Fear Within

by VirtualCipher


Chapter 6 - The Attack

A week passed since the search for Spike slowly died down. Some ponies refused to give up like the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they didn't want to give up on finding Spike but at this point it was hopeless, everypony knew that. Even they did. It never did seem the same without Spike and it never will. There was no motivation for Twilight or admiring for Rarity, it was quiet without him. Twilight's friends came up with a solution that she should have a new assistant. At first, she was against the idea but she was talked into it, she liked the idea of having a new assistant to help her. In the end, Twilight chose a new assistant, a filly named Dinky who was capable of working up late and showing improvements in her magic. Her mother: Derpy, was up for the idea and she couldn't have been prouder of her little muffin. It seemed that Twilight did improve on her mistakes. She never asked Dinky to make her breakfast, lunch or dinner, she only focused on her to clean up the library and she was perfectly capable of doing so. Unlike Spike, she was given the weekends off, what a thoughtful idea. Things have gotten better for Twilight and now a month has passed.


Manehattan

Manhattan was a city like no other, the streets were always occupied by its residents, TV screens were on towering buildings advertising a new product. At night, Manehatten was new and different as Luna's moon glowed in the dark. On the streets walked an Earth pony with an off-white coat and two-tone blue mane and tail. She was wearing a white-bordered lavender sailor collar with a scarlet tie and a tri-shade hair clip in the back of her mane. Coco Pommel was taking a relaxing walk, surrounded by the upper-class ponies either walking beside her or past her. She was heading to a local theatre to take a break and watch something. However, the moment she was about to open the double front doors, they were held for her by a stallion.

"After you." He gestured.

It was quite hard to find manners in a big city like Manehattan, but there was something different about this stallion, something that made him stand out, he was rather charming and delicate. Also, he had a messenger bag around him.

"Oh, why thank you," Coco thanked him. "Such nice manners." She said walking into the theatre as the stallion behind her followed.

The seats were packed, quickly taken by Manehattan's citizens, there were only two sets next to each other, beside Coco was the same stallion who opened the door for her.

"Looks like we're next to each other." He pointed out.

Coco only gave a smile and headed towards her seat along with the kind stallion next to her. There was something rather odd about this stallion, something that just didn't seem right. Was it the bag? The two began to chat among themselves before the show started, it appeared they had a lot in common, favourite hobbies, favourite food, favourite everything. The curtains drew back and the play commenced its introduction, this immediately silenced everypony, all eyes were on the stage performers who were doing a spectacular job! However, as the play progressed, about five minutes in there was coughing coming from the performers, they were getting out of character. It wasn't long before the audience started to cough as well. Worried and suspicious, Coco turned to the stallion who appeared to be grinning at her, giggling. There was smoke coming from his bag.

"What's so funny?" She asked in a rather intimidated whisper.

The stallion's skin vaporised, burning off to reveal that of a savage changeling. Before she could scream, she was tackled to the ground and the changeling zoomed past her. The moment she blinked she was in an entirely new different world. The theatre had changed, it was dark along with the stage lights flickering red. The sounds of screams could be heard, ponies were either running or cowering in fear, beating each other up, throwing punches in panic. Coco couldn't believe what she was seeing. She began to back away in fear, that is when she noticed something crawling on her hoof. A spider. Deep within her subconscious, her fear for spiders grew stronger every day.

"Ew!" She flicked off the arachnid. The moment she looked back up, everypony were now spiders, their eyes were soul piercing, their fangs were bloodthirsty. Her body trembled, her eyes darted back and forth as everypony grew eight legs, attacking each other.

"What..."

The theatre was filled with screams as everypony attacked each other while thinking they were being attacked by their horrific nightmares. Coco watched in horror as pony sized spiders began to aggressively beat themselves, this wasn't the only thing terrifying to her. She looked down to see at least a thousand miniature spiders crawling over her legs, making their way up to her face.

