The Shadows

by Fire Spirit

Rating: teen
Tags: Anthro, Dark, Sad, Romance
Length: 7102

These 7 boys are the Keys of Fear. They are the general reason why fear exists. After a war among brothers occur they are forced to fight for their survival but they are going up against the most powerful alicorn of all: Celestia.

The Keys of Fear: Unknown, Phenomenon, Future, Past, Death, and Pain are more than just concepts. The alicorn of fear, Shadow, has just died but fear has to stay alive. Fear is not a bad thing fear is a powerful driving force that is needed. Shadow's dear friend Light Glider is no long himself but, Trepidation, the protector of the Keys of Fear. Will not be easy on any of them because the heart broken Celestia whats them all dead. She hates Shadow for ruining the love of her life, Harmony, but she already had him killed so why not have Harmony's wish come true and take fear out of this world.
Will these boys have the power, the hope and the brotherly love that is need to survive?

the wonderful cover picture is not mine and credit is given to who made it.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-08-08 04:37:54 UTC

The Insanity of Celestia

Luna looked at her sister and sighed. "You shouldn't hurt him because he hurt you, and your supposed to be a princess." she rolled her eyes and turned to leave. "And I saw everything. Shadow was right, Harmony was just trying to ruin the world."

the next thing Luna can comprehend is Celestia pushing her up against the wall with her sword pinned to her neck.

"Take it back!"

"No. Shadow may not have been the best guy but he wouldn't just make his own brother go insane."

"I said take it back!"

"No. You cant bully me. And are you forgetting that-" Luna broke free form her sister's hold and used her own star-covered sword to disarm her sister. "I have just as much fighting ability as you do."

Celestia pounced at her sister but Luna was too fast and she leaped out the window but Celestia fallowed her her sword swinging with not true purpose.

"You're just jealous."

Lana dodged another wild jab from her sister. "Why would i be jealous of your relationship. Harmony was clingy no wonder he went insane."

Luna turned and flew away but Celestia manged to swing and land a small gash on her back right in between her extended wings.

Luna was stunned and tears welled up in her eyes. "I never expected you to be this stupid. i always looked up to you but that is now gone. you really let a guy blind you." She turned and left with blood dripping down her back.

I'm not stupid. I really did love Harmony. Luna was wrong, Shadow is to blame for what happened. Harmony wasn't going insane he was just trying to do something with his time sense I couldn't be with him all the time.

She looked down at the things the Harmony spent so much of his time on. They were stones with jewels carved in them. There were five of them but Harmony also left a note.

These stones will make a perfect world. A world were all will be happy and have nothing to fear. the voices in my head said that this was a good idea. that this was needed. Shadow does not belong in this world. Fear does not belong in this world. We need more honesty, loyalty, laughter, kindness, and generosity for more of this will create a magic that is more powerful than any type of fear.

Celestia's tears stained the paper as she pulled it into a hug. "Oh Harmony I miss you so much. I promise you that Shadow will pay for what he did to you."

Trepidation walked down the street all 6 of the keys of fear were in a line behind them. future continue to complain about the walking, Phenomenon fell into pace nest to Trepidation with a piece of paper in his hands.

"You should look at this."

"What?" Trepidation looked at the paper. "This is not good."

Unknown walked up to the other side of Trepidation and read the paper. "What are we going to do."

Trepidation sighed. "We go to get out of Canterlot, now."

He ripped up the paper and turned to the 4 remaining boys and explained their new course of action.

The Majestic Luna

Luna flew through the air searching the ground for the Shadows. She had to find them and warn them about Celestia. Her tears fogged her vision making it hard for her to even see in front of her face. The blood on her back slowly dried, she felt it pull on her shin with every flap of her wings.

I really an intrigued about those boys. Who are they?

She slowly came to a stop at a local restaurant. She had to clear her head and she was hungry. Luna smoothed out her knee high black sequenced dress and used some of her magic to mend the back of it and clean the blood of her. She walked in and smiled. all the 7 of the Shadows sat at a table together, the oldest, Trepidation, had a worried looked on his face. Phenomenon and Unknown, the second oldest, were talking with Trepidation trying to reassure him that things will work out, the others, Future, Past, Death, and Pain were arguing and laughing.

