Chapters A cold breeze was blowing outside the Ponyville library where Twilight Sparkle and her close friend Spike resided. They were enjoying each other's company and reading books together by the fireplace. Spike was reading an action comic book while Twilight read a Gothic romance novel.
"I wish I had these powers," Spike stated.
"What would you use them for?"
"What do you you mean?"
"Well, you couldn't really fight villains too often since they don't show up much around here. What good are powers you can't use?"
"Maybe I could impress rarity."
"Someone's a show-off, aren't they," the purple Alicorn joked.
Spike stuck his tongue out in response.
"Don't be like that. I'm just kidding."
"It's still mean."
"I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
"Fine..."
"Hey, Mr. Grumpy Dragon, you want some coffee?"
"Nah. I'm still wide awake."
"Okay."
Twilight got up to pour herself a cup. When she was on her way back to her place on the floor, something caught her eye. At first, she couldn't make out what it was, then a figure began to form. Her interest was beginning to pique. It was unusual to see someone out and about at this hour.
"Spike, stay here for a minute. I have to go check something."
"Huh?"
Twilight ignored his question and and went outside.
"Sweet Celestia, it's like a freezer out here."
Twilight inched her way forward through the chilly weather. She called out to the unknown shadow.
"Hello!?"
There was no sound from the other end.
"Can you hear me!?"
Still nothing.
"Maybe they're deaf. I should go in for a closer look."
Twilight made her way closer to the unknown image in her retinas. It wouldn't remain unknown for long; or at least, not entirely unknown. When the shadow began to change into a visible mesh of color, Twilight's brain nearly fried trying to understand what she was seeing. If she hadn't known any better, she would've thought it was a nightmare night decoration, but the body shape was unfamiliar. She'd never seen anything like it before in her life.
"It can't be..."
The closer it grew to her, the more she was forced to accept what her vision was showing her. It was the meatless body of a skeleton. Twilight immediately ran back to the library.
When she arrived back at the library, she was panting and out of breath. Her elation was now replaced with grounded dismay.
"Twilight? What's going on?"
"There's a skeleton out there, Spike, and I don't know what kind!"
"Are you pulling my leg here?"
"Look outside the window!"
Spike did as he was commanded. He expected to see some kind of mirage if nothing else, but that wasn't the case.
"What in the world...?"
"Do you see it!?"
"Yeah. Is someone playing a prank on us?"
"No nightmare night decorations are shaped like that, Spike!"
"Calm down. Maybe it's a new one."
"I got up close and personal with that thing! It's as real as we are!"
"Relax. I'll go out there and see what's up."
"Sorry, but I can't risk you getting hurt!"
Twilight's horn began to glow, and a barrier formed around the library.
"There. That should do the trick."
"You're overreacting, Twilight."
"Better safe than sorry."
Spike sighed. The two of them stood there for a few minutes; Twilight collecting her thoughts while Spike continued to assume it was harmless fun. It wasn't until the Skeleton reached the barrier that things quickly got out of control. Twilight watched in horror as it tore through her defenses.
"Spike, you might want to take another look!"
"What is it now!?"
Spike check the window again and saw the gaping hole the walking dead thing had left in the barrier.
"Okay..."
Spike stood silent for a minute, then screamed his lungs out in terror. Nothing in Equestria could tear only part of a barrier down like that; at least, that's what was thought by its population. Now, they were being proven wrong.
"What do we do, Twilight!?"
"I think I have a plan. If my assumption is correct, it'll start beating on the door any minute. When that happens, we'll force the door open, knock it over, and escape through the hole."
"Good idea, but what if it grabs us?"
"It's easy enough to break a bone or two if we have to."
After only about two minutes, the unidentified creature began banging on the door, just as Twilight expected it would.
"Now!"
She and her assistant burst through the door, knocking the seemingly deformed bag of bones on its rear. They quickly escaped as fast as possible.
"I've gotta' admit," Spike said through heavy breaths as they ran, "that was pretty clever."
"Thanks," Twilight exclaimed as she flew next to him.
"Where do we go now!?"
"We should find our friends and head for Canterlot! Maybe the princesses know something!"