"NO! NO! GET OFF!" She screamed! Her worst nightmare was coming true as her body was being engulfed by spiders. She continued to scream which only made things worse, the eight-legged bugs made their way into her mouth, trying to dig under her eyes. The screaming continued, but not just hers, everypony sounded like they were dying in that theatre room.


The Next Day

Ponyville

Within the small town of Ponyville, Twilight's castle shined bright as the town remained calm and peaceful. Celestia's sun was radiant just like always and it gave off a liberating feeling to the residents of Ponyville as they went on about their day. Happy and content, Twilight's newest assistant: Dinky skipped through the halls and into the throne room where she would meet the Princess of Friendship along with her six friends gathered around the circular table, each sitting on their throne with their cutie mark shown. All thrones were filled, all except one that belonged to Spike. That small throne went unnoticed, it was nothing but a memory now.

"Princess Twilight?" Dinky called out, checking in the throne room to make sure she wasn't interrupting anything important.

Rarity was talking to Applejack and Fluttershy about her recent trip to Fillydelphia. Pinkie Pie was rambling on with Rainbow Dash about some stupid, funny prank that wasn't hurtful, she claims this one is her best yet and Twilight was just reading one of her favourite books. Besides Twilight was her protégé, Starlight Glimmer, she had returned back from the Crystal Empire two months ago and she was devastated to hear about Spike's disappearance, but like the others, she managed to carry on and defeat the sadness that was growing in her heart.

Twilight turned to her new assistant and smiled. "Yes, Dinky?"

"I've finished my chores and done preparing the arrangements for your sleepover." She smiled in accomplishment.

"That appears to be your chores done for the day, good job!" Twilight smiled, approving of the young filly's accomplishment.

Dinky smiled, showing her teeth and putting on her cutest face.

"You're turning out to be a pretty cool and rad assistant, Dinky," Rainbow Dash complimented.

"I agree with Rainbow," Applejack spoke.

"You're very helpful too," Fluttershy added.

"I even made this cute little bow for you, darling," Rarity said, using her magic to levitate the diamond filled bow towards Dinky which made her squee in joy.

Pinkie Pie finally added. "Don't forget we still need to throw you your appreciation party!"

Dinky looked at them and smiled. "Gee, thank you all. I mean it's nothing really, I'm just helping Twilight and trying to be the best assistant I can." She then turned to Twilight. "Considering I finished all my chores, does this mean I can go home now?"

"Of course," Twilight said. "Have a nice weekend!" She said waving as did everypony else.

"You too!" Dinky shouted in joy as she ran to the castle's front doors.

As Dinky exited the castle, Twilight turned to her friends and started. "Thanks again for coming over girls."

Starlight backed up. "Yeah, we will admit things have a been a little rough sleeping alone. We're just so used to hearing the sound of a baby dragon snoring at night." She laughed.

"It's not a problem you two, it's been a little rough on all of us lately," Rarity confessed.

"Let's just make this night rock!" Rainbow Dash cheered.

'"Yeah! Pinkie Pie agreed. "I've brought my smile bringing cupcakes of goodness."

Before Twilight could respond, a poof of smoke appeared that indicated a letter was being sent by Princess Celestia. It was quickly received to Twilight. The cheering produced by Pinkie Pie was quickly brought to a halt when she too noticed the poof of smoke.

"What's that Twilight?" Fluttershy questioned.

"A letter from Princess Celestia," Twilight said with her voice sounding a little alarmed. She used her magic to levitate the scroll, opening it to reveal her teacher's message.

"What does it say Twilight?" Rainbow Dash questioned further.


"My faithful student,

I bring terrible and frightening news. Last night, Manehatten suffered a crisis; the local theatre room had been attacked, injuring twenty-eight ponies. It is most imperative that you and your friends come to Canterlot at once. We may be facing with a power that can destroy the land of Equestria. Please, hurry Twilight Sparkle, there is an escort awaiting your arrival in Canterlot.

Your Mentor, Princess Celestia."


