Darker Days

The morning sun arose over the town of Ponyville. The light danced through the hanging dew in a show of dazzling sparkles in the gardens of the towns inhabitants. As the light peaked through the cracks of Twilight's window she slowly began to awaken. Groaning, she sat up rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Lazily pausing a moment to gather the will to get out of the confines and comfort of her warm bed. Sliding her hooves over the edge of the bed she let gravity take over, slumping out onto the floor. After a moments pause she stands up and shambles towards her mirror and basin to her morning routine. After brushing her mane and completing other morning tasks from her mental checklist, she passed the sleeping baby dragon and left her room to check on the still sleeping stallion.

Taking a few steps down the stairs she smiled, looking down upon her spare bed next to the base of the staircase, seeing the black stallion Shadow Bolt curled fast asleep. Turning quietly and stepping back up into her room she started to make a mental list of figuring out what had to be done by the end of the day. Standing next to where the sleeping dragon lay she let out a sigh, "Come on Spike, it's time to wake up. We've got allot to do today."

"Come on Twilight," he said groggily stirring from his sleep. "It's Saturday."

"And it's also the day Applejack comes back from the Appaloosa Orchards," nudging the dragon with a hoof. "We have to make sure everything is prepared for her return."

"Okay, okay I'm getting up," Spike yawned as he stretched. Reaching under his pillow he pulled out a shining blue gemstone. Slowly standing up, rubbing his eyes as he chomped the gemstone down in one bite.

Twilight turned around and headed for the door. "Good, now let's get started on that checklist!"

"Okay," he said with a groan as the two began their descent down the stairs. Although he was used to Twilight's obsessive check-listing, he still very much disliked them.

Shadow had just woken up by the time Spike and Twilight left her room. He looked up at them with the haze of sleep clouding his eyes, "Morning." He said to the duo as he rubbed his eyes.

"Good morning Shadow. Did you sleep well?" asked Twilight with a smile.

Shadow tilted his head and looked down as he contemplated the question, a smile appearing upon his face. "Better than I have in...many years."

"Glad to hear it," chuckled Twilight as she stepped off the staircase standing at the foot of Shadow's bed. "Say, we're making preparations for one of my friends homecoming today. Would you like to come?"

"Sounds good. What's planned?"

"Well we are about to make the list. Spike?"

"Already on it," said the dragon pulling a quill and parchment out from behind his back.

Shadow watched in bemused silence as the two worked for a good hour making a comprehensive list of diverse tasks ranging from broad to inconsequential. Taking care of Sweet Apple Acres while the Apple family was away. Pinkie Pie's planning of a 'Welcome Home' party and restocking Twilight's supply of ink and parchment.

When the list was complete, Twilight turned to Shadow. "Oh! Maybe after we're done, if we still have time, we can check out those ruins I had mentioned last night. I'd love to hear what you have to say about them."

Shadow blinked a moment as if stunned upon Twilight's request. Quickly shaking off his daze before returning the mares gaze. "Sure." he said quietly. "After all you have done for me...I'd be happy to help."

Twilight's eyes lit up, "Great! It's settled then! Thanks Shadow. Spike?" she said, turning to the small dragon. "Shall we be off?"

"Ready," he exclaimed as he rolled up the checklist.

"Good. So what's first?" asked the purple mare as Spike climbed upon her back.

"Sweet Apple Acres to help clean up the orchards!"

"Are you ready?" said Twilight, turning to her guest.

Stepping off the bed, Shadow nodded with a smile and the three began their way to the orchard. Upon their arrival they found that some of the gang were already quite underway in tending to the farm. Granny Smith who was the only one who abstained from the family trip rocked steadily back and forth in a chair upon the porch, dozing soundly while the farm bustled with activity.

Always the fashionable pony, Rarity was magically clearing bruised apples from around the rows of apple trees in a stylish hat; that of which was no doubt one of her latest creations. Tending to the farm animals was none other than Fluttershy considering her expertise with animals. Pinkie Pie was sitting in a nearby tree, being Pinkie. Looking around, Twilight surmised that Rainbow Dash had not yet arrived. It being rather early in the morning, it was not that surprising to say the least.

