Morning Star 🌟

*Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*

The desk fan hummed loudly in a continuous fashion. Keeping me awake with its obnoxiously loud buzzing noise. Quickly skimming through the camera monitors, checking for any hint of movement.

Furrowing my brow at the same time as beads of sweat started to build up, upon my forehead. I hadn't seen any movement in a while, and it was starting to unnerve me. Controlling one's breathing was very important to keep one calm. Especially when others were stalking me. And I didn't know what they wanted with me. But. I could only assume the worst.

The only friend I had was the single bulb, that hung from the ceiling showering me in a comforting glow.

My heart beat gently in my chest, gradually started to beat faster, and faster.

First off, the brain. The brain is the most complex organ in the body. The brain is made up of a complex network of billions of nerve cells called neurons, as well as other kinds of cells, all protected by the bones of the skull.

I swiveled in my rolling chair, kicking the floor, causing me to roll away from my desk. Stopping my momentum briefly near the "Left" doorless frame. Beside me, there were two giant buttons that were lined up vertically to one another. The top huge button that could be compared to a children's toy was idiot proof just like the huge white button below it. There was a specific word written in white below both buttons. Beneath the red button was the word "Door" and beneath the white button was the word "Lights". Just like this door on my "Left", the door on my "Right" had the same exact buttons. For their respective door and light.

But unlike others... I wasn't an idiot.

My career proved that.

I didn't know what it was, either I was feeling daring, or just needed some closure that I was safe... at least for the moment...

Fear is a chain reaction in the brain that starts with a stressful stimulus Defintion: and ends with the release of chemicals that cause a racing heart, fast breathing and energized muscles among other things, also known as the fight-or-flight response.

Everypony has Xenophobia, Defintion: but I was mainly talking about fear of the unkown unless your brain is wired in an unnatural way. Especially when you're in a creepy place like I am right now at night. All of us also have Pareidolia, which is a psychological phenomenon in which the mind responds to a stimulus, usually an image or a sound, by perceiving a familiar pattern where none exists. Common examples are perceived in images of animals, faces, or objects in cloud formations. Not to mention shadows...

I pressed the huge white button with the words "Lights". Like a lightning bolt striking the ground outside, illuminating a child's room at night. The hallway lit up with an eerie white light that buzzed flickering, having trouble staying on. A wire glass window that was placed beside the doorless frame had light shine through. The glass was placed there so something or somepony wouldn't break in through. Why my Dad had done this? I'm Not entirely sure.

Swiftly I poked my head out through the doorless frame. My head hastily checked the empty left corner that had a camera on the ceiling pointed downwards. I waved to at the camera before turning my head right to look through the once, long dark hallway that was currently lit up by the flickering fluorescent lights.

I was going to have to replace those soon. But that could wait until "tomorrow".

Shadows danced along the walls. when the light flickered. The hanging glittery silver paper cut out stars cast shadows, that would spin on the thin pieces of string that held them up. They swayed slightly, like if an imaginary breeze had brushed against them. Crude foal drawings of their "favorite" robotic friends were posted along the left wall. Along with a door that was a "Supply Closet". Essentially a place where an employee would get supplies to clean this place up.

The checkered black and white squared tile floors were almost hypnotizing to observe. By the way, the pattern just seemed to make everything feel more depressing because of the bland color scheme.

Seeing nothing out of the ordinary I ducked my head back inside my office. Kicking off the floor again, causing my rolling swivel chair to roll away from the left doorway, to the right doorway.

I did the same routine check-up. Making sure nothing or nopony was trying to sneak up on me.

I'm sure nopony else knows this... but... I'm afraid of the dark. Especially what lies in the darkness. When I was little I would only sleep either with a nightlight on with a flashlight under my pillow, and another on my nightstand. But if I had somepony else to snuggle with me for the night, I was okay with the darkness so long as they held me for the night. Every night, I would throw the covers over my head. Using my blanket as a shield against whatever might have been watching me sleep in the night.