As Twilight finished reading the letter out loud, it brought confusion and apprehension to the throne room, it was now a room of silence. Looking rather flummoxed, Twilight looked up at her friends who were showing the same facial expression as she was. The message from Celestia was urgent and it sounded desperate.

Twilight finally spoke. "Change of plan, we're needed at Canterlot immediately!"

"So... no cupcakes then?" Pinkie Pie innocently squealed.

As the seven progressed to Ponyville's train station, they entered the train that was destined to arrive at Canterlot.

The trip to Canterlot wasn't entirely exciting but rather agonising. What was this crisis in Manehattan? Why was this so urgent and why did it seem like Celestia was frightened? These were thoughts buried deep within Twilight's mind as she desperately wanted to know. The others took notice of Twilight's sudden silence, it was best if they waited until they got to Canterlot. Twilight continued to stare out the train's window, gazing upon the sudden change from Ponyville to Canterlot. These thoughts began to change and run wild, the change from Ponyville to Canterlot was reminiscent to when Twilight first arrived in Ponyville and how she slowly began to push Spike from her memories.


Canterlot

What seemed like forever, the train finally made its stop at Canterlot. The moment Twilight stepped off the train, she spotted her BBBFF: Shining Armor from the crowd.

"Shining!" Twilight said happily while running towards him, both hugging.

"Hey, Twily," Shining greeted.

"What are you doing here?"

"This morning, Cadence and I were called upon by Celestia, it was urgent, something to do with an attack in Manehatten is what Celestia's letter said. She sounded desperate which was a little frightening. Anyway, here I am now, tasked with escorting my little sister to the castle." He smiled, wrapping a hoof around her shoulder.

"I think I can handle myself," Twilight replied, sharing a laugh with her big brother.

"Wait a minute," Rainbow Dash cut in. "If you and Cadence are here then who's looking after Flurry Heart?"

"Yeah, we got Sunburst to do that. I just hope he's doing a good job." He answered, sounding a little regretful.

"How is Sunburst?" Starlight curiously asked.

"He's doing fine and in fact, he's actually been helping out the guards with healing potions." He informed.

"Well, enough talking I guess. We need to report to the princesses," Twilight looked at her brother. "Would you like to lead the way, our escort?"

Shining nodded and the mane six, including him, proceeded into the glamorous and sophisticated city of Canterlot filled with such beauty and such astonishment. Rich spires and golden towers towered over them, making them feel insignificant, but not in a threatening way, a way where they felt stupendous. Two times Applejack caught Rarity trying to wander off to see the residents of Canterlot, trying to start a conversation, but Applejack was not allowing it. The walk in Canterlot was prolonged, everypony in Canterlot went on about their day, but they seemed to move very cautiously, scared about something, same could be said about the upper class, posh ponies.

Applejack observed Canterlot's residents and questioned. "What's wrong with everypony? They look frightened."

Shining answered. "Rumours must have quickly spread out about the crisis in Manehattan. The faster we report to Princess Celestia, the better."

Finally, the seven reached the royal castle, doors opening with a few guards roaming the castle while staying on guard and there appeared to be a few servants as well, serving tea and biscuits. Once Twilight along with her friends and BBBFF reached the throne room, they made their way towards the Princess of the Sun who was sitting on her throne. Sitting beside her on the left was the Princess of the Night: Luna. Sitting next to Celestia by the right was Cadence who looked delighted to see Twilight. The hallway that led to the ruler's throne was seemingly endless and around the throne room where the stained windows of victory and harmony showing every glorious moment in history starting from the reformation of Nightmare Moon to apprehending Lord Tirek and banishing him back to the depths of Tartarus. It wasn't just victories, but accomplishments too, like Twilight deeming herself fit to become a princess and ruling her own kingdom and Spike saving the Crystal Empire by delivering the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadence.

They all bowed to the princess, all but except Twilight who smiled as she greeted the princess. Questions were running through Twilight's mind like a running track for athletes. She was curious and dying to know what happened in Manehatten.

