Dark Reality

Chapters

Chpt 1 - A New Stallion in Town
Chpt 2 - Darker Days
Chpt 3 - Dark Chaos
Chpt 4 - The Dying World

Chpt 1 - A New Stallion in Town

Dark Reality

A New Stallion In Town

The sun leaked through the trees of the Everfree Forest, barely illuminating the path two mares traversed. A soft glow emanated from the purple unicorns horn, providing a little extra light as she led in front.

"Do you see anything Fluttershy?" she asked back towards her yellow friend.

"No, not yet," the pegasus replied softly, nudging her pink mane out of her eyes.

Their heads hung low, eying carefully around the dense roots and foliage that rose up from the ground.

"Thanks for coming with me Twilight," said Fluttershy with a hint of concern. "I do hope Winona's alright."

"It's not a problem Fluttershy," she said with a slight pause in her voice. "What do you think could have made her run off like that?"

"I don't know. She just...ran off. Oh Twilight," whined Fluttershy. "Applejack trusted me with her. I can't let her down."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," said Twilight, giving Fluttershy a reassuring smile. "We'll find her."

"I hope so."

They continued their long search, and the sunlight began to recede from the sky, threatening to plunge the two mares into darkness. Worry had long since dawned upon the two mares, as they strained to continue with each step. Dirt and leaves coated their colored fur, and their manes were unkempt.

Twilight sighed, “Look Fluttershy...I think we should tu-” Twilight's voice suddenly cut off, as suddenly in the distance, an echo of a dog's bark could be heard.

"Winona!" Twilight cried out as her head turned towards the direction of the sound. Her ears perked up as she strained to listen. Again the response of the pups bark came to her. Turning to her friend, she stated with glee, "She's here!"

Fluttershy's eyes lit up as she smiled, rushing towards the sound of barking. "Yay!" she gently cried out.

Twilight followed close behind as a sly smirk spread across her face. "I told you we'd find her."

They ran through the woods, breaking through the trees into a clearing that showed the open sky. Their smiles grew on their faces when they saw the small, determined farm dog. Her hair was standing on end, arching on her back as she growled up to a tall dark shadow that loomed within the branches of one of the many trees.

"Winona!" gently cried Fluttershy as she rushed towards the small pup. Upon hearing her name, she turned to see the mares, her hairs lowered almost instantly as she was swooped up by the motherly mare, "You know better than to run off like that! I was worried sick about you!"

Twilight looked up into the tree as she drew near, just in time for her to catch the figure quickly shift out of sight. "I wonder what she was barking at there," she said, scratching her chin.

Fluttershy looked at Twilight for a moment before putting Winona down, curious of the same thing. Winona blinked at Twilight, then turned back toward the tree. The dogs head cocked to the side as whatever had her attention before had seemingly vanished. Giving up, she turned and pointed behind the duo, giving out a small yip to direct their attention.

The two ponies turned to see what had once again captivated Winona's attention, and they could not believe their eyes. A time worn stone structure of what seemed to be from another age loomed before them.

"What is all this?" Twilight wondered as she moved in closer to inspect the stone ruin.

Two large pillars with tapered ends curved inwards towards each other, reminding Twilight of the stone archways that would lead towards a castle's gate. Yet looking around the site, she could not see the remains of a door or the foundations a castle. Several gemstone symbols adorned the circular crag footing at the base of the two pillars. Twilight's curiosity was more than sparked as she ran through the textbooks and volumes of her mind. The ground amongst the structure was pallid and seemed to have been displaced, as if the stones were crudely erected without care or want for preserving the surrounding thicket.

There seemed to be an eerie atmosphere surrounding the stones, in which Fluttershy was more than aware of as she kept close to Twilight during her examination. The creeping cold of darkness that seemed to flow from the structure made her uneasy. Looking behind her she saw Winona staring back at them with a puzzled look upon her face. Twilight circled and scrutinized the stones, trying to catch any detail that was vaguely familiar to anything she had ever seen or read throughout her exhaustive studies.

"I haven't seen anything like this before," she gasped. "I don't recognize any of these markings."

Fluttershy became more uncomfortable looking the ruin. "Maybe we shouldn't be here... It doesn't feel right."

Twilight turned and consoled the pegasus reassuringly, "It's just and old ruin Fluttershy. Don't let it's appearance overwork your imagination."

She walked towards what she envisioned would be the front of the structure. "There appears to be a piece missing," placing a hoof down at a vacant square slot in the stone. "Whatever this thing is, if it does anything at all, probably wont work without it."

"I hope you're right," sighed Fluttershy. She was still visibly uncomfortable being around the darkened stones.

The fading sun cast long shadows upon the pillars and pegasi as they looked at the archaic ruin. A chill ran through Fluttershy, creating the feeling as if something was about to jump out at her. Closing her eyes tightly for a moment she gathered her nerve to turn back towards the waiting pup. "We should get you home. The forest is no place for you to be," she said in a motherly tone.

Twilight looked up at the sky to see that the light was quickly fading. "Yeah, you're right. It will be dark soon." Looking back at the ruins she made a quick mental checklist of every distinguishing mark to the very last detail. "I'll look in the library to see if I can find anything about these symbols. Surely there's something."

Fluttershy nodded as Twilight joined her and Winona. The trio looked back at the site, giving the ruins one last glace before trotting back towards home.

The sun began to rise over the horizon of the small town of Ponyville, casting streaks of orange upon it's cobbled stone. A pink pony with her fluffy mane bounced merrily along, enjoying the fresh air that still smelled of morning dew. Pinkie Pie, as she was called, looked around the sleepy town. Not many ponies were out and about this early in the morning, but she didn't mind.

After turning a corner, she suddenly stopped and gazed at the sight before her. Standing in the middle of the street was a unicorn she had never seen before. She watched him as the candy coated gears were ticking away inside her head.

The unicorn's black coat seemed to absorb the early morning sunlight which highlighted the streak of blue running through his equally dark mane. The strangers golden eyes seemed transfixed on his feet while he walked slowly down the street, as if needing to think about every step.

The last gear ticked, and with a large gasp Pinkie darted off with a brilliant plan before the stranger even realized anypony was there.

All was quiet in the library. The early morning light shone it's way in through the cracks of the window shutters, and all manner of books were piled in misshapen stacks around the purple mare who was slumped over in a chair. A slight bit of drool dripped from Twilight's mouth as she breathed almost silently. Her eyes were shut tight, and her nose just barely touching the page of a book that described heavily about various ancient runes, magical symbols, and artifacts.

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" called the hyperactive pink pony as she burst through the door.

"Are the giant cupcakes falling from the sky again?" shouted Twilight as she snapped awake.

"No you silly head!" Pinkie exclaimed as she bounded towards Twilight. "There's a new pony in town! And you know what that means!"

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she tried to focus on the bounding ball of energy. "A party?" she said with a trailing yawn.

"You bet your giant cupcakes!" chortled Pinkie as she resumed bouncing about the library. "We're going to have so much fun! There will be balloons, and cake, and music, and-"

Pinkie's voice trailed off as Twilight let out an exasperated groan. Her eyes slowly closing as she fell face first onto the open book with a resounding thud.

The library was bustling with colorful activity; Pinkie Pie was upside down on the ceiling, attached by her trusty suction cups, as she hung brightly colored streamers; Rarity's horn glowed as straightened the tablecloth upon the snack table; Applejack looked annoyed as she stood nearby, waiting with her tray filled with a wide array of apple based treats; Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were bringing out the smaller tables and chairs, attaching several balloons to each; and Twilight watched, her checklist held magically by her side. While it was not overly sensible to her fastidious ideals of a libraries purpose, Twilight didn't mind the opportunity to help create a checklist for Pinkie's party decorations and snack setup.

"It's a shame we can't do this tomorrow," chimed in Rarity. Her horn glowing while putting up a welcome sign. "Applejack would have loved to make an appearance."

"I know," said Twilight as she looked at her party checklist. "But her family does come first."

Pinkie let out a deflated sigh and jumped down from the ceiling, overhearing the two unicorns. The prospect of not having Applejack attend one of her signature welcome parties was certainly a disappointment to the pink party pony. "I know," she shouted bounding up and down. "We'll just have to have...another party! A meet the Apples party!"

"Oh Pinkie," Twilight chuckled. "Hey, whats this guy like anyway?"

She paused a moment to think about what she had seen of him earlier that morning. "Well he's a unicorn...and that's all I really know!" giggled Pinkie as she resumed bounding about the library. "We'll just have to wait and find out when he gets here!"

"Well I've seen him," said Rarity straightening a tablecloth at the snack table. "I saw him wander into town last night. He walks like he has never walked before. I'm surprised he even made it here at all!"

"Rarity," said Twilight with a hint of exasperation. "I'm sure he walks just fine."

Pinkie suddenly fired her party cannon sending a shower of ribbons and streamers towards the tables that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had just finished setting up. "Yay!" she cheered. "Decorations are done!"

Rainbow glared at Pinkie with several streamers hanging from her face and a sprinkle of confetti decorating her mane. "Would you mind not decorating me?" she asked slightly annoyed.

Pinkie blinked at Rainbow with a vacant expression as the candy gears turned in her head, before suddenly falling over giggling and snorting uncontrollably.

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow shook her head about, freeing the streamers and sent the confetti trickling to the floor. "So uh, does anypony have any idea where to find this pony or how to get him here?"

