The Enemy of Harmony

Enemy of Harmony (EOH)

It was a normal day in Ponyville. Or so you would think. Deep in the shadows of Everfree Forest, a dark shadow awaited the destruction of Equestria. His name: Loremane.

Meanwhile:

Rarity prepared her finest piece yet; a long flowing gown for The Princess herself! Rarity knew it had to be perfect. She worked many long days and nights, and it was finally finished. Twilight Sparkle had shown up to enchant the dress just a little so the long train would float behind the Princess.

"So, Rarity," Twilight smiled, "how much sleep have you gotten?"

"Sleep? I forgot about sleep!" Rarity's eyes widened.

"You know what," Twilight grinned, "why don't you get some sleep?"

Rarity yawned. "Yeah, I'll get my much needed beauty rest."

Twilight left, and headed for Pinkie's place. But, as soon as the door closed, Rarity screamed into a dark hoof that covered her mouth from behind. There was a quick, black flash, and Rarity was gone.

Pinkie Pie was working on making another party, this time for Applejack, to celebrate her healing from Pony Pox. The door to Sugarcube Corner dinged as Twilight walked in. "Who's this party for?" Twilight asked. Pinkie gasped. "You haven't heard?"

"Haven't heard what?"

"Applejack's all better!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I'm celebrating her getting all healed up!"

Twilight smiled. "Well, you keep doing that, and I'll go talk to Applejack and see how her recovery went."

Pinkie shrieked in her high-pitched voice as Twilight left, "DON'T SAY A THING!"

"Don't worry, I won't."

When Pinkie was kneading the Apple bread dough, somepony behind her knocked her lights out. Another black flash, and she disappeared.

Twilight came up the road to Sweet Apple Acres, the hot sun beating down on her coat.

"Hey, Applejack! Need a hoof?" she called.

"Nah, Ah got it!" Applejack called back, pushing an apple basket into the cart next to her. Twilight wiped the sweat from her mane and smiled.

"Are you sure you don't need help?" Twilight looked out over the orchard.

"Ah said, Ah'm fine, Twilight." Applejack said impatiently.

"Okay, but wouldn't it be faster if I helped you buck trees?" Twilight was concerned for Applejack's welfare. The last time she worked this hard, she exhausted herself.

"Ah said, Ah don' need help!" Applejack shouted. Her face softened when she Twilight's frightened expression. "Oh, shoot, sugarcube, Ah didn't mean ta scare ya. You okay, Twiligh'?"

"Yeah, I guess. You're extra cranky today, aren't you?" Twilight cocked an eyebrow concerningly.

"Yeah, Ah guess Ah have been, haven't Ah? Ah really didn't mean ta snap at ya like Ah did. Ah'm really sorry."

Twilight smiled and replied, "It's okay. You need to take a break; Your knees are wobbling! Why don't you take a seat and rest for a while?"

Applejack nodded tiredly, and mumbled, "Ah suppose you're right, Twiligh'." Applejack hobbled inside the barn to lay on some straw and take a nap.

That never happened, however, as a hooded figure stepped out of the barn's dark corner. "Applejack," the figure rumbled in it's demonic voice.

"Now who the hay are you? And what are you doin' in mah barn?" Applejack yelled.

"Why," the figure rumbled, the cloak shifting.

"I've come to capture you."

The cloak fell, and in it's place was a grey version of Big Mac, his eyes glowing red, and a bloodied horn jutting out from under his ragged black mane.

"Alright, you asked for it, varmint!" Applejack growled, galloping to destroy her target. But in a quick, clean movement, the figure kicked Applejack back, and she laid unconcious on the barn floor. "No one is here to help you now, Applejack." the dark creature rumbled. And with yet another black flash, Applejack was gone.

Fluttershy was feeding Angel when Twilight walked in, startling her. "O-oh! Twilight!" Fluttershy stammered, trying not to scream.

"Sorry if I scared you, Fluttershy, but I have a favor to ask of you." Twilight smiled.

"Oh, um, okay? What is it?" Fluttershy relaxed.

"Well," Twilight began, "I need help finding Rainbow Dash. I can't exactly fly to find her, and wherever she's napping this time, she's hiding really well. Would you be willing to help me find her?"

Fluttershy shook her head.

"Why not?" Twilight queried.

"I still have all my animals to feed, and it'll take me a while. I'm sorry, Twilight, I really am." Fluttershy replied softly.

"It's okay, I think I just figured out a way to get her." Twilight grinned mischievously.

"Bye, Twilight." Fluttershy waved as her friend exited her house.

"Bye, Fluttershy." Twilight called back. But, as soon as the door shut, as always, there was a muffled, shrill screech and a flash of black light, and Fluttershy disappeared.

Rainbow Dash was sleeping on a cloud when it burst and she plummeted toward the ground. Twilight watched eagerly as she fell, knowing she'd stop herself before she hit the ground. But, Twilight watched as a flying black shadow flew by and swallowed Rainbow, making her disappear. "What? No!" Twilight screamed. She, too, was overcome with the same shadow, and she was suddenly nowhere to be seen.