So these are the Shadow's. They don't look that threatening. The one with green eyes is really handsome. Luna stop I'm here to warn them of the danger they are in not to admire those gorgeous green eyes

Trepidation looked up a scowl appeared on his face a growl could even be heard. a waitress appeared with a trey full of food, but Trepidation did not let up his glare. Luna smiled and waved and found a table in the back.

The Shadows left and Luna left her table without finishing. She managed to catch up. "Hey."

Trepidation didn't even turn around. "What do you want were leaving.”

"I'm here to warn you of the danger that you’re in."

"Don’t you think I know that? I saw the wanted letter."

Unknown slid his way next to Luna. "You're cute."

Luna quickened her pace to keep up with Trepidation. “I’m not your enemy. I am on your side. I knew something was wrong with Harmony he always came off as creepy."

Trepidation stopped and Luna continued to ramble off things she did not like about her older sister's lover. Not realizing that Trepidation has stopped she bumped into him. Trepidation is incredibly tall even for a 19 year old. Luna looked up at him and was greeted but not the same cold eyes she saw in the restaurant but soft, warm, hopeful green eyes that made him look more like a stressed out father. She was too dazed by his eyes that as she steeped backward and her foot slid on some loose gravel. Before she hit the ground Trepidation caught her a pulled her back upright.

The keys of fear all laughed at the odd red hue covering Trepidation's face.

"Are you alright?"

"Just fine, thank you."

"I'm happy that you understand that we are not the enemy."

"Yeah well I don't just raise the moon every night."

Trepidation laughed. "Well like you said we are in great danger and i was in the process of leaving Canterlot."

"Oh yes well i will like to give you some supplies that will help you."

Trepidation bowed to Princess Luna. “Thank you. You don't understand how much that would be appreciated." The keys if fear followed Trepidation's lead.

"It's the least I can do."

She gave Trepidation a big smile.

Another Gift from Shadow?

The sun has not risen yet as we walk to the edge of Canterlot. All the boys look tired as they drag their feet and groan especially Future.

"Why do we have to leave?"

Trepidation sighed and smiled. "Because Princess Celestia wants to kill us."

Future looked down at his feet. "Oh."

They continued to walk, when the edge of Canterlot princess Luna came into view. Unknown whistled loud enough for all the boys to hear, Trepidation punched him.

"Shut up."

"What?! Princess Luna is good-looking even from this far away."

"Just shut up."

"Fine."

When Luna saw them a big smile spread across her face. She walked up to meet them.

"Hello Trepidation."

Trepidation bowed. "Hello Princess Luna."

Luna blushed. "You don't have to do that."

"It is a sign of respect and I respect you."

They let out nervous laughs.

Future stepped between them. "Can you too stop flirting and move on."

Both their faces shined a bright red.

"Well anyways I have supplied you with everything you made need all packed away in convenient back packs for all of you."

Behind the Princess sat 7 back packs all solid black but obliviously filled with a range of things. Luna also placed a weighty bag of bits in Trepidation's hand even holding it for a little while longer.

Phenomenon walked up to Princess Luna. "Thank you very much and that comes from all of us. Your kindness will not go forgotten."

All the rest of the boys barley looked up. "Thank you Princess Luna."

The Princess of the night looked over the 6 boys looking through the bags, a smile spread across her face. The contents of the bags consist of clothes, camping materials, food, books, and some more entertainment items. Her eyes stopped on Trepidation. He was standing and just watching with a smile similar to Luna's. She marveled at how tall and slender he was, Luna's face felt hot when she saw him walking over to her.

"Thank you Luna."

"Oh it's quite all right."

"No I mean thank you for understanding." Trepidation's shoulders fell. "I'm not out to kill anybody I'm just trying to protect them." Luna grabbed his hands "I understand but do you know why you were chosen to do this?"

"No I have no clue I just remember hearing Shadow's voice telling me to protect them and that my name is Trepidation."

"That's interesting." Luna was not telling Trepidation that she actually knew the truth. That he had a life before being Trepidation. Luna squeezed Trepidation's hand. "Oh yeah i have something for you. Something important." She let go his hands and pulled something out of her own bag.

It seemed to be some sort of contractible pole.

"It’s a staff. It has the same green color on it that you have so it must be yours. I found it after you have left the scene of your creation."

Trepidation took the staff in his hands and it started to glow, it sprang open to have an almost 7 foot tall pole. Trepidation felt as if that this staff belongs in his hands and no were else.

"Thank you this means a lot to me."