After checking off the last of her party checklist Twilight thought for a moment. "Let me handle that."

Twilight wandered the streets of Ponyville as her home began to fill with party goers awaiting the guest of honor. She was eager to meet this new stallion, a unicorn no less. A cool fresh breeze blew though her mane as she trotted along the sidewalks looking for the new stallion in town. Rounding the corner she spotted him outside Sugarcube Corner. He was gazing in hungrily, eyes locked on all the baked goods that the Cakes have put on display for the day.

Taking in a deep breath to calm her nerves, she trotted over to his side. "Good Afternoon!" she said in an enthusiastic yet friendly tone. The stallion turned to look at her, his eyes widening as they met hers. "I haven't seen you in town before. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

The dark coated pony blinked at her for a moment, seemingly unable to put together a proper greeting. Clearing his throat as he bowed his head ever so slightly. "H-Hi." he stuttered.

She kept the smile on her face as the dark stallion nervously looked to the purple unicorn. His golden eyes could only meet her gaze for mere seconds before looking away. Not wanting to make this new guest uncomfortable she took a small step away from him. "What's your name?" she asked, trying to be as friendly as possible.

"I'm-I'm-E-" the stallions head reared back and his eyes widened as his voice cut off quickly. A nervous smile appeared upon his face, "Uhm, sorry." he said in a pleasant tone. "My name is Shadow Bolt."

Twilight's eyebrow arched in puzzlement yet she maintained a steady smile as the stallion introduced himself. Suddenly, her eyes widened as she noticed his cutie mark. It was a deep blue, and more of a symbol than a normal cutie mark. "I've never seen a cutie mark like that before!" she thought out loud. "Strange. It looks like one of the markings at those ruins."

He backed away from the inquisitive mare as she moved in closer to inspect his cutie mark. Her curious fascination spurred the dark stallion into a fit of stuttering. "I-I-I-I'm good at deciphering ancient and obscure markings!" his voice was quick, teetering on desperation.

Twilight's excitement at his exclamation of arcane language erased any misgivings she had about his state of well being. A wide smile lit up her face as her eyes seemed to sparkle. "Well then you have to come with me! And I won't take no for an answer!"

"I-I-uhm..." said Shadow as Twilight beamed towards him. Contemplating something within his mind, he paused a moment before sighing. "O-OK..."

"Come on!" Twilight turned and pointed towards the direction of the library starting off with a happy gait. "We can go to my place. Its not far from here."

Shadow simply nodded as he followed loosely behind.

"So, where are you from?" she asked him.

"A...long ways away I'm afraid." he replied as his ears drooped slightly.

Twilight curiously looked over at the dark stallion. The apprehension in his voice gave her the hint that he did not wish to speak of his home. She nodded to herself and decided not to pressure him about it. He's obviously had a long trip here having had to trek through the Everfree Forest. "So, what brings you to Ponyville, Shadow?"

Closing his eyes he let out a long sigh. "I... I just had to get as far away from my old home as I could," he replied with hint of sorrow. "Let's just leave it at that."

Twilight nodded. "Well, I'm sure you will make tons of friends here."

He Looked towards the purple mare upon hearing those words, which caused the slightest of smiles to appear upon his face. "Friends," he thought out loud. "That would be a nice change."

Twilight gave a soft smile as the two of them trotted around the streets towards her home. Thinking of her own past, she remembered how she felt when Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash helped her discover the magic of friendship. Perhaps Shadow is feeling the same sense of emptiness she felt when she first came to Ponyville. Maybe Shadow will come to discover the magic of friendship as well. Rounding the final corner they reached her tree house. It was quiet, and dark inside.

"Well, this is it!" she exclaimed as she opened the door into the dark library. "Come on in, just let me get the lights here."

Shadow stepped in just as the lights went on. "Surprise!" erupted the entire room full of ponies. Shadow jumped back in shock, his golden eyes scanning the entire room. The smiling ponies, the snacks, the decor. It suddenly clicked in his mind and he smiled.

"Everypony," said Twilight as she stepped forward. "This is Shadow Bolt! He here from far away and needs some help fitting in. I'm sure we can all become the best of friends!"

A bounding pink pony came forth from the crowd landing in front of the dark stallion. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you!" she exclaimed.

The stallion just stood there awestruck, as if the life of the party itself seemed to overwhelm him. "Th-Thank you. This is just..." he stuttered. His eyes appeared glassy as a large smile spread across his face, he was at a loss of words.

Pinkie Pie smiled and giggled, "Well if you think it's great now, just wait until it actually starts!" With a quick hop, skip and a jump, Pinkie stood up tall reaching up over the crowd. "All right everypony!" she cried out. "Let's Parrr-tay!"

With those last two words the music sprang to life. Mares and stallions of all ages began to laugh, talk, and dance. After regaining his senses Shadow began to look around at the festive, colorful room. The balloons, streamers, food, a large banner which read, 'Welcome to Ponyville!' Everything was here for him he thought, perhaps he could fit in here. His gaze drifted down from the large banner to the snack bar itself, and suddenly the aroma of cupcakes and sweets filled his nostrils. With a hunger in his golden eyes, he began toward it.

'Shadow Bolt, huh?' thought Rainbow Dash to herself. 'He seems cool. Not as cool as me, of course.' A sly smirk appeared upon her face, as she watched him from above one of the bookcases she was perched upon. She watched carefully as the stallion tried to maneuver through the crowd, casually returning the greetings of others as he inched closer to the snack table. A couple of young fillies suddenly ran out in front of him, ungraciously causing him to trip over his own hooves in an act to avoid them.

"And he just lost it," Rainbow said to herself as she rolled her eyes.

One of the young fillies, a small white unicorn with purple tail and mane, came back over to help him up. "I'm sorry, are you alright?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah. I'm-I'm fine," said Shadow as he stood himself up with the fillies help.

"Oh, Welcome to Ponyville!" she added with a smile, as she ran off to play with her orange pegasus friend.

Watching the little unicorn filly trot off and disappear into the crowd put a smile onto his face as he turned back towards the snack table to inspect the plethora of sweets.

The party lasted for quite a while, and Shadow was introduced to just about every pony in Ponyville. As they all began to leave for the evening, they said their farewells to Shadow and thanks to Pinkie for hosting. After a few moments, only the mane five and Shadow were left within the after party mess that littered the usually spotless library.

Bouncing with excitement, Pinkie made her way to Shadow. "What did you think of the party?! Wasn't it just super duper?" she asked, with a giant grin on her face.

Shadow looked at the bemused Pinkie Pie in the eyes, a cold expression drew on his face. "No. It wasn't," he said with a firm voice.

"Huh?" she said in bewilderment and confusion. The other ponies gasped as the pink mares eyes widened, her bottom lip began to quiver.

Before Pinkie could say anything, Shadow jumped up with a giant grin, "It was super-OOPER-duper!”

Pinkie bounced up with joy as the other ponies let out a collective sigh of relief,."Yay! I'm glad you liked it." shouted Pinkie. "We're going to have so much fun later!"

"So where are you staying?" asked Twilight. "Perhaps we can show you around Ponyville sometime."

The smile upon Shadows face vanished at Twilight's question. Swallowing firmly and clearing his throat he looked down at the party littered floor. "I... I don't really have a place to stay yet," he said quietly.

"No home?" exclaimed Rarity in disbelief. "But I saw you last night! Don't tell me you slept...outside!"

Shadow's ears drooped as he nodded, as Rarity fell over in a mock fainting spell.

"You can..." Twilight thought tapping a hoof to her jaw, before smiling again. "Stay here till you find a place of your own. I have an extra bed you can use."

"Thanks Twilight," said Shadow as he smiled at the purple mare. "That's-That's very kind of you."

"Yay!" Pinkie cried. "Crisis adverted! This calls for a party!"

"But we just finished one," said everyone in unison.

"Perhaps another time," chuckled Shadow.

"Okey Dokey Lokey!" chirped Pinkie. "Another time! And that time shall be really, really soon!"

"This really was...the best party I have ever been too," said Shadow.

"Well of course it is, darling!" chimed in Rarity. "When it comes to a marvelous soirée, Pinkie here is absolutely the last word in fabulous!"

Shadow looked towards Pinkie who was looking back at him with a goofy grin. "I can see why." he said with a smirk. The group shared a few more laughs together before the inevitable separation for the night. Sleep beckoned all of them, so they could begin the day anew tomorrow.

Chpt 2 - Darker Days

Darker Days

The morning sun arose over the town of Ponyville. The light danced through the hanging dew in a show of dazzling sparkles in the gardens of the towns inhabitants. As the light peaked through the cracks of Twilight's window she slowly began to awaken. Groaning, she sat up rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Lazily pausing a moment to gather the will to get out of the confines and comfort of her warm bed. Sliding her hooves over the edge of the bed she let gravity take over, slumping out onto the floor. After a moments pause she stands up and shambles towards her mirror and basin to her morning routine. After brushing her mane and completing other morning tasks from her mental checklist, she passed the sleeping baby dragon and left her room to check on the still sleeping stallion.

Taking a few steps down the stairs she smiled, looking down upon her spare bed next to the base of the staircase, seeing the black stallion Shadow Bolt curled fast asleep. Turning quietly and stepping back up into her room she started to make a mental list of figuring out what had to be done by the end of the day. Standing next to where the sleeping dragon lay she let out a sigh, "Come on Spike, it's time to wake up. We've got allot to do today."