"Princess Celestia. Luna. Cadence," Twilight greeted them all in a happy manner.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia greeted as she hopped off her throne and approached her fellow ponies. "You're all here, good." She announced. "By now you should know that there was a crisis in Manehattan, something I have never seen before."

Rarity gave a concerned look. "What could have possibly happened?"

Celestia gave a serious, but grim look towards the ponies around her. "Forgive me for being so distant on the situation, but last night Manehattan's theatre was attacked."

"By who?" Pinkie Pie questioned.

"Not much has been confirmed, however, witnesses reported seeing a changeling fleeing the scene," Luna informed.

"A changeling?" Twilight arched a brow. "But we made peace with them, with Thorax in command we showed them we could live in peace, in harmony."

"I'm afraid this changeling belongs to Chrysalis," Celestia informed. "She must have regained a new army during her time hiding in the shadows."

"What is this bug-brain monster up to this time?" Rainbow growled while shaking her hooves.

"Why would she attack Manehatten?" Fluttershy asked, shivering a little.

Pinkie Pie answered, "Duh! She's evil!"

Her facial expression transforming from serious to worried. "The attack involved something that I had thought was long gone, something threatening and powerful that can easily break the minds of any being in the whole of Equestria." She focused on Twilight. "Twilight, do you recall the events of the Crystal Empire when you were trying to locate the Crystal Heart?"

"I do," Twilight obediently answered.

"And do you remember Sombra's illusion?"

Twilight felt disturbed as she remembered the door. "How could I forget. Sombra's dark magic, he created a door that leads anypony to their worst fears. What I saw was my greatest failure."

Celestia resumed. "This changeling managed to infiltrate Manehattan's local theatre undetected and use a spell that could create fear. Everypony in that theatre room witnessed their worst fears come to a reality and now they are traumatised to the point where they can't acknowledge their surroundings."

"Hold up a minute! Are you sayin' that the changelings have the power to create fears?" Applejack spoke with a nervous tone.

"From the evidence we've gathered from reports and witnesses, it sounds just like the dark magic Sombra used," Celestia informed.

"But why Manehat-"

Suddenly a harrowing sound filled the room, screeching and buzzing in everypony's ears. Everypony covered their ears, tightening their eyes and grinding their teeth in pain and agony. Fluttershy instantly collapsed onto the floor while covering her ears and hiding her face with her wings, expecting the worst thing to happen. The colourful and joy-bringing stained windows began to fade into darkness. Only black was seen. Slowly, the stained windows of the past's victories formed a sinister figure, standing tall, cloaking his face under his hood, only revealing his jaw which already sent chills. This disruption wasn't just happening in the castle's throne room but to the whole land of Equestria.

Celestia gazed at the figure, instantly remembering the figure.

The figure spoke, speaking directly to Celestia.

"You thought I was gone didn't you, Celestia? But like all great and dark fears I returned. Tell me, how long will harmony keep you blinded? How many lives will you put at risk just to keep this pathetic land safe? You are nothing but a coward that hides behind her throne, waiting for harmony to plague the land that you cherish. You have no idea what I have in store for you, the attack in Manehatten's theatre room was just a taste."


Manehattan

All ponies gathered on the streets, looked out their windows and saw the figure surrounded by darkness. He was appearing on the screens that would usually be monetizing products.

"To the inhabitants of Manehatten, Celestia has withheld the truth from you all: You are not safe, you are not protected. Tomorrow, I will corrupt this wretched city until it is nothing but a sea of fears, every single pony will tear their throats out in horror." The figure lifted his disgusting and stitched face, showing it to the world he was threatening. "Prepare yourselves for a fright!"

The public screens switched off and it was followed by screams as the ponies of Manehattan began to frantically panic and scream.


Canterlot

The stained windows returned back to their original design, being released from the figure's control. Twilight and her friends were astonished.