"You shouldn't thank me you should thank Shadow. He wasn't that most likable of guys but i know she wasn't evil."

Filled to the brim with happiness, Trepidation pulled Luna into a hug. Luna with a bright red face hugged Trepidation back.

"Please write to me if you have a chance, I would love to hear about your adventures and I know that your going to have a lot of them. And if your Canterlot please give me some sort of sign I would just love to have lunch."

They pulled away from each other. "Alright boys saddle up we got to go."

Unknown mumbled to himself. "Why did you get to hug the princess?"

Trepidation just rolled his eyes and helped adjust the back packs on Pain and Death so it wouldn't chafe. Future begged his to do his too.

"Well Princess Luna we bid you good-bye." Trepidation turned and started walking.

"Wait!" Luna ran up to Trepidation and kissed him on the cheek. "I will always be at your defense. I will do everything i can to stop my sister from finding you." She leaned in and whispered in his ears. "I'll wait for you."

Trepidation pulled Luna to him and kissed her on the lips and whispered back to her. "That is all I will ever ask from you and please don't wait for me I don't want you to suffer if i don't come back"

It was midday as they started walking away from teary eyed Princess Luna and a broken heart driven Celestia.

A Special Talent?

The newly formed brothers walked down non-official roads; tails waging and laughter could be heard miles away. Pain happily bounded all over cracking jokes and just was being a 14 year old boy. Death lingered in the back. He would laugh at a few jokes but other than would remain silent. Death would drag a stick behind him and when the stopped he would draw pictures or write poems in the dirt. Past hummed and sang and he even made up his own traveling music. Future complained and argued with his brothers a lot even though he lacks any real topic to argue about. He often hums and sings along with Past. He helps Past write a lot of the music he sings. Unknown tends to be very protective of his younger brothers but always has a reason to smile and has a very obnoxious sense of humor. Phenomenon clashes with Unknown all the time. He is very strict and proper but he does like to laugh. Phenomenon on the other hand has a more sarcastic sense of humor.

These boys clash and compare in amazing ways. They all have different personality and skills that have all sorts of benefits. Trepidation can't help but look at them in pure amazement. Trepidation himself had a very lenient disposition. He likes to smile and laugh but does not lack in intelligence. He was really tall also and is very slender when compared to Unknown who is rather short and has a stronger build.

Death ran up and slammed into Trepidation's back. "I have a really bad feeling right now."

"What do you mean 'bad feeling'?" Trepidation rubbed his back.

Death was fidgeting and overall had a hard time standing still. "Like, something bad is about to happen. Something really really bad."

Future smelled the air. "Something smells."

Everyone looked back at Unknown. "Hey! It’s not me."

Future smelled again. "It’s not Unknown but it’s this weird smell."

Trepidation sat on the ground crossed legged and put his head in his hands. "Okay, we have bad feelings from Death. And weird smells from Future. Are they connected?"

Phenomenon squatted next to his older brother. "Maybe. We are all connected in one way or another."

"Your rig-"

Past interrupted Trepidation with a scream. He fell to the ground covering his ears, blood spilled from between his fingers. Before Trepidation could help him Phenomenon let out pained scream, blood pulled in his eyes. Trepidation started to panic; each boy was struck down from a different cause. Unknown was too weak even to stand. Pain couldn't move. Future had blood coming out of his nose. Tears welled up in Trepidation's eyes from his inability to help any of them from suffering.

"Ha! This was way too easy."

Trepidation looked up with anger burning in him but was surprised to see Harmony standing in front of him. But at the same time it wasn't Harmony, it was Discord fighting his transformation. Harmony isn't what he used to be. He looked tired and instead of his yellow skin color he was a mix of colors. He has horns and his wings did not match but he still seemed to be Harmony and not Discord.

Trepidation gritted his teeth and stood. "What do you mean 'easy'?"

Harmony laughed. "You know nothing about them. They are the keys of fear not children. Do you know why I targeted only certain parts to immobilize each of them?"

Trepidation looked back at the boys in pain.

"Thought so." Harmony strutted over to Pain. "The little red one here is Pain and he can't move because he has enhanced speed. The purple one, Death, has the sixth sense. Future and Past have advance smell and hearing. Phenomenon is sight and Unknown is strength."

After absorbing this information his first instinct is to fight. He pulls his staff from his pocket and extends it. Trepidation rushes at Harmony but he just deflected it.