"Come on Twilight," he said groggily stirring from his sleep. "It's Saturday."

"And it's also the day Applejack comes back from the Appaloosa Orchards," nudging the dragon with a hoof. "We have to make sure everything is prepared for her return."

"Okay, okay I'm getting up," Spike yawned as he stretched. Reaching under his pillow he pulled out a shining blue gemstone. Slowly standing up, rubbing his eyes as he chomped the gemstone down in one bite.

Twilight turned around and headed for the door. "Good, now let's get started on that checklist!"

"Okay," he said with a groan as the two began their descent down the stairs. Although he was used to Twilight's obsessive check-listing, he still very much disliked them.

Shadow had just woken up by the time Spike and Twilight left her room. He looked up at them with the haze of sleep clouding his eyes, "Morning." He said to the duo as he rubbed his eyes.

"Good morning Shadow. Did you sleep well?" asked Twilight with a smile.

Shadow tilted his head and looked down as he contemplated the question, a smile appearing upon his face. "Better than I have in...many years."

"Glad to hear it," chuckled Twilight as she stepped off the staircase standing at the foot of Shadow's bed. "Say, we're making preparations for one of my friends homecoming today. Would you like to come?"

"Sounds good. What's planned?"

"Well we are about to make the list. Spike?"

"Already on it," said the dragon pulling a quill and parchment out from behind his back.

Shadow watched in bemused silence as the two worked for a good hour making a comprehensive list of diverse tasks ranging from broad to inconsequential. Taking care of Sweet Apple Acres while the Apple family was away. Pinkie Pie's planning of a 'Welcome Home' party and restocking Twilight's supply of ink and parchment.

When the list was complete, Twilight turned to Shadow. "Oh! Maybe after we're done, if we still have time, we can check out those ruins I had mentioned last night. I'd love to hear what you have to say about them."

Shadow blinked a moment as if stunned upon Twilight's request. Quickly shaking off his daze before returning the mares gaze. "Sure." he said quietly. "After all you have done for me...I'd be happy to help."

Twilight's eyes lit up, "Great! It's settled then! Thanks Shadow. Spike?" she said, turning to the small dragon. "Shall we be off?"

"Ready," he exclaimed as he rolled up the checklist.

"Good. So what's first?" asked the purple mare as Spike climbed upon her back.

"Sweet Apple Acres to help clean up the orchards!"

"Are you ready?" said Twilight, turning to her guest.

Stepping off the bed, Shadow nodded with a smile and the three began their way to the orchard. Upon their arrival they found that some of the gang were already quite underway in tending to the farm. Granny Smith who was the only one who abstained from the family trip rocked steadily back and forth in a chair upon the porch, dozing soundly while the farm bustled with activity.

Always the fashionable pony, Rarity was magically clearing bruised apples from around the rows of apple trees in a stylish hat; that of which was no doubt one of her latest creations. Tending to the farm animals was none other than Fluttershy considering her expertise with animals. Pinkie Pie was sitting in a nearby tree, being Pinkie. Looking around, Twilight surmised that Rainbow Dash had not yet arrived. It being rather early in the morning, it was not that surprising to say the least.

The group spent the morning hours dutifully completing the various tasks as Rainbow Dash eventually showed up. After a briefing of what remained to be done, she and Pinkie Pie began decorating the barn. As the hour of Applejack's arrival at the train station neared, Twilight's checklist called for her to pick up the snacks. Leaving Spike with Shadow she went on her way towards Sugarcube Corner. The weather team had made it a glorious day, thought Twilight to herself as the breeze blew through her mane.

Arriving at Sugarcube Corner Twilight pushed open the door. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!"

Mrs. Cake did not have her normally chipper attitude when it came to service. Twilight was instead met with an emotionless stare. "Afternoon Twilight." said Mrs. Cake in a curt tone of voice. "I assume you're here about the cake you ordered?"

"U-uhm. I am actually...Yes." replied Twilight, taken off guard from the dispassionate manner of the proprietor. As Mrs. Cake turned and left the room, Twilight had a strange disconcerting feeling about the bakery. Looking about the rows of confections she spotted Mr. Cake standing in the corner. His gaze was completely fixated upon her, his eyes seemed to seethe with a hidden malice. Just as she was about to question the stallion Mrs. Cake returned with a box, dropping it on the counter. "Here it is," she said. "That will be forty bits."

Confused at Mrs. Cakes atypical behavior, Twilight felt the hints of concern spiking through her as she set the coins upon the counter. Silently she took the money and dropped the coins firmly into the register. "Have a good day," she said with a listless murmur.

Completely shocked, Twilight looked to Mr. Cake who hadn't scarcely moved an inch from his spot in the corner. Magically picking up the box and setting it upon her back she looked to Mrs. Cake. "Is...everything okay?" she asked nervously.

Mrs. Cake looked back towards the purple mare letting out an exasperated sigh. "Oh everything is just fine Twilight! It's not like I don't have a thousand orders a day to fill or anything! So if you'll excuse me, I have a shop to run."

Twilight's ears drooped, shocked at her retort as she slowly backed away from the counter. She has never seen Mrs. Cake act this way before. "Right. I-I'm sorry I wasted your time..." she stuttered as she made her way out of the shop.

Standing outside Sugarcube Corner Twilight let out a heavy sigh as she recollected her composure. Walking back through the streets towards Apple Acres she couldn't stop thinking about the strange feeling of what had transpired in the bakery. What was wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Cake? Did they have a disagreement and weren't speaking to each other? Looking around the street she noticed that the townsfolk did not seem quite right.

No pony was smiling, laughing or talking. They all appeared to have a hint of anger dwelling inside them. The looks ponies had upon their faces gave Twilight the thought that even the most innocent of misconduct would start a fight. The usual busy streets of Ponyville's markets were almost deserted. Suddenly it dawned on Twilight, it was nearly silent. Perking her ears up she listened, trying to catch even the slightest cue of playful laughter or the sound of jovial conversations. There was nothing.

Quickening her pace, Twilight galloped towards the farm. She became determined to figure out what was happening to the town, what was causing everypony to be so on edge. As she neared the Orchards she noticed the others were finishing up the last of the chores and setup for Applejack's return party.

"A little to the right," said Pinkie as she directed Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash setting up the banner. "Now just a smidgen northwards...a tiny bit-Hey! Twilight's back," she cheered waving at the purple mare. Shrugging Rainbow and Fluttershy set the banner where Pinkie had last directed and flew down to see the cake she had picked up.

Twilight was short of breath by the time she reached them. Skidding to a halt in front of the others. "Girls..." she panted. "I think... There's something wrong with the town!"

"W-wrong how?" asked Fluttershy

"Everypony is acting like...Like they are angry at something. Not just one or two of them... literally everypony!"

The others looked shocked as Twilight explained. Rarity shook her head trying to think clearly despite her disbelief. "But what in Equestria could make them all act like that?" she asked.

"I-I don't know," Twilight stuttered still not believing all this herself. "Even Mr. And Mrs. Cake were under the effects of...whatever it is!"

Rainbow Dash landed and stamped her hooves into the ground. "Well? What are we waiting for? Let's find out what's causing this and get rid of it!"

Shadow listened in silence as the ponies panicked. His golden eyes shot open as a chilling wave of dread washed over his face. "I-I-I got to go," he stuttered as he looked to the ground. "I'll...be back later." Without another word, he jumped into his shadow which then quickly bolted out of sight.

The mares stood in stunned silence, slowly looking to one another for an answer as they watched the shadow fade into the distance. "Uhm. What just happened?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know Rainbow," said Twilight.

"I've never seen anything like that before!" chirped Rarity.

"It was downright scary," said Fluttershy quietly. "What do we really know about him?"

"Listen girls, we've got bigger things on our hooves right now." exclaimed Twilight.

"Twilight's right!" said Rarity, "We need to address the issues of the townsfolk."

"Have you ever heard of anything that just spread's anger?" asked Rainbow.

Twilight brought a hoof up to her mouth and began mumbling. Shaking her head, "Sorry girls, but I haven't heard of anything like that..."

All of them gave each other a look of concern. "Well I'm sure if it was anything serious then Princess Celestia would have contacted us." said Rarity trying to reassure the others.

"I know what will turn all those frowns upside down!" exclaimed Pinkie as she bounded into the center of the group, grinning wildly at Twilight as she snatched the cake from her back. "We just need one big super ginormous party! That will make everypony super happy!"

"Maybe Pinkie," said Twilight with a weak smile. "We'll just have to see." Though in her mind she had a nagging doubt that a simple party would vanish the anger gripping the townsfolk.

The smiling pink pony bounced away, satisfied that her idea would bring happiness to the displaced hearts of the towns inhabitants. Setting the box upon the table, she opened the lid to check the cake. Letting out an excited hoot upon seeing that it was still in surprisingly good condition, despite the amount of running Twilight had been doing.

Closing the lid, she looked back at the others,."All's well and dandy right with the cake! Is everything else all setup? Oh she's going to be like-so surprised!"

Fluttershy nodded. "There's just a few more small things."

Twilight smiled. "Good. The train should be here in an hour. Where's Spike? I need him to send a letter to the Princess in case she is unaware of what's going on here."