"What a horrific mask!" Rarity said in disgust.

"I didn't realise it was Nightmare Night already," Pinkie Pie joked.

"That wasn't a mask..."

All heads turned towards Celestia.

"That was his face."

"WHAT?!" Rarity said in disgust. The others were nauseated by the appearance.

"His name is Fright, he's an expert in creating illusions, mainly hallucinations based on your worst fears like Sombra. He's been missing for years now, I presumed he was deceased, but it seems that I've let him become a threat. If a changeling was a part of Fright's plan then this must mean he's formed an alliance with Chrysalis."

Celestia turned to her sister.

"Luna, we must evacuate Manehatten at once."

"Of course, sister," Luna acknowledged, quickly teleporting to alert the guards.

"Manehatten is going to be evacuated. If Fright's threat is true, he is going to corrupt the city until it won't be inhabitable for any being," Celestia spoke, a little frightened.

"A disgusting wizard who's bent on madness and terror. This is so awesome!" Rainbow squealed in excitement.

"Princess Celestia, wait!" Twilight called out, following her. She pursued her mentor, leaving her friends to discuss what had just happened. "Celestia wait!" She managed to catch up to the white alicorn in another room. "Who is Fright?"

Celestia stopped dead in her tracks and let out a sigh. "Twilight. Fright is nothing like Nightmare Moon, nothing like Discord or Tirek. He's... sick..."

"Sick?"

"Fright takes pleasure in seeing his enemies suffer, he wants to see those he hates broken, he wants to hurt everyone mentally. He's insane!"

"How do you know so much about him?"

Celestia's eyes showed sadness. "Fright was once a student of mine just like you, Twilight. Believe it or not, but Fright was once a pony, a unicorn who studied magic just like you. His resilience and determination were outstanding, but his desperation was something else. Once he discovered about dark magic, he became enthralled by it. He then began to study the history and any relative information on King Sombra, he wanted to know what was making him tick: What the source of his power was. Darkness, hate and fear. Of course, King Sombra was fueled by all of that which gave him his power, unlike anypony his heart was a black as night. Fright, on the other hand, he only knows how to create illusions based on his enemies fears, but still he is dangerous."

Celestia approached Twilight. "Twilight, I need you and your friends to head to Manehatten tomorrow night and confront Fright, apprehend him before he reduces Manehatten to a wasteland."

Twilight was filled with determination. "Don't worry Princess, by tomorrow night, Fright will be stopped."

"Thank you, Twilight."

It took ten hours for the whole of Manehatten to be evacuated into other cities like Baltimare, Fillydelphia and so on. Canterlot were receiving ponies from Manehatten too, seeking shelter. The guards were evacuating in the victims on gurneys who were exposed to the outbreak. Applejack and Rarity were shocked to find that their beloved friend Coco was a victim along with twenty-seven others. One was even a filly. Most of them were curled up, shaking themselves and some were still screaming in pain by what they had witnessed.

The throne room was now occupied with Twilight and her friends, huddling around each other and having a discussion with the matter at hoof.

"We're going to Manehatten?" Fluttershy asked in trepidation.

Twilight huddled around with her friends, discussing the matter at hoof. They were ordered to put a stop to Fright's invasion in Manehatten.

"From reports of what happened in the theatre room, Celestia suspects that Fright and the changelings are going to destroy Manehatten with fear, we can't allow that to happen!" Twilight explained.

Fluttershy was shaking in trepidation. "Can't I just... stay here?"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and replied. "C'mon Flutters, we pretty much beat bad guys all the time now, it's become a hobby. What's there to be afraid about this freak?"

"His face..." Fluttershy whimpered.

Rarity spoke up. "Fluttershy, darling, I will agree with you that this monster has a terrible sense of fashion and a nauseating face, but Manehatten is in peril. If Fright succeeds then he'll probably try and aim for Fillydelphia next or Ponyville. I mean Applejack and I saw Coco, she was, unfortunately, one of the victims in the theatre and it looks like she's been traumatised for life. We can't let that happen to anypony."

