Achluophobia

By: Dark Nebula

The Darkest Hour

"And I would like to thank Princess Twilight Sparkle with her excellent organization skills, because this has yet again been the fastest Winter Wrap up we had in the passed three years!" Mayor Mare finished her speech, a round of a appalause came from the crowd of ponies. The Mayor stepped off the podium and gestured Twilight Sparkle to take the stand.

Making her way onto the podium Twilight leaned into the mic, "Ahem... First off I wouldn't have been able to organize this years Winter Wrap up with out the help of my greatful friends," Twilight said tiliting her head towards her friends who sat on the chairs on the stage right behind Twilight. Applejack titled her hat in thanks, pulling out a stack of papers Twilight straightened them out and cleared her throat. "But also they're a few other ponies I would wish to thank, first I would like to thank Time Turner and his inven..."

:[-]:

After an entire hour of giving her speech Twilight finally cleared her throat, "And that would be all," She said smiling. But quickly faded at the sight of all the ponies who had the expressions of relief because they can finally go home, "Opps, s-sorry everyone I didn't mean to take so long..." Twilight felt Applejack place a hoof on her shoulder,

"Come on sugar cube mah legs are tired and ah just wanna go home." She grinned, Twilight smiled.

"Alright, lets go home, I need to check up on Spike anyways to see if he finished cleaning up after that last party."

"OmyGosh! I remember that party it was soooo cool!" Pinkie Pie said jumping out from behind Applejack, Twilight jolted back at the sight of the pink party pony.

"Pinkie please don't stratle me like tha-" But the Pinkie didn't listen instead she continued talking about the party,

"I remember the candy and the other sweats, oh those games were so much fun. Like pin the tail on the pony, I laughed so hard when AJ accidentally-" Applejack shoved a hoof into Pinkies mouth causing her ranting state to go to low quiet muffles.

"Of course ah remember Pinkie the party was last night." From above swooped the one and only Rainbow Dash. With one mighty flap of her wings she performed a black flip and landed right next to Twilight.

"Nice speech and all Egghead but do you really think it was necessary to thank everypony in town?" Dash asked raising an eyebrow. Twilight grinned,

"Sorry about that, guess I just got carried away." Applejack yawned and began heading off stage,

"Well sorry ya'll but ah need to get home soon and get some rest, gotta big day ahead of me tomorrow." On the horiozon Celestia's sun could be seen setting in the distance. Slowly shrouding it in Luna's luxurious night, above stars could be seen forming in the darkness of the newly formed night. Twilight yawned and stretched her wings,

"I think I'm going to go home too," Twilight said stuffling another yawn, looking at Rainbow Dash who sat there watching the moon rise in the distance Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Hey Dash if you want you can come over and stay the night." Dash snapped out of her stupor and looked over at Twilight,

"Wait-wh-what?" She asked confused, Twilight giggled,

"I said if you wanna come over and stay the night you can," Dash grinned,

"Sorry Twilight but I gotta a lot of work tomorrow." It was now Twilight's turn to be confused,

"What do you mean lots of work, they're calling for clear skies tomorrow." Dash's grinned turned into a broad smile,

"That's just it Egghead, clear skies means easier training for the Wonderbolts!" Twilight giggled,

"Well I should've expected that coming from you. Well night Dash." Rainbow Dash nodded and took off into the sky,

"See ya Twi!" Looking around the stage Twilight noticed she was the only pony outside. Yawning one last time, Twilight turned and began heading home.

:[-]:

A bright light casted onto Twilight's face, yawning she slowly opened her eyes. Only to quickly shield them from the bright rays of the sun.

"Oh," Said Spike "Sorry Twilight didn't mean to wake you." Slowly creeping her eyes open, she saw Spike holding a bucket of water and a rag.

"What are you doing..." She yawned still half way asleep,

"I'm cleaning the windows." He said bringing up a step stool.

"Couldn't you've just gone outside and do that?" She asked throwing her legs over the side of the bed,

"I would if those punks at the last party haven't trashed the latter and thrown it through the window down stairs..." He grumpled.