"Oh, he finished up his share of the farm work." said Rarity. "Then he said he had to go pick up quills or something."

Twilight nodded. "Alright. Well, once we're done shall we head to the station?"

The others cheered in agreement and quickly continued to set up the rest of the decor. Within a matter of minutes they had completed the final touches. Rainbow Dash flicked her tail impatiently, eager to see Applejack again. "Alright, let's get to the station already!"

Pinkie bounced with excitement, "Yay! I cant wait to see the look on Applejack face when she gets here!"

"Indeed," said Rarity as they all started towards the station. "I certainly hope she appreciates all the hard work we put into it."

As the ponies made their way into the station, they could see the locomotive steaming in the distance. The whistle shrieked over the meadow as the engine sent a plume of smoke into the air. The train did not seem to slow down, the whistle howling ever louder as it charged towards the platform. The ears of the mares folded down, gritting their teeth and closing their eyes as the brakes squealed loudly against the steel wheels bringing the advancing engine to a skidding stop. As the dust and steam cleared the mares looked to the passenger cars, they were full of ponies. Steam hissed from the engine, there was an air of tension as the passengers departed. No one wanted anything to do with one another.

"What the hay is wrong with you Applebloom?" came a familiar voice through the hiss of the engine. "Ya don't just go around willy-nilly an' buck ponies! Whether they shove past you or not!"

"He still deserved it!" shouted the little filly as she stepped off the train with Applejack.

Applejack turned to to her older brother, hoping for some support. "Big Macintosh, mind helping me out here?" she asked.

"Nnnope," replied the large stallion.

She stared at her brother with her maw agape, "You-You..." she stuttered, before her frustration finally overpowered her. "Now I can' believe this," she yelled. "First everypony on the train starts actin' like them an' their mothers have been hit in the face wit' an apple pie! An now my own family is turnin' against me! What in tarnation is goin' on here?"

As she turned away from her brother a pink blur rocketed towards her, tackling the mare into a hug.

"Hi Applejack! Welcome home! We missed you so much and we've been taking good care of the farm and Winona and Granny Smith just like you asked!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she hugged her friend tightly.

Applejack smiled through the mask of concern upon her face. "Well at least somepony is makin' sense...I think."

"She's not making sense," Rainbow Dash laughed hovering nearby. "She's just being Pinkie Pie."

"It's really, really good to see y'all," said Applejack as she looked to her friends. "I don't know what's gotten into everypony, it's like they've all gone bonkers!"

"Bonkers? How exactly?" asked Twilight.

"Like you can't say good day to some pony without gettin' a death glare! Like how a single bump can cause this one," she signed, motioning to Applebloom. "To buck somepony's hooves right from under them!"

The others exchanged looks of worry. Applejack looked to her friends "Is that happenin' here too?" she asked.

Twilight nodded. "Everypony except us and one other seems to have been affected." she said solemnly.

"Wait...who else ain't affected?" asked Applejack.

"Shadow Bolt, a stallion who came to town yesterday. He was helping us set up for your party, but he ran off just before we came here."

Applejack blinked, "I beg yer pardon?"

"Yeah," replied Twilight. "I had a strange run in at Sugarcube Corner with the Cakes. After leaving I began to notice everypony in town was acting really strange. When I got back to the farm I was telling the others about what was going on and why none of us seemed to be affected, and he just ran off."

"An' no pony found that a teensy bit...suspicious?"

"Well, I kind of figured he was going to the library to research this, he did say he had a knowledge of the arcane. After all, that's what I'd have done," replied Twilight as she twisted a hoof into the platform.

"Oh honestly Applejack," said Rarity with a haute demur. "You don't actually believe that a poor unicorn who can't even walk straight could be behind such an atrocity, do you?"

"I ain't sayin' that," sighed Applejack. "I'm just sayin' it's a little suspicious, is all."

Their conversation was cut short as another pony started yelling at Applebloom and Big Macintosh. "What the hay is goin' on now?" yelled Applejack as she turned towards the commotion.

A stallion was arguing with her siblings that Big Macintosh had bumped into his luggage, knocking it over. As the pony bent down to pick up his suitcase the large red stallion sat down upon the baggage, crushing it under his hefty frame as a grin of satisfaction spread across his face. Applebloom laughed and cheered her brother on as the other pony seemed to broil with anger and began heatedly to yell at the two ponies. The mares just stood there with maws dropped wide. They have never seen this gentle giant even raise a hoof at anypony, much less destroy things!

Applejack quickly ran over and got in between the arguing equines. "I'm really sorry about that," she apologized with a nervous smile. "Train rides don't really sit well with them!"

The stallion stepped forward and growled at the three as Applejack dragged her siblings away. The farm mare let out a sigh of relief, thankful they had avoided a physical confrontation. "Let's just get back to the farm before things get any worse."

The group nodded and they soon started on their way back towards Apple Acres. They felt a little unnerved about the scene they just witnessed with Applebloom and Big Mac but kept their concerns to themselves. As they made their way through the town it seemed everypony was arguing or yelling over the smallest of things.

Rarity gasped as she saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo fighting in the street over a doll. "Sweetie Belle, stop that right now!" she ordered. Running over to the two fillies who completely ignored the elder mare. "This is not how a lady should behave!" she balked while magically levitating the doll out of their reach.

Sweetie Belle glared. "I don't wanna be a lady!"

"Yeah," yelled Scootaloo. "Now give me back my doll!"

The young unicorn glared at her pegasus friend . "Your doll?! It's mine!"

"No, it's mine!"

"Don't want to be a lady?" gasped Rarity. "What in Equestria are you talking about!"

"Being a lady is stupid and boring!" Huffed Sweetie Belle, turning away from her sister.

Rarity was completely taken aghast from her little sisters outburst that her magic lost its grip on the doll. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle dived towards it, but the pegasus' quickness proved greater than the young unicorns.

"It's mine! Back off!" shouted Scootaloo.

"It's not yours, it's mine!" Shouted the white filly grabbing at the doll.

Twilight's horn glowed brightly as she teleported the doll away, stepping forward with a stern look on her face. The two filly's fell backwards as the doll vanished from sight. Scootaloo glared at Sweetie Belle, both oblivious to purple mare staring at them.

"Alright, what did you do with it?" Scootaloo yelled.

"What did I do with it?" cried out Sweetie Belle as she got up. "Don't try to blame me! What did you do with it?"

The orange filly growled at the unicorn. "How could I have done anything with it! You're the one with the magic horn!"

"Enough," yelled Twilight, stepping forward. "I took the doll! This is not how anypony should behave. Lady or otherwise!"

"This isn't any of your business!" growled Scootaloo, glaring at the mare.

Applejack sighed, walking up to Twilight, "I see what ya mean about the town. Just like the train, it seems everypony's gone bonkers. Come on, lets get goin' before things get worse."

Twilight nodded and they kept walking. Rarity dragged along a fighting Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo ran off, turning to stick her tongue out at the filly. They soon reached Sweet Apple Acres, but things were not as they left it. The party had been torn apart and the snacks picked clean. Pinkie Pie stared a moment at the remains of her party, giving Applejack an apologetic smile. "Sorry Applejack. Looks like your welcome home party is going to be a little late."

Applejack smiled. "Its not your fault. I'm su-" Her voice was cut off as a loud crash came from inside the barn. "Who the buck is in my barn?" she yelled galloping towards it with Big Macintosh following suit.

Kicking open the doors she stared in shock to see Granny Smith tearing things up. Kicking hay bales, tossing buckets and breaking equipment. "G-Granny Smith? What the hay is going on?" she yelled.

Granny Smith looked at the two of them, a half-crazed look in her old eyes. "They're all trying to steal from us! Everypony! We break it and they don't want it no more!"

"All right Granny," Applejack smiled nervously. "I think you just need to calm down a little here..."

"Eeyup," chimed in Big Macintosh

The rest of the group came in behind the two ponies. Rarity still rearing the struggling Sweetie Belle. Upon them all witnessing the the scene they let out a collective gasp. Granny Smith yelled as she pointed at the others. "See! They're even tryin' to steal while we're right here!"

"What? You don't mean us do you Granny?" said Twilight.

"Yes you, tryin' to steal everything!"

"Hey! We're not thieves." exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

The old pony zipped over to the pegasus holing a pot threatening close to her face. "Exactly what a thief would say! Hmmm?"

After a few moments of awkward silence. Big Mac let out a hearty, "Eeyep!"

"Ha! See!" exclaimed the old pony. "He agrees with me!"

"Nnnope," Big Mac corrected. "But a thief would say that, is all."

The old pony glared at the stallion as Applejack let out a small sigh of relief, glad her brother was still somewhat on their side.

Granny narrowed her eyes at the group of ponies about her. "I got mah eye on you... Each and every one of ya!"

Pinkie blinked, confused at what was happening. Turning her head away from the scene she noticed the shade of a familiar dark pony. "Hey! Shadow's back!"

The group turned to see Shadow standing just outside the barn panting heavily with a bizarre grin upon his face. His golden eyes seemingly wild with a reckless abandon, his ebony and ultramarine mane heavily ruffled. "Hello girls," he said in a calm, restrained manner.

Twilight shook her head and looked a little concerned. "Hi Shadow, is everything okay?"