So then why, would I get a job that required me to be on a "night shift"? Well, this was my father's company. He along with my mother had passed away several years ago. And I had inherited his wealth and his company.

When ponys first get their cutie marks, they have matured in the eyes of the law. So after I had earned my cutie mark, and felt that nothing had anything else to offer me. I had simply dropped out. Besides once a pony had gotten their cutie mark they were eligible for work.

A day after my father had died I had been given the paperwork to sign. And so. I did. Some of the adults tried to trick me into selling my father's company, but I wouldn't have any of it. They were fools for thinking me to be one too.

I was eleven and had a company... can you believe that? Me. Owning a company? Blah!

I had everything too myself.

Sad to say... I had nopony else to share my new found wealth with.

You know earlier that year, I had such big plans for me and my wife. Yes, you heard that right. I had a wife at the age of eleven. She was ten-years-old. And why would I have said that I had everything to myself now? Well... you see... I had hurt my wife's younger sister. And my wife thought it right to leave me.

*Sniff*

Kicking off the floor I wheeled my chair back to my desk. Checking the camera monitors. I was just starting to become paranoid. Nothing more. Relax. Just... relax...

*Sigh*

So... after she left me to stick by her little sister. I decided that I would just bully my now "ex-wife" into being with me again... so stupid I was.

At the time with a broken heart, I wasn't thinking clearly. How could I? I lost my Mom... my Dad... and even her... I had lost it all...

Switching my gaze away from all the individual monitors that had some stacked over each other, I looked through the larger camera monitor, that could be held as a tablet. I could either mount it on the desk to charge or free hoof it by holding onto it. I could even take it around the establishment if I so chose too, but I felt safe in my office, so I didn't bother to leave my safe space. Now with this large monitor, I could choose which camera I decided to look through. Call it the "Master Watcher" if you will.

Now, why would a little mare like me, be watching over something things in the dark? You might ask. Well, I was a very paranoid pony. With that horrid war going on.

*Sigh*

I just can't help but wave my hoof as I bring that stupid "WAR" into my thoughts. Rubbing my temples making sure not mess with my horn. I felt the sweat, and it disgusted me. I didn't find sweat very appealing... only when my marefriend sweated though... now that was a whole nother story. You should have seen her glistening black body that shined when the light reflected off her sweaty flanks, with her strong well defined muslces and her adorable face... not mentioning her degenerate genes... her cute eyes that were different colors. One eye blue and the other red.

Mmm...

The memories of her... just make me so...

"Ooohhh... Mmmghhhmm..."

I bit my lip suppressing a moan as my body shuddered. Oh Celestia~

I shook my head, trying to get back to work, starting to pant lightly.

"No. You are going to get back to work," I whispered to myself.

I stared at one particular camera.

CAM 1A

The "Main Camera". The Camera that highlighted the stage. Standing upon the stage were three metal beasts...

Thankfully, all the cameras panned looking around. And sometimes if you were lucky, they would but put out of view.

Cute and cuddly in the daytime. But at night... they just unnerved the toughest of us all... I couldn't wait to get out here and hire a stupid kid to do this job for me.

The job was simple... watch the pizzeria. And make sure nopony breaks in trying to steal anything of corporate value. Theft was now a problem in Equestria. You know... I remember a time when ponys would leave their homes unlocked without a care in the world. Walking down a straight while waiving and saying to hello to everypony you meet, giving friendly waves here and there. But now... that has changed.

Ponys were cautious of others now. Suspicious. Resentful. And sometimes. Aggressive.

Just this afternoon, a mother had reported to me that her son had recently gone missing in our establishment. I promised her I would find her son... but that she "should" have been watching him. It wasn't my job too. And when she pointed out: "Then what was the reason for a security guard?" And to that, I said, "you're the parent". Now I know that might not be good for business, but you had to admit. I had a point. Her child was her responsibility. Not. Mine. Or my dad's company.

Stairing straight ahead were those, disturbing creations that were my father's work.