"Alright! Let's sprint for it before that thing has a chance to catch up!"
Both Spike and Twilight picked up the pace until they were practically blurs. Their first stop would be Rarity's boutique.
"So Fluttershy's next on the list, huh," Rainbow asked.
"It's probably the most spontaneous list ever," Twilight responded.
"Do you think she'll be able to handle it?"
"She doesn't really have a choice."
"True."
"What are we gonna' do if one of those things shows up," Spike questioned.
"I thought about that," Twilight spoke, "Rainbow, you're pretty fast. if you hide out near Spike and Rarity, you can possibly distract them. If you lose them, fly back over Fluttershy's house to monitor us."
"Sounds solid. I'm in," Rainbow agreed.
"One more thing: if the distraction fails, Spike and Rarity, split up and run as fast as you can. If possible, find a place to hide."
"Can't we fight them," Spike wondered out loud.
"Only as a last resort. If things get too out of control, we'll flee."
"I must say, Twilight, your tactics and strategy are uncannily masterful. Could this be the result of learning from your brother," Rarity wished to know.
"A little. I also took a few notes on surviving hostile situations from my fantasy and sci-fi novels."
"Most impressive."
Twilight smiled.
"Thanks."
Fluttershy was the next in line for recruitment. Her house was dark, indicating she had likely gone to sleep. The situation made Rainbow and Rarity wish they were home in their beds as well. Twilight knocked on her door, more as a gesture of politeness than anything.
"Fluttershy, it's Twilight."
"Is everything okay," Twilight heard a meek voice ask.
"No. We have a really bad situation out here, and we can't fix it without your help."
"Is Discord acting up again?"
"It'll be easier to explain if you open the door."
Shortly after Twilight's statement, the sound of unlocking latches and knobs could be heard. Fluttershy's face soon appeared within the doorway.
"What's going on?"
"It's unfortunate to have to say, and I don't think you'll believe me, but the dead are walking among us now."
Fluttershy's face twisted and contorted in extreme fear upon hearing those words. She quickly slammed the door and locked it again.
"Wait a minute; she actually believes me?"
"Well, that could've gone better," Rainbow iterated.
"Hold on," Twilight said, "I'll have to take drastic measures here. We'll never get to her otherwise. You three stay here."
Twilight left her friends and went to the side of the house. There was a small window just big enough to climb through. Twilight used all her might and broke through the glass, slowly floating in once the task had been completed.
"Sorry Fluttershy, but it's too dangerous to stay here," She said as she stared at the frightened yellow Pegasus before her.
"I can't! They'll kill me!"
"That's why we came here; to stop them."
"How can you stop the dead!?"
"I don't know. We're all gathering together before we head to Canterlot. Maybe the princesses have a solution."
"We'll never make it! It's too far!"
"We're safer in a group than apart right now, no matter where we are."
"..."
"Come with us. I promise you'll be okay."
"Really?"
"You have my word."
"But what if they find us?"
"Strength in numbers."
Fluttershy considered Twilight's logic, and could find no flaws.
"Okay..."
"Good. We need to go now. They might've heard the glass shatter."
Fluttershy nodded, and Twilight led her outside by the hoof.
Predecessor to Armageddon
"We're almost ready. Pinkie Pie and Applejack are the last to go."
"Who do we go for first," Rainbow asked.
"I was thinking we could make things small and sleek now. If we split up in pairs and cover more ground, both teams can reunite with a friend each, and we can all meet up in the center of town. It'll also make it more difficult to track all of us."
"Sounds good. I'll take Flutters with me. You, Rarity, and Spike go for AJ. Knowing Pinkie, she'll probably already have figured out something's up. Whichever group gets back first will wait."
"Right. Get going you two. There's no time to waste."
As expected, Pinkie Pie's Pinkie sense already had her awake and alert. Understanding the extreme circumstances of the situation, she allowed herself to revert to her original form. A hyperactive mare simply wouldn't do in a situation like this. Upon Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's arrival, the specifics were explained, and she joined up with them without the slightest hint of resistance.
Applejack was a very different scenario. Assuming it was some kind of prank, she resisted even leaving her home. It wasn't until Twilight forcefully levitated her that she finally relented and let them show her the proof. She was annoyed wither herself for being so stubborn once the reality of it all set in.