The stallion walked up slowly to Twilight, almost touching his nose to hers, staring into her eyes. "Oh yes! Everything is fine Twilight!" he exclaimed with a chuckle. "Thank you for asking! Hey, I have an idea! Let's go look at those ruins you told me about!"

"Um...right now?" said Twilight, taking a step back nervously.

"Why, of course! When would there be a better time?"

"Maybe when you're acting less crazy?" said Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow.

"Crazy?" snapped Shadow, looking over to the pegasus. "Of course not! I'm of perfectly sound mind. As you can see from what you've witnessed, everyone else is crazy." Shadow pointed into the barn. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Granny Smith and Big Macintosh were all arguing at each other and causing havoc.

"Could've fooled me," muttered Rainbow.

Shadow glared at the mare before snapping his gaze back to Twilight, his ears flicking about. "So. What do you say?"

Twilight bit her lip, thinking about the request. It seemed logical, and it may reveal the cause of all this. She nodded, her curiosity over those ruins was overriding her common sense screaming to her about Shadow's erratic behavior.

Applejack came up beside Twilight and began pushing her away from the other, "Excuse us for a moment here." When she was far enough away from the others she looked at Twilight with concern. "Are you sure 'bout this Twi? He doesn't seem...right in the head." She looked over to her family then back at the purple mare. "I think we've bigger issues here."

Twilight sighed. "I know, but these problems started when I found those ruins. I've never seen symbols like the ones there. I think those stones might have something to do with all this, and Shadow's an expert on ancient symbols."

"Well, I guess you're right. We've got nothin' else to go on."

"Thanks Applejack," she said with a smile, before turning and returning to Shadow. "Okay. Let's get going."

Shadow's wild grin seemed to twist more so. "Good! This shall be fun, no? Lead the way!"

The purple mare nodded to the dark stallion. Saying a quick farewell to her friends she and Shadow began their way into the Everfree Forest. The day began to feel hot and tiresome as they both trudged through the overgrown thicket of the Everfree Forest. As they grew closer to the ruins, Shadow's demeanor seemed to shift; he appeared crazed yet now nervous. He walked silently next to Twilight, his ears slightly twitching.

"Are you okay?" she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Shadow's eyes slid over towards Twilight. "Of course I am! Now let's hurry so we can-" He paused a moment, averting his eyes back in front of him. "Indulge in your research..."

The mare raised an eyebrow, Shadows peculiar behavior was starting to put her on the defensive. Following the path which Fluttershy and Twilight took the day prior the two soon reached the clearing where they found Winona and the ruins. Twilight gasped as she saw what appeared to be smoke emanating from the stone ruin. Her years of studies and training of the arcane sharpened her feelings as she felt the smoke from afar. It was not normal, it felt as if an intense cyclone of negative emotions had coalesced together. Fear, hate, lust, greed, and anger, the intensity of this was almost overwhelming to her. She shook her head and slightly backed away feeling dizzied from the strong wave of emotive energies.

Shadow trotted up alongside the structure, the crazy grin still on his face. "Well, well, well. What do we have here? My this doesn't look right at all." Suddenly he fell into his own shadow. Crossing over toward the dazed Twilight, he popped back up in front of her. "You wouldn't happen to know anything that might seal away emotions, now would you?"

She frowned, shaking her head trying to clear the mist that was clouding her mind. "Not off the top of my head, no."

Shadow's pupils shrunk to near pinpoints, his crazed smile quivered as he stared at the mare. He twitched violently as his pupils returned to their normal size. "There's nothing in this world that might have-" he said with a hint of desperation. "Strong magical powers that represent the exact opposite of whats coming out of that?"

The mare blinked and smacked her hoof against her forehead. Feeling embarrassed from forgetting such a thing. "Of course! The Elements of Harmony!"

"Oh good!" Shadow cheered, "Now they wouldn't happen to be accessible would they?"

She rubbed the back of her head, "Well, not exactly. Princess Celestia keeps them locked in a vault in Canterlot."

"Then let us go and get them," he exclaimed happily. The strange look upon the stallions face seemed to soften.

Twilight nodded, smiling to the dark stallion. "Hopefully the Princess hasn't been affected too."

"Shall we go get our friends?"

Twilight nodded. "We're going to need them for the elements to work!" She turned and started running back to the farm.

Shadow blinked, his smile grew wide once again as he jumped into his shadow and followed close behind Twilight. When they reached the outskirts of town, they ran into Applejack who appeared very distressed.

"Twilight!" called Applejack. "Thank Celestia!"

"What's the matter AJ?"

"We need your magic! We have to fight the fires!"

"Fires?"gasped Twilight. "What happened?"

"No time to explain! Come on!" said the orange mare turning on her hooves racing back into town. Twilight, followed by

Shadow raced into town after Applejack. Looking up she could see smoke billowing from the center of town.

No...It couldn't be, she thought with a look of horror as the realization dawned upon her. As they turned the corner which lead into the main square her fears were confirmed.

Sugarcube Corner was ablaze.

Chpt 3 - Dark Chaos

Dark Chaos

The smell of burning sugar wafted through the streets of Ponyville as dark plumes of smoke rose from the inferno which engulfed Sugarcube Corner. Twilight stared in disbelief as the flames seemed to dance within the once rosy colored windows now black with ash. The roaring flames intensified and the snapping of wood sounded a death knell. The building seemed to exhale as the roof suddenly collapsed upon itself. The effluence of dust, smoke and the smell of burning confection caused the stunned mare to gag as the once beloved bakery crumbled.

A dark red unicorn began to laugh wildly, "That'll teach you to forget my blueberry muffins!" He yelled galloping off with a very irate Mr. & Mrs. Cake in pursuit. The twins Pound and Pumpkin Cake were wailing loudly from within the saddle carriages strapped to their parents.

Twilight felt a firm nudge to her side, snapping her out of her trance.

"Come on Twi!" Applejack yelled, muffled by the hose in her mouth, "We need ya focused!"

Twilight nodded, and the farm pony ran off to deal with smaller fires that had spread. Turning her attention back to inferno before her, her horn began to glow as she reached out with her magic. She eyes closed tightly as she concentrated, her horn glowing brighter as she focused. A gust of air began to swirl about the fiery remains of the bakery, molding into a stifling dome of wind. The fire began to be sucked outwards by the strong twisting gale, slowly snuffing out their existence; leaving behind only a blackened bittersweet carcass.

Pinkie Pie stared in disbelief as she looked at the twisted remains of what was not only her home, but her sense of being. Her eyes began to swell with tears as her mane, which normally appeared a playful body of airy downiness became no more than a flattened, listless sheet draped upon hear head.

Looking up she watched a lone, charred piece of paper drift from the wreckage. As the paper danced within the subsiding winds she closed her eyes, feeling as if every ounce of herself was being carried away with that breeze. Letting out a heavy sigh she looked down to see the paper had landed at her feet. Leaning down, flipping it over with her nose as a tear fell from her cheek, gently dotting upon the paper.

It was a picture. A cracked, black film covered the image yet she could still make out the rock farm and the cheery family that stood before it. She had taken it after her first party, but now, like her home; it was a memory that laid amongst the smouldering ruins. She felt a gentle nudge as Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around her. Pinkie rested her head in her yellow friends mane as she began to dissolve in tears.

Twilight looked towards Pinkie, realizing how she must feel with all that she's just lost. As she began to walk over to help console her, a brown stallion crashed through a window, landing in front of her. Twilight jumped back as a hail of glass showered down upon the hapless pony, he cried out as the knife edged shards pierced into his hide.

"You don't ever touch my wife again!" shouted another pony from inside as he dove through the window, landing atop the fallen stallion. Howling out in a demented rage, he began pounding his hooves into the defenceless stallions face. A delirious smile grew upon the fiendish ponies face as he cackled between each hit, the sounds of a sobbing mare could scarcely be heard from inside the home.

Twilight stared in shock as she watched the mindless carnage unfold before her eyes. Throughout the streets and alleyways of the town she could hear the guttural sounds of chaos. Shattering glass, frantic galloping, cries of distress and the howls of the enraged. Looking about the promenade she could see the destructive remains. Broken doors hanging loosely from their hinges, the sparkles of shattered glass, all manner of objects strewn about the cobblestone streets. All around her infuriated ponies were arguing, fighting, ransacking stores. If the cause of this malady was not discovered soon, there won't be a Ponyville left.

Twilight firmly bit her lip, the shot of discomfort clearing her mind. She knew what she had to do. Looking off to the mountains that overlooked Ponyville, she saw Canterlot's lights beaming through a break in the haze. A nervous chill crawled through her as she saw the trail of smoke climbing past it's golden spires.

She quickly ran over to Fluttershy who was still comforting Pinkie. "Stay here and try to maintain as much control as possible." She looked back at the ravaged town, her eyes filled with a new determination as her horn emanated a purple aura. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Hey!" shouted Rainbow Dash flying towards Twilight. "Where are you-" A sudden bright flash of light cut her off, quickly she shielded her eyes. As the blinding light subsided, Twilight was nowhere to be seen.

The three mares sat in silence, uncertain as to why their friend would leave so hastily without a word as to why or were she was going. Applejack came running around the corner, her orange coat covered in dust and ash. Stopping in front of the three mares panting, "Where's Twilight?" She gasped.

"I don't know," replied Rainbow.

