, right away she collapsed onto the floor, I quickly knelt down to help her. Fluttershy coming up right beside me in a instant, the Mayor’s breaths were ragged and her eyes were wide with fear.

To my side I could hear the Guards quickly shutting the door and locking it instantly. The Mayor trembled all over, her eyes occasionally darting around. As if she was watching out for something, noticing how unbelievably quiet it is. I took my eyes off the Mayor only to see everypony in the Town Hall looking at us, all with fear stricken faces. Even my friends seemed slightly unsettled.

Looking back at the Mayor I asked, “Mayor... What happened out there?” Her eyes snapped towards me her body trembling even more. She began to ramble uncontrollably, I couldn’t make out what she was saying.

The only words though that I could hear were, Dark and Taken.