"Trepidation your 'special talent', that's what these people would call anyways, is your compasion. Sadly I can't control immobilize you with that because that would be loads of fun." Harmony walked over and grabbed Pain who still could not move by the hair and had his magic ready to slice his throat. Trepidation ran with his staff but got pushed away but his powerful magic. Trepidation was thrown against a tree and his staff went flying somewhere out of his each.

Who Am I?

"No! Stop!" Trepidation could barley stand. "Don't hurt him."

Harmony twitched. "Now why would I do that?"he pulled his magic blade ready to cut Pain's throat  wide open. "Fear does not belong in this world."

A second before the blade thouched Pain a magic beam hit Harmony in the back. Harmony screamed out in as the beam left his back badly burned him. Harmony turned around so hard he almost fell over.

Phemomenom staggered. His hands had smoke coming off of them. His eyes were soild blue with a black cat like slit for a pupil. His once black hair and tail was consumed by his blue strip. Blood still stained his face like tears but he wore a vicious snare with overly shard kanine teeth.

"Don't you dare touch him."

Harmony stood face to face with Phemomnom. "Phemomenom. What does that mean? Who are you?" Harmony walked around phenomenom. "You unlocked your ture power but what now? What will you do?"

Phenomenom barley blinked, his eyes began to glow and he smiled. "I'll show you."

Phenomenom readied his magic but Harmony moved in front of the other 4 boys. Phenomenom held back his magic; afraid he might hit his brothers. He growled instead. Harmony laughed evily but made the mistake of turning his back on Unknown who was bursting with fury.

The form that Phenomenom undertook appeared on Unkmown except with his orange. Instead of having an orange arua around him

He had an ornage bow with a quiver full of arrows. Unknow knocked and arrow aiming for Harmony's chest.

Unknown spoke through gritted teeth. "The bigger question is: who are you? Were trying to take fear out of this world or were you running from your own?"

Harmony had no come back. He backed away trying to say something. Unknow relased his arrow. It went sailing through the air heading stright for Harmony but saw this and teleported just as the arrow hit the tree that was once behimd him. Trepidation limped over bad it apperaed that the other 4 boys were okay. Trepidation and everyone else looked over at Unknown and Phenomenom with awe. Before the boys could pelt them with questions, Unknow amd Phenomenom passed out.

What Now?

Trepidation paced nervously back and forth while Phenomenon and Unknown slept on the ground. The other 4 boys talked amongst themselves.

"That was so cool," Pain exaggerated his words, "Phenomenon and Unknow could have killed Harmony."

Death sat with his legs pulled up to his chest. "I'm a little more interested in what Harmony said."

Past nodded his head. "I have enhanced hearing."

Death put his head down. "What does it mean to have the sixth sense?"

Trepidation put a hand on Death's back. "Don't worry it will all make sense in time. And when those two wake up please go easy with the questions."

Past scooted next to Trepidation. "But I have so many questions."

Trepidation smiled. "I do too but I don't want you guys to overwhelm them. And if I was listening correctly you have super speed."

"I KNOW!" Pain jumped up. "But how does it work."

Past got up and started to run in circles in hopes of using his speed. Trepidation laughed at his younger brothers who tried to unlock their "special talent". Death placed his fingers on his temples and focused very hard on a rock. Past cuffed his hand around his ears. Future started to smell the air. Trepidation enjoyed watching the boys figure out their abilities but he was soon lost in his thoughts

I have compassion  but Harmony could not control me like he did the others. Well what does that mean for me? While they are suffering that pain from being controlled I can run away and go hide

"Oh my Celestia my head hurts." Phenomenon sat up rubbing his head he shook Unknown, "Dude, get up."

Unknow rolled over. "Why? I was having such a nice sleep."

"Shut up and just get off of me."

Unknow sat up. "You shut up."

Trepidation walked over and place a hand on each of their shoulders. "I'm glad both of you are up and moving."

Unknown crossed his arms over his chest. "Well I'm still tired."

Trepidation laughed and lead them over to the others who seemed to be having a hard time sitting still. Trepidation started a fire to get started on making food. Phenomenon looked and Unknown with a confused look.

"Why are you guys so quiet?"

"Yeah I was expected a bunch of questions."

Pain threw a rock a Trepidation. "Told you."

"Okay. Okay. Just no more rock throwing."

Pain w the first to trample the older boys with questions. "So how did you do that transformation thing?"