"She's gone to get the Elements of Harmony," came a saddened voice from behind them, it was Shadow Bolt. Appearing from his shade he looked around the town streets with an expression of guilt. His voice secured the attention of everypony, their stares intent upon his knowledge of their friend's plan. His head hung low as he looked towards Pinkie Pie, quickly turning away as her dejected gaze meet his. The grief of the moment brought tears to his golden eyes, swallowing firmly his voice began to waver. "I...I never should have...I should have...This...Wasn't supposed to..."

"What are you talking about?" said Rainbow Dash through gritted teeth. "Did you cause this?"

Flinching slightly at the pegasus' intensity he looked away. His silence was enough for her. She began to growl as she moved towards the dark stallion. "Easy there RD." said Applejack, pulling the pegasus back by the tail.

"Explain Shadow," said Applejack with authority, "An' give us the truth."

The dark stallion stood silently as he looked back towards the four mares. He couldn't deny them an answer, but he also could not give them the whole truth. Their accusing stares shook him. Taking a deep breath he sighed heavily, "I-I can't." he said, his voice cracked and dry. "Just-Just know that...That this was never any of my intention. If this doesn't work...Then I will do what needs to be done."

He closed his golden eyes, a small river of tears flowing down his cheeks. Without another word, he shifted into his shadow and ran off into the woods. Disappearing within the darkness of the forest. Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other, neither of them wanting to think about what that could have meant.

Twilight awoke with a start. The energies required for teleportation had begun to exhaust the mare, her body ached from the stress of displaced movement from one location to another. She weakly pushed herself off the ground with a groan. As she gained her bearings the world came into focus. She was in a bedroom, it had been torn apart in much the same way the town of Ponyville had. The bed was flipped on its side, linens, books and other objects were thrown about in what appeared to be the aftermath of a large quarrel.

A sudden panic gripped her, she didn't know where she was. The ones who caused this destruction could still be nearby. Quietly creeping out of the bedroom she listened intently for any curious sounds as she cautiously inspected the adjacent rooms of the small hovel. Sighing with relief upon finding the domicile empty, she looked out the window to see how far away she was from the castle. The bustling activity of the picturesque Canterlot Square was nowhere to be seen, everything was in disarray. Much like Ponyville the shops and homes have been devastated; even patches of the road itself appears to have ripped apart.

She looked up the road towards the castle which did not seem to fare any better than the rest of the city. Twilight gasped as she saw the crumbled remains of the leftmost spire which seems to have collapsed, demolishing the circle of homes about it. "I can't risk another teleportation spell," she said to herself. "Looks like I'm walking..."

Stepping into the doorway she quickly scanned the road to make sure she wouldn't run into any unpleasant company. Confidant in the strangely silent surroundings she stepped out from the building. She had barely made it into the square before a piercing scream shattered the serenity. Startled, she quickly dove behind a turned over fruit cart, peeking through a broken slat of wood. A panicked mare soon rounded the corner with two royal guards in pursuit.

"Help! Please help me!" cried the mare, tears streaming down her face.

"Stop!" one of the guards yelled, his voice had a twisted, authoritative tone too it

"You have violated the law," shouted the other guard, a crooked grin upon his face. "Pay the fine and you wont get hurt!"

As the realization of what was about to transpire hit her, a deep anger grew within Twilight. 'How could the royal guards even consider doing such a thing?' Twilight seethed. 'I've got to help-' But her thought ended abruptly as the rational side of her mind spoke. 'No Twilight. If you get hurt, then who will wield the Elements to save Equestria?'

She felt a hot stream of tears run down her face. Frustrated at her hearts desire to fight and her mind's want to flee, unable use her magic and frozen in place. She watched them turn another corner, followed quickly by the muffled screams of protest. Grinding her teeth against her rage she quietly walked away from the dark scene, leaving the mare to her fate.

Twilight spent an hour sneaking through the ominously vacant streets of Canterlot, taking careful mind to avoid the Royal Guard. Should she be found they would easily overpower her in her current condition, and the fate of the mare from earlier may very well end up being her own or worse. Pushing the thought out of her mind she darted across the street, pressing herself against the wall. Around the corner lie the gate to the royal court and to the princess.

She frowned as she peeked around the corner. The golden gate leading into the palace grounds was bent off it's hinges. Two guards were locked in mortal combat a few feet away. As she began to formulate a plan to get past them a dark blue hoof pulled Twilight back, pinning her against the wall; cuffing a hoof against her mouth. Struggling in terror, she gave a muffled scream.

"Quiet," said a hushed voice. "Doth thee want the guards to hear us?"

Twilight shook her head, opening her eyes slowly to see Princess Luna. Nodding to the purple mare she slowly pulled her hoof away. Staring at her savior she was relieved to see she the royal alicorn had not become afflicted. "Princess Luna," Twilight whispered. "Th-thank you."

Luna nodded. "Our sister sensed thy arrival. Quite impressive."

The purple unicorn smiled weakly. "Thank you. So, Princess Celestia is still normal too?" she asked hopefully.

"Our sister is...under control," she said with a frown. "We hath come to take thee to her." Without another word, Luna's horn began to glow, the luminescence enveloped Twilight and the Princess as they vanished. When Twilight's eyes focused she and Luna stood in the princess' royal chambers.

"Twilight..." said Princess Celestia as she stepped forth. Her face creased with anger as she slowly addressed her beloved disciple, "It is...good to see you."

Twilight tensed as she tried to disguise her shock towards the regal white alicorn before bowing respectfully. "Princess Celestia. I'm so glad to see you and your sister are alright."

"Tell me you know whats causing this," said the Princess hastily.

Twilight slowly stood, returning a cautious nod to the princess. She has never before been spoken too so harshly by

her mentor. "There was a ruin I found in the Everfree Forest. I had never seen anything like it before. Earlier today there was a strange smoke coming out of it. It felt as if it was the combination of all sorts of negative emotions."

The princess hesitated for a moment, her jaw flexed tightly. "I knew these...emotions could not be my own. Continue."

"The stones had strange symbols around them, the first thing that came to mind was the remnants of an old tower or castle gate."

"An old castle?" said Celestia, turning towards a table. Reaching out with her magic and laying out a map of Equestria. "Show me where you found it."

The unicorn went over to the table and examined the map. "I'd say it was about here, Princess," pointing to a spot within the Everfree Forest.

With a scoff Celestia slammed a hoof upon the table. "You must think me a fool!" she yelled as the purple mare shrunk back in fear of her mentor. "In all of my days ruling over Equestria there has never been anything of the sort in the Everfree Forest! Do you wish for me to believe that there is a castle there?"

"May we suggest that-" said Luna stepping forth.

"What?" screamed Celestia. Closing her eyes tightly as if fighting to regain control of her mind. "I'm sorry, both of you. What did you want to say?"

"We were to suggest that perchance somepony built it recently."

Twilight rubbed her chin. "But who would create such a thing?"

"It doesn't matter," growled Celestia. "If this structure is indeed related to the cause of this...madness. Then it must be destroyed."

Twilight whimpered a little at the dismissal of her question. Although Luna appeared to be unaffected, it seemed to her

that Celestia was fighting against whatever is the cause of all this malady.

"Princess," said Twilight. "I came to Canterlot to get the Elements of Harmony. I thought to use them at the ruins to try and stop that smoke."

Celestia's horn glowed as a jewel encrusted chest appeared. Turning away as she dropped it loudly in front of Twilight. "Take them and go."

Taking the chest with her magic she placed the chest upon her back. "Thank you Princess."

Princess Celestia scowled. "You're wasting time," she said. Her horn glowed, and a white flash was the last thing Twilight saw of her mentor.

Twilight felt dizzy as she opened her eyes. The bright light of the teleportation spell cast upon her by the Princess fading to reveal the dilapidated town of Ponyville. Reinvigorated with the Elements of Harmony in tow she quickly ran into town to find her friends. Dodging the minefield of destruction within the streets she quickly found Applejack who had just finished hog-tying a stallion.

She looked up to see Twilight running towards her as she fastened a knot around the cursing stallions mouth. "Twilight! Thank goodness you're back."

"Yeah!" Twilight huffed. "I have the elements. We have to hurry! I think those ruins Fluttershy and I found are behind all of this. The princess thinks that it was built only just recently."

Applejack scoffed. "I already know who Twi. It was that Shadow fella. He practically admitted to bein' the cause fer everything!"

"Shadow? Are you su-" Twilight shook her head. "It doesn't matter right now. Where are the others?"

"I'm pretty sure Rainbow's aroun' nearby. The last I saw Fluttershy she was takin' Rarity to the farm to look after my family an' her sister."

Twilight nodded. "Lets go."

The two ran off towards the farm leaving behind the muffled screaming stallion wriggling helplessly on the ground. They quickly arrived at the farm to find Granny Smith guardian the porch, armed with a big iron pan. Big Macintosh sat against a nearby tree with a smug look upon his face, watching them with one eye open. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were wrestling to get at each other, being restrained by Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Let me go!" Applebloom cried as Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out at the filly Earth Pony. "She pulled my mane!"

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity started. "Calm down this-"

"I don't have to listen to you!" snapped Sweetie Belle. "You're not my mother!"

"Girls," said Fluttershy quietly. "Would you ple-"

"Yer gonna pay for that!" yelled Applebloom.

"Girls I..." said Fluttershy in a firmer voice.