Rainbow Dash's group was the first to arrive. It didn't take long before Twilight showed up with her half as well.
"We're all here," the purple Alicorn stated, practically sighing in relief.
"Darn it, Twilight, what's going on in this town," Applejack demanded.
"I'm stumped. These things are immune to magic, and because they're made of pure bone, it's going to be hard to find a weak point where these beasts are at least vulnerable to something."
"Great," Rainbow said sarcastically.
"Maybe we should go to Canterlot now," Fluttershy suggested.
"Right," Twilight concurred, "We can stock up on supplies while we're there."
"We'll need to fly to the castle, won't we," Rarity asked.
"Yes. I'll carry everyone except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy once we get there."
"Let's move out," Pinkamena directed with a new level of authority.
"Roger," Twilight complied.
The seven friends left the center of Ponyville, their next destination: the stronghold of the equestrian monarchy, Canterlot castle.
The trek to Canterlot was long and exhausting. On multiple occasions, the party had to duck behind shrubs and trees to avoid detection. Twilight made note of the fact that there was one exposed organ in the skeletons' upper torsos; the heart. It took about two and a half hours to reach Canterlot itself, and upon arrival, the team immediately noticed something unexpected; something that would this next phase of survival much more difficult.
"Oh no...," Twilight said as she stared on into the city. The skeletons had already made it to the residential areas.
Rainbow Dash almost exploded in frustration right then and there. It took an insane amount of willpower to maintain her cool.
"This is downright dumb," Applejack harshly critiqued.
Rarity nearly fainted in one of her usual dramatic fits.
Fluttershy looked ready to have a heart attack.
"Do you think they made it to the castle," Pinkamena inquired.
"I wouldn't think so," Twilight replied, "It's heavily guarded against intruders and only accessible by flight."
"We could fly overhead so they can't see us."
"Well, it's the best chance we have."
Twilight levitated Spike onto her back and lifted Rarity by her forelegs.
"Rainbow, Fluttershy, help carry everyone to the castle."
They nodded in agreement and picked up their two remaining friends.
"Hang on tight," Twilight instructed, "This might be a bit uncomfortable."
The Alicorn and two Pegasi rose high into the air and took off as fast as they could.
Everyone arrived at the castle doors in one piece. There would usually be at least two guards protecting the grand hall doors, but it was clear they were more than likely defending the inhabitants as best they could.
"i wonder if it's unlocked," Twilight said.
"Only one way to find out," Rainbow told her.
Twilight took a minute to steel her resolve, then pushed with all her might. The doors slid open, presenting an almost blinding light.
When the light subsided, the party could see Princess Celestia sitting atop her throne.
"Twilight," the princess of the sun asked, a little skeptical about who she was seeing.
"Princess Celestia, what's going on? Why are there reanimated bones everywhere?"
"I'm afraid it's far worse than I feared. We're dealing with an ancient force within the evolutionary chain."
"Do you know what these things are after all?"
"I'm afraid so."
"What are they?"
"It's better I show you. I don't think you'd believe me otherwise."
Princess Celestia removed herself from the throne and joined everyone else.
"Come with me."
Celestia led the group to the library. Twilight was more than a bit confused upon their arrival.
"I don't understand. I've been through every book here. There's nothing on the monsters."
"Please, be patient."
Celestia's horn glowed, and each tile on the floor began to tear itself away from the ground.
"You're already aware that historians have discovered much about our race's history, but there was another before ours that ruled Earth with an iron fist. They were called homo sapiens."
"Homo sapiens?"
"Homo sapiens, or human beings as they were more commonly known, were a bipedal species with a knack for ingenuity. They had technology far beyond our own. Medical advancements, entertainment; it was a magical age in its own way. Unfortunately, they were prone to extreme aggression and psychological illness. The documents you're about to read describe them and their ways of life in a very detailed manner."
"I'm assuming the documents contain descriptions of their skeletal structure, right?"
"More than just descriptions."
"I see."
Celestia finished pulling all the documents from beneath the floor with her magic.
