Ch.1 - Dark Tidings
The Infinity Complex: the source of Alicornian power in Equestria. Sparkling blue and purple diamonds streaked across the infinite black of space; the contrast created was impossibility incarnate, for the splendor of such a setting was tantamount to nothing in all the observed cosmos. But such delight, which would have afflicted most ponies from the continent of Equestria, was not shared by the intruders to this fair realm; only greed, for the limitless energies stored within the boundless expanse, was present in their hearts.
Within this secluded section of the universe resided the manifestation of the Alicorns' power: the Insum Astrum. The Alicorns harnessed the perpetual nuclear reactions, gaining immortality and impossibly powerful magic. The latter allowed the Alicorns to accomplish divine feats such as raising the Sun or manipulating the entirety of Equestrian weather. However, the arcane conducts required for the continuation of life in Equestria were rejected by those who dared to raid this discrete domain, a domain once known to only four Alicorns.
"I told you we would make it. How could you have ever doubted me?" belittled the Overseer. Through the portal, the pony placed a single hoof onto a bridge of twinkling starlight. Unsure of the stability of such a fabrication, the Overseer turned to address the Other.
"You go through first!" ordered the Overseer, moving aside to allow the Other passage through the portal. The Other scrutinized the glowing ring. It pulsed regularly with sapphire light, humming softly.
Glancing back at the Overseer, the Other cried, "But, D--" The Other's eyes went wide; the Overseer's hoof smashed into them. The assault sent the Other flying back into the machine that assured their entrance into the Infinity Complex. The Overseer trotted towards the fallen company, and proceeded to strike the Other many more times, until the charming pony bled from a multitude of lacerations.
"Your hesitation is troublesome," declared the Overseer, who wiped the bloodstained hooves on the Other's silver fur. "From here on, you shall call me Master."
"Y-yes, Master," stuttered the Other, cowering under the imposing, and newly christened, Master.
"And look what else your reluctance has cost us." The Master pointed a hoof behind the quaking Other. The trembling pony turned to face whatever the Master had indicated, but ensured the Master remained in peripheral vision.
Fully turned, but confirming that the Master remained in peripheral view, the Other discerned what the Master gestured towards; the machine that maintained the portal, which allowed the pair entry to the Infinity Complex, was slightly damaged. Upon the distorted shell of the device resided several cracks, which allowed the ponies to view the sporadic flickering of sickly sapphire light pouring out.
"It seems you have broken the machine. I don't expect it to last long," stated the Master. The Other broke out into a cold sweat and looked more closely at the device, trying to discern if they would be stuck together forever. Consequently, the Other relinquished the peripheral view of the Master, if only for a second. But a second was all it took: the Master's back hoof swung around the Other's body, slamming into the pony's ribs. The impact sent the Other reeling through the portal, lungs failing to pull in air. Seeing the nebulous bridge below, the Other’s eyes squeezed shut.
Falling into the starlight structure, the Other found them adjusting to cushion the fall. The Other's eyes opened: the starlight bridge stared back at the pony, a welcome sight. The stars are so soft, thought the Other, snuggling into the comforting structure.
"I'm impressed," announced the Master, stepping through the portal into the Infinity Complex. "I didn't expect you to survive."
The Master surveyed the boundless energies of the endless expanse. A smile slowly covered the interloper's face. So much power, and only accessible by the Alicorns? What a waste. The Master trotted further down the light bridge. The Other began to rise from the consoling platform, but was forced down again as the Master stepped over the Other's battered form.
"I dare say, partner, you have done well, exceeded my expectations even." Such compliments were unlike the Master to bestow. "I believe you've earned your reward... close your eyes."
The Other's eyes closed instantly; the pony shivered from head to hoof; a smile curved the Other's lips. The Master was only known to compliment the most despicable of ponies, an occasion only recorded twice (at least in the Other's memory). However, the Master's schemes usually backfired, souring the joyous occasions which seldom occurred. But now that it was only them, what could go wr-- that's when the Other felt the knife.
A blade slashed the Other's throat, splitting the carotid arteries. Blood began to violently pump from the Other's body, mediated by the rhythm of the pony's arrhythmic heart. The Other collapsed, twitching. The cordial bridge again nursed the Other's fall into a distinguished descent. It's so warm, were the Other's last thoughts before the pony's soul flowed from the corpse like the river of blood which drained over the edge of the bridge.
"I am sorry, dear friend." The Master wiped the bloodstained blade against the Other's fur, restoring the shine of the lethal tool. "But there is simply no room in this dimension for both of us."
The Master before rising, grabbed the Other's glasses. Not like they were needed, thought the Master, while shoving the Other's corpse over the edge of the light bridge, watching the blood-dry cadaver disappear into the eternal black of the Infinity Complex. Finally, with uncanny accuracy, the Master pitched the glasses through the portal and into one of the numerous cracks in the casing of the portal device. The machine, unable to cope with the addition of the alien mass, exploded, cutting the Infinity Complex off from the rest of the world.