The group spent the morning hours dutifully completing the various tasks as Rainbow Dash eventually showed up. After a briefing of what remained to be done, she and Pinkie Pie began decorating the barn. As the hour of Applejack's arrival at the train station neared, Twilight's checklist called for her to pick up the snacks. Leaving Spike with Shadow she went on her way towards Sugarcube Corner. The weather team had made it a glorious day, thought Twilight to herself as the breeze blew through her mane.

Arriving at Sugarcube Corner Twilight pushed open the door. "Good afternoon, Mr.  and Mrs. Cake!"

Mrs. Cake did not have her normally chipper attitude when it came to service. Twilight was instead met with an emotionless stare. "Afternoon Twilight." said Mrs. Cake in a curt tone of voice. "I assume you're here about the cake you ordered?"

"U-uhm. I am actually...Yes." replied Twilight, taken off guard from the dispassionate manner of the proprietor. As Mrs. Cake turned and left the room, Twilight had a strange disconcerting feeling about the bakery. Looking about the rows of confections she spotted Mr. Cake standing in the corner. His gaze was completely fixated upon her, his eyes seemed to seethe with a hidden malice. Just as she was about to question the stallion Mrs. Cake returned with a box, dropping it on the counter. "Here it is," she said. "That will be forty bits."

Confused at Mrs. Cakes atypical behavior, Twilight felt the hints of concern spiking through her as she set the coins upon the counter. Silently she took the money and dropped the coins firmly into the register. "Have a good day," she said with a listless murmur.

Completely shocked, Twilight looked to Mr. Cake who hadn't scarcely moved an inch from his spot in the corner. Magically picking up the box and setting it upon her back she looked to Mrs. Cake. "Is...everything okay?" she asked nervously.

Mrs. Cake looked back towards the purple mare letting out an exasperated sigh. "Oh everything is just fine Twilight! It's not like I don't have a thousand orders a day to fill or anything! So if you'll excuse me, I have a shop to run."

Twilight's ears drooped, shocked at her retort as she slowly backed away from the counter. She has never seen Mrs. Cake act this way before. "Right. I-I'm sorry I wasted your time..." she stuttered as she made her way out of the shop.

Standing outside Sugarcube Corner Twilight let out a heavy sigh as she recollected her composure. Walking back through the streets towards Apple Acres she couldn't stop thinking about the strange feeling of what had transpired in the bakery. What was wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Cake? Did they have a disagreement and weren't speaking to each other? Looking around the street she noticed that the townsfolk did not seem quite right.

No pony was smiling, laughing or talking. They all appeared to have a hint of anger dwelling inside them. The looks ponies had upon their faces gave Twilight the thought that even the most innocent of misconduct would start a fight. The usual busy streets of Ponyville's markets were almost deserted. Suddenly it dawned on Twilight, it was nearly silent. Perking her ears up she listened, trying to catch even the slightest cue of playful laughter or the sound of jovial conversations. There was nothing.

Quickening her pace, Twilight galloped towards the farm. She became determined to figure out what was happening to the town, what was causing everypony to be so on edge. As she neared the Orchards she noticed the others were finishing up the last of the chores and setup for Applejack's return party.

"A little to the right," said Pinkie as she directed Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash setting up the banner. "Now just a smidgen northwards...a tiny bit-Hey! Twilight's back," she cheered waving at the purple mare. Shrugging Rainbow and Fluttershy set the banner where Pinkie had last directed and flew down to see the cake she had picked up.

Twilight was short of breath by the time she reached them. Skidding to a halt in front of the others. "Girls..." she panted. "I think... There's something wrong with the town!"

"W-wrong how?" asked Fluttershy

"Everypony is acting like...Like they are angry at something. Not just one or two of them... literally everypony!"

The others looked shocked as Twilight explained. Rarity shook her head trying to think clearly despite her disbelief. "But what in Equestria could make them all act like that?" she asked.

"I-I don't know," Twilight stuttered still not believing all this herself. "Even Mr. And Mrs. Cake were under the effects of...whatever it is!"

Rainbow Dash landed and stamped her hooves into the ground. "Well? What are we waiting for? Let's find out what's causing this and get rid of it!"