"By the way," Twilight asked, "why did their race die off?"
"I'm afraid that's one question I cannot answer."
Twilight and the rest of the crew poured over the documents for hours. Each new discovery left a respective taste in their mouths.
"It looks like a lot of these humans were extremely disgruntled," Twilight mentioned, "Many of them were consumed by fiction and politics."
"It kind of makes me think of how good we have it. The princesses are fair and everyone was pretty happy until this happened," Pinkamena stated.
"Yeah," they all agreed.
"Hey, I have an idea," Twilight intervened," Let's lighten the mood a bit and talk about some of their pop culture stuff while we work. I'll start off. The horror movies looked really fascinating."
"The anime and manga looked cool," Spike continued in place of his friend.
"Punk rock really sounds like it would match my personality," Rainbow brought up.
"Their poetry was very inspired," Rarity included.
"We still have country music on the farm. That's neat," Applejack thought out loud.
"Heavy metal and survival horror video games could work for me when I'm in this kind of mood," Pinkamena said.
"I liked the wildlife preservation programs," Fluttershy commented.
"I wonder if we can reinvent these things when this is all over," Twilight questioned.
"If we can decode the materials used for the devices these things were used on, it's possible. So far it looks like a mixture of plastic, glass, metal, and conductive circuitry," Pinkamena observed.
"We also know they can understand our language now. Maybe we can reason with them and figure out why they're here. Just in case they get aggressive though, we can assume the heart or brain are their weak points."
"Before we confront them, we should probably make a few simple weapons and stock up on food and medical supplies," Pinkamena reminded her.
"Right. I think three crossbows and three stakes should do it. Spike's claws should be more than enough for him."
"I bet they're gonna' be surprised if they see their own vampire novel and medieval weaponry used against them."
"Yeah, I guess that could be pretty interesting to see."
Twilight was satisfied with the knowledge they'd gained for the time being. Still, there was one question nagging at her mind.
"Why did you keep the documents secret," Twilight asked the sun princess.
"I was afraid of what would happen if we too closely resembled humans in thought patterns and technology."
"I think we've come to a point where we exceed humans in mental health and reasoning though."
"Perhaps."
"Our species still has conflict, but we don't kill each other."
"That is very much correct. If you and your friends can quell this madness, maybe we can build the ideal version of what the humans once strived for."
"Then it's settled."
"So it is."
Twilight left the princess and returned to the library.
"Maybe one day, Twilight, you will rule at our side. When that day comes, I'll never be more proud."
It didn't take long for everyone to gather their supplies. Celestia allowed the party to take whatever they needed from the castle. Once they were packed, they said their goodbyes.
"Take care of yourself, Twilight Sparkle," The princess told her former student.
"We'll be alright. Don't worry."
"It's part of my duty as princess to watch over everyone."
"Fair enough."
"I wish you all the best of luck."
"I have to go somewhere for a little bit, guys. Try to reason with what's left of the humans. If things go wrong, you know the drill."
"Affirmative, commander Twilight," Rainbow joked.
"At ease, soldier," Twilight responded.
Twilight took one last look at her friends.
"Good luck," were her last words before she took off.
"Where do you suppose Twilight went off to," Rarity inquired as they walked through Canterlot.
"If I know Twilight, she'll make a dramatic entrance when we need her."
"I remember when we beat Discord. She never gave up, even when things looked their worst," Pinkamena reminisced.
"We would probably be scrambling around like chickens right now without her," Rainbow admitted, briefly casting off her pride.
"Do you think she'll really make it in time," Fluttershy requested to know.
"Trust me," Spike replied, "she knows what she's doing."
"Hey, what's that up ahead," Rainbow asked.
"It looks like we've finally caught up with them," Pinkamena stated.
"Well, here goes nothing," Spike said as he collected his nerves.
"Do it, Rainbow," Rarity told her friend.
Rainbow obliged...And whistled. The whistle caught the attention of every skeleton there.
"Hey," one of them said, "it looks like we've got some fresh meat!"
"Hey, could you guys cool it a bit," Rainbow demanded, "You've been going around freaking everybody out all night."
"Sorry," another one said, "but we have other plans for the remaining inhabitants of this planet."