"Oh please," yelled Sweetie Belle. "That mane isn't even worth-"

"Girls!" Fluttershy screamed at the top of her lungs. The two wide eyed fillies looked up at pegasus in shock. "You two should be ashamed of yourselves! You're best friends and you're fighting over nothing!" She stared into the eyes of the young earth pony. "You!" she pointed at Applebloom. "Inside!" She looked towards the little unicorn, snorting out a blast of air. "And you! Over by that tree and leave each other alone!"

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked at each other as Fluttershy scowled at them both. "Yes ma'am," they quietly said in unison as the headed to their instructed locations.

Twilight and Applejack's eyes were wide with surprise as they trotted up to the two ponies. Rarity wiped her brow letting out a sigh of relief.

Fluttershy noticed the looks on Applejack and Twilight's faces. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said quietly as if ashamed. "I yelled at them."

"It's all right sugar cube," Applejack said with a smile. "Normally I wouldn't take too kindly to somepony yellin' at my lil' sis like that. But considerin' the situation...I'm gonna have to agree with it."

Fluttershy looked relieved as she turned to Rarity who smiled back at her with a nod of agreement.

"I'm sure they will be alright," said Twilight. Setting the exquisite chest upon the ground, she opened it to reveal the Elements of Harmony. Her horn began to glow as she levitated the amulets out to their respective masters. "But right now, we have to stop this."

The three mares nodded as they donned their elements. Suddenly a rainbow colored blur dropped from the sky, hitting the ground with such a force that all nearby felt the reverberation. As the dust cleared the others could see it was Rainbow Dash.

"Are you alright Rainbow?" said Twilight.

Rainbow panted heavily, clearly exhausted. "Weather team...nuts! Rainstorms...inside houses!"

"We have a plan to stop all this," Twilight said. Handing the amulet to Rainbow.

She smiled, taking the amulet and snapping it on. "Good. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

Twilight looked at the last element in the chest, before looking around for the pony who embodied the element of laughter. "Has anypony seen Pinkie?"

Fluttershy landed beside Twilight. "She's... still going through... Sugarcube Corner," said the pegasus softly.

Twilight sighed sadly. "I'll go get her...We can't do this without her." She focused her energy and teleported to the one place she knew Pinkie would be. With a flash she arrived next to the charred remains of Sugarcube Corner. She could see Mr. and Mrs. Cake arguing nearby, but her eyes immediately fell upon the sulking form of Pinkie Pie. Her mane was still a flat, silken sheet as she listlessly rummaged through the remains of her home. Her usually cheery eyes shone with a thick film of tears. Suddenly her shoulder began to twitch as her Pinkie Sense went off. Quickly running to the left she shoved a pile of blackened debris to the side, revealing a small alligator.

A trickle of tears cleared the soot from the mares face as she picked up the small reptile. "Gummy... no," she whimpered as she cradled the beloved pet close to her. His eyes were closed yet he was breathing. He was alive, and that's all Pinkie could ask for in this moment.

Twilight carefully made her way over to the distraught earth pony, mindful of the charred wreckage of her friends home. "Pinkie?" said Twilight softly. The unicorn stared at the ash covered alligator, the small reptile was breathing, albeit difficultly. The earth pony's lip trembled as she gently wiped the dirt from his face. Seeing Gummy like that made Twilight wonder where Spike was and if he was alright.

"Why did this happen?" said Pinkie. Her voice quivered as she held back a rush of tears. "Gummy didn't hurt nopony."

"I'm so sorry Pinkie," said Twilight as she gently embraced the distraught mare. Pinkie turned and rested her head on Twilight's shoulder, carefully holding Gummy close to her. Twilight closed her eyes tightly as she felt the warmth of teardrops upon her back.

"Pinkie?" said Twilight. "I have a plan to stop this. But we need your help."

Pinkie leaned back, looking down at her struggling pet.

"I need you to be strong now...Please?"

The pink mare sniffed and gently embraced the tiny alligator, "O-okay..." she said nodding to Twilight. "B-But what do I do about Gummy?"

Twilight looked down at the small alligator and thought for a moment. "Fluttershy is with the others. Bring him along, I'm sure she'll be able to help him."

"O-okay..." she sniffled with a slight nod. Leaning down and gently rubbing her nose against his forehead. "D-don't worry Gummy...F-Fluttershy's gonna make you all better..."

Twilight took the final element out of the box, "Are you ready?"

Pinkie carefully placed Gummy on her back so he wouldn't fall off. Nodding to the unicorn as she took the amulet and put it on, her face revealing a look of revived determination. "I'm ready."

Twilight nodded. "Good. Let's end this."

The two turned and left behind the fragments of Sugarcube Corner.

Chpt 4 - The Dying World

The Dying World

Twilight and Pinkie Pie raced up the pathway leading into Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity and Applejack kept vigil upon the fields as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy circled above the grounds. Rainbow's keen eyes quickly noticed the two mares as they ran up the dusty path.

"Twilight's back!" Rainbow shouted as she sped towards the two ponies. "And she has Pinkie with her!"

Rarity and Applejack cheered as they ran down the road to meet up with the others. Rainbow dropped in front of Twilight and Pinkie with a resounding thud, followed by the gentle landing of Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy," said Twilight. "Gummy needs your help."

Fluttershy looked towards the deflated Pinkie as she turned slightly to reveal the unconscious alligator lying upon her back.

"Oh no," she gasped. Quickly running to Pinkie's side, her eyes wide with concern as she looked over the small reptile. Rarity and Applejack stood with Twilight and Rainbow as they watched the yellow mare. Fluttershy gently picked up the unconscious alligator, relieved to see he was still breathing. She listened closely to the strained breaths as she cautiously felt for any abnormalities upon his tiny frame.

Letting out a sigh of relief she smiled, gently setting the beloved pet back upon Pinkie's back. "He'll be okay," she said softly. "A little bruised and a minor burn, he just had a little too much smoke is all. He was very lucky."

Pinkie's eyes lit up. "Oh thank you Fluttershy!" cried Pinkie as she embraced the pegasus. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Don't you worry now," Fluttershy reassured. "All he needs is some time. With some rest and fresh air he'll be felling better in no time. But in the meantime do be gentle with him, okay?"

"I will!" Pinkie nodded as her mane puffed up slightly. Everyone cheered happily knowing the little alligator was going to be all right.

"Gummy will be safe in the barn with Winona," said Applejack. "We cleaned it up an' she's keeping watch."

"Okey...Dokey Lokey!" chirped Pinkie with a renewed zeal as she gave the farm pony a hug. Her mane puffing up more so as she quickly trotted off towards the barn.

Twilight opened the chest containing the last element, her own; the Element of Magic. Holding it aloft with a spell she placed the tiara upon her head as Pinkie returned. Smiling as she looked at the combined incarnations of the Elements of Harmony.

"This is it," said Twilight. "Is everypony ready?"

"Let's do it!" they cheered in unison.

Twilight lead the others into the Everfree Forest, once again following the beaten makeshift path through the dense brush towards the clearing she and Fluttershy had been the day prior.

"Are you sure that Shadow is responsible?" said Twilight, turning to Applejack.

Applejack nodded. "He confessed that everythin' was his fault just shortly after you left."

Twilight looked down for a moment. "If he is connected to all of this, and to those ruins, I'm sure he didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Applejack huffed. "Then why build the thing in the first place? I swear Twi. There's somethin' wrong about that pony."

Twilight frowned as she looked down, weighing the entirety of the situation in her mind.

"Hey Twilight," called Rainbow Dash from up ahead. "Is this it?" The pegasus held aside a bush, revealing a recently traversed path leading into the open clearing. Twilight could see the structure billowing the smoke of emotion.

Twilight nodded. "This is it alright." She looked towards the ruin as she lead the others into the clearing. The smoke seemed to hang in heavy snaking patches throughout the air about the clearing.

"Try not to get too close to the smoke," said Twilight. "It nearly overwhelmed me last time." The recollection of the incident was still fresh in her mind. She never wanted to feel the pain of those emotions again.

As they reached the structure the others stared in awe at the worn stones. Twilight was relieved to find she did not feel the same unnerving fear as before. The combined strength of the elements seemed to protect them as the amulets gently glowed, repelling the negative emotions.

"Alright," said Twilight as she put a hoof forward. "Ready Girls?"

The others smiled and nodded back, standing at Twilight's side. Closing their eyes as they focused on the strengths of their elements, the amulets began to glow brightly. Twilight smiled as she turned towards the ruins closing her eyes, tapping into the element of magic. The knowledge of her friends standing at her side caused a shock within her as the embodiments of the elements began to rise into the air. A surge of magic swelled within her as she opened her eyes which had become vessels of white light. The colored energies of the elements twisted together, forming a rainbow of magical energy. The ground began to quake as the rainbow of friendship began to swirl around the ruins, gaining speed as the combined energies intensified. In a brilliant flash the rainbow vanished as the six mares gently touched upon the ground.

Opening their eyes they stared at the weathered stones of the ruin, the smoke was gone. "Twilight? Are you quite sure it worked?" asked Rarity with an air of reluctance.

Twilight stared at stone dais, her eyes following the pillars upwards to the broken arch. "I...I think so," she said. The six stood staring at the circular monument for what felt like an hour. A cool breeze rose up as their hearts sank, a small wisp of black smoke began to plume along the side of the circular slab.