Shadow listened in silence as the ponies panicked. His golden eyes shot open as a chilling wave of dread washed over his face. "I-I-I got to go," he stuttered as he looked to the ground. "I'll...be back later." Without another word, he jumped into his shadow which then quickly bolted out of sight.

The mares stood in stunned silence, slowly looking to one another for an answer as they watched the shadow fade into the distance. "Uhm. What just happened?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know Rainbow," said Twilight.

"I've never seen anything like that before!" chirped Rarity.

"It was downright scary," said Fluttershy quietly. "What do we really know about him?"

"Listen girls, we've got bigger things on our hooves right now." exclaimed Twilight.

"Twilight's right!" said Rarity, "We need to address the issues of the townsfolk."

"Have you ever heard of anything that just spread's anger?" asked Rainbow.

Twilight brought a hoof up to her mouth and began mumbling. Shaking her head, "Sorry girls, but I haven't heard of anything like that..."

All of them gave each other a look of concern. "Well I'm sure if it was anything serious then Princess Celestia would have contacted us." said Rarity trying to reassure the others.

"I know what will turn all those frowns upside down!" exclaimed Pinkie as she bounded into the center of the group, grinning wildly at Twilight as she snatched the cake from her back. "We just need one big super ginormous party! That will make everypony super happy!"

"Maybe Pinkie," said Twilight with a weak smile. "We'll just have to see." Though in her mind she had a nagging doubt that a simple party would vanish the anger gripping the townsfolk.

The smiling pink pony bounced away, satisfied that her idea would bring happiness to the displaced hearts of the towns inhabitants. Setting the box upon the table, she opened the lid to check the cake. Letting out an excited hoot upon seeing that it was still in surprisingly good condition, despite the amount of running Twilight had been doing.

Closing the lid, she looked back at the others,."All's well and dandy right with the cake! Is everything else all setup? Oh she's going to be like-so surprised!"

Fluttershy nodded. "There's just a few more small things."

Twilight smiled. "Good. The train should be here in an hour. Where's Spike? I need him to send a letter to the Princess in case she is unaware of what's going on here."

"Oh, he finished up his share of the farm work." said Rarity. "Then he said he had to go pick up quills or something."

Twilight nodded. "Alright. Well, once we're done shall we head to the station?"

The others cheered in agreement and quickly continued to set up the rest of the decor. Within a matter of minutes they had completed the final touches. Rainbow Dash flicked her tail impatiently, eager to see Applejack again. "Alright, let's get to the station already!"

Pinkie bounced with excitement, "Yay! I cant wait to see the look on Applejack face when she gets here!"

"Indeed," said Rarity as they all started towards the station. "I certainly hope she appreciates all the hard work we put into it."

As the ponies made their way into the station, they could see the locomotive steaming in the distance. The whistle shrieked over the meadow as the engine sent a plume of smoke into the air. The train did not seem to slow down, the whistle howling ever louder as it charged towards the platform. The ears of the mares folded down, gritting their teeth and closing their eyes as the brakes squealed loudly against the steel wheels bringing the advancing engine to a skidding stop. As the dust and steam cleared the mares looked to the passenger cars, they were full of ponies. Steam hissed from the engine, there was an air of tension as the passengers departed. No one wanted anything to do with one another.

"What the hay is wrong with you Applebloom?" came a familiar voice through the hiss of the engine. "Ya don't just go around willy-nilly an' buck ponies! Whether they shove past you or not!"

"He still deserved it!" shouted the little filly as she stepped off the train with Applejack.

Applejack turned to to her older brother, hoping for some support. "Big Macintosh, mind helping me out here?" she asked.

"Nnnope," replied the large stallion.

She stared at her brother with her maw agape, "You-You..." she stuttered, before her frustration finally overpowered her. "Now I can' believe this," she yelled. "First everypony on the train starts actin' like them an' their mothers have been hit in the face wit' an apple pie! An now my own family is turnin' against me! What in tarnation is goin' on here?"

As she turned away from her brother a pink blur rocketed towards her, tackling the mare into a hug.

"Hi Applejack! Welcome home! We missed you so much and we've been taking good care of the farm and Winona and Granny Smith just like you asked!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she hugged her friend tightly.