Pinkie Pie quickly interrupted. "Maybe he needs a friend? Or a party. That seems to cheer everypony up."

"Ah don't think it's gonna be that simple, Pinkie," Applejack sighed.

Unexpectedly, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor and Princess Celestia approached the six mares.

"The entire city of Manehatten has been swept clean, everypony managed to get out safely." Shining Armor stated.

"Where have they been evacuated to?" Starlight questioned.

"Baltimare, Fillydelphia, Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. All kingdoms have been notified to be on high alert. Small towns such as Ponyville and Appleloosa are being guarded too."

"Which reminds me, Cadence, you're needed back at the Crystal Empire," Celestia added.

"But what about Shining?" Cadence asked, her face showing a little worried.

"Tomorrow, Shining Armour is going to be helping Twilight get into Manehatten, he is aware of the risks and he has agreed to protect his sister no matter the cost."

"I'll be fine Cadence," Shining assured his wife. "But the question is will you be alright? When Sombra began to invade, you forced yourself to use all your magic to keep the empire safe, you didn't even sleep. I can't have you going through that again."

Without any sort of expectation, Starlight stepped up.

"Maybe I can help? I've been studying magic since I was a filly and with Sunburst's magic and mine working as one we can create a barrier from our magic, the empire will safe without a doubt." She smiled.

"Starlight, you'd do that?" Twilight asked, feeling a little gifted to have such a thoughtful friend.

"Of course."

"Then it's settled. Cadence and Starlight Glimmer will be escorted to the Crystal Empire. And Starlight... thank you." Celestia thanked.

Starlight simply blushed in response.

"Be careful Shining," Cadence said.

"You too." Shining Armour pulled in Cadence to give her a hug goodbye.

And with that, Cadence and Starlight exited the room, taking a flying chariot back to the Crystal Empire.

As Cadence and Starlight left, Twilight spoke.

"Princess Celestia?" She addressed the princess with a nervous tone towards her voice, causing all her eyes to be focused on her. "You said you once knew Fright when he was a pony. How did he end up like that?"

Celestia only responded with a sigh, she looked disturbed. "When Fright was a student he went into studying magic just like you Twilight. However, one day he became fascinated with a subject known as dark magic. In time, dark magic wasn't as effective as he intended it to be. It can only be used when you are filled with such hate. The only pony that had such hate within his heart to produce dark magic was King Sombra, no one else. After researching King Sombra, he became obsessed as if he wanted to be him, but it was impossible, his mind slowly deteriorated. I ordered him to put a stop to his obsession with Sombra's magic, but he didn't. It wasn't long until he found out how to create spells that could produce fears. He began to test them on anything that had a soul. After putting a stop to his research, he went mad and became infuriated. But one day, he went too far. He finally created a potion, a brew that would make him contain the powers Sombra had, but instead it turned him into an abomination. His face began to slowly burn and he concealed it by making a new one out of rags, stitching what he had left of his skin. His fixation led him to become a monster he is now."

The rest were astonished to hear about how a pony went mad with magic and too much power.

Celestia continued. "Twilight, if Fright succeeds in his plan-"

"He won't!" Twilight quickly interrupted.

She paused and replied happily to her bravery. "Thank you. All of you. I will make sure that you are all awarded greatly for your bravery."

Once the night had set in, everypony rested at the moon's request. Twilight and her friends were staying in Celestia's castle. Everypony got to sleep rather fast except for Twilight. There was something that was just bothering which prevent her eyelids from closing. Today was just too fast for her mind to wrap around. Manehatten being attacked, Queen Chrysalis's return, Fright's threats and seeing Celestia scared. However, there was one thing that was gnawing away in Twilight's mind, with the danger now at hoof, she could only think about Spike and how he was, hoping that he was out of harm's way.

"Oh, Spike. I hope you're okay."