And so, it begins. Millions of screens manifested beside the bridge. The Master's memories, some forgotten, others remembered, were displayed upon the projections. One such broadcast presented a playback of the Other's death: with the naive pony's eyes closed, the Master severed the Other's carotid artery.
The blood began to flow again.
***
5:30 am
Twilight awoke from her slumber. She stretched each limb, getting a few cracks and pops from each leg. She sighed as the ache from hours of stagnation faded. A soft melody, sung from the rooftops by larks and sparrows alike, graced the Alicorn's ears. Twilight flung the covers to the side and slowly lifted herself from the downy mattress. Trudging towards the staircase, she passed the still snoring dragon, Spike. Once she reached the main floor, Twilight proceeded to the door: collecting the morning mail was her responsibility, being the early riser. Opening the door, she reached out to retrieve the meager amount of envelopes, but something on her doorstep caught the Alicorn's eye: a package. The parcel was large, rectangular, and wrapped in brown paper, no doubt heavy. The groggy Alicorn strained her magic; both the mail and her horn began to glow a sparkling violet. Twilight levitated the package inside to observe the curious object in peace.
Twilight dropped the assorted envelopes on the table and focused on the mysterious parcel. She flipped it over, revealing an unsealed letter. Twilight opened the missive, and read the text:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I hope you like what you see.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Curiouser and Curiouser. The letter wasn't labeled with a return address and was absent of a signature. The writing was simple, and didn't establish the note as a significant document. But the enigmatic nature of the message was like the grip of an Ursa Major: unyielding and irrepressible. So, despite her natural caution on such mysterious articles, Twilight ripped through the brown paper like a savage beast, the need to know at an unbearable level. With the package opened, she gazed upon her own reflection.
A reflection that had no wings.
Twilight screamed.
Ch.2 - The Scream Chronicles
5:32 a.m.
Princess Luna stood on the balcony and observed the night sky. Sapphire diamonds streaked across the blue-tinged breadth. The Crescent Moon hung in the sky, as if by a spindly string. The lunar Alicorn had woken at five in the morning, a routine forced upon her by Celestia's sleeping(in) habits. The Sun would soon need to rise, a sign for the mortals of Equestria to wake for another fruitful day. Luna sighed; the Sun never rose for her, but compelled the Moon to bow.
Why do you submit yourself to them. To her. The Voice intruded into Luna's conscious. We are equals; we are not slaves. Not a day had gone by without her constant companion. Not a night had passed where the Voice failed to plot Celestia's downfall. We are more powerful than Celestia. We are more powerful than ALL the Alicorns. What stops you from taking what is yours? Every musing the Voice contributed only served to convert the Alicorn's complexion into an evermore violent shade of purple, an impassioned combination of Luna's blue fur and her inner fire.
We do not serve our own purposes. We are charged to bring about the night, and— are forced to wake the Sun Goddess every morning. Face it, Luna: you are nothing more than a pet. Luna had not a second to respond. A wail, from the southwest, interrupted Luna's internal argument and sent the Alicorn scurrying from her balcony to seek a higher authority: Princess Celestia. Told you.
"Shut up!" ordered Luna, galloping to her sister's bedchamber.
Barging into Celestia's room, Luna found the alabaster Alicorn dreaming under the covers. Luna marched beside her sister's bed and pulled off the sheets.
"Sister, you must wake. We have an emer—" Luna gazed upon her sleeping sister; her eyes opened wide. All she could manage was a small, strangled sound. The quaking Alicorn slowly retreated from the slumbering titan and into the bathroom. No light radiated in the chamber, a hindrance soon to be resolved. Flicking a switch, the room filled with light which shone off the gold and jewel encrusted surfaces. A gleam caught Luna's eye, and the Alicorn of the night turned to face a mirror.
Luna screamed.
Celestia awoke.
Told you.
***
5:45 a.m.
Within the Crystal Castle, the royal couple slept side by side. Cadence twitched, and her eyes fluttered open. She yawned, which ended in a smile as she remembered that today was a special day: the anniversary of her first date with Shining Armor. Cadence turned to face her sleeping husband. His back was to her. Cadence reached out with a hoof and stroked her husband's blue mane. Still handsome. The Alicorn of Love pulled herself beside her husband's ear.
"Wake up, Shining Armor. I'm ready for you." Cadence drew back and struck her sexiest pose. Shining Armor twitched. The perfume of passion suffused the air. Shining Armor pursued the scent, turning to face his wife. His eyes too fluttered open. The grog of dawn passed, and the vision of his wife cleared: a voluptuous pink body, a flowing mane of purple, magenta, and peach, a pair of graceful wings, and a fine... tapering... horn?
Shining Armor screamed.