Phenomenon cocked his head. "Well, I just really angry and Trep was loosing out there so I reacted."

"Pretty much the same for me." Unknown stood. "It was almost like I was afraid but not exactly."

Phenomenon stood. "Yeah me too but instead of cowering under that fear I changed and got really powerful."

"Yeah and the next thing I know I have a sick bow and arrow and I feel very strong."

"Well for me I had powerful magic and I could see everything."

"So that transformation," Trepidation walked over to the group with plates floating in his levitation spell, " varies. Unknow and Phenomenon went under the same transformation but  the effects were different. That means each of you will have your own weapon maybe."

All the boys scarfed down the food placed in front of them. Phenomenon seemed a bit reluctant to eat so much often look over at his younger brothers. Unknown got very suspicious whenever something moves in the forest around them often letting out growls.

Trepidation looked up at the rising moon with a sadden expression. He was pulled from his sad state when he heard the yawns of his younger brothers.

"We should get some sleep. Today was a long day."

Unknown and Phenomenon spoke at the same time' "but I'm not tired."

"Well..."

Pain stood next to Trepidation. "I have a question."

Trepidation dug throw the bags and found two tents' "What is it?"

Pain helped pull the tents out, "What now? Harmony is pit to kill us. Celestia wants to kill us. So what do we do? Run?"

I Don't Know

Trepidation didn't answer their question right away he just continued to set of the tents. Once all the boys were tucked away in the tent except Unknown and Phenomenon, Trepidation fell to the ground in tears. Unknown couldn't keep still and winced at his older brother's sudden display of emotion. Phenomenon on the other hand squatted next to him and placed a hand of his back.

"Trep what is the matter?"

Trepidation sat up, "I'm so weak. I couldn't even help u guys he swatted me so easily I couldn't kill Harmony if I tried."

"Nobody blames you for anything."

"I blame my self," Trepidation stood' "i'm supposed to protect you guys the most I've been to you guys is a mother."

Phenomenon and Unknown stood silently and watched. Unknow rolled his eyes and walked up to Trepidation and punched him in the arm.

"Knock it off. Nobody wants to hear you whine about how weak you are."

Trepidation rubbed his arm, "Ow. why did that hurt so much?"

"I didn't even hit you that hard."

"I remember you have 'super' strength."

A smile spread across his face. "I do don't I."

Phenomenon pushed him aside. "Back to the matter at hand. Trep don't you think a compassionate  figure is what they...we...need? Some one has to look out for us. I couldn't do it and I know Unknow would fail but you have the right attitude and patience to handle all 6 of us. You proved that on day one."

Unknown threw Phenomenon aside. "Slinky over there is right and you looked so cool with that staff."

Phenomenon used his levitation and threw Unknown. Unknown stopped over and had his brother in a headlock but Phenomenon was to.....slinky and slipped away and used his magic to bind Unknown. Unkown managed break free and readied a bow at Phenomenon chest his orange eyes burning holes into Phenomenon. His blue aura surrounded him Phenomenon's blue hair and tail danced playfully in the light breeze. Despite the intensity of the moment Unknown lowered his arrow and Phenomenon lossed his aura. Both boys bent over with laughter.

They slowly returned to their original forms. Unknown's short hair and tail fell back into its curly position. Phenomenon's long tail almost dragged on the ground  and his hair rested at his shoulders. Phenomenon stood taller than Unknown but still shorter than Trepidation. Trepidation was incredibly tall especially for a young man expected expected to be no more than 19. His light green eyes seemed to shine happily in the moonlight but sparks of concern and worried visible.

Phenomenon sat on the ground, "Trep I still do not understand our purpose. Were we not just concepts, why did we need physical forms. Wouldn't we live on no matter what. A person, not even Harmony, can get rid of pain or death or the unknown. He can stop phenomenons or the future from happening. And won't the past always be there?"

"If were just concepts," the youngest of the Shadows,Pain,walked to were his much older brothers were sitting. He seemed to be twitching almost and his seeming glowing red eyes were sagged with sleep but curiosity still bubbled in them, "where did you come from Trep?"

Trepidation placed a hand on his chin. All of their black complexion almost made them invisible in the night. "Well when we first met I just appeared almost in front of you. I had this voice in my head that said 'protect them' and I know you guys were made from Shadow. I wasn't ignorant but I was not familiar with the time. Its rather hard to explain."