The army of skeletons parted, revealing a mountain of bloody corpses. They were all Canterlot residents. Rarity wretched at the sight, Fluttershy fainted, Spike screamed at the top of his lungs, and one of Rainbow's eyes twitched. While Pinkamena appeared calm and unaffected, there was a strong desire to start putting human skulls over her mantle. They knew there would possibly be deaths involved, but the sheer brutality was unfathomable. Pinkamena stepped forward.
"Tell me why you're doing this."
"It's pretty simple really," one of the skeletons in the front row explained, "we humans gradually formed a collective consciousness that we didn't know existed until after we died. The first step was for each and every one of us to be exterminated. Our minds began to communicate with each other, and we gradually came to understand our role as Earth's execution force. In other words, this is omnicide, my pink horse friend."
"Well, I guess we'll have to be extra careful now, won't we," a strange voice said out of nowhere.
"Who said that," the skeleton wanted to know.
"Now that you've sealed your fate, I guess I can show you my face."
Out of nowhere, Twilight Sparkle appeared. She was holding a strange plastic object.
"Another one?"
Twilight lifted the object close to her muzzle.
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Wait a minute," one of the skeletons said, "I recognize that voice. She's using a makeshift voice modulator to sound like Ghostface from Scream."
"Impressive," Twilight acknowledged, "you figured out my little game."
"That was a good psych-out. We almost fell for it."
"Twilight, you're here," Spike nearly cried.
"Hey, you know I wouldn't leave you guys behind."
"Aw, how heartwarming," another skeleton mocked.
"I've had just about enough of you," Twilight warned, "Leave or die. It's up to you."
"This is too precious! A little pony girl thinks she can take on one of the most powerful species in history!"
"Suit yourself."
Twilight teleported behind the skeleton that spoke, punched through their rib cage, gripped their heart, and crushed it. The skeleton disintegrated to ashes, and then, completely disappeared. Now Twilight had the definitive answer she needed to save the planet formerly known as Earth.
The fight was long on grueling for the seven friends who'd come so far in a matter of hours. At first, Twilight's friends were shocked by her own cold and calculating attitude, but eventually joined in. Even Fluttershy grew bolder as the skeletons' numbers began to dwindle. However, this did not exempt them from receiving a few wounds of their own, and it didn't help that they soon discovered a trick the skeletons had been hiding up their sleeves.
"You can reattach your broken bones pretty quickly," Twilight noticed, "Good to know."
Twilight teleported as close to each of her friends as possible to fill them in.
"Go for the kill shot as soon as possible," she told them.
With all the information needed to take down these beings at their disposal, the speed with which the skeltons' numbers decreased quickened. It wasn't long before there was only one skeleton remaining.
"Congratulations," it said, "you beat a few of us. You realize there are billions all over the planet, right?"
Twilight put the voice modulator next to her muzzle again and spoke.
"You know, your perceptions of horror confuse me. You assume because someone is faced with a terrifying situation that they shouldn't be allowed to gain an advantage. That's not how life works. We evolve and grow in strength, speed, and anything else you can imagine. We have the ability to learn and choose the outcome of any situation we find ourselves in."
"It's a nice thought, but talk is cheap. One wrong move and you'll end up dead."
"The same applies to you."
"Well, i'm ready to leave this place anyway. Fail or succeed, I don't really care."
"It's a shame. Humans could've been a strong, kind, graceful species. If only you'd put a little more thought into your actions."
"Heh, maybe."
Twilight removed the modulator.
"Rest in peace."
Twilight punched right through its rib cage. With a sickening squish, its heart was crushed, and it was gone. Everyone stood around the area where it vanished.
"I feel...so...lightheaded..."
Twilight fainted, and the world went dark.
Rarity heard loud, rapid knocking at her door. She couldn't say she was pleased considering the hour, but she understood there was potential urgency in the situation. When she opened the door, her two exhausted friends fell into her home.
"Good lord! You two look like you've seen a ghost!"
"You're not far off, Rarity," Twilight responded, still trying to catch her breath."
"What are you talking about, darling!?"
"There are skeletons walking around, and they don't look like anything we know!"