It should be noted that the one closes to the camera was a unicorn mare with a velvet colored coat, and even dark purple colored mane, while she wore a black bowtie. Velvet and purple are the same color... right? Yeah... velvet just sounds lighter... well to me anyway.

Also, the one that was the farthest away from the camera. The butter yellow pegasus mare that had a pink mane that wore a bib that said: "LET'S EAT!!!".

Unlike the others, this one... didn't sit right with me... This one. In contrast to the others, this one just sent chills down my spine. Making me shiver in my chair, I readjusted my black tie on my light-blue button-up shirt. Now this creation wore a black shined top hat on top her hot-pink fluffy mane, and wore a black bowtie. This creation was a pink earth pony mare. This thing, in particular, wore a manic grin. Dispiriting me in the process.

I didn't know if it was me or did the pink one have sharp teeth?

I shook my head, inching my face closer to the "Master Watcher" (The large main monitor). To my total surprise, her teeth were not "sharp". I smacked myself on the forehead beside my horn. Eliciting a soft slapping sound that echoed throughout the entire establishment.

"Get it together!" I grumbled in a harsh whisper.

I continued to shake my head trying to ease my shaking nerves. Wanting to stop watching the scary monsters before me I switched the camera.

[CAM 2A]

The same hallway from before with nothing out of the ordinary. Just foal drawings, the decorative silver stars, and the door that was a supply closet.

Scared, wanting to search every inch of this place to reassure myself that I was completely safe. I went down the line of cameras.

This hallway was to my left.

[CAM 3]

The view on the monitor wade a loud static sound, like how a T.V. would do when switching the channel. It startled me when I hadn't expected it to happen. I yelped before covering my mouth with my forehooves breathing heavily. My heart thumped in my chest trying to claw it's way out and run far away from this place.

The view on the monitor went to the "Supply Closet". Nothing out of place. So... score? I licked my drying lips, trying to moisture them up. To get them back to their once soft glory.

On the "Left" side of the room, there was a shelf with "supplies" and on the right leaning on a wall was a broom. With that cleared up, I switched the camera.

[CAM 4A]

Exposed wires that were dangling from the ceiling casting shadows. And just like the hallway on my left, there were the same glittery silver stars hanging from the ceiling via a thin string.

On the right wall, there were cartoon posters of the main character smiling gleefully.

And this hallways was to my "Right".

Mildly disturbed I moved on to the next camera.

[CAM 1B]

Just like last time the loud static sound screamed back again. I visibly flinched shutting my eyes closed. Waiting for somepony to say: "We got you good! Didn't we?!"

But I knew that would have been too good to be true.

Cracking one eye open slowly than the other. My view was greeted with the sight of the dining hall. Where tables were lined up neatly with party hats lined up at the center of every table present, the chairs of the tables were tucked in just as neat. A clean white cloth cover draped over every table.

With nothing out of place, I switched the camera.

Yet again the loud static sound came again. Except this time I braced myself for it. Locking up my muscles.

[CAM 2B]

On the wall was a poster of the pink earth pony with the same maniac smile. Seeing nothing else there I swiftly changed to a different camera to stop staring at the freak.

And that was the "Left" hallway

[CAM 4B]

This time no sound came in when my camera switched.

The only thing in view was a newspaper clipping. With nothing else in view, I switched the camera.

[CAM 5]

Again... no sound came...

Except for the buzzing of the fan was still heard, inside the hot office room. The camera monitors were emitting so much heat that the annoying buzzing noise was only bearable because the fan released a cool gentle breeze against my sweat-drenched button-up formal shirt.

The "Parts & Service Room" came into view shortly after a staticy white transition. Inside were spare "heads" for the "stars" on stage, all arranged neatly on a shelf. And on the operating table, there was a single metal exoskeleton that had the head of the same purple unicorn that was on stage.

Seeing things in the dark made me conjure up ghostly images. And the longer I stared the more I thought that the eyes were staring right back at me, shortly blinking after to see that all the eyes were unmoving facing away from me. The isolation of being alone didn't help any either.