With that last note Trepidation lead Pain back to the tent and place the 14 year old back into bed with the other snoring boys. Death was curled up in a ball in the corner he was cuddling with his long tail. His royal purple line barley showing throw the black. What better color to represent death. Future and Past were together sleeping in a ying yang position with Future smelling Past's feet. Future had straight short hair with a matching tail. Past had a long tail that had one big curl at the bottom, his hair had the same feature. Both had the same yellow streak. Trepidation felt a smile spread across his face has he watched his younger brothers.

"See my point is proven," a mischievous smile was placed on Phenomenon's face, "you are that compassionate fatherly figure we need. Who else is going to make sure we eat and that we go to sleep?"

"Well...I...,"a red shade miraculously appeared on Trepidation's face despite his pitch black skin tone, "ypu really think so?"

Unknown's orange eyes widened, "yeah and you make it clear that your aren't afraid to go into battle for us."

"But I was terrified. He had you all trapped and I couldn't do anything about it. Harmony could have killed Pain right there if it wasn't for you two." Trepidation started to pace back and forth. "And I still have no idea what to do next. Do we run and hide or out rightly fight Celestia. I don't want to do that. We are not doing that. But I don't want to hide. Oh I wish Shadow could at least help us."

And So it Begins

The alicorn of the sun, Celestia, stood in front of a panting injured male. The male was solid black and was also an alicorn the alicorn of fear to be exact. His leg was bleeding and so was his side his deep purple sword hung helplessly at his side he barley had the strength to hold it up.

Shadow's voice was was rough. "I didnt want to fight you. Harmony's fate was already decided i had nothing to do with it. i just sped it up"

"Oh shut up you worthless excuse for an alicorn. i dont want to hear your lies." Celestia tried hard not to cry.

"He was going insane as it was. what kinda gain could i possibly have for doing this to my own brother. He was trying to ruin this world but your too love struck to believe it."

Celestia pounced at him and swung her sword slashing him in the chest. Shadow fell to the ground his sword went flying.

"You are a sick person." She spit on him and started walked away

“How could you? How could you. He was trying to help the world.”

“No he wasn’t.”

The alicorn of the sun turned and left. Her pink hair and tail sagged. Anyone could hear the hurt in her voice as she looked over at the sun being lowered in the sky thanks to she sister Luna and thought of Harmony. Harmony was the love of her life but the war that had happened between him and his brother changed him into a dragon  type thing called Discord. The sword that Celestia has was smeared with blood, she dragged it on the ground as she left she didnt try to hide her sobs.

She left a young man holding the body of an alicorn. The man was all white with light green hair and a matching tail. His hair was dirty and hung in his face. He was crying. The alicorn in his arms was Shadow, the alicorn of Fear. He lay helpless and bleeding in the man’s arms.

“Light….”

“Shadow!”

“It is okay.”

“No, it’s not. You’re going to die.”

“I don’t regret anything I did.”

The man, Light Glider, let a smile creep across his face. “I know you don’t.”

“But…I can’t just die.”

“Why not?”

“Someone has to keep fear in this world while I search for someone who can house my abilities properly and I believe that you can do it.”

“What? me!”

“Yes, you.”

Light Glider looked up at the setting sun and back at Shadow. “I’ll do it.”

Shadow’s eyes fluttered shut. “Thank you Light. You were always my best friend.”

Tears filled Light Glider’s eyes. He pulled Shadow’s limp body into a hug. “You were mine too.”

As Light Glider was placing his best friends body down is was processed by a dark light. The alicorn’s body was pulled into the fresh night sky. The light got brighter and it was no longer possible to see Shadow’s body. Light Glider could not take his eyes off of the skeptical.

Shadow’s voice grew deep and boomed through the abandon streets. “Light Glider you shall be the leader of a new race that will keep fear in this world until a new person is chosen. I shall make 6 boys that will represent reasons for that fear is alive. Be sure to keep these boys alive for they are the keys to fear.”

“Yes Shadow.”

Light shot into Light Glider. His skin hair and tail grew dark in color. When the light was gone his body was all but black except his eyes that remained the bright green they were and a single streak in his hair and tail to match.

Shadow spoke again. “You’re name, Light Glider, is sacred to me and I will like to keep it with me. So your new name is Trepidation and these are the keys to fear.” Shadow’s voiced faded and his body was replaced with 6 boys all younger than Trepidation who was 19.