Applejack smiled through the mask of concern upon her face. "Well at least somepony is makin' sense...I think."

"She's not making sense," Rainbow Dash laughed hovering nearby. "She's just being Pinkie Pie."

"It's really, really good to see y'all," said Applejack as she looked to her friends. "I don't know what's gotten into everypony, it's like they've all gone bonkers!"

"Bonkers? How exactly?" asked Twilight.

"Like you can't say good day to some pony without gettin' a death glare! Like how a single bump can cause this one," she signed, motioning to Applebloom. "To buck somepony's hooves right from under them!"

The others exchanged looks of worry. Applejack looked to her friends "Is that happenin' here too?" she asked.

Twilight nodded. "Everypony except us and one other seems to have been affected." she said solemnly.

"Wait...who else ain't affected?" asked Applejack.

"Shadow Bolt, a stallion who came to town yesterday. He was helping us set up for your party, but he ran off just before we came here."

Applejack blinked, "I beg yer pardon?"

"Yeah," replied Twilight. "I had a strange run in at Sugarcube Corner with the Cakes. After leaving I began to notice everypony in town was acting really strange. When I got back to the farm I was telling the others about what was going on and why none of us seemed to be affected, and he just ran off."

"An' no pony found that a teensy bit...suspicious?"

"Well, I kind of figured he was going to the library to research this, he did say he had a knowledge of the arcane. After all, that's what I'd have done," replied Twilight as she twisted a hoof into the platform.

"Oh honestly Applejack," said Rarity with a haute demur. "You don't actually believe that a poor unicorn who can't even walk straight could be behind such an atrocity, do you?"

"I ain't sayin' that," sighed Applejack. "I'm just sayin' it's a little suspicious, is all."

Their conversation was cut short as another pony started yelling at Applebloom and Big Macintosh. "What the hay is goin' on now?" yelled Applejack as she turned towards the commotion.

A stallion was arguing with her siblings that Big Macintosh had bumped into his luggage, knocking it over. As the pony bent down to pick up his suitcase the large red stallion sat down upon the baggage, crushing it under his hefty frame as a grin of satisfaction spread across his face. Applebloom laughed and cheered her brother on as the other pony seemed to broil with anger and began heatedly to yell at the two ponies. The mares just stood there with maws dropped wide. They have never seen this gentle giant even raise a hoof at anypony, much less destroy things!

Applejack quickly ran over and got in between the arguing equines. "I'm really sorry about that," she apologized with a nervous smile. "Train rides don't really sit well with them!"

The stallion stepped forward and growled at the three as Applejack dragged her siblings away. The farm mare let out a sigh of relief, thankful they had avoided a physical confrontation. "Let's just get back to the farm before things get any worse."

The group nodded and they soon started on their way back towards Apple Acres. They felt a little unnerved about the scene they just witnessed with Applebloom and Big Mac but kept their concerns to themselves. As they made their way through the town it seemed everypony was arguing or yelling over the smallest of things.

Rarity gasped as she saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo fighting in the street over a doll. "Sweetie Belle, stop that right now!" she ordered. Running over to the two fillies who completely ignored the elder mare. "This is not how a lady should behave!" she balked while magically levitating the doll out of their reach.

Sweetie Belle glared. "I don't wanna be a lady!"

"Yeah," yelled Scootaloo. "Now give me back my doll!"

The young unicorn glared at her pegasus friend . "Your doll?! It's mine!"

"No, it's mine!"

"Don't want to be a lady?" gasped Rarity. "What in Equestria are you talking about!"

"Being a lady is stupid and boring!" Huffed Sweetie Belle, turning away from her sister.

Rarity was completely taken aghast from her little sisters outburst that her magic lost its grip on the doll. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle dived towards it, but the pegasus' quickness proved greater than the young unicorns.

"It's mine! Back off!" shouted Scootaloo.

"It's not yours, it's mine!" Shouted the white filly grabbing at the doll.

Twilight's horn glowed brightly as she teleported the doll away, stepping forward with a stern look on her face. The two filly's fell backwards as the doll vanished from sight. Scootaloo glared at Sweetie Belle, both oblivious to purple mare staring at them.