"Well did you at least pick up the glass from the window?" Twilight got off her bed and stretched her wings, walking towards her vanity mirror, she lifted a brush and began running it through her mane.

"Oops, sorry Twilight, I've been so caught up in everything else I forgot. Just watch your step okay." He said opening the the window so he could reach to outside part. "Man this just makes everything so difficult..." He grumbled again.

Finishing brushing her mane, Twilight began her everyday morning routine. Since Spike was to busy working Twilight went down stairs to make her own breakfast. Grabbing a jar of mayonnaise and some dandelions, Twilight brought the two items over to the counter on the other side of the kitchen. Opening up the side drawer she reached in and pulled out a small butter knife. She then began to spread the mayonnaise on the bread,

"Ah! Son of a-"

"Spike!" Twilight shouted,

"Sorry Twilight, just stepped on a shard of glass!" Twilight heard Spike hiss as he gently pulled out the small shard of glass that punctured his foot.

"Well they're some band-aids in the drawer by my desk." She said while placing some dandelions on her bread slices. Carefully maneuvering her way through the mine field of glass shards Twilight made her way into the library. Observing and checking all the books while she ate, making sure that none were damaged in the party. Even though she already checked them four times, it was just something she would do to pass the time.

Moments before finishing her sandwich a knock came at the front door. Glancing head towards the door not taking her eyes off the book, Twilight furrowed her brow, "I wonder who could be here at such an early hour." She mumbled to herself.

Upon opening the door Twilight Sparkle was greeted by a familiar face. Applejack stood in front of Twilight, her expression stern and serious.

"Oh hey AJ, how are things going for you?" Asked Twilight, Applejack sighed,

"Not so good, Ah was goin to go work on the orchard today. But Mayor Mare showed up and said that Ah needed to head down to the Town Hall with mah kin folk. She also told me to come and  get you." Twilight raised an eyebrow,

"Why does the Mayor need me, you, and your family for?" Twilight asked, Applejack shrugged

"Ah don't know, I didn't really even bother asking I just went with it." Twilight nodded her head and turned away from AJ,

"Well hold on Applejack just let me gather some of my things and I'll be out in a second." She said heading back into the library.

Picking up her saddle bag Twilight began gathering her things, a few books her note pad and a quill and Ink pot. A sandwich for later if she's hungry and... That's about it really. Tightening her straps she began heading towards the door,

"Alright AJ let's go."

On their way to the Town Hall, they noticed they weren't the only ponies that the Mayor requested for. Dozens of ponies made their way down the street towards the large center building in town. All had confused expressions and were asking each other the same questions, "What's going on? Why are we being called down so early?"

"Twilight, Applejack wait up!" Shouted a familiar voice, turning back around Twilight saw four of her friends running towards her well two were flying and two were running. Pinki Pie taking the lead, "Twilight, Applejack." She said coming to a halt.

"What is it Pinkie Pie?" Twilight asked,

"WellfirstoffIjustwantedtotellyouaboutanewcakeIbakedthis,ohwaitIjustrhymedtheredidn'tIawthat'ssocoolIshouldbelikeapoetorsomethingohwouldn'tthatbecooljustthinkaboutityou-" Rarity stepped forward gently pushing the rambling pony aside who was talking about being a poet or something.

"What we were going to originally ask you two is, do you know why we are all being called down to the Town Hall again at such an earlie time. Just look at my hair! I didn't even have enough time to finish grooming all of it." Rarity pouted.

"Sorry, Rarity but no we don't know either."

"Well come on then." Said Rainbow Dash, "The only way were going to find out is if we go and see." She said slightly aggravated,

"Is everything alright RD?" Asked AJ,

"No everything is not alright AJ, I was forced out of bed to come to this stupid thing. I was having the best dream too." She grumbled.

"Well what about you Fluttershy," AJ asked, "Do you have any idea on what's going on?"

"Well... I did hear the Mayor talking about some 'Good News'... But that's about it." She said,

"Well at least it's good news." Twilight said. "Well come on girls we can't keep the Mayor waiting."