"No..." said a familiar voice behind them. They turned to see Shadow Bolt step out of the shade, a look of shock and fear upon his face. He walked forward, stopping in front of the mares as he gazed upon the pallid rock. He began to tremble, collapsing to the ground trying to bury his face under his hooves. "No no no no no no no!" he cried.

Applejack and Rainbow looked at each other before glaring back at the stallion. "Alright!" yelled the farm pony. Pointing towards the ruins she barked at the dark stallion. "Answers now! What is that thing an' why did you build it?"

Shadow slowly stood up, his eyes closed as he began walking towards the stones; his his feet trembling with every step. The ponies watched him as he stopped in front of the square cut slot in the circular dais. Opening his eyes he looked up at the vacant center of the unconnected arch.

"Do you want to know-" he said with a slight quiver in his voice. His expression becoming rigid with a sudden strength. "Who I really am?"

"Yes!" Applejack shouted.

Shadow sighed. "Very well. Miriniv!" The clout of the foreign word sent a shiver through the unicorns as a blazing red symbol materialized in the air. Slowly, it lowered into the empty square slot and clicked into place. The symbols began to glow one after another until they all shone a dull red hue. The symbols began to glow brighter as beams of energy swirled along the twin spires, convening within the gap of the arch. A sudden flash of crimson light blinded them as they tried to shield their eyes. When the light faded they all looked back towards the stones, they were at a loss for words. A doorway of light stood within the once empty archway which was now whole, held together by a beam of magical energy.

They watched as Shadow stood in front of the passage. "Follow Me," he said stepping into the aura of light, vanishing before them. Twilight nervously stepped up onto the stone dais, looking into the brilliant light.

"Twilight!" said Applejack as she grabbed the purple mare. "What the hay, have you lost your mind?"

"I...I don't think he wants to hurt us," said Twilight staring into the door of light. Still shaken and amazed from the powerful display.

Applejack frowned. "How do ya figure that? He practically admitted he's responsible for this thing being here!"

Twilight shook her head. "I don't think he meant for this to happen." Pulling away from the farm pony she stepped towards the light.

"Wait!" said Applejack. "You think you're going in there without us do you?"

"Yeah! We stick together!" cheered Pinkie.

The others nodded in agreement and looked at Twilight as she smiled at them. No words needed to be spoken as they

all stood together. After a moments pause to collect their thoughts they closed their eyes and stepped into the doorway of light.

A sudden calm came over them, feeling as if they were asleep; dreaming peacefully. Slowly opening their eyes they found themselves within a large metal room with no windows. All around them were machines the likes of which they've never seen. In the center of the room stood a large, majestic apple tree. Applejack looked at the enormous tree, it was larger than any she had seen before.

Shadow stood nearby as he smiled at the bewildered mares. Looking up at the tree he gently placed a hoof upon it's trunk. Taking in a breath he looked towards the others. "I had hoped that I would never have to tell you all this," he sighed. "There is so much, I hardly know how to begin."

"I suppose I should start by telling you, my name is not Shadow Bolt. My name is Ethan. Ethan Bridger."

The mares listened intently to the dark stallion. His golden eyes looking into their own as he stood before them. "I'm...not even equine. I'm not anything from your reality let alone your world."

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. "So what exactly are you?"

"It would be best to show you. Vervendini!" Rarity and Twilight shuddered as he bellowed the foreign incantation.

Ethan's cutie mark began to glow as it lifted from his flank, fading as it fell to the metallic floor; vanishing from sight. His horn glowed as it detached from his forehead. Levitating in front of him, spinning slowly to reveal a crystal hidden under it's base. The horn began to unravel into a chain holding the crystal as it wrapped around his neck.

His fur began to pull and twist, revealing the blush hide as it swam about his shaking body, weaving itself together into what looked to be a fabric. His muzzle retracted into his face, leaving behind a small hump. His ears moved down the poll, shrinking as they shifted to the sides of his head. The long ebony and blue strands of his mane began to fall from it's crest and vanish from sight as it shifted upon his crown. His forearms began to lurch as the pastern and knee joints shrunk and bent to produce long appendages, his hooves vanishing, the stumps became crowned by a series of digits. He stood upon his hind legs as they followed in succession. The swirling black fabric molded together in a garment which settled upon bare flesh. His eyes opened to reveal a dark brown, gone were the golden shades. Standing before them was not the stallion that they had met before, but something of another world.

The mares looked upon this creature in stunned silence, their eyes wide.

"My world used to be a lot like yours," he said. "But not nearly as accepting to one another. Our economy was failing, but we managed to get by. One day the scientists of my world created a machine, a machine so small that you could not see it. This machine would live inside our bodies, staving off disease, age and trauma. There were celebrations. People danced in the streets. We all accepted this 'ultimate cure'."

Ethan turned away, looking down as he closed his eyes. "How naive we were..."

Rarity frowned, shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, what's wrong with any of that?"

"Over population," said Twilight as it dawned upon her. "If the system of life was altered in such a way there is no way the world could support it."

"It's like when there's too many apples on one tree," said Applejack. "The weight of it all starts to hurt it."

Ethan nodded. "Death, while tragic, is a necessary part of life. Over the next fifty years the population grew from seven billion to twelve. An entire new layer was built over the surface our planet to support the ever growing population. The price of food skyrocketed and the destitute resorted to violence. Several attempts were made to remove the 'cure'. All of which failed."

Twilight looked at Ethan, the gravity of his story was overwhelming. "So you came to our world as an escape..."

Ethan nodded. "I built the gateway. But I had miscalculated one thing. The emotions produced by those who died with hatred. When they were brought back to life by the machines they retained an echo of their last thought. They became empty vessels, blank slates cursed with the memory of their fate. After living with it for nearly 200 years, I had gotten to the point where I just couldn't take it anymore."

Twilight looked back at the gate. "So the negative emotions felt by those who had died and were brought back to life, that's what is penetrating our world?"

Ethan nodded. "Escaping through the cracks I created between our realities. Cracks that I am going to seal permanently."

Twilight looked to Ethan confused. "But how are you going to do that? Not even the Elements of Harmony could-"

"There is a system I put in place where I can force the gate to remove itself from your world," said Ethan quickly. "Our worlds will then separate from each other, forcing the energy that escaped back into this one. And your world will return back to its normal state."

Rainbow Dash frowned. "That sounds great and all. I mean, everypony wins. But why didn't you just use that before?"

Ethan sighed. "...Anything that exists is made of energy. If I was in your world I would be ripped out and squeezed through a tiny hole."

"So...You have to stay?" said Pinkie sadly.

Ethan stood silently, looking at the mares he had come to call friends. "When you leave here...you'll need to get as far away from the gate as you can. Go back to Ponyville. Don't stop for any reason."

"But there has to be something we can do. Nopony deserves to be trapped here." cried Fluttershy.

"And let your world rot away as mine has while we figure it out?" Ethan said angrily causing Fluttershy to sulk back. "I'm sorry...I failed to protect my world from this happening, I could have done more. I wont let my desires destroy your world.

The nervous pegasus looked down sadly as tear fell down her face.

"You're sure this is the only way?" asked Twilight.

Ethan nodded. "I've had 150 years to plan this. I've thought of everything."

"...I'm so sorry Shadow," she sighed.

Ethan smiled softly. "Don't be. It is the greatest happiness of the greater number that is the measure of right and wrong. The last few days, meeting all of you...was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I want to thank you, all of you, for extending your friendship to an outcast like me."

They all looked at him with mixed emotions, the silence spoke louder than any words they could muster. Ethan smiled as he knelt down at height with the ponies. "...Goodbye my friends. I must destroy this gate before things get worse than they already are."

Twilight nodded as tears began to swell in her eyes, rushing forward hugging him tightly. "Thank you Sha- I mean Ethan...We will never forget you."

Ethan smiled as a tear fell from his cheek. Standing up he motioned towards the doorway of light. "Go. Get as far away from the gate as you can."

The mares turned and took one last look at Ethan as one by one they stepped into the aura.

Twilight struggled to keep up with the others as they fled from the gate. Trailing slightly behind Pinkie she turned to look at the gate as a ball of light erupted from the center of the stone ruin. Time, gravity, reality all seemed to stop in that moment. The mares could see nothing but white light, it felt as if they were levitating. Seconds felt like minutes within this limbo, when suddenly they were flung upon the grass of the field. The volatile winds inhaled around the sphere of light pulling the mares towards it's edge. They hung onto the trees, ground, and rocks for dear life, as the world around them seemed to cry in agony. Then all was silent.

Sitting up they all looked to each other then towards the ruins. The surrounding land was ripped asunder and trees were near split apart, a small depression was all that remained of the gateway. They all stood upon the edge of where the circular stone dais once lay, reflecting upon the events they had witnessed.

"Come on ya'll," said Applejack breaking the silence. "Let's go home."

After walking for what seemed like ages, the six reached the outskirts of their devastated hometown. Everywhere they looked bespoke the madness of another world that left it's impression upon their own. But there was one thing which wore on their hearts more than anything. Broken friendships. Ponies flinched as they walked near each other for fear of retaliation. It would take a long while for the wounds to heal, far longer than it will take to rebuild. But they each knew deep down that one day, all would be forgiven; for this is the land that was built upon harmony.

This is Equestria.