Not wanting to stare at the ghastly images that my mind was creating, I hastily switched the camera.

[CAM 6]

The kitchen area...

How did I know this?

I owned this place, you jackass.

The monitor was just fizzing with static. The only words on the screen were: "Audio Only". Yet, no sound could be heard.

Actually, the only sound I could hear was the sound of the obnoxiously loud fan, that continued to buzz.

With nothing better to do, I moved on.

[CAM 7]

Still quiet, now this camera was facing down a hallway that had both restrooms for males and females in view. Each doorless frame had a sign that had a silhouette. The "Mares" sign had a blue silhouette of a pony wearing a skirt. While the "Stallions" sign had a blue silhouette of a pony.

Besides the "Mares" bathroom/restroom sign. There was a decorative pizza. I smiled slightly remembering that decorative pizza fondly.

Then when I was about to move on to another camera a metallic clang rang out.

I jumped in my chair. My mane shot straight up, squeaking in fright, causing my hat to fly off landing on the floor beside me. If I was tired before, I surely wasn't now. I held the "Master Watcher" tightly against my chest shutting my eyes closed. Just imaging my ex-wife holding me in her strong loving arms. Though I knew she felt otherwise... still... I felt better lying to myself.

"There's nothing in the dark," My ex-wife cooed softly stroking my sweat matted mane.

"Y-yes there is-s," I stuttered out pressing my cheek against her chest. "Don't you see the m-m-m-mon-n-nst-t-t-ter?" I asked lowering my voice into a quiet sob.

"If there is... then we'll fight the monster." She reassured me planting a soft kiss on the tip of my horn. Causing a sense of warm affection to course through my chest. A small smile began to grace my lips.

"I..."

My eyes opened roaming over to the poster in front of me on the left side. Just as quick as it came, the positive warmth that I had felt drained from my soul. The poster had the slogan "CELEBRATE!" With those three artificially furred beasts in all their glory. It caused me to shiver. My uneasiness clenching at my chest. On the right side in front of me just above my desk were some more crude foal drawings, created by using crayons and imagination. Especially the dreadful white plush bunny that was staring lifelessly back at me.

"I-it was just nothing," I whispered quietly to myself rubbing my face. "Something from the supply closet must have fallen... yeah... that's all..." I lied to myself. Who knows... what I was saying could possibly be true...

Another metallic clang rang out. This time a tad bit harder.

Telling me that I wasn't imaging things this time.

Knowing that I was going to have to check it out I looked down with a frown. Seeing my belt that had four holsters two for two mini LED flashlights both 3-1/2" 9. Both were bright green and glowed in the dark. The only reason...? My phobia of the dark. The third was for spare batteries, and the four last one was for keys. I had them tucked neatly into a holster so that they wouldn't clink loudly together.

Reaching under the desk I pulled up a large yellow, Industrial LED Flashlight Lantern. Taking the light by my hooves. Not bothering to use my magic. I was tired and didn't want to was my energy. I had to conserve what I still had left.

Taking the handle of the large light using my magic I flicked the power button to "On". Out came a strong beam of light. My confidence grew with the help of Celestia's rays of light. May they guide me to victory.

Hopping off my chair I took the monitor with me, holding it in my magic. Contradicting myself about trying to save energy. I was just so tired that I wasn't even beginning to think straight anymore. With a shrug, I carried on. My plan starting to change. Maybe... maybe I should just leave... the newbie would take the shift tomorrow... yeah... I should just go home... and sleep... sleep...

My mouth opened wide on reflex just as a strong yawn escaped my open maw. When I was done taking in air for my overheated brain I snuck out of my office turning off the mini monitor screens and lights behind me. Nearly dropping the light if not for my quick intellectual thinking I tilted my head back so gravity would help me use the handle of the Large flashlight to use as an anchor hanging onto my clean pearly white teeth. When my tired mouth closed I lowered my head back down to eye level continuing on my way.