"That can't be! Reincarnating the dead is impossible! You know this better than anyone!"
"She's telling the truth, Rarity," Spike intervened, "We'll prove it!"
Rarity groaned.
"Fine. Let's see these spooky, scary skeletons you're talking about."
Her friends led her through the path they'd taken to get there.
"Now do you believe us," Twilight asked in a frustrated whisper.
"Oh my goodness..."
A skeleton was aimlessly roaming around on the previously trodden road.
"We have to get the rest of us together and book it to Canterlot," Twilight told the white unicorn.
"Do you think we can make it?"
"It'll be more likely if we stay in a group."
"I see. A strength in numbers approach."
"Exactly, but we have to hurry. We still don't know what these things can do."
"Very well. You two lead the way."
Twilight and Spike nodded, and the three of them left to find their next companion.
Twilight, Spike, and Rarity's next destination was the home of their strongest, fastest ally; Rainbow Dash.
"Do you think she'll believe us," Spike asked.
"Not without proof," Twilight responded.
"Do you intend to show her," Rarity wanted to know.
"It's all I can really do to convince her."
"I guess you're right. Don't take too long. It's eerie out here."
"I'm on it. Spike, guard Rarity until I get back."
Spike nodded, and Twilight was off.
The disruption of her sleep cycle caused Rainbow Dash to grumble in resentment.
"Go away! I'm tryin' to sleep here."
"Rainbow Dash, it's Twilight. This is an emergency."
"What, did your wings fly off your back and desert you or somethin?"
"Very funny. Get up before I drag you out here."
"Grr. Fine!"
Rainbow flew out of bed and opened the door.
"What is it, your royal pain in the butt?"
"You won't believe me unless I show you. Follow me."
Twilight spread her wings and descended from the cloud. Rainbow could do nothing but sigh.
"This is gonna' be a long night, isn't it?"
"Take a look for yourself," Twilight told her athletic Pegasus friend.
"Wait a minute...You're telling me that thing is real!?"
"Shh!!!"
"Sorry."
"I don't know what's going on here, but we can't go in half-cocked. We need to see if the princesses know anything about these monsters."
"As much as I hate it, I have to agree."
"Guess you learned from past mistakes, huh?"
"Laugh it up why don't ya'."
"Anyway, we've got to stop messing around."
"How do you know this thing is dangerous?"
"One of its buddies tore through my barrier like paper. I'm pretty sure this thing's intentions aren't benevolent by any stretch of the imagination."
"I guess."
"There's no point in sticking around. Let's find the others."
"Right," Twilight's friends replied simultaneously, and they were off.
"Shining, she's coming to," a familiar voice rang out.
Twilight's eyes slowly opened, the sight of her library ceiling coming into focus as she did so.
"Hey sis. How are you doing?"
Twilight sat up to see her friends, Shining, and Cadance standing around her. Spike was asleep in a chair on her bedside.
"I'm okay, I guess. What happened?"
"You apparently went on a killing spree against the dead. You nearly bled to death, and that's not taking into account the severe strain you were under."
"I remember now."
Twilight's expression to one of great sorrow and remorse.
"So many broken dreams..."
"What?"
"When we were fighting, I could feel the desperation in their strikes. They were trying to cling to their last purpose."
"Oh...You mean as the omnicidal executioners."
"So you've already heard everything."
"Yeah. Rainbow came and got us from the crystal empire. We talked to the princess while you were unconscious. I had a hard time believing it, but when I saw you, I knew it was all true."
"I wonder if this was their original purpose at all."
"Original or revised, it's already been set in motion. Now it's up to us to stop them."
"You didn't alert the royal guard, did you?"
"Not yet. Why?"
"I think this is a job best left for us alone. If we cause too much disturbance, the public will panic, and we may have a full-scale war on our hooves. That's too risky."
"Well, what can we do? Every mare, stallion, and foal that didn't escape was slaughtered."
Twilight looked around the room for a minute. When she found what she was looking for, she levitated it near her face. It was a familiar plastic device.
"What's that?"
"Something has to be done, so..."
Twilight positioned the power switch to ON and placed it near her muzzle.
"...I think it's time for a sequel."