"Alright, what did you do with it?" Scootaloo yelled.

"What did I do with it?" cried out Sweetie Belle as she got up. "Don't try to blame me! What did you do with it?"

The orange filly growled at the unicorn. "How could I have done anything with it! You're the one with the magic horn!"

"Enough," yelled Twilight, stepping forward. "I took the doll! This is not how anypony should behave. Lady or otherwise!"

"This isn't any of your business!" growled Scootaloo, glaring at the mare.

Applejack sighed, walking up to Twilight, "I see what ya mean about the town. Just like the train, it seems everypony's gone bonkers. Come on, lets get goin' before things get worse."

Twilight nodded and they kept walking. Rarity dragged along a fighting Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo ran off, turning to stick her tongue out at the filly. They soon reached Sweet Apple Acres, but things were not as they left it. The party had been torn apart and the snacks picked clean. Pinkie Pie stared a moment at the remains of her party, giving Applejack an apologetic smile. "Sorry Applejack. Looks like your welcome home party is going to be a little late."

Applejack smiled. "Its not your fault. I'm su-" Her voice was cut off as a loud crash came from inside the barn. "Who the buck is in my barn?" she yelled galloping towards it with Big Macintosh following suit.

Kicking open the doors she stared in shock to see Granny Smith tearing things up. Kicking hay bales, tossing buckets and breaking equipment. "G-Granny Smith? What the hay is going on?" she yelled.

Granny Smith looked at the two of them, a half-crazed look in her old eyes. "They're all trying to steal from us! Everypony! We break it and they don't want it no more!"

"All right Granny," Applejack smiled nervously. "I think you just need to calm down a little here..."

"Eeyup," chimed in Big Macintosh

The rest of the group came in behind the two ponies. Rarity still rearing the struggling Sweetie Belle. Upon them all witnessing the the scene they let out a collective gasp. Granny Smith yelled as she pointed at the others. "See! They're even tryin' to steal while we're right here!"

"What? You don't mean us do you Granny?" said Twilight.

"Yes you, tryin' to steal everything!"

"Hey! We're not thieves." exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

The old pony zipped over to the pegasus holing a pot threatening close to her face. "Exactly what a thief would say! Hmmm?"

After a few moments of awkward silence. Big Mac let out a hearty, "Eeyep!"

"Ha! See!" exclaimed the old pony. "He agrees with me!"

"Nnnope," Big Mac corrected. "But a thief would say that, is all."

The old pony glared at the stallion as Applejack let out a small sigh of relief, glad her brother was still somewhat on their side.

Granny narrowed her eyes at the group of ponies about her. "I got mah eye on you... Each and every one of ya!"

Pinkie blinked, confused at what was happening. Turning her head away from the scene she noticed the shade of a familiar dark pony. "Hey! Shadow's back!"

The group turned to see Shadow standing just outside the barn panting heavily with a bizarre grin upon his face. His golden eyes seemingly wild with a reckless abandon, his ebony and ultramarine mane heavily ruffled. "Hello girls," he said in a calm, restrained manner.

Twilight shook her head and looked a little concerned. "Hi Shadow, is everything okay?"

The stallion walked up slowly to Twilight, almost touching his nose to hers, staring into her eyes. "Oh yes! Everything is fine Twilight!" he exclaimed with a chuckle. "Thank you for asking! Hey, I have an idea! Let's go look at those ruins you told me about!"

"Um...right now?" said Twilight, taking a step back nervously.

"Why, of course! When would there be a better time?"

"Maybe when you're acting less crazy?" said Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow.

"Crazy?" snapped Shadow, looking over to the pegasus. "Of course not! I'm of perfectly sound mind. As you can see from what you've witnessed, everyone else is crazy." Shadow pointed into the barn. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Granny Smith and Big Macintosh were all arguing at each other and causing havoc.

"Could've fooled me," muttered Rainbow.

Shadow glared at the mare before snapping his gaze back to Twilight, his ears flicking about. "So. What do you say?"

Twilight bit her lip, thinking about the request. It seemed logical, and it may reveal the cause of all this. She nodded, her curiosity over those ruins was overriding her common sense screaming to her about Shadow's erratic behavior.