Trepidation moved slowly towards the boys until one bounced up and growled at him.

“You guys must be the keys of fear do you have names?”

The one who growled was all black, they all were solid black but each of them had different colored eyes and a streak to match. In all there were orange, blue, purple, red, and two yellow ones.

The growler had orange eyes and streak. “I’m Unknown.”

The blue one looked over at Trepidation. “I’m Phenomenon.”

They all looked at Trepidation and said their names; Red-Pain, Purple-Death, and the Yellow ones were Future and Past.

Death walked over to Trepidation. “Do you have a name?”

“I am Trepidation.” Trepidation has no clue about his past self, Light Glider, but he wasn’t completely clueless.

All the boys gathered around Trepidation with questions but Trepidation didn’t have answers. The keys to fear were a mix of ages, Pain was the youngest he looked to be only 14 and Unknown seemed to be the oldest who was about 17.

Past and Future spoke in unison. “I’m hungry.”

Pain pulled his sleeve “Yeah I’m hungry too.”

That begins the long journey that Trepidation had to take in protect the Keys of Fear. He had to feed them and take care of them. Trepidation had his doubts about his abilities but he knew that he could not let Shadow down at least without trying. Trepidation looked around he spotted a nice little restaurant. He ran into another problem: he didn’t have any money or at least he didn’t think he did. Trepidation felt his pockets but felt something better a whole satchel full of supplies. Trepidation sat on the ground and emptied its contents. There was a pocket knife, a rather large bag of bits, some medicine, bandages, candles and some matches.

Trepidation looked up. “Thank you Shadow.”

Death cocked his head. “Who’s Shadow?”

“Don’t worry about it and let’s go get something to eat.” All the boys bounced and cheered.

After they left it was early morning but the sun still did not rise. Trepidation turned and looked at his new responsibilities and they looked exhausted. The restaurant they ate at was a buffet and they ate to their hearts content or more like their stomach’s content. The youngest Pain was about to fall over and sleep right in the middle of the road.

“Okay now I need to find somewhere to sleep.” Trepidation scratched his head and looked around but he did not find anywhere they could stay so they started to walk. Pain complained and before Trepidation could do it himself Unknown offered to give him a piggyback ride and of course he agreed.

“Is there anywhere that we can stay?”

“I’m looking but I don’t want to pay to stay somewhere and waste money that we could use for food.”

Trepidation stopped dead in his tracks and the boys who formed a line behind him all crashed like dominoes.

Trpidation wagged his tail “That’s it!”

Phenomenon looked at an old house. It wasn’t destroyed and it was clearly abandon and old. “A beat up old house? Really?”

“Yes, think about it we don’t have to pay and I can just buy stuff that will last us instead of me wasting money on staying somewhere every night.”

Future stood beside trepidation. “Makes enough sense but it’s really late what place is open that sells blankets?”

Trepidation’s shoulders sank. “You have a point.”

“Idea!” Past stood on the other side of Trepidation. “What if for a few hours we stay in a hotel of some sort and then we use the house?”

Can you guys come to a decision because Pain here isn’t getting any lighter?” Trepidation and the others turned to see Unknown straining under Pain’s weight.

Phenomenon walked over to him. “Here I’ll carry him for a little while.”  Surprisingly enough the boy knew some magic or at least a levitation spell to move pain from Unknown.

Future started to complain. “Why can’t I get carried? I’m tired too.”

The boys started to talk while Trepidation just watched. He was amazed at the level of common sense and sincerity that went through these boys after only being in Equestria for a couple of hours. They know magic and had some common sense. It was none the less interesting. Each one of them had a different personality that clashed and complemented each other. But they didnt have cutie marks, they were old enough to already receive them but their forearms remained bare. Trepidation looked down to find out that a cutie mark did not rest on his arm either. That was quite strange to think that in this world everything you become is based on some picture on your forearm but it seems that these boys didn't mind at all they aren't even concerned with it. Trepidation smiled they seemed more concerned with the well being of each other. Just by looking at them you get a strong feeling of brotherly love. Trepidation shook his head and left his observations on the boys. They did look exhausted and he completely forgot the events that happened.

He sighed. “I’m pretty strong. Who wants a ride? I know a hotel that it opened all night and is pretty cheap.”