Shining had gone from gazing at her longingly to hollering so quickly that Cadence jumped back and fell of the bed. Scrambling to her hooves, she cried out, "What's wrong?!" Cadence's question was drowned by Shining's extended shrill. Looking about in the dark, Cadence couldn't make out whatever Shining had seen. She wheeled about, wings flared, and cocked an ear, but all she heard was Shining's scream. She willed it to end and listened closer.
All she could hear was the sound of Shining's ragged yell.
Cadence tried again.
All she could hear was the sound of Shining's ragged yell.
Cadence retreated from her crumbling love nest; the bathroom door would serve as a soundproof barricade.
It was still dark. No light entered through the restroom window.
Odd. The sun should have risen by now. Cadence broke out into a cold sweat. Yes, there was definitely something going on. Hopefully the electricity still works. Cadence flipped the switch.
The light turned on.
Cadence saw her reflection in the bathroom mirror
She wished the lighting was broken.
Cadence screamed.
***
5:32 a.m.
"Spike? Spike, where are you?" Rarity's silken voice echoed through the endless pink mist. However, Spike could not see her: the mist was too thick.
"Spikey-Wikey. Will you come out to play?" Again, Rarity's voice penetrated the mist from all directions. The dragon's heartbeat escalated; his search became increasingly erratic.
"Spike, I see you." Spike turned. A heart-shaped cloud hung in his way, and, through the veil, Rarity's head appeared. "Come and give Rarity a kiss." The alabaster mare with a mane of curled royalty pursed her lips and leaned forward. Spike was no longer a purple dragon, but a red one.
The dragon's eyes filled with hearts, and, as if he sprouted wings, Spike floated atop the mist. Rarity's kiss approached; the proof of Rarity's love the dragon desired was within his reach. The lovestruck dragon closed his eyes and puckered his lips in return.
Ten inches.
Five inches.
Two inches.
Spike could practically taste Rarity's lips.
Rarity screamed.
"NO!" cried Spike, so close, yet denied the favor of his one, true love by his mortal enemy: reality.
Spike surged from his basket and down the staircase in record time. The dragon's eyes opened, red capillaries surging across the ocular surface. Not again. Spike's groggy eyes made out a purple, circling form within the library. As his vision cleared, the purple Unicorn became more detai—
Wait. Unicorn?
Twilight circled the table, where the mirror was balanced, wailing at the top of her lungs. Every revolution, when she passed in front of the mirror, she'd wail and grit her teeth before putting on another burst of speed. But it wasn't her two-minute achievement that drew the dragon's undivided attention. It was the lack of Alicornian wings.
"Twilight—" Spike reached out for her but drew back. Looking around, he saw nothing that could have taken Twilight's wings. There were no new enchanted items he could think of and Twilight hadn't been working on any new spells. The only new things were the mail and a plain mirror. Keeping his gaze on them, he called out, "Twilight?"
She didn't hear Spike over her gasping breath as she muttered incoherently through her tears. It wasn't right! She wouldn't stop crying; she wouldn't stop running. It's just a bad dream. Such a reassuring thought, such a false conclusion. Eventually, the Unicorn halted, sides heaving.
Twilight couldn't run anymore.
Spike rushed to his guardian, and wrapped his arms around her. Futilely, Twilight tried to break from Spike's embrace. "There has to be a reason for this. There has to be a reason for this," Twilight whispered to herself. Spike was unable to hold back tears of his own. "Grab the Elements of Harmony." Spike barely heard Twilight’s whisper. He let go.
Spike trudged towards the cabinet containing the six Elements of Harmony; his eyes stared at the floor the entire way. Once he reached the glass case, he looked up.
The Elements of Harmony were missing.
Though he only had to go halfway across the room, the march back to Twilight seemed to take an age.
"Twilight. The Elements are gone." Spike quickly plunged his claws into his ear canal, ready for the inevitable scream. He turned his back on Twilight and cringed, prepared for the piercing wail. There sure has been a lot of screaming today.
The dragon would never know how right he was.
Oddly enough, there was no scream. What Spike didn't know was that Twilight, instead of screaming, fell unconscious. Spike turned and saw Twilight fall into the mirror, upsetting its already precarious balance on the edge of the table.
"TWILIGHT!" Spike raced to his unconscious ward and jumped. The dragon placed his body between the mirror and Twilight. The glass broke across his back. Twilight's head hanged dangerously close to the shattered glass. Spike wrapped Twilight in his arms, gently rocking the ex-Alicorn. "I will protect you, Twilight, like you protected me all these years."
I will protect you.
Equine blood stained the floor, and more slowly leaked from a cut on Twilight's head. Spike swept away the glass and laid her down. Trying to atone for his failure, Spike nursed the wounded pony.
Celestia, please let Twilight be okay, he prayed as he rushed to find some bandages. The brilliant light from the windows lit his way.
It was moonlight.