:[-]:

"Please everypony quiet down, please quiet down all questions will be answered in a few moments." Said Mayor Mare who climbed onto the podium.

"What is the meaning of this Mayor! I have customers I must attended to!" Shouted a mare,

"Yeah Mayor I have students to teach." Complained Miss Cheerlie,

"I know, I know," Said the Mayor, "I too have plans but I have just received a letter from Princess Celestia just an hour ago." This comment seemed to shut everyone up.

"Well what is it?" Said Granny Smith. The Mayor nodded and reached into a bag that sat on the side of the podium, she pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. After unrolling it she cleared her throat,

"Dear: My Loyal Subjects,

I assume you are all aware of the recent disputes between our beloved nation and the Griffons up north. And my sister and I, are pleased to tell you that we have finally sat aside our differences and have finally came down to peace. The Griffons finally re-opened their borders and are allowing ponies to enter their country again." The Mayor stopped for a brief moment to take a breath, shortly after she continued, "Also in other good news, we were able to set up a trade agreement with them, and this will surely boost our beloved country's treasury. And now we Ponies and Griffons, can look forward towards a brighter future.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia."

After the Mayor rolled up the letter, ponies all around began chatting. Some even celebrating that the problems between the two nations is finally over. It was nothing major despite the Griffons isolated themselves from the world and closed off all borders and issued an embargo act. Equestria for the passed three years have been having some minor economic problems causing a small inflation in their economy. But now that the issue has been resolved things can finally return to normal.

Out of all of the six friends Applejack seemed to be the most ecstatic, "Ah can now sell even more of mah apples! Yeeha!" Applejack flung her hat in the air only to catch it before it could hit the ground.

"I think this calls for a party!" Shouted Pinkie Pie who bounced into the air, a dozen ponies cheered. Quickly Pinkie ran off only to return moments later with dozens of party decorations and games. She ran into the Town Hall to get ready,

"How did she get all those supplies so fast?" Asked Rarity who stood back stunned by Pinkie's fast movements.

"I'm guessing sugar." Said Twilight with a smile who made her way into the Town Hall to celebrate.

:[-]:

The party raged around till noon, ponies laughed and danced. Dash and Applejack challenged each other to a game of Cider Pong. While Pinkie and Rarity played pin the tail on the pony, Fluttershy stayed in the back to watch the Crusaders and the other colts and fillys. Twilight on the other hand just sat back by the punch table nibbling on her dandelion sandwich while reading a book.

"Why aren't you out enjoying the party?" Asked the Mayor who made her way up to Twilight, grabbing a cup she began to pour herself some punch.

"I got bit hungry after dancing, and decided to take a short break." She said smiling up at the Mayor. The Mayor nodded and took a seat right next to Twilight,

"Pinkie's parties are sure crazy tiring," The Mayor said, Twilight chuckled,

"You should've been at the a few days ago, I could hardly get out of bed that next morning." Twilight laughed, the Mayor chuckled.

"I bet it was crazy, despite living on the other side of town I could hear it." She said, Twilight sat her book and side and grabbed a cup of punch,

"Oh, that was probably Vinyl Scratch. She arrived around Mid Night with her DJ set, man that music can get really funky... What does she call it Dub Step I think. Speaking of which there's Vinyl now-"

Just then the party was interrupted by a loud horrifying siren blaring over the sound of the up beat music. Ponies stood around confused not knowing what in the world is going on, some other ponies began to panic.

"What in the name of Celestia!" The Mayor stood up quickly, "Who sat off the emergency alarm!"

"Everypony quickly! Something is going on outside!" Shouted Cloud Kicker who sat by one of the large glass windows, as if on cue everypony in the party began making their ways toward the windows. Ponies pushing and shoving each other out of the way to get better look.

Curious by what's going on Twilight got up from where she sat and made her way towards one of the windows. Politely making her way through the massive heap of terrified ponies, Twilight peered out the window. "What in the name of Celestia!" Twilight gasped.