Death the second youngest looked pretty tired. He could be no more than 15. Unknown worked some levitation spell and placed him on his back while himself he was carrying Future to make him be stop his complaining. Death was already sleeping; his head rested heavily on Trepidation’s shoulder. He was surprisingly pretty light.

The walk to the hotel was pretty short and the lady at the desk was happy to see them.

Her voice was pretty low and ugly sounding. She had her sleeves rolled up and a cutiemark depicting a house and pen was placed on her arm. she must be really good with realistate  “What do you fine boys want?”

“We want your largest room for the night.”

“Well you’re in luck its open but do you have the money?”

Trepidation worked his own levitation spell and put a decent amount of money on the table careful not to indicate that he had anymore.

“Sorry honey that aint enough?”

He was prepared for that and he put on his best poor boy sad look. “But Miss that is all I have and me and my brothers are very tired. Just look.”

Trepidation moved to the side to give the counter maid a clear view of the boys who weren’t putting much of an act up. Their exhaustion was true. Unknown and Phenomenon tried hard not to look tired but that just made it worst all three of the boys being carried were snoring peacefully and Past sat on the floor with his legs tucked in and his head resting on them.

The “act” worked and she gave them the room for only half the price that Trepidation has offered.  “Now you boys rest up.” She handed the key the room to Trepidation and was relived to find a huge queen sized bed with a sea of pillows and blankets covering them. All the boys sighed in unison. Trepidation, Unknown, and Phenomenon placed Death, Future, and Pain on the bed. Past made himself pretty comfortable on the bed as well. Trepidation covered them up with a blanket. With the older boy’s levitation spells combined they managed to move the bed to the corner of the room and mad a small bed on the floor for themselves. Unknown and Phenomenon fell asleep instantly, Trepidation on the other hand stayed up a little longer. He looked out the window as tears fell from his eyes.

“Oh Shadow. This isn’t going to be easy. But thank you for all that you did. You didn’t give me a bunch of babies to look after, instead you gave me a group of decent young men who have common sense and can think for themselves and I thank you personally for that. “

Trepidation turned around and looked at the mess of limbs and heavy breathing. The young ones were curled up in small balls. Past was hugging his tail A small smile crept across his face as he crawled into the makeshift bed.

“This isn’t so bad.”

Celestia  spent the rest of the night in her room crying. After Luna was done raising the moon and the stars she flew in from the window.

"Big sister I know you are sad but it is not like he was killed."

Rhe regal alicorn took in a breath. "I known but he isnt Harmony anymore he is Discord."

Luna sat on the bed next to her sister. "I saw something today."

"What?"

"Shadow turned his friend into a dark being his body was transformed into 6 boys and they were traveling through Canterlot."

Celestia's eyes widened and her jaw dropped.Then it turned into a growl.

"I want them gone for what they did to Harmony."

She stood up and walked towards her window her eyes glowed a yellow color and her wings expanded. she laughed a wicked laugh as he levitated a pencil and paper to her.

Brotherhood.

Trepidation was in a daze as they started to walk out of Canterlot, careful to take the back roads. Did Princess Luna relly love him? It seems a bit unrealist being that they just met, she could just be sweept up in teenaged drama from being no more than19 herself.

"Why did you get to kiss her?" Unknown crossed his arms in front of him amd stooped ahead of the group.

Pain rushed around the oder boys. "Unknow's jelous. Unknow's jelous."

Unknow grabbed Pain by the tail and put his on the gound. Phemomenom face palmed and went over to stop Unkmown from dangleing spit in Pain's face. It took the remaining four keys of fear to pull Unknow off of Pain. Trepidation being unable to hold it in a anymore burst out laughing. He fell to the ground with tears falling from his eyes. Trepidation's random laughing fit caused the other boys to join him. They sall sat in the dirt road and laughed. They never really clarified why but they continue.

Trepidation stood and dusted himself off. "You guys act just like how brothers should. All the fighting and teasing."

Death stood, his black hair was long and it hung in his face. "But were not brothers are we?"

Trepidation cocked his head. "Well why are you guys. Brotherhood is not defined by blood but by bonds and you boys are going to be together all the time now."

Past wagged his tail as he pushed Death out he way. "Well aren't you going to be there with us too?"

Trepidation pulled Past into a head lock. "I guess I am."

Trepidation let Past go and Pain tackled Trepidation knocking him to the ground. "Then its settled, we're brothers!"

All the boys cheered and gathered on top of Trepidation.