I went down the left hall passing the "Supply Closet". My hooves clip-clopped softly echoing throughout the establishment. During the daytime, the sound of foals would be echoing. But right now in the dead of night. It was eerily quiet. So quiet in fact. The only thing could be heard was me... Finally, when I reached the end of the "Left" hallway I exited through the doorless frame. Sweeping the large beam of light through the main part of the establishment.

I shined the light at the stage to see the trio staring straight ahead with their expressionless plastic eyes. I turned to shine my light on "Pirates Cove". I had completely forgotten to observe this place on the cameras. [CAM C1] I think it was.

Quietly I heard something stir behind the stage causing me to jump back in fright not expecting something to be moving inside.

I was dropped the light beginning to hyperventilate while holding a hoof to my heart.

The light switched off having it's old insides rattle out of place.

I was starting to panic seeing something brushing against the curtain. Beside the mini stage was a turnstile. A gate which allowed one pony to pass at a time. Then behind that was my freedom the two-twin-double doors.

I bit my lip trying to calm myself down. I wasn't a very brave pony... nerds usually aren't.

Unexpectedly the curtain fell down abruptly causing me to shriek in terror falling back on my rump before tilting backward shortly falling onto my back. Seeing a massive shadow stand tall, towering over me. And then it jumped at me. I curled up into a ball throwing my hooves over my face protectively, shutting my eyes, too scared to see the monster. Crying loudly in shame of my weakness.

And then. Nothing... absolutely nothing happened.

I waited there on the floor. Too scared to even move or so much as open my frightened eyes.

I don't know how long I had waited but when I finally gathered up the courage to look. I leaned all my weight left before then throwing all of my weight right. The shift in weight gave me the opportunity to roll right. Snapping my eyes open rigidly only half way. Too scared to even open them all the way. Lighting up my horn I grabbed a mini LED flashlight shining it around everywhere.

I sighed in relief when I had seen nopony was nearby in the area, it appeared to be safe. I stood up. Before a sense of dread washed over me, causing my face to pale. I held my back to Pirates Cove. I was too scared to even look back. Now that the powerful light was out of commission. Now only natural light that was radiating off of the moon was entering the building through the thick wire glass windows.

Gulping. I momentarily shined the small light's beam at the stage area. Feeling glad to know that the trio were all still on stage. Ever so slowly I began to move slowly... centimeter by centimeter... second by second. My eyes scrunched up preparing for the worst. My teeth leaving marks on my lips.

Looking back, the curtain was still up. I blinked. For a second time, then for a third time.

"What?" I asked aloud in surprise. Before remembering that I was leaving. "Oh!" I ran for the turnstile hopping over the thing like in the action movies. Except one of my legs got caught on one of the three metal bars. Causing me to lose my balance and tumble to the ground rolling, until my plot slammed against one of the doors. I laid on my back with my tush in the air. Dazed I saw stars. Shaking my head I looked up to the trio on the stage. Seeing the purple one's eyes staring straight at me. Meeting my gaze. I froze.

My mouth opening for another scream. Yet, nothing came out. I... I couldn't move... I was scared shitless. Me and the purple one stared into each other's eyes. Both of us watched each other unmoving...

After minutes of nopony moving. I slowly got up to my hooves without breaking eye contact. Using a hoof without looking trying to open the door beside me. Coming to find out that it was locked. I was stuck inside...

narrowing my eyes. I reached around my belt area. Feeling around until I came to a specific holster. Popping the cover off I pulled out several sets of keys. Using my magic to lift the keys in front of myself so that I wouldn't break eye contact with the purple unicorn. Though I hadn't taken into account that the light from my magic would blind me slightly. But at the time it wasn't important.

Grabbing the specific key of my choosing, but when I had lowered my keys to unlock the door. The purple unicorn was staring straight ahead just like before. After unlocking the door and opening it. I walked out of the establishment backward. Closing the door. Then locking it...

Safe... I... was safe... Turning around I blinked several times. Seeing that out on the horizon the moon was lowering and the sun... was rising...