Applejack came up beside Twilight and began pushing her away from the other, "Excuse us for a moment here." When she was far enough away from the others she looked at Twilight with concern. "Are you sure 'bout this Twi? He doesn't seem...right in the head." She looked over to her family then back at the purple mare. "I think we've bigger issues here."

Twilight sighed. "I know, but these problems started when I found those ruins. I've never seen symbols like the ones there. I think those stones might have something to do with all this, and Shadow's an expert on ancient symbols."

"Well, I guess you're right. We've got nothin' else to go on."

"Thanks Applejack," she said with a smile, before turning and returning to Shadow. "Okay. Let's get going."

Shadow's wild grin seemed to twist more so. "Good! This shall be fun, no? Lead the way!"

The purple mare nodded to the dark stallion. Saying a quick farewell to her friends she and Shadow began their way into the Everfree Forest. The day began to feel hot and tiresome as they both trudged through the overgrown thicket of the Everfree Forest. As they grew closer to the ruins, Shadow's demeanor seemed to shift; he appeared crazed yet now nervous. He walked silently next to Twilight, his ears slightly twitching.

"Are you okay?" she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Shadow's eyes slid over towards Twilight. "Of course I am! Now let's hurry so we can-" He paused a moment, averting his eyes back in front of him. "Indulge in your research..."

The mare raised an eyebrow, Shadows peculiar behavior was starting to put her on the defensive. Following the path which Fluttershy and Twilight took the day prior the two soon reached the clearing where they found Winona and the ruins. Twilight gasped as she saw what appeared to be smoke emanating from the stone ruin. Her years of studies and training of the arcane sharpened her feelings as she felt the smoke from afar. It was not normal, it felt as if an intense cyclone of negative emotions had coalesced together. Fear, hate, lust, greed, and anger, the intensity of this was almost overwhelming to her. She shook her head and slightly backed away feeling dizzied from the strong wave of emotive energies.

Shadow trotted up alongside the structure, the crazy grin still on his face. "Well, well, well. What do we have here? My this doesn't look right at all." Suddenly he fell into his own shadow. Crossing over toward the dazed Twilight, he popped back up in front of her. "You wouldn't happen to know anything that might seal away emotions, now would you?"

She frowned, shaking her head trying to clear the mist that was clouding her mind. "Not off the top of my head, no."

Shadow's pupils shrunk to near pinpoints, his crazed smile quivered as he stared at the mare. He twitched violently as his pupils returned to their normal size. "There's nothing in this world that might have-" he said with a hint of desperation. "Strong magical powers that represent the exact opposite of whats coming out of that?"

The mare blinked and smacked her hoof against her forehead. Feeling embarrassed from forgetting such a thing. "Of course! The Elements of Harmony!"

"Oh good!" Shadow cheered, "Now they wouldn't happen to be accessible would they?"

She rubbed the back of her head, "Well, not exactly. Princess Celestia keeps them locked in a vault in Canterlot."

"Then let us go and get them," he exclaimed happily. The strange look upon the stallions face seemed to soften.

Twilight nodded, smiling to the dark stallion. "Hopefully the Princess hasn't been affected too."

"Shall we go get our friends?"

Twilight nodded. "We're going to need them for the elements to work!" She turned and started running back to the farm.

Shadow blinked, his smile grew wide once again as he jumped into his shadow and followed close behind Twilight. When they reached the outskirts of town, they ran into Applejack who appeared very distressed.

"Twilight!" called Applejack. "Thank Celestia!"

"What's the matter AJ?"

"We need your magic! We have to fight the fires!"

"Fires?"gasped Twilight. "What happened?"  

"No time to explain! Come on!" said the orange mare turning on her hooves racing back into town. Twilight, followed by

Shadow raced into town after Applejack. Looking up she could see smoke billowing from the center of town.

No...It couldn't be, she thought with a look of horror as the realization dawned upon her. As they turned the corner which lead into the main square her fears were confirmed.

Sugarcube Corner was ablaze. Next Chapter: Chpt 3 - Dark Chaos Estimated time remaining: 29 Minutes