Author's Note
If you guys like this story, check out my first original story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uGE3S3Dj24
Prologue: Eclipse
Johnathan Arensburg gazed into the outside world from his broad workspace. He gracefully sipped his glass of twelve-year-old sherry oak scotch. His story was one of a man constructed for success. From a young age, his family instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty, and diligence. He applied those traits daily, whether it was to his studies as a younger man, his fitness and martial arts training, or his prospering career as an architect. During his thirty years on Earth, he had transcended his role as a simple farm boy to become a renowned designer. He watched the clouds move in, threatening a seasonal winter storm.
Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Sunset Shimmer huddled together in a taxi. Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie followed in a second vehicle behind them. The group had decided several weeks prior to visit New York for a special event. Mere minutes before they reached their hotel, freezing rain began descending down. This event was unexpected on their part. The forecast predicted snow, but the condensation managed to avoid crystallization. They had to move fast.
While helping the others unload their belongings, Sunset noticed the rain had stopped stinging her skin. The next thing she noticed was the presence behind her. She quickly spun around to see who was assisting her. She discovered a tall, charming man with a black business coat and gloves. He was holding an umbrella over her.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's okay. Thanks for the help."
"I noticed you weren't equipped for this situation, so I thought I should provide some relief."
"I really appreciate it, especially now of all times. We just got into town."
"Tourists?"
"Sort of. We're here for a charity event."
"That's noble. What's the cause?"
"The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Out of curiosity, may I ask where the event is being held?"
"We're starting here, actually. We're doing it online while we tour around town."
"Why here?"
"I kind of wanted to show people there's still beauty to be found in urbanized areas. I thought maybe seeing it around this time of year would be interesting."
"I'm not entirely sure this is the best place.'
"Just consider me a blissful optimist."
"I like the way you think."
"I'm Sunset Shimmer."
"Johnathan - Johnathan Arensburg, local architect."
The two shook hands.
"Talk about serendipitous."
"I'll tell you what: if you give me the donation information, I'll transfer a few funds."
"Sure thing. You got a pen and paper?"
Johnathan handed Sunset a notepad. She wrote the donation link down.
"Who are your friends?"
"This is Twilight, her dog Spike, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, and Applejack."
"Howdy," Applejack greeted.
"You from the country?"
"Darn tootin'."
"I grew up on a farm, so I was able to tell right away."
"Country boy in a big city like this? Yeah, right."
"Well, you're here aren't you?"
"Dang. Ya' got me on that one."
"Well, I should be off. Duty calls."
"Maybe we'll run into each other again."
"Maybe."
Johnathan made his way toward home.
"What a dashing man," Rarity commented.
Spike couldn't even bring himself to be jealous. He had to agree.
Johnathan downed another glass of scotch. He concentrated on the lack of sound around his apartment. The loneliness plagued him. His thoughts were no better. Keeping true to his word, he typed in the link Sunset had written down on his computer. When the information was sorted out, he entered the amount of five thousand dollars. For a brief moment, his own act of kindness eased his torment. After another several hours of filling out forms and tracking finances for his company, he prepared for bed.
Sunset and the others streamed from the hotel while the rain continued dousing the city. They played games and ate delicious food together while they spoke to their audience. The sense of solidarity struck each and every person participating. While the eight friends entertained their viewers, they kept track of the funding. Just a few minutes in, Sunset noticed a sharp increase.
"Well, what do you know. He did it after all..."
Johnathan slept soundly enough. Despite the things which weighed heavy on his mind, he had no choice but to function. What he didn't know at the time was that someone, or rather, something, was watching him very closely. Inch by inch, a being comprised of darkness crept through the darkness. It approached steadily closer to the vulnerable man. Its hands formulated into a deadly clench. Slowly but surely, it began to strangle the life out of its victim.
Johnathan's eyes shot open. He felt the pressure of the monster choking him. He was not the type of man to submit to pressure, and he would prove this with his next course of action. He pushed the shadow's claws apart with little effort before sitting up and grabbing its head. He quickly took it to the ground. The creature vanished in a cloud of black smoke.
Johnathan rose to his feet and turned on the lamp next to him. No trace of his attacker had been left behind. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he attempted to control his cortisol levels. He took a deep breath.
"I'm losing it."
The CEO stumbled out of his room. Initially, he considered another glass of scotch to drown out the fear, but he pushed the thought away. Instead, he filled a cup with ice and submerged it in water. The exchange of liquids refreshed him and allowed him to reconfigure his focus. He calmed down enough to think up a strategy. He walked to his living room and turned on the television.
"This has to be some kind of sick joke! What's going on!?"
Sunset stayed on stream later than the others that night. She was finishing up when Johnathan's name popped up in the chat.
"Sunset, check the news - now!"
"John? What's going on?"
"There's no time to explain. Everyone in the city is in danger. Tell your friends to find something to defend themselves. I'm on my way."
"An invasion!?"