Just beyond the wall of houses came a large tsunami, but not a wave of water. But pure darkness, as if the lord himself was draping a large black blanket upon their world. The Darkness swallowed up everything houses, ponies, everything in it's path!

Stunned by the astounding sight that laid before her Twilight was startled by Bon Bon shouting, "Look everypony it's Mr. Turner!" Looking down at Manes Street Bon Bon was right, Time Turner came bolting down the street his eyes shrunken with fear. His usually slick back mane was ruffled and messy parts drooping over his eyes, but there was one feature on him that made Twilight Sparkle gasp in fear and cover her mouth.

His chest was soaked in blood, bits of blood trickled down his forehead where a gash seemed to have been marked. Every few seconds he would glance back at the on coming wall of darkness as if something would leap out any moment and strike him down.

Ponies who were out in the middle of the street quickly ran in doors at the sight of the doctor, but that was not all he was shouting something over and over. Twilight didn't know what he was saying until he reached the Town Hall.

Time Turner bursted through the doors of the Town Hall, "Somethings in the Darkness! Something in the Darkness took Carrot Top!" he shouted his voice trembling with every word.

"Oh my Mr. Turner are you okay?" Asked nurse Red Heart, she approached Time Turner cautiously.

"Somethings in the Darkness Red, I didn't see it I was with Carrot Top h-h-helping out on the farm, then it came I was knocked down and I could still hear her screams!" He said, as Red Heart guided him to nearby chair. Quickly glancing back at the door Turner shouted, "Shut the doors! Lock'em! Lock'em now before it's too late!" Two stallions quickly ran towards the door pulling them shut.

The other ponies began to grow uneasy and scared, "Time Turner please your scaring the children!"

"Oh my Celestia the kids!" Mr. Cake said growing nervous, "I need to go check up on them and the baby sitter." Mr. Cake quickly made his way towards the door only to be cut off by Time Turner.

"I'm not letting you go out there Mr. Cake!" Said Time Turner.

"I'm sorry Mr. Turner but I need to check on my kids!" Mr. Cake shoved Time Turner out of the way and flung open the door, the darkness now covered have of the town and the siren was now just being to die down. Once Carrot cake was outside he began galloping towards Sugar cube corner.

"Carrot Cake get back here right now!!" Shouted Time Turner.

But he only made about hundred yards before he was stopped by the wall of Darkness, taking a few steps back the darkness engulfed him. Silence fell over all the ponies, save for the quiet breaths coming from them. Seconds ticked by slower then ever, then came one minute. Everypony began to sigh with relief that there was nothing to worry about,

"Time Turner this better be some cruel joke you're playing on us." Said Rarity, Time Turn glanced over at the fashionista with a stern expression,

"Give it Time-" Just then a blood curdling scream came from the darkness. Ponies screamed in horror and quickly backed away from the windows, others ran towards the door. "NO!," he shouted, "If you don't want to end up like him don't go outside!"

Twilight glanced at Time Turner, fear in her eyes, "Well somepony has to go help him!" Just then Mr. Cakes screams were cut off abruptly.

"I'm sorry Princess Sparkle but he is already dead, just like Carrot Top and the others who didn't make it indoors." Twilight stared at the stallion with disbelief. Just then then everything went dark, Twilight gasped and her vision snapped towards the windows. The darkness has finally reached the Town Hall covering it with it's inky black tendrils.

A loud bang erupted from outside, causing a massive tremor to shake the entire building. The tremor lasted for a few more seconds pieces of ceiling panels fell to the ground. Ponies screamed in fear grasping on to anything just to keep their balance. Finally it came to an end, everypony sat back terrified,

"What the Hay was that!" Shouted Rainbow Dash who sat up above clinging to a chandelier, everyone turned towards Time Turner for answers. He stood there trembling looking out towards the window,

"That was them... They're here."

Author's message

Hello pony fans and King fans, hope you guys liked this chapter. Sorry for it seeming slightly rushed, I'll try not to do that in later chapters. But hope you guys like it and look forward for more chapters later on.